APRIL 2025 36 By Mark Hays Baseball and softball seasons are officially underway at our area high schools. Arcadia, Brophy, Veritas, and Xavier are geared up to build on past successes, hoping to make this the best season yet.  BASEBALL Newly appointed head coach Jeffrey Fierro is still familiarizing himself with the team’s key rivalries, but he has already pinpointed exciting matchups against Saguaro, Brophy and Chaparral. Fierro describes himself as “a player’s coach,” focusing on fostering an enjoyable and positive team culture. “Many of these kids have competed against each other and know each other well,” Fierro said. “We’ve got a solid lineup and a deep roster with a lot of talent.” Fierro believes the team’s offense will be a strength this season. Although the players have limited varsity experience, there are several to watch, including seniors Will Steeple- Kopple, Christian Baca, and Levi Herndon, along with juniors Brock Segui, Grant Erickson, Cael Donahue and Hank Jensen. April 2 – vs. St. Mary's (Chase Field, 7 PM) April 4 – @ Barry Goldwater (3:45 PM) April 8 – vs. Saguaro (3:45 PM) April 10 – @ Saguaro (3:45 PM) April 15 – @ Mesquite (3:45 PM) April 17 – vs. Mesquite (3:45 PM) April 21 – vs. Marcos de Niza (3:45 PM) April 23 – @ Marcos de Niza (3:45 PM) April 28 – @ Paradise Honors (6 PM) SOFTBALL Coach Jason Foster is leading a youthful team with high expectations as they gear up for 25 games this season. The Lady Titans are particularly eager to face Salpointe Catholic, the state champs from last year, and look forward to a rematch with Mica Mountain, the squad that ended Arcadia’s playoff hopes in 2024. Foster highlighted junior Abby Verstegen and freshman Isabel Talamantes as key pitchers to watch. Offensively, Verstegen and sophomores Sydney Kelley and Jane Ord have been impressive, each hitting above .500 in their opening tournament. Foster’s coaching philosophy is straightforward: “I get them ready, and they take it from there. Our main goal this season is to repeat as region champions,” he said. April 2 – vs. St. Mary's (3:45 PM) April 4 – vs. Barry Goldwater (4 PM) April 8 – @ Saguaro (3:45 PM) April 10 – vs. Saguaro (3:45 PM) April 15 – vs. Mesquite (4 PM) April 17 – @ Mesquite (3:45 PM) April 21 – @ Marcos de Niza (3:45 PM) April 23 – vs. Marcos de Niza (4 PM) April 25 – vs. Mica Mountain (4 PM) April 28 – vs. Paradise Honors (4 PM)  BASEBALL Under the leadership of Brophy alum Josh Garcia, the Broncos begin their season ranked No. 3 in the Southwest and No. 28 nationally (by Perfect Game USA). “The Broncos return a talented group, including senior pitchers Jack Lafflam and Benton Hickman,” Sports Information Director Steve Schaff said. Both are committed to the University of Arizona and were named to the Preseason Top 60 team. Jack, expected to be a high-round MLB draft pick, went 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA last season. Coach Garcia was named the AIA 6A Conference Premier Region and Arizona Baseball Coaches Association 6A Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading Brophy to a 24-7 record and its first Premier Region title since 2009, thanks to an 8-0 record in region play. Brophy’s schedule includes tough matchups against nationally ranked Casteel and a trip to Las Vegas for the All Faiths Classic in April. Home games at Opus Field are free to attend. April 1 – @ Desert Vista (3:45 PM) April 3 – vs. Desert Vista (4 PM) April 7 – vs. Millennium (4 PM) April 9 – @ Millennium (6 PM) April 10 – @ Perry (3:45 PM) April 14 – vs. Archbishop Moeller (10:45 AM) April 23 – @ Sunnyslope (4 PM) April 25 – vs. Sunnyslope (4 PM) April 28 – vs. Notre Dame Prep (4 PM)  BASEBALL Coach Wade Huseth is returning six starters from last year’s team, which advanced to the top 16 in the state tournament. Seniors Cade Huseth, Tico Lentz, and sophomore Logan Cortes will help lead the team in 2025. Coach Huseth said the players expect to rely on pitching and defense to win games. Cade, a standout pitcher, posted an impressive 98 strikeouts and a 2.03 ERA over 59 innings last season. Logan hit .429 with a .729 slugging percentage, while Tico batted .375. Veritas aims to win its region title for the second consecutive year, though due to recent realignment, they face a tougher schedule. Notable opponents include AZ Lutheran, Horizon Honors, and Phoenix Country Day School. “I focus on being a good team player, respecting everyone involved, and fighting through adversities to win,” Cade said. April 1 – @ Phoenix Country Day (3:45 PM) April 3 – vs. Arizona Lutheran Academy (3:45 PM) April 8 – vs. Heritage Academy Laveen (3:45 PM) April 10 – vs. Horizon Honors (3:45 PM) April 14 – vs. Phoenix Country Day (3:45 PM) April 16 – @ Arizona Lutheran Academy (4 PM) April 17 – @ Chandler Prep (6 PM) April 22 – @ ALA - Anthem South (3:45 PM) April 24 – vs. Santa Cruz Valley (3:45 PM) April 28 – @ Tempe Prep (3:45 PM)  SOFTBALL Coach Thomas Sahhar is leading the Gators this year. They will play 28 games, including 10 tournament matchups and 18 regular-season contests. Sahhar, who started coaching at Xavier last September, said he and the team are looking forward to each game. Despite being a younger squad, the players rely on strong pitching and defense to guide them. “I believe that all of our student-athletes on varsity are standout players,” Sahhar said. “We focus on developing a fundamentally sound team that will compete at a high