Category Archives: School sports

Three of Rodriguez High School’s premiere student-athletes sign collegiate letters-of-intent | dailyrepublic.com

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Family, friends, coaches and teammates gathered in the campus library to celebrate the collegiate signings of three premiere athletes at Rodriguez High School.

Swimmer Brandon Ha will be headed to Northwestern University once his senior season is complete. Nick Schikore will take his pitching skills to the University of the Pacific baseball team. Coco Trotter will make the short drive to Cal State East Bay to join the women’s golf team.

“We are celebrating three seniors off to bigger and better things,” Rodriguez athletic director and swim coach Sarah McLaughlin said. “Thanks to all that have played a part in their support network. They are all tremendous students and athletes.”

Source: Three of Rodriguez High School’s premiere student-athletes sign collegiate letters-of-intent | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Green Valley cross country teams win FSUSD middle school championships | dailyrepublic.com

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Green Valley Middle School’s cross country teams won the first Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District middle school banners for the 2025-26 season.

Both teams went undefeated. Seventh-grader Keanu Llamana was first as Green Valley captured five of the six scoring placement. The Green Valley girls took four of the top six placements.

Elsa Keller of Suisun Valley K-8 School was the girls overall champion.

Source: Green Valley cross country teams win FSUSD middle school championships | Community | dailyrepublic.com

Ex-Broncos star-turned-coach C.J. Anderson at Benicia High | denvergazette.com

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During a recent Benicia High School football practice, quarterback Elijah Nelson throws a touchdown pass and C.J. Anderson raises his arms in celebration.

“Like taking candy from a baby,’’ Anderson yells. “I called a good play.”

Soon, there is another touchdown pass and Anderson again celebrates.

Source: Ex-Broncos star-turned-coach C.J. Anderson at Benicia High | Denver Broncos | denvergazette.com

Former high school coach joins celebration for CC Sabathia’s Hall of Fame enshrinement | dailyrepublic.com

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By Matt Miller

Vallejo should be well-represented on Sunday in Cooperstown, New York, as CC Sabathia is enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Vacaville residents Abe and Terri Hobbs will be in attendance to join the festivities. Abe Hobbs was Sabathia’s high school baseball coach at Vallejo High School and the families have remained close.

“We have more in common than baseball now,” Hobbs said. “We both have four kids, so we have that connection. He’s 45 now and I’m 55. Where has the time gone?”

Source: Former high school coach joins celebration for CC Sabathia’s Hall of Fame enshrinement | Community | dailyrepublic.com

Move to GSL brought new level of success to Fairfield, Armijo athletics, and challenges | dailyrepublic.com

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Year one in the Greater Sacramento League is in the books for the high school athletic programs at Fairfield and Armijo with the reviews generally favorable by those involved.

Fairfield athletic director and head boys’ basketball coach Goli Tavissoli felt the departure from the Monticello Empire League provided more opportunity for the city schools to have success in the field of play. It also helped elevate school pride.

“It gave our kids an opportunity to feel what it’s like to win again,” Tavissoli said. “I loved what it did for the culture of our school. Our school has such a rich history that a lot of kids just didn’t know about.”

Source: Move to GSL brought new level of success to Fairfield, Armijo athletics, and challenges | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Letter Regarding California Laws Governing Athletic Competition(CA Dept of Education)

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On June 2, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a letter to many local educational agencies (LEAs) in California claiming that LEAs are “exposed to legal liability” if they comply with a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) policy that requires that students have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity. The DOJ letter asserts that the CIF policy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and that LEAs “have an obligation” to certify to DOJ by June 9, 2025, that they will not “implement” the CIF policy.

In a letter to LEAs sent on June 3, 2025, Superintendent Thurmond stated that the California Department of Education (CDE) would respond to the June 2 DOJ letter on behalf of all California LEAs, and that we would provide all LEAs with an informational copy of this letter once it was sent.

Source: Newsroom (CA Dept of Education)

State Champions: The title has a nice ring to it for Vanden’s football program | dailyrepublic.com

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The last time the Vanden High School football team was fully assembled on a field was on Dec. 14, celebrating a wild, 42-21 overtime victory over Rio Hondo Prep in Long Beach that resulted in a CIF State Division 3-A championship.

