October 2017 TRC

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S.H. Rider High School 4611 Cypress Ave Wichita Falls, Texas 76310 Volume 57 Issue 1 Tuesday, October 31, 2017.

he R der Chronicle

Lipsync, page 5

photo by Lauren McAfee

HONORING CHRISTINE KIM PAGE 6 photo by Sallisa Wyatt

STEPPING DOWN TO STEP UP By Carson Lee

The match is over. The result is final. The team breaks into applause in support of one another. For the veteran player and captain of the tennis team Leah Schrass, this is one of the many reasons why tennis has drawn her back to her roots. “Something I love is that after every match we just stand and clap for each other, because we know that we played good,” Schrass said. “It’s been very exciting that even when we lose we know that we will keep working hard to compete.” Since returning to the tennis class after being out a semester last year, Schrass has been announced as the first tennis captain in Rider history. “It was so important for us to give this to

Leah, because I was the one that pushed her to take 8 AP classes, even though she really didn’t want to,” Head tennis Coach Kyle Apperson said. “I said, “let’s go be number 1 in the class”, because I wanted her to be able to do that for herself.” Apperson explained that even if Schrass had chosen to pursue grades she would still be on varsity, participating in other practices. “I really missed the camaraderie of being in the tennis class period,” Schrass said. You learn different things in sports than you do in the classroom. I’m growing in leadership skills that I wouldn’t necessarily learn in another classroom.”

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It had been a rainy day, but it hadn’t been depressing. The gentle humming of the car engine, the expolsive sounds coming from an anime on a laptop, and the sound of friends laughing filled the air. Less than 10 seconds later, many lives were changed forever. photo contributed by Serena Myers

photo by Shelby Davis

Bleeding Black and Gold, page 10


The Rider Chronicle Lydia Angel Editor in Chief Carson Lee Sports section editor Victoria Hitchcock Feature section editor Christopher Greenwood Staff Editorial Wifi on campus becomes an issue Copy editor R’yn Miller From Google Docs to Youtube, our education requires the use our personal devices almost every day. With the BYOD poliDesign editor/illustrator of cy, students are provided with wifi to use for school purposes, Daisy King but some don’t even bother. The wifi can be found slow on occasions and sometimes fails to work at all, leaving students Reporter no other choice than to use their personal data. We can’t just wait for the wifi to start working when we’re on a time crunch Amaya Spearman to get our work done before it’s due. This problem is an unfair Reporter occurrence that students can do nothing to fix. Though our school is fortunate enough to have its own wifi provided for Dei Seamans the students, we have to use our personal data that we pay Reporter for due to the lack of consistency, therefore having wifi seems to be pointless if it isn’t efficient. Another disadvantage to be Mandy Huynh found falls in the laps of those without data and or a personal Reporter cell phone. These students have to use chromebooks, which we are also fortunate to have, but if the wifi isn’t working, Elijah Phillips these students sometimes don’t get to complete their work, Reporter or sometimes even start it. With the numbers of chromebooks being used inclining, the school should be providing us with Alexandra McClung stronger tools to keep the wifi running on such a commonAdviser ly used internet server. It’s simply not fair and unrealistic to assign students work online without providing them with the Sandra Scheller necessary tools to complete the task. The problem seems to be overlooked but should no longer be neglected. Adviser Illustrated by R’yn Miller

October 31, 2017

The Rider Chronicle

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“Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself” Let’s Explore this Terror Together By Dei Seamans

Since its release to the theaters on Sept. 8, 2017, the film adaptation of Stephen King’s “IT” has earned over $500 million at the bo office, ending the 44-year reign of “The Exorcist” as the highest grossing horror film of all time. There’s something about well-made horror flicks that draw viewers in and leave them shaken, yet wanting more. According to Ronald Riggio, Ph.D, the reason horror movies are so effective is because they play on a person’s greatest phobias. From the fear of death, which he asserts as the ultimate fear both existentially and psychologically, to the corrupted contortion of symbols of innocence, such as dolls and clowns. With this in mind, it’s curious as to why a person would go to see a movie that utilizes that person’s fears. “Sometimes, I have no idea,” said junior Autumn Wells. “But when you get to the end of the movie and justice prevails, you feel like you’ve been on a journey; as if you were in the film and survived. I’m kind of addicted to the sense of relief I get at the end.” Horror films have evolved in great leaps since the very first one, “Le Manoir du Diable,” made in 1896. They have expanded to stories of monsters, backed by advanced CGI effects, talented costume designers and extraordinary makeup artists; as well as creepy, suspenseful psychological

