By Alyssa Zucker
Staff Writer
Although it is not commonly known among Mira Costa students, the Mira Costa surf team has won Bay League every year since 2002. The team is undefeated so far in the 2012-13 season as well.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the surf team meets at 6:30 a.m. to practice. Mira Costa physical education teacher Tracy Geller has been coaching the team for the past four years and surfs along side his team at practice.
“I love that Geller comes out and surfs with us,” sophomore Noah Collins said. “He is close by to give advice and show us how it is done. He is so passionate about surfing that it inspires the rest of us to do our best.”
The surf team has a 4-0 record this season, with two more competitions to still take place.
“We have such depth this year,” Geller said. “Everyone does their part, and there are no weak links on the team.”
In the girls’ heats, the team is also undefeated. The girls have won every heat they have competed in this season.
“Competitions are really nerve-wracking,” sophomore Sara Kohrogi said. “We know the team is depending on each individual score, so there is a lot of pressure, but we all support one another and just try to have fun.”
Every spring break the surf team takes a trip to an exotic surf spot for a fun getaway. Last year the team went to La Libertad, El Salvador, and this year they are going to Las Flores, El Salvador.
“The opportunity to travel and experience the best waves in the world was amazing,” junior Codee Stamis said. “I cannot wait to go again this year,”
Every year, the Bay League puts on a Hennessey Cup, which is different from all other competitions because participants compete as individuals, not as a team. Last year, Collins won the cup as a freshman. This year, Collins could not attend the competition but Stamis placed third.
“It was the best feeling in the world, winning the cup as a freshman,” Collins said. “I was disappointed I couldn’t make it this year, but I still have two more years to try and win again.”
After Bay League, Geller chooses the best Costa competitors in the season to participate in “nationals,” the National Surfing Scholastic Association contest, which is also based around individual advancement for the surfers.
“The surf team was the highlight of my high school years,” senior Josh Perch said. “I will never forget the memories that I have made, the waves I’ve ridden, the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned and the family I am truly privileged to have been a part of.”
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