level.” April 1 – vs. Desert Vista (3:45 PM) April 3 – @ Desert Vista (3:45 PM) April 7 – @ Millennium (3:45 PM) April 9 – vs. Millennium (3:45 PM) April 11 – vs. Perry (3:45 PM) April 16 – vs. Desert Ridge (3:45 PM) April 23 – vs. Sunnyslope (3:45 PM) April 25 – @ Sunnyslope (3:45 PM) April 28 – @ Notre Dame Prep (3:45 PM) Arcadia area baseball and softball teams striving for playoffs (back) Emma Lucas, Vivienne Green, Logan Jenkins, Coach Jim Miller, Coach Jason Foster, Olivia Holiday, Olivia Baumgardner, Abby Verstegen, Jane Ord. (front) Eva Bowling, Syd Kelley, Viv Speyer, Isabel Talamantes, Cora Reiter, Mia Nassos, Lucy Dreier, Kinzie Brown, Ava Peterson. (front) Jonah Castle, Austin Trapp, Miles McCarthy, Brandon Wirtz, Dennis Gregory, John Hazen, Isaac Holder, Nico Lara. (second row) Owen McGuire, Benton Hickman, Dreson Ethier, Will Jacobson, Grady Openden, Chris Sinacori, Ian Palumbo. (third row) George Erlandson, Ronan O’Brien, Charlie Borchard, Coleman O’Donnell, Ryan Fesperman, Michael Horne. (back) Vinny Noble, Johnny Bianchi, Brett Nicholas, Josh Garcia, Coach Mike Nunez, Sam Melendez, Jack Lafflam. (front) Logan Cortes, Bennett Luzader, Henry Burch, Kellan Jacobs, Mason Bushard, Charlie Burch, Jack Mason, Baylor Arnold. (back) Wesley Jackson, Kael Trounce, Jackson McAtee, Cade Huseth, Alejandro Martinez, Dominic Tiron, Tico Lentz, Henry Schaefer, Camden Palmquist, Wesley Schaefer, Connor Huseth, Anthony Sanfratello, Kaylon Wilkinson. (front) Nora Wickers, Evy Matthews, Leah Jollineau, Noe Romo, Sophia Pacheco, Sydney Root. (middle) Manager Rylee Matthews, MaKenzie Latvaaho, Joie Ramos, Riley McKeever, Ana Matuz Moran, Sariah McNabb, McKenna Hackett, Sam Riggle. (back) Shya Pethtel, Molly Frazier, Assistant Coach Brian McNerny, Coach Sydnie Steffen, Coach Tom Sahhar, Angie Falls, and Avery Fleet. PHOTO: AUDREA WALSHIRE PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE SHAFF PHOTO COURTESY OF CHASE BEEBE PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS SAHHAR

37 APRIL 2025 By Cliff Summerhill In an era where digital security is more crucial than ever, Xavier Prep offers its students new classes to enhance their cybersecurity skills. The school was selected as a pilot for the 2025-26 academic year as part of the AP Career Kickstart initiative. This phase will allow the school to assess and refine the curriculum before fully expanding the program nationally in the next school year. Xavier introduced two Advanced Placement (AP) cybersecurity courses as part of the AP Career Kickstart program. The first is AP Cyber: Networking, which focuses on the fundamentals of computer networking, and AP Cyber: Security, which centers on principles and practices. These courses are reserved for juniors and seniors; however, sophomores who have completed the Computer Programming Essentials course may also be eligible. Leading the initiative is Leon Tynes, the department chair of computer science. Tynes has over 15 years of experience in STEM education, technology integration, and curriculum development. “Xavier recognizes the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape,” Tynes said. “By offering these courses, the school aims to equip students with essential skills to navigate and protect against cyber threats, preparing them for future industry challenges.” These new courses offer a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity principles, network security, and data privacy and are designed to provide students with a strong foundation with real-world applications that set them up for high-demand, high-wage careers that don’t always require a traditional four-year college degree. “A highlight of the courses is ethical hacking, where students gain exposure to methodologies and techniques used to identify security weaknesses,” Tynes said. “Additionally, students will work with cybersecurity tools and technologies, including intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and Security Information and Event Management systems.” These courses incorporate emerging cybersecurity trends, ensuring students remain updated with the evolving digital landscape. In addition, the program offers a career exploration component, guiding students through various pathways and equipping them with essential industry certifications and skills to enter the workforce or pursue higher education in cybersecurity. The AP Career Kickstart program collaborates with organizations such as CompTIA to align course content with industry certifications. High- achieving students may receive vouchers for additional certification exams, further enhancing their professional qualifications. “By integrating these courses, Xavier continues its tradition of staying at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the digital age,” Tynes said. “The school’s proactive approach underscores its dedication to providing relevant and rigorous academic opportunities.” AP cybersecurity courses prepare students for future Leon Tynes By integrating these courses, Xavier continues its tradition of staying at the forefront of educational innovation. ADDRESS 3126 East Indian School, Phoenix, AZ 85016 VISIT US AT www.scottsdalemeats.com Offering premium meats, seafood , and specialty items, from sauces and seasonings to pickles and pre-made foods! The family-owned meat and seafood distributors you know and trust, now open in Arcadia! 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