March 2017 TRC by Rider Chronicle

he R der Chronicle

S.H. Rider High School 4611 Cypress Ave Wichita Falls, Texas 76310 Volume 56 Issue 3 Friday, March 10, 2017.

#SavannahStrong By Sierra Hodges

Inside The Issue

Continue reading on page 16

“This is Us”, p. 14

Newman heads to state, p. 10

CEC p. 8/9

The Rider Chronicle

Lydia Angel Co-Editor-In-Chief Chris Greenwood Co-Editor-In-Chief Sierra Hodges Co-Editor-In-Chief Anaya Williams News Section Editor Kobie Lunsford Copy Editor Victoria Hitchcock Reporter Jacob Wooten Reporter Daisy King Reporter Chloe Pak Reporter Carson Lee Reporter Autumn Kreisler Reporter Dei Seamans Reporter Raymond McNally Reviews Maria Gandy Reporter/Illustrator R’yn Miller Illustrator Alexandra McClung Adviser Sandra Scheller Adviser

March 10, 2017

The Rider Chronicle St. Patrick’s Day is the national holiday of Ireland and is usually celebrated on March 17. For many years, blue was the color most associated with St. Patrick. Green was considered unlucky.

In traditional Irish folk tales, there are no female leprechauns, only nattily attired little guys.

St Patrick’s Day To Americans, Saint Patrick’s Day is about wearing green and seeing leprechauns, but to the Irish, it represents patriotism and political power. When Irish immigrants first came to America, they were ridiculed and singled-out. St Patrick’s Day parades were a way to show solidarity or unity and political strength within the Irish community. Now America celebrates St Patrick’s day without knowing the actual reason St Patrick’s day is celebrated. Originally St Patrick’s Day was celebrated in Ireland to honor Ireland’s patron Saint Patrick or Maewyn Succat. According to Irish history, St Patrick was the one to rid the Irish of their celtic ways and establish Christianity. One legend about St Patrick was that he stood on a hilltop with only a wooden staff and banished all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, St Patrick didn’t really banish snakes from Ireland because snakes never migrated to Ireland. The story was really a sort of metaphor about how the pagan ways of Ireland were removed and the ways of Christianity took over. Wearing green comes from the myth that if you wore green it made you invisible to the gold hoarding leprechauns. If you didn’t wear green, these fairy folk would pinch those in sight. However the color originally associated with St Patrick was blue. The shamrock or three-leaf clover was used by St Patrick to explain the holy trinity. Also, by the seventeenth century the shamrock had became a symbol of Irish nationalism. Many Irish began wearing the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage because the English were taking over Irish land and making laws against the use of Irish language and culture. Today everything is settled, and the Irish are accepted in America. While the list of myths and legends is short and sweet, so are the celebrations in America. America has parades and many wellknown celebrations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, primarily in flourishing Irish immigrant communities. Even here in Wichita Falls there’s a festival to go and celebrate at.

