Sports
1209.12.2008
TROJAN TRIBUNE
Mental toughness adds extra element to success Katie McCalley
sports editor
How to manage
your nerves
An athlete maintains focus as the crowd around screams and yells. She fights through the pain and uses her mental stability to push her muscles to the limit, and it all pays off when she finishes the state meet in first place. How do athletes control their mental state? Why does one athlete crack under pressure and another excel? “Mental toughness is having confidence in yourself to be able to think positively when things are tough,” said Carly Sobolewski, senior cross country runner. Athletics have proven to be extremely challenging, not only physically, but also mentally. In an effort to increase mental toughness in athletes, coaches have different methods of coaching to enhance mental toughness. Ms. Stephanie Theis, cross country coach, pushes the athletes in practice to become stronger mentally. “I emphasize the teamwork aspect. I remind them to do it for the team, but also to fight through for themselves,” said Ms.. Theis. Mr. Mike Harmon, baseball coach, has similar techniques. Coach Harmon also likes to use practice to enhance mental toughness in his athletes. “I put them in [tough] situations in practice so that when it happens in a game, they can relax. They have practiced it enough and they have done it before, so they can do it again,” Varsity baseball said Coach coach Mike Harmon. Harmon, believes W h i l e Bobby Akin, there are ways shor tstop, to be a mentally tough to become athlete. Citadel mentally Photo 2007-2008 tough, it is yearbook. easier said than done. Some
athletes simply have what it takes to be mentally tough, while a more positive way. others may need to work harder at it. For some, it is just having While it is so important to be mentally tough in the confidence to perform in difficult situations. “I’m not going athletics, there is also such a thing as being “too mentally to lie. I come through in the clutch,” said Bobby Akin, senior tough.” According to sportspsychologist.com, it is a good football and baseball player. thing for an athlete to be determined and to work hard Coach Harmon believes Akin to be a mentally strong toward their goals. It is not a good thing when a runner, athlete. “Bobby Akin is a multi-sport athlete for example, runs twice a so he has been in other situations. He has day, and even occasionally been on Varsity since half way through his finds themselves waking up freshman year. He has the experience and in the middle of the night to has been in some big games,” said Coach get an extra one-hour run Harmon. in. On days when athletes Other athletes work on staying focused. “I are sick, they may do the don’t say a lot before competitions. I prepare same work out or an even myself to try to be as positive as I can for harder one in fear that people around me,” said Sobolewski. She also they may lose their fitness. refuses to be intimidated before or during The result of actions like races. “I don’t let the competition scare me.” these will not be a stronger, Even the most focused athletes struggle f aste r, b e tte r at h l e te. occasionally to stay strong in particularly Instead, this behavior difficult mental challenges. Athletes can Carly Sobolewski, senior cross country runner, finishes first will cause overtraining, relate to this strategy of managing nerves. “I in the Brebeuf meet. photo by Paige Snyder. physical aches and pains, remind myself of all of the hard work I have put in and I know a weakening of the body’s defense system and a decrease it will pay off; I tell myself to stay strong no matter what,” said in performance. Sobolewski. With the help of psychological techniques, athletes can Others use their practice and experience to get them find the confidence within themselves to be able to think through the most challenging sports moments. “I push positively when things are tough. myself physically, so I learn to push myself mentally, too,” said Akin. “I always try to stay positive, especially when I make a mistake.” 1. Take a series of short inhalations, about one per second, According to sportspsychologist.com, there are specific until your chest is filled. steps that can be taken to increase confidence in athletes. 2. Hold for five seconds. Start by asking yourself if your thoughts are positive or 3. Exhale slowly for 10 seconds while thinking to yourself negative. If they are negative, ask, “Is this thought helping the word “relax.” me?” “What would a more helpful thought be?” Try to 4. Notice your body becoming more and more relaxed, as express your thoughts in positive ways rather than negative all the tension leaves your body. ways. For instance, “What do I want?” Not “What do I not 5. Repeat this process at least five times, each time striving want?” These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to to deepen the state of relaxation you are experiencing. stay on track with positive thinking. These steps could help increase your confidence once you begin to think and act in Information gathered from sportspsychologist.com
Sports Desk Accomplishments
• This summer, senior football player Zack Martin, committed to play football at the University of Notre Dame next year.
• The Varsity volleyball team went 3-1 at the prestigious Yorktown Invitational. They are currently ranked number three in 3A.
-Senior Sabbath McKiernan-Allen committed to play soccer at Samford University.
•The Varsity soccer team earned second place in the highly competitive Hoosier cup.
