Now that JGHS spring sports have ended, let’s check in on how the softball and baseball teams finished this spring.
The Eagles softball team had a season to be proud of.
Even though our softball team ended their season with a disappointing 9-1 loss in round two of the CIF playoffs, the girls played strong softball all season long consistently.
The Saint Joseph Jesters ended the Eagles’ dream season, winning 9-1 after a huge 7-run outburst in the 3rd inning, effectively ending the game. The May 9 loss ended the season for the Eagles, but did not put a damper on an otherwise very successful team who has more to look forward to next year. Besides the graduations and departures of star SS Beatriz Galvez, OF Alize Diaz, and IF Kaylani Moncada, the Eagles will be returning a talented roster ready to take the next championship step.
In their opening-round playoff victory, the Eagles trounced Moreno Valley 11-1, thanks to 3 RBI from junior Anais Perez, another 2 runs driven in by senior Beatriz Galvez, and a big 3-for-3 day by Carissa Galvan. In addition to her perfect day at the plate–which included driving in and scoring 2 runs–Galvan pitched a masterful 6 innings, striking out 8, walking none, and allowing just 1 run on 3 hits.
Eagles Softball finished in 2nd place to undefeated Cerritos with a 7-3 record in the 605-League (16-4-1 overall). At one point, the Eagles were 14-0-1, but their undefeated run ended on April 18 with a 14-1 loss to Cerritos, who would come back a week later and beat Glenn again by an 11-1 score.
In a pregame ceremony on March 17, the Eagles softball team honored Ms. Pamela Trimble, who is retiring this summer. Ms. Trimble has been teaching at JGHS since 1988 and graduated from JG in 1980. She was the former softball coach and the Eagles thanked her for her years of service and dedication to Glenn.
And now onto the baseball team. How did the season go? Glenn’s baseball team finished with a 5-12 overall record, and 1-7 in the 605-League, going 4-7 at home and just a 1-5 record on the road. Cerritos was at the top of the 605-League, finishing with a 7-1 record (17-10 overall).
Some big wins for the Eagles were a season-opening 13-5 rout of Bell Gardens, including a 7-run outburst in the 2nd inning, and the 605-league win being a 6-5 road victory over Pioneer.
Baseball had a team with some strong underclassmen who should be returning next year, including juniors Angel Aguilar and Santos Hernandez.
As the Brooklyn Dodger fans used to say, “Wait ‘til next year!” When spring comes around in 2024, be sure to keep an eye on our baseball and softball teams.
Boys volleyball had quite a rough season this year with an overall record of 2-14. They managed to secure their 2 wins by beating Cantwell and Pioneer High School.
Some of the team’s struggles were due to a lack of communication, mental errors, and hitting errors. When asked about how the season was, Coach Reyes stated: “It didn’t go as expected, and they struggled with consistency.” It was a rocky season with several mental challenges, but you can only go up from rock bottom.
Boys volleyball struggled on the court, however they did gain a preferable bond. They formed a family, and newcomers were welcomed with open arms to brotherhood. Since most of the team were seniors,incoming players have big shoes to fill.
Senior night was unfortunately taken away from the players due to a misunderstanding against Artesia High School. Artesia moved the game from Glenn to Artesia, so that they could showcase their newly renovated gym. After the game however, the boys volleyball team was welcomed back at Glenn with open arms from their supporters with posters, gifts, and their coaches’ farewell.
Overall the season was rough and lacking in consistency, but several memories and laughter were shared on the court.
As the NBA regular season comes to a close, with only a few games left before its conclusion, I’ll go over some of the ‘blockbuster’ trades that happened throughout this season.
Suns-Nets-Bucks-Pacers Trade (KD to the Suns)
Starting with one-half of what was arguably THE trade this season, Kevin Durant went to the Suns. The entire trade package was huge, and included:
George Hill, Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, three future second-round picks (from Milwaukee), cash considerations (from Brooklyn)
This trade (along with the Kyrie Irving trade) has shaken the NBA to its core. With the introduction of KD and Kyrie to the Western Conference, the playoffs now seem to have taken a twist.
Mavericks-Nets Trade (Kyrie to the Nets)
I mentioned this trade earlier when I discussed the KD trade, as they were both traded from Brooklyn. This trade wasn’t as impactful as the KD trade since this trade only involved the Mavericks and the Nets. The trade included:
While this trade had no immediate effect on the league besides for the Mavs and Nets, I believe there will be some consequences (either positive or negative) later on in the playoffs.
