The St. Margaret’s girls tennis team won its 100th consecutive match on September 11, just one of the many exciting storylines that happened in San Juan Capistrano this past year. Courtesy photo
By Steve Breazeale and Darian Nourian
Here at the The Capistrano Dispatch, we scoured our archives to bring you the best sports stories of the past year. From new stadiums to state championships, it’s been a year full of stories worth remembering. Please make sure to send your sports news and scores to email hidden; JavaScript is required and follow us on twitter @SouthOCsports for in-game updates and news. — SB
January
Golf Course Upgrades, Gets Stables: After a total makeover to its clubhouse, San Juan Hills Golf Club introduces a new horse corral out front for those wishing to tie up their animals while they get a drink.
February
Stallions Sing Letters of Intent: Five San Juan Hills student-athletes sign their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level. Notable signees included McKenzie Lee Walsh (Soccer, UC Santa Barbara) and Jake Pintar (Baseball, San Diego State University)
Stallions Girls Basketball Has Season of Firsts: On February 6, the San Juan Hills girls basketball team won their very first league game following a 40-38 victory over Trabuco Hills. The Stallions followed that up with the school’s first ever CIF-SS girls basketball playoff appearance on February 16.
March
Tartans Win CIF-SS Title: In an absolute nail biter the St. Margaret’s girls soccer team successfully defended their CIF-SS title by defeating Hemet in penalty kicks on March 2. After 80 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods, Tartans goalie Ellie Schwartz deflected the Bulldogs sixth and final penalty kick away to her right, giving the Tartans the opportunity to win on their next take. Moments later Tartan Katie Donahue buried her ball in the back of the net to ensure the Tartans second CIF-SS title in as many years.
JSerra Hockey Claims Ducks Hockey Title: The Lions ice hockey team pulled off a 3-2 upset win over the previously undefeated Santa Margarita in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League finals at Honda Center on March 6.
April
Parker Wins Blenheim Spring Classic Grand Prix: Michelle Parker swept the competition and took home the $40,000 grand prize as she and her 9-year-old mare posted a 38.220. The day before, Parker won the $10,000 prize in the Jumper Classic.
May
Local Baseball Teams Thrive: Both the St. Margaret’s and Capistrano Valley Christian baseball teams had successful seasons in 2012 and met each other in the CIF-SS Division 6 semi-finals. The Eagles pulled off an incredible come from behind victory over the Tartans, rallying back from a 5-3 seventh inning deficit to take the lead and hold on for the win. The Eagles eventually lost in the Division 6 championship game.
Longtime Tartan Lacrosse Coach Steps Down: Gerry Manning, who founded the lacrosse program at St. Margaret’s 15 years ago, officially resigned from the position, citing personal reasons. Manning had a career 123-54 record as head coach and his team won six league titles during his tenure.
June
Glen Miles Replaces Manning as LAX Coach: Former San Clemente boys lacrosse head coach Glen Miles officially accepts the head coaching vacancy at St. Margaret’s. Miles guided the Tritons to the US Lacrosse Southern Section Championship game last season.
July
San Juan All Stars Win Sectionals: The San Juan Capistrano Little League Senior All-Stars defeated the All-Stars from North Anaheim 7-5 on July 18 in the Senior League sectional championship game. The team became the first in the history of San Juan Little League to win a sectional championship.
August
Welcome to the Badlands: San Juan Hills finally gets a stadium they can call their own on August 1. The Badlands, as the stadium is now called, hosted its first-ever home game on August 31, when the Stallions pulled off a 21-17 non-league victory over Canyon.
September
100th Time is the Charm: The St. Margaret’s girls tennis team won the program’s 100th consecutive match-win in a row by defeating Calvary Chapel 15-3 on September 11. It was a streak that dated back four years, four consecutive CIF-SS championships and dozens of players.
Stallions Shining Start: After not winning a single game the year before, the San Juan Hills football team rattled off six consecutive wins to start their 2012 campaign. Their 27-14 victory over Dos Pueblos on September 29 marked the best start for a football team in school history. The Stallions would finish the year with a 7-3 overall record (2-3 league).
November
Lohman Carries Warriors to Title: The Saddleback Valley Christian football team captured the San Joaquin league crown with a 54-37 win over Fairmont Prep on November 3. The team was led by senior running back Forrest Lohman, who went off for 379 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the game.
Lions X-C Three-Peat as State Champs: The JSerra girls cross country team won their third consecutive CIF Cross Country Division 4 State Championship at Woodward Park in Fresno on November 24. Five Lions runners finished inside the top-40, earning them 89 total points, 21 points clear of their next closest competitor.
Girls Soccer Returns to CVCS: Capistrano Valley Christian fielded its first girls soccer team in four years on November 28. Up until the Eagles game against Classical Academy, which Capistrano Valley Christian won 1-0, girls interested in playing soccer had been playing on the boys squad.
Girls Volleyball Teams Excel: The Saddleback Valley Christian girls volleyball team made it all the way to the CIF Division 4 Southern California Regional title game, coming up just short against Francis Parker of San Diego in a four set loss.
The St. Margaret’s girls volleyball team captured the CIF-SS Division 3A title on November 17, defeating Sage Hill 3-2.
December
Eagles Soaring: The Capistrano Valley boys basketball team starts the year off 14-1, the team’s best start since 2004.
San Juan did an awesome job the titles you earned this year I think will double up next year. With effort and great team I knew it will be a success.