Vista del Lago's Sports Success Spreading a Winning Feeling by Tim McGillivray - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Vista del Lago's Sports Success Spreading a Winning Feeling

By Tim McGillivray, Community Writer
October 22, 2014 at 04:51pm. Views: 81

It’s amazing how fast things can change sometimes. Athletes and fans at Vista del Lago High School have for years wandered in the wilderness, suffering through heartbreaking losses and some disappointing seasons. Then, suddenly, last year both the boys and girls tennis programs climbed into the CIF playoffs, and that spark of success seems to have ignited a blaze this year, as the football, girls tennis and volleyball programs have taken off like a shot and are all currently undefeated, either in league or overall. Girls tennis just two years ago lost every game they played, finishing 0-10. Last year they turned things around, finishing 10-6 and winning two CIF playoff games. The team is now 10-0 overall and has qualified for CIF for the second year in a row, a first for the program, and the school has rallied around the team. Tennis Coach Josh Parsons says there’s a connection between the players’ success on the court and in the classroom. “Our players are also good students,” he explained. “Their habits of hard work and commitment carry over from the classroom to the tennis court and back.” Girls volleyball has experienced success over the years, but this year’s 8-0 league record (14-4 overall) is the team’s best start ever. “It’s exciting to see how the enthusiasm for our team’s success spreads,” said Coach Jennifer Strawn. “There’s a lot of school pride, and students want to be more involved. Our school choir even sings the national anthem at our home games, which has been great.” Vista del Lago’s football team strived to improve to 7-0 at last Friday’s homecoming game against Rubidoux. Its current record of 6-0 overall is also the best-ever start for the Ravens. According to Coach Art Giovannini, his players’ year-round work ethic is also serving them well academically. “We’ve really pushed these guys to keep their grades up,” he said, “and they take pride in being successful both on the field and in class.” He said there’s been a noticeable increase in students wearing Vista del Lago shirts and sporting the school’s purple, black and silver colors and Raven logo. Principal Janelle Woodward said the winning feeling is definitely contagious. “It boosts everyone’s morale,” she said. “People start to see themselves as important parts of something special and successful, and that definitely has a very positive effect in terms of academics and school spirit in general.” She noted that students and staff also take pride in the fact that Vista del Lago’s graduation rate last year climbed more than any other high school in the district (6.7 percent), and now, at nearly 82 percent, exceeds both the state and national averages. “Success – academic and athletic – tends to breed success,” she said. “It’s exciting to see our Ravens soar.”

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Dr. April Clay

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 851

“When we support parents, we support children,” says Dr. April Clay, LMFT.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:13am. Views: 1289

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra celebrates its founding in style with a Roaring Twenties-themed gala fundraiser on October 17 at 5p.m. The orchestra invites supporters to celebrate the community, music, and legacy it has built over nearly a century.

Photo Courtesy of: Colton Joint Unified School District

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 708

Music students at Colton High School will soon enjoy a larger space with more storage, practice rooms, better acoustics and better space for creating, learning and performing. Construction on the Buildings is Set to Start in 2027

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:05am. Views: 1364

State, Local Education Leaders Highlight Nearly $162 Million in CalKIDS Scholarships Available to San Bernardino County Students.

Photo Courtesy of: CIty News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 1068

An October 2026 study from Loma Linda University suggests a simple dietary change may influence inflammation-related measures in older adults. A bowl of walnuts sits alongside a nutritious breakfast, illustrating the everyday dietary choice examined in Loma Linda University research.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:28pm. Views: 1187

San Bernardino Drug Take Back Day 2026, prescription medication disposal, San Bernardino Police Department, October 24, medication safety, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Community collection efforts offer families a convenient way to remove unwanted prescription drugs from their homes while promoting public safety and protecting the environment.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:24pm. Views: 608

Long before modern freeways reshaped the Inland Empire, the railroad helped establish San Bernardino as a transportation center. Trains brought passengers, goods, workers and new business opportunities into the region, connecting a growing Southern California community with destinations across the country.

Photo Courtesy of: California Historical Society Collection, USC Libraries Special Collections.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:22pm. Views: 751

As Redlands continues to grow, its surviving citrus groves offer a living connection to the industry that shaped the city's neighborhoods, economy and identity. Orange trees heavy with fruit line a grove in Redlands around 1900, with snow-covered Mount San Bernardino visible in the distance. The photograph documents the citrus industry that played a central role in the city's early development.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:19pm. Views: 1829

The City of Redlands will host Plane-or-Treat at Redlands Municipal Airport on October 25, featuring trick-or-treating, entertainment and family activities. An AI-generated illustration

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 997

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 702

Moreno Valley is preparing to celebrate one of Mexico's most meaningful cultural traditions with an evening dedicated to remembrance, family and community.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 641

Moreno Valley Unified School District is continuing its parent education efforts with an October workshop focused on social-emotional learning, positive behavior and bullying prevention.

--> -->