South Tahoe High Boys Soccer celebrates state NIAA 3A title

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High School (STHS) Boys Soccer team is celebrating its victory at the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) 3A State playoffs that left them alone at the top as the 2023 State Champions.

The NIAA Nevada State 3A t was one earned after a tough tournament with the final game against SLAM Nevada on Saturday, one the Vikings won 2-1. Their opponent from Henderson, SLAM, is the Sports Leadership and Management of Nevada, a charter school.

There are 23 players for the STHS Vikings, ten of them being seniors.

Head Coach Eduardo Torres, said this team was a special one, a group of boys who had a common goal since the first day of practice last August - a goal to be at the final game on the podium. In past years the players had a goal of being undefeated, but Torres said they didn't want to be undefeated but to play well to make it to the championship game.

"On the final day, we wanted to be there," said Torres of the championship.

Torres said it was an emotional celebration as it's not every day a state championship is one.

"There were tears of joy," said Torres at the end of the final game. "We all ran onto the field and started hugging each other and giving congratulations."

The team:
Edwin Mariscal (GK)
Aaron Rea (GK)
Armando Avalos (GK)
Oscar Mendoza
Aiden Luis Vasquez
Ryder Preston
Aaron Ramirez
Alan Herrera
Oswaldo Marroquin
Ben Jaeger
Ivan Andrade
Ian Andrade
Alex Avina
Brian Partida
Ian Lomeli
Anthony Pantoja
Christian Orpineda
Ricardo Grajeda
Isaias Hernandez
Isaac Hernandez
Brandon Lopez
Brandon Zavala
Imanol Luquin

Torres wanted to thank everyone who supported the team since day one, all the people behind the scenes like the parents and administration. He said Athletic Director Kevin Hennessee for "always being there" for what they needed.

Coach Francisco Avina is "one of the best coaches Tahoe has to offer," said Torres. The two coaches have been together since Torres started at STHS in 2019. "We've been together through thick and thin and accomplished the goals we set."

Torres also thanked another coach, Richardo Andrade, who has also been with them the whole season, helping with everything needed.

Thanks were also extended to Denise Lehman and Norin Avina who were in charge of the team's Goal Club, the team's fundraising and support arm.

Torres was not unfamiliar with a state championship. As a player, his team at Downey High School in Modesto won the California title. He coached at his alma mater for seven years before moving to South Lake Tahoe.