2014 Sports Update

sports update april 2014

All articles, designs, photos and web content created

by Ms. Whittaker’s Introduction to Newspaper classes. Find more coverage at wsspaper.com.

Original cover design by Ashton Duncan ’13. Cover photo by Zora Hurst ’13.

page

rugby

uniform

the evolution page of the

24

page

page

the juicing trend page 24

28

track

page

page

16

girls Junior Varsity Tennis Exploring the underdog team

By Eugenia Chen, Maggie Terry and Shanthi Chackalackal PHOTO FROM//CREATIVE COMMONS

N

othing is harder than serving a tennis ball during Iowa’s windy season.

Nothing-except serving a tennis ball during Iowa’s windy season when one has only just learned how to serve. And that is exactly the dilemma that many members of West High girls junior varsity tennis are facing right now. “[The first practice was] ridiculous actually, and the wind was horrible,” said Lexi Stephens ’15.

In addition to bad weather, JV has a shortage of available courts.

Moreover, the Coralville Courts, where junior varsity would typically practice, had not put up nets Lexi Stephens ’15 by the first practice. And so the first day was spent freezing, playing nine girls to a court and imagining nets.

Luckily, the girls haven’t been deferred by weather.

So far they have braved harsh winds and plummeting temperatures, ignoring their frostbitten fingers with a resilience worthy of varsity.

So what is it that makes tennis worth losing fingers?

“I think for a lot of people its kind of why I like tennis,” said Velarchana Santhana ’14,“ it’s an easy sport to pick up when you’re in high school and it’s more of an individual sport versus a team Velarchana Santhana ’14 sport. You don’t necessarily have to have been playing your entire life.”

Junior Varsity provides a great learning environment--more relaxed then varsity, not stressful. People without much tennis experience can improve through drills and group activities. Tennis is not an easy sport; the complex rules and multitude of strokes are enough to confuse anyone. But many people have been able to pick it up through JV. “I’ve been doing tennis since sophomore year and I thought it was a way to get involved with a sport, even though I hadn’t really done any before then. But it was pretty easy to pick up after I had a few lessons,” Santhana said.

“I wanted to try something new and get involved for West High so I decided tennis would be a good, more laid back sport for the spring,” said Stephens. “We’re all kind of cra04 SPORTS APRIL 2014

zy actually, but its not very competitive, it’s just fun and everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time.”

The girls can play for fun and for points without feeling like the honor of West High is in their hands.

“JV tennis is more about improving your tennis than the competitive side of things,” said tennis coach Erika Mundt. But that’s not to say that JV is a joke. It’s a serious team.

This year, more than ever, JV is a team of intermediates, not beginNoel Jung ’17 ners. The large team size and lack of resources led to cuts. Though unfortunate, the cuts may have good results.

“I kind of got the idea that I would get cut,” said Noelle Jung ’17, “I didn’t work hard enough.

But I’ll take lessons and try out next year, and hopefully I’ll get in.”

The team is still pretty large, however.

“There are a lot of new girls because we lost some seniors, but thats good,” said Stephens, “now that I know a lot more people I think its more fun.”

Those who did make the team will be tested soon enough--the first match comes up on Wednesday, April 9th.

Monday the 31st of March--the first practice afters-starts off with

Jingyao Li ‘15 serves during a practice PHOTOS BY//EUGENIA CHEN

COACH INTERVIEW

WSS : What about tennis appeals to you?

Mundt: I enjoy being outside and that it is a lifetime activity. There are competitions for everyone to participate in no matter what age.

Coach Erika Mundt

WSS : What is different about JV? Mundt: JV tennis is more about improving your tennis than the competitive side of things.

WSS : What are you looking forward to this season?

Mundt: Every year I enjoy getting to know the girls and watching their tennis improve.

WSS : There are more players on the team than ever before, What do you think the appeal is?

Mundt: JV tennis is a fun place to improve your tennis game.

WSS : What is the dynamic like with the team?

Mundt: This group is a fun and focused group.

<<

unusual scoring

Tennis has long confused newcomers with its odd scoring methods; players start a game with “love” or zero.

The first point is “15”, the second “30”, the third “40” and the winning point “45”.

If both players reach 40, it is called a deuce and the first player to gain two points takes the game.

This method dates back to medieval times when 60 was considered a special number. The original scoring went 15, 30, 45, 60.

“Love” was used to show that one played not for money but for love of the game.

lo v e :t he ter

m for pa no ce is h : th sc or it e sp e eed at w hich the ral ball ly: excha tween ng playe rs or e of shots sides be -

ace: when one player makes a point on a serve without the opposing player touching the ball

FOR MORE COVERAGE GO TO WSSPAPER.COM

<<

s. pointn i t 40 tied a o points ur ns tw when ret ce: ust win ise it deu yer m otherw n A pla to win, he g a row e e. W ron sn’t c u to de erv e w oe d s th l d ali om bal inv fr he an ves or t . t: r ser ion, ourt ul laye osit er c fa he p or p e oth t t h spo in t go

four laps around the courts and a series of knee-highs and butt-kicks that make the girls regret their tennis skirts. Then partners get together for doubles, starting off with casual volleys until they’ve warmed up, then slamming the ball mercilessly.

Exceptionally merciless, in contrast to her friendly personality, is Sydney Shie ’17. Although she is only a freshman, she is the last woman standing in a competitive one-strikeyou’re-out game called Queen of the Court.

“Look at that!” the team shouts, “The baby is winning!”

Shie has more going for her than her powerful forehands and backhands; she’s got the element of surprise. One of the youngest and smallest team members, Shie’s prowess will be unexpected to most of the opposition. So much the better for West High.

Shie is not the only good player; this year’s team is full of experienced members.

“We are pretty good,” says Mundt, “This group is a fun and focused group.”

With quite a few strong players, it looks like girls JV may do very well this season.

“I’m looking forward to meets,” grins Santhana.

So that is what makes people love tennis: the stress relief, the camaraderie, the relaxed environment coupled with a drive to win…

“Tennis is a really fun way for me to get rid of stress and I just like hitting a bunch of balls,” Santhana said, “I love the people on the team.”

volley: a hit on a ball before it bounces APRIL 2014 SPORTS 05

Throwerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glory Zainab Makky â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16 has secured her place as the best shotputter on the Iowa City West Girls Track throwing team. As a sophomore, she has set her goals high with the support from her teammates and coach. Working hard, having fun, and staying positive is what motivates her through the long practices and early mornings. story By Allie biscupski and photos by katie mcgrane

06 sports APRIL 2014 { DESIGN BY DANETTA D

{“

photo by//katie mcgrane

She can only

go up with

how hard she is working.”

-Coach Danica Haight

When 5 A.M. rolls around, most teenagers are still dreaming of the day ahead, but not Zainab Makky ’16. She’s up and running to morning weight lifting. Even with the minimal sleep and heavy weights, she keeps an impossibly positive demeanor while benching 135 pounds.

“Zainab always has a smile on her face and she brings positive energy to practice,” said Rowan Haverkamp ’16, one of Makky’s teammates.

But Makky isn’t just positive; she has secured her spot as the best shotputter on the girls’ team. She got there by practicing day in and day out.

“It’s the little details that can mess up an entire throw, so I have to make sure everything is perfect. Its kind of overwhelming, so I try to make throwing easier by making everything second nature,” Makky said.

