Photos courtesy of Carlo Montalbo (www.i4pix.smugmug.com), Conrad Hunziker III (https://www.instagram.com/anamorph.sports.photos/)) & the Yamazaki family

Football:

Throughout the entirety of the San Gabriel Valley, only three athletes played in CIF-SS football and baseball title games last year.

Senior Nick Gonzalez was an offensive lineman and a pitcher for Brandon Rohrer and Jerry Lewallen, respectively.

Freshman Sebastian Lawrence played quarterback and pitcher.

And the subject of this feature story, Aidan Yamazaki, was the Tartans’ hard-hitting linebacker and first baseman.

Glendora fell, 17-7, to Murrieta Mesa in the CIF-SS Division 6 championship game.

However, 182 days later, the Tartans secured a 2-0 victory over San Dimas to claim a D-3 title at Cal State Fullerton.

Yamazaki definitely looks the part of an elite athlete.

At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds of muscle, Aidan fits the ideal profile that college scouts and coaches seek.

But having a great physique will only get an athlete so far.

To get to this point, Yamazaki has always worked his ass off, and that includes his efforts on a baseball or football field, the weight room and in the classroom.

He’s been described as intelligent, respectful, and both a great teammate and competitor.

Yamazaki’s hard work has certainly paid huge dividends.

Last season, he led all San Gabriel Valley defensive players with 149 tackles.

That was 19 more than the next closest player.

And it just turned out to be his teammate, AJ Fiorenza, who capped his prep career with 130 tackles, including 12 for-loss, three sacks and an interception.

Aidan averaged 11 tackles per game.

Yamazaki also tallied six tackles for-loss, five sacks and a pair of interceptions.

Yamazaki’s consistency was ridiculous.

He totaled nine or more tackles in 13 of Glendora’s 14 games.

That included nine games with 10 tackles or more.

Yamazaki led or tied for most tackles in a game seven times.

The only time he wasn’t first or second among his fellow Tartans was the Claremont game.

GHS defeated the Wolfpack, 35-6, in a contest that saw most of the second half played with a running clock.

But it was Aidan’s postseason numbers that made him invaluable.

He totaled 37 tackles in wins over Agoura (11), Rancho Verde (16) and Dana Hills (10).

And in that quarterfinal road victory at Rancho Verde, Yamazaki had a 38-yard pick-six to go with his game-high 16 tackles.

Aidan did his part and then some in the title-game loss to Murrieta Mesa, with a game-best 14 tackles.

In his first season starting at the varsity level in 2023, Yamazaki led GHS with 74 tackles.

He only had two touches last year on the offensive side (two catches for six yards) of the ball, and first-year Glendora coach Ryan Lawrence said that is likely to change in 2025.

That gets us to baseball.

Aidan would be the first to tell you that he wasn’t happy with his offensive production.

He batted .208 with 16 hits, 15 runs, eight RBIs and a triple.

However, his coaches and teammates have praised Yamazaki’s contributions, and they say his value goes well beyond stats.

He’s a great teammate and competitor, and Aidan made a number of big plays at first base.

And to his credit, Yamazaki raised his numbers down the stretch, including his production in postseason wins over Citrus Valley (4-1), Yucaipa (5-1), Costa Mesa (2-1), Temecula Valley (7-5) and San Dimas (2-0).

In the CIF-SS playoffs, he went 4-for-12 (.333), with three runs and a pair of RBIs.

His playoff highlights were twofold.

He went 3-for-3 with an RBI in the 4-1 first-round victory at Citrus Valley.

And, in GHS’ (7-5) two-run triumph over visiting Temecula Valley to earn a spot in the D-3 final, Yamazaki drew a walk, scored twice, and his sac fly in the bottom of the third inning gave the Tartans a 5-4 lead.

Aside from securing just the second CIF-SS baseball title in program history, it was the Tartans first championship since 2010.

What made the historic run even more remarkable is the fact that Glendora went from zero to hero in 365 days.

Just one year ago, GHS went 9-18 overall and 2-13 in Palomares League games.

It was both the program’s worst showing and the first time they had finished last in league since Ronald Reagan called Washington DC home.

Off the baseball and football fields, Aidan Yamazaki is even more impressive.

He enters his final year at GHS with a 4.2 grade-point average, and he’ll have a number of AP classes on his schedule.

The only time he didn’t secure at least a 4.0 GPA was the second semester of his freshman year.

He finished with a 3.8 GPA and hasn’t slipped since.

His parents, Erin and Paul Yamazaki are his biggest fans and greatest role models.

Aidan has a 15-year-old sister named Amelia who plays volleyball, soccer and track at Glendora, and 12-year-old Abby attends Goddard and plays soccer.

I asked Yamazaki what he admires about both parents and what he’d want them to know.

“My mom always makes time to be at our games,” he said. “No matter how we play, she always picks us up. Her positivity and love have helped me to grow and excel in the sports I play. I appreciate that my dad is always pushing me to do my best, even if I’m not motivated. I admire his work ethic and making sacrifices for our family. They’ve meant everything to me and showed me unconditional love and support. They’ve taught me hard work, respect, and to treat others well. They’ve led by example and helped me to prioritize what really matters in life.”