• Senior Cross Country runner Carly Sobolewski earned first place in the first two Cross Country meets. She broke her personal record in both of the races. • Girls cross country placed first in their first meet at Brebeuf. They are currently ranked ninth in the state.
•Freshman f o o t b a l l d e fe a t e d Carmel 15-7 in a rain-delayed and rain-soaked victory on the G r e y h o u n d ’s
home turf.
Statistics
• The JV boys soccer team defeated Guerin Catholic on August 28. The score was 1-0.
varsity volleyball team defeated Lawrence North in the first match of the year.
Freshmen football players prepare to kick off against Carmel.
•For the first time in four years, the
•Carly Sobolewski broke her own school record by running a time of 18:35 in the 5K race at the Brebeuf invite.
Calendar Tonight: • Varsity football vs. Cathedral @ Broad Ripple-7:00p.m. - Varsity Volleyball Crossroads Classic tournament in Illinois. Tomorrow: • Girls and Boys Cross Country @
Ben Davis- 9:00 a.m. • Varsity Boys Tennis @ Terre Haute North invite- 9:00a.m. • Freshmen football vs. Cathedral @ home-10:00a.m. Monday: • Girls Volleyball triple-header @ Roncalli-4:30p.m. • Freshmen (at home) and JV (away) football vs. Brebeuf at 5:00 and 5:30p.m. respectively. •Varsity Girls soccer vs. Park Tudor at Lawrence Park- 6:15. •Varsity Girls golf vs. Cathedral-3:45. (Location is TBD) •Varsity Boys soccer plays @ Heritage Christian- 6:30 p.m. JV plays @ Lawrence Park- 5:00 p.m.
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By Samantha Ashworth
because it really does go to the people; even one net can help,” Richardson said. “The average ann Africa, a child dies of malaria every 30 sec- nual income is only $100 American dollars per onds. But, students can help Interact Club person. People are living in the mud all over the fund a campaign called Nothing but Nets to place.” save some of these children. Interact Club sold 50/50 raffle tickets dur“Nothing But Nets is a campaign donating ing the last half of the junior varsity game and the money to people in Africa. We will incorporate it first half of the varsity boys basketball game on into our boys basketball games,” Mrs. Kim Bruns, Jan. 10 against Whiteland. Interact Club sponsor, said. “The profit will be “We really did not set a goal; we just need used to purchase mosto really work hard quito nets for people in and sell tickets,” Mrs. Africa.” Bruns said. “We will The club knew they probably have to do wanted to help better more than one game the world, and Nothing or other activities to But Nets just seemed raise enough money right. to make a difference.” “We were lookEvery dollar ing for an international counts, and donations foundation to raise are always needed. money for,” junior Shane “Since it is a White, Interact Club 50/50, if we raise president, said. “There $200, we will only were a couple of ideas have raised $100 but Nothing But Nets which will only buy Freshman Mallory Ward sells tickets for the Nothing but Nets was the best one because fundraiser organized by Interact Club. The winner of the raffle 10 nets,” Mrs. Bruns of everything going on got to keep half of the profit while the other half went towards said. “I imagine it will in Africa with all the mosquito nets. Eric Newton photo be a net to go over a malaria.” bed to keep the mosSometimes, the best foundations are found quitoes out.” where they are least expected. GHS did its part to impact African families. “I actually came across this in a magazine,” “From the 50/50 raffle, $110 was raised,” Mrs. Bruns said. “I presented it to my group. They Mrs. Bruns said. “This will buy 11 families nets.” were interested in doing something to prevent A Nothing But Nets fundraiser could be malaria.” done again; it is all up to the students involved Senior Sam Richardson traveled to Africa with the Interact Club. last summer for a mission trip; he experienced the “We are done for the year unless they come poverty first-hand. up with another idea to raise money,” Mrs. Bruns “I think it is great to support organizations said. In-Depth Editor
I
g n i h t o N but NETS People die from diseases carried by insects, especially Malaria, every day. The nets purchased by the Interact Club will help protect people from the bugs.