thrillers. “I think as a teenager, the horror movies of that era (the 1980’s) were scary at the time given my age and he available technology,” said AP/Dual Credit U.S. History and AP Government teacher David Owens. “However, when I watch those movies today they seem extremely ‘cheesy’ due to the graphics, music and dialogue. Lacking a few exceptions, I think the plots of most modern horror movies are more captivating and are enhanced by modern technology.” On top of changes in technology, horror films have ridden the rollar coaster that is the continuously updated standard of films ratings. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has shaken its rating system repeatedly throughout the years. Movies that were once rated NC17 could now be considered rated R, and former R-rated films could now be viewed as PG-13. “What is deemed acceptable by society has changed over the past 30-40 years,” said Owens. “This allows the producers and directors to explore new themes and add theatrical elements to create a better cinematic experience.” So whether you enjoy the older or newer-age films, there will always be something for all horror fans to enjoy; even when today’s movies become “classics.”

Movie poster for “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” released in 1954 (left), and for “Insidious,” released in 2010 (right).

October 31, 2017

The Rider Chronicle

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Our Future... Students receive hands on experience at the CEC Center

Peyton Wood holds a kitten at the CEC center.

Photos by Sallisa Wyatt

By Mandy Huynh

The Career and Education Center (CEC) are opening up some of their classes as facilities related to their courses. One of these is dog grooming for the livestock production students. Where students learn about the sturcture of the dog, and how to care for it. “ I just really love animals and their wellbeing is important to me, as cheesy as that sounds,” said sophomore Mikayla Zotz. “Plus I get to pet all the dogs.” The cosmetology class will be opening a

October 31, 2017

nail salon in the future, which the seniors will run. Sophomore Celicia Chavez, a student currently taking the class is mostly learning about the basic terms with cosmetology. Also, learning how to deal with common bacteria to maintain hygiene. Cosmetology gives students like me who don’t want to go to college a way to make money straight out of high school, for that I’m thankful,” said Chavez. “I’m very grateful for this class, letting me get a taste of what cosmetology is, and if I don’t like it I cout drop it any time without losing

thousands of dollars if I was taking it in college,” said Chavez. Meanwhile the Culinary class is starting a restaurant for customers to enjoy. Students learn basic recipes, and which flavors and spices go together. In addition to keeping a clean work space and how to store food keeping it as fresh as possible. According to the culinary students, most are anxious about severing their food to customers, but all agree this will help them be more comfortable in a work setting.

Cosmetology students, Shekinah Walton working on a manequine head.

Photo by Ashton Brewer

The Rider Chronicle

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Behind the Seams Lip Sync is more than what you see on stage.

By Victoria Hitchcock

When attending Lip Sync it is easy to see the hard work that has been put in by the actors and directors, but what many don’t see are the long hours put in by those behind the scenes. Junior Erin Wisch knows first hand the complexities that go into making a show happen in her job as costume coordinator. “It’s just crazy how much work goes into stuff like this, even for costuming,” Wisch said. I have mad respect for actors because of their dedication. At least I have the choice to switch between projects when I’m bored with one.” For Lip Sync alone Wisch will have put in about ten hours of work on costumes, and she is also in the cast of several songs on top of that. “It was so hard at first because I was and still really am a chronic procrastinator but with this it’s not just you, it’s everyone else,” she said. When everyone else gives their all it drives you to give your all.” While Rider theatre has an extensive costume closet, some needed items can’t always be found there. Sometimes clothes have to be bought, which theatre teacher Tabitha Cahanin reimburses the buyer for,

Photo by Ashton Brewer Photo by Lauren McAfee

but Wisch usually finds a way to avoid that. “I very rarely have to buy stuff at all, you’d be surprised what a little creativity, ingenuity, tight schedule, and sewing shears can do,” she said. Wisch developed her passion for costuming as a young child when making halloween costumes. “Growing up, I never wore a store bought costume for Halloween- my mom and aunt made them, and from that my interest was peaked and they taught me,” she said. This passion for costumes added with her artistic ability led Tabitha Cahanin, Rider’s theatre teacher, to believe Wisch is the right person for the job. “I’m so thankful to Cahanin for letting me try this even though I had little experience, because costuming had become one of my favorite things,” Wisch said. “I love doing this and I love getting to work with everyone in the theatre while I’m doing it. There’s not a single person I’ve worked with for costuming that can’t make me double over laughing. They’re the best people you’ll ever meet.” Photo by Ashton Brewer

Photo by Krystal Hiranhphom

Photo by Lauren McAfee

Photo by Krystal Hiranhphom

October 31, 2017

Photo by Lauren McAfee

The Rider Chronicle

Photo by Krystal Hiranhphom

Lip Sync has been months in the making, and has brought people closer together as friends. Wisch considers theatre one of the most loving ans supportive environments she’s ever been in. ‘I get to meet people I’m sure are the sweetest, nicest, funniest people in the world,” she said.

