What it takes to be a cheerleader at NHS
By: Kayla Butler
NORTHRIDGE- The high school’s girls’ and boys’ basketball season is in full swing. When there are games, there are usually cheerleaders present. The cheerleaders help to get the crowd pumped and give energy to everyone.
Providing their school with enough spirit to win is exactly what every cheerleader wants to do, and Ashley Williams (‘17) and Megan Castle (‘19) and the other cheerleaders of Northridge High School work hard to do just that.
Exactly how do you do that? Well, to start the long and difficult process, a to-be cheerleader must go to clinics. At clinics, girls have just three days to learn a dance, cheer, and chant. They practice motions and jumps, as well as using their voices. After they have had some time to prepare themselves, two girls, as partners, try-out together in front of three to four judges. Those who tried out wait for about a weekend before finding out whether they made varsity, junior varsity, or fell short and did not make the team at all. If you get good news, you begin practicing, as well as attending a cheer camp and going to tumbling lessons. Tumbling is the act, process, or art of performing acrobatic tumbles, usually on a mat or the ground.
Another misconception about cheerleading is that it is just about the chants. Believe it or not, cheerleading is much more than that. It involves lots of strenuous work, including lifting and holding teammates in the air, which is a job for the “bases.” “Flyers” rely on their team to catch them as they return from flipping in midair. Games require a lot of focus. There is a crowd of people in front of the cheerleaders, as well as an intense game going on behind them. Weather can also play a big part. If it is too wet outside, cheerleaders are not permitted to do certain stunts because it is unsafe to do so in that condition. Practices are also quite intense. “We do a lot of mountain climbers and push ups to help us build muscle,” Castle relayed to me.
You need a lot of other things to become a cheerleader. “To be a cheerleader, you have to have a good work ethic and be a committed, team player,” said Castle. It is critical for cheerleaders to physically support each other during stunts, but it is also important to support each other as outside of cheer as well. “The team is pretty close. We all go to movies and have sleepovers together,” Williams said.
There are many things to love when it comes to cheering, but Castle’s favorite is tumbling because “...it is so much fun learning a new skill and getting to show off all your hard work.” Williams’ favorite thing is the “team bonding,” and the cheer team likes to get together often.
When asked why she became interested in cheering Castle said “ I cheered when I was younger and I really wanted to be a part of a family. I also knew that tumbling was always something I wanted to do,” Williams said. “My mom cheered and danced her entire life. I began cheering when I was little, about since I could walk.”
The cheerleaders support their community and school. They also support each other. When you think about it, cheerleading is all about support.
You can catch the cheerleaders in action at any of the Northridge basketball games during their current 2016 basketball season.
-Kayla Butler (‘17) is first-year Vault staff member and Copy Editor. [email protected]
By: Kayla Butler
NORTHRIDGE- The high school’s girls’ and boys’ basketball season is in full swing. When there are games, there are usually cheerleaders present. The cheerleaders help to get the crowd pumped and give energy to everyone.
Providing their school with enough spirit to win is exactly what every cheerleader wants to do, and Ashley Williams (‘17) and Megan Castle (‘19) and the other cheerleaders of Northridge High School work hard to do just that.
Exactly how do you do that? Well, to start the long and difficult process, a to-be cheerleader must go to clinics. At clinics, girls have just three days to learn a dance, cheer, and chant. They practice motions and jumps, as well as using their voices. After they have had some time to prepare themselves, two girls, as partners, try-out together in front of three to four judges. Those who tried out wait for about a weekend before finding out whether they made varsity, junior varsity, or fell short and did not make the team at all. If you get good news, you begin practicing, as well as attending a cheer camp and going to tumbling lessons. Tumbling is the act, process, or art of performing acrobatic tumbles, usually on a mat or the ground.
Another misconception about cheerleading is that it is just about the chants. Believe it or not, cheerleading is much more than that. It involves lots of strenuous work, including lifting and holding teammates in the air, which is a job for the “bases.” “Flyers” rely on their team to catch them as they return from flipping in midair. Games require a lot of focus. There is a crowd of people in front of the cheerleaders, as well as an intense game going on behind them. Weather can also play a big part. If it is too wet outside, cheerleaders are not permitted to do certain stunts because it is unsafe to do so in that condition. Practices are also quite intense. “We do a lot of mountain climbers and push ups to help us build muscle,” Castle relayed to me.
