Pueblo High School

Welcome, Mr. Montaño!

By Lauren Ahern and Nayeli Sanchez

This semester, Pueblo has gained a new assistant principal, Mr. David Montaño, after Mr. Joel Bacalia accepted a position at University High School. Although the school year is half over, Montaño said that he is very excited to be a “whole part” of Pueblo in 2016.

Although Montaño was born in California, he has lived in Tucson for nearly 45 years and attended the University of Arizona, earning his degree in social studies. His professional career has been very eclectic; he has taught at Maxwell Middle School as well as Naylor (K-8) as a social studies teacher. His focus shifted to administration, which led him to Cholla High School, Palo Verde High School, Rincon High School, Secrist Middle School… and now Pueblo.

New Assistant Principal David Montaño Talking To Pueblo Students At Lunch — New Assistant Principal David Montaño talking to Pueblo students at lunch

“Oh, it’s [Pueblo] beautiful!” said Montaño. “Pueblo is such a wonderful family. Once I got here, I felt accepted, and I wasn’t nervous at all.”

Montaño’s responsibilities and duties as an assistant principal include freshman discipline (with last names beginning with “M” through “Z”), developing and improving curriculum, summer school, testing and data.

He added that his professional responsibility is to support students and especially our teachers. Above all, Montaño wholeheartedly wants to help students to believe that they can change to make the school a better place.

“We are all unique, and we should all have self-confidence. We make a difference in someone’s life,” he said.

Montaño believes that he will be at Pueblo for “a long time”, and he hopes that his legacy will be to have known in his heart that he helped students to believe that they truly can achieve their dreams.

Alicia Reyes Breaks State Record

By America Cardenas

Pueblo Basketball Player Alicia Reyes Breaks Arizona Record For 3 Pointers Made In A Game — Alicia Reyes (Center) holds scorebook showing the 17 3-Pointers she made to break record.

On January 27, Pueblo’s Girls’ Basketball team enjoyed a colossal win over Cholla with a final score of 98-11. Another victorious moment that night was sophomore Alicia Reyes, Class of 2018, setting a new state record.

Reyes made 17 three-pointers during the game (for a total of 51 points in just three-pointers!) and ended up scoring a total of 57 points, topping the previous Southern Arizona high of 54 made by another Warrior, Angela Lopez, set in the 2007-08 season.

“She [Reyes] is my shooter, she is my best shooter!” exclaimed Coach Ismael Galindo.

The previous record of three-pointers made in a single game was 14 set last season by a Phoenix Sierra Linda High School student, Janae Gonzales.

“When I hit the record breaking three-pointers, I could not stop smiling,” Reyes said. “I could see my teammates cheering for me, and it was a great feeling!”

Reyes tied the national record of 17 three-pointers that was set by Rebecca Greenwell from Kentucky back in January 2013.

“I want to break the national record!” Reyes exclaimed. “That would definitely be something to talk about for a long time!”

One of the team’s greatest games this season was their matchup against the Safford High School Bulldogs; that evening, the Warriors girls’ basketball team broke that team’s 24-consecutive winning streak.

The girls’ basketball team ended the regular season with a final record of 22-3, going undefeated in their section. They need the support of the Pueblo community when they take on the Casa Grande Cougars in the second round of sectional playoffs on Thursday, February 11.

Pueblo Makes A Goal—A Winning One!

By Sandra Iniguez

This past year, Pueblo’s athletics department has consistently risen to challenges and reached awesome success. This has also been the scenario for Pueblo’s boys’ soccer team.

The boys’ team was able to successfully take the win in 10 out of 12 of their season games; as a result of this phenomenal record, the team will be headed to playoffs.

“It was a great season,” said Brayan Urias, a senior who is midfielder for Pueblo’s soccer team. “I think this team has been the best to play at Pueblo.”

On Saturday, February 6, the boys were able to take the win in their second round playoff game against NFL YET Academy with the final score of 7-2. This is the first time that Pueblo soccer has gotten this far with an opportunity to place in state.

“We’ve come a long way from where we started and we’ve definitely changed our mindset about how much effort we need to put in,” said David Greenwood, a senior who plays forward for the team.

Senior Erick Garcia, another midfielder for the boys’ soccer team, said, “Out of my four years playing here at Pueblo, this team is my favorite because most of us have played club soccer together, and that just adds to the dynamic chemistry we have out in the field.”

The boys’ next game is at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, at Tucson High School, where they will take on Glendale Prep.

“I hope we are able to bring another state banner into Pueblo’s Lever Gym,” added Garcia.

If the boys are able to win in the semifinals game against Glendale Prep, they will move on to the championship game and will represent Pueblo at the highest level.

“I am confident we can make it to State final,” said senior Mario Rodriguez, a midfielder on the team. “Throughout the entire season, everyone on the team has put in the effort to play to the best of their ability and represent Pueblo with pride.”

