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up Stepping (sports)
The Reporter • October 2011
Athletes fill in gaps seniors leave aly johnson reporter For Mallorie Nelson, senior, the responsibility of becoming a leader for the volleyball team was inevitable. “Being a leader is a part of being a senior,” Nelson said. Seniors can be our leaders, our motivation, and what holds the team together. And with the start to each year, every team has to rebuild and new athletes have to take on the responsibility of stepping up to try and fill the shoes of those team leaders that graduated. Nelson said that the transitioning of the team overall from last year to this year has gone pretty smoothly. “With the people we did lose, we were able to fill their positions better than we all thought we’d be able to,” Nelson said. “It [also] feels like we’re a lot closer this year to everyone on the team; both freshmen and JV, not just varsity,” Nelson added. Michelle Abshire, volleyball coach, said the team has done a good job of readjusting and she says that the seniors have done an excellent job of stepping up to leadership roles. “I feel like Cheyenne Rankin has become that spark plug sort of leader, Mallorie Nelson leads by example and Samantha Oberg leads by just being a really great teammate,” Abshire said.
Senior cross country runner Justice Hargis feels that the team lost several crucial runners to graduation and admits to feeling the pressure to step up and be a leader. “That was our lead varsity team that we lost and so with them gone everyone has to step up,” Hargis said. Cross Country Coach Lesley Wilson lost both her top male runner, Sam Rourke, and her No. 2 runner for the girls, Lauren Brodie to graduation. “Great talent is most difficult to replace because there’s always going to be someone who can bring that something special to the team, but an elite runner is very hard to find a replacement for,” Wilson said. Wilson said that the team has been able to compensate for the loss of those leaders pretty well, though. “I think that new people are stepping up to leadership roles when necessary,” Wilson said. “Having to step up and be a leader is all just kind of a part of maturing.” Wilson also said the talent of the new freshmen helps to compensate for the loss of last year’s seniors. Wilson said freshmen Emily Muckelbauer and Chase Mercer are running varsity. “Every year the team is different, but I think there’s a sort of tradition of just wanting to win—having a desire to win,” Wilson said. “And even though we lost our leaders from last year, the younger runners really understand what cross country is about and know how to fill the leadership positions.” Mike Dumpert, head coach for the football team, also feels that this year’s seniors have done a great job of taking over the lead-
Photo by Riley Sawyer
Senior mid-fielder Travis Augustine fights for the ball against Spring Hill defender Austin Cline in the varsity soccer game against Spring Hill on Sept. 15. Augustine was attempting to steal the ball to pass to another Panther teammate. The Panthers lost the game 3-0.
ership roles. “I’ve been very pleased. I feel that the athletes in this group are very high character kids. They’re good people,” Dumpert said. Dumpert also said that he tries not to dwell on the loss of the seniors every year. “It’s a natural thing. It’s this year’s se-
niors’ turn to step up. It’s a new chapter—a new blank page,” Dumpert said. “And with each new year, that group has the opportunity to put their mark, their stamp, on the program.”
Runtoinspire
chrystal thompson reporter Seth Roberts found inspiration within himself. Last year Roberts decided to join cross country to lose some weight. Something unexpected happened though; he realized that he really likes the sport. Roberts takes a lot pride in running cross country. “It’s a team sport but it’s a lot of individual work too.” he said. This individual work is what jump started his self-confidence. Roberts put a lot of effort in his final race of the Photo by Ayla Fedor season last year. His effort yielded a new personal Justice Hargis, senior, Emily Muckelbauer, freshman, Matt Haefele, senior, and Seth record. Roberts, senior, all cheer on Matt Fuchs, freshman, during the cross country meet Most people believe in something. Most peoon September 8, 2011. Fuchs was in last place when his team mates decided to ple are inspired by someone else. The inspiration cheer him on by running beside him. varies though.
According to Debbie Baldwin inspiration can come from mentors or something they find interesting. Matt Fuchs gains inspiration from his dad. He motivates him to keep running. Fuchs enjoys challenging himself through cross country. Roberts found his confidence and inspiration by trying a new sport. Fuchs also gained confidence from cross country. “I never thought I would be able to run a race and now I can,” said Fuchs. Roberts urges others to try cross country. “It isn’t the sport I’m best at, but I enjoy it,” he said. “If you like to work hard, and enjoy being on a team with nice people, do it.”