You need a lot of other things to become a cheerleader. “To be a cheerleader, you have to have a good work ethic and be a committed, team player,” said Castle. It is critical for cheerleaders to physically support each other during stunts, but it is also important to support each other as outside of cheer as well. “The team is pretty close. We all go to movies and have sleepovers together,” Williams said.
There are many things to love when it comes to cheering, but Castle’s favorite is tumbling because “...it is so much fun learning a new skill and getting to show off all your hard work.” Williams’ favorite thing is the “team bonding,” and the cheer team likes to get together often.
When asked why she became interested in cheering Castle said “ I cheered when I was younger and I really wanted to be a part of a family. I also knew that tumbling was always something I wanted to do,” Williams said. “My mom cheered and danced her entire life. I began cheering when I was little, about since I could walk.”
The cheerleaders support their community and school. They also support each other. When you think about it, cheerleading is all about support.
You can catch the cheerleaders in action at any of the Northridge basketball games during their current 2016 basketball season.
-Kayla Butler (‘17) is first-year Vault staff member and Copy Editor. [email protected]
Swim team makes a splash
By: Sven Stalder
NORTHRIDGE- The Northridge varsity swim team hosted their biggest invitational, with over 250 athletes from 16 teams, at New Albany High School on January 16. Seniors Josie Bunstine (‘16) and David Stanton (‘16) were honored during their senior night.
The girls’ team placed 3rd overall, and received their second team trophy of the season. Along with the overall team success, there was an array of individual wins. Bunstine placed 2nd in the 50m freestyle, breaking the school record. Bunstine (‘16) says, “It feels so good to know that I accomplished a goal and will leave an impression on my school even after I graduate!” She also finished first in 100m breaststroke. Katelyn Darby (‘18) also finished first in the 500m freestyle and second in the 100m breaststroke.
Darby (‘18), Bunstine (‘16), Maddi Giffin (‘18), and Alex Rahde (‘18) placed 5th in the Medley Relay and 3rd in the 200m free relay. Audrey Holt (‘19), Kaycee Campbell (‘17), Katrina Tennis-Malick (‘19), and Tori Strong (‘18) placed 8th in the 400 free relay.
The boys also competed well as a team with Eli Rushmore (‘17), Gabe Miller (‘18), Brian Scott (‘19), and Victor Weaver (‘18) placing 4th in the Medley Relay as well as the 200m free relay. Scott (‘19) also placed 2nd in the 100m back and 9th in the 100m freestyle, Miller (‘18) placed 4th in the 100m breaststroke.
According to Bunstine (‘16), the season has been the best season yet, saying, “our girls team has won two trophies, records are continuing to be broken and we are redefining swimming at Northridge!” Bunstine (‘16) was sad to finish her high school swimming career, but looking back on her time in the NHS swim team she said she is pleased. Bunstine (‘16) says that she, “could not be more happy to have had such a great HS swimming experience and to have changed the way people think about Northridge Swimming.”
-Sven Stalder (‘18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Public Relations Manager. [email protected]
By: Sven Stalder
NORTHRIDGE- The Northridge varsity swim team hosted their biggest invitational, with over 250 athletes from 16 teams, at New Albany High School on January 16. Seniors Josie Bunstine (‘16) and David Stanton (‘16) were honored during their senior night.
The girls’ team placed 3rd overall, and received their second team trophy of the season. Along with the overall team success, there was an array of individual wins. Bunstine placed 2nd in the 50m freestyle, breaking the school record. Bunstine (‘16) says, “It feels so good to know that I accomplished a goal and will leave an impression on my school even after I graduate!” She also finished first in 100m breaststroke. Katelyn Darby (‘18) also finished first in the 500m freestyle and second in the 100m breaststroke.
Darby (‘18), Bunstine (‘16), Maddi Giffin (‘18), and Alex Rahde (‘18) placed 5th in the Medley Relay and 3rd in the 200m free relay. Audrey Holt (‘19), Kaycee Campbell (‘17), Katrina Tennis-Malick (‘19), and Tori Strong (‘18) placed 8th in the 400 free relay.
The boys also competed well as a team with Eli Rushmore (‘17), Gabe Miller (‘18), Brian Scott (‘19), and Victor Weaver (‘18) placing 4th in the Medley Relay as well as the 200m free relay. Scott (‘19) also placed 2nd in the 100m back and 9th in the 100m freestyle, Miller (‘18) placed 4th in the 100m breaststroke.