Editorial

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The Rider Chronicle

Behind The Screen The Truth Behind Social Media By Chloe Pak

Conflicting ideas often pass by each other without being noticed or disturbed. However, with the rise of immediate and desensitizing technology, media has evolved into a war zone with recent political events. “I see a lot of extremist points of view from both sides (conservatives and liberals) and I try to ignore all of them,” Spanish teacher Ethan Shaw said. Some of these points of view have even turned into threats directed towards the presedent or people with opposing opinions. The root of the problem lies in the minds and fingers of those typing. “With text, you’re not looking into their eyes, and you’re not seeing them as another person,” senior Katie McGinn said. “You see it as a screen, another robot, not another person.” According to Shaw, about 85-percent of communication is nonverbal. When one is typing, those signals and inflections in the voice are absent, making misinterpretation and arguments more common. “It makes people more lenient with what they say,” Rider librarian Sally Mroczkowski said. “Sometimes you may put something out there very quickly.” Fortunately, negativitely isn’t the only view on social media. Many businesses, and movements have been promoted and become successful through social media. “I think that social media has caused the feminist movement to grow larger by introducing people to others that agree with their opinions, allowing groups to form,” sophomore Austin Taack said. In addition, worldwide communication also provides opportunity to expand opinions and open minds. “It helps widen my horizons to see what different people’s points of view are,” McGinn said. The ‘facts’ on social media, however, cannot always be trusted. Propaganda and fake websites are placed there and are not true. “I think you have more uninformed people making more uninformed decisions and more uninformed comments,” Shaw said. “So, basically, we’ve turned into the Jerry Springer nation of the world.” Katie McGinn called social media a ‘double-edged sword’ because it may lessen real world effects to users. “I think that we are all people and deserve to be treated equally,” McGinn said. “I don’t appreciate seeing that on social media. There’s a way to go about about disagreeing in a polite way opposed to just being rude.” Mroczkowski said to be careful of what you write, and don’t write anything you couldn’t say to their face.

March 10, 2017

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#Behindthescreen

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The Rider Chronicle

“Sticks and Stones” Review of the video game DEFCON By Raymond McNally

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” –Albert Einstein. The thought of nuclear war is a drastic, devastating and terrifying idea. Several times in history the human race has come but mere inches away from total annihilation. This “end of the world” scenario was imagined multiple times in many movies during the cold war era, these films include: Red Dawn, The day after, and Wargames. Each movie showing a more and more realistic “what if” scenario. Even today the threat of nuclear weapons is still present and still shows no sign of deteriorating. DEFCON is a game where you fire off nuclear missiles, and defend your country from incoming nuclear missiles. The game uses the real life DEFCON scale to determine whether players can do certain actions. The game also features a variety of game modes and ways to score the game. The DEFCON levels go from 5 to 1, 5 being peace and 1 being nuclear war. To sum up what each DEFCON level does here’s a list: DEFCON 5= no action, can place units on land and water. DEFCON 4= enemy units become visible on the map. DEFCON 3= naval combat authorized. DEFCON 2= nothing, next step to nuclear war. DEFCON 1= use for nuclear weapons authorized. The player can place silos, submarines, warships, radars, and air force bases. The player can even launch missiles from aircraft and submarines (granted that their submarines show up on the enemy’s radar). The game can be very difficult when it comes to offense and defense, making it very

The levels of national DEFCON 5: Normal Peacetime 4: Increased Security 3: Air Force Ready in 15min 2: Army Ready Within 15min 1: Nuclear War Imminent

Defcon at various stages in the game. Top: The game just entering DEFCON stage one, now entering nuclear weapons into the game. Middle: After entering DEFCON one, a nuclear missle is launched. Right: After the process of adjusting to the enemy, it finally pays off in the victory screen.

challenging and kind of addictive. In short I’ll give this game a 9 out of 10.

Counting Down the Days By Kobie Lunsford

Art by R’yn Miller

March 10, 2017

In preparation for the warm season, spring, the ever anticipated spring break approaches, exciting not only students for their week of freedom, but teachers as well. The week of spring break will take place starting on March 13 and will end on March 17. Coincidentally, spring actually begins on March 20 because of the six extra weeks of winter. “Since my birthday falls in spring break,” English teacher Falesha Wood said, “We always do something fun.” For many students and even teachers, spring break is a time to take trips, visit family, and have time to themselves, not only to catch up and have fun, but also to sleep. “I just want to rest,” Wood said. “I don’t

Review/Feature

care where it is, to be honest.” Spring break gives students and teachers an opportunity to prepare for the final months of the school year, and the final grading period. “It’s a time to reset,” Wood said, “Because you don’t get a break in February.” According to Wood, spring break does not make students lazy, she actually says that if anything, it does the opposite. Sophomore Cas White said being lazy isn’t an option since her family drags her around. If anything, she said it allows students a chance to get a break from school, and stress, and homework. “It gives me a chance to relax, and clear my mind,” White said.