Makky’s hard work and attention to detail have helped, but coach Danica Haight, West high graduate of ’07 credits her dedicated attitude for her improvement.

“She has always been a hard worker, but this year she’s learned her limits. With her hard work and her motivation she should go far. I believe in her.”

Makky doesn’t quite agree.

“There’s a lot more I could accomplish before I can call myself good.” Makky said.

Her infectious happiness has helped her

teammates with everything from their attitude to their work ethic. Shaye Shelton ’17 teammate of Makky says Makky helps her to work hard.

“Zainab is a really hard worker and motivates me to work as hard as she does,” said Shelton.

Makky’s advice for being a student athlete and keeping positive is to remember the bigger picture.

“Don’t sweat the little things. There are some people who freak out about every little thing and freaking out about every little thing doesn’t solve your problem.”

Makky has no need to freak out. Being the best thrower while only being a sophomore has helped Makky dream bigger than she ever thought.

“My long term goal is to beat Danica’s school record: 48 feet.” Makky said.

After hearing this; Danica laughs and nods her head.

“Last year I actually had a dream that Zainab threw 49 feet and broke my record! So I told her and she thought it was the funniest thing ever. I obviously think she can [break the record] if I dreamt it!”

With her team behind her and a shot put in her hand, there’s no telling what Makky will be able to accomplish in the years to come.

“She can only go up with how hard she’s working.” said coach Haight. for more coverage go to wsspaper.com

photo by//katie mcgrane

Zainab Makky ’16 laughs with her teammate Delaney Burt ’17 during practice April 2nd.

SPORTs APRIL 2014 07

Rising Star: Derek Nugent

By KEVAN PATEL, JIUNG JUNG, AND CARTER

All the runners line up at the starting line. They are all moving around, trying to get their bodies ready for the upcoming race. Bang! The runners start to dash around the track.

However, one runner stands ahead of them all. He steadily increases his lead and eventually finishes first. He crosses the finish line with a smile on his face. “Go Derek!” can be heard all around the stands.

Derek Nugent ’17 is a upcoming track star. He runs “[Derek is] a very 400 meter dash and er.He is one of 800 meter runs. He the most dedicatalready has a few ed people on the varsity points which is an incredible team.”- Rob achievement for a Netolicky ‘14 freshman.

“I enjoy running with the upperclassmen because they push me to new levels.” Nugent said.

His teammates see his pure dedication to track. Fellow runner, Robert Netolicky’14 described Derek as “a very hard worker. He is one of the most dedicated people on the team.”

Boys track coach, Brian Martz, also notices Derek’s great motive. “Derek joined the track team a couple days before his basketball season

Scan this for more coverage on wsspaper.com 08 SECTION APRIL 2014 { SPORTS

ended and jumped right into full workouts.

While I don’t encourage this, it showed me something about his commitment to himself and his passion for the sport.”

Nugent started his track career in 7th grade at North Central Junior High. Nugent said he started running just for the fun of it. “I thought it would be really fun running with my friends and I thought I could make new friends with it.” hard work- said Nugent.

After a while, he realized that he was very talented. Nugent says, “I became really good so I decided to stick with track.”

His coach also sees his mass amounts of potential and talent.

“I’ve coached a lot of good kids over the past 25 years and at a young age, Derek has what it takes to be one of the best.” Martz said.

He aspires to run at a higher level by looking up to Usain Bolt. “I saw him run in the 2008 Olympics. I was really surprised how fast he was and I just got really inspired by him.” said Nugent.

Nugent trains six days a week for about two to three hours per day with the track team. He also trains on his own on Sundays for about 40 minutes. However, he does not mind the practice.

“It’s all worth it in the end,” said Nugent.

“[Derek is] a really funny guy. He’s nice to be around.”

“I enjoy practice because with practicing at a higher speed means I can compete at a higher speed.”

- Armand Crouch ‘17

However, Nugent also states there are also some tough parts to practice. “Running a long distance while maintaining a good pace is very exhausting.

Sometimes it becomes very tough,” Nugent said.

“I tell myself that if I finish faster, I can rest faster.”

Nugent loves track and field mainly for the competition. He said, “I really enjoy the track meets and competing with other schools. I really enjoy competition.“ “You get to compete against the same people everyday at school, but when you compete with other schools you get new competitions and they push me to new levels.”

Off the track, Nugent also

enjoys other sports. He participates in basketball, football, and baseball. Nevertheless, he says he enjoys track and field the most because he is the best at it. He also enjoys track and field because it helps him with all of his other sports.

Nugent said, “One great thing about track is that it will help you with any other sport you play.” He also states that track may also be the hardest out of all those sports. “Track has a lot more conditioning and will wear you down a lot faster than many other sports.”

In the classroom, Nugent maintains a 4.0 GPA while juggling all of his activities. Nugent is not only seen as a great runner, but also seen as a guy with a positive attitude.

“He’s a really funny guy. He’s nice to be around,” said Armand Crouch ’17.

“Derek has an incredible amount of positive energy and it’s infectious for those of us that get to be around him on a daily basis.” Martz said.

Derek’s practice shoes

Life Outside of School

3:35 - Go into little Gym, start warmups 3:50 - Head to track field 4 - Run three 100, four 200, four 300, and two 400 meter runs.

5 - Stretch out for 10 minutes 5:10 - Lift weights 5:30 - Go home 5:50 - Drink a protein shake 6 - Run outside or on treadmill for 30 minutes 6:30 - Take shower and relax/do homework 10:00 - go to sleep

SPORTS } APRIL 2014 SECTION 09

Four most common sports injuries in 2013

#1 ons i s s u c n Co

#2

Asthma Relat Problem ed s

#3 ness Heat Ill

#4 Sudden Cardiac Arrest Source: http://www.youthsportssafetyalliance.org/

M

any athletes have had to miss a game or two in their career, twisting an ankle in a basketball game or bruising a heel during soccer practice but imagine having to miss not one, but two whole seasons. Welcome to the life of Emma Gilbaugh ’16.

When Emma Gilbaugh ‘16 entered high school she was very excited to finally be able to run with the big girls. Junior high had been fun and all but it was time to step it up into the big leagues.

But before the season even started Gilbaugh injured her leg which put her out for the whole season.

Now usually when something bad happens one assumes it won’t ever happen again because hey, what are the chances? Well sure enough just as practices started to rev up for the 2014 track season Gilbaugh once again injured her leg.

10 SPORTS APRIL 2014 { DESIGN BY CONNER BURNS

The The Gilbaugh Gilbaugh Story Story StoryBy: StoryBy: Ricky Ricky Rodriguez Rodriguez

Gilbaugh has a condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which basically is a chronic pain condition that affects an area of the body, in Gilbaugh’s case the leg. Doctors aren’t sure of the causes of CRPS and even worse there is no cure for the condition. A patients best bet is to seek out a physical therapist.

“Since shes been going to physical therapy and has been on crutches for awhile it has been getting better and she can somewhat put weight on

her foot now” said Jillian Haas ’15.

Having run her whole life it was crushing to be shot down right as she entered her prime athletic years.

“It’s one of the hardest things ve ever done... sports are definitely one of the most important things in my life ” said Gilbaugh.

