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MY TWO CENTS
A fledgling sports writer leaves Easy Reader for a national stage
by John Tawa
This is my last week at Easy Reader. After almost three years covering South Bay sports, I have accepted a position at Students Sports Magazine, where I will be writing full-time about high school sports for a national audience.
I leave excited about my new challenge but saddened about giving up a beat in which I was privileged to write about many terrific people and countless amazing achievements.
Many of the stories came from our area high schools, Redondo Union and Mira Costa, which we cover extensively during the school year. Their athletic programs are among the finest in Southern California and the quality of the competition for athletes so young is astounding.
At Redondo, the basketball programs are graced with athletes who'll make your jaw drop. Dijon Thompson is a 6-7 senior guard considered among the nation's top 20 players and a fine bet to be playing in the NBA one day. Adam Zahn and Wendell White are underclassmen with bountiful athletic gifts who could join him at the highest level. And 7-0 junior center Paul Meynen is fast becoming one of the area's top big men.
The girls, who are defending CIF champs, are just as talented. They are the best interior passing team I've ever seen and in CIF player of the year Ofa Tulikihihifo, Jackie Packard and Jennifer Owens, have athletes who can run up and down the floor. And they are the essence of a team, a joy for an old point guard like me to watch.
Redondo's football team is undefeated thanks to an incredible collection of small, tough athletes who have the desire to win whatever the price. Eddie Topps, Evan Franklin, Nathaniel Lacey, Keith Ellison and Christopher Coleman are among the finest football players anywhere pound for pound.
At Mira Costa, volleyball is king. The girls, led by seniors Lexy Beers, Brooke Donahue, Jamie Grass and Kristin Nelson, should be the nation's top-ranked team coming off their win at last weekend's Nike Challenge. And the boys, who play in the spring, have to be considered CIF favorites with a host of talent including Jason Spratt and Pat Nihipali.
The girls' soccer team, which lost in the CIF final last year, returns most of its stars. The skill level these girls possess, from their ball handling to their goal scoring blasts, will keep you cheering from the opening kickoff.
Speaking of kickoff, Costa's football team is no slouch. There is beauty in watching huge linemen like 320-pound Sean Finnerty and 280-pound Erik Curtis push people all over the field. And in slippery Morgan Ralls, the 3-1 Mustangs have the most feared receiver in the area.
Many other teams and players deserve note. Costa runner Lynn Dixon is one of the country's best in long distances. K.C. Corkery dominates boys' tennis. And David Johnson and Samantha Lavino are marquee Mustang pitchers for the baseball and softball teams, respectively.
Redondo golfers Elena Robles, Elena Kurokawa and Marina Choi are so good that the girls' golf team hasn't lost in its two-year history.
I'm certain that I've forgotten to mention more talented athletes and teams than I've named and for that I apologize. But I recognize the hard work all of you have put into your sports and I celebrate your achievements.
I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the coaches. Almost without exception, the coaches have been great to work with and dedicated to promoting their athletes over themselves. They are hard working and love the sports they teach. They are the reason Redondo and Mira Costa have outstanding teams year after year.
This is all a long-winded way of saying if you've never taken in a high school game, treat yourself to the sport of your choice. You won't be disappointed.
South Bay sports beyond high school have been fun to cover as well. Summer paddleboard races will be among my fondest memories because of the high quality of the individuals involved. And I love a great story, such as when Hermosa Beach resident Eric Fonoimoana takes home gold in beach volleyball or Hermosa Beach's Kimberly Po conquers Wimbledon in mixed doubles. These athletes are just as deserving of your support as the high school kids. And virtually everyone I've interviewed has been a pleasure.
Well, folks, those are my two cents. I've enjoyed covering all of you for Easy Reader. While you won't be on my beat, you'll be in my heart. So even though I'll be jumping over to Student Sports Magazine, I'll still be a fixture at games, rooting wildly as a fan. Good luck to you all. ER