La Jolla High keeps Paddling League Cup title

La Jolla High School defended its title to the Southern California Paddling League Cup on April 11 at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. The Vikings won the cup last year and this year, they once again collected more points than other schools for the trophy.

To win, the team traveled to coastal communities from Chula Vista to Santa Barbara to compete in 10 races.

Team members are part of the San Diego Canoe & Kayak Team (SDCKT), run by Coach Chris Barlow (former two-time Olympian). Members include freshman Josie Ballard, juniors Michael Miller, Ryan Miller and Kieran Bauman, and senior Jonny Espinoza.

The trophy currently resides in the LJHS trophy room in the front office. The team participates in several regattas up and down the coast of California, and SDCKT also participates on a global scale, visiting Europe to paddle against other teams.