Even though her injuries keeps getting in the way of her passion you wouldn’t know by talking to her. Always armed with a smile and a laugh

“

Missing two seasons is the hardest thing i’ve ever done.”

Emma Gilbaugh ‘16

Gilbaugh has managed to keep her head high through it all.

“Having my family around me really helps and also knowing that when i can walk and run again I’ll appreciate it more than i did before”.

Even though she’ll be out for the season doesn’t mean you won’t see her down at the track. “I go to all the practices and meets that i can. I love my team and i want to be there to encourage them even though i can’t run.

Besides not being able to run just being on crutches brings its own hardships. “It takes a lot longer to get to the places i need to be” said Gilbaugh which is definitely is understandable considering she only has one useable

leg.

Even simple things like walking to class or picking something off the ground become daily challenges she must face. “Crutches end up getting in the way of everything i’m trying to do”.

As for next year Gilbaugh hopes she’ll finally step foot on the high school track but unfortunately nothing’s guar- Emma is the anteed. “There’s type of friend a chance that i won’t be able Everyone to run next wants,” season, but if i can i definitely - Taylor West 16’ will be running with my team”.

“

So next year whether you see Gilbaugh running her first high school race or cheering on her teammates from the sidelines there will be a smile on her face no doubt. As teamate Taylor West ’16 puts it: “Emma is the type of friend everyone wants, She’s funny, nice, and knows how to bring the best out of people, she’s a great teammate”.

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 11

Kick Asphalt

By Ebony mckeever

As the girls slowly trickle into the gymnasium the noises from other fellow athletes can be heard from all around deep shouts and chuckles echoing from the upper floors and high pitched laughter from below. Most of the girls have smiles on their faces and look ready to go despite the pressures of the day. The coach barely has to lift a finger before they’re off on their warm up routine. Even though everyone automatically gets right down to business, you can tell that it is most definitely a more relaxed type of practice. The coaches talk and laugh amongst themselves in their small huddle situated right in the middle of the large ring of frenzied exercising teenagers. The warm ups may be filled with laughter and smiles, but that is no reason to think that it’s not intense.

By the end of the circuit the majority of the girls are flushed and panting from the effort of keeping a steady pace.

If you look closer at the West High girls track team this year you may realize something that may seem a bit strange, most of the leading runners are...freshmen?

“There are a bunch of people who stick out this year, we just seem to have a bunch of really good newcomers. Especially Valerie Welch and Leah Rhodes, both freshmen” said Taleah Smith ’17. Smith defines herself as neither above average or below, but believes that she’s good enough to hold her own for being in her first year. However this only highlights her modesty because while talking about some of the rising stars on the track team, Peggy McGuire, assistant coach, said “Taleah, is a sprinter and long jumper who has already proved herself to be among the best in the state.”

When asked what sets these runners apart from

the rest Smith simply said, “They’re in tremendous condition and it just seems like even starting out they’ve already contributed to the team.” continuing on to say “They most definitely are leaders, and I think everyone [on the team] looks up to them.”

McGuire also agrees that the abundance of outstanding newcomers on the team is an all around boost for the runners. “These girls have a lot of talent and now with being on the high school team and being able to develop the skills and training for their abilities they will really contribute to the success of Girls track and field.” she said.

This large influx of younger track runners with a surplus of potential could just be a sneak peak of the days to come for the West High girls track team.

“Even in our first couple of meets freshm e n h a v e b e e n l e a d ing in winning e v e n t s .”

S m i t h says.

The coaches are looking optimistic about the future of West High’s girls track team as well, all of those girls already contributing to the success of our program, who can only improve if they continue to work hard and be dedicated to getting better will lead the future of West High girls track for the next three years.” McGuire said.

In the long run these girls will be a brilliant asset for the track team and hopefully they will be the beginning of an era of triumph for West High. While the seniors are still doing their best and bringing successes to the team, the freshmen are moving up on the proverbial ladder and leading the way for bold new victories on the track team overall.

12 SECTION MONTH 2012 { DESIGN BY HANNAH SONG} background photo by//shawn carpenter

Quirky

track facts “On the bus rides, we jam out!”

“On relays, we kiss the baton and the anchor licks the baton” “We try to stay

positive and encourage each other”

“L i s t e n to what the coach tells you” “Eat healthy food before a meet and pig out afterwards. That’s the best part- the food”

-Taleah Smith

COMPILED by//yiming liu for more coverage go to wsspaper.com

Life of a Freshman Runner Before they become those famed track stars and cross-country wonders their senior year, runners have to start somewhere, and that somewhere is as a young freshman.

These are some of the things that they face everyday.

BY BENJAMIN BLIVEN AND ALI ALI

“Sometimes, when a freshman is injured, the upperclassmen think that the freshman is Jacob Wenck ‘17 [just] joking. The freshman might not tell anyone that they are hurt because they don’t want to be shunned. Coaches don’t have as high expectations for freshman as upperclassmen, making it easier for for freshman to sort of suprise everyone with their efforts, and increase one’s reputation among the group. Running makes you feel more physically fit than [maybe] the next guy.

“The only hardship is getting used to the sport Robert Wise ‘17 itself, I mean, as long as there is nice people there there’s no reason to be afraid.I guess… the social part of it is what I like, i hate the running part, but my friends is why i go.Freshmen don’t have much [of an] advantage over upperclassmen. I guess they’re just better, at the moment.”

“[When you start] you don’t know the ropes and Andrew Murley ‘17 you’re not used to [everyone]. You have to learn all the routines, the routes, types of workouts, and the warm up regimen, [but] you still have 4 years to keep improving. It’s really fun, good exercise, and a good way to to know people.”

13 SPORTS APRIL 2014

It’s allergy season, so lots of people get allergies which can Whyatt Phipps ‘17 make it a lot harder for people to run. Also, there are some workouts that are very difficult, so you are really tired and sore after practice.

“When you are running with Noah Armstrong’17 your friends, talking to them is really fun and you get to see a lot of cool things when you run. But, when you are just starting out it can be hard becuase you aren’t conditioned so you can’t keep up as much as the upper classmen, or [maybe] even the condit i o n e d f r e s h m a n .”

A Rising Star Who is this Woman of Troy who dominates on the field and the track?

Photo by Kit Saunders

14 Sports April 2014 { Design by Katie Fuhrmeister

Photo by Kit Saunders

Tia Saunders ‘16 Fast Facts American soccer is called Football in other parts of the world.

The world soccer cup is the biggest sporting event in the world.

F

Tia Saunders ‘16

Article by Gabby Skopec gabbyskopec@gmail.com

Photos by Alexis G.

or most students, a typical day moved on; I felt great after that,” Saunders said. consists of; waking up, going to Games like that were not by chance, she has been school, maybe an after school ac- involved in sports since the age of three, and curtivity, and going home. For Tia rently practices everyday except Sunday.

Saunders ‘16 a typical day during “[My family] drives me, makes me eat right, and the spring sport season consists of; waking be smart about what I’m doing and how to manup, going to school, doing the workout for age my time,” Saunders said. track, then going to soccer practice, and fi- Even though her family is very supportive of her, nally going home. Even though she rarely has she often has to give up family and friend time to time for other things, she has no regrets, go to practice, a game, or a meet.

