Atascadero High School boys volleyball wins CIF championship

Other AHS sports capture league titles

ATASCADERO — Atascadero High School (AHS) has a lot to be proud of this sports season. On Thursday, May 9, the Atascadero boys volleyball team won the CIF Central Section Division III championship by beating a familiar foe, the Paso Robles Bearcats. The Greyhounds won it with a three-game sweep by scores of 25-13, 25-18, and 28-26. The team, as a whole, had six aces, 37 kills, nine blocks, and 41 digs during the match.

“When we started the boys volleyball program at AHS two years ago, we only won one game,” said head coach James Silva. “We were ranked last in our league and in the Central Section. But with so many sophomores on the team, I had this season circled in my mind as the year we would have a chance to do something special. Going worst to first with basically the same group of guys has been so special.”

The volleyball team will be celebrated with a parade later this month, though dates have not been confirmed.

AHS’s track and field also had a great season, coming in as the boys Ocean League champions and girls Ocean League runners-up.

“That was because we had one of our most dedicated groups in years,” stated Coach Ben Tomasini. “Particularly, the seniors were a hard-working and talented group.”

The Greyhound golf team also had success on the green as they became the 2024 CCAA Mountain League champions.

“The 2024 golf team had a great season. With five returners and two freshmen adding to the mix, we weren’t sure what we would have, but on paper [we] looked good. We knew after a few practices that this team had potential and looked forward to seeing how they did in our league,” said Coach Joseph Davis. “The best part about this team is its character and its willingness to practice and improve their game. That dedication to improve their golf game and try to make the team better was rewarded with a league championship and a 3rd place finish in division 3 CIF.”

At the end of April, diver Marlie Cazier became the Mountain League champion and went on to compete in CIF, representing AHS at Clovis West High School on May 1 and 2.

“She dove on Wednesday, May 1, at finals and placed second and then dove again on Thursday, May 2, at State Qualifiers and placed sixth,” stated Coach Alyx Truax. “What a way to finish out this year before heading down to dive for the University of San Diego, where she has committed to dive as a student-athlete for them. Very proud of this girl,”

Congratulations to all the Greyhounds on their accomplishments this year.

Featured Image: Atascadero High boys volleyball head coach James Silva holds the plaque signifying the Greyhounds as CIF Central Section Division III champions. Photos by Rick Evans