Raptor Report Print Spring 24

SAYING GOODBYE TO SUNLIGHT POOL

By jane overbey Editor-In-Chief

Music & Event Management Inc., a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the owners of Riverbend. The new owners plan to put in a $118 million outdoor entertainment campus with the

of

artists to the greater Cincinnati area. Music & Event Management Inc. plans to keep the other venues on the property—PNC Pavilion and Riverbend—as the new amphitheater is set to be like nothing in the area. While they have released a projected design, the design is still being worked on and tweaked before their target opening date in spring of 2026.

The sale on December 14th and closing of the park on December 31st shocked everyone, including its workers.

“No, they didn’t warn us or tell us about it at all. We had no idea that they were thinking about selling it or anything like that,” Rowan Poland (12), a Coney swim team member and lifeguard, said.

For many, Coney was a family tradition where memories were made. People had gone there for years, making Coney their summer pool and activity, including English teacher, Mrs. Schuster. She and her family had belonged to Coney for 14 years.

“With my friends, as adults, we would go and just be the old ladies, sitting in the corner reading books and spending time together, relaxing and enjoying

the outdoors as opposed to sitting in your house,” Schuster said.

With Sunlight Pool’s sudden closing, people are struggling to find other local pools to join. Other local swim clubs in Anderson, such as Anderson Hills Swim Club, Turpin Hills Swim Club, and Forest Hills Swim club, all have families on their waiting lists.

Some, such as Braden Moore-Robinson, a sophomore at Anderson and Coney pass holder, aren’t interested in joining another pool as nothing will live up to Coney.

“It’s not Coney anymore,” Moore-Robinson (10) said.

Coney has had many different identities throughout the years: from its start as open fields in 1886, to its iconic swimming pool, rides, water slides and diving boards. Even through all of its changes, it still captured the hearts of people around the area, and will be greatly missed by its guests.

“It was a nostalgic place, and I think for a lot of people, it was a nostalgic place,” Poland (12) said.

Eclipse Excitement

By Alanna Wilson News and Features Editor

event, because the last time certain parts of Ohio were hit with this totality was in 1806. The solar eclipse also had wider paths, heightened solar activities, and the amount of time in totality was longer. Due to the dangers of the eclipse solar rays, Anderson High School's PTA and PTO groups provided solar eclipse glasses for every student in the Forest Hills School District. On top of students and staff receiving glasses, the whole district got a longer Spring Break with the addition of Mon-

day, April 8 off—the day of the eclipse.

“Due to the extraordinary nature of a total solar eclipse, which will not happen again in Ohio until 2099, it is likely that the greater Cincinnati area will experience an influx of travelers throughout the day and especially during the duration of the eclipse…Forest Hills School District will be closed for students and staff (as a calamity day) on April 8, 2024,” Superintendent Larry R. Hook said in an email to the district, prior to the eclipse.

The factor of this eclipse that made people in Ohio more excited to experience this phenomenon was the darkness that comes with the totality and the length of the totality. Once the moon traveled in front of the sun, the outside turned dark, almost like nighttime in places with 100% totality.

“[My favorite part was] when it was total coverage, as much as we had…it was so dark. I went in the house, and I was like, ‘oh my gosh it's like night out,’” science teacher Holly Lowden said.

Some people remember the eclipse from 2017 but were curious about how this eclipse is different. According to NASA, “In 2017, the path ranged from

about 62-71 miles wide, [and during] the April eclipse, the path over North America [ranged] between 108-122 miles wide. [The] totality [lasted] longer than it did in 2017.”

AHS students enjoyed having the extra day off for Spring Break to reset after vacations. Some students took another trip to a place with 100% totality, while others viewed the eclipse from the comfort of their homes. The whole day brought people together, whether neighbors were getting together to view the eclipse, or families were traveling to see the totality, everyone enjoyed this potentially once-in-alifetime experience.

“Seeing the whole process, and the different phases of the moon covering the sun, while also the darkness during totality was the coolest part,” senior Josie Mahlenkamp (12) said.

