By Giovanni Galvez

Staff Writer

Popping start for sports Cross Country and girls golf mix and match as they compete together in a lunch time activity to promote their sports.

  The new Gabrielino High School fall sports season kicked off during the week of Aug. 20. For GHS, all sports started off on a more positive note. In order to highlight all sports, ASB has taken it upon themselves to begin a new approach in promoting every sport equally.

  Over the summer, ASB students met to plan the school year and wanted to focus on showcasing all the sport teams as well as making school wide changes in an effort to promote school culture and spirit.

  ASB has always focused on all sports, which is evident from previous years’ posters used to support teams during sports rallies and games. However, according to ASB Advisor, Yvonne Aparicio, the entire school would benefit from seeing ASB promoting all levels of sports during lunch time rallies as well.

  “I think it’s good that they’re giving attention to all sports instead of just football, especially since they don’t do as well as other sports and are the most hyped,” stated junior Ilsa Weeks.

  ASB first showed their support during the lunch rally on Aug. 20 when girls volleyball, cheer, and football were introduced to the school.

  ASB President, Amanda Holguin, mentioned there will be more lunches dedicated to different activities to encourage student participation.

  Aparicio also mentioned that ASB is focusing on the promotion of “Game of the Week” through posters, bulletin announcements, and social media. For instance, through Snapchat and Instagram, ASB has been posting highlight reels, game scores, and any other news relating to the games and matches. The first game of the week they promoted was girls varsity volleyball during the week of Sept. 3.

  The weeks after went on to freshmen football, varsity football, and varsity girls volleyball, respectively.        

  The athletes are also seeing the changes, from more people attending their games to more recognition for the golf and cross country athletes.

  “I remember freshman year, like no one really called us out… The only time I talked about cross country was when someone asked me how I did… I like how they are recognizing what we can do,” said senior Skyler Hudson.

  Hudson was not the only one who expressed a sense of gratitude for the recognition.       

  “I think the whole team really appreciates the acknowledgement!… When we’re more recognized, we’re more motivated to do well,” expressed senior Samantha Tang.