According to Bunstine (‘16), the season has been the best season yet, saying, “our girls team has won two trophies, records are continuing to be broken and we are redefining swimming at Northridge!” Bunstine (‘16) was sad to finish her high school swimming career, but looking back on her time in the NHS swim team she said she is pleased. Bunstine (‘16) says that she, “could not be more happy to have had such a great HS swimming experience and to have changed the way people think about Northridge Swimming.”
-Sven Stalder (‘18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Public Relations Manager. [email protected]
Lacrosse conditioning starts for the upcoming spring season
By: Daniel Neff
NORTHRIDGE- With spring right around the corner, lacrosse players have started getting ready for their season. Official practice hasn’t started yet, but the players have been conditioning for a couple weeks now. Optional conditioning started January 19th, and mandatory practice starts on February 23rd.
Lacrosse is a pretty new sport here at Northridge. Just two years ago Haley Trimble(‘16), in her sophomore year, got the idea to start a lacrosse team. Her spring sports before that were softball and track, but she got bored of those and didn’t want to participate in them anymore. Trimble still wanted to stay active and involved, so she went to the school board to get a lacrosse team started.
Their record the past two years hasn’t been on the winning side, yet players say that could be because most of the girls who play have had no previous experience with lacrosse. Trimble(‘16) says, “We go up against a lot of big schools who have been playing for a long time. So our goal isn’t really to win but to learn, improve, and just have a good time.”
Stacy Butler is coaching the team this year. Last year was Bulter’s first year coaching the team at Northridge. Many of the girls who played last year will be returning. There's no definite list for who is playing this year since practices haven't started yet, but some girls who are planning on playing this year include Haley Trimble (‘16), Audrey Ashbrook (‘16), Kayley McCormick (‘16), Megan Messer (‘16), Emily Jesenko (‘16), and Maddie Parill (‘15). There's also plenty of other first-year players. Because Johnstown doesn’t have a lacrosse team and it’s considered a club sport a few girls from Johnstown will be joining the Northridge team.
Last year's team captains were Emma Dann (‘15), Haley Trimble (‘16), and Anita Schultz (‘16). Trimble (‘16) is most likely going to be a captain again this year, but Schultz might not be playing this year. Schultz (‘16) says, “If my work schedule conflicts too much with the lacrosse schedule, I won't be able to play. Audrey Ashbrook (‘16) says, “Last year was the first year I tried it, and I loved it! We may not win that much, but it’s a ton of fun both at practice and out on the field.”
The team is gaining more popularity here at Northridge, but it still doesn’t have huge pool of players. Because of this, there's only enough girls for one team, which plays both varsity and JV. If enough girls playing in the upcoming years, then they will have enough for two different teams.
As of right now, the girls will be playing ten games against other schools, five home and five away. Some of the big schools they’re going up against include Gahanna, Wellington, and Big Walnut.
Trimble(‘16) says, “It’s really cool because we get all kinds of girls from different friend groups around the school but we are all still so friendly with each other. We are all a LAX family on the field!”
-Daniel Neff (’16) is a second-year Vault staff member and Entertainment/Senior Spotlight Editor. [email protected]
By: Daniel Neff
NORTHRIDGE- With spring right around the corner, lacrosse players have started getting ready for their season. Official practice hasn’t started yet, but the players have been conditioning for a couple weeks now. Optional conditioning started January 19th, and mandatory practice starts on February 23rd.
Lacrosse is a pretty new sport here at Northridge. Just two years ago Haley Trimble(‘16), in her sophomore year, got the idea to start a lacrosse team. Her spring sports before that were softball and track, but she got bored of those and didn’t want to participate in them anymore. Trimble still wanted to stay active and involved, so she went to the school board to get a lacrosse team started.
Their record the past two years hasn’t been on the winning side, yet players say that could be because most of the girls who play have had no previous experience with lacrosse. Trimble(‘16) says, “We go up against a lot of big schools who have been playing for a long time. So our goal isn’t really to win but to learn, improve, and just have a good time.”
Stacy Butler is coaching the team this year. Last year was Bulter’s first year coaching the team at Northridge. Many of the girls who played last year will be returning. There's no definite list for who is playing this year since practices haven't started yet, but some girls who are planning on playing this year include Haley Trimble (‘16), Audrey Ashbrook (‘16), Kayley McCormick (‘16), Megan Messer (‘16), Emily Jesenko (‘16), and Maddie Parill (‘15). There's also plenty of other first-year players. Because Johnstown doesn’t have a lacrosse team and it’s considered a club sport a few girls from Johnstown will be joining the Northridge team.
