Lewis scored a surprise upset by winning the Carnival of Champions last year, and Haas and his youngsters have their eyes and hearts set on repeating-something not so easy to do.
"The kids are looking forward to doing their best. The team is hoping to be competitive and wish the other schools the best of luck," said the softspoken Haas.
Returning from last year's Carnival of Champions winning team for Lewis are Rashawn Wauls, Luis De Alba, Katie Nino, Kristen Gatchell and Robert Leming. Top newcomers who will compete in Lewis colors for the first time are Desire Menchaca, Steven Shore and Joshua Machado.
One of the exciting aspects of the "Carnival" is that turnover makes the results unpredictable. No one really knows when several unheralded fourth graders or a vastly improved fifth grader will lead his or her team to victory.
More than 500 boys and girls from Downey's 13 public elementaries compete in the 50 yard dash, 100 yard dash, basketball hoops scored in one minute, softball throw for distance, standing long jump, four member team 440 relay, and mixed coed relay.
Field events start at 8:40 a.m., with running heats beginning at 10 a.m., and finals races starting at 11.
The public is welcome to this free event, one of the most colorful offered each year in the city. Downey High School is at 11040 Brookshire Ave. (at Brookshire and Firestone Boulevard).
Dominguez 1, Paramount 1 (13 innings): Israel Torres pitched 10 innings of scoreless ball striking out a school record 21 batters as Dominguez tied the host Pirates in a game called due to darkness last Friday. Torres also homered for the Dons' only run.
Gahr 8, Downey 2: Gahr scored six runs in the top of the first inning and coasted in this game at Downey last Friday. Brandon Hendrick had two of Downey's four hits.
Warren 7, South Torrance 6 (9 innings): Brandon Sullivan reached first on a fielder's choice, then stole second and scored on a single by Raul Andrade in the ninth for the victory Monday.
Cerritos 5 , Narbonne 0: Kevin House pitched a shutout for Cerritos in this game Monday.
Poly 7, Cerritos 6: Chase Utley slammed a three run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to key Poly's winning comeback from a 5-0 deficit in this semifinal game Tuesday.
Jordan 8, Mayfair 7: Gilbert Tovalin went two for three at the plate with two RBIs to lead the winning effort in this game Tuesday.
On bars, Robin Cannady tied Sheri Yolton for second. On vault, Sheri Yolton took a first. In floor competition, Robin Cannady took fifth, while Sheri Yolton tied Kristy Sutton for third. On beam, Kristy Sutton took a fifth and Robin Cannady took first. And in all-around Sheri Yolton took first and Robin Cannady finished third.
Water T'ai Chi, taught by national water exercise expert Carol Argo, will be offered Friday, April 11, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and again at 7 to 7:45 p.m. The class integrates the graceful, circular free-flowing movements of T'ai Chi into the stress free water environment.
On Saturday, April 12, at 9:30 a.m. an upbeat Water Exercise Master Class will be led by water exercise specialist Miranda May and water exercise instructor Mary Jo Sloan. Following the class, at 10:30 a.m., the group will enjoy an invigorating water volleyball game.
A $10 donation will go to fund AIDS and cancer research at the City of Hope. For reservations and information, call 923-4911, Ext. 2678, or visit the Talbert Medical Group Downey Water Exercise Department at 8311 E. Florence Ave. (the corner of Downey Avenue and Florence).