ISTEP test results fail to bring success By Taylor Eckert
Health & Fitness Editor
T
cific reason for falling scores. “There are many factors that can contribute to the decline in the overall scores,” the guidance director said. “These include instructional methods, students demographics and statistical variations.” The Math and English departments are specifically reviewing teaching methods and the curriculum. “The students who need help have been specifically identified,” Ms. Edwards said. “Mrs. Bonham and I are putting a program together to meet
he 2008 ISTEP scores arrived, and the results are less than desired. GHS scores have dropped since the 2007-2008 school year in both English and mathematics. English has decreased from 75 percent to a 62 percent passing rate, while math has decreased from 78 percent to a 70 percent passing rate. This year, however, a teacher was potentially responsible for a room full of students not passing the English portion of the test. “One test administrator left out a portion of the English exam,” Ms. Susan Ed“It’s ridiculous that wards, department chair, said. “It cancelled a teacher can’t read a the score, and it comes back as a ‘did not pass.” Students were upset that they failed the test manual that tells him due to circumstances beyond their control. exactly what to do.” “It’s ridiculous that a teacher can’t read a manual that tells him exactly what to do,” sophomore Jacob Barker said. sophomore Jacob Barker The school is trying to help the students who were affected by the situation. “Right now, we’re working with the Depart- with freshman and sophomore teachers to get inment of Education to assist those students,” Mr. put on what they think will help the students.” English tests will be changed slightly in order to help students be more prepared for the ISTEP. “It’s unfortunate that “We are going to rewrite English tests so they we have to retake will be in the same format as the End of Course exams, which used to be the ISTEP,” Ms. Edthe test. It’s silly that wards said. we failed because of Beginning this Spring, new testing measures will begin. a teacher’s mistake.” “Graduation exams are no longer going to be in the ISTEP, but they will be in End of Course sophomore Matt Beaman Assessments (ECA’s) in Algebra 1 and English 10,” Mr. Ronk said. The state sets a minimum level of improveBill Ronk, guidance director, said. “We want to ments schools must reach each year in order to try and offer another opportunity in the Spring, make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). AYP but it’s up to the Department of Education.” is a reflection on how the school is performing. Students who tested in that particular room ISTEP scores are considered when determining are less than enthusiastic about retaking the en- schools’ AYPs. tire test. “The goal is always improving,” Mr. Ronk “It’s unfortunate that we have to retake the said. “Traditionally, we’ve made AYP until last test. It’s silly that we failed because of a teacher’s year, which we missed because of graduation rates, mistake,” sophomore, Matt Beaman said. which we have improved. Decline in test scores Administrators have not pinpointed a spe- could have a negative result in the score.”
By David Rogers
Diving for the save
Sports Editor
L
ast Wednesday, a swim coach’s challenge went too far: Coach Chas Grimm challenged everyone on the swim team to get out of practice early by beating him in an underwater dis-
tance race. Coach Grimm was in the process of dominating his swimmers when the unthinkable happened. He experienced a seizure while underwater. Freshman Hannah Fuller was the first person to respond. “Coach told us that we could get out of practice early if we could beat him swimming underwater holding our breath,” Fuller said. “He just held his breath too long, passed out and had a seizure. I was just the first one to get there.” Coach Grimm experienced the phenomenon known as ‘shallow water blackout’, which is caused by cerebral hypoxia, a lack of oxygen for brain tissue. His being an experienced swimmer had virtually nothing to do with this condition, as this usually happens to fit, established swimmers. Coach Grimm was not an exception. The reaction from Fuller was not exactly a surprise to others on the team. She has often been called ‘Miss Gullible.’ He started bobbing up and down, and we all thought he was joking; Wes (Shea) and I said it was impressive,” junior Josh Syberg said. “Hannah was the first to respond; everyone calls her ‘Miss Gullible,’ because, well, she’s really gullible. There were six certified lifeguards on the scene, and we went right into lifeguard mode. He did his flip-turn on the wall and came up to the top, but his head never came out.” Fuller was modest when asked about the situation; she made it clear she was not alone in the effort to save Coach Grimm. “One thing I want to emphasize is that I was not the only one who was trying to help; I was just the first one who got there,” Fuller said. “There was another guy who helped me pull him out, and it was the lifeguard who revived him.” Syberg was one who helped get his coach out of the water. “Coach Grimm is a big guy. I ran across the pool, jumped in and swam him to the bulkhead. I threw him on it, and Chris (Ellsworth), the lifeguard, jumped down and helped me,” Syberg said. “I was holding his head as Grimm’s mouth was foaming and bloody, and Chris went straight into chest compressions. I tilted his head to get the stuff out of his mouth.” Others also played key roles, such as Ellsworth and senior Scotty Fox Syberg said. “Scotty Fox was keeping middle schoolers back from him as Kelly, the middle school coach, was calling 911.” In the end, though, it was Fuller who stepped up to the plate and did what was necessary to start the rescue. “All of us were proud of her,” Syberg said. “The guys got back to the locker room, and we all started arguing about it. We really all thought he was joking. Everyone did what they should have, but Hannah went above and beyond; all the lifeguards were proud.” Syberg said everyone’s hesitation, excluding Fuller’s, was caused by personal involvement. “I talked to my old lifeguard instructor, and he said we reacted slowly because we knew Coach. We knew how he acted; that’s what caused our hesitation,” Syberg said. “If Hannah wasn’t the first one to respond, who knows how long it would have been until someone did?”