April 8th’s eclipse was an amazing learning experience for many students in the Forest Hills School District as well as those living in Anderson Township and the greater Cincinnati area. This phenomenon won't happen again until 2099 and hasn't happened since 1806, so don't lose the memory, as this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

AHS Grads To Open for Dave Matthews Band This Summer

By Connor Bergman

Summer Service Opportunities

Reds Season Preview

By Bella Lopez Senior Staff Writer

A tradition since 1999, the Anderson High School

for

to

This year, Mrs. Donohue, Mr. Lunn, and Mrs. Schuster sang, danced and skated to “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

by Natalie Feldkamp

by Alanna Wilson

by leah day

by Brendan lands

photo by Ashley Huebner

Editor

Senior Alexis Huebner and her brother watch the eclipse from Anderson Township. photo by Ashley Huebner

Anderson teacher Katie Colonel’s family Coney Passes from the last decade.

AHS chemistry teacher Mr. Good and his sister, AHS administrative assistant Mrs. Donohue, enjoy a Reds game.

BEHIND THE BUILDING

A LOOK INTO AHS HISTORY

BY MARIA TIMMERS Senior Staff Writer

For almost a century, Anderson has been filled with students each school day; its history is rich with memories. Anderson High School is a historic institution founded in 1929, and has stood through changes in climate, culture, and, most importantly, the student body.

Throughout the years, the district has added the Auxiliary Gym, Titus Auditorium, the Dr. Jason and April Bell Weight Room, the Science Wing, and many more structures that weren’t a part of the original blueprint. Most of the building has been staid to the passing of time. Each wing is still in the same spot that it has been for ages, and as time passes, Anderson still develops more character to enhance the old.

“It was generally the exact same [building, but] there were close to two thousand kids [here], now there’s only twelve hundred. So when you would walk down the hallways, it would be like walking to the Bengals game…where you just like move in a pack,” alumnus and current member of the math department Adam Szabo said.

Much of the staff, like Szabo, have returned to their alma mater to spend the rest of their working lives. Additional graduates-turned-staff-members include Corey Larrison, Stacey Bailey, Cathy Schuster, Nate Bissinger, and Dawn Hensley. Most of these teachers have come back full circle after graduating in the 90s and 2000s - and for Mr. Bissenger, only 7 years ago, in 2017. Anderson is unique in that each staff member has their own designated space, and each teacher does something

different with their space. Often, their personalities are reflected in what you see in their rooms.

“We’re in like a secret lab, I would say, that I have lots of stuff… and it has been passed down to me from Mr. Rodriguez (former AHS physics teacher), and so when people walk into the room, I think they’re overwhelmed by the volume of things. The lab area is kind of wild… it’s not a sterile science environment, its like more of a welcoming mad scientist environment, ” class of 2007 graduate and current physics teacher Mr. Larrison said.

While Mr. Larrison is one who expands into his space where his personality is reflected into every corner of the room, Mr. Szabo is a more minimalist teacher.

“Now if you walk into my classroom, I basically have no supplies. Because we do everything on our computers and our books, before there would be books in there and all kinds of paper and pencils, there’s so much less stuff everywhere. Everything had to be printed off before, so teachers would just have stacks of their

stuff for the week,” Szabo said. Until recently, schoolwide events were often held in the cafeteria and inside, instead of outside. Homecoming was in the cafeteria, prom at Music Hall, and most pep rallies were in the gym instead of outside.

“We used to have dances in the cafeteria, we never had anything outside like you guys do now. Mr. Servis was the one who brought the idea to do something outside when he was first here,” Hensley, class of 1995 graduate and current intervention specialist, said.

Overall, Anderson High School is still a haven for students and staff, where the term “family” applies to all.

“The building doesn’t matter, it’s the weird, unhinged, smart, and approachable teachers...the staff had always maintained its Harry Potter-esque lore and fun. People come to teach here generally because they want to have fun teaching, and they want to do interesting things,” Larrison said.

Marcagi continued from page 1A

“I tried to get Michael in my Battle of the Bands band, but he said ‘no,’ because he was too nervous,” Yorio said, even explaining that “Michael used to make fun of my band in high school, and it wasn’t until after we graduated that Michael wanted me to hear him sing.”

While the base of Yorio and Marcagi’s friendship was built at AHS, it wasn’t until after they graduated from college that they decided to form a band together. For the last 10 years, their band has been working hard for their big break, playing shows locally in OTR, as well as around the United States.

