August Issue

ORACLE Stratford High School 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas // shsoracle.org

Friday, August 25, 2017 // Vol 44 // Issue 1

@SpartanOracle @StratfordOracle

2

Opinions The Oracle / August 25, 2017

If I Knew Then What I Know Now Advice for freshmen by former freshmen WRITTEN BY: RACHEL COLE AND CAROLINE LAVERN “There’s a pool on the fourth floor.” “NEVER take the middle stairs.” “There are hallways inside hallways.” These are all things we have heard before walking into the uncharted territory known as Stratford.

Finding Your Way High school is overwhelming to start, but after spending a year in it, you know it like the back of your hand.

“I’m most nervous for trying to make good grades and finding all my classes the first week,” incoming

freshman Julia Gage said. This coment is very typical of new freshmen.

A student who has already completed a year of school knows all it takes is minor navigation and a little time to figure out the hallways of our school.

ORACLE

GRAPHIC BY: RACHEL COLE AND CAROLINE LAVERN

Organization

Having Older Siblings

Staying organized is very important once you get to high school.

In middle school, you do not have the option of not using a locker.

If you don’t use a locker in high school, which most people decide not to, your backpack becomes your locker.

This makes organization key, so you do not end up with random piles of paper crumpled up at the bottom of your backpack monthly.

Having a sister who is two years older than me, I can say that I knew a lot more about high school going in. I could ask her how the school was laid out, if people actually used lockers, and, once I found out my teachers, what they were like and if they were the ‘nice’ ones.

My sister wasn’t all help to me, though. She did tell me a couple lies about the school that any gullible freshman would fall for. Yes, I was that freshman that fell for the whole “there’s a pool on the fourth floor.”

My transition into high school was drastically easier and different than for some of my friends that didn’t have older siblings.

Knowing what to expect, I wasn’t as nervous as most of my friends. I knew most of the ‘secrets’ around school, therefore, I had a slight advantage in the game. - Rachel.

Schedules “I’ve heard that A/B schedule is a lot better,” incoming freshman, Becca Dawson said.

Contrary to popular belief, class periods go by pretty quickly. Most incoming freshmen think that spending a hour-and-a-half is too long for classes, but it’s perfect to get the most work done.

Most high school students do not understand how other schools with 45 minute classes get their work done in such a short amount of time.

Newbies drive by and, having not been inside before, they get nervous about getting lost in there one day.

High school can be overwhelming to start with, but after spending a year here, figuring it out isn’t all that hard.

Coming into high school isn’t something an incoming freshman should fret about. Once you spend just a couple weeks and observe what’s around you, you’ll know high school like the back of your hand.

Not Having Older Siblings My high school transition was not so smooth. In the days leading up to the first day of school, I was dreading it. I was so nervous about getting lost. I did have friends who told me what their siblings said, but I never had the same reassurance as they did.

I didn’t really know what do expect.

I knew the basics but never understood what the people were trying to explain to me. I try to explain high school the most honest way I can to younger students so they fully understand what high school is going to be like.

It is true that on some levels, you can’t fully understand what it’s like until you get there. You get to try and figure it out, which is kind of fun.

Oracle Mission Statement

“By the students. For the students. About the students.”

From its founding in 1974 to this coming 2017-2018 school year, the mission of the Stratford High School Oracle Newspaper has been the same: to develop the skills and follow the standards of professional journalists, and to present stories about, and for, the students — our primary audience.

To provide a forum for student writing, photography, and art — the Oracle creates a community of students who share a common passion for any, if not all, of these skills, through group learning and mentorship.

To provide training for not only journalism, but in marketing and business — the newspaper is completely selffunded and must sell ads to promote local businesses in order to compensate for the price of printing. Members on ads staff practice their business techniques by speaking to other businesses in pursuit of securing finances to allow the paper to operate.

Finally, and most importantly, to open dialogue and give students a voice — in no other outlet do students have the ability to inform and express to a large audience. Whether an article is about a student giving back to the community or a discussion at the latest board meeting, a student’s voice will be heard.

