High School Sports

GILROY—Though tears streamed down the faces of several senior Christopher football players, Coach Tim Pierleoni told them to hold their heads up high—after all, this is a team of champions.

GILROY—Christopher’s Erin Mank was a crucial part of her team’s success this season and the Mission Trail Athletic League took notice.

SAN JOSE—“It was a battle,” Gilroy coach Adam Gemar said to an emotional Mustangs team following its semifinal match with Archbishop Mitty. “I wish we could’ve gone a couple more days.”

GILROY—It’s not everyday that Gilroy High alumni are asked to pose for photos and sign autographs. It’s not everyday that an alum is a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion either.

GILROY—The family that wrestles together, stays together.

GILROY—Over the last four years Tayler Silacci has been earning her stripes. The Gilroy High senior has spent countless mornings getting up before sunrise and has travelled across the country attending camps and tournaments all to earn a field hockey scholarship.

GILROY—Lauren Castro’s softball career almost ended before it ever really began. The Gilroy High senior quit her first year of tee-ball, intimidated by crowds and attention. But thankfully for Castro, her parents convinced her to give it one more try and this time, she fell in love.

SALINAS—The last time Kaylah Grant ran at Toro Park, she took a wrong turn, adding minutes to her time.

GILROY—Christopher’s Natalie Gutierrez earned match medalist honors numerous times over the season and now the Cougar can add another accolade to her collection: being named First Team All-League in the Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division.

Seedings for the 2014 Central Coast Section football playoffs were announced Sunday and the new Monterey Bay League Pacific Division champion Christopher Cougars earned a first round home game.