KENNEDY SOCCER TEAM: Senior Captain Lucas Balikian (pictured above) practices before the team's game against Derby Sept. 14, 2021.
Photo by Michael Clark; complied by Alexandra Ruales/Sports Editor
BOYS' SOCCER
KICKS OFF
NEW SEASON
WITH WIN
By Rosa Chavez and
Alexandra Ruales/Sports Editors
The boys' soccer team remained victorious against Derby for the sixth year in a row, minus the 2020 season due to only playing Waterbury schools because of COVID-19.
The team won their second game, which was away at Derby High School, against the Red Raiders with a score of 7-4. The Eagles worked hard for this achievement Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, noting the potential they have.
“As a team, I believe we have tons of potential. The Derby game showed us that we know how to play the game and what to improve on,” said sophomore Henry Duro, who plays Center-Back for the Eagles’ defense.
The win was not the only success the Eagles had. They encountered several other ones just as impactful during the game itself that helped the team get closer and closer to obtaining their victory.
“Seeing the freshman Midfielder (Manuel Demiraj) and the junior Striker (Mamadou Diallo) score was exciting, they are just absolute legends,” said senior captain Lucas Balikian, who plays Forward for the Eagles’ offense.
While the Eagles’ offense was a key aspect of the game, their mental and physical preparation before the game is what assisted the team to their first season win.
“I usually remind myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. I tend to stretch properly before every practice and game, so it’s a routine by now,” said junior Andreas Arias, Midfielder for the Eagles.
Going into the game, players had different mindsets. While some were confident that they would win, others were nervous as it was their first year playing.
“This is my first year playing soccer with Kennedy so I wasn't sure how Derby would play,” said senior Franklin Pomaquiza, who plays defense for the Eagles.
“I was nervous because it’s my first year. I thought I wouldn't do as well as I did,” said junior Alex Arias, who also plays defense for the Eagles.
Although the Eagles have a six-year win streak against the Red Raiders, they were still wary to not enter the game with a hubristic mindset.
“Within any given day you can be beaten by any given team, the same level of preparation should be given to every individual team,” said junior varsity coach Mr. Michael Clark, who is also the school's teacher of the Talented and Gifted.
In contrast to last year’s limited season, the Eagles are eager to face many of the challenging teams they couldn’t play in 2020.
“We always look forward to watching the team get better game-by-game; we like to see everybody play at a high level. Last year we mainly played Waterbury schools because of COVID-19,” said Clark. “Having the opportunity to kind of get back into the swing of things and almost get back to quote-on-quote normal again is something that we are really looking forward to this year.”
GIRLS' SWIMMING: FIRST MEET EMERGES AS
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
By Rosa Chavez and Alexandra Ruales/Sports Editors
GIRLS' SWIMMING: The team swims laps during practice in the school's John Reardon pool on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.
Photo by Diana Sooknauth; complied by Alexandra Ruales/Sports Editor
The Eagles are diving into the new season!
The girls' swim team initiated their season at a home meet against Watertown High School, where they learned many new skills setting them up for the rest of the season Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.
“Although we lost our first swim meet, it turned out good. I think we all had a great time. Our team is not more about winning, we are a team who always likes to have fun, whether we win or lose,” said senior Jessinya Severino.
This loss did not discourage the Eagles; instead, it allowed them to use this loss as a constructive learning experience.
“I feel like our team has room for improvement as a whole. The first meet taught us what we are capable of improving on,” said senior captain Joleen Once. “We are going to push ourselves harder every practice.”
While swimming is more of an individual sport, the swimmers could not have done it without the encouragement and support from their teammates.
“We root for each other while we are swimming our last laps. We push everyone to do their absolute best,” said senior Fernanda Ortiz.
The girls’ uplifting attitudes help everyone in the team to strive to reach their goals and best performances.
“I can’t hear anything underwater while I’m swimming, but there is a split second where your head is above the water and all you can hear are your teammates cheering,” said Severino. “That inspires me to try my best and to keep going.”
Now that the swimmers know what to work on during their practices, their season is on the right track towards success.
“I think we will do well this season, we just have to try our hardest and put our all into every meet and practice,” said freshman Sophia Ortiz. "We have solid swimmers and the team is overall improving as the season progresses.”
SPORTS BRIEF:
CHEERLEADING RETURNS, PLANS
FUNDRAISER
By Jami Stevens
Staff Writer
How is the 2021-2022 cheer season different?
The cancellation of the football season in the 2020-21 school year left cheerleaders unable to have a full season to cheer. Instead, the cheerleaders only had a season cheering for the boys’ basketball team. So how do the cheerleaders feel to finally be able to have an almost normal season?
With practices now being in person and not online, it became much easier to learn and teach. Actually being able to practice and bond with teammates has a positive impact on the team. Cheer practices now take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the auxiliary gym. COVID-19 precautions are still active.
Raising money for the cheerleading team has been difficult without the annual Cheer Car Wash. Without the Car Wash fundraiser, cheerleaders had to pay for items out of pocket. They came up with a perfect idea to raise money using Snap Raise, which is a nationwide digital fundraising for teams, schools, and youth groups.
You can donate using this link: http://www.snap-raise.com/fundraisers/kennedy-cheer-2021/participant/8929265?share_type=clipboard
NBA PLAYER REFUSES COVID-19 VACCINE?
By Jashell Jones/Staff Writer
Does Lebron James disapprove of the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate? And will his opinion have a drastic effect on his career?
After an interview with CNN, NBA player James refused to announce his full support of the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate, where it’s required for all players of the NBA to receive the vaccination in order to participate in home games.
"I think everyone has their own choice to do what they feel is right for themselves and their family, we're talking about individuals' bodies,” James said in his interview. "We're not talking about something that's political or racism or police brutality and things of that nature.”
As some members of the NBA agree with James’ stance, others choose to voice their opinions against James and are continuing to fully show their support for the new vaccine mandate.
Enes Kanter, another NBA player, was in disbelief of what James had to say.
"When I heard that, I just couldn't believe it. But I hope he can educate himself about this vaccination and inspire and encourage other people around him," Kanter said in an interview.
As of Sept. 30, 2021, the NBA has reported that only 5 percent of its players are not vaccinated. And those who are not vaccinated will receive stricter and more harsh restrictions. It has not yet been said whether players are allowed to use exemptions such as the religious exemption in order to not have to get the vaccine.
So the question still remains, will the 5 percent of players give in to the mandatory ruling? Or will it initially destroy their careers and cause more political outbursts?