On August 29, 2016 the Sac High Girls Volleyball team traveled to Placerville, CA, to take on the El Dorado High School Cougars in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Volleyball Foundation Game. Since 2002, the one day competition serves the section as a fundraiser for the annual A. Dale Lackey Student-Athlete Scholarship and the Women in Sports Conference. Aside from the monetary gains, this year’s encounter re-united the Dragon Family with former Sac High Athletic Director, and Sac High founding teacher, Justin Gatling.

After over a decade of service at Sac High as a physical education teacher, athletic director, assistant principal and volleyball coach, Mr. Gatling accepted a Vice Principal position at El Dorado High School in 2015. His legacy and impact on the court, along with his athletic contributions while at Sac High continue to resonate within the Dragon community.

Current Sac High Dragons Volleyball Head Coach Matt Taylor added, “The impact Gatling had on me as a player and in our sports program(s) is immense. Traveling to Placerville for a great fundraising-cause and competing against a top competitor such as El Dorado High is important for our development.  It tests us; and in this case, it allowed us to personally thank Justin for all of his hard work and dedication… It’s a win, win.”

Despite the leadership of Dragon seniors Maya Lawrence and Shelby Mitchell, Sac High fell short in the win column. Nonetheless, both sides contributed towards a worthy cause, while paying homage to the one-time Sac High and St. HOPE Educator of the Year Recipient, Justin Gatling.  GO DRAGONS!