Team USA Wins Back-to-Back Titles

In the seventh annual Iron Man Volleyball, hosted by Student Council, the 2018 defending champions prevailed in a highly contested championship match on Nov. 11 in the EHS Gym.

The night began with a new tradition, an All-Star vs. Adopt-A-Class game. Assistant Principal Jenifer Davis brought the idea to StuCo Sponsor Todd Miller. The All-Star team consisted of two members from each of the high school teams facing off against members from SunGroup Real Estate, HollyFrontier, El Dorado Fire Department, and USD 490. After dropping game one, the Adopt-A-Class got out to a big lead in game two, but perhaps age was the final factor as the All-Stars stormed back to win by two.

From there, the seniors, dubbing themselves Team USA, easily dispatched the sophomores in two games before going up against a much more experienced junior class. Attired in cut-off onesies, the juniors missed opportunities throughout the match, lacking good communication at times.

"The juniors were toughest to beat. They just had a little bit more talent on the team than the sophomores," Pena said. Pena was in his rookie season with the team.

Members of the senior class included Jake Johnson, Garrett Meyer, Jake Knowles, Isaac Pena, Kade Winn, Blake Winn, Dalton Manning, Max Holmes, Ryan Haag, and Kai Wernli. Lady Wildcat volleyball players Kelsi McLaren, Paiton Haga, and Carly Clennan coached the boys to an undefeated night.

After losing to the seniors, the sophomores took on the freshmen class in the battle for third place. Both games were close, as there were multiple lead changes, with the freshmen getting out to a four point lead at times before watching that lead deteriorate. The sophomores grabbed third place (21-17, 21-19), dropping the freshmen to last place.

"We want a rematch with the seniors," sophomore co-coach Tori George said. "We were distracted by their bare midriffs, but we're ready now." The seniors wore short tshirts, cut-off above the naval, and short shorts, appropriately all in USA colors.

"Look us up on Feb. 30," Haga clapped back.