February Try-outs and Basketball Update

Try-outs are coming up for many sports. The try-outs for Soccer, Baseball, Softball, and Indoor Track are coming up in the month of February. Many of these teams have already begun having workouts before or after school. To find out when these workouts are taking place ask the coach of your specific sport. Also for try-out times you can ask your specific coach or Mr. Delporto. Don't forget you must have had a physical for this sport or a previous sport and you must also obtain a red eligibility card from Mr. Delporto in order to try-out.

Come out and support the Judge Boys and Girls Basketball teams. The Boys Sophomore, JV, and Varsity teams are all undefeated in region play. The Sophomore team has been great all year with only two losses coming to Brighton and Bountiful. The JV squad coached by Mr. Delporto is 9-5 overall." We are doing pretty well, not bad. However not as good as the Sophomores." says Mr. Delporto. Varsity improved their record to 10-6 and 5-0 in region play with a 74-49 beating of Union on Thursday. They were led by Oliver Hughes who had 24 points, McDonald's All Americans Dee Crandall and Stallon Saldivar with 10 and 18 points, and Junior Zach Meyer chipped in with 14 points.

The Girls Varsity improved to 14-1 with a 51-38 win over Union. They were playing without starter Erica Martinez. Yet, Mikelle Mancini stepped up in the absence of Martinez and led the way with 18 points. Despite a seven point deficit at half time, the girls came out and outplayed their opponent in the second half. The final score was 51-38 in our favor. Both the Girls and Boys Varsity teams need our support when they enter the State Competition at the E-Center on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of February.

By Andrew Stuck

Judge Athletics with Mr. DelPorto

Mr. DelPorto has been the Athletic Director at Judge Memorial Catholic High School for 10 years. He is also the Junior Varsity (JV) basketball coach and one of the assistants on the Varsity basketball team. As an Athletic Director at Judge, Mr. DelPorto has made athletics a key part of our school's history and our future. When asked how Judge athletics rank compared to other 3-A schools Mr. DelPorto responded "Some of the best." This is a very true statement. Last year we were the state champions in Boy's basketball, girls' soccer, boy's tennis, baseball, and girls' track to name a few. We were also so close to championships in girls' basketball, football, girls' cross country, and girls' swimming. Judge has also won an award for outstanding athletics six of the last seven years. One of the main reasons Judge has done so well in athletics in past years is because Mr. DelPorto helps students find a sport or activity they would like to be involved in. "It is important to get active and get involved to enhance the high school experience," he says. Another reason for doing so well is coaching strategies such as redefining winner, honoring the game, and "filling emotional tanks" or being positive towards players.

Mr. DelPorto has experience in athletics. While in high school he played one year of football and three years of basketball. He says for basketball especially but all sports you need to do to prepare during the off-season. "Strength, agility, speed, basic skills, and playing your sport are some of the things you should work on during the off-season." Mr. DelPorto says that the student leaders in athletics are any seniors involved in sports. If you are interested in trying out for basketball try-outs will be on November 10. For other try-outs or information talk to Mr. DelPorto or ask in the main office.