On June 7, Avalon High School celebrated its annual Best of Blue Athletics Awards Night, one of the most anticipated traditions of the school year. The event brought together student-athletes, coaches, families, and community members to recognize the accomplishments, dedication, growth, and character of Avalon’s athletes.
“One of my favorite nights of the entire year is our Athletics Awards Night because it gives us the opportunity to come together as one athletic family and celebrate the accomplishments, growth, dedication, and character of our student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Carlos Martinez Jr.
Throughout the year, Avalon athletes spend countless hours on fields, courts, and in gyms. They experience the excitement of victory, learn valuable lessons through defeat, overcome adversity, and create lifelong memories.
In a close-knit community like Avalon, athletics often become an extension of family. Many of Avalon’s student-athletes have grown up together, playing youth sports, sharing classrooms, learning from the same teachers, and supporting one another throughout their journeys.
“The teammate sitting next to you may have been your best friend since kindergarten. The athlete competing against you for an award may also be your neighbor, cousin, or lifelong friend,” Martinez said. “That creates something truly unique.”
Living on Catalina Island presents challenges that many student athletes across the country never experience. Every road game requires a boat ride, extensive travel planning, and long days away from home. Despite those obstacles, Avalon athletes continue to compete successfully against larger schools and consistently prove that heart, determination, resilience, and commitment can overcome any challenge.
A historic moment highlighted this year’s celebration as Avalon senior Erick Madriz became the first male athlete in school history to be named Western Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year.
The Western Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year Award recognizes the top athlete among approximately 25 member schools competing across 15 sports. The honor is awarded to a student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in competition, leadership, sportsmanship, and overall impact on their school and community.
Madriz has established himself as one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in Avalon High School history. Competing in football, volleyball, and basketball, he completed an impressive twelve varsity seasons while earning championships, individual honors, and statewide recognition.
His accomplishments include:
- 2022 CIF 8-Man Football Runner-Up
- 2023 Boys Volleyball Express League Champion
- 2023 Second Team All-League Volleyball
- 2023 CIF Football Semifinalist
- 2024 Second Team All-League Volleyball
- 2024 CIF Volleyball Runner-Up
- 2024 CIF 8-Man Football Champion
- 2024 Express League Basketball Champion
- 2024 Second Team All-League Basketball
- 2025 Express League Football Champion
- 2025 First Team All-League Football
- 2025 Second Team All-CIF Football
- 2025 First Team All-League Volleyball
- 2025 First Team All-CIF Volleyball
- 2025 Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team First Team
- 2025 CIF Volleyball Semifinalist
- 2026 First Team All-League Basketball
- 2026 AVCA All-American Watch List
- 2026 Academy League Boys Volleyball Player of the Year
- 2026 First Team All-CIF Volleyball
Career Highlights:
- Three-time League Champion across three sports
- Three-time CIF Finalist
- More than 120 career victories
- More than 1,500 career volleyball kills
- Twelve varsity seasons across football, volleyball, and basketball
Madriz’s achievements reflect not only his athletic talent but also the dedication, leadership, and work ethic that embody the spirit of Avalon Athletics.
The evening served as a reminder that while championships and awards are important, the relationships, perseverance, and community built through athletics are what truly make Avalon Athletics special.