Last year's team captains were Emma Dann (‘15), Haley Trimble (‘16), and Anita Schultz (‘16). Trimble (‘16) is most likely going to be a captain again this year, but Schultz might not be playing this year. Schultz (‘16) says, “If my work schedule conflicts too much with the lacrosse schedule, I won't be able to play. Audrey Ashbrook (‘16) says, “Last year was the first year I tried it, and I loved it! We may not win that much, but it’s a ton of fun both at practice and out on the field.”
The team is gaining more popularity here at Northridge, but it still doesn’t have huge pool of players. Because of this, there's only enough girls for one team, which plays both varsity and JV. If enough girls playing in the upcoming years, then they will have enough for two different teams.
As of right now, the girls will be playing ten games against other schools, five home and five away. Some of the big schools they’re going up against include Gahanna, Wellington, and Big Walnut.
Trimble(‘16) says, “It’s really cool because we get all kinds of girls from different friend groups around the school but we are all still so friendly with each other. We are all a LAX family on the field!”
-Daniel Neff (’16) is a second-year Vault staff member and Entertainment/Senior Spotlight Editor. [email protected]
Track team “races” into new season
By: Emma Scritchfield
NORTHRIDGE- While cold temperatures plague the air, the Northridge track and field team bundles up to begin their training for the 2016 spring season. Led by Coach Richard Featheringill, the students have been hard at work increasing their speed and strength for the season that awaits them.
Featheringill comments on the athletes and his hopes for improvement, saying, “I’d really like to see some more overall depth in our athletes. We have some gaps that need filling and I would love to see some more kids step up and join the team. There is a lot of talent to draw from.”
The team comes together three days each week to weight lift, run, and exercise as a group. “We are starting early and working hard to get a solid fitness base so that when our first official practice comes around, we’ll be well prepared,” says Featheringill. The athletes are focusing heavily on building their perseverance and endurance through a varied training regime.
“It’s challenging, but a lot of fun,” comments sprinter, Tyler Felhofer. “Balancing my school work with training is tough sometimes, but overall I’m really enjoying the experience.”
Coach Featheringill proudly states that, “The team is incredible. They are just a really fun and diverse group of kids.” He also applauds their abilities to balance school and training. “They’re really motivated to do well on and off the track. I can't wait to see what the season holds for us.” Track and field practice will officially start on March 7th.
Featheringill encourages interested students to step up and give the sport a shot, saying, “It’s a great time. The more the merrier!” The track team plans on competing at their first meet in mid-March.
-Emma Scritchfield (‘18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Features Editor. [email protected]
By: Emma Scritchfield
NORTHRIDGE- While cold temperatures plague the air, the Northridge track and field team bundles up to begin their training for the 2016 spring season. Led by Coach Richard Featheringill, the students have been hard at work increasing their speed and strength for the season that awaits them.
Featheringill comments on the athletes and his hopes for improvement, saying, “I’d really like to see some more overall depth in our athletes. We have some gaps that need filling and I would love to see some more kids step up and join the team. There is a lot of talent to draw from.”
The team comes together three days each week to weight lift, run, and exercise as a group. “We are starting early and working hard to get a solid fitness base so that when our first official practice comes around, we’ll be well prepared,” says Featheringill. The athletes are focusing heavily on building their perseverance and endurance through a varied training regime.
“It’s challenging, but a lot of fun,” comments sprinter, Tyler Felhofer. “Balancing my school work with training is tough sometimes, but overall I’m really enjoying the experience.”
Coach Featheringill proudly states that, “The team is incredible. They are just a really fun and diverse group of kids.” He also applauds their abilities to balance school and training. “They’re really motivated to do well on and off the track. I can't wait to see what the season holds for us.” Track and field practice will officially start on March 7th.
Featheringill encourages interested students to step up and give the sport a shot, saying, “It’s a great time. The more the merrier!” The track team plans on competing at their first meet in mid-March.
-Emma Scritchfield (‘18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Features Editor. [email protected]
Wrestlers weigh in
By: Megan Dalton
NORTHRIDGE- With season in full swing, wrestlers are working harder than ever. With two returning seniors, Mason Royer (‘16) and Jacob McNamara (‘16), the team has big goals for the upcoming tournaments.
The wrestlers at Northridge over the past few years have competed at a very high level, placing high as a team and sending a few individuals to the state competition. The group is pushing hard to continue the legacy. Steele Strout (‘17) says, “we continue working hard and will try to get as many people on the team to districts and states as we can. Hopefully will even have some of the team place in states.”