Editor-in-Chief *Emma Holland *Lauren Byram Associate Editors *Elizabeth Cole *Charlotte Benes Photo Editors *Zaina Ateyea *Presley Graves *Perry Shepard Opinions Editors Lauren Byram Bayle Goldman Rachel Dietert News Editors Rachel Cole Alex Parizot Yasmin Talbi Culture Editors Abby Gex Maddie Suerth Sebastian Droz Sports Editors Michael Goolsby

Mariana Rincon Niki Whiteford Reporters Alexis Garza Libby Grizzell Hannah Khartri Chloe Sady Joy Meyers Hannah Timmreck Isabella Waltz Ben Burnham Blake Todes Photographers Dan Tatulescu Grayson Hart Maddie Dawson Nicklas Rizzo Finley Capshaw Meghan Martinez Makowski Kiera Howard Daniela Trujillo Nicklas Rizzo Ashley Cahalan

The Oracle newspaper is the official, schoolsponsored student media of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454.

The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department and is also available online at shsoracle. com. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression and is

open to contributions submitted by the readers. Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@shsoracle. org.

All letters to the editors must be typed and contain the author’s full name, grade and signature.

Submitted material is subject to editing based on space and/or content.

The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration or the school district.

The staff is responsible for the content of the pub-

Miles Harper Ads Editors Lindell Lewis Lauren Perry Ads Staff Gigi Meredith Haley Grace Francis Kaitlyn White Erin Walsh Samantha Wagner Design Editors Jordan Kouns Caroline Bucek Staff Artists William Thiele Alexia van der Dys Copy Editor Carolyn Koerner Building Principal Chad Crowson Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board Members

lication and strives to maintain professional standards of accuracy, objectivity and fairness.

The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published.

The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community and welcomes freelance submissions.

Publication costs are covered through advertisements.

For more information, contact thestratfordoracle@gmail.com OR call at 713-251-3454

Front Page Caption Photo by: Presley Graves New building principal, Chad Crowson, welcomes incoming freshmen and talks to them about the next four years of their lives. Pumping up the class of 2021, Crowson smiles for a picture with freshman grade level level principal principal Dr. Dr. Laura Laura Villafor.

Villafor.

3

News

The Oracle / August 25, 2017

Teaching the Fish How to Swim

Link Crew leaders help to welcome the Class of 2021 during Freshmen Orientation PHOTOS BY: MADDIE DAWSON

9/15 - Pep Rally 2:30 p.m. in the Competition Gym Theme: Green Out Deck out in green to cheer on the Spartans as we battle the Ridge Point Panthers

8/29 - Senior Photo Make-up Photos by Strawbridge Studios in the Library Ladies: Bring spaghetti strap or strapless shirt to wear under the drape Men: Bring white T-shirt to wear under the tux Students who need to have their photo taken are listed on a sign posted outside of Room 228. You must have your photo taken in order to be in the yearbook.

9/16 - Football Game vs. Ridge Point 7 p.m. at Tully Stadium

9/4 - Labor Day (No School)

10/7 - Homecoming Dance

9/8 - First Pep Rally of the School Year 2:30 p.m. in the Competition Gym Theme: Rock Out. Be sure to wear your favorite concert shirt or rocker outfit.

Theme: Golden Days

10/6 - Homecoming Football Game vs. Northbrook 7 p.m. at Tully Stadium

Let’s Go Spartans

Senior Ellie Miller dresses green from head to toe to welcome her freshmen with the theme “Spartan Pride.”

The Freshmen of Bel-Air Breaking the Ice

The freshmen and Link Crew leaders warm up for the day by playing Simon Says. Link crew will stay with their freshman groups in Spartan Time.

During the freshmen orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 16, seniors Emma Holland, Jordan Kouns, Jack Kelly, and Jordan Johnson pose with their freshmen Spartan Time class during the campus tour.

4 In Depth The Oracle / August 25, 2017

Out with the Old and In with the New Getting accustomed to the new changes this school year

WRITTEN BY: EMMA HOLLAND

DESIGNED BY: MADDIE MCKENZIE

GRAPHICS BY: CAROLINE BUCEK

PHOTOS BY: EMMA HOLLAND AND PRESLEY GRAVES

As we dive into a new school year, many students are excited for a fresh start. This year in particular looks different from last year due to many changes that have taken place. Not only does school now start five minutes earlier, but this year also marks a new beginning for our building principal Chad Crowson, along with three new counselors and 26 staff members. It’s going to take some time for students and their families to make adjustments this year, so here is an in-depth look into a few of the new changes, along with an interview to help us get to know our new principal.

You may have walked into school on this first day and realized that you have a different counselor than last year. This year, all of the counselors are assigned to students using the alpha-split system. Confused? Here are some reasons why.

