Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 05/05/1999 All articles from this issue

High School Athletes Of The Month

printer friendly version

Wen-Ai Yu - Mountain View badminton

hen it comes to badminton, Mountain View High senior Wen-Ai Yu likes to keep her opponents guessing.

"What separates her from the competition is her game strategy," said Spartans coach Kelly Kuboyama. "She has a knack for varying her shots at just the right time and using all four corners of the court."

Yu, who plays No. 1 girls singles, has put this ability to good use. She went through the SCVAL El Camino Division unscathed at 12-0 and has an overall record of 15-1.

Yu also excels in something that doesn't show up in the stats.

"She's a team leader in every sense of the word," Kuboyama said. "She sets a fine example skill-wise and on an inspirational level."

Mike Atkinson - St. Francis track

There's no questioning Mike Atkinson's dedication to track and field.

The St. Francis High senior gave up football his sophomore year to spend more time sprinting. He trained three days a week the last two off seasons, according to coach Dave Frank, doing things like running the bleachers at Stanford Stadium.

"He never missed a day," Frank said, "and all the hard work has made a big difference."

Atkinson has developed into one of the premier sprinters in the Central Coast Section, ranking among the top five in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes. He's also on St. Francis' successful 400 and mile relay teams.

Atkinson will attend Harvard University in the fall and plans to continue his track career.