NOVEMBER.21.2008
12
SPORTSFEATURE
MIC athletics prove competitive for teams RACHEL STENGER REPORTER
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MC FOUNDED
CONFEREN C E
OLITA P O N R T EXCELL I E E
CHOLA S R E ST T N OP I E P
C IT TUN Y OR
North Central Athletic Director Chuck Jones describes competing in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference as very rough. “Every week is like playing for the State Championship. It’s a rugged, rugged, brutal competition. I don’t know if that’s a downside, it’s just rugged,” Jones said. The MIC is an athletic conference consisting of eight high schools around central Indiana. It started in 1996 because North Central, Ben Davis, Warren Central and Lawrence North were not a part of a conference. “It just made sense to join forces,” said Jones. “We had that core group and we put out to any other schools kind of like an invitation to maybe 16 other schools. And from that came Carmel, Center Grove and the Terre Hautes.” The MIC is the second-toughest football conference in the country, according to USA Today. “I think it’s awesome. I love it. It’s a huge sense of pride because we are great. To heck with them, we’re the most powerful,” said Jones. JV volleyball defensive specialist sophomore Abby Bullerdick thinks that the ranking is very deserving. “It’s one of the toughest conferences in Indiana. It’s definitely not handed to you, it’s something you have to work for,” said Bullerdick. Freshman and varsity forward in soccer Collin Crane agrees about the toughness of the competition. “It’s pretty intense. Competing in the MIC is like being a lion in a pen of sheep. You just have to pick the best one to eat,” said Crane. Because the MIC is so competitive, it forces the athletes to keep improving. “We see a lot more kids going out on the next level because of the competition. [USA Today ranking the conference #2 in the country is] surely the result of increased competition. It makes the kids better,” Athletic Director Grant Nesbit said. Sophomore and JV cornerback for football Zach Mahone agrees that the tough competition makes the athletes try harder to win. “It’s really tough because the coaches push them [the athletes] a lot but we’re being pushed the same amount as everyone else so someone’s got to come out on top. The coaches are the best in the league,” said Mahone. Bullerdick thinks that keeping a winning streak is the most difficult aspect of the MIC. “Being able to stay consistant is probably the toughest part. You can’t afford to lose any of the MIC games,” she said. Nesbit thinks that the MIC is a very positive experience for the athletes at LN to have. “It’s a great competition, which competition makes you better,” said Nesbit. “It’s the best and we want the best for our kids.”
Britt agrees that all of the schools look for the same fundamental values in their athletes. “We’re all quality schools that believe in quality athletes and quality academics. We all work well together to share ideas. We have various competitions that aren’t athleticsrelated that benefit the schools,” said Britt. Britt thinks that while the MIC helps the athletes improve, it also builds up their self-assurance. “In the end, it develops confidence. Playing against some of the best competition in the state makes them better physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Britt. “It’s physically and emotionally difficult. So it can be tiring, but it makes everyone better.” Crane knows from experience that the MIC can teach athletes a lot about sports. “It’s given me an idea of high school competition and I’ve gotten a lot better at soccer because of it,” he said. While the rest of the athletic directors think that the competition is rough on the athletes, Center Grove athletic director Jon Zwitt thinks that it is easier. “It’s difficult to get ready to be fired up to play against a lesser team, but if you’re playing against the best, then it’s easier to get pumped up in practice and in preparation,” said Zwitt. “You have to have your ‘A’ game every game you compete and that, in the long run, makes you a better team.” Sophomore and varsity outside hitter for volleyball Jenny Merritt agrees that playing their best every game is difficult. “You get an adrenaline rush from it. You have to work for it but it’s fun. It’s worth it,” she said. Sophomore varsity wrestler Jordan Johnson knows that the challenging competition can be physically demanding. “You go in knowing that you’re going to be wrestling some of the best kids in the state, so you have to train twice as hard because you know that they’re going to be training just as hard,” said Johnson. “It’s instilled hard work in me becasue I know to beat the other teams, I have to work SAM DICKEN/ILLUSTRATION hard.” Terre Haute South Athletic Director Tony Brewer Jones thinks that the MIC helps athletes not just on the playing field, agrees with Nesbit that competing in the MIC is good for the athletes. but for their future. “It affects them positively with the competition being on such a high “It comes back to how tough the competition is. If kids succeed in level. It gives them an early indication if it’s something they really want sports, it makes them recruitable