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Sidelines to Headlines

After two years of of recovery, Ward takes the field again.

Group photo taken during a “staff meeting” celebrating the success of the first two chapters of Christine’s comic on May 18, 2017. (From left to right) Aaron Wheat, Christine Kim, Erin Wisch, Dei Seamans, Molly Biera and Autumn Wells Photo by Maria Gandy

At the End of the Hall

Remembering the life of an artistic Pun Queen (right) Artwork by Christine Kim that she drew as a gift for Dei Seamans in 2015. the drawing depicts the members of the band Black Veil Brides as horses. (bottom) The decorations in the biology wing were put up the weekend before Rider/Old High Week - Sept. 29 and 30, 2017 - by the junior class, led by Aaron Wheat and Erin Wisch. “I felt that it was the least we could do as a class,” said Wheat. “In some cases, some people might say that they were inappropriate; but in my case, I think it’s a moral obligation to someone who spent three years of their fleeting life at this school. I know it’s not going to be as sad to everyone, but they should at least know that we had a kid at our school named Christine Kim, who tragically passed away. We should be honored to have had her. The least you could know is her name.” Photo by Sallisa Wyatt

By Dei Seamans

Photo by Kayla Le

Photo provided by Colton Ward

Photo provided by Colton Ward

“Ward plays his first varisty football game after spending two years undergoing surgeries and recovering from his injury.

«I knew I had a team behind my back and no matter what I could work through it,» Ward said. «They all help me the most they can.»

Pho to

by S a

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Wya tt

By Victoria Hitchcock

October 31, 2017

After two years of watching from the sidelines, Colton Ward is finally getting his chance to be on the football field again. In August of 2015 Ward sustained a serious knee injury at freshman football practice that ultimately resulted in the amputation of his lower right leg. “Just to see all the work and pain that he’s been through, for him to be able to get on the field again was very special,” head football coach Marc Bindel said. Ward’s big debut to the Rider football team was met with overwhelming support from the fans. As he ran onto the field, the crowd erupted into cheers and a chant of “Colton! Colton! Colton!” Among those cheering for him was senior Taylor McCoy, a friend that Ward considers to be his biggest fan. Seeing him take such a big step moved her to tears. “It was just so overwhelming,” she said. “Whenever they called his name I was so proud. I was so happy for him.” As a freshman, McCoy tore her

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ACL and seeing Ward overcome his struggles pushes her to work harder in order to become a college athlete. “Just because you have a struggle doesn’t mean you give up,” she said, “he gives me inspiration.” McCoy isn’t the only person Ward inspires. Senior Charlie McBride said he has been touched by this story as well. “From my heart it’s a true story of hope and inspiration and that when life hits rock bottom he never gave up,” McBride said. “Every time I saw Colton he always had a smile on his face. The guy doesn’t have a freaking leg and he still lives life to the absolute fullest.” At times, Ward’s perseverance gives McBride the perspective he needs to carry on when the going gets tough. “It’s really humbling and it’s something that a lot of people can learn from”, he said. “When life throws a curveball at you there is always hope and you can always bounce back stronger than you were before.”

Ward’s story is certainly one of true character. Principal Dee Palmore can attest to that. “Throughout this ordeal if the doctor told him it would take six weeks, Colton did it in three,” Palmore said. “When he had his leg amputated the doctor said ‘You’ll be here [hospital] a minimum of six to eight days.’ In four days Colton was at his house. Whatever they have told him, he has over-achieved.” While Ward’s drive is fueled by his aspirations of becoming a college football player, his team has played a big role as well. “I wanted to get back out there, but it was more about the team,” he said. “It’s not about me, it’s not about two people, it’s not about a few people, it’s about the whole team. It’s proving that if one person can do this, what can our whole team do. If one person can go through all that, what can the team accomplish.”