Most recently, their band, “Heavy Hours,” has been touring Europe, where they finally caught their big break when their new song, “Scared to Start” gained fame on TikTok, even going viral and “earning double platinum in Ireland,” Larrison said.

However, they aren’t done yet, as Marcagi’s band recently signed a record deal with Warner Bros and plans on touring the US this summer. The band, which includes Yorio, will be opening for Dave Matthews Band this summer as well.

“It’s always so interesting to see where life takes people after Anderson,” Lunn said.

Additional tour dates for Marcagi and Yorio’s band can be found online.

Standing on Business

Business is one of the most common majors that freshmen in college decide to take. AHS offers two business classes that can open doors to future career opportunities and help students stand out when applying for jobs or colleges. Students are able to grow their business and leadership skills through presentations, competitions, and teamwork. FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is more focused on business management, while DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) focuses on marketing. Both allow students to leave school early to attend internships in the business field their senior year.

“You

“We

SUMMER CONCERTS

BY JOSIE GRIESSER / SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Sean Gawronski (11) and Jonah Coplen (11) (L-R) win first place at DECA state.

PHOTO BY NATALIE FELDKAMP

BY OLIVIA HAVENS Senior Staff Writer

Balloons drop over Christina Johnson (12) as she is awarded the Achiever Believer Writing Scholarship during the Academic Pep Rally. Counselor Chris DeLotell hands Johnson a check, as administrators and students cheer her on.

Photo by Ashley Huebner

Opinion

By Bailey funk

Staff Writer

Throughout the hallways of Anderson High School, there isn’t a single letterman's jacket to be seen. There are many theories of why letterman jackets have disappeared. No Varsity Letter? Too expensive? Not popular anymore? They have been gone too long; it’s time to bring them back.

Now, earning a varsity letter for your sport at Anderson doesn’t earn you the once-famed fuzzy A that it used to; you only get a piece of paper. But getting an actual one is still quite simple: if you were on varsity for your sport, all you have to do is request a letter from the athletic department. Since no one is getting an actual letter, students don’t know what a letterman's jacket is really for.

Letterman jackets tend to be on the pricey side. The range is anywhere from $200 to $300 dollars. Ultimately, it depends on how personalized you want to make the jacket. There are choices - from last names to the graduating year as options to patch on. Yes, it is a hefty investment, but if you purchase one your freshman year, you’ll get to wear it with pride all four years. Also, if you have a sibling, they can wear yours until they are ready to get their own.

Many students ask why would you even want these jackets. Well, there are numerous benefits to owning a letterman’s jacket. It is especially handy at sporting events, since Ohio can get cold at any moment. Also, every mom would love a picture of you with your special letterman's jacket for senior photos. Sometimes it’s even cooler to wear your letterman's jacket to school than wearing your winter coat.

You can also keep it as a wonderful memory of your high school years, showing off your accomplishments. Many alumni still recall the times of getting their own jacket. There is still one hanging in the display case of Anderson History.

Since the early 2000s, the jackets have disappeared, but now it is time to bring them back to Anderson and keep the tradition alive.

by ty regan Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Reactions of shock and disbelief construct the most common response I receive anytime I respond to someone’s inquiry on my physical activity for that day. My name is Ty, and I run. I’m only a high school athlete, but I’m sure this repetitive occurrence is true and common among all my fellow runners, regardless of age. Our sport holds a single unique phenomenon shared with no other activity: our feats appear larger than they are to people unfamiliar with the sport. Unfortunately, this built-up facade around this sport may crowd out those who are just considering going on that first jog or signing up for that local 5K. I’m here to renovate that facade. But before doing so, I want you to understand that, yes, this sport is hard; but everything is hard before it’s tolerable, and anything that is tolerable can become routine.

First off, to give you a little more information on myself, I wouldn’t even consider myself an expert in the art of running yet, but any inexperience hasn’t kept the sport from becoming a sort of second-nature to myself at times. If 10,000 hours of experience is truly required for mastery, I’d like to let you know that I am far distant from reaching that threshold (my high school coach estimates that she is around that milestone herself after decades of continuous running); in spite of this qualification, I have already come quite far, and I have much to share and reflect upon.

