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Varsity Football Team Continues to Roll into Playoffs
Varsity Football Team Continues to Roll into Playoffs
October 19th, 2020 10:14 am
Meet the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays Varsity Football Team. The BlueJays have a flock of 40 this year, after the merge with our formal rival, the Ferndale Yellow Jackets. Starting we have the seniors. We have Christian Carns, Cameron Lauer, Ashton Knox-Bennett, Dylan Chontas, Dylan Stephens, Benjamin Vuckovich, Jade Wallace, Quamir Simms, Justin Mitchell, Kai Gorzelsky, Isaac Bailey, and Zack Scott. Next, we have the Juniors. We have Logan Kent, Nick Heltzel, Noah Heltzel, Bruce Moore, Blake Levis, Casey Percinsky, Zack Bell, and Deven Geibig. The sophomores are Matt Jasper, Joshua Stiffler, Nick Reynolds, David Schroder, Diondre Chatman, and Ian Conway. Lastly, we have the freshmen, Tommy Stiffler, Carsen Lauer, Caden Hody, Devin Chontas, Devon Blair, Eli Darr, Adam Jasper, Noah Graffius, Matt Neff, Ken Bryner, and Ashtin Wilson.
Before the start of the season, the football team was planning on only having 24 kids. That changed rather quickly. Everyone soon “got wind” and heard rumors of Ferndale joining with Conemaugh Valley. On August 25, 2020, the Conemaugh Valley School Board approved a football co-op with Ferndale. Some of the players were excited that the Ferndale players were able to play and help improve the team. “This will not only help improve our team but will make us even more competitive,” says Dylan Chontas. On the other hand, some players were not as excited about the Ferndale players joining. Zack Scott stated that “the rivalry was so big to him he debated quitting before the Ferndale players joined the team.” Head Coach Kent said, “We need to put the rivalry behind us and move on as one family so we can win together.”
After coming off of a 0-10 season, the Blue Jays are starting the season off with a 2-0 record, after shutting out North Star 41-0 and pulling off a great second half win against the Shade Panthers with a final score of 35-14. Things are looking good for the Varsity Team. “The boys are looking good, they just can’t become comfortable with where they are. They need to keep pushing and keep adding to the win column,” said Head Coach Matt Kent. A favorite quote from assistant coach Hopeton Bailey is “the plan is not to be perfect, but to get better every day.”
In the third week, they had a terrible upset against the Portage Mustangs, losing the game 27-6. “This is just a minor setback,” says coach Kent. Coach Chuck Bell's left some encouraging words for the players after the loss. He told the guys, “Every team boy falls, you guys just got knocked down. Now, are you gonna stay laying down, or are you gonna become a man and get back up.” There was a lot of hype going into the Homecoming matchup against the Blacklick Valley Vikings.
UPDATE: The varsity Blue Jays have played two more games since the homecoming game. After beating the Vikings 43-27 and then continuing that momentum, they beat the Meyersdale Red Raiders 43-14. The Blue Jays now have a record of 4-1 heading into the playoffs.
Varsity Boys Basketball Season Recap by Paul Buriak, Jr.
Varsity Boys Basketball Season Recap by Paul Buriak, Jr.
February 24, 2020 11:48 am
The boys Varsity basketball team wrapped up their 2019-2020 season on February 11th against the Conemaugh Township Indians on CV’s home court. The team finished the season with 9 wins and 13 losses which left them just 1 game out of the 10th seed for the District 6 AA Boys Playoff bracket behind the Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers. The team had high hopes throughout the year as they competed hard through all of their games, but unfortunately, they lost some close games which made them fight through some adversity in the latter parts of the season.
