Perfect records waylaid

Pioneer KO'ed in thriller, Leland bashes Branham as praises echo in valley

By Karl Laucher

Sports Editor

Pioneer High School was knocked from undefeated ranks by the explosive Oak Grove High School Eagles, but the Mustangs may also have turned the corner as a true Central Coast Section football power. The Mustangs will have a test of resiliency as they host Piedmont Hills High School on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in round four of the Blossom Valley Athletic League Mount Hamilton Division.

Leland High School, meanwhile, has established itself as the taskmaster in the BVAL Santa Teresa Division by disfiguring previously undefeated Branham High School 38-12 on the Charger field last Saturday. Leland heads into a showdown with potentially dangerous Willow Glen High School on the Rams' field on Fri., Oct. 24.

Pioneer's Mustangs might have had reason to feel confused after

playing heroic football only to lose to perennial BVAL champion Oak Grove, 41-36, in the final 22 seconds on Oct. 17, as witnessed by 2,700 spectators at the Eagle Homecoming Game. But Oak Grove coach Ed Buller assured the Pioneer players that they had the right stuff. “Don't worry,” he told some forlorn Mustangs. “You're going to go 9-1 and we're going to go 9-1. You're going to win (Central Coast Section) Division IV and we're going to win Division I.”

The Mustangs (5-1 overall and 2-1 in league) rallied from a 35-21 deficit at the end of the third period to take a 36-35 lead with 1:53 remaining in the game when quarterback Jared Koblis scored a touchdown on a one-yard run followed by a two-point conversion burst by running back Jeremy Landucci.

Oak Grove (5-1, 3-0), however, stormed back, driving though the Mustang defense in just seven plays, capped by a six-yard touchdown run by Burton Iosefa with 22 seconds remaining, to retain its rule of the BVAL.

“It was horrible,” said Koblis. “But they're a great team.”

Eagle players said the same for the Mustangs. “This is why I play football, to be involved in great games like this,” emoted Oak Grove wide receiver Arvelle Thompson, who scored on a 74-yard pass reception and on a 56-yard punt return. He also had another long run called back due to a penalty. “Pioneer is a great team.”

Pioneer coach Mark Krail was justifiably proud, and told his team so. “We went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the area,“ he said. “It was not a step backward, but a step forward in terms of a great season.”

Leland also appears to be concocting a campaign worthy of such platitudes.

Touchdown runs of two and 35 yards were just another day's work for Leland runningback Michael Day (pun intended) whose 207 yards on the ground was a dagger in the heart of Branham. Charger quarterback Joe Hurley connected on three touchdown passes with Kyle McDaniel, Alex Bynum and Sean Connors on the receiving end as Leland improved its record to 3-0 in the BVAL/Santa Teresa, 5-1 overall. Branham's Bruins dropped to1-1, 5-1 respectively.

Day, a senior whose 88 points scored and 1,226 yards this season, make him the runaway BVAL leader on both accounts, said the Leland success is all about working hard. “Our goal is to go all the way,” he said. “If we keep working hard, we'll achieve our goal.”

Among those admiring the Leland effort was Branham coach Dave Cardoza. “We had to play almost a perfect game to beat them, and of course we didn't,” he said. “They are so well rounded that it's tough to gang up on any one phase of their game.”

Another believer is Andrew Hill High School coach Mike Holt, whose Falcons were shelled 42-0 by Leland on Oct. 10. He predicted Leland will win the league after seeing them in the summer passing league. “They have the whole package,” he said. “They have size, speed, strength and they have the numbers.”

Some of the leading players in Leland High School's five-game win streak gather around team manager Chris Faria after defeating Branham High School on Saturday. The players (from left) are Sean Connors, Kyle McDaniel, Alex Bynum, Michael Day, Darren Gemoll and Joe Hurley. Faria, a sophomore, was born with cerebral palsy, but he hasn't let it stop him from supporting the team at every practice and game for two years. Said Charger coach Kelly Edwards, “all of the players love him.” Faria, who wants to someday become a lawyer, is confident the team will go all the way to the championship. “We owe it to ourselves for all of the hard work we've done,” he said.

Chargers, Mustangs continue quest for titles Friday, Saturday

Leland High School will bid for its sixth straight victory facing Willow Glen High School today (Friday) at 3:30 p.m. in a Blossom Valley Athletic League inter-division game on the Ram's field.

Charger coach Kelly Edwards said he was “shocked” to see that Willow Glen lost 26-21 to James Lick High School last week. He noted that the Rams have lots of talent at the skill positions. “I'm sure they're not going to want to lose two in a row,” he said.

Having its winning streak severed at five by Oak Grove High school last week, Pioneer will try to keep the faith facing the 2002 Central Coast Section Division IV champion Piedmont Hills High School on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on the Mustangs' field.