Essentially, I have finalized a list of the five most important qualities I am certain will make you a better runner,

even if you’ve never been one. These are crucial lessons I have learned myself, been taught by the best coaches, and overcome through personal struggles. Whether you’re the seasoned participant in this sport or the person who only runs from danger, I believe that these simple yet universal tips will help you in your journey by opening your eyes to the oldest sport known to man.

Don’t Do It Alone

It’s often underestimated how much easier going for a run is when you take it on with others. Just getting a group together—that can consist of anyone from parents to peers—makes the activity much more enjoyable and, at least for me, relatable. My closest group of friends are those who I spend at least ninety minutes with while running each day; in fact, I’d much rather suffer through a tough workout with my friends than go solo on a long run. Running is such an underrated form of bonding that many beginners may fail to take advantage of.

Capability Only Increases With Consistency

I really can’t emphasize this point enough. This is likely the most common tip on my list, but it is popular for a reason: it’s true. I have certainly experienced this more than I have actually heard someone say it, so I understand this topic greatly. Put simply, there’s no world, absent of luck or talent, where someone reaches their full potential in running without a motivated force of effort. I can promise you that if you do as little as finding time to run for fifteen minutes each day and genuinely stick with it, you will be amazed at what this sport does for you, whether you notice its specific benefits right away or not. Who knows? Soon those fifteen minutes could become thirty, the thirty could become an hour, and eventually, you could be doing more than you ever thought possible. Showing up always matters more than showing out, and consistency gives you confidence. I’d much rather have confidence with me at the start line instead of luck.

Control Your Controllables

I couldn’t tell you how many times a week my coach repeats this, especially before meets. It represents the crucial ability to have control over everything you possibly can in order to ensure the best outcomes. Not every day is going to have perfect weather for running, but you can’t change that. You can, however, choose to dress appropriately for the weather, which is an example of controlling your controllables. Running has so many interdependent variables that make—mostly break—the sport for so many people. What many people don’t actually realize is that there are

by Brendan Lands Senior Staff Writer

team that gets left out. Maybe it’s because a star player got injured, or maybe it’s because the team had an off-day back in September, but nonetheless, a team misses out on an opportunity to compete for the national championship.

many areas that you can control, even some that may eliminate bigger problems. For example, I like to sanitize to reduce contact with any contagions as much as possible: before I eat, after class, after a lift. If you’ve ever tried aerobic exercise like running with even a head cold, you’d understand why. I’m taking advantage of controlling what is within my reach, and I’m using that process to prevent negative potential outcomes.

You Only Feel Accomplished on an Empty Tank Something my buddy mentioned during a cooldown one day after a hard workout a couple of years ago has always stuck with me in relation to this topic. My eyes were more

for

was

he

the feeling he’d

after a day’s hard workout, similar to what we had just experienced, where he was able to reflect and assure himself: “I did that.” There is such an unparalleled sense of completion and accomplishment that this sport provides its participants with, as long as they push their limits on the days that count. Your limit will always depend on your performance condition on any given day, but recognizing where that limit is and consistently reaching it creates that unmatched sensation of accomplishment that I believe makes this sport so valuable.

Success Is Relative Just as it is hard to come up with one definition of success in general without mentioning relativity, the same goes for running. There’s no general threshold you must run under to be successful; there’s no amount of points you need to score, no amount of races you need to compete in, no number of miles you need to be able to run at once. That’s what makes this sport unique. The only measure of success in running comes from what you set out to accomplish. If you run for 5 minutes each day for a week— congrats, you’ve found success. If you finished the local 5K, congrats— you’ve found success. If you ran 500 miles in a set time period, congrats— you’ve found success. There’s no definition; equally so, there are no boundaries.

If you haven’t already noticed, each of those tips weren’t just applicable to running; they are very relevant to life in general. Thus, this sport has taught me less on how to be a successful runner, and more on how to become a successful human.

And you can learn from it too.

The college football playoffs were once a feasible dream for only the teams in Power 5 conferences. Power 5 conferences are the ACC, the Big Ten, the Big Twelve, the Pac Twelve, and the SEC. These conferences have dominated College Football on a national level for decades. In the past, non-power 5 teams with hopes of making the playoffs were laughable. Because of this, the CFB playoffs always miss the magic that March Madness includes - there is never a chance for crazy upset,s and with only four teams, the playoffs can feel a little dull.

