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16 Sports
Spartan Woes A player’s dreams deferred
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eing on the varsity basketball team since freshman year has been a blessing and a curse. For one, the recognition and support from my school and community can never be replaced. Unfortunately, my accomplishments as a player have been overshadowed by being on teams that had capable skill but struggled to see results. Having been on a variety of different basketball teams, I have experienced the most losing in four years than I have my whole life. My time at Lakeview has by no means been a crystal stair case, but I do not regret a second of it. My sophomore year is the epitome of hard work leading to a dead end. We went into that season with our spirits high and eyes to the stars, but the window of opportuPhoto by Conway Photography
Edited by Alyssia Peak
nity shut abruptly when two players got caught smoking weed and another was involved in a critical car accident. Feeling as if there was no hope left, we achieved a 2-19 record. No one cares that we stained the practice floor with our blood, sweat and tears. Nor do they know of the broken record, “Keep your heads up and things will get better” speech. I’ve heard that speech 46 times in my Lakeview basketball career. Losing not only brings out one's true colors, but also will build character. The roller coaster of emotions will mold you into someone you never thought you would become. Whether that be a passive, lazy person who doesn’t care about anything, or the young bull who maximizes every opportunity he has to play the game he loves. Playing a team sport almost guarantees you both types of people because little Tommy might play for fun, but this is Rashad’s chance to get out of his current circumstances. Whatever reason one has for playing a sport, they should never disrespect the game by not giving their best effort. There are people
who do not have the privilege of running around with their friends and enjoying the gift of competition and when someone chooses to undermine that they are giving life the middle finger. •
“In my career I have missed thousands of shots and hundreds of free throws two of which cost us a game. I doubled dribbled in a trap and got the ball stolen from me numerous times. One game I had 11 turnovers and in another went 1 for 10 from the field. Coach has benched me for fouling too much. I have been awarded technical fouls for letting my emotions get the best of me. All these things lead to one inevitable idea. Losing isn’t always the end, sometimes it becomes the beginning.” Written by CJ Foster Opinion Editor
Rise and Grind
Athletes Benefit from morning practice While other people may be asleep many athletes are up and practicing. While other people may be able to think of a large list of things they would rather be doing many of athletes are glad to be up and training on the sport they love. There are many other things that come with morning practice other than the dread of waking up earlier. While most athletes are fully aware of what morning practice entails, many other people are not. “It gets me in better shape, and helps me get ready for the rest of the day because I am wide awake,” senior wrestler Lal Lian said. Whether these athletes are training or conditioning they are giving it their all to continue to improve. A lot of athletes have also made some great memories during morning practice. “Every morning practice when I wake up early I look forward to eating the food after,” senior swimmer J’vonte Schanzenbaker said. Other than the fact that these athletes may be required to come to morning practice many athletes would agree that it establishes confidence within the team’s relationship. “It makes us stronger and closer as a team because none of us
want to be in the pool that early,” sophomore swimmer Mitchell Turner said. The life of an athlete can be tough. The majority of athletes have a goal that they want to reach by the end of their season and they continuously train to reach this goal. These goals are reached by hard work and dedication. “I believe it helps me a lot to better myself and also helps my team and I reach our goals for the year because we work really hard in practice doing exercises like running and lifting,” freshman wrestler Mark Villicana said. •
Exercising early in the morning has been proven to jump start your metabolism, and burn up to 10% more calories during the day. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/best-time-to-work-out_us_562e302ee4b0aac0b8fd5f29
Written by Lacey Campbell Reporter