Winter Sports Season is Heating Up at Dublin High

Football season may be over, but sports fans have no reason to worry;  is just beginning its winter sports season.

Men's sports are heating up the wrestling mats, the basketball court and the soccer field. Several men's basketball games already have been played and the season is just beginning to kick into high gear.

With the opening of Dublin High's , basketball players finally  get to play in the new gym, where they can show off their team's dedication and strength.

"Last season went alright, but not as we planned," said senior Jaylen Paulding. "This season is promising, but we have to stay more focused than ever."

If their dominance over Vallejo last weekend is any indication, their season will be a success. In the world of wrestling, the team is hoping to build off its success from last fall, and is looking to conquer DFAL once again.

Some key seniors graduated last year, but this year's team is looking ambitious. Of all of the sports offered at Dublin High, wrestling probably is the most underappreciated. People definitely should make an effort to attend some matches this year.

Wrestling matches can be pretty intense and it's easy to see that longstanding rivalries between wrestlers from different schools have developed.

Men's soccer was phenomenal last year, and left a lasting legacy after taking NCS. Dublin High students probably most look forward to seeing how men's soccer will turn out.

I interviewed men's soccer returnee Alex Marshall about his thoughts on this and last season.

Dublin Patch: How do you think last season went?

Alex Marshall: Last season was everything and more. It became a true Cinderella season. We dreamed about winning a championship and it actually happened twice, with DFAL and then NCS.

Dublin Patch: What were some of last year's soccer highlights?

Marshall: Winning DFAL and then NCS, of course. But besides that, we beat defending NCS champions Acalanes twice and our rival Dougherty Valley. The main thing for our team, however, was that we proved everyone wrong. Only the 23 players and coaches believed in us, no one else. In the end, that was the only thing that mattered.

Dublin Patch: How did winning NCS feel?

Marshall: Amazing. Extraordinary. Fantastic. I think no word could really describe it. We practiced hard through rain and shine, and played harder. It was definitely the happiest moment of my life.

Dublin Patch: What does this season look like?

Marshall: This season looks good. Even though a lot of people are doubting us since we lost 12 seniors, it just puts us back to where we are comfortable. Dublin is the underdog once again, defending champions or not. It just means we have to go out on the field and prove them wrong. Look for us to go far this season.This winter season is shaping up to be an excellent time for the Gaels, and I hope I'll be there when our teams win it big.