However, all of these problems will soon be fixed, because for the 20242025 college football season, the NCAA has expanded the playoffs to include twelve teams. These teams will include the six highest-ranked conference champions, which means fans get to see non-power five teams in the playoffs each year. The other six highestranked teams also get to punch their ticket to the playoffs. College Football, see page 4a

Senior

Arts and Entertainment

Prom 2024 Checklist

By Gabby Richards

& Entertainment Editor

flowers keep the color of the arrangement in mind. You want to make sure the flowers match the outfit of the person who will wear them. Be sure to order these well ahead of the date as florists tend to get very busy during the prom season.

Pictures Pictures are the perfect way to

By Gabby Richards Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Anderson High School Drumline is a group that students hear﹘and hear about ﹘ often, but many don’t know details of joining the group.

Dinner

Tickets You can’t forget your

attend prom or after-prom, students in good standing must buy tickets online by May 2 at midnight. Prom tickets are $45 and after-prom tickets are $25. Students are not required to go to prom to be able to attend after-prom.

After-Prom Bring something more comfortable to change into. After-prom takes place at the high school, where students should wear a more comfortable outfit for activities, games, and fun after the dance!

College Football Playoffs Expanding continued

The concert band class requires students to be part of the marching band, but a person doesn't need to be in the concert band to join the marching band. There are open auditions held before band camp in the summer. Being in the marching band, students have certain percussion instruments they have experience with and will be matched to an instrument based on what the band directors believe the student is best at. There are no cuts, so everyone can play an instrument.

“Anyone who does percussion in any sense is allowed to be a part of [the drumline],” senior and percussion section leader Thomas Moore (12) said.

While there are technically a limited number of spots on the drumline, that hasn’t been a big concern. There are typically enough spots for everyone with experience to find a position.

“There aren’t really any requirements for joining. You just have to show up

with a positive attitude,” junior drumline member Ben Hartong (11) said.

In the fall, there are three days each week that the percussionists have rehearsal, where they practice as a group. In the off-season, practicing depends on the person, as it is more individual.

The fall holds the biggest commitment.

The marching band practices five days a week for its competitions. In the winter, the concert band spends more time on its concert pieces for two to three months, to prepare for performances throughout the year.

The drumline and marching band don’t just perform at their own competitions, they perform at other events, such as football games, pep rallies, and state send-offs.

“I really like the community. The football games are the most fun for me on the drumline because we get to do a lot with the cheerleaders and the student section,” Hartong (11) said.

“The drumline feels like its own section within the band. While we are a part of the band, we are also a section of our own, and that’s really special,” Hartong (11) said.

In the winter, Forest Hills has an indoor percussion program which anyone

(12)

Check

Any time there’s a pep rally or state walk at school, band directors will inform all percussionists, asking who would like to participate using the equipment they have available. The drumline competes alongside the marching band in marching band competitions and is one of many parts scored, adding to the final score of the whole band. The percussion section can also get an individual award for its individual performance within the band.

RUNNING FOR GLORY

Men’s track team starts up their annual season

By Alex Dorko Senior Staff Writer

“Setting” Up The Program

By Josie Griesser Senior Staff Writer

Exciting news: a new boys volleyball team has been added to AHS this year. It’s a club sport this season, but next year, it will be considered a sport in the ECC. Other

games in their season, which began on March 19th.

BY Will Santorelli Senior Staff Writer

As the Raptors Academic Quiz Team season comes to a close, their 15-5 record sits them at 3rd in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. The Raptors were led by first-team all-ECC member Samantha Howard (12), and secondteam Witten Pan (12). To achieve this winning record, the players’ attitudes play a factor.

The team's success has come from much practice. The team practices three times a week, and this further prepares them for matches.

“We run through practice matches three times a week, and everyone is super invested and works hard,” team member Adrianne Potter (10) said. This team has accomplished more than in seasons-past, with team records and mid-season accomplishments.

This team has been getting better over the past couple weeks, as they’ve also been growing in numbers.

“We have a very athletic team, so conditioning is a strength,” new player Drew Hamilton (11) said.

Though many players are completely new to the sport, the team is “very athletically gifted...we have a lot of boys who are extraordinarily fast and high jumpers,” Coach Deimling said.