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The Rider Chronicle

Test Stress Test tend to be stressful, but how stressful are they? By Autumn Kreisler

Stress in high school students is common, but when the PSAT’s, SAT’s and ACT’s come around, stress levels rise. “It does add pressure on me since I’m taking the SAT during my school year right now,” Junior Leslie Hoang said, “Since I have little time to study for it”. The SAT test is open for both juniors and seniors to take; however, some students decide to take it both years. “I will be taking it my senior year too,” she said, “That way college can see my scores.” Another bonus with taking the test her senior year is the fact she will have the whole summer to study for it. Hoang said this makes it so there is less pressure. Still, the studying part of these tests is the most stressful on a lot of students because it consumes a lot of time that some of the students taking the test don’t have. “I tried studying for thirty minutes” Hoang said, “The practice test for the SAT lasts two hours, so I plan on studying two hours.” According to blog.prepscholar, on the old SAT, which was scored out of 2400, the national average score was 1500; whereas for the new SAT, which is scored out of 1600, the average score to get is about 1200. “I hope I get a decent score, seeing as how I paid for it. I’m studying, and spending time doing ACT cram sessions.” Hoang said. Even if you make a low score, there are still many colleges that will accept you. Just head to www.collegesimply.com to see the selection of colleges in many different states that are still accepting to those who score low on the SAT. “Test anxiety can be a tough obstacle for students taking an important test, like the ACT or SAT” Counselor Wendy Risner said. “Rider offers cram sessions for these tests. Rider College & Career Office has study booklets you can get. There are SAT/ACT Boot Camp sessions held in the Fall and Spring. For more information, see Mrs. Johnson or Mrs. Scharbrough in the College & Career Office.” Risner said.

Ways to Manage Stress 1. Be prepared. Study a month before the test in small increments of time. Take practice tests with the time limits. 2. Read the directions carefully. Answer questions you know first. Go back to the difficult questions at the end. 3. Say positive things to yourself. “I can do this.” “I am well prepared for this test.” 4. Stay focused on the test. 5. Use relaxation techniques. Take long, deep, calming breaths. Flex and relax each one of your muscles from your head all the way to your toes. 6. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your test. Eat a lot of protein for breakfast because it helps your brain work better. 7. Practice good self-care, so that you are in the best shape to take your test. Eat healthy, exercise, and do things that help you relax. 8. Talk to your school counselor or a counselor outside of school to help you deal with test anxiety. -Counselor Wendy RIsner; referncing from https://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/test-anxiety.

March 10, 2017

News

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The Rider Chronicle

United in Competition The UIL team continues their journey to district

Preston to get started.

Left: R’yn Miller and David Hawkins unload materials for computer competition.

Mathematics

Science

Number Sense Curent Events

Accounting Extemporaneous Speaking

Right: State champion Kerri Lu puts in last minute studying for Literary Criticism

March 10, 2017

Social Studies

Calculator

Top: Vy Phan prepares for competitionat a practice meet.

Literary Criticism

Oral Interpretation

playing games, eating junk food, and laughing, a lot.” The friends made and experiences to be had are not the only pros for UIL, you could also win scholarships. “If a student is going to attend college in Texas and makes it to the state competition, the student has a very good chance at a scholarship,” Preston said. “Last year, 50-percent of the eligible students who applied were matched up with a scholarship. Historically, Rider students have received over $40,000 in Texas Interscholastic League Foundation scholarships.” There are many different events that could fit one’s special interests. If reading and writing aren’t for you, you could also compete in math and science, or explore your argumentative side with debate. A student wishing to get involved would need to speak to a sponsor or Mrs.

