LOS ALAMITOS — On Monday, the CIF-SS held their Ninth Annual Jim Staunton Champions for Character dinner at The Queen Mary in Long Beach.
12 years ago the State CIF and the CIF-SS began a program to develop 16 principles of coaching, competing and teaching called “Pursuing Victory with Honor.” Since that time we have seen school boards, superintendents, principals, athletic directors and students embrace these principles in an effort to give our student-athletes tools for success on the playing field and in life.
As a way to recognize these student-athletes that combine a fierce competitive nature with the tenants of winning and losing with character; the CIF-SS Ethics in Sports Committee created this program.
Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and schools who demonstrate these qualities are honored at this event and highlighted for their achievements.
“It is humbling to read the accomplishments of our honorees,” stated CIF-SS Commissioner of Athletics Rob Wigod. “We are honored to recognize these outstanding individuals. They exemplify our commitment to sportsmanship, character, and to Pursuing Victory with Honor.”
The program is named after former commissioner, Dr. Jim Staunton, who was instrumental in the inception and growth of this program.
The CIF-SS is a non-profit corporation organized to direct and administer athletics in secondary schools within its membership and geographical boundaries. The Southern Section is one of 10 sections in the state of California. Not only is it the largest in the state (representing nearly one half of the state’s high schools – 579 schools), but it is the ninth largest association of its type nationally. Each of the state sections operate independently, but all within the framework of the state federation.
The following is a list of the honorees:
Students
Nick Avne, Heritage High School
Briana Contreras, Heritage High School
Elizabeth Snow, Millikan High School
Jewelyn Sawyer, Gahr High School
Tanya Carrazco, Azusa High School
Andrew Pacheco, Alta Loma High School
Monica Aracelli Quila, Pacifica High School/Oxnard
Kevin Brown, University High School
Karley Wester, Edison High School
Wedge Molthen, St. John Bosco High School
Jennifer Pillon, St. Joseph High School/Lakewood
Monica Sheldon, Marlborough High School
Lauren Joseph, Mayfield High School
Caitlin Markey, Providence High School
Administrators
Jon Hurst, Principal, Elsinore High School
Mark Williams, Athletic Director, Temescal Canyon High School
Julie Zierold, Principal, Heritage High School
Jacalyn Littrell, Assistant Principal, Gladstone High School
Darryl Thomas, Athletic Director, Covina High School
Rob Dearborn, Athletic Director, Moorpark High School
Willie Ray Dillon, Head Wrestling Coach, Pacifica High School/Oxnard
David Lappin, Head Baseball Coach, Loara High School
Mike Manzo, Athletic Director, Bishop Amat High School
Schools
Rio Mesa High School, Ray Gonzales, Principal
Edison High School, Dr. D’liese Melendrez, Principal
El Modena High School, John Briquelet, Principal
Poly High School/Pasadena, Debbie Reed, Principal
The Commissioner’s Award
Camarillo High School, Glenn Lipman, Principal
Heritage High School, Julie Zierold, Principal
San Luis Obispo High School, Leslie O’Conner, Principal
Upland Christian Academy, Tamara Solis, Principal
Pacific Coast League, John Pehrson, League President