This team is filled with experienced volleyball players, as well as athletes who are new to the sport and looking to learn something new. It is an inviting program for any and every student who is interested. Many of Anderson’s new athletes are very gifted, leaving Coach Deimling with high hopes for the season and “confidence that the AHS strength and conditioning program will set our boys apart from the competition.”

This team has a lot of potential and will only succeed more in the upcoming years. The rising popularity of boy’s volleyball has been increasing over time, so there will be more and more competition in the upcoming years.

On March 19th, the team headed to Holy Cross for their first game. And the week after, they competed against Turpin and McNicholas, with a big victory at Turpin.

As this was the team’s very first season at AHS, spectators can continue to watch the program grow into the post-season this May and as they head into next school year. Both the JV and varisty teams plan to use the upcoming off season in preparation for increased ECC competition next spring.

“We work really hard as a team to get better every time we practice,” ECChonorable mention Kendall Bailey (10) said.

Even with the right attitude, a supportive coaching staff is important, too. According to the ECC, the Raptors roster contains two coaches who, together, received the AQT Coach of the Year honor this season: Coach Walla and Coach Whalen.

“I want to make sure I am keeping everyone focused and making sure everyone uses their time wisely, so the team can rise to their highest level,” Coach Walla said.

“This is one of the best teams in school history, they have a level of competition other teams can't match,” Walla said.

The academic quiz team season, which falls during the winter sports season, just came to its yearly end. The team looks to stay together and keep practicing as they prepare for the next season.

“The team is always talking and always practicing, everyone is very close,”

Boys volleyball team begins their inagural season

Photo By Natalie Feldkamp

PhotoS By Natalie Feldkamp

The boys varsity volleyball team huddles around coach Alex Deimling during a timeout during their match at Turpin.

AQT members of the Siya Patel (11) and Shiv Patel (11) confer before announcing their answer to the judges. Photo By Ashley Huebner

Sports

By Alexis Huebner Sports Editor

It’s no secret that Rowdy is a staple in Raptor history, but questions began to arise regarding AHS's mysterious orange mascot. Is the tail hard to maneuver? How does it smell? How was it created? Who typically wears it at games? How do students get picked to wear it? How does it get cleaned?

While some of those questions will remain a secret, athletic director Chris Newton and administrative assistant Debbie Welker had several answers.

For decades, Anderson did not have a mascot costume. When the branding transition was made from Redskins to Raptors, Newton was thrilled to design a mascot.

“I contacted the same company that makes the Toronto Raptors… and the same company that made theirs, made our Rowdy,” Newton said.

The administration came up with the name ‘Rowdy’ and it immediately stuck. The reveal was at a basketball game with the crowd patiently waiting to see what was going to burst onto the court. Since the unveiling, Rowdy makes appearances at both home and away games, pep rallies, and additional community events.

Anderson graduate Grace Adams was the original student to wear the costume; since she graduated, there are several current students that play the role. Until they graduate, their names will be kept unknown.

“We’ve had a bunch of people tell me

they want to be Rowdy, but very few have actually followed up about it… Grace Adams was our original Rowdy, and she was phenomenal. Since then, we’ve had about 5 people perform as Rowdy since Grace. We currently have one individual that is Rowdy the most… we will keep their name under wraps,” Newton said.

As far as maintenance, Mrs. Welker is in charge of spraying Rowdy down with Febreze after every wear. Occasionally, Rowdy even makes a trip to Appearance Plus Dry Cleaning to get deep cleaned.

“There’s an ice pack, there’s a fan, it’s the real deal. But it can get stinky… in the summer we take it to get professionally cleaned. We have to get a fingernail fixed up, though,” Newton said.

Rowdy is a fortunate mascot - he has multiple uniforms for different athletic events, Anderson Achievers and military appreciation night t-shirts, and many more. His shorts have a special cutout for the tail, and he wears a size 4XL t-shirt, if anyone is wanting to donate clothes to his growing wardrobe.

After testing out the costume, it is confirmed that the tail is indeed difficult to handle, and there is a slight stench to the fabric due to the activities it is involved in. It was also very warm inside the outfit itself, but the visibility was high and easy to see and hear surroundings. It was a challenge to move around, but somehow, the students that portray Rowdy’s character make it look easy to the crowds.

Thanks to the athletic department, the legacy of Rowdy the Raptor is sure to continue for years to come.

