CdM football program wraps up a more normal spring practice session

Corona del Mar players after Friday’s annual Blue-White scrimmage. (Photo courtesy CdM Athletics).

Corona del Mar High School football coach Dan O’Shea was pleased with the progress of his program, which wrapped up spring practice Friday with the annual Blue vs. White scrimmage on campus.

In the past couple years, O’Shea spoke often about the affects on the coronavirus pandemic for athletes and the student body in general.

Now, he’s excited about players and coaches experiencing a sense of normalcy again.

“First and foremost, what a treat for our players, coaches, and community to have a sense of emotional balance restored with normal activities reinstated to the student-athlete population this spring 2022,” O’Shea said Tuesday.

“Beginning in March 2020, the Covid pandemic challenged our mental resolve, our ability to navigate unforeseen hurdles in life, and taught us to adapt through a very difficult period in our country’s history. But through it all, we hope the role of CdM football buoyed our local kids to accept this as a life lesson to keep grinding.”

It was pretty much back to normal for the Sea Kings.

“Our six week spring calendar saw a return to college recruiting on the high school campus, a chance to evaluate our rising JV and varsity Sea Kings, while re-establishing our CdM culture that we rely so heavily on to build men of character,” O’Shea said.

“Football wise, we saw a determined group of returning starters that were focused on teaching the newer players the CdM way.”

A number of players stood out, the coach said.

Quarterback David Rasor, running back Evan Sanders, wide receiver Cooper Hoch, tight end Trent Merriman and center Chase Horton stood out on offense.

Cornerback Oliver Ayala, linebackers Mason Kubichek, Kaulin Post, Christian Brooks and Brady Sarkisian and defensive end Ryan Neilsen were the stars on defense.

“These players will be our foundation in 2022 and were outstanding this spring,” O’Shea said.

A number of new players stood out, including wide receiver Russel Weir, offensive guards Braiden Borland and Jacob Bouda and quarterback Kaleb Annett on offense, O’Shea said, adding a new offensive line is being put together.

Cornerback Grant Schriber, linebacker Colin Pene, defensive end Bryson White and nose guard Westy Piasecki were the top newcomers on defense, “while three new safeties have been quick to excel,” O’Shea said.

“Finally, I think one of the biggest thrills of spring ball every year is seeing a group of frosh players turn into potential Friday Night guys as sophomores,” O’Shea said. “A couple that stood out this spring are linebacker Vincent Menard and tight end Zach Giuliano.”

O’Shea indicated there is plenty of work to be done for the Sea Kings, who open the season Friday, Aug. 19, hosting Downey at Newport Harbor.

“As we complete semester finals this week, we are looking forward to a summer with three 7-on-7 tournaments to hone our pass game … while knowing it is a fierce road ahead with non-league, a Sunset League chase, and the CIF playoffs,” he said.

“A tremendous amount of work to be done, but that is what CdM Sea Kings relish every day they wake up.”

Send summer football news to timburt@ocsportszone.com