Senior point guard Gage Urban, who wore number 4, commented, “I feel like this season went really well as all of our players improved in all aspects of the game. We had a lot of fun playing with each other and even though we didn’t make it to the playoffs, we were an amazing team. I wish we could restart and play the whole season over again so we could play with the abilities we have now.” Fellow Senior, Paul Buriak, Jr., number 33, remarked, “The season was a great experience for everybody, we grew together as a team through all the ups and downs that came along during the season. It was a really tough ending to the season for us seniors since we don’t get the opportunity to come back and play for Coach Miller again next season. But I’ll cherish this season for a long time and will definitely take what I learned from this season into next year as I go into college.” Star sophomore Logan Kent, number 31, added, “I feel that expectations were very high, but we came out and didn’t perform the best to our potential all the time. What we really got out of this season was the right to say that we never gave up, along with the bond and brotherhood we all got out of this season together. This was one of the best teams I have been on and will never forget the memories that were made.” Junior Aiden Graffius, who was the team’s sharp-dressed manager, said this about the team’s hard-working season, “I think the season went pretty well in terms of the team’s comradery. We all banded together when guys got hurt and we never once lost faith in the season, the coaching, and each other.” Sophomore, number 21, Peyton Urban also reflected on this season, “My favorite thing was when we would all come into the gym for practice, games, etc. ready to start and feeling the energy the team had and how we all pushed each other every day to get better.”
The man behind everything, Head Coach Eric Miller, had a very nice and touching evaluation and review of the season by stating, “I thought the season was very positive. Any time there is a coaching change, it’s a big adjustment for everyone. I thought all of the players handled it very well. Each player was committed to what we were trying to accomplish as a team and worked very hard towards our goals. There were many highlights from this season...beating our arch rival Ferndale 3 times and the last time in the LivRed Game was probably the most exciting. My only regret is that we did not get to the playoffs and give our 5 Seniors that experience, I was proud of them and wanted to give them that.”
Varsity Girls' Basketball: Teacher Appreciation Night by Mikayla Burke
Varsity Girls' Basketball: Teacher Appreciation Night by Mikayla Burke
February 13, 2020 11:44 am
The Lady Jays varsity basketball team played Ferndale Area Junior-Senior High School on January 30. The girls defeated the Lady Jackets with a score of 76-38. This game was teacher appreciation night for the seniors. Each senior on the team picks one teacher to recognize at the game.
Emily Reininger chose Mrs. Williams. Mrs. Keli Williams started teaching in January of 2000, right she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Teaching is her second career, as she was a hairstylist for fourteen years before she decided to pursue a higher degree for a more challenging career. Mrs. Williams has been at Conemaugh Valley High School for sixteen years. She also completed her student teaching here in the fall of 1999 with Miss Shever as her cooperating teacher. This year, she teaches Applied Communications, English 8, Honors English 12, and Public Speaking. Growing up, her most inspiring teacher was Mrs. Joyce Leech. She was perhaps the very reason Mrs. Williams became a teacher. Joyce had a teaching an unmatched teaching style From Mrs. Leech, she learned an undying love for grammar, literature, and composition. Emily commented saying:
“I saw Mrs. Williams, also known as Koop by some students, best fit for this award for many reasons. After having her for the past four years in different classes, I could see how she has a passion for teaching. She is always willing to read over papers for any class for grammar errors. No matter if it is the beginning of the school year or the end of the year chaos, she puts 100 percent into teaching. By no means does her hard work ethic stop her classes from having fun. She constantly makes class fun while still following the curriculum. In public speaking, she makes up fun impromptu speeches like “concrete” and “vacuum cleaners”. Those are just a few reasons I found Koop a good fit for this award."
Makayla Strushensky, who is the statistician for the team, chose Mrs. McCleester. Mrs. Paula McCleester started teaching at Conemaugh Valley in the fall of 1993. She has been teaching here for 27 years. Mrs. McCleester has taught Intro to Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Computer Science I and II, STEM – Grade 9, and Scientific Calculus. As a Conemaugh Valley alumnus, all of her teachers inspired her to become a teacher, but her most inspiring teacher was Mrs. Claar. She states, “She was tough, challenging and made you work hard for even one extra credit point. You were constantly doing work in class, but the time flew by. Mrs. Claar passed away six years ago, but I know you are looking down every day on our CV students and faculty. Thank you, Mrs. Claar, for being my most inspiring teacher.” Mrs. McCleester would also like to thank Makayla for choosing her as Makayla’s most inspiring teacher. In Mrs. McCleester’s own words, “You are a wonderful young lady and a joy to teach. Best of luck at IUP. CV’s doors are always open if you ever need anything.”