Lakers-Timberwolves-Jazz Trade
And last but not least, I’ll be talking about the 3-team trade that most notably led to the departure of Russell Westbrook from the Lakers. It went as follows:
Lakers Receive:
D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt
Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones 2027, 1st-round pick (from Lakers)
This trade seems to have helped the Lakers slightly since it added more depth to their roster. The elephant in the room, however, is Russell Westbrook. He had a brief stay in Utah as they eventually agreed to a buyout. Afterwards he signed with the Clippers, where he seemed to have settled rather nicely (good for him).
With the Premier League coming to a close, clubs Manchester City and Arsenal are in the top two of the table with only 8 points separating them. Arsenal has 69 pts and Manchester City has 61 pts. Who will be the next Premier League champion?
Their statistics are very similar to each other: for example, Arsenal has a record of 28-3-3, including a +40 GD (goal differential), 26 GA (goals against), and 66 GF (goals for); meanwhile, Manchester City is 19-4-4 with +42 GD, (25 GA and 67 GF).
Interestingly, Arsenal has two former Manchester City players including Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Another possible team that might make it to the top is Manchester United with 50 pts.
My predictions would be for Manchester City to win because of how well they’re doing this season and in all competitions. It’s going to be close because Arsenal are also really good this season and are practically undefeated at the moment. Also Manchester City’s star player, #9 Erling Haaland, is the Premier League top scorer with 28 goals at the age of 22.
With Manchester City being 8 points behind Arsenal, their chances to win the Premier League are close. In order for Manchester City to finish in first place, Arsenal need to lose 3 of their games back to back to back.
As opening day for the 2023 MLB season approaches, you can’t help but feel excited and filled with joy–the joyous feeling as your team embarks on a season-long journey.
However, this opening day seems to be different; with the controversial rule updates, games around the world, the unfortunate injuries to our favorite superstars, and the exciting debuts of new uniforms for various teams, there are new curiosities to look forward to.
“You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.” — Joe DiMaggio
Rule Updates
Pitch Clock: Pitchers have 15 seconds to throw a pitch with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on. Batters have 10 seconds to be in the batters box ready to swing. There are 30 seconds between batters. Pitch clock violations will be called strikes on the batter or called balls on the pitcher.
Shift Limits: All four infielders are required to be on the infield dirt or infield grass with 2 infielders on each side of second base. The infielders can only shift when the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand.
Bigger Bases: The new bases have gotten bigger by 3 square inches–from the original 15 square inches to 18 square inches.
Team Matchups: For the first time since Major League Baseball was established, all teams from both the AL and NL will play each other in a single season. Games within the division have been reduced to 13 games per team down from 19 games.
MLB games around the world
Mexico City: San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres (April 29-30)
London: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (June 24-25)
Little League Classic (Williamsport, PA): Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals (August 20)
Key Injured Players
Beginning season on IL
Jose Altuve (broken thumb)
Joe Musgrove (broken toe)
Luis Severino (lat strain)
Carlos Rodon (left forearm muscle strain)
Trevor Story (shoulder surgery)
Bryce Harper (Tommy John surgery)
Joey Votto (shoulder and bicep surgery)
Tony Gonsolin (sprained ankle)
Out for the season
Edwin Diaz (patellar tendon tear)
Rhys Hoskins (torn ACL)
Gavin Lux (torn ACL)
Liam Hendriks (diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma)
The cheer program at John Glenn High School grew a lot from last school year, so much so that they were able to have both a varsity and a junior varsity squad.
In my opinion, the program is a really good one–it has a very positive environment for newcomers, and you get welcomed with open arms by many other cheerleaders. I went into this team with no experience at all but they helped me learn how to break out of my shell, and build my leadership skills, and make new friends.
But just like all the other sport teams in a high school, there could be one thing that gets better for me–I wish that the JV girls would get more recognition because they are still a part of the team. There were not many chances to show what JV could do as there was only 1 game by ourselves; and when they were gonna come together as a full squad, JV was in the back and we kinda looked out of place. Even though I feel like it shouldn’t have happened, the issue was definitely fixed over time.
