Staff Features

“It’s more than just playing games”: Eports with Erik

By Isabella Canales

Erik Bodine, an Instructional Assistant for Film/TV and Former Coconino Student, is the Esports coach at Coconino High School.  Bodine has had a passion for video games and an impressive amount of experience, “I’ve been playing games since I was two.”  Carrying this hobby, Erik continued to play games throughout middle school, to the college team at NAU.  

Esports began as a simple video game club run by Erik's friend, Dylan, during his high school sophomore year.  The club—and members—went through a journey of evolution by adding tournaments. “But then when Covid hit, it was canceled,” Bodine mentioned that Esports went through some hardships of being cancelled numerous times throughout schools; one of them being ASU due to funding. However, the passion drove Erik to bring video games back into schools.  While returning to CHS as an instructor, Erik seized the opportunity to rekindle the club.  “When I started working here in 2023, I decided that I would pick it up from when I was a student/and turn it into a sport instead of a club.” Since the movement of making it a sport, it allowed students to compete in competitions and even earn scholarships. 

Esports is a club in which students can engage in video gaming with other students within their own and other schools, and with Erik’s help, it also allows students to join a community that enjoys the same endeavor. 

Erik continues to build an environment in hopes it will become more significant in high schools. Tryouts were held on December 9, with a total of 64 participants, allowing the growth of a fellowship and a dream. 

Teacher Highlight: Mrs. Vanora

By: Makaila Cardon

September 19, 2024

She is a senior herself this year, has completed her bachelors and masters in Music Education, has taught over six different subjects, and is known to have put in over hundreds of hours for her students before, during, and after school. 

Have you guessed who it is yet? It is Mrs. Vanora! The band and orchestra director! Her career in teaching began in 2021, the first year of in-person school since the Pandemic. Mrs. Vanora is known for her kindness and patience towards students, always encouraging students to do their best inorder to perform at their highest level.

When asked, “What inspired you to teach music education?” She responded, talking about previous band, orchestra, and choir teachers she had in high school that first put the notion of teaching in her head. Mrs. Vanora truly loves art and cares for each of her students deeply. Her passion for music is consistent with her love for teaching and efforts she puts into every rehearsal and performance. Coconino High School has been lucky enough to have known her for four years as of this May of 2025. Our gratitude for this incredible teacher and for her love for music cannot be understated. She has touched the lives of so many scholars and future musicians who will always remember her as their pivotal starting point. 

Mrs. Johnson Brings Flag Football to Coconino

By Jayde Arnaiz

Friday, September 13, 2024

Fall 2024 marks the first time that Coconino High School will be able to offer Flag Football as an after school sport to students! 

When asked, “Why did you bring flag football to Coco?”, Mrs. Johnson responded, “Mia Pozar was the one that brought flag football to the school, but I saw the opportunity was open for a very long time to coach… My dad coached football so I thought it would be fun.” Additionally, Johnson said, “I love the progress that all the girls have made, especially since a lot of them have never played before.”

We would love to show our new sport some love and support! Please root on the team at one of the games!

• September 17 at 3:30pm against the Highland Hawks at Coco

• September 24 at 3:30pm against the River Valley Dust Deveils at Coco

• October 2 at 6pm against the Saguaro Sabercats at Saguaro High School

• October 8 at 3:30pm against the Flagstaff Eagles at Coco

• October 15 at 6pm against the Prescott Badgers at Prescott High School

• October 22 at 6pm against the Mingus Union Marauders at Mingus Union High School

• October 24 at 3:30pm against the Page Sand Devils at Coco

• October 29 at 3:30pm against the Bradshaw Mountain Bears at Coco

• October 30 at 3:30pm against the Sandra Day O’Connor Eagles at Coco

• November 5 at 6pm against the Mayer Wildcats at Mayer High School

• November 7 at 6pm against the Eastmark Firebirds at Eastmark High School

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