The Tom Tom | April 2017

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME 55, ISSUE 7 + APRIL 2017 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS 1133 MAIN STREET + ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS + 60002

9 APR. 2017

CONTENTS

VOL. 55 NO. 7

16 | PLAYING TO WIN V. FOR FUN

PERSPECTIVES 3 | EDITOR’S NOTE 13 | SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT 18 | TOM TOM TRIES

28 | WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO ACT THE PART

17 | PLAYING FOR THE MAN UPSTAIRS BEYOND THE FIELD 24 | A LOOK BEYOND THE MOUND 25 | THE SPRINTING SEQUOIT

OFF THE FIELD

26 | THE SENIOR WITH VELOCITY

6 | HOW TO: SPIKEBALL

27 | THE JUNIOR WHO IS BACK AND READY TO PLAY

8 | BACKYARD ATHLETES 12 | MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO

FEATURES 9 | AN ARM AND A LEG

ON THE FIELD 14 | QUEENS OF THE DIAMOND 15 | SPRING FEVER

A 20

18

20 | A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET

Throughout this magazine you will see a purple Tom Tom icon (see left). That means readers are able to scan the page with Aurasma, an app downloadable from any app store. Readers will then be engaged in a virtual reality experience like never before.

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME 55, ISSUE 7 + APRIL 2017 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS 1133 MAIN STREET + ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS + 60002

ON THE COVER

This year’s District 117 lacrosse team is a set of originals, not just because of their personalities. They’re originals because they are the first to wield a lacrosse stick and take to the stadium to represent both schools. The “Seagles,” as they are affectionately called, are looking to make a lasting impact. Scan the cover to hear senior Josh Sidare’s journey as this month’s One|Sequoit.

the TOM TOM staff

2016-2017 executive team

KRISTINA M. ESDALE Editor-in-Chief PATRICK R. JOHNSON, MJE Adviser PAIGE HOPE Managing Editor REBEKAH L. CARTLIDGE Digital Director JACK A. CONNELLY Digital Director JILLIAN M. EVERETT Print Director JASON R. WOOD Print Director Editorial Board DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rachel Beckman Grace Bouker Branden Gallimore Booker Grass Benjamin Gutke John Howe Lauryn Hugener Gabrielle Kalisz Alexander Ruano Abigail Russell Kaylee Schreiner Logan Weber SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS Haley Edwards Dylan Hebior Megan Helgesen Marc Huston SENIOR EDITORS Christina Michaels Natasha Reid

staff journalists Jayme Bailey William Becker Lauren Bluthardt Peter Boeh Nico Chiappetta Jared DeBoer Emma DeJong Taylor Feltner Chloe Grass Griffin Hackeloer Emily Hanes Symone Henderson Brenna Higgins Emily Holmes Jacob Johnson Michael Kawell Jessica Lamberty Chloe Moritz Nicole Peterson John Petty Alexandra Rapp Ashley Reiser Steffanie Richardson Matthew Rowe Allison Smith Ashley Stephens

Annie Wagner Kyle Whitley Monica Wilhelm Diana Anghel Caden Davis Dan Filippone Camille Flackus Emily Higgins Mikayla Holway Robbie Hulting Alex Johnson McKenna Kalisz Alex Knight Madisen Krapf Emily Lara Jessica Nettgen Valerie Rasmussen Aliya Rhodes Karley Rogalski Riley Rush Eleni Sakas Matthew Soberano Kevin Tamayo Emily Torres Skyler Wackenhuth

mission statement The Tom Tom seeks to not only be the premier source of student news, sports and lifestyles at Antioch Community High School, but it also aspires to do so with integrity, respect, responsibility and pride. The Tom Tom believes wholeheartedly in giving voices to the voiceless through unique engaging methods of storytelling, while engaging with the Antioch community to see diverse and challenging perspectives. In doing so, we choose to tell some of the more challenging or untold stories even when they can be controversial in order to make our community stronger, more caring, and more tolerant. This program envisions a holistic experience of quality journalism through print publications and digital content, as well as promotes student spirit and school culture through innovative and inspiring public relations and advertising campaigns.

We are the Tom Tom. We are originals. It would be an awfully big adventure if you choose to come along with us and work as one community, One Sequoit.

EDITOR’S NOTE

ACHILLES HEEL

Finding one’s weakness should never be as difficult as searching for a needle in a haystack. Rather it is about learning who you are completely.

