LJ golf: Now it can be told

By Ed Piper

Maddie Quach, captain of the LJHS girls golf team, had a softball game Wednesday night, August 13, after golf tryouts.

She was playing on the same travel team as former Viking Arie Williams.

Arie transferred to Helix last year during the school year. Now we know why. Her mother is the coach of the Highlanders' softball team.

Maddie's mother told why Arie's mother was sold on Maddie. On the first day they met, Maddie, who is very socially interactive, asked, "Who are you? Hi, I'm..." Arie's mom was so impressed, she and the Quaches bonded.

Maddie was doing the same thing Wednesday at tryouts. She went up to many of the girls, nicely asked their name, and got them situated and located. Coach Christie Quinn was checking for medical clearances, which are required by the school and CIF for a student to participate.

It was like having another coach on staff, with the younger Quach around. She has exhibited many of the same skills with the wrestling team, which she lettered for two years ago and stayed around the team and kept records of matches for Head Coach Kellen Delaney and his staff after she had a health scare during the season.

Her scary moment came that initial season. It was a tournament match, and this reporter was perched on the corner of the mat, taking photos. Maddie suddenly passed out in the middle of the bout. When she came to, she twitched in an awkward movement.

When she was fully alert, she played off observers' concerns with, "I'm fine." But she had to sit out for a while, and now that issue is resolved to the Quaches' satisfaction. She went on to have another lettering season her junior year, which brings us up to her senior and final year in high school.