Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
The 10th Annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard brought us to Mission Viejo, Calif., the home of the
Mission Viejo Diablos. A four-time CIF Southern Section Champion, Mission Viejo secured their Sectional and CIF Championship on Dec. 6, 2014, with a win over Vista Murrieta High School. Mission Viejo ranked No.100 in the nation and is also one of only 50 schools to receive the prestigious honor from MaxPreps and the Army National Guard.
On Friday, Jan. 23, MaxPreps and the California Army National Guard arrived on campus and were greeted by the head coach, Bob Johnson. John Misustin, the student activities coordinator, handled all logistical matters and facilitated the student body leadership team.
The presentation was scheduled during the students' winter pep assembly. At the bell, approximately 2,500 students, parents, coaches, administration and community members poured into the gymnasium excited about this wonderful presentation. With his calm and secure demeanor, coach Johnson entered the gym and made all who were present feel welcomed. He began giving direction to everyone there, making sure the program was tight and that his football players were well behaved.
With the rally underway, two upperclassmen began the ceremony and welcomed MaxPreps and the Army National Guard to MVHS. They turned over the ceremony to MaxPreps representative, Josh Canales. Josh congratulated Mission Viejo Varsity Football on their successful season and talked about the significance of the award and the great work MaxPreps has done to emphasize and promote high school athletics. Then, he explained the partnership between MaxPreps and the Army National Guard. All who were in attendance applauded the Diablo Football Team for their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship!
Next, SGT Hamilton greeted the crowd and congratulated the school on a season well fought as well as their national ranking. Coach Johnson thanked Sergeant Hamilton and MaxPreps for the recognition and continued to talk about how proud he was of his boys' accomplishment, having lost the first two games of the season, but rallying back to win 12 straight games, including the section title game. He said he expects great things from his returning underclassmen. Lastly, he humbly turned the mic over to MaxPreps. Josh Canales of MaxPreps concluded the Tour of Champions ceremony. As the pep assembly continued, students participated in icebreaker games that included whipped cream, ice cream, cherries, comedic dancing, and dance team routines. It was a blast!
Congratulations Mission Viejo Diablos on finishing the season ranked in the top 100 nationally by MaxPreps and for winning your fourth CIF Southern Section title!