KRISTINA ESDALE // Editor-in-Chief

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hen I think of my ideal self, I don’t have any weaknesses. I think that goes to say for everyone else, too. When I think of being weak, I think of being insecure. I think of being the kind of person that gets pushed around and walked all over. But most of all, I can’t help but imagine what my potential could be if I didn’t have the weaknesses that I have, and that tends to be the worst part about them. The thought that there are people out there that are simply better, brighter and stronger than you is discouraging. For most students, these weaknesses emerge throughout their high school career, causing them to become unmotivated and unwilling to try.

Although our staff has produced some amazing work together, we still tend to hit rough patches every now and then. Our biggest weakness? Deadlines, for sure. Since our staff has practically doubled in size since last year, it’s hard to keep all the Tom Tommers on board with what they need to have done and when they need to do it. Sometimes, we get distracted. When your whole staff ends up becoming one big family, we can’t help but want to talk to each other and not get anything done. Due to our bad habits, we end up hitting print a lot later than expected (for example, this very magazine). Our staff has had many ups and downs, and highs and lows, but somehow we manage to push past the weeks of missed deadlines and piercing stares and slow blinks from Mr. Johnson, ultimately producing something that we can all be proud of.

Sometimes our weaknesses can blind us from seeing the big picture. When you experience loss, disappointment, and the feeling of not being good enough, you grow. You learn how to deal with the hard parts of life that constantly decide that they want to make an appearance at the worst possible times. But just because you go through hard times doesn’t mean that you’re weak. In fact, getting through those rough patches only makes you stronger. When you look back on those memories that you wish you could just forget, you’ll realize that they were meant to teach you a lesson worth learning.

PHOTO // NATASHA REID

In our “A” magazine, you’ll find stories about fellow Sequoits that strongly reflect the cliche of the “Achilles Heel.”

Similarly to past issues, our feature stories have headlines that start with the letter “A.” Department editor Branden Gallimore writes about the struggles of athletes who are held to certain expectations just because of the way they look in “A Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet,” while senior William Becker emphasizes the risks of playing injured athletes in “An Arm and a Leg.” In our department pieces, social media director Dylan Hebior writes about the athletes who decide to play sports on their own terms in “Backyard Athletes,” while department editor Abigail Russell talks about differing opinions in the purpose of sports in “Playing to Win V. Playing for Fun.” Sophomore Symone Henderson writes about the hardships of having a parent who was formerly a successful athlete in “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” while department editor Logan Weber and senior Matthew Rowe give updates on the Varsity softball and baseball seasons. On the last page of our magazine, senior Annie Wagner tells the story of coaches struggles in “What it Feels Like to Act the Part.”

Thank you for taking the time to read our magazine.

Through each hardship that life throws at our staff, we will always emerge and produce something that the community can admire and learn from. We hope that you can take the time to realize that each member of our staff has a weakness, but our magazine is definitely not one of them. TT

KRISTINA M. ESDALE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The “A” Issue

3

Sports

IN SEASON

BY BEN GUTKE

BOYS TENNIS

Boys tennis is looking to leave their mark on the new NLCC this year. With already tough competitors junior Kyle Boudreau and senior Brandon Sorensen, this year’s team is planning to continue the trend of sending athletes down state. TT

SOFTBALL

Success is what is expected for this year’s softball team. After securing the past three IHSA Regional Championships, a strong senior roster is looking to repeat itself this year. Since they lost no seniors, the team will have a near identical roster to last year. Having the same team will be a huge advantage to the Sequoits because of the connections they have from the year prior.

Securing a regional title should be no problem for the Sequoits. TT

BASEBALL

In past seasons, senior leadership was lacking while taking the field for the Sequoits. This year, a new story is unfolding as a senior loaded roster headlined by seniors Thomas Boeh and Sonny Mentone. Heading into the first season in the NLCC, senior Alex Unekis and the rest of the Sequoits are confident.

“Having three solid starting pitchers is going to set us apart from the rest of the conference,” Unekis said. “We are all excited to start the season, we have all been anticipating our senior year and it is our time to show what we can do.” TT

LACROSSE

The District 117 lacrosse team is debuting this year, and expectations are high. Senior Joshua Sidare is impressed so far with the emotion and talent on the team.

“This team has the heart and the potential talent to be something special and to start off our newly founded program on the right foot,” Sidare said. TT

GIRLS SOCCER

The girl’s soccer team has been showing signs of a promising season.

