Teachers Clarke and Wilson continue their passion for the sport they played in high school

By Luc Anderson
Staff Writer

In the past most Mira Costa High School teachers have played their high school sports that were quite good and even still play sports today.

English teacher Laura Clarke played softball in high school. Clarke attended Robert Millikan High School in Long Beach. She played for two years, although she was not skilled enough to play at a varsity level. She played utility, which is every position except pitcher and catcher.

“Even though I currently do not play, I love to watch Mira Costa’s team, and of course eat sunflower seeds.” Clarke said.

Math teacher Gary Smith, has loved sports his whole life and competed at a high school and college level. Smith attended West Torrance High School from 1976 to 1980. He played for his school soccer and baseball teams. Smith played both of these sports for all four of his high school years.

“I played soccer and baseball because I loved both of the sports, and could not choose one or the other,” Smith said.

Smith played shortstop for the baseball team, and center midfield for the soccer team. After high school he decided that he no longer wanted to play baseball anymore and decided to only play soccer. Smith continued to play soccer at the college level at UCLA, and after this played for a few more years.

“Now I just coach high school soccer so I don’t feel the need to play in any adult league,” Smith said. “However, I will still join my high schoolers if I am in the mood.”

Math teacher Rocky Wilson, started his sports hobby playing tennis. He attended Inglewood High School from 1965 to 1970 and played on the tennis team all four years. He played on the frosh team in 9th grade, junior varsity in 10th grade, and varsity in 11th and 12th grade.

“My mom would not let me play football because of fear of lifelong injuries, so I took up tennis because I found I was good at racquet sports,” Wilson said.

Wilson continued playing at El Camino, but decided to quit tennis after college and picked up badminton instead, which he continues to play today. Wilson currently plays three times a week and frequently competes in senior tournaments. Wilson also coaches the Mira Costa badminton team in addition to playing.

“After college, I found it difficult to find tennis partners, so I decided to play badminton instead.” said Wilson. “I am truly passionate about badminton.”