The cheerleaders at JGHS are very supportive and they help you when you fall. They help you no matter how much you know, and the memories that you make with these girls, you keep them forever. It’s been a little while since I left and I still remember how much fun I had. I was the captain of the JV Cheer Squad during the football session but I had to leave due to the fact that I was behind on school work. The bonding moments we would have as a team has taught me so much on how to work as a team.
So if you are an underclassman (grades 9-11), I highly recommend you at least try to be a part of the John Glenn cheer team next year. You will join a supportive and positive squad.
The Champions League quarter finals have been set: The first leg will be held on April 11 and April 12.
First up, on April 11, are Benfica vs Inter Milan in Lisbon, Portugal, and Manchester City vs Bayern Munchen, played in Manchester, England. Both games will start at 11:00 PM PDT.
The next day, both Real Madrid and Chelsea will be going against each other at 12 noon PDT in Spain, and A.C. Milan will be playing Napoli in Italy, also starting at noon.
The 2nd leg of the Quarter Finals will take place from April 18-19.
These fixtures will be a hard and well fought series of games as they will battle it out against each other to make Champions League glory.
Benfica and Inter will be an interesting game as Inter Milan has the better squad but have not been in good form. Recently, they have lost their last two league games against Juventus and Spezia, who are 17th in the Italian League and are nearly close to being relegated to the 2nd division.
Benfica, on the other hand, haven’t lost a single game since February 9. I predict Benfica narrowly winning this game 3-2 in aggregate, and advancing to the next round of the Champions League.
Manchester City vs Bayern Munchen will be the highlight game of the quarter finals, as both teams have strong lineups and have breezed through the group stages, comfortably winning their games in the round of 16. Despite the loss to Leverkusen in the German League, Bayern will be strong enough to brush off this result and bring their best to the Champions League.
Manchester City have been on fire lately and their star player Erling Haaland has scored 8 goals in his last two games, and will definitely be a problem for the defense of Bayern Munchen. I see this game ending in a Manchester City win, and ending 6-4 on aggregate with Haaland leading the score sheet.
The 2nd leg on April 18-19 will feature Real Madrid vs Chelsea, and Napoli vs A.C. Milan.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea will be an interesting game to see as Real Madrid will be attempting to defend the title of the Champions League. Real Madrid have been dominating the Champions League group stages and even beat Liverpool in the first round on a score of 6-2 on aggregate. They are 2nd in the Spanish League and are showing improvements and not slowing down.
Chelsea, meanwhile, has not been convincing this season as they are 10th in the English League and almost got knocked out in the first leg–suffering a 1-0 loss–but were able to come back in the second game and win 2-0, advancing them to this point. I see Real Madrid winning this game convincingly on a score of 4-1 on aggregate, advancing them to the next round.
The Napoli vs A.C. Milan match will be the first time these teams have faced each other in the Champions League. Milan are 4th in the Italian League while Napoli are 1st in the league at a whopping 19 points clear from 2nd place. The last time these clubs faced each other was back on September 18, 2022, and the game ended in a Napoli 2-1 win over A.C. Milan.
Napoli’s attack has been on fire, and their star duo of Osimhen and Kvaratshkhelia have combined for over 37 goals and 10 assists in the Italian League alone.
Milan have been defensively solid, but their attack lacks creativity and won’t be enough to stop Napoli. For that reason, I see Napoli beating Milan 4-0 in aggregate, advancing them to the next round of the Champions League.
How has John Glenn done in sports recently? I’ve gathered spring sports to highlight, as well as a recap of Eagles basketball.
Our first sport highlight is softball. How is varsity softball doing this season? Softball is doing a great job! As of today (March 27) softball is 6-0-1. Some big games include wins against Hawthorne Math and Science Academy 17-0, Avalon 20-1, Leuzinger 6-1, Firebaugh 12-0, and finally a win over Bishop Conaty Loretto 7-1.
In the first 605-League game of the season, the girls easily beat Oxford Academy behind strong pitching from Carissa Galvan and a balanced offensive attack that scored 9 runs in the 3rd inning to put the game away, winning by a final score of 13-3.
The 2-2 tie against the Wiseburn-Da Vinci Wolves was also a memorable game for the team, as the Wolves were a tough preseason matchup and Glenn more than held their own.