“I think we have a lot of individual skill and our team chemistry is great,” senior Gracie Bouker said. Recent Iowa commit Monica Wilhelm will headline this year’s team, and after finishing in the middle of the pack for the past few years, the new NLCC will bring a successful season and an even better postseason. TT

4 Tom Tom April 2017

PHOTO // ABIGAIL RUSSELL

TRACK AND FIELD

As spring rolls around, the track season comes into full bloom. The boy’s and girl’s teams are both looking forward to the upcoming season. Highlighted with senior Landon Keefover, who took 7th at a national meet during the indoor season earlier this year, the team seems to be looking strong in all classes.

“I’ve learned to be coachable and no matter how good you are, you can always improve,” Keefover said.

On the girls team, exciting newcomer, freshman Ayanna Tommy, who won state in the 100 and 200 meter dash in middle school, is also the first person to get All-Conference during indoor season in all four of her events since alumna Erin Schoenfelder. TT

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Improvement is the tone throughout the boys volleyball program as new talent in the senior class is ready to step up, led by seniors Sean Bering and Nathan Cielek.

“This year I’m very excited for the season,” Bering said. “I believe that we will do better this season than we have in the past. Looking forward, I think that Nathan Cielek will be a very big hitter this season.” TT

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

PHOTO // EMILY HOLMES

Senior Sean Bering goes up for a hit during warmups before the boys Varsity volleyball game against Lakes.

The “A” Issue

5

Off the fiField

HOW TO: SPIKEBALL As summer approaches, athletes in our community are finding a fun, new way to be entertained on the beach and in their own backyard.

NICO CHIAPPETTA // Tom Tom Staff PHOTOS // NICO CHIAPPETTA

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f volleyball and foursquare had a baby, it would be spikeball. The idea of spikeball first came to Jeff Krurek in 1989. After the unsuccessful selling of the game, he gave up on the idea. The game was later brought back up on the television show “Shark Tank” by Chris Ruder. Since then, the game has become one of the most popular sports to play anywhere.

The game of spikeball is really simple and easy to play. All you need is a spikeball set, which includes plastic stands and rims, a black net and three rubber balls.

HOW TO PLAY:

STEP ONE: A player serves the ball at the net by spiking the ball.

Make sure they are three to four feet away from the trampoline net.

STEP TWO: The other team gets three touches or less to spike the ball back at the trampoline net. Teams go back and forth spiking the ball on the net until one of the teams cannot return the ball.

The possession of the ball then goes to the team that scored the point.

There are no limitations to where a player can run after the serve, as long as they can spike the ball back on the trampoline net. In order for a team to get a point, the ball must hit the ground before the other team can spike the ball. A point can also be scored if the other team touches the ball more than three times. The first team to get to 21 points wins, and they have to win by at least two points.

Now that the winter season is coming to an end and spring is coming up, spikeball makes a great sport for the warm weather.

“I usually try to play at the beach with my friends,” junior Max Barton said.

Locations like the beach are great for spikeball because players can layout for the ball. After a match, you can take a dip in the water and cool off. A backyard or an open grassy area are also good spots to play spikeball because the game requires space to run.

Even though warm weather is ideal for spikeball, a little bit of snow should not stop players from having fun. Diving in the snow to hit the ball can be just as fun as diving in the sand or water.

Many people in the summer want to have that summer body to show off. Spikeball is a perfect game to get your cardio in because of the amount of running and other quick movement it requires in order to play. Another aspect of the game that gets players physically moving is the competitiveness.

“I really like the competitiveness that spikeball brings,” junior Nick Galante said. “I really like facing my friends.”

Since most people play with their friends or family, a competitive vibe comes with the sport. They want to be better than everyone and have the bragging rights about who is the best player.

Spikeball is an addicting sport that brings the fun, simplicity and intensity of every great summer game. It is going to be the new popular game of the summer. TT

6 Tom Tom April 2016

A spikeball set includes a net, plastic stands, black rims and three rubber balls. Playing on a beach is an ideal location for spikeball because there is a lot of open space to play. “I love being able to run around and dive when I play spikeball,” junior Andrew Hare said.

Juniors Andrew Hare, Nick Galante and Max Barton playing a game of snow spikeball. Due to the weather conditions, the players had to play in the snow.

