In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, Pali High’s sports facilities, equipment and gear were left in ruins, forcing all sports teams to relocate to new training grounds.
Pali’s track & field teams used to practice at Pali’s home field, Stadium by the Sea, but recently relocated to West Los Angeles College (WLAC). Senior Ronin Sherertz, captain of the boys track and field team said that the fires heavily affected the team.
“We were definitely impacted with a few kids losing their homes, some losing interest in the sport and other athletes transferring to different schools,” he said.
With the challenges the team faced during their relocation, Sheretez reflected on his unconventional final track season.
“I wish we could return to Pali, it just doesn’t feel real not practicing on our track,” he said. “It’s not ideal for [my] senior year but we have to continue to keep our heads up and hope for the best.”
Likewise, Pali’s cross country team initially relocated to the Santa Monica Community College Track and the Playa Vista Sports Park but is now practicing with Track & Field at WLAC.
Senior Cecelia Tierney, captain of Pali’s girls cross country team, said that her teammates are similarly feeling the effects of relocation.
“The fire has hit a lot of us pretty hard, especially with many of my teammates losing their homes,” she said. “It is definitely different being relocated and I hope to return to Pali as soon as it’s safe.”
Despite these challenges, Tierney said that coach Robert Hockley has brought stability to the team.
“[Coach Hockley] has provided an immense amount of support by bringing us together to create a sense of normalcy,” Tierney said. “No matter where we are, it’s nice to be with each other and it helps clear our minds for a little bit.”
In a show of solidarity, some Pali teachers have begun attending student sports games, despite them no longer being held on Pali’s campus.
Senior Mason Oku, shooting guard of the boys varsity basketball team, shared that he was surprised to see so many teachers at Pali Varsity Basketball games.
“My old teachers like Ms. Benke and Dr. Ngo were at my games, which was nice to see,” said Oku. “I appreciated their efforts to show support during these rough times.”
Unlike cross country and track & field, the boys basketball team does not have a designated temporary practice facility.
“We have practiced at several different locations such as Memorial Park, Cheviot Hills Willows School and much more,” he explained.
According to Oku, the team remains resilient despite inconsistent practice areas.
“The team views this fire as another reason to work harder and win more games,” he said. “Coach always tells us to play for the name on our chest and it holds so much more meaning now since we’re representing our school plus those affected by the fires.”
Regardless of location changes, Pali athletes continue to demonstrate resilience.
“The fire had a major impact on our school as a whole but I believe we can get through this hardship by the end of the day,” Oku concluded.
