2011 EAGLES

CIF Champs SMCHS Eagles praised by City Council

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Since their CIF championship win in December, the Santa Margarita Catholic High School Eagles have been on a whirlwind tour of celebration and recognitions.

The team, led by junior quarterback Johnny Stanton, defeated Bellarmine Prep of San Jose 42-37 in the CIF State Division 1 bowl championship at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

On Wednesday, team members filled Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall waiting to be recognized by the City Council. The council presented certificates of recognition to all players and coaches.

Mayor Tony Beall said the school’s accomplishment sets an excellent example for the community. Organized youth sports are an integral part of the social fabric and daily life for thousands of residents, he said. The city is very supportive of these sports programs because they bring families together and teach participants many important life lessons, he added.

“The Santa Margarita Catholic High School Eagle players and coaching staff were outstanding representatives of the city of Rancho Santa Margarita,” Beall said. “Their great success on the football field had a significant positive impact off the field – it was a source of pride for the entire south Orange County community and the city of Rancho Santa Margarita could not be prouder of their accomplishments.”

The team has also been selected as a 2011 honoree by MaxPreps Tour of Champions. The recognition is presented by the Army National Guard and the award acknowledges 50 of more than 17,000 high school teams across the county for this distinction.

On Thursday, the school held a pep rally. MaxPreps, the Army National Guard and Sen. Mimi Walters recognized the team and school again for their achievements.

By Erika I. Ritchie
January 12, 2012
The Orange County Register