By Staff Writer, Marie Ong

           Have you ever seen a quick flash of blonde hair rushing past you on the track field?  Not to worry, it was only Girls’ Track M.V.P. Annie Sahl (’08).
            Sahl started running track in seventh grade and has come a long way.
“I love running because it feels so natural and so freeing,” Sahl said.                                
She has been to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) three times in a row for the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, and the long jump.  During sophomore year, she placed 7^th in the long jump competition for Division II of the Southern Section of California.
            “[Running] requires complete concentration and focus,” Sahl said.  “Because it is an individual sport, you have control over the situation and have the power to either make it or break it for yourself.”
            Currently, her 100-meter dash time is 12.4 seconds, her 200-meter time is 25.9 seconds, and her long jump is 17-feet and 1-inch.
            “Her contribution to the team is huge,” track and field head coach Bamm said. “She is faster and stronger than ever.”
Sahl feels that training individually every day, even during the off-season, has bettered her technique as well as helped her understand “the nuances of the sport.”  This season, the Tornado track team will be terrific because of this star athlete. Considering her unbelievable records, advancing to CIF should be a breeze.
            “Annie is always determined,” long-time teammate Shannon Azizi (’08) said.  “She works extremely hard for what she gets.”                                                
            Aside from bringing prestige to the school for her outstanding track accomplishments, she has also made her family very proud.
            Sahl’s mother, Barbara Paulson, said that she loves watching her daughter run.
            “She looks like a wildcat, all focused energy and drive, completely in the moment,” Paulson said.  “What mother wouldn’t want her daughter to feel that kind of strength?”                                                  
 And strength is exactly what Sahl feels when running.  She describes herself as an extremely competitive person who loves to push herself to the limit during races.               
 Also, even though Sahl is an individual runner, she never forgets that she is part of a team. She often trains with her teammates and helps them improve their times.
“I try to challenge everyone as much as I try to challenge myself,” Sahl said.
With all of her hard work and dedication to the sport, it is no wonder that Sahl is one of the best sprinters.
 “Annie is what every sprinter wants to be,” boys’ track team captain Ray Hajduk (’08) said about Sahl’s greatness. 
 

By Staff Writer, Narbeh D.

            Stacked with talented players, the tennis team is very much concentrated on their goal of winning this season, although a rather slow start of 0-2 in their league.  (more…)