RIO LINDA, CA — As the winter chill begins to yield to the first signs of spring, (looks out the window… not today…) the Rio Linda High School athletic department finds itself in a rare and exhilarating position: balancing the climax of championship runs with the fresh energy of a new season.
This week marks a critical juncture for the Knights. With league banners already secured and national stages calling, the community is rallying behind a group of student-athletes who have redefined excellence in the Golden Empire League (GEL).
Mat Dominance: Wrestling Heads to Masters
The most dominant story of the winter belongs to the wrestling program. The Knights finished the season with a flawless undefeated league record, officially hanging the GEL banner in the rafters.
The journey doesn’t end with a league title. Six standout athletes have punched their tickets to the Sectionals in Stockton this weekend.
- Paris Ly
- Brooklyn Mountjoy
- Zayden Anderson
- Louis Means
- Joseph Kalanui
- Akeem Newsom
The stakes are highest on Friday, February 20th, and Saturday, February 21st, as the team descends upon the Stockton Arena. At this level, every takedown is a step toward state-level recognition.
Hoops and Hopes: Girls Basketball Takes the Road
Coach Jerry Huffines has once again steered the Girls Basketball team into the spotlight. Finishing his final regular season at Rio Linda with a 17-11 overall record and a stellar 12-2 mark in league play, Coach Huffines has once again guided his Lady Knights to an impressive second-place finish atop the GEL standings.
Their postseason journey begins with a formidable challenge:
- The Matchup: Rio Linda at Los Banos
- The Stakes: Win or go home (Playoffs)
- Time: Tuesday, Feb 17th, 7:00 PM
The Knights will need to rely on their defensive consistency to silence a hostile road crowd and advance to the next round of the bracket.
From Sidelines to Center Stage: Cheer Heads to Nationals
While local gyms and fields are buzzing, one Rio Linda squad is taking the “RL” brand across state lines. The Cheer Competition Team departs this Friday for a multi-day quest at Nationals. Competing from Friday through Monday, these athletes are looking to cement Rio Linda’s reputation as a powerhouse in spirit and stunt. Their departure follows months of rigorous 6:00 AM practices and community fundraising, embodying the “Knights’ spirit” in its purest form.
Spring Awakening: Baseball, Volleyball, and Tennis Begin
Even as the wrestling and basketball teams hunt for hardware, the spring schedule is in full swing.
Diamond Notes:
Baseball and Softball fans have plenty of home-field action to look forward to this week at the varsity level:
- Wednesday vs. Liberty Ranch: A 6:30 PM first pitch under the lights.
- Friday vs. Ponderosa: Another 6:30 PM home showcase.
- Softball: Joins the fray on Saturday, Feb 21st, hosting Wood at 6:00 PM.
Court Report:
Boys Volleyball faces a busy three-game stretch, starting with a Foundation Game at Foothill on Tuesday. They’ll hit the road again on Thursday (Wheatland) and Friday (John Adams Academy), testing their chemistry early in the season. Meanwhile, the Tennis team looks to open their season at Natomas this Thursday, pending local weather conditions.
The Week Ahead: Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Sport | Opponent/Location | Time (Varsity) |
| Tue 2/17 | Girls Basketball | at Los Banos (Playoffs) | 7:00 PM |
| Tue 2/17 | Boys Volleyball | at Foothill | 6:00 PM |
| Wed 2/18 | Baseball | HOME vs. Liberty Ranch | 6:30 PM |
| Thu 2/19 | Tennis | at Natomas | 4:00 PM |
| Fri 2/20 | Wrestling | Masters (Stockton Arena) | All Day |
| Fri 2/20 | Baseball | HOME vs. Ponderosa | 6:30 PM |
| Sat 2/21 | Softball | HOME vs. Wood | 6:00 PM |
As the Rio Linda community looks toward a week filled with high-stakes competition, the underlying theme is one of transition and triumph. Whether it is the final whistle of a basketball career or the first pitch of a baseball season, these moments define the high school experience.
For the fans, the message is clear: show up and support. Tickets for all home and sanctioned playoff events can be purchased via GoFan.
The Knights are charging forward. The only question is, will you be there to witness the next banner being earned?
Cover photo via Tabbitha Thomas on the RLHS Wrestling Facebook page. Thank you!
The weekly schedule and news updates are made possible through the contributions of Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director Svetlana Stepanchuk. We appreciate your hard work!
