NHS Athletic News
Go Broncos! Fall Wrap Up
Football News!
Girls Golf Finishes Strong
First team all league honors- Gia Feliciano, Sam Ricafrente, and Ellexis Mingming. Second team all league honors went to Maddie Starke.
Northgate Says Goodbye to Long Time Soccer Coach, Steve Chappell
In Conversation with Steve Chappell- Leaving a Legacy
How long did you coach at Northgate and how did your role change over the years? How did your coaching style and philosophy change over time?
I started coaching at Northgate in 2007 as the JV Head Coach. The 2011 season I took over the varsity program and coaches for 8 seasons. Coaching style has always evolved by being a student of the game, learning from other mentors, coaches, players and parents. Professional development is important to me, always striving to learn from the best, obtain coaching licensing and attend coaching clinics and conventions. Philosophy was always student athlete first, however, where I think the program flourished was the culture we built around being a great teammate - on and off the field.
What did you love about coaching the Broncos?
The student athletes! being around the high school atmosphere and hoping I can influence their lives in a positive and life lesson way was what I loved about coaching at Northgate.
What are a couple of favorite highlights from your career here?
Looking back, the 2013 team and our quarterfinal match against Ygancio Valley. Though we lost in pk's, that team, that season and that experience really initiated the change in culture in Northgate soccer during my coaching time. Another lasting highlight were the varsity team Asilomar trips during the start of the season. Those trips were life changing for many of the players, and really brought the team together with our team building exercises, eating together and the games we played against local teams in Pacific Grove.
What do you hope that you have left as a legacy to your team?
Legacy...good question - my hope is that the culture we built and focused on being a great teammate will resonate and continue with the program.
Any words you might have for the players as they head into their next season?
Words to the players this coming season...for the seniors, enjoy every day as the season goes by fast - enjoy your moment. To the underclassman, play for the seniors!
Good luck to the new coaching staff and team.
Boys Water Polo finishes as DAL Champs! Next Stop- NCS
Boys Water Polo - Undefeated
Round 2 NCS Water Polo is coming SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9th!
From team parent:
The Northgate Varsity Water Polo Boys team is having a great season. We are undefeated in the league and are currently placed #1 seed in the DAL. We recently had a strong win against Concord HS and a nail-biter victory against College Park (that included two overtimes and then a sudden death period). We have also participated in three tournaments this year (Napa, Carmel and Loomis where we placed third). The Northgate JV Water Polo Boys team is also having a good year. They just returned from a tournament in Napa and are looking forward to the JV Shorty tournament at Las Lomas next week.Girls Water Polo
A note from Jim McClelland, Head Girls Coach
New Varsity Head Boy's Soccer Coach- Mark Tobin
- What has your soccer coaching and playing experience been so far?
Coaching: USSF D coaching License, coached in Ireland, Australia, Virginia and was lucky enough to coach Northgate Girls Varsity to be League Champions with a 11-0-1 record and NCS Semi-Finalist 16-2-3
record.
Playing: u18 Irish National Champions (1996) Irish National College Champions (1999) and National University Champions (2005).
- What are you looking forward to in working with your team?
Looking forward to building on what Coach Chappell did for 7 years and allowing the players showcase their undoubted ability.
- What are some things you bring to the program that you have picked up from another coach (or how has a coach in your life influenced the way you approach it?)
You may win a game by individuals doing something amazing. However, individuals don’t win championships. I want players to hear the final whistle and have the same feeling I had when I won national championships and say no matter how old I am I will never forget the 16 people on the squad who helped me achieve something that I could not do on my own.
- Anything else you want our community to know as they look at the season ahead?
Go Broncos!!!
New Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach- Gabe Cineguegos
- What has your soccer coaching and playing experience been so far?
I graduated NG in 2002, Won a soccer NCS in 02'. Studied and played at Norte Dame de Namur University.
Started coaching at Northgate in 2007 as JV coach for the Men's program. Been coaching with Northgate for the past 10+ years as an Assistant coach to the program.
Was Youth Director at Walnut Creek Soccer Club for many years and currently serve as DFC Assistant Youth Director.
Look forward to serving as Head Varsity coach for this talented group of girls!
- What are you looking forward to in working with your team?
I'm most excited about coaching a handful of players that I coached when they were 8-9 years old:)
- What are some things you bring to the program that you have picked up from another coach (or how has a coach in your life influenced the way you approach it?)
Over the past 4 years I have been traveling back and forth from Europe for coaching education in football. I was fortunate enough to have some great instructors who worked with high end clubs teaching me. My hope is to bring a different style of soccer that is displayed by how the team plays together on the field.
- Anything else you want our community to know as they look at the season ahead?
If anyone sees a crazy little 4 year old named "Jordi" running around at games, say HELLO! before she does ;)
Northgate Athletics
Email: cooperk@mdusd.org
Website: northgatebroncos.org
Location: 425 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Phone: 925 938-0900
Twitter: @nhsbroncos