Mr. Francisco Urtuzuastegui, Pueblo’s boys’ soccer coach, much like the rest of Pueblo, is extremely excited and proud of how much the team has accomplished this season.

“The team consists of guys who are filled with so much enthusiasm [for soccer],” Urtuzuastegui said. “They have really committed themselves to their practices, and I’m extremely proud of them. I am confident that the boys can take State, which would be a great experience for them and to make it [their mark] at Pueblo. A State victory would also be a very personal victory that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Warriors Place 5th In State, 1st In Tucson; Prepare For Nationals In March

By Avae Velasquez

On January 23, the Warrior Cheer team competed for the first time in at least seven years at the AIA State Competition at Grand Canyon University, placing fifth in Division 2.

Before the Warriors left for Phoenix, they had a team conversation about what they wanted to happen.

“The biggest thing that we all agreed on was not regretting anything about our performance,” said Coach Frankie Grijalva.

Although the team did not come back as state champions, they were the only Tucson team to place in the top five in all three divisions.

“I know we have a strong team, we just had to prove it,” said senior Xamantha Williams. “Being top five in our state and number one in our city is such an awesome accomplishment.”

Grijalva said, “I knew that this team had it in them to make a name for our school and that is what they did and will continue doing as we get ready for Nationals in March held in Anaheim.”

The cheer team will be competing in Anaheim, California in mid-March at the UCA National competition. The Cheer Boosters set up a “GoFundMe” account in order for Pueblo students, faculty, staff and community members to donate money to the team so that will be able to afford the trip.

The link is: https://www.gofundme.com/pueblo

Williams said, “I’m leaving Pueblo happy to say that I was a part of the magic that helped our sports programs do so well this school year.”

Warriors Attend University Of Arizona Press Conference

By América Cárdenas and Avae Velasquez

Bobby Taylor, Cedric Cotton & Principal Dr Romero being interviewed by America Cardenas & Avae — Basketball players Bobby Taylor, Cedric Cotton & Principal Dr. Romero being interviewed by America Cardenas & Avae Velasquez at the MLK Classic 2016

On Friday, January 15, two members of Pueblo’s varsity boys’ basketball team participated in a press conference at the University of Arizona—regarding the Martin Luther King Classic, alongside Coach Kelvin Eafon.

The boys’ basketball team participated in the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Basketball Classic that was held at the McKale Center at the University of Arizona.

“It is such an honor to be able to coach on the court that I played on years ago,” said Coach Eafon.

The Warriors took on the Rincon Rangers in the final game of the night; unfortunately, they came up short with the final score of 54-67.

Pueblo Basketball Cedric Cotton Coach Kelvin Eafon Bobby Taylor — Cedric Cotton, Coach Kelvin Eafon & Bobby Taylor at the MLK Classic press conference

Sophomore Bobby Taylor said, “I’m glad my team had the opportunity to participate in such an honorable event in honor of Dr. King.”

The Warriors are currently 12-8 and will take on the school’s rival team the Cholla Chargers tonight at 7:30 in Lever Gym. The team urges all members of the Pueblo community to attend the game tonight and to wear white to show their support.

Seven Warriors To Play Collegiate Sports

By América Cárdenas and Avae Velasquez

Pueblo Magnet High School hosted the first annual student athlete signing ceremony on Friday, Jan. 15. Seven of our Warriors announced their schools of interest or their choices of where they will be attending college in the fall.

Among these Warriors, only one senior, Vanessa Molina, officially signed. She committed to attending Central Arizona College to play softball.

“The student athletes had the choice of signing at the college, their home, or here at Pueblo,” said Assistant Principal Frank Rosthenhausler. “Vanessa Molina decided to sign here at her high school and wanted to give the opportunity to her fellow student athletes.”

Three of her fellow softball teammates, Vanessa Duarte, Alizea Corday, and Sierra Gaskill, committed to attend Phoenix College and signed the next day, Jan. 16.

“I am extremely proud of the girls’ commitment on and off the field,” said first year high school softball coach Curtis Ruiz. “It makes coaching worth every minute especially when you get to see the players you have had for years finally achieve their dreams of playing ball at the next level.”

Senior Frankie Gomez was also apart of the celebration, and he expressed three schools of interest for baseball. Gomez is still undecided as to where he would like to attend college in the fall.

“I would like to thank God and my family for the amazing opportunities and support they have gave me over the years.” Gomez said. “I still haven’t committed to which college I’ll attend. It’s going to be a difficult decision.”

Jasiah Booth and Justin Pledger have both received offers to play football at the collegiate level.

Booth said that he is also undecided about where he will attend college but has narrowed the choice between Arizona Christian University, Jacksonville University, and three community colleges: Glendale, Mesa, and Scottsdale.

Pledger has the two choices of attending Pima and Eastern College.

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Brandon Sanders said, “Our student athletes deserve the best. This ceremony was very successful, and I hope this will become an annual event for our Pueblo students.”