Makayla then commented saying, “Mrs. McCleester has been a strong influence in my life for a while now. She has always encouraged me to do my best in everything I do, not only in school but out of school, such as to take the SATs just one more time. She has always been there for me between knee issues, surgeries, and concussions. I know that I can go to her if I have issues with schoolwork or in need of someone to talk to. I will forever be thankful for Mrs. McCleester coming to me in seventh grade and asking me to keep stats for basketball. Because of her, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and have made new friends that I never thought I would have had.”
Recap on Junior High Volleyball by Mikayla Burke
Recap on Junior High Volleyball by Mikayla Burke
November 18th, 2019 11:51 am
This year’s Junior High Volleyball team consisted of 20 girls: Lillian Brown, Abby Buchan, Sophia Conrad, Lisa Kichler, Camryn Kosaber, Ally Morley, Emma Ribblett, Megan Rosenbaum, Kaydence Flowers, Aubree Himes, Chloe Roberts, Josie Sefcik, Julia Stiffler, Kylie Wills, Isabella Winkelman, Briena Chitester, Alexa Collins, Sydney Heinlein, Olivia Vogel, and Chloe Strushensky. They were coached by Miss Tittle and Miss Dunn. These girls played their hearts out this season. They had a total of 12 games. They only won one game this season, but they never gave up. Come back even stronger next season girls! The whole community will be behind all of you every step of the way.
The Golf Season Review by Paul Buriak, Jr.
The Golf Season Review by Paul Buriak, Jr.
November 1st, 2019 11:15 am
The golf season started against Ferndale on August 21st and lasted through September 25th against Portage with the District 6 Golf Tournament the following day. They were also involved in a couple of tournaments like the Tee Off Against Drugs and the WestPAC Conference tournament. Our only Senior member, Samuel Neisner said that the season was really fun. One of the major accomplishments for the team was adding new players on the team because they were needed. Samuel added that he, Casey Cruse, Cody Reese, and Ella Angus attended the WestPAC Golf Tournament. CV was also apart of the Tee Off Against Drugs Tournament which was held in Altoona to promote being drug-free, the competitors where Logan Angus, Casey Cruse, Cody Reese, and Samuel Neisner. The players said they all enjoyed golfing and finishing the season up strong, Samuel added that he will miss it all after he graduates here from Conemaugh Valley.
Junior High Football Team headed into tonight's game strong by Hannah Reynolds
Junior High Football Team headed into tonight's game strong by Hannah Reynolds
October 17th, 2019 12:33 pm
The Conemaugh Valley Jr. High football team is currently 6-1. The team captains are Tommy Stiffler, Noah Graffius, Devin Chontas, and Carson Lauer.
The Jr High football team only had to forfeit one game so far and that was against Ferndale due to illness. They beat Shade 28-14, Conemaugh Township 28-0, Meyersdale 28-20, and Windber 16-14. Blacklick Valley defeated the Blue Jays 28-0. Overall, their season is going very well.
Statistic wise the Blue Jays have 1,231 rushing yards and 236 passing yards. Defensively, they have 17 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 5 interceptions. Offensively, 519 rushing yards and 336 passing yards.
The next game will be today, October 17th vs North Star. They hope to see all of you there!!
Senior Night For The Lady Jays Volleyball Team
Senior Night For The Lady Jays Volleyball Team
October 17th, 2019 12:33 pm
Thursday, October 10 was senior night for our Varsity Volleyball team. The seniors on the team are Mikayla Burke, Megan Hamilton, Molly Hamula, Alyssa Lee, and Sydney Richards. Each senior was announced between the junior varsity and varsity game along with their lists of school activities. The girls played Ferndale and beat them in four matches. The lady’s season is almost over. Their last game is at home against North Star tonight. The junior varsity will start at six o’clock with varsity to follow. Come out and support your Lady Jays for one last time this season!
Molly Hamula commented on her senior night saying:
“It definitely met my expectations and was a night to remember. I am so glad we pulled through with a win and I am 100% sure that it had to do with the team’s mood and the gigantic, extremely supportive student section. Oh yeah, and our dad.”
Tonight the Lady Jays will take on the Lady Cougars at our home court. I highly encourage everyone to come out and support the girls for one last time this year! Play your hearts out tonight girls!
