Monday, September 5, 2016

LJ sports: News and notes

By Ed Piper, Jr.

Odds-and-ends from Viking World:

Carlton O'Neal, now a sophomore at Occidental College in Eagle Rock (Glendale), was at his brother Johnathan's football game Fri., Sept. 2. The quick receiver, who was All-League for the Vikings two years ago and one of quarterback Collin Rugg's favorite targets in the middle, is playing football for the Tigers with former Viking Anthony Stanley, a linebacker.

Paula Conway, LJHS Athletic Director, was spotted at Costco Wednesday prior to Blastoff buying two shopping carts of bottled water and flavored drinks. When asked what they were for, the former coach responded, "For the concession stand" at Blastoff.

Running back Alex Dockery approached a reporter on the sidelines after his exciting 50-yard TD run from the midfield marker to start the third quarter. It put La Jolla up, 21-7. "I was running for my life," the pumped-up senior said, still inflated after the TD.

Field hockey coach Lisa Griffiths' due date of Oct. 19 is edging closer. As she has said, her Vikings play highly-ranked Scripps Ranch the day before.

Joaquim Cruz, a national sports hero in his native Brazil whose son Kevin played basketball for La Jolla, was chosen by Brazilian Olympic officials to represent his country in the closing ceremonies in Rio last month. Cruz owns a gold medal and a silver in Olympic competition in the sprints.

This senior season has to mean a lot to Patricio Castillejos, a member of the Viking football team. Last year, in a preseason scrimmage, the 5'8", 140-pound receiver and defensive back tore his ACL and missed the entire season. I can still remember his downcast look as the Vikings' season approached and he was awaiting official word on the injury. Now Patricio's head is up and he's competing in his final year of high school.

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