Ready Writing

interesting people she can meet there. “I think it’s a really good opportunity to network with other kids who maybe have some of the same interests that you do, but you see them personally and you see them in a fun environment and not just in your classroom,” she said. Senior Brendan Gerdts has a similar take on competing. This is his first year at Rider, and UIL has given him an opportunity to make friends and feel like he belongs. “Everyone is interested in the same things you are and it makes you feel like a real community even though you don’t go to the same school,” he said. Contrary to popular belief, UIL isn’t just all work and no play. “The competitions are a lot more fun than people think they would be,” Preston said. “Yes, we take tests on Saturdays, but most of the time, we are just hanging out,

Spelling Debate Computer Science

Most people know that Rider is a powerhouse when it comes to sports, but many don’t know how successful the UIL academic teams are as well. With district coming up on March 25, students are working hard to prepare for such an important event. Academic Coordinator Heather Preston, who is also the sponsor for literary criticism, spelling and ready writing, has high hopes for this year’s competitors. The teams have had several meets already and there are some students who look as if they may place at district. Last year her current team placed first in district, and then freshman Kerri Lu went on to individually win State in Literary Criticism. Kerri said she was happy to win state, but the journey was more valuable than the end result. English teacher and journalism coach Sandra Scheller loves going to competitions, if not for the event itself, but for the

Computer Applications

By Victoria Hitchcock

News

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March 10, 2017

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The Career Education Center Wichita Falls steps into the future By Jacon Wooten

“I would want the experience so that I could be ahead of others in college or at a job” -Will Harrison, 12

“I would want the experience that can be used in the real world” -Bailey Ice, 12

A set of new front doors, chromebooks in orange boxes, new parking lot at Memorial Stadium and additional building to Junior Highs. All this change originates from WFISD’s 2015 Bond, passed with a 57.82-percent approval by Wichita Falls voters. The bond provides WFISD with funds for safety and security strengthening, technology improvements, Memorial Stadium repairments, and Junior High additions. However the majority of the $63.5-million bond goes towards a redesigning of standardized education via, the Career Education Center (CEC). “It’s a building for the kids to come over to learn trades, or careers, to give more emphasis in that area. To allow them to discover if the trade or career is something they are wanting to do as a job or career later on,”student counselor for Rider, Mrs. Lauck, said. The CEC is for anyone as the center will be shared by all high schools with study rooms and flex areas students can use to group together, talk, plan and relax. These areas will be technology friendly with charging docks and students will have access to a restaurant serviced by other students. Any intellectual property created by students belongs to the students and from a variety of classes, some will require advance classes like honors or AP. “This add-on gives you the opportunity to really get into the areas that the student is interested in instead of just taking something to get the elective credit,” Lauck said. “This is to really help plan for college, or a career later on.” The CEC offers students with the opportunity to receive licensing, certification, college hours and educational experiences that supports students in not only marketing themselves to universities, but also employers in multiple industries. Similar to choosing a college major, students will choose an endorsement that provides a ‘track’ of appropriate classes the student takes to achieve the previously stated rewards. “Everything is based on building a product. There’s classroom learning and then they move on to building. It’s kind of like a college, but also kind of education redesigned a little bit.” Coordinator of the CEC, Michelle Wood, continues. “Instead of looking at students who are college bound and who aren’t, this is giving everyone the same opportunities. How far you take it is up to you.” Wood said. “Colleges are looking for those kids who are doing more than just getting good grades. The CEC wants to give everyone experience, something to try not in lieu of, but in addition to high school.” Providing students with licensing, certification, college hours and educational experiences that set them apart from the highly graded students, this addition not only prepares the students for college and life outside of school but also allows the

TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS 1. The CEC is not for everyone, but is for anyone. 2. The CEC filters through the classes that the student chooses 3. Some courses may require advanced classes like Honors or AP 4. Freshmen and Sophomores will not experience a boost in GPA 5. Students can change their Endorsement 6. The CEC will include it’s own restaurant and mechanic shop 7. Every class leads into some sort of certification, licensing or college hours 8. Consider your goals in the long run rather than the short run 9. Just try something

EXAMPLE TRACK : ARCHITECTURE Freshman Year : Principles of Architecture (Prerequisite) Sophomore Year : Architecture Design Junior Year : Interior Design Senior Year : Architecture Design 2

student to practice what they’re interested in with an educational application.

