DOWNEY – Former Downey High School standout point guard Surie Camacho will be playing basketball at Hope International University in Fullerton this winter.

There was a special signing day for Camacho last Thursday night at 7 p.m. inside the gymnasium at Apollo Park. Past and present coaches, friends and teachers were present to wish Surie well as she begins the next chapter of her life.

Apollo Park was chosen as the site of this special event because that is where it all started for Surie. Flanked by several uniforms she has worn over the years and her family, Camacho officially committed to Hope International University.

Camacho graduated from Downey High School this past spring with a 3.79 G.P.A. and wants to study architectural engineering at Hope International. Before attending Downey High School, she attended East/Doty Middle School where she stood out on the basketball court her 8th grade year (sports were cut at the middle school level her 6th and 7th grade years). Camacho also ran track for the Knights.

Camacho was the starting point guard for Downey High School since her freshman year and has a list of honors and accomplishments that are quite lengthy. According to head coach Nate Harris, “Surie changed our program.”

Camacho was also shown interest by Seattle Pacific University, in addition to Hope International. Camacho ultimately chose Hope International due to its proximity to home and what they offered. Camacho wanted to stay local so friends and family can come watch her play. Surie also shares a closeness to her family that was strongly evident on signing day.

Best of luck to you Surie! You have certainly earned this.

WARREN BASEBALL: The Warren High School baseball program has been busy on the baseball field hosting clinics and camps this summer. The Bears have been offering camps for young student-athletes of different ages for many years now.

The Diamond Skills 108 program is offering the Hard Yards Challenge for interested baseball players. The program lasts four weeks and takes place three days a week. The camp focus is on hitting, defense and the weight room.

Agilities are part of the training program as are mental lectures of game situations. Scrimmage games have been held once a week and camp participants are given a fitted hat, two dri-fit shirts and shorts. For more information regarding this summer program one may go to diamondskills108.com.

WRESTLING COACH: Warren High School head wrestling coach Tim Brogden had a backyard scare last week while trimming a tree.

He will be fine after being taken to the hospital last Friday. Brogden, a tough guy, did not miss a day of summer school either.

Coach Brogden is a private guy but has been a friend of mine for many years since before I began writing for the Downey Patriot. I, as well as the Warren family, are glad that he is ok and back on the mat again.

GIRLS WRESTLING: The Warren High School girls’ wrestling program has been busy working hard this summer. The girls have been working out in the afternoons at Warren since school let out six weeks-ago.

The Lady Bears wrestling team enjoyed success last season as three standout performers advanced to the Master’s Meet.

Siouxsie Luna placed third in C.I.F. last season and qualified for the Master’s Meet. Bethany Aviles and Maya Guadarrama also placed third in C.I.F. and qualified for the Master’s Meet.

The Warren High School girls’ wrestling team will be led this season by Siouxsie Luna and Bethany Aviles. Both wrestlers will be looking to qualify for the state tournament after falling a round short of qualifying last season. Savannah Valle and Isabel Guerrero will also be looking to have strong seasons.

Coach Brogden, his staff and lady wrestlers are all looking forward to the start of the 2019-2020 wrestling season. Cross-town rival Downey will once again be the team to beat in league competition.

WARREN BAND: The Warren High School band will begin their summer program next Monday, July 22, practicing on the football field from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Standout conductor Kiara Macias will be leading Warren’s band this year. Band director Daniel Niemeyer and his staff are all looking forward to the 2019-20 season.

Warren is currently hosting the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets before their competitions begin this weekend in Riverside and other locations. There will be a lot of music and marching the next several weeks at Warren.

DOWNEY GIRLS TENNIS: The Downey High School girls’ varsity tennis team has been busy working hard this summer in preparation for their fall season. New head coach Micah Karzen is upbeat about this year’s team and is looking forward to San Gabriel Valley League play.

Seniors Nicole Aguilera and Karla Acuna will be the number one doubles team. Senior Allison Park and junior Alice Paik are currently slated as the number two doubles team. Junior Zoe Beltran will be the number one singles player and senior Adriana Garcia will be the number two singles player. Junior Cassandra Martinez will be the number three singles player for the Lady Vikings.

Coach Karzen mentioned that he will focus on conditioning, as well skills. Karzen believes the potential is there and wants to see his team play as strong in the final set as they play in the first set. Cross-town rival Warren will once again be the team to beat in league play.

JALEN THOMPSON: Former Downey High School standout defensive back Jalen Thompson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals last week in the fifth round of the NFL’s supplemental draft.

Thompson, a 5’11, 190- pound leader, signed a four-year contract with Arizona and expects to compete for a starting position this fall.

Thompson was a three-year starter at Washington State and compiled six interceptions and 11 tackles for loss during that period. The Packers, Vikings and Texans all expressed interest in Thompson but the Cardinals selected him.

Thompson will report to camp on July 24th. Best of luck to you in the N.F.L. Jalen Thompson!