The change allows families to have the same counselor for all siblings and makes the senior college process run smoother for counselors. By splitting the students by last name, each counselor will have a smaller group of senior students, lightening the load on counselors who have the responsibility of writing letters of recommendation and assisting seniors in the college process.

The alpha-split system is successful in other schools in the district, along with schools all over the country.

“I’ve been a counselor for over 30 years, two of which have been at Stratford,” counselor James Herrington said. “Through all of my years as a counselor, we have always used the alpha-split.”

In case this information is new to you, all last names starting with letters A-D have Carrie Campbell-Bishop, E-K have James Herrington, L-Q have Crystal Arrington, and R-Z have Susie Velis. In fact, Arrington and Velis are brand new staff members, who are both excited to be official Spartans.

Arrington is originally from University Heights, Ohio. She attended the University of Akron for undergraduate school and she got her masters from Cleveland State University. She moved to Houston in 2005. “From that point, I started workExcited for the new year ing in Aldine ISD, eventually transferred to Houston ISD, Building principal Chad Crowson is excited for his first year as a and now I’m here. This is my 23rd year in education.”

Spartan.

Arrington has two children, Sheila and Chase. Her daughter, Shelia, graduated from Stephen F. Austin University and is now a social worker. Her son, Chase, left for college last week.

In her free time, Arrington enjoys crafting and shopping. “I’m a lover of the arts, so I love to go to plays and sing on occasion,” she said.

Arrington is not only excited about preparing students for the future, but also helping them make connections and good choices during their time in high school. “I am most excited making connections primar ily with students, but also with the staff members. I’ve received nothing but warmth from the time I walked through the door, so I know that’s going to be nothing but elevated as the year progresses.”

Unlike Arrington, Velis is a native Houstonian. She graduated from MacArthur High School and transitioned to University of Texas at Austin. She received her masters from St. Thomas here in Houston.

1/2 7:45-9:19 Velis has ten years of experience as a college-access counselor. “I’ve worked at University of Texas at Austin Admis3/4 9:25-11:08 sions as a Houston recruiter, and I’ve also worked at Texas A&M University as a Financial Aid counselor,” Velis said.

A Lunch 11:08-11:38 She has also taught at KIPP as a college counselor. “College access is my passion,” she said.

5/6 (A Lunch) 11:44-1:18 Velis is excited to use her knowledge about the college process to help students navigate college applications. She 5/6 (B Lunch) 11:14-12:48 hopes to be a good resource for students who have questions or need any help.

12:48-1:18 In her free time, Velis loves to knit and crochet. “When one of my friends is having a baby, I’ll make a baby blanket for B Lunch 7/8 1:24-3:00 them,” Velis said. She also has two dogs, an eight-year-old Chiweenie (Chihuahua Weenie) named Nico, and a sevenmonth-year-old Shih poodle (Shih Tzu Poodle) named Fiona.

“I love to take my dogs out on walks, along with my parents crazy puppy lab,” she said.

If you meet them, be sure to welcome Arrington and Velis to Stratford. We are so glad to have both of them around on campus.

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering why school got rid of late start, and on top of that, decided to start school five minutes earlier. The rule actually has nothing to do with Stratford, and all to do with the state of Texas. Under state law, each school must have a minimum number of hours of education in order to pass state codes, and unfortunately, each late start in years past put Stratford below the minimum requirement. In order to make up for lost time, administrators have partnered up with state officials to enforce the five-minute solution.

There is a small bonus to the new schedule, however, because gone are the days of the three-day Thanksgiving break. This year, we get a week off in the middle of November.

In addition to all of the changes that this school year brings, Stratford has the privilege of welcoming a new building principal, Chad Crowson. We thought we would spend some time getting to know him.

Crowson grew up in the Houston area, originally attending schools in Humble ISD and attending Kingwood High School. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government. “Growing up I always wanted to be an attorney,” Crowson said. “And technically I am an attorney, but not exactly in the way I planned,” he said.

Before attending law school, Crowson wanted a break from school and decided to become a Teach for America core member. However, teaching turned out to be anything but a break.

“Teach for America core members commit to teaching students with very high needs in areas where it is often difficult to place teachers,” Crowson said. He was placed in Philadelphia, working with mostly a migrant population of Puerto Rican students who were really struggling.