“I’m happy with what I’ve decided, I just “It is hard to make plans with Tia because her don’t think about it so it doesn’t bother me,” parents always have her doing something or she she said. is doing something for school At the beginning of the spring sports, she also does a lot of outsport season Saunders had toAsthma is the side sports,” said Bryanna Elder talk to both coaches to figure out a close friend of Saunders. only thing that ‘16, how she would balance her time, But Saunders stays motivated and they were able to work outholds me back throughout the social setbacks a schedule. However, not having physical setbacks such as a because then i and her available can be challenging sprained ankle, and mild concushave to stop to sion. She says she is motivated for both her and the coaches, “It’s hard because she’s a leader,breathe. by goals such as winning a team so when she’s not there somebody -Tia Saunders ‘16 state championship, an individual else has to step in,” said girls track state championship, and going to and field assistant coach Peggy McGuire. “I’m college for a sport. And with unofficial personal glad that we could come to an agreement with best times of 58 for the 400 meters, and 24 for the soccer so we can both benefit from Tia,” 200 meters, she is within the same second of the Being involved in both of the sports has school records in both of the events. Her drive to formed her into a very dedicated athlete, but continue to improve is what makes her so good. she still has to balance sports with school.

“At regionals last year we were running the 4x4 “I do homework whenever I get a chance, and she chased someone down, she didn’t actubut I usually always end up staying up late. ally win, but it was by a hair; that was the exciting If I don’t finish it then, then I do it during my part,” McGuire said. study hall, but I’m always doing sports so it can be difficult,” Balancing all of this is difficult, but through sports she has learned how to work hard and be tough. Eventually all her hard work pays off when she gets a new personal best time, or wins a game.

“Last year during [soccer] regionals I scored the only goal of the game, and we won and

“

Photo by Alexis G.

Photo by Alexis G.

Photo by Kit Saunders for more coverage go to wsspaper.com

Go to WSSPAPER.COM for more photos of Tia. Photos by Alexis Gronewold} April 2014 Sports 15

Women Of Of

Troy

Take a look into the minds and views of these three rising atheletes. See how these freshmen plan to make their mark on their individual sports at West High this upcoming season.

By Lexi shaffer

{PHOTO BY NATALIE TROUT} for more coverage go to wsspaper.com

16 SPORTS APRIL 2014

{Design by Morgan Schmitt-Morris}

Emma Cooper ’17

Emma Cooper ’17

Valerie Welch ’17

Valerie Welch ’17

Valerie Welch, freshman hurdler and sprinter on the West High track team, is definitely one to keep your eye out for. She has broken many records in previous years at Northwest Jr. High. So West Side Story sat down to ask her a few questions.

West Side Story: When did you start running track?

Valerie Welch: I ran track in 7th and 8th grade and now 9th grade. I also ran in the elementary school track meets in 5th and 6th grade.

WSS: What made you want to start running?

VW: Because they didn’t have soccer in junior high and hurdles have always been an interest.

WSS: What’s your favorite part about track?

VW: Hurdles...

WSS: How is high school track different than junior high track?

VW: The workouts are way more difficult and intense, there is more preparation before a race in a meet, more competition especially as a freshman competing against seniors.

WSS: Do you get nervous before competing?

How do you handle that?

VW: Yes; by reminding myself that it’s just a 60 second race, if it’s a 400, or some other small amount of time that the race is supposed to last.

WSS: Do you have any pregame rituals?

VW: For a relay we get into a small huddle and say inspirational words then everyone kisses the baton except for the anchor who has to lick it. [Also] the baton isn’t allowed to touch the ground before, during, or after the race.

Emma Cooper, freshman on West High varsity soccer team, has already made her mark at her club. Her team is planning their third regional trip to Ohio this summer. She has also made the Iowa and Region II Olympic Developmental Program for years now.

West Side Story: How long have you been playing soccer?

Emma Cooper: [I’ve been playing] since I was three-years-old. I started out doing Tiny Tots, then a half season of Kixx, before finally joining the Iowa City Alliance soccer club at U8 when I was seven.

WSS: What are some of your goals?

EC: To win State Cup this year for West High, and to finish the year with a 4.0 GPA, and to be successful in Regionals in Ohio for club this summer.

WSS: Do you plan on playing soccer in college?

EC: Only if it works out with where I want to go to school academically.

WSS: What is the best part of playing soccer?

EC: Spending time with all of your close friends and the travel.

WSS: Where is the furthest you have ever traveled for soccer?

EC: Northern Europe because I went to Iceland, Denmark, and Germany in 2012 and then Iceland again in 2013.

WSS: How does soccer here compare to soccer in Europe?

EC: The speed of play was faster in Europe than in America. They were just cleaner... crisper touches and passes.

WSS: How are you preparing for this soccer season at West High?

EC: We have various morning runs at 6:30 every day and a two hour practice after school.

WSS: What’s a normal practice like?

EC: We work a lot on just creating opportunities and just molding as a team.

Simran Sarin ’17

Simran Sarin ’17

Simran Sarin recently made the varsity tennis team at West High. She is one of the few freshman who accomplished this. After taking a few years off she is proud of her quick start back.

West Side Story: How long have you been playing tennis?

Simran Sarin: Two years. I played when I was five or six but then I quit and I joined the swim team when I was nine or so.

WSS: What made you want to start again?

SS: Well I got really sick of swimming and I wanted a change. I had never played any other sports so I decided to give tennis a try again.

WSS: Do you play singles or doubles?

SS: I play both. I alternate between fifth and sixth spot for single with Abby Jan’s and Abby Jan’s and I play doubles together.

WSS: What’s the best and worst part about high school tennis?

SS: Um the best part is probably practicing with my team. Everyone is so nice and practice is so fun because we are all supporting each other. Also a lot of the time we are messing around when we aren’t playing. We just get along really well. I don’t know what the worst part is. I seriously love playing. I guess maybe morning practices weren’t as fun.

WSS: What’s it like to be a freshman on a varsity team?

SS: It’s definitely a new experience, especially since I’ve never been on a tennis team. We are all very competitive and are always cheering each other on. I feel like I’m really close to all the girls especially since I knew most of them before the tennis season started. They are all really nice and are definitely making the season really fun for me.

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 17

design by// Olivia Read

DISCOVERING

Photos by// Christina Dai

Soccer players from ISC and Alliance set aside their rivalry to play together on the West High soccer team.

By Cameron cook

cecook1117@gmail.com

ALLIANCE

for more coverage by lily westemeyer go to wsspaper.com

A lone soccer ball sits on the team field after a practice ends.

T

he ISC and Alliance rivalry has been going on practically forever. With two leagues in a city this small, the competition for the “best soccer league” is fierce. But how do the players feel? Does the tension present in the arguments carry on to the West High field when they are united as one team? Players from both teams elaborate.

“There’s no tension at [West] practices. Not between returning players and not between new players,” said Emma Cooper ’17, an Alliance player. “Everyone gets along really well and wants to play the best they can individually and as a team.”

Most players are of this mindset as well; while the dispute over ISC versus Alliance is definitely real, they Emma Cooper ’17 don’t play a big part in the West practices or games.

“During the West season, I do not notice any tensions between the Alliance and ISC players at practice. Outside of high school season, I would not go as far to say that any players are friends when they are on opposite teams trying to win a game,” said Daniel Machlab ’15, an ISC player.

