Throughout the past year, the local community experienced its share of important, interesting and tragic sports stories. Some of the stories touched us, some informed us and others just entertained us.
Although many of the stories deserve recognition, a select few stood out among the others.
Chosen by the Leader, here is a list of the top 10 stories of 2009.
1 Bell-Jeff girls’ basketball team wins stats, CIF titles Bell-Jeff girls’ basketball team wins stats, CIF titles: In March, Bellarmine-Jefferson High defeated Pinewood, 55-47, in the CIF State Basketball Division V Championships at Arco Arena in Sacramento.
It was the first state title by any team — in any sport — in city history.
The win gave Bell-Jeff a 34-1 record, which set a new school record. In addition, the team ended the season on a 20-game winning streak.
The Guards, led my senior Shelley Gupilan and under the direction of Coach Bryan Camacho, also won the CIF Southern Section Division V-A championship against Santa Clara, 61-31. It was the program’s first crown in 12 years.
2 Britton is first local to be taken in NFL DraftBritton is first local to be taken in NFL Draft: The former Burroughs High and University of Arizona offensive lineman was the 39th overall pick in April’s 2009 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, as he was selected in the second round.
He became the only local athlete to be drafted by the NFL.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle signed a four-year contract with Jacksonville in August and has been starting for the team this season.
Britton, a 2005 Burroughs graduate, was named the Leader Male Athlete of the Year the same year he graduated.
3 Nelson advances to state competition in trackNelson advances to state competition in track: After advancing to the state meet in cross-country, Nelson continued his success during the track and field season.
He advanced to the CIF-State Track and Field Championships in the boys’ 3,200 meters, finishing 16th in 9:06.68. He also set the school record in the event (9:04.19).
Nelson, who helped the team to a second-place league finish, is the first Burroughs male athlete to qualify for state competition in both cross-country and track and field.
