Celebrating senior athletes

By Diane Zhang

Special to the Alpine Mountaineer

Time flies by when you’re having fun – the Rim High varsity girls soccer team knows that feeling well.

“For me, soccer has always been a kind of escape. I’m motivated by my teammates and the idea of leaving behind something that motivates my teammates to show up every day at school,” said senior Isabella Hust, captain of the varsity girls soccer team. She has been playing soccer for nine years.

Senior Stevie Wallace, who is also captain of the varsity girls soccer team, agrees: “Just giving my team something to be inspired by, and someone to look up to, motivated me to keep playing.” Stevie has been playing soccer since the age of 4.

Following Rim High’s 1-0 win against Summit High School on Jan. 23, the Senior Night celebration commenced. Senior Night is a significant milestone for high school athletes – it’s a celebration meant to honor the graduating students during their last home game.

Carrying flowers and memorabilia, senior students Mackenzie Cerwin, Isabella Hust, Alexandra (Alexa) Jimenez, Alana Wallace and Stevie Wallace filtered onto the grassy field with their families and teammates.

“What’s really motivated me is to see the young faces on the field. They seem to have the same drive as I did when I first started, and it inspired me to keep working hard,” Alexa Jimenez said. She has played soccer for the past eight years.

“I’ve played soccer for five years. For me, it’s the memories and being able to be a part of something, as well as creating bonds with people that are all passionate and have goals that are only achievable if we all work together,” Alana Wallace said.

Mackenzie Cerwin, who has played soccer for 11 years, shares a similar sentiment: “Yeah, it’s the bonds we made on the team, and that’s what carried me through high school,” she said. “Representing Rim High and being able to mentor all the younger players as they come through high school is what motivated me.”

After high school, the path diverges as seniors begin picking out what career fields they are interested in.

Alexa and Alana plan on delving into the medical field, and Mackenzie is hoping for a career in the design field.

“I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I want to go to a four-year university, and there’s a lot of options I’m looking at right now,” Stevie said.

“I also plan on going to a four-year university, and I want to do something that allows me to travel a lot,” Isabella states.

Varsity boys basketball

Just mere hours after, Rim High’s varsity boys basketball team held its pre-game Senior Night celebration as well. Senior students Nikolai Carbaugh, Jack Formby, Eric Najera, Cole Paxton, Ethan Thornberg and Jackson Urquiza strolled out onto the home court amidst much applause, with family and friends in tow.

In a gripping game against Fontana High School, Rim High triumphed with a final score of 65-58.

Led by team captains Nikolai Carbaugh, Cole Paxton, Ethan Thornberg and Jackson Urquiza, much of the team has spent at least 10 years playing basketball, putting in countless hours of dedication both on and off the court.

“I’d say that the brotherhood, having everybody come together and play as one is really motivating,” Cole said.

“Yeah, just being friends with people on the team,” Nikolai adds.

“My favorite part is the tough games,” Ethan said. “We had a game in freshman year against El Modena, and it was a really long game where we won by one point. It’s tough games like those where we barely win, and seeing my teammates all work hard is super rewarding.”

The team’s harmony on the court is evident, but what about their planned career paths?

“I wanna be a rockstar,” Nikolai proudly asserts.

“Trying to be a millionaire,” Jack jokingly adds. “Maybe a pilot.”

Cole had a plan: “I want to be a firefighter,” he says decidedly.

“I want to do something related to the health department, like a doctor or a paramedic,” Jackson states.

“I’m going into computer science to become a software engineer,” Ethan said.

As the rapidly approaching future inches ever closer, Rim seniors hope and dream for their futures, all the while looking back on heartwarming memories.

What a great start to the new year!