“I taught tenth grade geometry, and some of the students I had didn’t know their multiplication tables. It was very challenging for me as a teacher to teach the

Bell Schedule

In Depth 5 The Oracle / August 25, 2017

required content to students who were so far behind academically.” His experience in Teach for America really impacted the way in which he views education. “I now tend to recognize that students come from all different places and struggle with different things, so I can’t assume that because something worked for me when I was a student that it works for everyone else,” Crowson said.

After his Teach for America experience, Crowson decided to try law school again, but he wasn’t crazy about it. “I really missed teaching, so I decided to apply to every school I was willing to work at.”

He received a job teaching eighth grade U.S. History in La Porte, Texas, and attended law school parttime in the evenings. He was eventually able to combine his education and law school backgrounds in a career in education administration, and became the Assistant Principal at Klein Oak High School for five years before coming to Stratford.

Crowson is super excited to have all of the students and teachers on campus, and he is ready for the year to kick off. He is especially excited for the beginning of football season, and not just because he is a huge sports fan. “Football is king in Texas. Not only are the games fun, it’s amazing to see all of the different groups of people come together for one event,” Crowson said.

“Just for a football game, there are the players, Spartanaires, cheerleaders, band members, athletic trainers, the student section, and the parents and community.

Pretty much half of the student body is involved in football games. I’m really looking forward to the excitement that comes along with bringing the school together.”

Beginning a new year at a brand new school can bring its challenges. “Coming to Spring Branch ISD, there are things that I knew how to do at Klein Oak that are slightly different here,” Crowson said. “It’ll take some time to figure out who to call and how to do things the Spring Branch or Stratford way. But thankfully, I have a great support system so I’ll know I can get the answers there.”

Along with excitement for the new school year, Crowson is excited to see his visions and his goals for Stratford play out this year and over the next few years. “School should be three things,” Crowson said: “It should be safe. That means both physically safe and also a safe space for students to share their thoughts and ideas. Second, it should be intellectually stimulating. Students should want to come to school not because it’s easy, but because it challenges you to think in ways that you had maybe never thought before. Third, and finally, it should be fun. And I’m very serious about that. If school isn’t fun, then no one wants to come. That’s why I always encourage students to get involved in different activities. An involved student gets to experience school spirit in a way that the average student who is uninvolved doesn’t experience. If you do that, then school becomes a lot more fun.”

As for teachers, Crowson is looking forward to strengthening the collaborative culture among the teachers. “When the teachers work well together, the students are more successful,” Crowson said.

On a more personal note, Crowson enjoys spending a lot of time with his family. His wife, Lin, works at the University of Houston in the Residence Life Department. “We have a daughter named Layla, and she’s going into the second grade in the Klein Oak school district.”

“I am obsessed with college football,” Crowson said. “I love watching sports. I don’t participate in many sports besides golf, which I’m pretty bad at but still enjoy.” Crowson also plays guitar, mainly acoustic. “It’s a good stress reliever for me and it’s honestly really fun. I will learn songs that I think are cool and then a month later I’ll forget them, but I still enjoy it.” Recently, Crowson got into snowboarding. “I went skiing with my parents and my siblings last winter, and decided to try snowboarding instead,” Crowson said. “I was the old guy on the ski lift with the snowboard, so it was slightly awkward. But I picked up pretty fast and I had a lot of fun, so hopefully I get to go back this winter.”

Crowson’s favorite music genre is classic rock. In fact, if he had to pick one musician to listen to forever, it would be the Beetles. “Sounds weak, but they have such a varied collection that there’s music for every mood you’re in,” Crowson said. He also listens to a descent amount of older country music, along with some 90’s to 20’s hip-hop, although he’s not a big fan of new hip-hop and rap music. On the side of food, Crowson claims that he’s not a foodie, but he jokes that he could he Tex-Mex everyday. “If I had to pick one restaurant to eat at my entire life, it would be Pappasito’s,” he said.