“I feel like it could help a lot with college and prepare me for life” -Madi Royal, 12

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The Rider Chronicle

Pushing the Max Newman breaks three records to make it to state

By Anaya Williams

Junior Keyshawna Newman has broke three records in the Regionals in powerlifting. Coach Davison, who coaches powerlifting, said she broke three records. “This year she broke the squat, by 25 lbs., then she broke the deadlift record that she had set last year by ten lbs.” he said. “Then the total weight record she broke by—it was 960 last year and she did 1,040 this year—so she broke it by 80 lbs.” Newman was surprised. “My first thought was holy crap. I just broke a record,” she said. Davison wasn’t surprised though. “I wasn’t surprised; we expected it,” he said. “We knew we were gonna break records coming in.” After she had finished, she thought ‘that was too easy’. “I think she’s broke a record at every meet she’s gone to,” Davison said. “She’s going to rewrite every record we have; not just here but with the WFISD I think.” Newman said her biggest obstacle she’s had

to face was learning to deadlift again. “She’s gotten much stronger and a lot more competitive,” Davison said. They’re now focusing on the little things. “We are trying to focus on the weaknesses that we have,” he said. “We’re trying to get her bench press up a little bit and we’re trying to get her to where she’s finishing some lifts better.” She now is going on to State, which is in Waco. Her family and friends were excited. “They were like ‘yeah, there you go representing the Newman family name’.” she said. Junior Meagan Walker said that the team couldn’t be happier. “It’s exciting getting to see someone here at our school set records for regionals,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what she can do next year.” Davison said she’ll probably break records again next year. “At State, she’s going to compete and gonna be in the elite in her weight class in the State,” he said.

Newman squats at the powerlifting meet while breaking a brand new record. “Holy crap, I just broke a record,” said Newman. “I didn’t even think I could do squat and that kind of threw me off.”

Record Breaking Lifts Squat: 450 lbs Bench: 180 lbs. Deadlift: 410 lbs.

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“It’s so awesome to see someone break as many records as she did and go to state. Our team couldn’t be any happier for her.” -Meagan Walker, 11

Feature

“It was awesome. It’s good to see somebody that you’re close to go far in something that they’re good at.” -Caleb Hughes, 11

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ACoachMile in his Shoes shows students that you can overcome anything By Sierra Hodges

Shoes. He wanted shoes. Jordan’s to be exact. A child living in Mesquite, Texas with six brothers and sisters. They should’ve lived in a big city because it was cheaper, but instead his parents said it was better for them to grow up in a good neighborhood. Still, he just wanted some “cool shoes.” However, with struggling parents, he knew that wasn’t an option. He knew why he couldn’t have the shoes. With siblings it was hard to get what he wanted. Now that isn’t a problem especially since they have been rereleased. “The shoes for me symbolize me getting to a point where I can say ‘dang I can spend $140 on a shoe.” Coach Francis said. “It symbolizes going from the bottom and being good now.” He doesn’t have just one favorite shoe. “If I’m going stylish then I go for the Jordan Concord 11’s,” he said, “If I’m worried about playing, then it’s any of my Jordan 10’s.” He has three pairs of those. Then there are the Chicago’s and the NYC 10’s. “But if it’s just everyday wear, then I like my Oreo 4’s,” Coach Francis said. He usually only wears his shoes on Wednesday and Friday, which are the days that teachers can wear jeans. He explained he likes to make his outfit ‘pop.’ However, with softball season in full swing, he has put his shoe collection on hold. “The dirt will ruin the shoes,” he said. Still, when he does have the chance to show them off it’s more than just making his outfit pop. It’s about showing his students that you can have the best if you work hard. “I had a great football coach and he always told me that ‘you’ve got to have two out of the three [attributes],’” Francis said. Those attributes are likeable, intelligent, and work ethic. He explained if you have two of the three you will be successful. “But I try to have three of the three, because he said if you have three of the three then you’re going to get where you want to get in life.”