To train to be the best they can, the wrestlers practice every Monday through Friday. Wrestlers are divided into weight classes. So wrestler work hard to maintain a healthy weight that they can compete in. Royer shares that, “it is not done to ‘starve yourself’ even though many outside of the sport believe that; we just watch carefully what we are putting into our body.” A typical practice for the team consists of a 20 minute run at a steady pace. Followed by an hour or two of live wrestling, or running drills. After five days of practice, the team goes to put their skills to the test at tournaments on Saturdays. These are all day long competitions that could be against as many teams as 64. At a recent tournament in Maumee Bay, the team spent three days competing against 60 plus teams. The team did very well and had two placers; Strout (‘17) placed 7th in his class and Forest Belli (‘18) also placed 7th in his class.
The team has a very close bond the team says. Royer (‘16) looks at this season and says that, “as the season goes on everyone just gets so much closer. We all bro together and everyone pushes each others to do their best. We are all pushing to compete against the best, and be the best.” Strout (‘17) also comments on the closeness of the team stating that, “my favorite part is spending my weekends with my team at all of the tournaments, it is always such a good time.”
Royer (‘16) says after he graduates this year he will really miss the team. He says, “we are like a brotherhood. I can't wait to come back next year to see the team continue to grow.” The team continues to train for the rest of their season. They plan to further themselves this year and the years to come.
-Megan Dalton (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Sports Editor. [email protected]
By: Megan Dalton
NORTHRIDGE- With season in full swing, wrestlers are working harder than ever. With two returning seniors, Mason Royer (‘16) and Jacob McNamara (‘16), the team has big goals for the upcoming tournaments.
The wrestlers at Northridge over the past few years have competed at a very high level, placing high as a team and sending a few individuals to the state competition. The group is pushing hard to continue the legacy. Steele Strout (‘17) says, “we continue working hard and will try to get as many people on the team to districts and states as we can. Hopefully will even have some of the team place in states.”
To train to be the best they can, the wrestlers practice every Monday through Friday. Wrestlers are divided into weight classes. So wrestler work hard to maintain a healthy weight that they can compete in. Royer shares that, “it is not done to ‘starve yourself’ even though many outside of the sport believe that; we just watch carefully what we are putting into our body.” A typical practice for the team consists of a 20 minute run at a steady pace. Followed by an hour or two of live wrestling, or running drills. After five days of practice, the team goes to put their skills to the test at tournaments on Saturdays. These are all day long competitions that could be against as many teams as 64. At a recent tournament in Maumee Bay, the team spent three days competing against 60 plus teams. The team did very well and had two placers; Strout (‘17) placed 7th in his class and Forest Belli (‘18) also placed 7th in his class.
The team has a very close bond the team says. Royer (‘16) looks at this season and says that, “as the season goes on everyone just gets so much closer. We all bro together and everyone pushes each others to do their best. We are all pushing to compete against the best, and be the best.” Strout (‘17) also comments on the closeness of the team stating that, “my favorite part is spending my weekends with my team at all of the tournaments, it is always such a good time.”
Royer (‘16) says after he graduates this year he will really miss the team. He says, “we are like a brotherhood. I can't wait to come back next year to see the team continue to grow.” The team continues to train for the rest of their season. They plan to further themselves this year and the years to come.
-Megan Dalton (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Sports Editor. [email protected]
Recap of the boy’s basketball slam dunk season
By: Jamie Swickard
NORTHRIDGE- The boys’ basketball team is always very popular at Northridge with support coming from students and even alumni. The season has been in full swing, but just like other sports, the regular basketball season is beginning to come to an end before heating up for tournaments.
The boys team has played tough in all of their games making their overall record 7-9, and league record 3-6. Coach Blume says, “I am very proud of their hard work and dedication. They have been very competitive this season and give everything they have each night. That’s all I can ask for as a coach.”
Even with the near 500 record, the boys are not satisfied. Brandon Estep (‘17) says, “While our record isn’t bad, I still am unsatisfied because this season has not been as successful as I had hoped for. However, I’m still very optimistic for the games to come and the tournament.”
Part of the boy’s success this season has come from their strong relationships, not only on the court, but off the court as well. Daniel Hatfield (‘17) says, “most of us have been friends since elementary or intermediate school so we know each other very well and our style of play.”
Logan Garee (‘17) agrees by saying, “we all work great together because we play selfless; no one is looking out for only themselves.”
Many fans and students around the school will hear of the boys talk about “pourin’ the syrup” and question what that means. The phrase comes from a song the boys found at the beginning of this season. Hatfield (‘17) explains the phrase as, “dunking on people, raining threes in their faces, exposing people, crossing them up, and putting them on skates.” While many might not even know the meaning of those phrases, it can be certain that “pourin’ the syrup” is something positive for the team.
