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Student Athletes Excited To Return To Play
LOGO MUSTANG

With the start of Season One on the schedule, a few student-athletes recently voiced their opinions on the restart of high school sports for Oakdale High School. Season One consists of cross country, swimming, girls golf and boys tennis. The eight-week season begins this week and the Mustangs are sharing in the excitement, thrilled to return to their craft.

Senior multi-sport student-athlete Jude Krick is both anxious and thankful for the possibility of the season.

“To be honest I did not give it much thought because we have all been let down and disappointed the last year, but when they announced that we can return to practice that’s when I got excited and I am hopeful that we can finish this out;” said Krick.

He is a swimmer, plays water polo (season two) and competes in pole vaulting for track and field as well.

“I am looking forward to returning to the pool, being around my teammates and coaches again,” he said.

Although there will be no postseason playoffs or championships for any sports this season, Krick said that the biggest motivation of the season is not in banners or titles, but the encouragement from his teammates. “I know that we all compete for titles, blue banners and things like that but this year it is about building up your teammates and coaches.”

Krick also serves as ASB president and hopes to return to the classroom setting on campus soon as well.

“I take pride and honor in being ASB president and although this year was kind of a wash, I hope to return to the classroom and finish out the year strong.”

Junior tennis player Etan Dingu is returning for this third year in the tennis program and believes there is unfinished business for the team. In 2019 the squad went to the CIF Section Championship but came up short against Valley Oak League rival Manteca. In 2020 the team was undefeated before the abrupt stop due to the pandemic.

“It was very disappointing; we had a goal set and we were well on our way to reaching that goal. However, we have to move forward and do the best we can this season,” Dingu said. “When coach (Grant) Miller texted us all that we would have a season I was ecstatic. It really brightened up my day to be honest.”

Dingu has competed in both singles and doubles on the tennis court for the Mustangs.