However, this is not an opinion shared by all of the athletes.

“When playing soccer together, really the only difference I’ve noticed is that people from the same club seem to know each other’s playing styles better, and are Daniel Machlab ’15

The West High School girls’ team practices on an April afternoon. Practices usually run from after school until five o’clock.

18 sports april 2014

AN

“

When we’re playing on the field together we’re all one team.”

less likely to criticize each other,” said Sam Anderson ’17, another member of ISC. -Sam Anderson ’17 West High girls’ soccer coach, David Rosenthal, is of the same mindset as the students, and believes in the integrity and non discrimination of the players against each other, at least based on their club soccer identity.

“Personally, I have never heard of, or seen, any sort of conflict or concern based on who [the students] play their club soccer for,” Rosenthal said.

While the players may squabble over “the best league” off the field, it may be the feeling of supporting West that alleviates the qualms. That, and the fact that many of the players already know each other from school or other activities.

“When it comes to school … we all tend to be friends, no matter which club we’re from, and when we’re playing on the field together, we’re all one team,” Anderson said.

In addition, the practices are so different that it might not even feel the same to the players.

“Club practices tend to not have a lot of fitness and conditioning without

ISC Location: Coralville & University fields, the HTRC building and the U of I Rec. Building Uniforms: White and blue striped shirts with black socks and shorts Practices: 3 times a week for an hour and a half, 2 hour long optional skills session Quick Quotes: “We have two West jerseys, one green and one white. They are virtually the same design.

They’re made out of thick, itchy material that makes me question how old they are.”

- Sam Anderson ‘17

soccer incorporated,” Cooper said.

At West, conditioning is a large part of training for the season. There are also differences in team dynamic and intensity.

“In ISC everyone is close to the same age; furthermore, the team trains together all year round besides high school season in the spring,” Machlab said. “ The [West] team is made up of players from many different clubs in the area, and the team only trains together for a few months out of the year.”

Since club practices are so often and year-round, the rush to be fully prepared is different. The time constraint on West’s teams makes good timing and fierce Sam Anderson ‘17 practices all the more imperative.

“Honestly, West practices are a bit longer and more intense. It’s a different group of girls, so we have to work on different aspects of the game. We’re currently working on having good chemistry as a team and being prepared to shoot,” said Cooper.

Also, the players always try not to rock the boat, just in case disagreements elsewhere would degenerate the field work. Many players know that arguing their point is not worth the decay of a good team dynamic.

“I rarely argue the point [of ISC versus Alliance] because the teams focus more on their performance than the performance of another club. Also, as I’ve gotten older and made more friends on ISC, I wouldn’t want to say something offensive and possibly disrupt how we play on the high school team,” said Cooper.

Ultimately, though, it all boils down to teamwork, and putting grudges aside. Here at West, players from ISC or players from Alliance simply become players from West. They are no longer identified by where they come from; rather they are identified as where they stand now.

“It is rare that we see, or foresee, any problems with players from different clubs,” said Rosenthal. “When [the students] play here, they play wearing the West High soccer uniforms and they are united in their goals as a team.”

The bleachers where West students and families can watch home soccer games.

ALLIANCE Location: Iowa Recreation Soccer Fields or Willow Creek Park Uniforms: Navy blue, alternate jerseys are white and red respectively Practices: 3 times a week for an hour and a half Quick Quote: “We focus a lot on our team’s efficiency and speed of play, too. It’s more about the team and less about the individual.”

- Emma Cooper ‘17

The West High School girls’ team cools down near the end of practice on a Wednesday afternoon.

The Ed Baker soccer field where the West team practices. sports April 2014 19

Click Boxing

Should the “Sports” be taken out of “eSports”?

By elanor ho

eleanorcpbw12@gmail.com

This is it. The finals match of the tournament.

The team and the crowd are on the edge of their seats, silent, as they watch the game go down. Things start going bad, the team morale dropping as even their best players are being outmatched. It’s all down to this final play, thought up last minute, the usual playbook thrown out the window; all their hard work leading up to this moment, the victory hanging in the balance. And just like that, they pull through. At first they don’t believe it. It finally hits them once the trophy is in their hands. They punch the air, waving their controllers around wildly, yelling “GG bro!” Wait, what?

A growing part of the entertainment industry, gaming is pulling in more and more people, creating opportunities for tournaments, conventions, and professional play, not to mention the $93 billion in revenue it made

in 2013. With an abundance of genres, it can and involved movement,” said volleyball coach appeal to anyone.

Kathy Bresnahan, via email.

“I’m really competitive, and I like to win. But According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, sometimes other competitions like math and a sport is defined as “a contest or game in which science are too hard because everyone else is people do certain physical activities according so smart. In gaming, I feel I’m really to a specific set of rules and compete good at it, so winning is easy,” said against each other.” Despite this West High eSports coordinator, Kai official definition, some still disagree.

Gui ’15.

“I think it kind of goes both ways With all the buzz around gaming, because there’s lots of professional people have been beginning teams that are able to make a living to wonder: should eSports be off of gaming, but it doesn’t follow considered a sport? Many people say the normal definition of a sport. It no. also requires mental strength, so at Kai Gui ’15 “I believe gaming could be a contest least that’s why I call it a sport,” said but I do not believe it could be classified as sport. eSports member Jacob Nishimura ’16. And still, Sport involves a component of physical activity some are on the fence like Spencer Roetlin ’16, a that gaming is missing. Gaming could be a sport “League of Legends” player. if it was interactive, such as an advanced Wii, “I think I’m on the borderline on that question

24 SPORTS APRIL 2014 { DESIGN BY AVERY SMITH AND SIMRAN SARIN

{

What does that mean again?

gg “ ”

“good game” usually said at the end of a game, round, or match

Photos by/Frank Weirich and Simran Sarin

bm “ ”

“bad mannered” usually said in response to players acting rude

“op” because I think the general consensus is that sport would require more physical activity, but then again, people count things like poker as a sport, and if poker is a sport, I don’t see why competitive video games wouldn’t be,” Roetlin said.

Whether or not gaming is a sport, there are lots of similarities between the two, one being big prize money. At the International “Dota 2” tournament, a 5 versus 5 Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game similar to “League of Legends”, the first place prize was $1.4 million, out of a $2.8 million prize pool. With that kind of incentive, the pressure from sponsors and coaches has dragged out practice times to lengths greater than sports practices.

“Lots of [professional gamers] play for eight to nine hours a day,” Nishimura said. Naturally,

that comes with worries about the player’s health.

“Athletes are limited with practice time because of the stress and strain on the body.

Time must be allotted for recovery. I become concerned about gaming when players become consumed with their gaming and it begins to conflict with everyday normal life,” Bresnahan said.

People wonder how long hours will affect gamers in the future. The answer? No one really knows; the first professional gamers are only beginning to be phased out by a new generation. But at the moment, that’s not what the West High eSports team is concerned with.

“We have a team that qualified for spring playoffs… We’re trying to figure out who’s going for more coverage to play,” Gui said. go to wsspaper.com

“over powered” refering to something that is typically very powerful while easy to use

glhf “ ” “good luck have fun” said at the beginning of a match

COMPILED by Avery Smith

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 25

StarCraft II: Video Game or Sport?

S

ports. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you know the regulars; basketball, football, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and video games.