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“Jammin for JJ”

Students’ remember the life of Jaylean James

By Carson Lee

Three months since his passing, students of Rider High School are still remembering the life of Jaylean James. The 16-year-old passed away on December 26, 2016 to a rare form of brain cancer, Gilomatosis Cerebri. “I met Jaylean my junior year, which was his freshman year, and we became close friends from the start,” senior Willie Phillips said. Phillips began to mentor Jaylean, visiting him in the classroom and simply hanging out. One thing people said about Jaylean was that he enjoyed dancing with the special education and life skills teacher, Kimberly Myers. ”He was always trying to teach me some of his dance moves,” she said. For Melanie Guerra, a paraprofessional at Rider, she remembers Jaylean as a man who was always willing and really anxious to work. After his condition was known, support grew for his cause. Students, faculty, and the community adopted the slogan, ”Jammin for Jaylean.” “Student council sold bracelets with “Jammin for JJ” written on them because he was such a big basketball fan,” Librarian and student council advisor Sally Mroczkowski said.

Now, the students at RHS are creating a tile with Jaylean’s name engraved on it to remember him and his love for sports. “I loved playing Bocce Ball with Jaylean at the special olympics in the spring,” Sophomore CBI student Ciera Davis said. Jaylean also enjoyed both talking about sports as well as playing sports. “My favorite game that I played with Jaylean was basketball,” Junior CBI student Connor Patterson said. ”It was so fun.” Jaylean also loved to create art, especially drawing. Guerra said he was always drawing in his spare time, leading to several memorable pieces. “Jaylean’s coolest drawing was of the Oklahoma City Thunder team symbol,” Myers said. Whatever Jaylean was doing, he did it his best, and with a good attitude. “You could just see the fight in him every day,” Phillips said. “No matter how bad Jaylean was hurting that day, he wouldn’t let you see it.”

Facts about Gilomatosis Cerebri

Favorite memory with JJ?

“Playing Bocce ball with Jaylean.” - Matthew Gonzales, 12

“I loved playing uno with Jaylean.” - John Elder, 11

Extremely rare cancer. Surrounds brain tissue Very resistant to treatment. Exists in strands, not large tumors. Only 100 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

“Just working with Jaylean in class.” - Connor Patterson, 11

Cannot be treated well by chemotherapy or surgery.

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Crazy for Comic-Con Students share their Comic-con experiences By Dei Seamans

From March 31 to April 2, over 50-thousand people will gather at the Dallas Convention Center. Donning their super hero suits, battle armor, and fantastical weapons of choice, they will be bursting with excitement at the thought of meeting their favorite legends of pop culture at the Fan Expo Dallas; otherwise known as the Dallas Comic Con 2017. Comic Con is a multi-entertainment and comic convention that has been held annually in many countries across the world since the first San Diego Comic-Con International in 1970. Originally showcasing comic books and popular science fiction works, comic cons have broadened to include a larger range of pop culture elements from all genres, such as horror, anime/manga, video games/collectible card games, TV shows, webcomics, and fantasy series. “There are certain guest stars as well as workshops that you might want to go see,” said sophomore R’yn Miller, who has been to Comic Con three times in the past and will be attending the Animania Wichita Falls Convention in June 2017. “There’s also even planned events for cosplayers is you want to see some good cosplay (dressing up as a character from a movie, book, video game, etc.) or do a group photo shoot.” Growing exponentially in popularity, according to data collected by Multiversity Comics, Comic Con can be described as a heavenly experience for the artistic and nerdy side of society. It’s also a starting point for up-and-coming comic artists. Those who may be insecure about their art can find inspiration and new confidence by meeting and learning from artists who’ve found their own success in their crafts. “One of my favorite things about Comic Con is definitely meeting other people that are into the same things you are,” said Miller, “To see someone cosplaying as one of your favorite characters and be like, ‘Hey, you look so cool! Can I take a picture?’ It’s the best feeling.”

