Swimming toward tradition:

The swim team has many different traditions ranging from eating dinner together all the way to singing Christmas songs in practice. During all of the swim meets when the team isn’t swimming, they’re cheering.

No, they didn’t suddenly change sports, they cheer for the team they’re against.
“At the end of every single meet we cheer for the other team.”says senior Eve Vetter “I’m not really sure where the tradition started, but we do it to respect the other team and all their swimmers and thank them for all the racing.”
Christmas break is a time for everyone to sleep in unless, of course, you’re on the swim team, then you still have to get up at 6 am for practices. How do they keep their spirits up during the frigid cold months?
“One of my favorite traditions is during winter break, we sing Christmas songs during our kick sets,” says junior Bailey Dickerson.
Another tradition the swim team has is the night before every single meet, they all eat dinner together.
“It has been at the Harding’s house for a long time because her and her older sister both swam and we’d always eat there” Vetter says.

A Q & A with girls varsity basketball player, senior Molly Hendricks
Question: How did you make the decision to keep playing basketball?
“I’ve been playing basketball since I was really young, and I’ve just developed a passion for the game. What keeps me going is the feeling after the team wins a game and knowing that all the time and effort put into doing so paid off. Also, the opportunity to become so close with people who are passionate about the same sport and being able to create bonds with them.”
Question: What drives you to work so hard on the team?
“My goal is to improve myself in order to contribute more and help the team so we can be more successful together. Also, doing whatever I can to help my teammates improve so we can grow together.”
Question: What will you remember most?
“Definitely the team bonding experiences.”

What does basketball look like through the eyes of a player?

Basketball may look like a group of people chasing after a ball, or just a game for amusement, but it looks totally different through the eyes of a player.
“Basketball is a sport of teamwork where communication between all players is key,” said Senior Trenton Dutcher “ A team that has chemistry between all players, whether on the bench or on the court will, be a successful one.”
If players aren’t communicating in basketball, they can’t score. To have communication, the players need to have some kind of connection with other team members. Basketball isn’t about the ball, the score, the win, or even the money some people may make from it, it’s about being a part of a team.

Cheer leading Chain of Inspiration

Freshman Savannah Schneider is inspired by:

“[Freshman] Mimi Mills because even though she got injured and couldn’t practice, she still made an effort to be there for the team and help whenever she could.”

Who is inspired by:

“[Senior] McKenna Fee because she is really good at tumbling, never drops her flyer, and is an all around nice person to talk to.”

Who is inspired by:

“Definitely [Senior] Dylan Johnson because he’s the only boy on our team and does such a good job fitting in with everyone and making the atmosphere a lot happier.”
Who is inspired by

“[Senior] Mckenna Fee and [Senior] Brianna Donner because they are always being positive and helping people through the hard work.”

Brianna Donner is inspired by:

“My coaches [Ashton cunningham, and Alex Dierksen] because they continually inspire my team and me to not only work our hardest in practice, but to push ourselves toward being the best physically and mentally.”

Ashton Cunningham [The Cheer Coach] says:
“I can’t just pick one that inspires me! They are all the reason I continue to do what I do. I love working with this group. Their positive attitudes and willingness to work hard, even when I’m pushing them past what they think is possible, is what inspires me.”