I also asked Aidan what his role was and who starred in last year’s run to the CIF-SS D-6 football title game.

“I needed to do my own job. I trusted my teammates and I needed them to trust me. I didn’t try to do too much because that’s when you make mistakes. Caden Smith was a big spark. He came back from a injury and was a great playmaker on both sides of the ball. AJ Fiorenza and Austin Coronado were dawgs. They just got the job done. They were the best at doing their job.”

Yamazaki said the GHS players are comfortable with Ryan Lawrence taking over the reins at head coach because, “Coach Lawrence was already on the staff and he was able to keep the traditions alive and he’s working really hard to have similar success.”

He expects Aspen Suprenant and Nazir McGlothen to make big contributions in 2025.

“Nazir will have a big impact on both sides of the ball and he’s going to be a guy that can break off an 80-yard run at any moment. Aspen will be a big player both ways. He can get a sack and two minutes later catch a TD pass and change the momentum of a game. Jarod Ceniceros is going to be a big route runner for us. His progression from last year has been tremendous.”

Sebastian Lawrence finished his freshman year with several clutch innings in relief in playoff baseball wins over Costa Mesa and Temecula Valley, and he’ll open his sophomore year at quarterback for his father’s program.

Last season, Lawrence completed 109-of-208 passes for 1,119 yards.

He tossed three TD passes and was picked seven times.

But Yamazaki said he and the rest of the Tartans have faith in Lawrence.

“Sebastian has matured a lot mentally and physically,” Yamazaki said. “He’s a big kid and he’s put on some muscle. He looks more confident and locked in.”

He said Grady Lindenmayer has really stepped up in the offseason and that Glendora has a number of athletes that could make names for themselves in 2025.

Yamazaki thinks the defense will lead the way again this season.

Lastly, I asked Aidan how he hopes to be remembered by his younger teammates.

Said Aidan Yamazaki: “I hope they remember I had a great motor on the field, and I never took plays off. It makes a difference in whether games are won or lost. I hope I was somebody that drove them to do their best and picked them up when they were down.”

Quotable:

Glendora assistant principal, Rod Tilton: “When people talk about being a champion on and off the court, they have someone like Aidan in mind. He not only stands out in every sport he plays, but Aidan is also a leader in every classroom he enters.  A true student-athlete, and a person of true character.  Aidan represents everything it means to be a Tartan. Teachers admire him and teammates respect him.  Just one more reason it is truly great to be a Tartan.”

Glendora football coach, Ryan Lawrence: “Aidan will be a huge part of our success this year. He is a game changer on defense. He flies around and makes plays. He’s one of the best linebackers in the SGV. He will also be instrumental on offense in the run and passing game. Aidan is a true competitor. He brings lots of energy to the weight room and on the football field. He is a natural leader and all the players look up to him. He is a generational student-athlete. He will be very successful in life after he is done playing football. He is the definition of grit and resilience. I respect Aidan’s competitive drive and leadership skills. We’ll be balanced in 2025. I expect to score lots of points on offense, and we will be solid on defense. I love our team.”

Glendora baseball coach, Jerry Lewallen: “When talking about Aidan, you have to start with his character. He is an unbelievable young man and is the ultimate teammate. His work ethic is off the charts. You can’t measure his contributions to our club solely based on numbers. He brings toughness and grit.”

Glendora basketball coach, Gordon Hamlow: “Aidan was a good basketball player. He was the starting center on the freshman team three years ago. He was a strong rebounder, and he was used to physical play because of his time as a linebacker. Aidan was aggressive and he’d certainly be a contributor for our program if he still played, especially on the boards. He’s also a super kid who has developed into a strong leader. He plays with the same aggressiveness on the football field as he does on the diamond and how he played on the basketball court.”

GHS two-sport (basketball & baseball) star, Tanner Grable: “He could have been a contributing factor on the basketball team this year for sure with his strength and athleticism. Aidan is an amazing teammate and competitor. He is always going to give it his all and makes sure his teammates are as well. He’s a great leader on every team and always brings the morale up. Aidan definitely had a major part in our CIF baseball run. He was our starting first basemen and was a great defender for us there. He would always come through as well and would compete every game.”

GHS RB/CB, Nazir McGlothen: “Aidan had a phenomenal junior year. He was definitely a big part of our long playoff run. This season I’m expecting even more from Aidan, as he’s the light to our defense. He brings the energy at practice and in the weight room. Aidan is a great competitor, and he wants to always get the best out of every single player. He’s a perfect example of a leader. You’ll never see his head down and he’s always picking everyone else up. I respect the way he carries himself when it comes to school and his athletic career. He’s really focused and deserves the best for his future, both academically and on the football field.”