It had been a rainy day, but it hadn’t been depressing. The gentle humming of the car engine, the expolsive sounds coming from an anime on a laptop, and the sound of friends laughing filled the air. Less than 10 seconds later, many lives were changed forever, and one life was extinguished. Throughout the Rider/ Old High Rivalry Week, decorations hung at the end of the biology hall to honor the life of Christine Kim, who passed away in a car accident on June 2, 2017. It was a sudden, tragic beginning to the summer. The decorations were the brainchild of junior Aaron Wheat. “Honestly, at first I was extremely hurt,” he said, when reflecting on his initial reaction to the news of Christine’s passing. “It was a really hard thing for me to grasp. I hear a lot of people who talk about losing a friend in high school, and i always thought, ‘It’s not going to happen to me.’ When it did happen, I was very dumbfounded, and I didn’t know how to act or react.” A devoted violinist, lover of puns and talented artist, Christine was beloved friend who gave everything and asked for nothing except for the companionship of true friends and terrible memes to laugh at. She cherished, and was cherished in return. However, it was sometimes difficult to know the true emotions running through her; even for some of her oldest friends, such as junior Kayla Le.

The Rider Chronicle

“It was kind of hard and rare to understand her because she really kept in her feelings,” she said. “But she was very silly and kind; she was very passionate in her art and music. She was the person who would go through hardship with you.” If Christine was school-famous for anything, it was her art. She adored drawing, exclusively horses; as well as had completed three chapters of a comic book in which starred as an assassin in the Victorian era, along with a zany group of comrades based on her closest real-life friends. She may have been quiet and reserved on the outside, but Christine breathed life into everything she did and everything she created. “Really the only thing that got me through the past few months was looking back at the drawings she left, the gifs she made, and the puns she laughed at,” said junior Erin Wisch. “Every text and every silly thing she gave me is what I’ve valued, and I honestly think it’s the best way to remember her: sharing who she was with everyone who did and dindn’t know her.”

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It’s through the masterpieces she left behind, and within the lives she touched that Christine’s spirit lives on. The friends and family who loved her will carry the memory of her in their hearts forever and ever. One of the survivors of the accident, junior Molly Biera, reminisced fondly on her special friend: “She was the person who connected people together whether she realized it or not,” she said. “We’d all have sleepovers, go to the mall, and take bike rides by Lake Wichita. I didn’t think that one day all of who she was would leave us so soon. That a slippery road and a twisted game of musical chairs would take her away; and I was right by her side the whole time. There’s something a bit comforting in knowing that she didn’t suffer, and that the moments we shared in that car as friends were happy ones. I just wish they could’ve been longer. She was the funny, talented Pun Queen who loved horses, Nutella and sweet tea. We can never replace her nor would we want to. She affected so many lives for the better. I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for Christine Kim. I miss her.”


October 31, 2017

The Rider Chronicle

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Leading on and off the court Schrass earns tennis captain through academic sacrifice

Photo by Kayla Le

By Carson Lee

The match is over. The result is final. The team breaks into applause in support of one another. For the veteran player and captain of the tennis team Leah Schrass, this is one of the many reasons why tennis has drawn her back to her roots. “Something I love is that after every match we just stand and clap for each other, because we know that we played good,” Schrass said. “It’s been very exciting that even when we lose we know that we will keep working hard to compete.” Since returning to the tennis class after being out a semester last year, Schrass has been announced as the first tennis captain in Rider history. “It was so important for us to give this to Leah, because I was the one that pushed her to take 8 AP classes, even though she really didn’t want to,” Head tennis Coach Kyle Apperson said. “I said, “let’s go be number 1 in the class”, because I wanted her to be able to do that for herself.” Apperson explained that even if Schrass had chosen to pursue grades she would still be on varsity, participating in other practices. “I really missed the camaraderie of being in the tennis class period,” Schrass said. You learn different things in sports than you do in the

October 31, 2017

classroom. I’m growing in leadership skills that I wouldn’t necessarily learn in another classroom.” Schrass has also inspired others on the team through her move, proving her uniqueness. “She really was going for valedictorian, and she gave that up to be a part of the tennis class,” Sophomore Julia Chon said. That just inspires a lot of us, because not just anyone would do that.” Schrass explained some of the numerous benefits she has found in being a part of the tennis class. “It’s definitely taken a weight off of my chest, to have less pressure to make all A’s,” Schrass said. “Also, to know that at the end of the day I get to go to tennis, and be outside, and just feel so free is so great. I get to say, “school is over now,” and it’s just amazing.” The passion and love for the sport that Schrass gives has strengthened the team and redefined what tennis is to them. “This has definitely brought everyone closer together, and reminded us that tennis isn’t just a sport, but a team,” Chon said. “The fact that she would give up something so important that has so much influence on career just motivates us to work harder and be a part of this team.” Schrass also mentioned the difference in what

