The California Interscholastic Federation and North Coast Section have provided oversight and policies guiding our return-to-play protocols this spring. These have been developed in accordance with the directives from the Governor’s Office, the California Department of Education and State/Local Public Health Departments.

Ultimately, the exact rules and regulations per sport are discussed and finalized among the principals and athletic directors of both the Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and the Diablo Athletic League (DAL), in order to protect the safety and well-being of our student-athletes. A set of current spectator guidelines are below:

Please continue to stay up-to-date and strictly follow these guidelines and restrictions, in order to keep our athletes on the field, in the pool, and in the gym! We are working hard to provide as many opportunities as possible to allow spectators when allowed, plus investing in streaming alternatives for games.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES:

- No fee for spectators to attend competitions this season.

- Stadium/Sports Facility will open to spectators 15-20 mins prior to start of competition.

- Spectators are limited to 2 household members of participants.

- All spectators are expected to maintain distancing according to CDPH (6ft) guidelines.

- Spectators must stay in stadium stands and are not allowed to interact with athletes or coaches.

- Physical distancing (6ft) is strictly maintained at all times in accordance with guidelines except with members of the same household.

- Spectators must wear masks at all times. Masks must be worn over the mouth and nose.

- No food or drinks are allowed near the stadium/sports facility.

- Spectators may use the designated restrooms. One person at a time.

- Spectators are expected to leave the facility at the conclusion of the competition in accordance with facility guidelines.

- No gathering in the parking lots or on other parts of the school campus.

- If spectators do not comply with all guidelines or requests by school staff, they will be asked to leave.

We will be making efforts this spring to stream as many games as possible from our stadium and our gym, (huge thanks to our assistant athletic director, Brandon Enriquez!) on our YouTube channel, and the game remains on there afterwards as well. bit.ly/NorthgateYouTube

Our Northgate student athletes deserve the opportunity to participate this spring and we want to support them in a safe manner!!

Go Broncos!!

Cross country ended its season at a virtual championship race at Arbolado Park in mid-March where Northgate runners contested varsity on a 2.95 course and a JV Frosh course of 2.2 miles. Individual race winners were Freshman Robert Benard who took the Varsity Boys’ win, and Gabe Pierce, for the JV Boys. Northgate took the team win in every division, reflecting the breadth and numbers we have managed to retain during the pandemic.

No matter what the uncertainty, our Bronco Cross Country teams kept running over the past year. The coaches set up training camps once educational camps were allowed and were the first Northgate team to do so. As "The Castle Rockers" the team based ourselves in the park and started running in pods of 12 with time trials, routines and welcomed new athletes. Our athletes were adaptable, flexible and ready to figure out a new way of doing things with us as the coaches grappled with a new reality.

Through it all, our girls and boys cross country athletes were resilient, resourceful and relentlessly flexible even in the face of shifting course maps and rules due to weather, social distancing protocols, and Covid-related protocols. We should be truly inspired by these student-athletes!

Go Broncos!!!

Northgate's boy's tennis team has had both individual and team success this season.

Last Thursday the Broncos defeated College Park 7-2 with all lines winning except one double team and two singles. Previously, our varsity squad dropped a close match to Acalanes 6-3, where individual match winners were #1 Ioann Timokhin, #6 Kian Khomjani, and our #1 doubles team Trey Scheid and Woosup Kim. Way to go Broncos!

In an extremely close match that could have just as easily been a 6-3 victory, Northgate lost to Campolindo 5-4. Our top two seeded singles players went to tiebreaker before losing, but several key victories for the team included singles players #3 Ryan Bennett and #4 Trey Schultz, plus #2 doubles team Daniel Kaplun and JJ Mattingly.

Boy's tennis season concludes the week of March 15th, hosting Miramonte on Tuesday and then traveling to Las Lomas to compete on Thursday. It's been a quick season and the team continues to improve each week.

Both teams are working to find their groove, which is common after both squads lost a lot of seniors from last year. Seniors play a huge role in our golf programs and they don't necessarily even have to be the top players.

Our squads had a final match 3/26. Our top performers right now are Ryan Gay and Maddie Starke, both scoring leaders on their respective teams. Also top performers for putting (probably the most important stat in high school golf) are Coco Feliciano and Ellexis Mingming.

During the week of March 15, the boy's team had an important victory over a talented Miramonte team, 204 - 209 (lowest score wins). Broncos were led by senior captain Jack Vanderbeek among other standouts today. But in team golf you need 5 out of 6 scores. The entire team played well when we needed it most.

Both of the Bronco teams have young underclassmen that will keep us competitive in the coming years. Golf is an extremely frustrating, unforgiving and difficult sport. But we have a lot of talent and hopefully they keep growing as players and continue to work hard.

How did you come to be named the head boy's basketball coach at Northgate?

It was definitely a different process than normal considering the pandemic and the interview process was being held virtually. At the end of the day, both myself and Northgate had a mutual direction for the program which led to my opportunity to be named the head boy's basketball coach.

What is your overall basketball coaching philosophy?

I am a coach, teacher, role model and leader. I am whatever my players and the program need me to be. I bring no ego, only passion and knowledge that I try to instill in every player I have an opportunity to coach. It’s all about serving the players along with the entire program. The most important step to creating a family on and off the court is building relationships with the players. Making that initial connection. They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. I believe in creating an environment that gives the players the ability to improve each and every single day as a person, student, and player. It’s important that each athlete grows and develops as a player throughout their four years, but it would mean nothing if I am not teaching life skills that are vital for them to grow; entering as boys, leaving as men. Coaching is about ensuring your players learn, grow, and form relationships with each other that will create a life-long bond. Creating an environment for every player that leads to an experience they will remember forever.

What goals do you have for the team and program in your first year as head coach?

Considering the time that we have had thus far and the shortened season we will be fortunate to have this spring, we will focus on these areas of the program first: Continue to build relationships amongst the players & staff. Form cohesion throughout to establish our culture. Leadership exercises to teach guys how to take ownership of the team. Learn how to play basketball the right way.

What advice from your own experience in sports can you provide to current Bronco athletes?

If we have learned anything from the pandemic, playing sports is a privilege. Never take it for granted and take pride in competing for your program. Take care of your studies, work relentlessly on your craft for the sport you play, be genuine, treat people well and good things will happen.

What are some of your personal interests outside of coaching basketball?

Family, Golf, Travel, Leisure