However, being able to play in the snow proves spikeball is a great game no matter the conditions. “A round of intense volleying in the snow was the best part of the game,” junior Barton said.

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

PHOTO // PETER BOEH

Senior Tessa Furlong dribbles the ball in the girls Varsity soccer game against Regina.

The girls beat Regina 3-0.

The “A” Issue

7

Off the fiField

Students of ACHS will oftentimes go to schools, parks or gymnasiums to play backyard sports. Although winter months may be a problem, some people are willing to go out and brave the cold in order to play the sport they love. “In the winter we usually play indoors, but every once in a while we are forced to play outside and have fun with it,” senior Jesse Tamez said.

BACKYARD ATHLETES Sometimes, playing the game doesn’t require a formal organization or education. Sometimes, it’s just for the love of the game.

DYLAN HEBIOR // Social Media Director PHOTOS // DYLAN HEBIOR

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n the eyes of most people, athletes are the ones seen wearing the name of their school on their chest. They are seen as the ones who put in countless hours before and after school in an effort to not only better themselves, but their team. They strive for greatness and are willing to sacrifice their time to form a bond with others sharing the same passion. But where do the people who love sports just as much, without playing on an organized team fit in? The people who choose to put in the hours of playing the game just for fun?

A huge difference between organized sports and “backyard sports” is the commitment. For some, it is more enjoyable to just run around with friends and simply play for the love of the game.

“You don’t have any practices and you can go out and just have fun with your

8 Tom Tom April 2016

friends and just mess around,” senior Jake Ressler said. “It’s not like a set thing that you have to do.”

Backyard sports also present a chance for people to go out and get good exercise.

“Physical activity boosts your morale and makes you happier,” senior Jesse Tamez said after being asked about the positive aspects of backyard sports.

As former football players, Ressler and Tamez have had the opportunity to see each side of the game. After a cou-

ple years, both of them chose to hang up the cleats and just enjoy playing with friends without the stress of having to be truly committed to a sport. “[Backyard sports are] better because it’s not as serious, so risk of injury is less than if you were to play with serious competition because your opponents will be playing at a higher level,” Tamez said.

One of the greatest things about being able to just play sports with friends is being able to enjoy a game that someone does not have to try out for.

Whether it is due to lack of experience or just not wanting to, you can do backyard sports and have a lot of enjoyment while doing so.

“Basketball [is my favorite sport] because it is just a fun game to play,” Ressler said.

As a former football player, Ressler has gained a new passion for a sport that he would not have been able to find while playing football.

Despite the differences between playing unorganized and organized sports, each present the opportunity to grow as an individual and to fulfill passions since a special connection to that sport has been made. Whichever path a person chooses to take, there is no doubt that they are bound to find something they truly enjoy. TT

DID YOU KNOW? THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURTS IN NEW YORK CITY. IN THE BASKETRBALL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, IT IS POSSIBLE TO FIND A GAME WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF ANY LOCATION. SOURCE // NYCGOVPARKS.ORG

A

A AN ARM AND A LEG

1. Costs a lot of money.

2. Costs more than something is worth.

WILLIAM BECKER // Tom Tom Staff PHOTOS // WILLIAM BECKER

The “A” Issue

9

Off the fiField

Junior Javen London and freshman TreShawn Watson act out a scenario as if Watson’s track and field teammate had been injured. “If one of my teammates was hurt, I’d go up to them and tell them everything is going to be fine,” Watson said. “When you’re all wound up and hurt it makes the situation ten times worse. I’ll do my best to make them calm and go get the trainer for help.”

M

aybe it’s the competition, maybe it’s the relationships, maybe it’s even the workout, but for whatever reason, athletes are willing to put wear and tear on their bodies for the games they play.

According to USA Today, children ages 6 to 19 make up $935 million a year in emergency room bills. The most common injuries seen are to the ankle, followed by the head, finger, knee and face. Participating in sports and being put at risk to all types of injuries can lead to many problems in the future.

According to LiveStrong, injuries like concussions can lead to quicker cognitive decline. Ankle and knee injuries, like tears, can lead to arthritis and in younger children, injuries to growth plates can lead

10 Tom Tom April 2016

to bone deformity.

Antioch’s certified athletic trainer, Ryan Naes, has seen many different injuries throughout his nine years as a trainer. The most shocking injury he has witnessed was a dislocated knee. The entire knee was separated laterally and the lower half was sitting next to the upper half of the knee. Naes said that injuries like these have the potential for the loss of a limb.