I would like to finish up with a poem for our seniors.
Slip-on your jersey one last time
When they call your name we’ll yell
Walk out with your head held high
It’s time for your long-awaited farewell
Play this game with all of your heart
It’s one of the many you’ll be remembered by
Just promise me when we take down this net
You won’t even think to cry
Because this is all a memory
Just waiting to be thought of one day
You'll look back to the times we shared
Think of how quickly the future becomes yesterday
And when the day is done
And tomorrow you awake
Think about all the things you’ve left here
And all the things you will take
Never forget anything, no
Don’t hesitate to reminisce
Go out into the world, sister
And always remember this
That no matter where life takes you
It all started here
Time will never slow down for us
We can reminisce but not rewind
Remember all the things you’ve learned
And what Coach said about your state of mind
This is all so much to think about
Show this crowd and these JVs
All you can be before you’re on your way
Tonight you’ll walk off of this court
But a part of you will stay behind
So go out giving all that you’ve got
Play like it’s your last time.
Despite having no scoreboard victory, the Varsity Football team has many on field victories by Hannah Reynolds
Despite having no scoreboard victory, the Varsity Football team has many on field victories by Hannah Reynolds
The Conemaugh Valley Varsity Football team is currently 0-5. Even though they do not have a win yet this season, they are not going to give up. They go into this Friday’s game with a “where there is a will, there is a way” attitude.
One of the five losses was because they had to forfeit their most recent game against Meyersdale because they did not have enough players (injuries and illnesses), but they plan on playing again this Friday at Blacklick Valley. Game time is 7 pm.
Despite the rough start, the Varsity football team is striving for a scoreboard victory.
When it comes to statistics, the Blue Jays are holding their own. The team has a total of 705 rushing yards. 295 yards of them coming from Nick Heltzel and 212 yards from Logan Kent. Dylan Chontas has a total of 32 tackles which is the most on the team. The team has a total of 240 passing yards, 243 receiving yards, and 251 tackles. Nick Heltzel has a total of 517 offensive total yards, Logan Kent with 280 and Noah Heltzel with 230.
The Conemaugh Valley Varsity football team expects to see you on Friday. They appreciate any and all support. Let’s go Jays!
The Lady Jays Varsity Volleyball team has recently begun their season by Mikayla Burke
The Lady Jays Varsity Volleyball team has recently begun their season by Mikayla Burke
The Lady Jays Varsity Volleyball team has recently begun their season. Our volleyball team co-ops with Blacklick Valley High School so that girls from this school district have the opportunity to play volleyball. Our Lady Jays lost only three seniors from their season last year.
“I think we have the potential to be great,” says senior Sydney Richards.
The team has 5 seniors this year: Mikayla Burke, Sydney Richards, Megan Hamilton, Alyssa Lee, and Molly Hamula. These girls have grown up together playing the sport and click very well on the court. The entire team as a whole comes together on the court and becomes one.
“It is not just a team. We are more like a family. Long bus rides and silly jokes are what bring us closer together,” says senior Megan Hamilton.
Currently, the team’s record is 2-4. They have put up a tough battle against the teams that beat them and have high hopes to beat them when they see them again later in the season. On September 19, head coach, Brian Oberneder was asked what is so different that sets this group of girls apart from teams in the past. He responded by saying: “Unity. From seniors to juniors to sophomores to freshmen this group of girls is more than teammates. You can see that they are friends on and off the court. They are accepting of each other and work at encouraging each other to be their very best. Some of the teams in the past showed a division between the seniors and the lower classmen. Not this group. This group of girls is one. Win or lose they are one, united in one team.”
These girls play with all of their hearts and leave everything out on the court. Along with the seniors the team consists of Jess Buchan, Maddie Smith (Blacklick), Nikki Zimmerman (Blacklick), Taylor Price, Rya Shirk (Blacklick), Anna Gunby, Chloe Chappell (Blacklick), Delanie Davidson, Julia Hudec, Bella Grecek, and Olivia Bailey. The team is coached by head coach Brian Oberneder, assistant coach Jess Masser, and volunteers Lana Lee, Jen Gunby, and Ariel Placke.
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