Wait, video games? Believe it or not, video games are sports in South Korea according to the South Korean government.

26 SECTION DECEMBER 2013

DESIGN BY//SASHA WEMMIE AND NICOLE LANGE

By Brandon berner

A specific one is StarCraft II (SC2), the national sport of South Korea.

There are competitions where prizes range from 10s to 1000s of dollars.

Many people participate in these competitions, so many that they are aired on television.

The game became popular during an economic breakdown and helped the people have fun and be entertained again. Because the popularity of the game rose in South Korea, the game became popular in other countries and eventually came to West High. SC2 is a real time strategy game that evolved from its predecessors, StarCraft and Warcraft. Real time strategy games are a bit like chess except without “turns”.

You play as one of the three races; Zerg, Protoss, or Terran and control a growing alien army. Your goal in this game is to grow, and conquer. With over 3,000,000 copies sold, StarCraft II is immensely popular globally.

SC2 has a storyline portion and a PVP (Player Versus Player) portion, containing rankings on some servers.

The eSports club has players that are in the top 2% of the region (the Masters League). After asking some of the members of the eSports club who have played StarCraft, their opinions of the game is “Good.” “One of a kind.” Kai Gui ‘15, a member of a the eSports club, shared some of his personal experiences with us. “I thought I would be in Diamond League (top 18%) right away, but

Kai Gui ‘15 Photo by Sasha Wemmie

then I lost all five rounds and ended up in bronze league. I blamed it on [luck]. After I lost I played only over the weekends for fun and got better every time. I learned all the best strategies and stuff and now I’m in the top 2% (Master League).” StarCraft also has a level editor for players to create their own maps, but most allow professional map-makers to do this job.

Unlike in South Korea, at West, videogames are rarely played in competition or CO-OP, with the exception of the eSports club. South Korea hosts a world championship that is part of the drive that attracts people to the game. People from all around the world travel to South Korea to compete in the championship(s), though no one in our eSports club has participated in one yet.

StarCraft II has gotten enough recognition that the company (Blizzard Entertainment) that made the game into three segments. There is a game for each of the different alien races. These games led to higher popularity and made the game expand to more audiences such as the eSports club.

MONTH 2013 SECTION 27

THEArt OF SPORTS

SCHOLARSHIPS As college tuitions rise, many students are turning to athletic scholarships to cover the costs of post-high school education.

By mICHAEL mOOnJely and Claire Murray claire.cl.murray@gmail.com mmoonjely9@gmail.com

M

ost high school athletes dream of playing for a Division 1 college. Varsity volleyball player Laynie Whitehead ‘15 is no exception. However, earlier this school year, Whitehead made her dream a reality by verbally committing to Northeastern University on a full scholarship. Many younger athletes wonder what the key to success is when trying to obtain a sports scholarship. Ali Tauchen ‘17, who started on the varsity volleyball team her freshman season, is trying to follow in Whitehead’s footsteps by getting a scholarship.

The WSS asked Tauchen to sit down with Whitehead, and here are some highlights from their conversation.

Ali Tauchen: How do you know if you are good enough to even be thinking about playing sports in college?

Laynie Whitehead: I started getting letters the summer before freshman year, and that’s when I thought about playing in college.

Letters mean that coaches are watching you, and that you are in their database. [Ali] needs to start contacting coaches at the colleges she is interested in, and schedule visits and meetings with coaches at national tournaments.

AT: How well do you need to succeed academically to get a scholarship?

LW: To get a scholarship, you need a 3.0 and a 24 on your ACT. AT: What do you do on your visit?

LW: I stayed in the dorm with the girls, ate with the coaches, and met in the coach’s offices with my parents.

28 SPORTS APRIL 2014

AT: How do you know if they want to take the next step?

LW: They will be upfront about it if they want you, and if they want to make you an offer they will tell you. Then they will lay everything out on the table and give you a timeline of four months for you to make your decision.

AT: Is the scholarship final?

LW: I have a verbal commitment, which means if a new coach is hired, they dont have to honor your commitment at all. Also, if you get hurt they could pull out of the deal--it’s scary.

QuickStats

LAYNIE WHITEHEAD Sets: 83 Kills:184 Kills: (per set) 2.22 Serve Success: 245 Aces: 26 Aces (per set): .31

Northeastern by the Numbers

Location: Boston, Massachusetts Conference: Colonial Athletic Association Nickname: Huskies 2013 Volleyball Record (Overall): 19-11 Acceptance Rate: 31.9% (2012) 2013 Volleyball Record (Conference): 10-4 Mascot: Northeastern University Paws

AT: How much is volleyball a part of your life while at college?

LW: You practice 6 days a week and lift 3-4 days a week. You are also required to go to an athletic study hall for a certain number of hours a week. It’s a pretty big commitment--it isn’t for everybody.

AT: What do coaches look for in a player?

LW: They look for the intangibles. Coaches love consistency and when players play with a lot of heart. They hate when kids are all about themselves and are rude to their teammates. College coaches will ask your high school coach about you. High school coaches are very honest. I have heard of girls who are [denied] scholarships because of a bad [reference] from their high school coach.

It’s important to be genuine, they will see through a fake attitude very quickly.

WSS: What is your biggest piece of advice for Ali? LW: Ali is not scared of anything. She is such a hard worker. Keep being awesome. It’s easy for sports to be too competitive, and too much to handle. If you truly love the game, which I know Ali does, if she just keeps working

All statistics are from the 2013 season.

ALI TAUCHEN Sets: 90 Kills:123 Kills: (per set) 1.37 Serve Success: 196 Aces: 25 Aces (per set): .28

Above: Rising star Ali Tauchen (Left) and future Northeastern Huskie Laynie Whitehead are at two different stages of their volleyball careers.

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 29

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY // RYO OHASHI

e c i u THEJ OF IT ALL

BY ISABELLE ROBLES isabeller99@gmail.com

A

As the spring sports season starts, West athletes try the new juicing trend in order to receive the health benefits they (proposedly) provide. The West Side Story investigates.

s the air (finally) starts to warm and flower buds start to nesses like arthritis, cancer, increased amounts of pop up from the somewhat frozen ground, West High headaches, heart disease and asthma.

Juices help to get rid of these toxins by taking students start to prepare for spring. Seniors are sending in their applications to the colleges of their dreams and foods that are typically digested and combining freshman are just trying to finish surviving their first year. them to a pulp. This is easier to digest, so the toxSpring is a time for change and many use the season to kick start their ins can flow and be released more easily. Skin is one of the many organs that helps to rid toxins. health.

With the juices doing the And how, you may ask, should students spring Allie Biscupski ’17 majority work, the ortheir way back into shape? The juicing trend has gans of the body start to been proven very popular this year: With tons of “I usually make [my become more healthy, as Biscupski noticed. celebrities including Beyonce and Megan Fox anBiscupski says she started juicing because she nouncing their use of the trend, the craze has swept smoothies] before I heard about the health benefits they possess. through the nation, and West athletes have joined work out, so about ev“I’m really into health and how healthy eating afin as well. ery day… I feel more fects you.. I started seeing smoothie recipes and Allie Biscupski ’17, is one of many students at the Nutribullet infomercial and I got a NutribulWest that combines fruits, vegetables and other healthy and energized let,” Biscupski said. healthy ingredients to make her juices.

