Vista Sports Roundup: Carlos Sanchez Runs Into the Record Books

Vista showed up this week.

A school record fell on the cross-country course, an RBV flag football quarterback earned countywide recognition, and Longhorns water polo turned an 0–3 start into a three-game winning streak.

But this week's roundup has to start with a Vista High runner who has learned firsthand what consistency can do.

Carlos Sanchez Runs Into the Vista High Record Book

Vista High junior Carlos Sanchez has a new school record to his name after completing the 3-mile in 14:37.70 at the CCA Ravens XC Invitational at Canyon Crest Academy.

For Carlos, the accomplishment comes down to something pretty simple.

“Consistency pays off and showing up everyday gets you to where you want to be,” Carlos told North Valley Flare.

His coaches say they've watched that consistency develop since he first arrived at Vista High.

“Carlos is a very talented young man who showed up his freshman year not knowing what this sport was about,” Coach Sonia and Coach Art told North Valley Flare. “He shows up every day, making no excuses, and he gives 100% at every practice and competition.”

The coaches said Carlos' older teammates, who have since graduated, helped inspire him to continue pushing himself.

“We are extremely proud of his accomplishments thus far and are excited for his continued progression. Great job, Carlos!”

Carlos also encourages students who are curious about cross country to give the team a try for a week before deciding whether it's for them.

“Try out practice for a week and get to know the people on your team,” Carlos said. “That's what helped me to stay because I liked the environment and the friends I made along the way!”

That's a pretty good reminder that sometimes the first step toward a school record is simply showing up and giving something new a chance.

Photo courtesy of Luis & Michelle / @lmc_photostudio.

Ava Justice Earns Player of the Week Honors

Rancho Buena Vista girls flag football has a standout of its own this week.

Quarterback Ava Justice was recognized as a San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Week, with RBV's team and school social channels celebrating the honor.

The recognition credited Justice with 371 passing yards, 107 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

That's quite a week for the Longhorns quarterback — and another reason girls flag football has become one of the fall sports we're keeping a close eye on.

RBV Water Polo Flips the Script

Rancho Buena Vista boys water polo started its season 0–3.

Then something clicked.

The Longhorns reeled off three consecutive victories over two days, beginning with a 9–5 win over Canyon Hills on Sept. 4.

RBV followed that with two more wins Sept. 5, defeating Mater Dei Catholic 9–6 and Pacific Ridge 11–3.

Three losses followed by three wins.

That's one way to even things up in a hurry.

The turnaround puts RBV at 3–3 and gives us another Vista fall team worth keeping an eye on as the season develops.

Three Sports, Three Reasons to Celebrate

That's what we're hoping these Thursday roundups become.

Carlos' school record isn't the same story as Ava's Player of the Week recognition. Neither is the same as an entire water polo team responding to an 0–3 start with three straight victories.

But they all have something in common: Vista student-athletes doing something worth recognizing.

And we know there are more out there.

Got a Vista Athlete We Should Know About?

Parents, coaches, teammates and student-athletes — send us your scores, standout performances, records, milestones and photos.

We're especially interested in the accomplishments that can easily disappear into a scoreboard or a 24-hour social media Story.

If a local kid does something worth celebrating, North Valley Flare would like the chance to celebrate them.

Questions You May Have About Vista Sports

What record did Carlos Sanchez break?

Vista High reported that Sanchez set a new school record in the 3-mile with a time of 14:37.70.

Who is Ava Justice?

Justice is a quarterback for Rancho Buena Vista girls flag football who was recognized as a San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Week.

How is RBV boys water polo doing?

The Longhorns moved to 3–3 after responding to an 0–3 start with three consecutive victories.

Does North Valley Flare cover traditional high school football here?

Traditional football is covered separately in our Saturday football coverage so other fall sports have room to shine in the Thursday Sports Roundup.

Sports scores, records and statistics are compiled from official school and team sources, MaxPreps, NFHS Network, CIF San Diego, High School On SI and other available sports reporting sources. North Valley Flare works to verify information before publication.