Good Sports: Torres High tennis turns tragedy into push for section championship

Matila Torres High School tennis is one match away from winning its first section championship.

The Toros have put together a historic season, cruising through their playoff bracket as the top seed.

They've been doing it all without one of their most impactful teammates.

Rafael Barragan Donan died in a motorcycle accident last September.

"When he came by, everybody connected," says coach Mark Melchor. "He was like the rock for our team."

This is the first season the Toros are without "Rafa," who they describe as the glue that brought this team together.

"He was definitely like a little brother," says Ivan Lara. "He would always come in smiling. You'd never see him upset. You'd never see him on a bad day. He'd make your day great - that's just how he was. There was never a bad thing about him."

Rafa was known for a contagious smile and infectious spirit. That's exactly how his mom, Hilda Adriana, wants him to be remembered.

The Toros say they've dedicated this season to Rafa.

Last September, Rafa was honored before a football game between Madera and Madera South.

Because Rafa always showed up for his teammates, his family continues that legacy, still showing up to the Toros matches and cheering on the team this season.

"We always meet in the pool room before a game, and he would always say, 'Let's go out there and be ready to win today.'" Melchor said.

Through the grief, the Toros' mission is clear.

"We hope that you're looking down on us and we're making you proud every day, just like how you made us proud every single day you were out here," Lara said. "We dedicate the season to him, and we want to win it for him."

Torres faces Foothill in the Division IV section championship on Tuesday.

For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.