One of the major turning points in the boys’ season has been their three game winning streak. Skyler Pritts (‘16) says, “the winning streak gave us the confidence we needed to go up against tough teams. We were calm in close games because we knew we had the determination and experience to win.”
Before the season really took off, the boys opened up with an upset against Cardington Lincoln. Cardington Lincoln was projected to be one of the best teams in their league for this season, but took a crushing loss to the Vikings. Hatfield (‘17) says, “beating Cardington set the tone for this season and how hard we would work. Winning that game drove people to work harder in practices and in games. I really think it got the fans motivated too.”
Even with the highlights and turning points of the season, the boys still wish they had taken more upon themselves to help improve their program as a whole. Estep (‘17) says, “I wish we could have worked harder on our defense and conditioning that way we could hold teams to scoring less.” Garee (‘17) adds, “We could have worked more and harder in the off season to better our shooting and to get stronger. We’re a small team, so we need to be strong to size up against the bigs in the paint.”
As the season is coming to an end, many begin to become antsy and think of next season and what it will bring. Gunner Absten (‘17) says, “we should be pretty good next year. This year was more of a building year, so of course there were growing pains along the way. I believe next year we will be a more experienced team which will take us far in the regular season and tournament.”
While there are still games to be played for the boys, the overall experience and success from this season has been positive. Coach Blume says, “the boys will continue to play hard for the rest of the season and into the tournaments.”
-Jamie Swickard (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-In-Chief.[email protected]
By: Jamie Swickard
NORTHRIDGE- The boys’ basketball team is always very popular at Northridge with support coming from students and even alumni. The season has been in full swing, but just like other sports, the regular basketball season is beginning to come to an end before heating up for tournaments.
The boys team has played tough in all of their games making their overall record 7-9, and league record 3-6. Coach Blume says, “I am very proud of their hard work and dedication. They have been very competitive this season and give everything they have each night. That’s all I can ask for as a coach.”
Even with the near 500 record, the boys are not satisfied. Brandon Estep (‘17) says, “While our record isn’t bad, I still am unsatisfied because this season has not been as successful as I had hoped for. However, I’m still very optimistic for the games to come and the tournament.”
Part of the boy’s success this season has come from their strong relationships, not only on the court, but off the court as well. Daniel Hatfield (‘17) says, “most of us have been friends since elementary or intermediate school so we know each other very well and our style of play.”
Logan Garee (‘17) agrees by saying, “we all work great together because we play selfless; no one is looking out for only themselves.”
Many fans and students around the school will hear of the boys talk about “pourin’ the syrup” and question what that means. The phrase comes from a song the boys found at the beginning of this season. Hatfield (‘17) explains the phrase as, “dunking on people, raining threes in their faces, exposing people, crossing them up, and putting them on skates.” While many might not even know the meaning of those phrases, it can be certain that “pourin’ the syrup” is something positive for the team.
One of the major turning points in the boys’ season has been their three game winning streak. Skyler Pritts (‘16) says, “the winning streak gave us the confidence we needed to go up against tough teams. We were calm in close games because we knew we had the determination and experience to win.”
Before the season really took off, the boys opened up with an upset against Cardington Lincoln. Cardington Lincoln was projected to be one of the best teams in their league for this season, but took a crushing loss to the Vikings. Hatfield (‘17) says, “beating Cardington set the tone for this season and how hard we would work. Winning that game drove people to work harder in practices and in games. I really think it got the fans motivated too.”
Even with the highlights and turning points of the season, the boys still wish they had taken more upon themselves to help improve their program as a whole. Estep (‘17) says, “I wish we could have worked harder on our defense and conditioning that way we could hold teams to scoring less.” Garee (‘17) adds, “We could have worked more and harder in the off season to better our shooting and to get stronger. We’re a small team, so we need to be strong to size up against the bigs in the paint.”
As the season is coming to an end, many begin to become antsy and think of next season and what it will bring. Gunner Absten (‘17) says, “we should be pretty good next year. This year was more of a building year, so of course there were growing pains along the way. I believe next year we will be a more experienced team which will take us far in the regular season and tournament.”
While there are still games to be played for the boys, the overall experience and success from this season has been positive. Coach Blume says, “the boys will continue to play hard for the rest of the season and into the tournaments.”
-Jamie Swickard (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-In-Chief.[email protected]