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Youth 3rd time charm for Hamilton soccer
by Kevin Rolfe After finishing second in the title matches of 2010 and
2011, the Hamilton High School boys’ soccer team is the state champion at last. The boys beat rival Brophy in the title match 2-1 in dou-
ble overtime to win their team’s first state championship. Coach Nick Marquette says the setting was right. “Things have to fall your way. Continually, we put our-
selves in a position to contend.” Senior Danny Arrubla, who had a school record 39 goals
on the season, led the Huskies offensively. But Marquette is quick to point out the Huskies are more than a one-man team. “We’re like a West Coast offense
in football. We have options. If you take away something from us on offense, we have other places to turn. But, it doesn’t hurt to have a Jerry Rice to go to,” Marquette says of his team and offensive leader Arrubla. The team approach was apparent
in the championship match. Brophy consistently double-teamed Arrubla, which opened up Jordan Fletcher, who scored both goals in the win. While the offense was impressive
this season, the defense may have really been the key for the Huskies. Led by goalkeeper Kiyan Pirgheybi, who Marquette calls “the best goal- keeper in Arizona,” the defense had
SCHOOL PRIDE: The Huskies at a school assembly honoring the victory. Submitted photo by Chris Barth
17 shutouts in 26 games, including a shutout of nationally ranked Servite High School in California. “Our unsung heroes were really our defenders. For those
guys to get 17 shutouts, well, that’s just unheard of,” says Marquette. Defenders Nolan Barth, Blake Traube, Daniel Wichman
and Miguel Magana were the working force behind the Huskies success, says Marquette. “They’re like linemen in football. You don’t hear too
much about them, but they are key to our success.” That unit only surrendered 11 goals all season, including
only two goals in their four state tournament games. “No one scored more than two goals against us all sea-
NUMBER ONE: The celebration begins. Submitted photo by Chris Barth
son,” Marquette says, then adds that it’s the team culture that builds success. “We have tenants on our team. Huskies first. Be a force
of fortune. Be the reason things get better,” says Marquette. “We have an academic class with all 115 boys in the pro-
gram every day. We have a team grade point average of 3.3. We have a connection with them and academics are in place. All our senior starters will go on to college.” Six seniors have college offers to play soccer. While los-
ing those six will be hard, Marquette says next season’s team may be even better. “We’ll have six starters returning. Plus, our first guys off
the bench were sophomores this year. We’ll be young, but across the board, we’ll be stronger,” Marquette says about next year’s team. “I’m pretty confident we aren’t going anywhere.”
Kevin Rolfe, a fourth- grade teacher at Basha Elementary
School, is a Chandler sports enthusiast who lives with his fam- ily in Traditions at Avalon.
March 17 - April 6, 2012 27
Spring Break Time Has Many Classes!
The spring Break Time magazine outlining many all-ages recreation classes and special events for March, April and May is available at City facilities, libraries and recreation centers. Registration is open for residents and non-residents. For more information, visit
www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime or call 782-2727.
Chandler Aquatics Swim Hours for Spring Break
Hamilton Aquatic Center and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center will be open for public swim hours during Chandler Unified School District’s Spring Break through March 20. Mesquite Groves will remain open for daily public swim hours during the spring. Facility hours and available features vary; please visit
www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics or call 782-2733 for more information.
Chandler Jazz Festival is March 30-31
Enjoy free concerts at the Chandler Jazz Festival at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park on Friday, March 30 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 31 from noon-9:30 p.m. There will be several bands featured. Bring your blankets or chairs and enjoy a great weekend in downtown. Admission is free. For more information, visit
www.chandleraz.gov/jazz.
Family Easter Celebration is April 7
The Family Easter Celebration is Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Snedigar Sportsplex located at 4500 S. Basha road. This is a free event for all ages that will feature an Easter egg scramble starting at 10:30 a.m. for children up to nine years old. There will be a variety of information booths and other activities for parents and children to enjoy. For more information, call the events hotline at 782-2735 or visit
www.chandleraz.gov/special-events.
Sonoran Sunset Series Music Performance is April 12
The Environmental Education Center presents the Sonoran Sunset Series free lakeside entertainment by a local musician suitable for all ages on Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit
www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis or call 782-2890.
Earth Day Event is April 20
The Environmental Education Center will celebrate its fourth anniversary with an Earth Day expo on Friday, April 20 from 4-7 p.m. at 4050 E. Chandler Heights road. Admission is free for all ages and there will be many activities and information booths to learn more about sustainability and nature. For more information, call 782-2890 or visit
www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.
April Parent & Toddler Activities
Tumbleweed Recreation Center offers preschool activities in a safe play area for children five years old and younger to play under parental or guardian supervision with "Bubble Blast" on Wednesday April 11 from 9-11 a.m. There is also a new activity called "Tunnels, Tikes and Tunes" on Wednesday, April, 25 from 9-11 a.m. There is a $2 fee per child ($3 for non-residents). The TRC is located at 745 E. Germann road. For more information, visit
www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed or call 782-2900.
Stay Connected!
Chandler Recreation distributes a monthly newsletter available for registration at
www.chandleraz.gov/ listserv.html. You can follow @ChandlerRec on Twitter and Chandler Recreation on Facebook. Check out the new episode of the “Come Out & Play Chandler!” that is now airing on Channel 11 and the YouTube Channel.
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