The Rider Chronicle

Top left photo, “I was working on an assignment for AP English IV,” Schrass said. “I really enjoy reading books and discussing them with my fellow classmates.” Photo on right, “I love getting to go out at the end of the day, and not think about school, and enjoy the sun and sport,” Schrass said. Photo by Sallisa Wyatt

is often portrayed of tennis and her perception of it as a constant source of encouragement. “Team tennis is such a unique sport, and so when you’re out there by yourself, your coaches and teammates are all there, and they can cheer for you,” Schrass said. “It’s a team, and we act like a team, and we are a team.” Now, the team displays the effect of sacrifice and hard work, as Schrass leads them this season. “The fact that she would sacrifice number one for tennis, it was the least I could do for her to reward her commitment,” Apperson said.

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hool

pirit

Rider Chemistry teacher takes pride to a new level

Headline illustrated by Ry’n Miller Photo By Shelby Davis

By Carson Lee

Chemistry teacher Stacie Martin may seem like an ordinary teacher, but behind the Ph scale there’s a skillful and interactive member of the Rider community. “From the beginning I just liked school,” Martin said. “I really enjoyed being a student, and I’ve always appreciated the teachers. I had some professors who were really brilliant at being an intellect and producing professor, but also being very skilled at teaching.” Martin takes pride in the school attending as many of the sporting events as she can. “I bleed black and gold, it says so on my twitter,” she said. “I really buy into the school spirit thing, because my family has a strong history here.” Martin mentioned that not only had she graduated from Rider, but her brother played football and her mom was at Rider on its opening day. Of course, teaching wasn’t

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always Martin’s plan, but she quickly took pride in the school. “When I was little, I always had a chemistry set, and I always liked science in general,” she said. “I went to college, working in biology and composite sciences, but I didn’t know I was good at chemistry until my professor begged me to change my major to biochemistry.” From there, Martin sought further education. Initially her plan was to get her masters degree in biology and then a PhD in molecular biology, but that didn’t happen. “I got a teaching certificate and began teaching at Rider, and things changed, and I’ve been really happy here,” she said. Over her nearing 24 years of teaching, Martin has grown in supporting the school and community, cheering ROHO on even in the classroom. Martin also expressed the

importance of students finding something positive to identify with, whether in school or even with family. “I have been known to stage practice experiments with my children, and they love it,” Martin said. “I have two daughters and a nephew who’s like a son to me. They are the loves of my life, with my husband, who is a great dad and though most people wouldn’t put us together, he helps create this awesome family, and I’m proud of him.” Over the years, Martin has grown and found her joy in teaching. “I really like the rapport that you can build with the students,” Martin said. “I think one of the more rewarding things is when you can watch students achieve something that they didn’t think they could, and to just watch them grow. It’s just seeing the wonder grow in students, that’s really special to me.”

The Rider Chronicle

“She’s so amazing and dedicated to chemistry, and she reallly strives to help us fully understand.” - Hali Crawford, 11 “I really appreciate that she cares about each student, and she makes sure everyone understands.” -Ben Moffat, 11 “She’s so genuine, and she honestly cares about the future of each student.” Anna Razavi, 11

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Last V.S First

Rider / Old High week from two opposite perspectives

Photo by Sallisa Wyatt

By Mandy Huynh

Black and gold are dressed in the halls. Thursday, floats surrounded the school, and by Friday the silence is found throughout the school until the victory bell rings. Then, it is followed by a football game between two long time rival schools. “I think it’s really cool, that Rider and Old high have this intense rivalry, none of the other schools have anything like this,” said freshman Analise Porras. According to many freshman, Rider/OldHigh week is very confusing. With all the

Rider old high begins, with eatch class decorating, Junior class decorates the biology wing in reconition for Christine Kim.

traditions like the yote busters, Round Up, and Mum Day to name a few, many freshman are left in the dust. “I see a lot of freshman not following tradition and it gets on a lot of seniors nerves and that sucks, since not all of us are like that,” said Porras. According to the Rider senior class, the week is bittersweet by being fun and exciting with the school being festive, but also knowing it is their last one, and looking back at all of the high school memories. “I’m going to really miss

Rider/OldHigh week since I can’t spend all week booing Old High,” said senior Tayton Rose. “I feel really bad for the seniors, this is their last Rider/ OldHigh week, I know I’m going to miss it, it’s going to be so depressing once all of the decorations are down,” said freshman Maddie Morris. The same could be said for the rest of the classes not only the seniors, the feeling of bittersweetness when Rider/OldHigh week is over. According to the majority of Rider students.

