Vista del Lago's Sports Success Spreading a Winning Feeling

It’s amazing how fast things can change sometimes. Athletes and fans at Vista del Lago High School have for years wandered in the wilderness, suffering through heartbreaking losses and some disappointing seasons. Then, suddenly, last year both the boys and girls tennis programs climbed into the CIF playoffs, and that spark of success seems to have ignited a blaze this year, as the football, girls tennis and volleyball programs have taken off like a shot and are all currently undefeated, either in league or overall. Girls tennis just two years ago lost every game they played, finishing 0-10. Last year they turned things around, finishing 10-6 and winning two CIF playoff games. The team is now 10-0 overall and has qualified for CIF for the second year in a row, a first for the program, and the school has rallied around the team. Tennis Coach Josh Parsons says there’s a connection between the players’ success on the court and in the classroom. “Our players are also good students,” he explained. “Their habits of hard work and commitment carry over from the classroom to the tennis court and back.” Girls volleyball has experienced success over the years, but this year’s 8-0 league record (14-4 overall) is the team’s best start ever. “It’s exciting to see how the enthusiasm for our team’s success spreads,” said Coach Jennifer Strawn. “There’s a lot of school pride, and students want to be more involved. Our school choir even sings the national anthem at our home games, which has been great.” Vista del Lago’s football team strived to improve to 7-0 at last Friday’s homecoming game against Rubidoux. Its current record of 6-0 overall is also the best-ever start for the Ravens. According to Coach Art Giovannini, his players’ year-round work ethic is also serving them well academically. “We’ve really pushed these guys to keep their grades up,” he said, “and they take pride in being successful both on the field and in class.” He said there’s been a noticeable increase in students wearing Vista del Lago shirts and sporting the school’s purple, black and silver colors and Raven logo. Principal Janelle Woodward said the winning feeling is definitely contagious. “It boosts everyone’s morale,” she said. “People start to see themselves as important parts of something special and successful, and that definitely has a very positive effect in terms of academics and school spirit in general.” She noted that students and staff also take pride in the fact that Vista del Lago’s graduation rate last year climbed more than any other high school in the district (6.7 percent), and now, at nearly 82 percent, exceeds both the state and national averages. “Success – academic and athletic – tends to breed success,” she said. “It’s exciting to see our Ravens soar.”