“If we bounce back and play well against Piedmont Hills and the remainder of the season, we'll definitely make the playoffs, and most likely compete in division four,” observed Pioneer coach Mark Krail. “Piedmont Hills is a very solid team. They are athletic, fast, and very explosive. Much like Oak Grove, we need to slow them down, and be efficient on offense. As always, we look forward to the challenge.”

Pioneer and Leland went into last week's action ranked ninth and 15th, respectively, in the CCS. All of the teams ranked ahead of them either won or did not play.

Compiled by Athletic Director Chris Hansen

VOLLEYBALL: The girls finished the first round of league last week with a tough match against second place Branham. The chargers won a tough battle in this four-game match, defeating the Bruins 28-26, 25-14, 18-25, 25-14. The girls were led by captain Briana Scala, who recorded 16 kills in the match. On Thursday, the girls began the second round of league by defeating Independence 25-22, 25-18, 25-20. The girls are currently 15-2 overall and 8-0 in league.

JV VOLLEYBALL: The JV girls played both Branham and Independence this week. They lost a close one to first place Branham, 26-24, 25-22. The girls were led by setter Stephanie Onoshi and outside hitter Caryn Mohr and freshman Emma Noftz did a great job in the back row. The girls began the second round of league against Independence with a three-game victory 25-18, 18-25, 15-9. The chargers were led by the outstanding blocking of Caroline Underwood and great defensive play by Jenny Tremann. The girls

are currently 16-7 overall and 6-3 in league.

FROSH/SOPH FOOTBALL: Saturday the 4-1 Chargers hosted the Branham Bruins. The winner would take a decisive lead in the conference standings. Both teams battled valiantly with Branham coming out on top 21-14. Despite the score, Leland running backs, Lance Gemette and Adam Ondi played an outstanding game. Fullback AJ Deimling pounded the ball forward to give Leland its two touchdowns, with a two-point conversion by Mike Higashioka. On the defensive side, free safety Steven Dudley and defensive backs Borna Haghighi and Negad Zaky made several key tackles to keep Leland in the

game and give the ball back to the offense. Outstanding play by quarterback Kyle Walker gave the Chargers life in the second half. With exceptional poise and effort, Heartfelt dropped passes in the final two series and did nothing to diminish the Chargers' fire. The team's MVP for the game went to the heart of the Leland F/S team, the offensive line made up of Thomas Tupou, John Friedman, Mike Rulfs, Richard Wellington, Daniel Schroeder, Travis Delamore and Nick Mortenson.

GIRLS WATER POLO : The girls went 6-2 last week, including play in the Sacred Heart Tournament. The chargers defeated Mountain View 12-4, lost to the number-one team in CCS, Sacred Heart 11-3, beat Gunn 7-4 and lost a close game to Burlingame 7-5 to finish fifth in the tournament. The girls are currently 17-4 overall and 6-0 in league. It was a great week and the girls have shown great effort and improvement over the last few weeks.

LELAND SPORTS SCHEDULE:

Friday 10/24

Football at Willow Glen, varsity 3:30 p.m.

Saturday 10/ 25

Volleyball at Independence tourney, all day.

Tuesday 10/28

Volleyball at Santa Teresa, JV, 5 p.m.; varsity, 6 p.m.

Field hockey vs. St. Ignatius at Leland, varsity 2:45 p.m.; JV 4 p.m.

Boys water polo vs. Piedmont Hills at Independence, frosh/soph, 4 p.m.; varsity 5 p.m.

Girls water polo vs. Pioneer at Independence, JV 3 p.m.; varsity 4 p.m.

Thursday 10/30

Volleyball vs. Willow Glen at Leland (Senior Night), JV 5 p.m.; varsity 6 p.m.

Field hockey vs. Monta Vista at Leland, varsity 2:45 p.m.; JV 4 p.m.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK:

BRIANA SCALA: Briana Scala has been phenomenal in the first round of league. Scala helped the Chargers remain undefeated in league last week by racking up 16 kills in the biggest match of the season versus the Branham Bruins. Scala also was Leland's kill leader Thursday evening versus Independence with 13. Scala is the team's co-captain and continues to lead the Chargers in the fight for a second league championship. Keep up the hard work Briana!

MIKE DAY: Mike helped lead the chargers to their 38-12 victory over Branham. He rushed for 225 yards and scored two touchdowns. Mike has been one of the main reasons for the Charger's success this season. He is the leading rusher in league and in the CCS. Outstanding job Mike!

Compiled by Athletic Director Mark Krail

Girls water polo

By Coach Gordy Smith

The Pioneer girls water polo team lost a tough game to Silver Creek last week by a score of 9-8. Leading scorers for the Mustangs were Helina Valle with six, April Ham and Akalin Abulkhanou each had a goal. The JV girls lost three games in the Monta Vista tournament. The girls played hard and gained valuable game experience. Leading scorers for Pioneer were Lexi York with four, Megan Peterson and Megan Sheridan with two each and Melise Pape and Michelle Levish with one each. Katrina Musco had 22 saves in goal for

Pioneer.

