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Mustangs preparing for busy fall sports campaign
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All three levels of Oakdale volleyball were in action Saturday, Aug. 15 for the annual GEBO – Golden Valley, Escalon, Beyer, Oakdale – scrimmage, hosted in the Mustang gym. Here, during JV competition, libero Kaylee Port gets ready to serve against Beyer. Photo By Marg Jackson

With school back in session, Oakdale High School student-athletes have returned to their respective sports. Whether it is on the field, in the pool, the court, or on the golf course, Mustang athletes are ready to display their talents and begin their quest for the blue banner.

Fall is always a busy time on campus and this year is no different.

Looking to battle their way back to Section dominance, Oakdale’s football season begins with a road trip up the hill for the annual showdown between the Mustangs and Sonora Wildcats, set for Friday, Aug. 28. Their first home game of the preseason will be held on Sept. 4 against Lincoln. The Mayor’s Cup will be held on Sept. 11 at Escalon. The preseason comes to an end on Sept. 18 when Oakdale welcomes in Crean Lutheran of Irvine. The Valley Oak League schedule kicks off on Sept. 25 when Oakdale hosts Sierra. Oct. 2 brings the Tigers from Patterson to town. After the bye week, the Mustangs return to action on Oct. 16 when they travel to Manteca to face East Union. Oakdale goes to Manteca on Oct. 23; their final home game is scheduled for Oct. 30 when they host Mountain House in a battle of Mustangs, and the VOL season finale is at Central Catholic on Nov. 6. All games are currently scheduled for a 7 p.m. start time.

Both boys and girls water polo will be in action. They have a pair of scrimmages and multiple tournaments before their Valley Oak League opener at Sierra on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Senior night is scheduled Monday, Oct. 12 against Patterson. Postseason begins Oct. 21.

The girls volleyball team takes the court for tournament play beginning Aug. 22 for the Orestimba Tournament. VOL play will begin when Oakdale welcomes the Tigers from Patterson on Aug. 31.

Cross country runners will see their first competition on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Kim Duyst Invite in Ceres and then have the VOL #1 Meet on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Mistlin Park.

For the Lady Mustang golfers, VOL action begins Aug. 27, when the team travels to Manteca to face the Buffaloes at Manteca Park. The playoffs are scheduled for Oct. 26 for day one of the CIF D3 Divisionals.

Girls tennis has a few preseason sets including one against former VOL member Kimball on the road Aug. 26. Their regular season opener is scheduled for Sept. 1 when they host East Union at 3 p.m. The postseason begins on Oct. 27 for the VOL singles tournament and the doubles tournament will take place on Oct. 29.

Girls flag football kicks off on Aug. 24 against Riverbank; league play begins on Sept. 7 against East Union. Oakdale will face each league team twice. The regular season finale is scheduled for Oct. 21 in a home game against Mountain House.

Cheerleaders show their school spirit and play a big role on Friday nights in the fall, keeping the crowd engaged while on the football sidelines and performing with a halftime routine.