Our next sport is baseball. The varsity baseball team is off and running this season. As of March 27, baseball is currently 2-5 this season. The team has won against Firebaugh 5-0 and against Bell Gardens 15-3 in preseason games, and in 605-League play they are 0-2 after back-to-back losses to Oxford Academy.
Rain has been a problem for both baseball and softball in the early going, but hopefully the rest of the season will play out as scheduled.
Upcoming home games for softball that you should go to are the “Senior Night” game on Thursday, 3/30, plus games against Artesia HS on 4/4, a non-league game against Bell Gardens on 4/11, followed by back-to-back home games against Cerritos (4/18), and Pioneer (4/21). The 605-League schedule ends with a road game against Artesia on 4/25.
Upcoming baseball games to check out include Glenn against Cerritos on 4/4 (road) and 4/6 (home), some non-league games against Hawthorne Math and Science Academy (4/12), Lynwood (4/14), and Santa Ana Valley (4/15), followed by a return to 605-League play against Pioneer on 4/18 (road) and 4/21 (home); and finally, two games against Artesia on 4/25 (home) and 4/27 (road).
Recapping winter sports with basketball, how did the Eagles do this season? The varsity boys finished with an 11-16 record this season, and at 3-7 in the 605-League, ending in a tie for 4th place. Some of our team’s most impressive games were against Saddleback, Montebello, and Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary. The Eagles won 76-45 against Montebello, 77-54 against Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary, and finally a very impressive 76-26 rout over Saddleback.
The girls basketball team finished at 3-18, and 0-10 in the 605-League, but they had fun and learned some valuable teamwork and basketball fundamentals along the way. A season highlight was the back-to-back wins on December 12-13, including a thrilling 21-20 home victory over Blair High School.
As soon as the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII, teams got to work on building a winner for next season. Here is a round-up of some of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason so far.
•Saints Get Derek Carr after his release from the Raiders
Michael C. Hebert / New Orleans Saints
The former Raiders QB Derek Carr had two visits with the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints this offseason after his release from Las Vegas. Eventually, the Saints picked up Carr, who had a great visit with the team.
It really made sense due to the fact that this team needed a QB. Now they pick him up and have the best QB in their division. Carr has been reunited with his former coach Dennis Allen, who drafted Derek Carr in 2014 in the second round. These really great ties and connections will be helpful with a similar face and game system.
Opinion: This was not shocking at all due to the fact that Carr had two teams interested in him really quickly and just needed a fresh start in his career with a different team. In the NFC South, the Saints have their best QB in Derek Carr. This team has a lot of explosive players from WR to defense.
•Raiders Sign Jimmy Garoppolo
Ethan Miller / Getty Images
After losing Carr, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo away from San Francisco to a 3-year, $67.05 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed. This free agency pick-up makes sense due to the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo was head coach Mike McDaniels’ backup during his time with the Patriots. The Raiders were a team that was in need after releasing Derek Carr. Jimmy Garoppolo has a history of injuries throughout his career but hopefully will stay healthy throughout the new season. Jimmy will throw balls to one of the best wide receivers and route runners in Devante Adams, newly signed former Patriots wide receiver Jakobe Myers, and Hunter Renfrow. This team can really succeed with a couple of more needed positions.
Opinion: I was really surprised and shocked with this pickup due to the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo has a history of injuries throughout his career. Also, he still hasn’t proven to be a quality starting QB. I believe the Raiders were all in on Jimmy after failing to trade for the number 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.
•Big Money Re-sign: Daniel Jones (NY Giants)
Vincent Carchietta / USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have re-signed QB Daniel Jones with a huge contract through the 2027 season. After proving to himself that he is a first-round player, he showed the Giants exactly what they expected out of him when they drafted him.
Jones had many ups and downs throughout his career. In the NFL world, some fans were calling him a bust. The Giants were expected to be one of the worst teams last season but the team and Daniel Jones, along with new head coach Brian Doboll, proved that they were a great team going to the playoffs.
Opinion: This is a huge contract reward for one great season. I and NFL fans dislike the contract due to the fact that he didn’t do much in his career and proved himself for 1 season and got a huge contract.
•Franchised Tagged: Saquon Barkley
Photo by David Berding / Getty Images
The New York Giants gave the franchise tag to Saquon Barkley, earning him $15 million this upcoming season. He is a franchised player for the team but couldn’t get through with a long-term contract. He had one of his best seasons coming off a torn ACL with a career high 1,312 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Opinion: I believe Saquon does not want to play with a tagged season and wants a contract before the season starts. He’s a really great pick up. NFL fans dislike that tag choice, and NY should have freed Saquon to play for another team with a huge contract. He is a really explosive player in every carry with few long yard plays.
