Damien Garcia: Snowboarding

Photo by Chelsea Argue – Photo Editor

Four years ago, junior Damien Bellefontaine Garcia sat in a hospital room as his doctor uttered the words Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Armed with the knowledge that simple life activities would now become much harder, Garcia was determined to keep himself active and work past his illness. In an effort to not let his disease control his life, Garcia has now taken on the challenge of snowboarding every winter.

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, the malady that Garcia currently has, is a disease that prevents muscles from performing actions accurately and eventually deteriorates them. However, this crippling disability did not stop Garcia from carrying out his passion for snowboarding. Garcia continues to improve his snowboarding skills and grow as an athlete despite his obstacles.

“The disease makes snowboarding twice as hard,” said Garcia. “But it does not stop me from doing what I love.”

Garcia’s love for snowboarding began in middle school when he saw a video of a snowboarding competition. Garcia then decided to pursue the sport and learn how to be as skilled as the athletes in the video. Torstein Horgmo, a Norwegian professional snowboarder, is Garcia’s idol and has inspired him to try new techniques and improve his control of the snowboard.

“Its an amazing sport,” said Garcia. “The tricks the snowboarders were doing amazed me and I knew I wanted to be able to do that too. “

Garcia’s family has been very supportive throughout his journey. His twin brother has been a big inspiration for Garcia and encourages him to persevere.

“I am so happy to have my family,” said Garcia. “They are all so supportive.”

Despite adversity, Garcia is still able to pursue his dreams and do what he loves. Garcia’s determination has helped him to wake up every morning with a goal to achieve, despite his illness.

Written by Syra Taub – Staff Writer

Daylon Mannon: Ice hockey

Photo by Benny Goodman – Photographer

Just as Canadian professional ice hockey center Steven Stamkos triumphantly dominates the rink, sophomore Daylon Mannon strives to mimic his moves and master his skills. Through hard work and dedication, he hopes to one day work his way up to the professional level and make his name known by all hockey and sports lovers alike.

Mannon’s love for the intensity of the game and the thrill of scoring points ultimately drove him to compete in the high level hockey league that he is in today. As a member of the California Titans, based in Simi Valley, Mannon and his teammates have traveled to many tournaments and championships throughout the hockey season.

“My greatest accomplishment so far has been getting to play AAA Hockey with my team,” said Mannon. “Because [I] have to travel with the team, we get closer and more like a family.”

In order to further succeed in his hockey career, Mannon had to make the sacrifice of leaving his life in Northern California to play and move in with a fellow CHS student to play in Southern California. He has had to adapt to a new city, a new school and a new living environment without his family, which is a struggle all on its own.

“It is hard for me and probably for [my family] too, but we keep in touch and FaceTime every so often,” said Mannon. “They also come to my games almost every weekend.”

Spending 4 hours per week solely playing hockey, the sport’s high intensity and violence has become the norm for this young hockey aficionado.

“There are a lot of injuries that go around, and I have personally broken wrists before,” said Mannon. “I don’t mind though. The thrill of the game makes up for the occasional injury.”

A very dedicated athlete striving to play in the NHL or Junior Hockey League in the future, Daylon Mannon will always persevere to reach his goal to play alongside the likes of Stamkos and other hockey legends.

Written by Jackie Sedley – Staff Writer