Buena is about to begin their fourth season of Flag Football many are seeing the impact it has had on and off campus. Bringing it to the club and collegiate level is allowing athletes many more chances to continue to play a sport they are passionate about. All students are given the opportunity to play and impact future generations, giving them something to look forward to for their future.

Athletic Director Ryan Bolland talked about the successful launch of the Flag Football program at Buena and the athletes’ growth that has come from it as more students join each year. Although Buena’s flag football’s winning streak is low, it improves with each year, showing success with time. 

Bolland also noted challenges the team has faced, stating that some areas around the county have already had it as a club or a program for some time. 

“There is still [room for] growth and improvement over the course of the season,” Bolland said. 

Junior Sydney Pena, a wide receiver and safety, has brought so much light to this program and has led the team in stats. As she begins her senior season with two collegiate offers, she will soon have a decision to make moving on to the next level, and has a big person to thank: Untamed club coach Vaugn DeVera. 

“[DeVera] helped me through my hardships and always brought my head back up,” Pena said.

Prior to this upcoming season, Buena players were worried the program would not continue as the program searched for a new head coach. However, Pena was very excited to get the email that the search for a head coach officially ended as Buena High School Athletics hired Miguel Casin.

Casin has “… a desire to build a culture of belonging and competitiveness in the program,” Buena High School Athletics said in an email statement announcing the new hire.

As the players are eager for a shutout season, they were happy to hear that work will be put in on and off the field to bring them to the level players are looking for.

“Casin has experience of coaching multiple sports at the club and high school level, most recently coaching club flag football,” Bolland said.

Freshman Aspen Taminich, a defensive back and quarterback, is excited to start up the season again.

“The upcoming season is going to be eventful and very competitive. I am looking forward to the wins that are in the future and the new coaching staff that comes,” Taminich said.

As our players start to tie their cleats and work for an amazing season, our school is excited to see what this year has in store for our Bulldogs.