In the end, Crowson is enthusiastic for the new school year and cannot wait for school to kick into full gear. “I have a lot of Spartan Pride already,” Crowson said, “and I’m very proud to be apart of the Stratford Community

:Warmly

faculty

welcoming the new

PHOTO BY: PRESLEY GRAVES

New Faculty

The new faculty ready to begin their first school year as Spartans are: Lea Carruthers, English and Athletics; Matt Ford, Science and Athletics; Robbie Coon, Social Studies; Marcos Altamirano, Assistant Orchestra; Kate O’Connor, Social Studies; Brittnee Hooks, Science; Georgianna Turney, Science; Barbara Archer, Staff; Emery Dixon, CATE and Athletics; Erin Fuller, SPED and Athletics; Harry Yu, Speech and Debate; Connie Hamon, Nurse; Keith Humphreys, Social Studies and Athletics; Quintin Mason, CATE and Athletics; and Chad Crowson, Principal. Not pictured is Crystal Arrington, Counselor; Janet Chavez, Staff; Brock Duncan, Social Studies and Athletics; Nancy Espino, Matthew Foster, Math and Athletics; Staff; Marianne Landon, Athletics; Melissa Quigley, Athletics; Jennifer Schaefer, English; Kristen Suleman, CIS Counselor; Susana Velis, Counselor; Yaritsol VillanuevaVigil, Staff; Christine Walker, CATE.

4 questions with a new staff member:

Marianne Landon Athletic Trainer

Q: If you could see any band in concert, which one would it be?

A: Ed Sheeran all the way!

Q: What was your favorite class in high school ?

A: English because it came the easiest.

Q: Why did you choose to be an athletic trainer?

A: Well, I went to A&M and got exposed to Sports Medicine and from there I just fell in love!

Q: If you won the lottery, what would you do?

A: I would still be an athletic trainer because I love my job so much, and then I would help those in need.

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The Oracle / August 25, 2017

Summer Catch Ups Get a glimpse of what our Spartans did over the summer DESIGNED BY: CHARLOTTE BENES

Spartans Abroad WRITTEN BY: MADDIE SUERTH

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: KATE MCCORD

Puerto Rican Paradise

What do you do in the beautiful city of San Juan, Puerto Rico besides visit the beach? Do you go zip lining? Snorkeling? Visit the old city? On her trip to Puerto Rico, junior Kate McCord did all of the above.

“The flight was much shorter than I anticipated. It was one of the reasons we choose to go there instead of somewhere else — that and the beautiful beaches of course,” McCord said.

While some people were sitting at home binge watching Gossip Girl on Netflix, McCord and her family flew to Puerto Rico for ten days to spend some time enjoying the sunny city of San Juan.

“The thing I enjoyed most was definitely getting to spend time with my cousins. They live in D.C., so I don’t get to see them that often,” McCord said.

As stunning as the beaches are in Puerto Rico, there are many other thrilling things to do in paradise. Out of all of them, McCord’s favorite was snorkeling.

“Snorkeling was my favorite activity we did because we got to spend the entire day on a boat sailing around the islands. Zip lining and walking around the city were also so much fun too,” McCord said. “If Puerto Rico isn’t on your bucket list, then it should be.”

YOUNG LIFE: WILDERNESS

Junior Kate McCord explores the wilderness of Puerto Rico in the hot summer during her summer vacation.

Staycation Staying in town has never been this fun

WRITTEN BY: SEBASTIAN DROZ It’s easy to feel left out when everyone goes on vacation during the summer, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Staying in town can be just as fun as flying out to exotic places.

Texas is huge – there’s so many places you can go to and explore, and even Houston has really cool sights to visit during the summer. There’s everything from Pleasure Pier to the Alamo WRITTEN BY: ABBY GEX in Texas, and it’s all about finding the perfect people to accompany you.

“When all my friends were out vacationing, I went to go visit the Fine Arts Museum,” senior She unzips the Sierra Designs tent lying at the bottom of a tree.

Blake Flynn said. The museum district is an awesome spot to start your vacation off. With all As she stands up, face tanned from this summer and from golf the new exhibits that have opened, and the new ones coming, it’s the perfect place to expose during the school year, she smacks right into a broken branch above your mind to creativity and different ideas you wouldn’t normally stumble upon. “I went to the her head.

Fine Arts Museum more than once during the summer,” Flynn said. “The museum is so big you “I now have a scar,” senior Ellie Pena said. don’t have time to see all the exhibits in one day.”

This summer, from June 30 through July 8 at Noah’s Ark Colorado Rafting Houston fun doesn’t end there — the Zoo is also a really cool place to visit. “My friends and I and Aerial Adventure Park in Buena Vista, CO, no actual rafting or adventure went to the zoo one day, and that could easily be my favorite day of summer vacation,” junior park activities occurred. Instead, lots of walking, bonding, and more walking.

