Professional Sports

With the 2023-24 sports year officially in the books, it’s time to reflect on some of the best moments that took place throughout this past year.  Watsonville native selected in MLB Draft A lifelong dream came true for Watsonville native Luke Keaschall, who was selected by...

AROMAS—Watsonville native Hugo “Prince” Chavez Jr. won his professional boxing debut in February that ended with a technical knockout, taking him less than one round to get the job done.  On Saturday, the 18-year old will attempt to keep his unblemished 2-0 record intact.  The “Prince”...

It’s been nearly four years since Watsonville native Ruben Ibarra was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft.   Since then, the former St. Francis High star athlete climbed his way through the Minor League Baseball ranks....

Luke Keaschall was at his home in Watsonville with his family sitting on the couch on Tuesday, July 11, as they kept a close eye on the Major League Baseball Draft, which was being streamed live on a slight delay from their television.   However, the...

Aptos native Nikki Hiltz advanced to the women’s 1500-meters semifinals after they placed third in their preliminary heat at Stade de France on Aug. 6.  “It was all about patience, and this is incredible. I think I can officially call myself an Olympian now,” Hiltz...

Boulder Creek native Jennifer Serbin punched her ticket to the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship following a solid performance during the qualifiers two weeks ago. The Scotts Valley High alumna shot 3-under-par 67 behind top finisher Momo Kamiya (66) of Japan at La Rinconada Country Club...

A trio of Santa Cruz County Olympians shined on the big stage during the first week of action at the 2024 Paris Games.  Santa Cruz resident Haley Batten (mountain biking) and Aptos native Caspar Corbeau (swimming) are bringing home a silver and bronze medal, respectively,...

Scotts Valley High alum Robert Hipwell took one step closer to getting into the “Big Leagues” after his name was called during the second day of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.  The Santa Clara University third baseman was selected by the San Francisco Giants...

MONTEREY—Watsonville native Adrian Rebollar scored one goal for Monterey Bay F.C. in its 4-2 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Cardinale Stadium on Saturday night. Rebollar was named the Man of the Match after he was a nuisance in the midfield for Colorado Springs...

SEASIDE—Monterey Bay F.C. announced Tuesday that the club signed Watsonville native Adrian Rebollar to a two-year contract extension in advance of the 2023 USL Championship campaign, pending league and federation approval.  “There’s no better feeling than knowing that I’ll be coming back next year to...