“Goku” from the anime Dragon Ball Z Art by R’yn Miller

How To Make the Most of Your Comic Con Experience Past participants have some advice for those who are planning on attending a Comic Con in the future: “If you’re a beginner to cosplay, don’t do something too extreme. Do something easy that you can either make yourself or easily find on Amazon, eBay, etc. As for spending time, I spend most of my time walking around and taking pictures with people, but I always bring spending money in case I see something I want. I make sure I have enough to get autographs and things if there’s a special guest.” - Cas White, Sophomore “It’s all about planning ahead, really. Leave at about hour intervals between workshops or meet-ups you want to do, so you can have an hour to walk around and see all the comic artists and shopkeepers that are there.” - R’yn Miller, Sophomore “Do some research online, in terms of scheduling; find out what events are where and figure out how much you can fit into a day. Maybe plan to have some extra time in case something backs up.” - Maria Gandy, Sophomore

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“This is Us” Baseball season is in full swing with the new headcoach By Sierra Hodges

Hitting the ball to the infield is something he can do with his eyes closed. Hitting pop flies to the outfield is something she can do in her sleep. With the love of baseball and softball, the bond they share is stronger than most. Even more so since now they are both head coaches at Rider High School. Jeremy and Alisha Crouch met when they were both coaching in Petrolia. At that time, they were just friends, but as time went on, their relationship grew. Then five years ago they took their coaching careers to RHS. It is something she wouldn’t change for the world. “It’s actually a lot of fun. Since we don’t see each other much during the season, it’s nice that we get to see each other during the day,” Coach A. Crouch said. She also said it’s interesting because they can share stories with each other about the students they sometimes have the opportunity to both coach and teach. However, it’s not always positive moments that bring them closer together; it’s also the moments when they get disappointed. “If you can learn to deal with the failures of the game, then it helps you in life and in other aspects,” Coach J. Crouch said.

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This is a life lesson that the pair hope to not just pass on to their students and/or athletes, but also to their three children Boone, McCoy, and Hayes. They said the three boys are already interested in following in their dad’s footsteps and playing baseball. “Boone, 5, starts T-Ball this year and plays catch with his dad all the time and McCoy, 3, will swing the bat about three times then go and do something else,” she said. One the other hand, Hayes, 1, just likes to play anything his brother are playing, so he is already throwing the ball around and tackling his brothers. As for this year and the Rider Baseball team, Coach J. Crouch wants to make sure that the players know that this season is about them. It’s about how they can come together as a group and just play. “This whole season of baseball is about us. Not our opponents. Not records. Not the jerseys of our opponents,” he said, “It’s just about us and how we work on the field at practice and how that translates to the game.”

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Kickin’ back into the game Girls’ Jv soccer coach returns after a season of absence Photo contributed by Brooke Inman

Wuthrich gives her team a pep talk after the game against Sherman. “I missed being around the game and the kids,” said Wuthrich. “There’s a different level you get to know all of the kids on, and I really like that.”

Sophomore, Ashlyn Heger kicks a pass to a teammate. “I’ve grown up playing soccer,” said heger. “It’s just become a part of me.”

Photo contributed by Haley James

Art by R’yn Miller

Photo contributed by Brooke Inman

Freshman, Mia Bowman throws the ball back in at the home game against Sherman. “My favorite part about the game is the ending,” said Bowman. “Wether or not we win, we all know we put 100% on the field.”