Cammie Aven said. The Houston Zoo constantly has activities going on that anyone can be a Every year students that attend Young Life camp as a junior are eligible to attend t part of. he hiking trip the next summer as a senior. Stratford Young Life collaborates with And if museums and zoos are a bit too much, taking a fun walk at Memorial Park or biking Westside’s Young Life for both the camp and the backpacking trip. down the slopes of Terry Hershey Park can be just as fun. Although very industrialized, In the midst of the scenic views of Colorado, Pena and friends would wake to their Young Houston has amazing public parks. “I love being outside, so I went to Memorial Park Life leader saying, “Good morning baby angels,” head off to breakfast, and then disassemble

almost everyday to take a walk,” Aven said. the campsite. For the majority of the day, the adventurers would hike until they reached their next The fact is that this city has a lot of different places to visit that destination to camp for the night, which was anywhere from three p.m. to six p.m. After arriving at the one wouldn’t normally visit during the school year. Give next site, they had free time until dinner and had group time sitting around a fire afterwards.

Seaside and Paris a break, and stay in Houston next summer ­— it Group time was “just a time to get to know each other on another level,” and during free time “we can be just as fun. basically sat around in these chairs called Crazy Creeks and hung out in the wilderness” said Pena.

Young Life is an international outreach ministry for junior high, high school and college kids of every race, gender, ability and socioeconomic background. They invite kids to follow Christ, care for them regardless of their response, and change lives in the process.

The unofficial purpose of Young Life is to see God in a new perspective, to grow closer as a campaigners group, and to challenge yourself in new ways.

“I love [Young Life trips] just because I grow closer with my leaders and friends, while being surrounded by the most beautiful places and most fun atmospheres,” said Pena.

Sports

The Oracle / August 25, 2017

Gearing Up for the Season Athletes use time off from school to prepare for their sport WRITTEN BY: MARIANA RINCON Back to school can mean many different things depending on who you are talking to. For many it means getting new backpacks, pencils and outfits; for student athletes it means getting back into a strict training routine. While most students are sleeping-in every day and taking it easy, football, volleyball, cross country and many other sports are getting back into a workout regimen to ensure success during their seasons.

Senior volleyball player Amy Deaton, and senior football player Ben Kuhn, attend summer workouts at school over the summer.

To stay in shape for the upcoming season, football players attend Strength and Conditioning (SAC).

“I go to SAC, which is our summer conditioning in the mornings, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. It gets me ready for fall football by helping me perform better during the season,” Kuhn said.

For Deaton, her workout regimen also takes place at Stratford. “As of Aug. 1, I wake up early and spend the majority of my day at school

GRAPHICS BY: RACHEL COLE either leyball out,”

playing volor working she said.

Workouts

at

school not only keep the student athletes accountable for staying in shape, but gets everyone on the same page for the stamina and strength expectations of the coaches.

While most sports have their practices during the

day, some athletes like junior cross country runner Grace Custer are already at school training before the sun comes up. Cross country runs every day in the early mornings to prepare for the season’s races. “Cross country is a year round sport, as it is combined with long distance track,” Custer said. “We get two weeks off during the year, but other than that, we train every day.”

Summer training not only prepares the teams, but also brings them closer together to meet a certain goal. For Custer and the girls cross country team, their early morning runs bring them closer and closer to state. “The girls team has become stronger every year, and the overall program is more focused and organized,” Custer explains.

For Kuhn and the rest of the football team, the intense conditioning at SAC brings them closer to the goal of making it deep into the playoffs. For Deaton and the volleyball team, the conditioning allows them to be more successful during their season.

No matter the sport, student athletes work hard all throughout the year, especially in the summer, in order to stay in shape for their respective sport.

THE

7

SCHEDULE Varsity Football 8/25 CINCO RANCH VS. SHS @6:30 p.m.

9/1

ALVIN VS. SHS @7 p.m.

9/8

ELSIK VS. SHS @7 p.m.

9/16

SHS VS. RIDGE POINT@6 p.m.

9/28

KLEIN FOREST VS. SHS @7 p.m.

10/6

SHS VS. NORTHBROOK @7 p.m.

Volleyball 9/8

SHS VS.KLEIN FOREST@ 6:30 p.m.

9/12 SHS VS. KLEIN @ 5:30 p.m.

9/19

SHS VS KLEIN COLLINS @ 5:30 p..m.

8

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The Oracle / August 25, 2017

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