JV and freshman football

By Coach Greg Savage

The Pioneer JV football team was handed a hard-fought 16-6 loss to the Oak Grove Eagles on Friday. Oak Grove jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead and it proved too much for the Mustangs to overcome. The Mustangs scored on a touchdown run by Nick D'Antonio to make the score 14-6 before halftime but the offense could not manage to find the end zone again.

The defense forced five turnovers, four via interceptions. Two by Ken Dorsett, and two by Nick D'Antonio. The Mustangs also recovered a fumble. Good defensive games were given by Jerry Stanzione, CJ Miller, and Tim Chang. On the offensive side, Sean Dreher provided a bright spot running the ball for the Mustangs. Pioneer JV will resume action on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Piedmont Hills.

The Pioneer freshmen defeated the Lincoln Lions 27-14. Overall, the freshmen played their best game this season. Quarterback Chris Foley had an outstanding game throwing four TD passes and throwing for over 150 yards. Two of the touchdown passes were completed to Matt Montelongo, one to Kyle Burchfiel, and one to Scott Lowry. Lowry, Jared Silve, and Nico Pagan also ran the ball well.

Defensive standouts were Darby Estrada, Sean Lobscher, and Billy McCarty. This was a great experience for the freshmen this year and we hope to continue with a freshman program next year. Overall each player contributed to the success of the team which finished 3-0.

By Kymberli W. Brady

Staff Writer

For anyone in the prime of their life –or for that matter, anyone at all, the most feared words one can hear are, “You've got cancer.” But for Linda Mancuso, those were fighting words. Armed with fierce determination and an unbeatable will to live, she turned a potentially terminal situation into a personal triumph. Today, she is not only alive and well, she's running marathons.

A second-generation Almaden Valley native, Mancuso has spent her entire life in San Jose, where she attended Almaden, John Muir and Pioneer schools. She then studied for a career in business at West Valley College and San Jose State University before embarking on a 15-year stint in television and radio. “It's an interesting business,” she says. “I've been very fortunate to do some fun things, particularly in TV with movie stars.”

In 1978, Mancuso discovered she had thyroid cancer –one of more than 11,000 people in the United States diagnosed each year with the disease. She immediately underwent a thyroidectome at UCSF in San Francisco, where her thyroid gland was removed through a five-inch incision in her neck, followed with extensive radiation treatments. “Luckily at that time, you could do it at home,” she says. “But I had to be isolated as it was harmful to anyone who touched me.”

Mancuso has remained cancer-free for 25 years and undergoes periodic body scans to make sure it hasn't returned. But that's not to say her path has been a smooth one. She has tripped over many obstacles along the way, yet has managed to pick herself back up each time.

Mancuso learned that the surgery had depleted her parathyroids, the glands responsible for her body's ability to produce calcium, so she embarked upon a vigorous regime of diet, supplements and exercise. “I needed to do weight training to keep my bones and muscles strong,” she admits. “It has really helped and I encourage everyone to do it, no matter what their condition or age.”

Mancuso added 6 to 8 miles of running per week to her training program, including two hours every Saturday with San Jose Fit, a group that runs the Los Gatos Trail. “It's interesting,” she says. “I went to San Jose Fit because I had just become single again and I wanted to do something outdoors. Then I began hearing some of the others talk about running the Silicon Valley Marathon. I had no intention at the time to run a marathon –it was just to keep myself fit and be involved with other athletes. Then I decided to run as my way of celebrating 12 years in recovery.”

In 1990, just before the marathon, Mother Nature decided to deal another blow, delivering this time a knee injury that threatened to take her out of the race. “I did recover very quickly,” she admits. “But I missed a key long distance run in my training. My trainer was reluctant in my running the full marathon, but I did it anyway. He was really impressed because my longest run before that was only 14 miles. I never hit that wall everyone talks about either,” she adds. “When I hit my 16th mile, I was so excited because I had passed my longest run. I only had 10 to go and figured that was just a 10k.”

Mancuso gives much of the credit for her ambition to her cousin Fred, who had polio as a child. Growing up with him, she narrowly escaped the same fate. “When I finished this run, it was kind of like a tribute to him,” she says. “To think that I could be doing this –I was so thankful. He continues to motivate me when I run.”

Later, Mancuso decided to try her hand at retail and purchased a card and gift store in Willow Glen. “Unfortunately it was at a time when the economy was like it is now,” she says. “So I ended up closing the store and went to work for the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau.” Four years ago, she accepted the position of marketing director for the San Jose Business Journal and remains there today.

