Both current and former Pointer athletes have made news in recent weeks.
Current senior distance runner Manny Correia set a PLHS record and the county-best time this year, when he was clocked at 1:51:44 in the 800-meter run at the Escondido Invitational, on April 21. Earlier this year, he set personal best times of 50.57 (400 M), 3:08:8 (1200 M Relay Split), 4:09.83 (1600 M), 4:11.15 (1 mile) and 9:12.79 (3200 M).
Class of 2020 member Joey Azar took second place in the National Championships of Collegiate Boxing in Charlotte, N.C. Fighting in the 139-pound division, Azar won both the quarterfinals and semifinals before losing to a fierce Naval Academy opponent in the finals. After accepting the silver medal, Azar’s goal is to win gold next year.
J.L. Skinner (Class of 2019) was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft (number 183 overall) by the Denver Broncos. Skinner (6 feet 4 inches tall, 220 pounds) has played safety at Boise State University for four years, earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2022. Skinner (above) finished his career at BSU with 208 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles 20 passes defended, and seven interceptions.
Two girls pitched no-hitters on two consecutive days for the Pointer junior varsity softball team. On April 25, it was Olivia Connor frustrating West Hills hitters during a 10-0 win. On April 26, Lida Grinnan confused Morse batters as the Pointers won 14-0. The team, coached by Chris Ghio, has a current record of 14-2-1 with a 2-0 mark in league play.
