Sports & Activities
Senior band members greatly influence underclassmen.
By: Selene Raney
Jan. 8, 2024
Many marching band senior classes filter through high school but this year's band seniors seem to be different, more special. What fear does being a senior cause for themselves and underclassmen?
“When I was a sophomore, the upperclassmen, yeah they were great, love them. But I didn't really get to make any personal connections with them,” senior Isaiah Hill said. “And then last year, I mean, when I was a junior, there were so many upperclassmen that were just great, but they made connections with small groups and not the whole band, like their sections or like certain people. And I think with this year it's become more of a collective instead of a group's.
The seniors in this class demonstrated passion for what they were doing, and that's what made them stand out from previous classes. They had a love for teaching undergraduate students and they tried to teach them so that their passion for music would grow as well.
“Yes, with this year's class of seniors, we've shown that we are a musical class,” senior Sophie DeRousse said. “I think that a lot of people put a lot of time and effort into it that maybe not everyone else has and that could leave big shoes to fill because if nobody puts in that same effort then it might not be the same.
In and outside of the band, the senior class of this year has had a significant impact on the underclassmen. They showed them that the band was more than just a class; they showed them that the band was a community, a family.
“It feels like losing family, when he was having issues outside of school he would come to the band seniors and they would be there for him,” sophomore Noah Jordan said.
As part of their journey to obtaining second place in the FOX competition, the marching band seniors pose for a picture with their award. This is the last competition season for the seniors in the marching band.
Photo Credit: Marching Band Boosters
Band wonders if more funding, practice would garner more attention.
By: Selene Raney
Oct. 25, 2023
In spite of the band’s hard work, students and families feel the marching band is still ignored or disrespected compared to other fall activities. More funding and practice time might make the band more entertaining and recognizable.
“I think that we’re definitely not on like the higher end of like being recognized because we're so small, and not a lot of people really care much for band which I mean, doesn't really offend me, to each their own. It would be nice if we had recognition but I think we definitely get more recognition if we’re bigger and we had more funding and we were able to have better performances,” junior Hollyn Zangaro said.
Additional staff could be hired so that more one-on-one time could be spent with musicians who specialize in a particular instrument. By doing that, each section could sound their best and then come together to make one cohesive sound.
“Each section can get the amount of attention that they need to make them better,” freshman Charlotte Mooney said.
Even with all of the help the band could get, they still would need more practice time, but for some kids, busy schedules make for less time for practices. Another issue is that many other activities may be using the area the band needs.
“One of the first challenges of that is field time. There's often different games and different things going on. In the field I know being in a small school we have kids that are involved in a lot of activities. And so adding to people’s already busy schedules can be a challenge for some folks,” Mr. John Mooney said.
Football coaches pick worthy players of the week.
By: Vinil Bhagha
Oct. 25, 2023
Football Player of the Week is broken up between Goon of the Week, Loyal and True, Hog of the Week, and Scout Team of the Week. Coaches will discuss together to decide which players deserve that recognition.
Goon of the Week is given to the most intimidating player that week. Typically a defensive player had a great night or big hits, but not always.
“Essentially it's the player that the opponent is most scared of during the game,” Coach Jay Pope said.
Hog of the Week is awarded to the lineman that played his best.
Loyal and True is the character award that is given to the player who did great things off the field during the week. Essentially whoever did his best representing school that week.
“Scout Team of the Week is awarded to the player who best helped the varsity prepare for Friday's game during practice,” Coach Pope said.
Players find out at the end of practice on either Wednesday or Thursday if they are the players selected for any one of the spots for the week.
“The players all huddle together as a team as Coach Pope announces the players of the week. Then they recognize each other as a team and Coach Pope gives a summary of why the special player makes the list,” Senior Mason Nix said.
The coaches discuss each award and which players might be worthy of winning for that week. If there is not a clear choice, coaches will vote on the names that are presented.
“Everyone on the team is motivated to play better each week because of the player of the week. If you see someone on your team get appreciated and not you, it sparks you and others to drive and work harder to take that spot naturally,” Nix said.
Nix said his main weakness is being a better teammate. He is working to improve this by trying to help the underclassmen fill his role when he is gone and help the younger athletes build a solid base for later success.
“The best piece of advice I have gotten from my coaches is that I will face a lot of adversity and problems in my life just like I do everyday at football. approach adversity with a good mindset and attack it everyday to better yourself,” Nix said.
Volleyball team faces new season without last year’s seniors
By: Kaelyn Boyer
Oct. 25, 2023
New school year, new volleyball team. Last year’s seniors, once the backbone of the team, have graduated, leaving new opportunities and challenges out on the court.
Last year, the volleyball team lost over half of their players when the seniors graduated. This year’s players have faced challenges in learning how to work and play together to be successful.
“Well it’s a brand new lineup, so we’re all getting used to each other on the court,” junior Abby Boyer said, “We’ve never all played together before so it’s a lot to learn.”
These girls had to step up and take charge by filling the empty positions and adjusting their gameplay.
“Since they taught me how to be a role model and a good teammate, I have really stepped it up on the court, throwing myself after every ball, and just making sure my hustle is there,” Boyer said.
Like the seniors did for them, the older players have to lead and guide the younger ones. They have to teach them how to work together as a team.
“They really showed me how to treat the little ones that don’t know anything about high school volleyball or just high school in general, so we have to take a role in leading them,” junior Kailyn Fallert said.
Although the team misses last year’s seniors, they have to keep pushing forward, overcome any obstacles, and just keep being the best players they can be.
“...we enjoyed last year’s group but, you know, we can’t keep dwelling on the past, we can learn from them,” Coach Carla Basler said.
Emeralds competition season changes with new coach.
By: Paris Hoy
Oct. 26, 2023
The Emeralds dance team's upcoming winter season will look a little different than their previous competition season. Tryouts are starting October 17th to form a bigger, better team. With a new coach comes new challenges and new expectations with competition season.
This will be the second ever competition season for the Emeralds but this time with a new coach. Coach Jaclyn Oechsner isn’t nervous at all to be directing the second-ever competition season in Emerald's history.
“Not at all, I have always dreamed of doing this for this team and it's an honor to be able to continue what was started,’’ Oechsner said.
Some might say that the Emeralds are not ready for such advanced techniques needed for competitions. In place to those questions and concerns we asked some current emeralds their thoughts.
“Now to score high at competitions we need to become more in sync and work on our technique such as leaps, turns, placement of arms and feet,'' Oechner said.
Some thoughts from some of the veteran emeralds about having a new coach with their upcoming winter season some might say it's scary not knowing what to come with a new coach.
“I think with the new coach we will get better in the sense of being more professional and clean,” sophomore Oliva Kirchner said.
Some traditions emeralds hold to their hearts might not necessarily be continued in future seasons, which is always up for debate when a new coach is introduced. With Oechsner’s experience as an Emerald some things may carry on, here are some things the emeralds are hoping to continue with this coming winter season.
“I like going to team breakfast at the Cozy, along with pep talks before every performance,” Kirchner said.