After 12 years in the Hacienda League, athletic teams will now be competing in the Palomares League.
The Mustangs will continue to compete against Diamond Bar High School, but they will face new teams such as Claremont, Ayala, Bonita and Glendora High School. This change impacts all 24 sports but football, which will continue to compete in the Hacienda League. The divisions of each sport is only used in California Interscholastic Federation, (CIF) competitions and is not relevant to league placement. However, Walnut will anticipate facing tougher teams this season, specifically Claremont and Ayala.
“We will definitely face tougher teams in this new league, which will [make us] push ourselves to see what we can do as a team,” head varsity volleyball coach Katie Argumosa said. “[This season] our team is focusing on the mental aspect of the game, ensuring that the girls can move on quicker in games.”
Every two years, the athletic directors and principals of 41 schools in the Mount San Antonio area hold a conference and propose any changes to their leagues. One of the main focuses during these meetings is to promote competitive equity in leagues and ensure every school has a chance to excel. Proposals set forth by any school undergo multiple rounds of voting until only one is approved to go into effect. Some proposals placed the Mustangs in the Baseline League, a suggestion Walnut voted against.
“I am making sure that my team is prepared for what is to come and I know we can be successful enough to make it to the playoffs,” varsity tennis coach Joe Fasheh said. “We are working on building team chemistry, which is especially important in doubles play. Our team has been undefeated so far and I hope we can carry this momentum into this season.”
Schools struggling to win in their leagues can apply for relief, a process that places such schools in a league better fit for their competition level. The last time Walnut applied for relief was almost 25 years ago while competing in the Baseline League.
“As a coach, I am excited, but nervous for this league change since we do not know what to really expect,” Argumosa said. “I know each game is going to be tough and have good competition, which will push our girls to their limits. We have a lot of talent on this team and so if we can create the correct formula, our team will be unstoppable.”
Although the new schools Walnut will face are further in average distance, an increase in the transportation budget will not be significant. Last season before the league change, Walnut played schools like Claremont, Ayala and further schools during preseason, making this year’s total bus distance traveled relatively the same.
“We have great coaches and student athletes here that stay focused and work hard,” athletic director Jerry Person said. “[My advice is] to just keep doing what we have been doing, and we have coaches that are competent enough to go against this type of competition. [The Mustangs] are ready and our athletes and coaches are going to rise to the occasion.” Ω
