Sports

Over the last nine years as the head coach of the Cabrillo College baseball team, Bob Kittle has had numerous student-athletes from all over Santa Cruz County pour into his program. Just last spring, Kittle had at least one player from all but one public school in the county on his roster. Bringing in the best of the best, and watching the talent and personalities from various backgrounds mesh into a powerhouse representation of the county has been one of his favorite aspects of the job. “Santa Cruz County is unique,” Kittle said in a recent phone interview. “There’s a sense of pride in this county… It’s connected.”

Aptos High junior Nick Bjorn was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League’s Most Valuable Player for his superb play on the golf course during the 2026 spring season. Bjorn was runner-up in the SCCAL individual championship at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz on...

It’s been nearly one month since Aptos High senior Alexa Castañeda was hoisting a Central Coast Section championship trophy above her head. Yet, not a day goes by that at least one flashing moment goes through her head of that historic point in time. The Mariner...

By JON CHOWN, Special to the Pajaronian PEBBLE BEACH—Swirling winds opened the door for Phil Mickelson to come from behind and claim his sixth title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but leader Nick Taylor shut it with a birdie chip on the 15th...

Third-year Aptos head coach Stefan Hocom was named the SCCAL Coach of the Year. Photo by Tony Nunez

Aptos High had four players recognized for first team honors at last week’s Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League coaches’ all-league voting meeting.

The Mariners were also hoping the Toreadores would take their foot off the pedal a bit after. That wasn’t the case either.

The Mariners, who return nine seniors on a team of 14, still pride themselves on passing — they set a season goal of passing a 2.0 — and they’re not afraid to hit the deck for digs. Hewitt leads a scrappy group of back row players that have set the tone early in the season. Sophomore Cam Dueck and freshman Peyton Dueck have both spent time at libero and will be called upon to continuously keep the team in games while the offense comes along.

Aptos High senior Ella Porter trained for seven days a week on her craft as the quarterback for the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League flag football champion Mariners during the 2025 campaign.  Their season came to an end Nov. 3 after an early exit in...

APTOS—It almost feels like an eternity since the Cabrillo College football team last saw some action on the field.  But two years after they were placed on probation due to a violation for housing out-of-area players, the Seahawks are back and ready to take on...