Honors: Cabico: always the ace

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - Hard-working, quick and, oh yes, versatile. These were

some of the words used to describe Costa Mesa High senior Nick Cabico.

The multifaceted athlete displayed his talent in every sport he played

for the Mustangs. He seemed to find his niche on the mound for Coach Kirk

Bauermeister’s baseball squad, though Cabico also exposed a flair in the

open field in football.

Wherever he played, Cabico left every bit of himself on the field,

making a lasting impression. Cabico, who will play football and baseball

at Chapman University next year, has been named the Mustangs’ Boys

Athlete of the Year. The honor caps a prolific prep career for the former

Costa Mesa Little League standout who was brimming with potential upon

arrival at the school.

In the 2001-02 academic year, Cabico began with using a variety of

moves to find his way to the end zone eight times, which was second on

Coach Dave Perkins’ football team. He earned second-team All-Pacific

Coast League laurels, amassing 698 rushing yards and 119 receiving yards

on eight receptions. He also earned a spot on the Newport-Mesa

All-District squad as a defensive back. He played cornerback and safety

and led the district with six interceptions.

In the winter, Cabico took a rare break and prepared for baseball in

the spring, when he served as Bauermeister’s ace. He did not disappoint

the Mustangs, posting an ERA of 0.84, including three shutouts and 85

strikeouts in 75 innings. Cabico, who allowed 51 hits and 34 walks,

pitched in 14 games and compiled a 7-4 record with two saves. He was

named the PCL’s Co-Pitcher of the Year.

Costa Mesa’s best pitcher also led the Mustangs in hitting with a .351

average (26 for 74). The 26 hits also led the team, as did his 19 stolen

bases. He had six extra-base hits, six RBIs and a .484 on-base

percentage.

As a junior, Cabico made like Bo Jackson and competed in four sports

-- football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He earned

first-team All-PCL and all-district honors in baseball. Despite a season

marred by injury, Cabico produced a 3-1 record and one save. He recorded

43 strikeouts in 45 innings and posted a 1.87 ERA. On offense, he batted

.370 (20 for 81), collecting 15 RBIs, 20 runs and 10 stolen bases.

Cabico contributed character and 30 points in 19 games for Coach Bob

Serven’s basketball team in the winter. And, in the fall, he earned

second-team All-PCL laurels for his offensive skills on the football

field. He scored 10 touchdowns, five rushing, four receiving and one on a

fumble return. He totaled 531 yards on 54 carries and had 17 catches for

465 more yards. Cabico also made three interceptions.

As a sophomore, after spending a semester at Mater Dei, where he

started both ways on the Monarchs’ sophomore football team, Cabico made

the All-Newport-Mesa Dream Team in baseball. He netted 45 strikeouts in

41 2/3 innings, en route to a 2-6 record and a 3.02 ERA. He also batted

.299 (26 for 87) to go with 13 RBIs, seven runs and nine stolen bases.

As a freshman, Cabico was called up for the CIF Southern Section

Division VI football playoffs, producing 29 yards on seven carries in his

varsity debut.

In basketball, he was called up to the varsity after eight games and

scored 39 points in 15 games.

Then, in baseball, Cabico found joy and renewed his passion for the

sport. The Mustangs, unseeded in the CIF Division IV playoffs, advanced

to the quarterfinals for the first time in 37 years. Cabico’s pitching

led to a first-round win over Duarte. He posted a 3-5 record, two saves,

and 42 strikeouts in 54 innings.