The Happening, a time for glow sticks, floats, black and gold. The CBI at the Happening.

The peprally at the end of mum day, with the final bell. The Rider band plays Eye of the Tiger at the peprally.

Photo by Shelby Daivs

Photo By: Shelby Davis

Ashley Cobb and Taylor Giles cheer for the team at the Rider Old High game.

October 31, 2017

After winning the game Coach Bindel congratulates the team. Photo By Kayla Le

The Rider Chronicle

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Rider Raiders to Red Raiders Twins commit to college ball at Tech

Photos contributed by Lauren and Lindsey Dodson The Dodsons got to visit campus and visit with some of their future teammates and coaches, “We grew up being familiar with Tech because both of their parents attended,” Lauren said. “We really enjoy the campus and the coaching staff, everyone is so nice.” By Lydia Angel

Since the third grade, Lauren and Lindsey Dodson have been playing all kinds of sports together. Even though they are only juniors, they have committed to carrying out their volleyball career at Texas Tech University. “We used to play basketball, soccer, gymnastics, track and tennis,” Lauren said. “We didn’t single out volleyball until we got into junior high.” They officially committed to Tech the summer before their junior year. The fact that they signed to a D1 school that early on is a big accomplishment; what also makes this situation special is that they are twins. Lindsey said they started focusing on volleyball because the excitement of the game made the sport “more fun”to them. Their next step is playing college ball, and they took the opportunity to do it together. “Playing together was our biggest thing,” Lindsey said. “I wanted to go in the Big 12, but my biggest thing was to get to do it with Lauren. I wanted to make sure we could go to the same school.” The Big 12 is a college sports conference which includes Texas Tech University. Lauren said she was first noticed by the head coach, Tony Graystone in a highlight video. He got in contact with Lauren through Coach Humpert and was very interested in her, this was also the time that he found out she has a twin. They attended a three day volleyball camp at Tech

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where Coach Graystone evaluated their play and once the camp ended, they were both offered spots on the team. However, before this opportunity came, constant practice was a big step in preparing for their volleyball career after college. “We always have a ball in our hands,” Lindsey said. “Even right after a game I still want to play a whole game again, it’s what we love to do and we’re constantly doing it. I think every time you have a ball in your hands you’re making yourself better even if you’re just messing around. That has helped me prepare for college.” Not only has their hard work benefited them, but those who have invested in them have made them the strong players they are today. “She [Coach Humpert] is always pushing me to be my best in practice,” Lauren said. “Outside of practice, she has helped so much in the process of contacting coaches and helping me with interacting with them. She wants the best for me and does so much to help me get it.” Humpert has watched them form as players since freshman year and is confident in them on and off the court. “Their freshman year, they would have been major contenders to make varsity, but Lauren and Lindsey lived within Old High’s lines and were optout transfers, which means they had to play sub-varsity for a year

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no matter what,” Humpert said. “Watching them play on JV allowed me to see Lindsey’s self control along with her confidence. Placing them on varsity their sophomore year was an easy decision.” Not only has she seen them work and improve with their teammates, she has had the opportunity to watch them grow as individuals. “Lindsey being placed into a hitting role her sophomore year forced her to get out of her comfort zone, because most of her volleyball career she was a defender,” Humpert said. “She was challenged many times in practice and in games, but she can now see from a hitter’s eyes and a defenders eyes. This challenge stepped up her game a lot.” Humpert isn’t the only one who has noticed the twins’ skills develop so strong at an early age. “Lauren is a setter, but she can also play great defense which will help her at Texas Tech,” Humpert said. “They both know how to work, they know how to be pushed,and thry know how to have grit.” Being juniors, they still have one more year to play and get ready for Tech along with Humpert’s help. “Playing volleyball in college has always been our goal, and playing together was just the cherry on top,” Lauren said. “We’ve always wanted to go to college together so getting to play volleyball together couldn’t be better.”

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