-Ivan Perez ‘14 She also loves the fact that you can put in a lot of “They’re super easy, fill you up, and healthy!” Bisvegetables without tasting them. With only 20% of cupski said. teenagers taking in the recommended amount of She started this season in track doing discus and shotput and admits that she is not sure whether or not the juicing helps vegetables each day, juicing is a great way to receive all the vitamins and her in performance. Yet, she has experienced more energy, weight loss, minerals they possess. Biscupski’s favorite blend is mangos, pineapples, strawberries, bananas and spinach or kale. healthier hair and skin and an overall health boost.

“It tastes very tropical so you can’t taste the greens at all,” Biscupski said .

Which makes sense-- The Blum Center of Health has shown that juices Ivan Perez, ’14, is another student that uses a blender to his advantage. help to naturally rid toxins. Here’s how it works: Toxins enter a person’s body very easily; they are in preservatives found in processed food or car- However, he combines fruits and vegetables with large amounts of protein, like eggs and peanut butter, to build lean muscle and gain energy. He needs bon monoxide which is in the air we breath.

These toxins can build up in the body and can result in a weakened im- to drink his smoothies in order to keep up with his football, wrestling and mune system and build up of inflammation. This can lead to chronic ill- sports careers at West.

30 SPORTS FEATURE 2014 { DESIGN BY RYO OHASHI

“I started juicing because I wanted to get bigger and stronger. Everyone on the football team that were huge did and they told me [about it.]” Perez said.

Perez has been making the juices and has noticed a Ivan Perez ’14 difference in his athletic ability.

“I usually make [my smoothies] before I work out, so about every day… I feel more healthy and energized,” Perez said.

He recommends other athletes start to juice because it’s easy to start, keep up and they help him by giving him an adrenalin rush and more energy.

Although adding a healthy juice to a diet can be helpful, juice fasts, or drinking a day-to-day diet consisting solely of juices, should be avoided, according to Hy-Vee dietitian Stephanie Potratz.

“Juice fasts may result in weight loss, but this will be mostly water weight that will return. Juicing is not a balanced diet--high in sugar, low in protein… there is a big difference between adding a [nutrient dense] smoothie to your diet.”

Even though juicing has proven to be beneficial, it also contains many drawbacks. The juices can give the drinker a lot of vitamins and minerals that fruits and vegetables provide, but is not a substitute.

“If not executed properly and with some supervision it can be detrimental to overall health,” said Jacque Green foods teacher.

These juices can also be very dense in calories and sugar if store-bought.

“Often times these drinks contain many calories and only provide a portion of the daily food requirements,” Green said.

The juicing machines can also be very expensive. A Nutribullet retails for $99.99 and other juicing machines can cost anywhere from $50 to $400.

Overall, West students have enjoyed their juicing experience and recommend other students or athletes try it out in the spring season.

“I do think that juices can be a healthy addition to healthy eating. It can work well as perhaps one meal a day as long as it has limited sugar, is consumed in the right quantities and is consumed in the right quantities and is complemented throughout the day with other daily necessities,” Green said.

To get some ideas of how to make juices go to wsspaper.com to get instructional DIY videos.

SCAN THIS FOR MORE COVERAGE ON WSSPAPER.COM

What Goes In What Comes Out

SOURCES// WWW.BRAINSTORM.ORG, WWW.REFINERY29.COM, JUICING-FORHEALTH.COM

COMPILED BY//ISABELLE ROBLES & RYO OHASHI

re m ov a

l

The benefits certain fruits and vegetables provide when put into juices.

e

Increases Lowers blood antioxidants

ac n Eff ec

o

lesterol

tiv e

rs

fo r

w Lo e Ch

Lowers rate of brain aging

pressure and increases stamina

2014 SPORTS FEATURE 31

Iowa city west boys

Hooker: {Does the ‘kick-off ’}

Locks:

{Keep the game stable}

Fly Half:

{Defensive player, takes control of the ball and does the decision making}

Props:

{‘Prop’ up the Hooker}

Centres: {Outside players, provide a link to the wings}

Wings:

{Attack and defend the edges of the field, run the ball}

HalfBack:

{Openside Flanker}

Number Eight: {Offensive forward}

Flankers:

{Move game Forward}

By LEOLA eKO

A

leolaeko@gmail.com

RUGBY

fter the final bell of the day rings at 3:15 p.m., it is normal to see a group of students in gym shorts and colorful Nikes jogging around the halls and doing various warm up exercises. Another group is pouring out of the locker rooms bouncing soccer balls on their cleats, hurrying to get to the field before practice starts. The spring sports season at West High has officially begun. However, fifteen upperclassmen boys have chosen to break out and showcase their athletic talents outside of the West High fields. The spring sports season gives these young men the opportunity to join other athletes in the state who all share a passion for one unique sport: rugby.

The Iowa Youth Rugby Association (IAYRA) is a “sanctioning body” for all youth rugby in the state of Iowa. They are not directly affiliated with West. There are many rugby teams, each from a different high school.

But what exactly is rugby? “It’s kind of a mix of football, wrestling, and soccer,” said Mason Koch ’16.

Austin Stumpf ’14 describes the game as “very fast paced which requires a lot of skill and endurance…

Everyone needs to be able to run with the ball and tackle no matter how big or small you are.” The game is usually associated with the term “violent”, as it involves tackles and other forms of physical brutality.

Despite this setback, players are still able to have a great time. “It gets pretty violent, but it’s a lot of fun and a good workout,” said Koch.

Rugby and football share origins, so they have many similarities. An obvious one is the size and shape of the ball used. However, there are a few distinguishable differences, from basic terminology to the physical appearance of the players.

32 SPORTS April 2014

{Design by zAYETZY LUNA}

“oUR PLAYERS DON’T WEAR ALL OF THE AGGRESSIVE HEADGEAR AND PADS THAT FOOtBALL PLAYERS WEAR.”

- Head Coach Josh Flammang

PHOTOS by// Mckenna Harris

Austin Stumpf ‘14 was playing against Cedar Falls during the first game of the season Friday, April 4th when he dove for a tackle and was kneed in the face.

But that wasn’t stopping Austin. he played on leading the team to their first win of the season.

“Our players don’t wear all of the aggressive headgear and pads that football players wear,” said head coach Josh Flammang. Another noticable difference is that in rugby, the ball can only be thrown backwards.

There are fifteen players in a team. Eight players are forwards (divided into front row forwards, second row forwards, and back row forwards). Seven are backs (two are half backs, and five are remaining). On the West team, there are no designated positions for the players. To begin a play, the ball is kicked by the offensive team. The backs do the most of the ball-handling. The objective of the team is to score a try, which is equivalent to a touchdown in football. It is how teams to score points. To restart a play, the forwards bind into a scrum, which closely resembles a “huddle.”

The two groups of forwards have to essentially “fight” to gain possession of the ball.

The IAYRA supports both boys and girls rugby, so the sponsors of the group encourage interested athletes to get involved and create a team. Making friends on other teams as well as getting better acquainted with those on the same team are just a few incentives to join a rugby team. “I know a lot of the guys from other sports and schools. You really get to know a guy when you hit him in the mouth,” said Koch.