Despite seeing gruesome injuries, Naes understands why athletes still play, being a former athlete himself.

“Oftentimes people say they love the game so much they are willing to put their body on the line,” Naes said. “Whether that’s a professional coming

ATHLETES RETIRING DUE TO INJURY

Two former National Football League players walked away from the game of football in the spring of 2016. A.J. Tarpley, 23, and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, 32, both decided that the findings that link football to CTE was the final decision for them to stop playing. Tarpley specifically had suffered multiple concussions since his high school years, and didn’t want to take the risk of damaging his brain anymore than it has been.

back from an injury or a high school athlete, their passion for the game supersedes any potential factor for risks that they are willing to take.”

This is especially true for junior Cameron Norris, who is going into his senior year of football next year. Norris has been playing football since the age of seven. Over his ten years, he has suffered from a bruised spleen, a torn labrum, a collapsed lung, as well as an estimated ten or more concussions. Despite all of his injuries, he has continued to play football.

“I think at the end of the day it’s something that you love,” Norris said. “It’s something that is worth the risk.”

Along with potential for arthritis in his knees later in life, Norris is also concerned about what ramifications there will be with all of the concussions he has had in his past. Talk in recent years involving National Football League players developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and memory loss has made Norris stop and think.

According to PBS Frontline, high school football players are twice as likely to suffer a concussion than college players. Along with that, football is the leading sport that suffers from head injuries, followed by ice hockey and lacrosse.

While researching the brains of deceased football players, Ann McGee, MD at Boston University, discovered signs of CTE in 18-year-old Eric Pelly who died after suffering his fourth concussion during his senior year of high school. Along with Pelly, she also found signs of the disease in 21-year-old Owen Thomas, a former Penn State football player who committed suicide.

Concussions resulting in death at a young age are very uncommon, but multiple can result in lifelong symptoms including problems with attention, short term memory, difficulty performing daily tasks and feeling “slower” overall, according to Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic.

Antioch’s football and track and field coach Del Pechauer has seen the way injuries have been treated over his 40 years of experience. When he started working at Antioch Community High School, the athletic trainers were not at practices. They would be up in the building while practices were taking place. Along with that, the way that athletes are taken care of has changed.

Back when Pechauer was playing football, the way that the coaches determined if the player had a concussion was if he could tell how many fingers the coach was putting up. If the athlete could tell, he just

“had his bell rung.” With all of this in mind, he doesn’t think there has been any change in the amount of injuries over the years, but the way that they are being treated is with more caution. Back in his day, if you were hurt, you played through it. Pechauer has suffered from a couple injuries, including a separated shoulder while playing college football. Even with the injuries, he said he wouldn’t change anything. The love for the sport and relationships he built were worth it.

“You enjoy the game,” Pechauer said. “There’s something about it. It’s not for everybody. Not everybody can run into people. Not everybody can get knocked down and get back up again.”

The relationships are what also kept and still keeps him going. His friends in high school were all football players, and some of them are still his friends.

The relationship aspect of sports isn’t just secluded to football. It is just as applicable in other sports as well. For senior Alexa Spokas, the relationships she builds while playing volleyball is one of the reasons she loves the sport.

“The sport is different to me,” Spokas said. “It is a way for me to have fun but also be competitive with my friends. It’s kind of a relief from everyday life.”

A lot of Spokas’s close friends she has are from volleyball. She said that her volleyball team had a family feeling to it that she enjoys. It’s not just the family feeling that she loves, but the sport itself. She has become even more aware of this after her leg buckled this past season causing her ACL and meniscus to tear. After the injury and during rehab, she was dying to play her sport even more.

“I want to keep playing,” Spokas said. “Even though I may be afraid to at first, and I may be afraid to jump, I just have to get used to it.”

Spokas’s reaction to her injury is the type that Antioch’s trainer Naes is used to seeing.

“You’re angry.” Naes said. “You’re sad. You’re grieving.” Naes said.

“There is a whole step-by-step process that people usually go through before they come to grips with it and realize that their season is over.”

Naes said that seeing the athletes go through those stages is one of the worst parts about his job. However, seeing the athlete come back from it is the best part.

“I think a lot of times people identify themselves as athletes,” Naes said. “It’s who you are. You are an athlete. You seek that competition with others. You want to be a part of a team. It’s that kind of stuff that trumps the potential risk factors.”