By Lydia Angel

The love of the game began her coaching career, but the love of something else temporarily put her career to the side. Cheryl Wuthrich, the girls JV soccer coach and honors geometry teacher at Rider High School had to set coaching to temporarily stop coaching for a season, but she has now finally returned. Wuthrich said putting coaching aside last season was one of the hardest things she has had to do, especially after doing it for 17-years. “The reason behind me not coaching was family oriented, related with my husband’s illness,” Wuthrich said. “It wasn’t hard to put my family first, but I just had to put my wants and desires on the back burner.” Still, Wuthrich was able to stay involved in some way. She was able to coach sixth period PE soccer, plan the United Invitational Tournament, and

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put together all of the uniforms and equipment last year. “I missed being around the game and the kids,” Wuthrich said. “There’s a different level you get to know all of the kids on, and I really like that. The classroom is different, but when you’ve got your athletes, they’re like your kids.” Coach Nielsen stepped in while Wuthrich was out last season, but she has returned for the current season. “Now that I’m back, it’s great,” Wuthrich said. “I think some of the girls got close to coach Nielsen while I was gone, so maybe that first transitional stage was a little bit difficult, but I think that they’ve totally accepted me. I feel honored that, for the most part, everybody has said they were glad that I’m back.” Soccer player, Randi Quick said that Wuthrich set a positive atmosphere

for the season by getting to know her players so she can know how to help their mind set and push them. Quick also said that Wuthrich gives the team pep talks and always has faith that the team we will come out together on top. “She never lets you give up,” she said. “She pushes you to be the best you can be, and she encourages all of her players in little ways she knows will get them pumped up.” According to Lexi Penrose, who also plays on the JV soccer team, Wuthrich will do this by telling the athletes stories. It’s a way to encourage them to capitalize on the skills that they already have. “This season she has set the atmosphere to help us come together as a team and show people what we do best together,” Penrose said.

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“Some coaches only care about winning. Coach [Wuthrich] cares about if we enjoyed the game and left everything on the field. -Mia Bowman, 9

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The Rider Chronicle

#SavannahStrong

By Sierra Hodges

“She’s the strongest person I’ve ever known and we have faith and trust in God that she will be back on the field in no time. She’s such a great person with heart of gold and she deserves so much out of life and one day she will accomplish great things.” -Devon Hagy, 12

March 10, 2017

“She’s very smart and intellegant. A very good person on and off the field. She’s very uplifting. We’re really close and I don’t know what I would do without her. I’m just very thankful that she’s alive and on her way to recovery. -Bayleigh Holley, 11

Her car flips a few times. She’s airlifted to Dallas where she takes on a lot. A broken scapula, a fractured femur, broken ribs, other injuries. She has surgery on her leg, and and has another one scheduled for her shoulder. Physical therapy for awhile and maybe she can come home soon. Junior Savannah Dickson was on her way to a softball tournament in Abilene when she lost control of her car, and it flipped several times leaving her with severe injuries. “We were about to leave the hotel for our on Friday in Abilene, and Crouch pulled us to the front of bus,” senior Devon Hagy said. “We were all scattered around, but she told us all to come to the front so she wouldn’t have to yell, and that’s when I knew something had happened.” Learning that before the games had left the team speechless, but that didn’t stop them for coming to each other’s sides in the time of sadness. “It’s really brought us together and has showed that we’re here for one another and care about each other,” she said. “It’s not just a game we play together. We’re more than just a team, we actually are a family.” The team has made shirts for Savannah and have shared her story and her gofundme link everywhere. They also got her nominated for athlete of the week. “We always have her back. We’re always going to be here for her even though it might not always feel like that,” she said. “We all love her like a sister, and it’s hard to see her in this situation.” Hagy went to elementary school with Dickson and has played with her since 12U softball. “She always trying to make other people feel better, and she always puts other people before herself. It’s not really my favorite memory but more of a quality. She’s such a great person, and she deserves way more than what has happened to her.”

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