Although she continues to run, Mancuso has had to battle several setbacks, including a second knee injury in 1993, a back injury in 2002, and knee surgery last April to repair tears to her meniscus. “I didn't stretch enough when I was exercising and that's what caused a lot of my injuries,” she admits. “I didn't allow my body to be more limber.”

Eight days after surgery, she was back to training and was running again in just three weeks, all in preparation for her second race, the Almaden Times Classic. Not even a broken wrist in August could stop her. “This run was to celebrate the fact that I'm so thankful of how strong I feel today,” she says. “The race was to test my strength and see how fast I could bounce back.” And bounce back she has, again and again.

“More than this being about me, I want to say to people that how you eat and train at any age is important,” Mancuso adds. “For women particularly, it's going to make a big difference in keeping your bones strong.” You might say she qualifies as an expert in that recent bone density tests reveals the healthy bone mass of a 30-year-old woman –numbers that decidedly conflict with her actual 50-something age.

Today, Mancuso continues to live each day fully and with conviction, maintaining the same positive attitude that has seen her through so much adversity. She claims she is more active and alive than before her cancer diagnosis and is walking —no, running —proof that good things come from some of life's most difficult journeys; a lifestyle reminiscent of a popular quote from the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” which states, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”

--By Karl Laucher

water polo caption No. 2

MORE THAN GENETICS . It's no secret to aquatic types hereabouts that the top scorer on the Leland High School boys water polo team is senior Zac Monsees, who also happens to have won multiple Central Coast Section swimming championships. The top scorer on the girls team is Zac's sister, freshman Courtney Monsees. Their father, Leland biology teacher Mike Monsees, is the boys water polo coach and an All-American in the early 1970s at San Jose State, the same school where his older brother, Jeff, earned All-American honors 10 years earlier. If it sounds as if water polo talent has something to do with heredity, Mike Monsees might claim otherwise. “We started taking them (Zac and Courtney) to swim lessons when they were 2 years old,” he noted. “After that we would go out for ice cream. They loved to swim. And we still go out for ice cream.” Zac, who is all but lined up to attend Pepperdine University in the fall, is on target to break his own school record of 117 goals set last season. Courtney also is fast off the mark, averaging about five goals a game.

--By Karl Laucher

MORE THAN GENETICS . It's no secret to aquatic types hereabouts that the top scorer on the Leland High School boys water polo team is senior Zac Monsees, who also happens to have won multiple Central Coast Section swimming championships. The top scorer on the girls team is Zac's sister, freshman Courtney Monsees. Their father, Leland biology teacher Mike Monsees, is the boys water polo coach and an All-American in the early 1970s at San Jose State, the same school where his older brother, Jeff, earned All-American honors 10 years earlier. If it sounds as if water polo talent has something to do with heredity, Mike Monsees might claim otherwise. “We started taking them (Zac and Courtney) to swim lessons when they were 2 years old,” he noted. “After that we would go out for ice cream. They loved to swim. And we still go out for ice cream.” Zac, who is all but lined up to attend Pepperdine University in the fall, is on target to break his own school record of 117 goals set last season. Courtney also is fast off the mark, averaging about five goals a game.

--By Karl Laucher

By Denise Cavanna

Special to the Times

What a beautiful weekend for playing soccer at Creekside Park in Cupertino. Of course, it was even nicer since the Strykers brought home the District Cup championship trophy by defeating the DeAnza Force in the semi-final.

The Los Gatos Lock had defeated the MVLA Mercury in the other semi-final. They led by a goal most of the game and the Mercury tied it up late, and the Lock won in PK's.

The Lock played the Strykers pretty tough, but we were able to finish several of our opportunities. In fact, the Strykers didn't allow a goal during any of the four games of District Cup, with Jessica Lau, Kelsey Poulsen, Stephanie Dodds, Courtney Cook, Stephanie Righetti, and Karina Cavanna being staunch on defense all weekend, and if one got through, Bennica Henniger was there to clean up. Our first goal came midway through the first half, when Jenna Brehmer attempted a pass in front of the Lock goal. The pass was deflected by a defender, and rolled slowly past their back line. Bianca Springer was swiftly on the loose ball and placed it past the keeper for a 1-0 lead, which held up to halftime.

In the second half, Jenna Brehmner scored with her head off a Linsday Taylor cross. Sara Pitzen appeared to increase the lead to 3, but her goal was called back for reasons that never became entirely clear. The Lock had their best moment late in the game when they were awarded a direct kick from 20 yards out. The kick looked good until Bianca Henniger leaped up and diverted the ball into the crossbar, and then she blocked their forward's attempt to put away the rebound and thus preserved the shutout and victory.

Great games all weekend and quite entertaining. Next up for the team, the Stykers will head down to the Girls Surf Cup overThanksgiving weekend.