PREPNET / SPEAKOUT

How important is it to hold state championships and why?

JIM DUEL

State CIF Office

If the focus is on the values of athletics, then I think holding state championships is important. It gives individuals and teams something to strive for and to work toward. It can epitomize the best in goal-setting, in teamwork, in working hard to achieve an individual and team goal and even in accepting defeat. It gives student-athletes and teams a chance to be the best that they can be. Reaching the state championships, whether in an individual or team sport, is like getting an ‘A’ in an academic class. It is the highest standard for high school excellence in athletics.

SARAH MESA

Kennedy, Softball

I think it’s important because you have a chance to represent your school at the state level. It will bring more recognition to programs, and maybe more opportunities for girls to be seen for possible college scholarships. Softball doesn’t have a state championship, but I think we should have it so that we can face teams outside the Southern Section and show how much talent we have here in Orange County. A championship tournament brings out what kind of person you are--hard worker, committed, ability to perform under pressure for your community.

NIKKI LEE

Marina, Basketball

I think it’s important. It’s another step after [Southern Section playoffs]. You don’t get to play everyone in your division from the region during the regular season. I got to play in the state (playoffs) during my sophomore year and it was exciting. You get to see how good you are compared to other players. It’s icing on the cake.

OLLIE MARTIN

Mater Dei, Basketball

With girls basketball I like the idea of a state championship. As a coach it’s something that is unique, you’re not just an area champ, you’re the champion of the whole state. It’s a really nice goal to set and then go after it. I would, however, like to see the state championships moved each year and not always held in Northern California like they have been, because it’s an obvious advantage to be playing closer to home.

SANJAY SHAH

Fountain Valley, Basketball

I think state championships are extremely vital, because it is a great test for teams, and it decides who the best teams in the state are. I think they should even have national championships. State championships also feature teams playing each other for the first time.

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