GHS TE/FS, Joe Fletcher: “Yam was a big role player last year with how aggressive he plays the game. He was able to basically play every position they needed him to with linebacker and tight end. This year, I believe that he will have an even bigger role for the team since we had a lot of seniors that were role players. The growth that he had last year to this year is crazy. He’s gotten even bigger, faster and stronger. One thing I admire about Yam is how he is always ready to work, and he has that mentality that if he wants to achieve something, he can no matter what. He walks around school and at practice with a good attitude about everything. I also admire his ability to coach people up and make them better players and people in how they act on and off the field. He’s just a really great teammate and he’s a fun guy to be around.”

Former Tartan football/basketball player, Caden Smith: “Aidan had a great defensive year in 2024. He’s reliable, smart, and a good communicator. This year, Aidan is going to have some big expectations to live up to, but I’m confident that he’s going to rise above them and be a game changer. This season is his to dominate and opposing offenses are going to have to stay away from No. 3. Aidan will do whatever it takes to win a game and he’s always putting his body on the line and holding himself and teammates accountable, He’s a great leader on the field and in the weight room, and he’s always been that guy who gives his all at practice no matter what. He elevates the teams morale and drive. He keeps the game and practice fun, but for Aidan, fun is winning. I respect Aidan’s love for the game and the energy he plays with on the field, and how he adopts Glendora’s football culture and brings the best out of everyone around him. His work ethic alone is something you have to respect and admire.”

Former Tartan football player/wrestler, AJ Fiorenza: “Aidan had a great junior year and was one of the key players that got us to the finals. I expect him to dominate this upcoming season and look forward to watching him. He was and is always competitive even outside of football, and that really shows on the field. He’s a great teammate and takes others under his wing. I believe he’s been a leader since his sophomore year. One thing I admire most about Aidan is his hard work and dedication That’s what makes him a step higher than all his competitors.”

Former Tartan baseball player, Aaron Jacobsen: “Aidan is the complete guy and the complete athlete. He moves incredibly well for his size. Obviously, he has loads of power, and the competitive, champion mentality to go with it. Off the field, he’s always making jokes, staying positive and picking up everyone. I was fortunate to spend three years with him on the team, and I know wherever he goes in the future, he will make an immediate and positive impact on the team’s culture.”

Aidan Yamazaki’s Career Stats:
2024: 149 tackles, 11 tackles per game, 6 for-loss, 5 sacks & 2 interceptions
2023: 74 tackles, 7 per game, 9 tackles for-loss, 1 sack & 1 interception
Totals: 223 tackles, 15 for-loss, 6 sacks & 3 interceptions

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Top 10 Tackling Leaders Among 210 Prep Sports Athletes in 2024:
Aidan Yamazaki (Glendora): 149
Anthony Fiorenza (Glendora): 130
Lucas Martinez (Monrovia): 123
Nick Goodman (Maranatha): 116
Mitch Mooney (San Marino): 115
Jason Brown (Muir): 114
Julian Navarro (St. Francis): 108
Guy Blaylock (Muir): 107
Noah Mikhail (Bonita): 103
Miles Morning (San Marino): 102

Aidan Yamazaki’s Tackles Per Game in 2024:
8/22: 12 tackles vs Chino Hills (1st among teammates)
8/30: 11 vs Jurupa Hills (1)
9/7: 12 vs Northview (2)
9/20: 9 vs Ayala (2)
9/27: 9 vs Crespi (tied for first)
10/4: 12 vs Bonita (1)
10/11: 10 vs Colony (2)
10/17: 5 vs Claremont (2)
10/25: 9 vs Los Osos (3)
11/1: 9 vs Charter Oak (tied for first)
11/8: 11 & three sacks vs Agoura (2)
11/15: 16 vs Rancho Verde, including a 38-yard pick-six (1)
11/22: 10 vs Dana Hills (tied for second)
11/30: 14 tackles vs Murrieta Mesa (1)

2025 Glendora Schedule:
8/21: Glendora at Chino Hills
8/29: Aquinas at Glendora
9/5: Northview at Glendora
9/12: Glendora at Alta Loma
9/19: Ayala at Glendora
10/3: Glendora at Charter Oak
10/9: Glendora at Bonita
10/17: Colony at Glendora
10/24: Glendora at Claremont
10/30: Los Osos at Glendora

2024 Sierra League Standings:
Bonita (11-1, 5-0)
Charter Oak (8-3, 4-1)
Glendora (9-5, 3-2)
Los Osos (7-4, 2-3)
Claremont (4-6, 1-4)
Colony (0-10, 0-5)

Most Wins Among 210 Prep Sports Programs in 2024:
Rio Hondo Prep (13-2)
Bonita (11-1)
Duarte (11-2)
Northview (10-1)
Muir (9-3)
San Dimas (9-3)
Glendora (9-5)
Monrovia (8-3)
La Canada (8-3)
Covina (8-3)
Charter Oak (8-3)
Damien (8-3)
Pasadena (8-7)

Glendora Baseball’s Path to a D-3 Title:
5/15: GHS 4, Citrus Valley 1
5/20: GHS 5, Yucaipa 1
5/23: GHS 2, Costa Mesa 1
5/27: GHS 7, Temecula Valley 5
5/31: GHS 2, San Dimas 0