•Chuck Clark traded to the New York Jets from the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are trading safety Chuck Clark to the New York Jets for a 2024 7th round pick. Chuck Clark is a really underrated safety, a hard and explosive player all around, and a class act who was a starter for 4 years. It is a shocking move but makes sense due to the fact that the Ravens drafted Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame in the first round last year.
Opinion: Clark is a class act and a veteran who is a great player and likable player on the field and off the field. Overall a great person and great player on the field. The Jets did well with this trade.
Broncos Adding and Subtracting
•Ben Power
The Denver Broncos signed former Baltimore Ravens OL Ben Power. The Denver Broncos gave him a 4 year, $52 million deal with $28 million guaranteed. It is a really great pick up for Denver after having the worst offensive line for many years.
Opinion: Power is a great addition to the line with his ability to be great in the run game. He will be a key factor in the run game making huge holes for the backs to gain key yards. Also, he is having an amazing career so far with zero sacks allowed–he is really great on the pass game blocking.
•Mike McGlinchey
The Denver Broncos also signed former 49ers RT Mike McGlinchey to a 5-year deal worth $87.5 million, with over $50 million guaranteed. He is another great addition and badly needed for Denver’s poor O-line in 2022. He brings to the table the ability to make big holes on the run game and a straight menace when running to defend and pancaking his opponents. Watching his film, however, I was shocked at how bad he is in the passing game. The only film I saw that was really good was him locking up Maxx Crosby. He needs to improve a lot on his skill set on the passing game and going one-on-one. He looks scared and his foot work has to be worked on; also when he puts his hands up he looks scared to put his hands on his opponents. When his opponents shift he is too slow and reacts slowly. He has a history of injuries but hopefully for the Broncos he can have another healthy season.
Opinion: I’m really shocked by this pickup. The Broncos really overpaid. I guess Denver will have a run game plan and newly-acquired Samaje Perine will have to carry a big load in the offensive plan.
•Samaje Perine
The Denver Broncos are signing former Bengals RB Samaje Perine to a 2-year, $7.5 million contract that includes $1 million in undisclosed incentives. This is an underrated signing to pick up for the offense until Javonte Williams comes back healthy after tearing his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner last season. Perine is a really productive player, going from a backup last year to now taking advantage of his opportunities. Perine averaged 4 yards per carry. He is not a flashy player, but he runs straight to you and uses his physical strength and never gives up, moving his feet while getting tackled. There is an advantage to using him on the backfield and outside of the ball as just a pinch and run player and a great running back. Finally, Perine is a great run blocker who shuts rotational defense of ends and carries a load on the blitzing.
Opinion: I really like this addition to the Denver Broncos. Perine is an underrated player who doesn’t get much recognition. I believe this is the most underrated signing in free agency this year. After the Broncos picked up two O-line players in Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey–who both are great running-game protection players–they will help Samaje Perine this year make holes and huge runs.
•Zach Allen
The Denver Broncos signed former Arizona Cardinal Zach Allen to a 3-year, $45.75 million contract that includes a $32.5 million guarantee. This is a move that makes sense in picking up a young rising star. Allen had a ton of success under new Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and improved year after year. Zach Allen brings a lot of juice and game play in his skills from looking at his film with the Arizona Cardinals. He brings pass rush ability and was one of the best against the run game last season. Allen is expected to be a core and franchise player moving forward in the defense alongside Jones, Gregory, and Baron Browning.
Opinion: I like the pickup with Zack Allen and his ability to stop the run game. The Denver Broncos also filled a needed position when they nabbed Allen. He is a big help to the defense upfront for a team that also struggled in that spot.
Cincinnati Bengals Make Big Moves
•Germaine Pratt
The Cincinnati Bengals are resigning LB Germain Pratt to a 3-year, $20 million deal.
