Pacifica Christian athletes launching workouts for planned fall seasons

Pacifica Christian volleyball players break the huddle during a match in 2019. (Photo courtesy Pacifica Christian High School)

Students at Pacifica Christian High School in Newport Beach have returned to on-campus learning and the school is hosting off-season practices for sports teams, according to Mariah Rodriguez, sports information coordinator at the school.

“We are following the current recommended guidelines for CDC and NFHS (National Federation of High School Sports), as well as local Orange County Healthcare Agencies,” she said in an Email.

CIF officials established a plan in July for some fall sports to begin in December if health officials approve. High school sports have been shut down since March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am extremely excited to get our students back on campus, and even more excited to running high school athletics again,” said Brandon Gonzalez, the school’s athletic director in an Email Tuesday.

“Our coaches, student-athletes and our entire community can’t wait to kick off the season this coming November when we officially start fall sports. We have girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country and now boys volleyball all competing this upcoming fall season.

“Our hope is to provide high level competition and an incredible experience for our students, coaches and our community at large.”

A number of safety measures have also been made and matches will be live streamed for those unable to attend, Gonzalez said.

“We have updated our gym to maximize seating while also meeting the health and safety protocols of today’s COVID world,” he said.

The athletic program at Pacifica Christian began in the fall of 2015.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com