Five months later, the Vikings were at George A. Gammon Field Wednesday night, again celebrating their historic achievement with a special memento. Players, coaches and support crew were awarded championship rings.

Source: State Champions: The title has a nice ring to it for Vanden’s football program | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Green Valley teams set the pace in Middle School Track and Field’s finals | dailyrepublic.com

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By Matt Miller

Green Valley finished as the boys and girls team champions Tuesday at the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District K8 and Middle School Track and Field final at Armijo High School’s Brownlee Field.

Green Valley dominated the boys’ meet with 83.5 points. Public Safety Academy was second with 50.5 points and third went to B. Gale Wilson with 48 points.

The Green Valley girls edged out Suisun Valley 62 to 61.5. David Weir Academy was third with 57 points.

Source: Green Valley teams set the pace in Middle School Track and Field’s finals | Community | dailyrepublic.com

Vacaville grad leaps to another pole vault title at Washington State | dailyrepublic.com

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Vacaville High School graduate Gavin Dimick catapulted high into the air for a victory in the pole vault Saturday at the Jeff Rahn Classic in Spokane for his Washington State University Cougars.

The sophomore won the men’s competition with a jump of 15 feet, 7 inches.

Dimick has four wins this season and six for his career. His best personal-best came in late February when he leaped 17 feet, 0.75 inches to win the MPSF Indoor Championship, against in Spokane.

Source: Alumni Update: Vacaville grad leaps to another pole vault title at Washington State | College | dailyrepublic.com

Will C. Wood High has the ‘Wright’ stuff – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Thomas Gase

For years, thousands of people felt the effects of being around Jacob Wright at Will C. Wood High School. Although the longtime football coach and educator died suddenly of a heart attack in 2023, the school made sure everyone setting foot at the school still feels Wright’s presence.

The school held a special ceremony on Sunday, unveiling a banner honoring Wright by naming the football field the Jacob Wright Memorial Field.

“The first thing you see when you enter Will C. Wood would be this banner,” said Wood teacher and field naming committee member Tracy Ruiz. “The last thing you see when you leave Will C. Wood will be this banner.”

Source: Will C. Wood High has the ‘Wright’ stuff – The Vacaville Reporter

Will C. Wood will host memorial field dedication ceremony, Sunday, April 13 | dailyrepublic.com

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Vacaville Unified School District will hold a special Field Dedication Ceremony in honor of the late Jacob Wright, the beloved teacher, coach, and mentor who died in 2023.

The event will take place on Sunday, April 13, at 12:30 p.m. at the Will C. Wood Stadium. Gates will open at 12:15. The ceremony will commemorate Coach Wright’s legacy and impact on the Vacaville community.

The dedication will include the unveiling of a permanent plaque at WCW Stadium, as well as new signage above the press box that will bear the name “Jacob Wright Memorial Field,” alongside one of his most memorable sayings: “It’s a Great Day to be a Wildcat.”

Source: Will C. Wood will host memorial field dedication ceremony, Sunday, April 13 | High School | dailyrepublic.com

VUSD leaders likely to rename Wood High stadium field after late coach – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Vacaville Unified trustees are expected to approve renaming the Will C. Wood High School Wildcat Stadium field to the Jacob Wright Memorial Field, after the late varsity football coach, during the school district’s governing board meeting Thursday.

The renaming proposal comes after the Will C. Wood Wildcat Family Committee last year met to discuss ways to honor the coach’s legacy “and his lasting contributions to the campus and community,” according to wording in agenda documents.

Source: VUSD leaders likely to rename Wood High stadium field after late coach – The Vacaville Reporter

Parade set today to honor Vanden football champs | dailyrepublic.com

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The Vanden High state champion football team will be honored with a community parade today (Jan. 24).

The parade begins at 11:15 a.m. along the perimeter of the Vanden High School Campus, 2951 Markeley Lane, in Fairfield.

“We are incredibly proud of our Vikings football team and their extraordinary season,” Tiffany Benson, superintendent of the Travis Unified School District, said in a statement. “Their thrilling overtime victory against Rio Honda High is a testament to their resilience and determination. This parade is an opportunity for our community to come together and show their support for these talented young athletes.”