It is a really great pickup bringing back Germaine Pratt. I’m not a fan of the Bengals, but my brother is a Bengals fan so we always watch the Broncos and Bengals games; and let me tell you, I believe he is the most underrated linebacker in the league. His skill set is really off the charts. He is a really sticky glue player one-on-one with tight ends and with any one in front of him, and really has great vision on where the QB is throwing–always keeping his eyes on the QB while still being a good run stopper. At worst, he is a top 3 LB, in my opinion. Pratt is a cheat code on this defense–it really shows how much film he watches, and he knows what he is doing. Congratulations, Germaine Pratt.
Opinion: I’m really surprised by his contract. I believe he could have, and deserved, more. But you have to respect the man–loyalty is everything to the team who drafted Pratt in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft.
•Orlando Brown
The Cincinnati Bengals are signing former Kansas City Chiefs LT Orlando Brown to a 4-year, $64 million contract. This was a shocking move, although I’m not surprised due to the fact that the Bengals are in need of a left tackle. The best left tackle in the league in Brown gets a contract that he deserves on a team that has succeeded, and he will make this O-line more explosive. His presence will keep Joe Burrow in the pocket more and not let him scramble too much. There will be many fewer sacks allowed in the upcoming Bengals’ season.
Opinion: I really like this pick up for Cincy. Orlando Brown always succeeded throughout his career, and finally, he gets a contract he deserves. One of the best tackles in the league going to a successful team like the Bengals makes sense.
Carolina Panthers Are Busy
•Von Bell
The Carolina Panthers are signing former Bengals safety Von Bell to a 3-year, $22.5 million contract that includes $13 million guaranteed. Bell is a really underrated S that plays the inside, and he’s a run stopper from the back field. His technique and great ethics are all-around great. Carolina is doing great things during free agency, making key additions to this team that will be helping the defensive line in this year’s franchise players for their team for years to come, especially with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero (who was really great last year with the Denver Broncos having a top 2 or 3 defense).
•Deshaun Williams
The Carolina Panthers signed former Denver Broncos DT Deshaun Williams. This is an underrated signing since Williams didn’t get much playing time throughout his career. He had ups and downs throughout his career with the Denver Broncos, who signed him to the practice squad then released him. Finally, he got an opportunity to play for the Broncos, who offered him a one-year deal. He was believed to be a starter but didn’t get much opportunity to play as a starter. He got a huge opportunity with the Carolina Panthers, joining his former defensive end coach Ejiro Evero who will help with the defensive ends. Williams’ skillset is really great, he just needs to improve consistently to be successful in the league by making holes to separate the O- line and help his teammates get to the QB.
Opinion: I really like this signing of an underrated player who didn’t get much recognition throughout his career with the Broncos. I wish him a great, successful and healthy season.
Interview & Photos by Stany Hernandez | Press Release courtesy Dr. Padilla
Updated 3/27/23 @ 3:56pm
Eagles,
It’s official. Please join us in welcoming our new Eagles Varsity Head Football Coach, Elijhaa Penny!
As a graduate of NLMUSD, Penny has returned from his college and NFL career to Norwalk to give back to the community that he is passionate about. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Eagle family and look forward to the skill, experience, and energy that he will bring to our program!
The school welcomed him officially at lunch on Friday 3/24/23 in the quad. Students, teachers, and media were on hand to stop by and say, “Welcome!”
During the March 24 interview in the Quad, Coach Penny described his position here as preparing players to be higher-level athletes and to excel outside of high school. He reported having connections with NFL coaches and college coaches to help students he deems with potential to play at a university or have the commitment for it.
If there are any of our dear readers teetering the edge of playing football or not, Coach Penny says, “You can’t do that with football. It’s almost like a position where you have to be 100% committed. If you have a burning desire, just come out and try it. Other than that, I feel like football is one of those sports where you’re either 100% committed or you’re out.”
His goals for the season include winning the coveted Mayor’s Cup, stating, “I wanna win the Mayor’s Cup trophy, so we’re definitely going for that.” He continues to reflect on the community saying, “It’s definitely good for the city. Our kids are considered to be low-level talented kids but I want to make the best out of the city–whether that’s Norwalk or John Glenn, I don’t look at it any different (when it comes to the community).”
For our football players next fall, be ready to work for Coach Penny! Go Eagles!
ed. note: Coach Penny attended the University of Idaho, and then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, for whom he played from 2016-2018; he then played, most notably, for the New York Giants for four seasons from 2018-2021. The fullback retired from the NFL on November 28, 2022.
The Shoemaker Bugle 