for scholarships and colleges,” said to do,” said Brewer. Jones. “If they can compete on a high school level and are successful, While Brewer thinks that the MIC is generally a positive competition, then they should be able to compete at a collegiate level, too. It really he does see some disadvantages, specifically for Terre Haute South. opens a lot of doors for colleges.” “We have a long way to travel, and we’re short on numbers. We have Jones also thinks that the MIC makes scheduling a lot easier. less than 1,900, and we’re competing against schools with double that,” “For the season, you have eight immediate games so you don’t have to said Brewer. search for other teams to play. Like in football, there’s nine games total, The MIC is not just helpful for the athletes, but also for the adminisand only two are not in the MIC. It just makes scheduling a whole lot trators, according to Ben Davis Athletic Director Kevin Britt. easier,” said Jones. “It helps us be better athletes as well as everything else. The departWhile the MIC focuses on athletics being more important for the ment chairs get together and share ideas. It makes us and everyone else school’s reputation, Jones thinks that academics are equally important. better,” said Britt. “Schools want to base reputations on academics but the general pubCarmel Athletic Director Jim Inskeep also thinks that the adminislic wants to base it on athletics. So it’s a big deal. It’s important for athtration benefits from the MIC. letics, important for the school to be in a great conference,” said Jones. “It’s a pleasure working with the administration from the other Because the MIC focuses on athletics so much and is such a competischools because of what they bring to the table. They’re very experitive group, some worry that it has become a “power conference.” enced,” said Inskeep. “We know that when we send our athletes to their “I’m not worried about it. Our academics are strong. I think we’ve school that they will be treated well, and that they will have a first-class got things in perspective, so I’m not worried about it,” said Jones. competition. We have no worries when we send them to the other schools.”
1996
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Best of the MIC from 1996 to 2008
Schools’ conference championships are highlighted by years won LAWRENCE NORTH Volleyball- 2007, 2008 Boys Cross Country- 2000, 2004 Girls Cross Country- 1999, 2002, 2003 Boys’ Basketball- 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Wrestling- 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Boys’ Track and Field- 2001, 2003, 2003 Baseball- 1999
CARMEL Boys Soccer- 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Boys’ Cross Country- 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007 Volleyball- 1996, 2003, 2004 Boys’ Tennis- 2003, 2004, 2008 Football- 2000, 2008 Girls’ Cross Country- 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007 Girls’ Soccer- 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Girls’ Golf- 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Boys Swimming and Diving- 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Girls’ Basketball- 2005, 2006, 2007 Girls’ Swimming and Diving- 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Wrestling- 1997, 1998, 2007 Baseball- 1998, 2000, 2006, Boys Golf- 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007 Boys’ Track and Field- 1997, 1999, 2000 Girls’ Tennis- 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007 Girls’ Track and Field- 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 Softball- 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002
BEN DAVIS Football- 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003 Boys’ Cross Country- 1996 Boys’ Basketball- 1998, 1998, 2001, 2002 Girls’ Basketball- 2003, 2004, 2005 Baseball- 2003
TERRE HAUTE NORTH Baseball- 2004 Boys’ Golf- 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001
WARREN CENTRAL Football- 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 Boys’ Cross Country- 2005, 2006 Volleyball- 2002 Wrestling- 1999, 2000 Boys’ Track and Field- 2005, 2006, 2007 Girls’ Track and Field- 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007
CENTER GROVE Football- 2000 Boys’ Tennis- 1999, 2001, 2002 Volleyball- 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008 Girls’ Soccer- 2000 Gymnastics- 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Girls’ Cross Country- 2006 Boys’ Basketball- 2007 Girls’ Basketball- 1997 Baseball- 1997, 2007 Softball- 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH
Fall Sports OVERALL WINNER:
CARMEL
Winter Sports OVERALL WINNER:
CARMEL
Volleyball-2003 Girls’ Tennis-2000 Baseball-2001, 2002 Boys’ Golf-2003, 2006
NORTH CENTRAL Boys’ Soccer- 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002 Boys’ Tennis- 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2005, 2006 Girls’ Soccer- 2000 Boys’ Basketball- 1997 Boys’ Swimming and Diving- 2005, 2006, 2007 Boys’ Track and Field- 1998, 2004 Girls’ Track and Field- 2005 Girls’ Tennis- 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005
Spring Sports OVERALL WINNER:
CENTER GROVE
EMMA SHIELDS AND OWEN NEELEY/INFORMATION SAM DICKEN/ILLUSTRATIONS