By Brookie Balido

There’s one thing that Poteau is well known for and that’s football. Friday nights are the biggest highlight of the school year. Everyone is looking forward to seeing another Poteau Pirate victory. Besides coaches, there are three people that hold the team together and that’s the captains. Not only must captains be competent in their playing, but they also need to inspire confidence in their players, evaluate the game plan, and change it if circumstances dictate. They need to handle pressure well, make tactical decisions, and communicate effectively with the referee as well as the team. Captains embody the 3 C's in leading their team: Caring, Courageous, and Consistent. Being named a team captain is quite an honor. The position of captain is given to those athletes whom the rest of the team respects and trusts to lead the team in the right direction. Our three captains are seniors Dax Collins, Holden Mattox, and Jackson Sommers. “Being a captain means a lot to me,” says Dax. “I’ve been wanting to be one since I started Varsity, now that I’m a senior, I can finally do it. Todd Mattox and Dean Odom have been my inspiration throughout the years.” If a bad play or choice is made, the captains are normally responsible for it. “Making a bad play has consequences,” added Holden. “It can make a huge difference in how we play or make a move on the field. It can throw us off and make us lose focus.” One goal that these three have is making it to state with their team and taking home a victory. “I expect a lot from this team,” Jackson stated. “We worked so hard these past years and we've gotten better. I’m proud of these guys and all we have accomplished.” These guys always make the team better and more prepared. They encourage each other and make sure that they are heard. By the end of the day, they are grateful for each other. 

Article By: Aniston Cox Reporter: Brookie Balido 

Football has kicked off and so has cheer! At Poteau High School our cheer program is one of the most exciting activities we have. All week the cheer squad is prepping for regionals this Saturday.     “The cheer squad has been preparing all summer and we practice daily from 1:40-3:30/4:00,” said cheer coach Val Odom. The squad performs a routine at the competition with stunting.  Zane Harrison plays a very important role when it comes to stunting. “ Doing coed stunts is very challenging,” Harrison says. “ I’ve taken stunt classes, tumbling classes, anything to help me improve. I've done it.”  The whole squad is very excited to be going to regionals this weekend, Zane said, “ I wouldn’t want to go with any other team. We have put in so much time and effort.” This is the last shot for senior Sydney Taylor, “We are hoping to qualify for state. If we do qualify we will go up and compete again.” We know that this has been a very busy week for the cheerleaders. With all this preparation Coach Odom only has some final words of wisdom.  “ You all have worked so hard preparing this routine. I am so proud of your determination to achieve great things.”  We are all very proud of the PHS Cheer Squad and they all do an amazing job on the sidelines supporting our athletic teams.  The students and faculty wish them the best of luck on Saturday! Go Pirates!

By: Aniston Cox

The PHS Cross Country team has had an excellent season so far. They have competed in a few meets, one being the CASC meet right here in Poteau. Many of our runners finished in the top five, one of those being Senior Alexe Pickle.  She competed in the meet and finished 5th with a time of 13:43. “Every meet we have been to so far we have dominated. Our team has gotten first overall in the past three meets, and it has really helped us to stay consistent throughout the summer and this year.” Tyler Baker, also a senior, finished 1st overall with a time of 18:01. This is a big accomplishment because Tyler has now beat a record.  Being in cross country takes a lot of motivation and encouragement. Coach Aguero has the formula for success, “I tell them that consistency is the most important part of being an athlete. You have to show up every day and put in the training.” Coach Aguero is hoping for the team to accomplish many things this season. “We want to perform our best at the most important meets, those being regionals and state.” Tyler added to this by saying. “Our next meet is an important one, this is where we see the fastest runners of the season and the most competition.” “This is the meet where we get the most PRs and that is what I intend to do.” Our cross country athletes have achieved so much this season and we hope to see them take first place at regionals and state. We wish them the best of luck for the remainder of their season. Go Pirates!!  

By: Aniston Cox

Back in action at Poteau High School this year is the mat squad! The mat squad is formally known as mat maids and you can see them cheering during a wrestling match. It has been seven years since we have had a mat squad, and this year, senior Meia Graham decided that, with the others, she would help lead the charge to bring the squad back. “ We wanted to bring the mat squad back because it’s fun and it brings more opportunity for involvement.”  The mat squad is currently preparing for wrestling season as it will be coming up very soon. “Mat squad is preparing by learning and practicing new and old cheers and also getting uniforms and fundraising for everything that we will need for the upcoming season.” There are many of the mat squad members who are very excited for this upcoming season. Freshman Brystol Hammons is excited to support many of her friends who are in wrestling. “I’m excited and I’m happy I get to go watch and support my friends that wrestle.” Graham also shares the excitement, “ I think starting the new season will be really fun and awesome because not only is it something new to us, but also it’s going to be great to cheer on the wrestlers.”  The mat squad’s first appearance will be this month and we can not wait to see what they have in store. We wish them the best of luck for this year and Go Pirates!!