TRIPLE THREAT: NO REGRETS

By Connor Bergman & Josie Griesser Managing Editor & Senior Staff Writer

Over the past few years, club sports have begun asking more of their athletes than ever before. Although increasing practice length, quantity, and overall tournament schedule is great for the team and club itself, it comes down to a toss-up with high school athletes: due to the increasing demand for club sports, many high school athletes are forced to specialize within a sport, decreasing the number of three-sport athletes within the high school athletic community. Despite the time-consuming rigor of being a three-sport athlete, playing multiple sports actually carries physical, mental, and social benefits.

Being a multi-sport athlete can lead to physical health benefits. According to Assistant Strength Coach Dave Brandon, “the variety of movement patterns allows the athlete's body to stay in shape and stay sharp, reducing the loss of overall athleticism.”

Additionally, April Gutbier, Head Athletic Trainer for Anderson High School, argues that when athletes specialize in one sport, they tend to lose “range of motion within their joints restricting movement patterns leading to overuse injuries of muscles and various muscle groups.” Despite the continued movements of three-sport athletes, Gutbier knows that as long as multi-sport athletes “rest their bodies, so they can heal, being a three-sport athlete doesn’t usually cause issues, because the athletes experience so many movement patterns.”

Mental toughness is very important to have while playing sports. Maintaining confidence, keeping a positive attitude, and having self-motivation are all critical factors when playing multiple sports. Fortunately, being in pressure situations can help strengthen these things. Football, basketball, and track athlete Justice Burnam (11) has “learned to be mentally tough and take constructive criticism in different ways through different types of coaching.”

Playing multiple sports puts athletes into more situations and gives more responsibilities to be accountable. Being a three-sport athlete teaches countless skills related to mental toughness, attitude, and intrinsic motivation.

Along with physical and mental advantages, playing multiple sports gives athletes opportunities for more friends. Being a part of several teams allows students to make more connections with people they’re not always around. Swimmer, tennis player, and track runner Morgan Renner (11) has made “a lot of friend groups because of it.” Three-sport athletes not only create more friendships, but also learn how to manage their busy schedules. Due to always being in season, it can be very hard to juggle schoolwork and sports. Although constantly being busy is tough, it provides opportunities to learn how to overcome these obstacles.

“I've stopped procrastinating as much because I have limited time. It made my priorities straight and made me better at time management,” Renner (11) said. Playing multiple sports teaches athletes so many life lessons and skills, as well as gives opportunities for meeting new friends and being a part of

more social groups.

Unfortunately, there are a few negatives that come alongside being a three-sport athlete. Constantly being occupied leads to “not having a lot of free time and it's hard to juggle homework and sports,” according to Renner.

Schoolwork in high school comes in great loads, which can be very tough to manage three sports. Additionally, while playing high school sports can be tough, “more club requirements add to workload” Brandon said. Club sports have been growing tremendously, giving little to no free time.

Also, since multi-sport athletes are always in season, they “never have an offseason with built in time to rest and recover,” Brandon said. Oftentimes, breaks and rest are very healthy for athletes. Moreover, due to not having an offseason, these athletes “never intentionally try to get faster and stronger,” Brandon explained. Consequently, because these athletes are always maintaining their muscle and speed, it leaves little time to work on surpassing one's speed and strength.

Although the numbers of three-sport athletes have been in steady decline over the years, it can still be done, and many multi-sport athletes find benefits, psychically, socially, and mentally when participating on multiple AHS athletic teams. However, these athletes also undergo negatives, which can still teach these athletes countless life skills. One downside to the club sports take-over is the decreasing opportunitiy for athletes to manage participating in multiple sports.

photo by Ashley Huebner

6 individuals and 1 one Anderson High School winter team received state walks at AHS as they headed to the OHSAA state competition. Athletes included (L-R): noah horwitz (dive), Maggie Hartong and Kate Nobles (representing the competition cheer team), Maggie O’Toole (swim), Marshall Morency (wrestling), brooklyn scheiman (gymnastics), bella basford (dive), and Natalie Reising (Dive). design by roey powers

photo by Natalie Feldkamp

Three sport athletes include (L-R) Morgan Renner (11), Justice Burnam (11), and Bobby Stanyard (12). photos by Natalie Feldkamp and Ashley Huebner

design by bailey funk