The fifteen young men who opted to play rugby this year are paving the way for a positive future for the West High rugby team, as well as giving a good name to one unconventional sport.

Mason Koch ’16

“iT’S KIND OF A MIX BETWEEN fOOTBALL, wRESTLING, AND SOCCER”

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 33

Celebrate Prom with a Cupcake

34 ADS APRIL 2014

Finding Where They Fit

By Taylor Libby and emma Fowler

West Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young athletes are just beginning their athletic careers, many of them will continue with their sports in the years following graduation. A few of them share with us their journeys, obstacles and accomplishments that will lead them to their dreams. Each one has a specific talent or set of skills that can set them apart from the crowd. From golf to football there is no shortage of talent and dreams walking the hallways of West High. This is the story of a few kids, trying to find where they fit in teams, or future teams, full of talent.

DESIGN BY//TAYLOR LIBBY

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 35

Laynie Whitehead ‘15 isn’t all bark and no bite, the 6’2 junior dominates the volleyball court with her spectacular height and athletic ability. Still young and very early in her career, Whitehead and the 2011-2012 girls volleyball team brought home the state title, “ It was amazing, I was so fortunate to get to play and be apart of such a special team.”

Whitehead is commited to play volleyball at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in the fall of 2016. Her height, drive and athletic ability makes her a good fit for any team.

Laynie Whitehead ’15

Donovan Doyle ‘16 describes wrestling in a way that lets you know he’s serious, “It’s not a sport, it’s a lifestyle,” said Doyle. Doyle comes from a strong athletic background, his father, Chris Doyle is The University of Iowa Football team’s strength and conditioning coach, “Having his experience is extremely useful for me, I know he can help me maintain a healthy balance within my body, which helps any athlete,” Doyle said As a sophomore Doyle earned all american and all state, which he considers his greatest accomplishment. Being so young and having such honors already will make Doyle a potential fit for a state champion.

36 SPORTS APRIL 2014

Donovan Doyle ’16

Danielle Craig’15

Danielle Craig ‘15 has overcome more than any young athlete should, having already had a major knee injury Craig knows how to overcome just about anything. Last year the girls basketball team made it to the playoffs, where they met City High to move on, they won, moving on to the state tournament “The team was so close, and being able to experience state together was amazing.” said Craig, Even though she wasn’t able to contribute to her team this basketball season she will continue to go to therapy in order to fit the team back together next year.

Tyus Adkins ‘14 is the starting pitcher for West High’s boys’ baseball team, winning pitcher of the year by Press Citizen in 2012. In the summer of 2012, Adkins met who he believes is the key to his success, Tim Fangman.

Fangman is a former pitcher for The University of Iowa and Adkins’ mentor. Fangman took Adkins under his wing and trained with him 3-4 times a week throughout the fall months, drilling him and pushing him harder than anyone had before. Adkins now throws faster and more accurately than he ever had before and he gives all the credit to Fangman,” I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without him, he has been a huge inspiration,” Adkins said. Still young and improving, Adkins will take his pitching to Upper Iowa University and continue with the sport he loves with a team he considers the perfect fit.

Tyus Adkins’14

Madi Miller ‘15 doesn’t limit herself to a single sport, earning a starting varsity spot in two sports is just a start to the juniors list of accomplishments. Miller’s freshman year the softball team qualified for state for the first time in West High hisMadi Miller ’15 tory, “State was a big deal, it was a great experience, and i was so happy to be apart of the team.” Miller said.

Not only does she excel in both sports, but having two options for a college sport is a good position to be in according to Miller, “It will make the decision a bit difficult, but I’m thankful that i will have the opportunity in both and it will open a lot of doors for me.” Miller said. Having open options for her future will make it tough for her to chose just what team she wants to fit with.

Tanner Lohaus ’16

Alex Henderson ‘16 is still young in his career, having one sophomore season and one varsity season under his belt will help him in the years to come.

A wide receiver is a crucial part to the football team, and one that cannot lack in ability or experience. This year West High’s football team made an appearance in the state tournament for the second year in a row, “I’ve accomplished quite a bit already, but I hope in the next years I can begin to contribute much more to the teams I’m involved in.” Henderson said. Being thrown in the mix on a team with alot of more experience has its benefits, “It was great having so many people there to help you get better.” Henderson said.

Being supported by the older people on the team will help Henderson in the coming years, making him fit with the team.

Alex Henderson ’16

Tanner Lohaus ‘16 has big shoes to fill, the son of former University of Iowa basketball player Brad Lohaus and brother of future UNI player Wyatt Lohaus, “basketball family” is an understatement. Lohaus is young, but has already contributed greatly to the West High basketball team and their trip to the Iowa State Basketball Tournament last month.

While Lohaus played in quite a few games this past season, look for him to take a strong leadership role in years to come. Still young, Lohaus has been apart of both state-winning teams, “Winning state is a big deal, and it means alot that I could be apart of it.” Lohaus said. Growing up around basketball his entire life, and getting good experience early on will help Lohaus fit in with the leaders of his team.

J.D. Goodfellow ‘16 may be young, but that doesn’t mean his list of accomplishments is any shorter than older, more experienced golfers.

Goodfellow will start his second season on the West High boy’s varsity golf team this April, a huge accomplishment for a young sophomore like himself. Goodfellow doesn’t let his age define him though, in last years season Goodfellow outshined even the best and took home several first place finishes including the Iowa City Junior tournament at Finkbine.

Setting himself up for success Goodfellow will have no problem finding a place to fit after high school.

J.D. Goodfellow’16

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 37

Cookies make everything better.

Cookie Mom Cookies Made to order specialty cookies!

(319)430-2642 www.cookiemomcookies.com 38 ADS APRIL 2014

Sports uniforms undergo big transformation over the years The cheers, the game plans, the crowd; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all stuck around and havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed much over the years but the uniforms sure have. WSS looked through archives to find these photos of how the Trojan uniforms have changed over the years.

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 39

We asked current students and staff members what they think of the uniforms and here’s what they had to say..

Volleyball 1979 “It’s not very different from today but the uniform looks thicker so it’d be hotter” Shelby Carson Villhauer ‘15

Wrestling 1971 “It literally looks like he’s wearing a diaper...?” Devin Bush ‘15 “It’s similar to today’s but today’s is a little more revealing but the head gear is safer.” Chase Ney ‘15

1970

1973

1971

1979

Cheerleading 1970 “I would like this over the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders” Librarian Beth Belding.

“I feel like I would have heat stroke cheering in that sweater.” Ivetter Perez ‘15

40 SPORTS APRIL 2014 { DESIGN BY AZEMINA LISINOVIC

Cheerleading 1973 “I think it’s adorable, they should wear that now!”

Jill Hofmockel, West High’s Librarian.

1980

Basketball 1981 “I don’t like it, it looks innappropriate and his “parts” could be revealed...”

Pari’elle Fitch ‘14

1981

Tennis 1980 “It looks like the pants are high-waisted up to your stomach and it has weird sleeves.”

Antonio Hernandez ‘17

Volleyball 2014 “Uniforms today are a lot tighter but I think it allows the girls to move around quicker.” Najha Jones ‘17

2001

2014

Soccer 2000 “The uniforms are really similar to today’s and they look comfortable and suited right for the boys.” Kylie Smith ‘15

APRIL 2014 SPORTS 41