Source: Parade set today to honor Vanden football champs | News | dailyrepublic.com

Rodriguez High students sign with Div. I programs | dailyrepublic.com

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Two of Rodriguez High School’s top student-athletes were celebrated Wednesday afternoon as they signed national letters-of-intent with Division I programs near and far.

Ava Bautista will continue her swimming career and education at San Jose State. Arden Billingsley has found a volleyball home at DePaul University in Chicago.

Source: Rodriguez High students sign with Div. I programs | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Armijo grad Grijalva selected to compete in new Grand Slam Track professional series | dailyrepublic.com

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Armijo High School graduate and world track and field star Luis Grijalva announced Monday on Instagram that he will be joining Grand Slam Track, the professional racing series launched earlier this year by four-time U.S. Olympic champion Michael Johnson.

Grijalva attended Fairfield schools but competed in the 2021 and 2024 Olympics for his native Guatemala as a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. He is a two-time World Championship finalist and holds 10 national records across a range of distances from 1,500 to 10,000 meters.

Source: Armijo grad Grijalva selected to compete in new Grand Slam Track professional series | Professional | dailyrepublic.com

Cha’pelle Brown takes the helm at Wood after an extensive college football coaching career | dailyrepublic.com

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By Matt Miller

The Cha’pelle Brown era begins for the Will C. Wood High School football program with a burst of energy and a bounce of enthusiasm his predecessor would have greatly enjoyed.

Brown is the ninth head coach in the school’s 34-year history. Head coach Jacob Wright had three memorable seasons at Wood before he died late last season at the age of 46.

“We plan to honor Coach Wright and build on what he did here,” Brown said. “Coach will not be forgotten.”

Source: Cha’pelle Brown takes the helm at Wood after an extensive college football coaching career | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Vacaville football features new faces but same championship goals | dailyrepublic.com

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By Matt Miller

There are new names at many positions on the Vacaville High School football depth chart, but the Bulldogs will always been Monticello Empire League contenders under long-time coach Mike Papadopoulos and his veteran staff.

Papadopoulos is beginning his 20th season as Vacaville’s head coach. His teams have won 10 or more games six times and the Bulldogs have two Sac-Joaquin Section championships to their credit.

Vacaville had won six straight MEL titles before finishing second last season to Vanden. The Bulldogs still went 4-1 in the MEL and 7-5 overall. Vacaville beat Elk Grove 31-19 in its playoff opener before falling to St. Mary’s 38-0.

Source: Vacaville football features new faces but same championship goals | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Will C. Wood graduates overcome obstacles for big moment – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Nick McConnell

For the 2024 graduating class of Will C. Wood High School, the last four years have been bookended with adversity.

The freshman year of 2020 was marked with the loss of in-person classes and a conventional high school experience.

The senior year of 2023 was marked with the sudden loss of a pillar of the Will C. Wood community, head football coach Jacob Wright.

Source: Will C. Wood graduates overcome obstacles for big moment – The Vacaville Reporter

Monticello Empire League to add three schools, lose two – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Nick McConnell

Sports schedules will look a little different next year for Vacaville, Will C. Wood and Vanden high schools as the Monticello Empire league undergoes realignment for the first time in six years.

Armijo and Fairfield will leave the MEL, said Associate Superintendent Sasha Begell at a recent Vacaville Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, and Woodland’s Pioneer, West Sacramento’s River City and Sacramento High will be joining the league. The league will have these members for the next four years, she said, at which point realignment will be considered again.

Equity of competition is the most important factor in realignment decisions, Begell said, with scope and diversity of programs and size of school also holding weight. Travel distance is considered as well, she said.

Source: Monticello Empire League to add three schools, lose two – The Vacaville Reporter

Will C. Wood’s Wudel leaving his mark as one of the state’s winningest boys basketball coaches | dailyrepublic.com

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By Matt Miller

Mark Wudel continues to roll on as one of Solano County’s winningest high school boys basketball coaches.

Although he recently retired from teaching and is 66 years old, he’s not ready to walk away.

“I have no plans to give it up,” Wudel said. “It’s too much fun. I plan on coaching for years as long as they let me keep doing it.”

Source: Will C. Wood’s Wudel leaving his mark as one of the state’s winningest boys basketball coaches | Sport | dailyrepublic.com