THE PAW PRINT
Lack of Fields Becoming a Problem Zoe Harris ’12
Staff Writer
sports coaches get together to make a practice schedule. Once there is a change to this schedule, then everything must be changed, even game times. Members of the Athletic Department in Norwalk High feel relieved though because as of now efforts are being put forth to cover the two fields at Nathan Hale with turf. The Athletic Department estimates that this project will be done in two years. Because of this field problem that NHS has, it is affecting sports teams and the individual players involved. Hopefully the new turf fields at Nathan Hale will benefit the teams in the future.
DECEMBER 2011
XC Track Team runs far in the Junior Olympics Matt Brown ’13
Web Content December 10th, 2011 was a life-changing day for Norwalk High School cross-country runners Edwin Rosales (‘13), Dashiell Murphy (‘14), and Clair Turner (’14). Rosales, Murphy, and Turner both qualified in the 2011 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. This monumental race was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at the Whispering Pines Golf Course. Close to 3000 student athletes across the country competed in this championship and three of those runners will be Norwalk High School students. “I am extremely excited and it is a great opportunity,” said Murphy. Murphy stated this is was an important race to him because the race was in Myrtle Beach. “Myrtle Beach is where my grandparents live. I will spend time with them and they can see me run,” stated Murphy. Murphy placed in 90th place out of 188 runners in the Intermediate Men Division 1 mile split running the race in 5:15.79. He also competed in the 5k races and he placed 120th out of 188 runners. He ran the 5k in Photo Credit: Lucas Keogh
Norwalk High sports teams are not working up to their best potential due to the lack of fields that NHS has to offer. NHS has two fields, one gymnasium, weight and wrestling rooms, and a pool on campus. There are approximately 1500 students in Norwalk High and about one third of those students are involved in a sport. However most teams have to commute to other schools, Andrew’s Field, and even to the City Hall field to practice. Mr. Wayne Mones, Director of the Athletic Department stated, “Our kids have to be more disciplined and have more passion. There’s no regularity to our students’ athletic days.” It is a privilege to be able to use the turf field at the front of the school for many teams. The varsity girls’ soccer team, the football team, girls’ field hockey, and boys’ soccer all have to share this field. Despite this crazy schedule, all of these teams come together in the end and really give it their all in games and meets. Cecily Stearns (’15), a varsity soccer player, said, “The varsity home games were always really late because we had to use the turf but other teams would be practicing on it after school.” At the beginning of the year, the
sports
Track members run on the Testa Field track
Page 19
17:46.68. Boys Cross Country captain Edwin Rosales (‘13) said that he was very excited for the race. “The best part is the opportunity that comes with it and running with the best runners in the county. I like the competitive opportunity” Rosales competed in the 1 mile split in the Young Men division. He placed in 48th out of 99 runners in that race running the race in 5:14. He also competed in the 5k race and he ran the race in 18:03.65. He placed 80th out of 101 runners. Being the only girl from Norwalk High School competing in the Junior Olympics, Clair Turner was very appreciative and very optimistic with running in this race. “Nationals were very exciting and I was grateful to run in them,” explained Turner. Turner also explained “When I look back on Nationals I will remember that I beat my best time by four seconds” Turner placed 55th out of 138 runners and ran the race in 6:27 in the Intermediate Girls 1 mile split. In the 5k race, Turner ran a 20:16.11 placing 60th out of 139 runners. Turner also wanted to say that she was happy to share her experience with her two great friends. Rosales, Murphy, and Turner have led the cross-country team with big strides as well as a winning season. They both ran well and opened a lot of eyes in the Norwalk High School community.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
Indoor Track
“We are looking forward to a great season, we are glad that we have a lot of great runners and we will have a lot of fun.” - Ian McGrath ’13
Boys Basketball “We want to go far into FCIACs and States by working hard, practicing hard, and being a team. Taking each game one at a time.” - Rasheen Thompson ’12
Wrestling “We have kids putting a lot of effort this year which will help us succeed in the long run. We have a lot of heart.” - Evan Reish ’13
Girls Basketball
“Our goal is to make sure we work hard everyday each time we step onto the court, but also make sure that we find a good balance between being serious and having fun.” - Zayna Fulton ’12
Swimming “Even though we lost some good swimmers last year, I feel that everyone will step up and help us to have a great season this year.” -Jason Castorina ’13
Hockey
“Our goal every year is to make states, but my fellow Seniors and I are going to work even harder to try and make it happen for out last year.” - Mike McRoy ’12