Those risk factors are the type of thoughts that athletes who love their sports can’t let get to their head.

“If you think about it, you don’t go 100 percent,” Pechauer said.

Naes said that the decision someone makes to play a sport should be an informed one. The more information the athlete knows about themselves concerning injures, the better decision the athlete will make. TT

“

I think at the end of the day it’s something that you love. It’s something that is worth the risk.”

“

The “A” Issue

11

Off the fiField

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO Sometimes parents do things that their kids catch onto that they don’t realize. Sports included.

SYMONE HENDERSON // Tom Tom Staff PHOTOS // SYMONE HENDERSON

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veryone has a role model or someone to look up to, and usually that person is a parent. What parents do, kids usually end up doing just as well.

Sports are no different.

At a young age, there is not much of a choice in the matter of what to participate in, but as years go by, there is more of an option in what kids get to do when it comes to sports. What a parent does is often reflected onto their kids, creating a path for them to follow. In high school sports, the blossoming of athletes’ skills are extremely high, to the point where it can make a huge impact on their lives.

Tracy Henkel, mother of sophomore Victoria Henkel, is a prime example. During T. Henkel’s softball career, she pitched and played second base along with outfield, compared to V. Henkel, who plays third.

Despite the difference in their positions, their sports careers are very similar.

“When it comes to my mom’s opinion, it’s pretty important to me,” V. Henkel said.

“But I do what makes me happy. I don’t ever want to do anything to upset her, but her opinion still does mean a lot to me.”

The thought of not being able to have freedom in their choice of what sport to play is something a lot of athletes would never imagine.

“I played sports in high school,” T. Henkel said. “I was most active in cheerleading and softball, but my girls didn’t acquire my love for cheerleading and I never pushed them to. We gave them options and let them decide what they really liked and what they wanted to stick with.”

When entering high school sports, the competitive aspect is already there. But when there is also a parent’s personal objective for that athlete, the stress level to be the best as can be is pushed to an all -time high. Sophomore Varsity field hockey and soccer player Karina Steitz also followed the footsteps of her mom, alumna Tonya Mitchell.

“I made Varsity for both sports as a freshman, and it was a lot of pressure being younger on Varsity,” Steitz said. “I feel like even though they don’t say stuff, in my

12 Tom Tom April 2016

Both mom and daughter played sports during their childhood, and also contiuned to play throughout high school. V. Henkel likes to play on a travel team, but T. Henkel stayed in-house when playing softball.“I’ve been playing since I was five, so I’ve always loved playing,” V. Henkel said.

head I have to live up to her expectations.

So I have to be pretty good at a sport, because she played them. I’m her daughter, so I have to be.”

Following in her mom’s footsteps, Steitz is currently involved in every sport her mom was back when she was in high school.

“My parents were firm believers in the benefits of being involved in multiple activities, especially sports,” Mitchell said.

“Being in multiple sports was encouraged, so we didn’t have to play year-round in one sport. I think that took some of the pressure off compared to today. I would never force her to play a sport, but it was clear Karina was a natural athlete,” Parents often pave a path for their kids to walk in. They make a huge impact on sculpting who their child will become, as did their parents, and even the parents before them. Whether it’s sports, hobbies, or anything else picked up from parents, following a different path may work just as well. TT

FREE SPEECH // DOES A PARENT’S ATHLETIC PAST AFFECT HIS/HER KIDS?

SPENCER HENEY // SOPHOMORE “They congratulate me for what I do rather than what I didn’t.”

ROBERT CHRISTIANSEN // SOPHOMORE “I don’t base myself off of my parents, I like to think I’m my own person.”

AUBREY LONERGAN // JUNIOR “My parents are very accepting of what I want to do, as long as I’m happy.”

ALEXA WAHEED// JUNIOR “My parents can be really pressuring at times, but I know it’s for the best.”

Perspective

SEQUOIT TO SEQUOIT:

IRON MAN VS. SPECIALIST

Being an Iron Man is more than just a title. Playing multiple sports holds meaning to this Sequoit and his family.

JOHN PETTY // Tom Tom Staff

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For this Sequoit, her focus remains on training for her core sport because she cannot imagine life without it.

MONICA WILHELM // Tom Tom Staff

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s the year goes on, I watch as my laying three sports to me is less about friends and teammates lace up their the sports by themselves, but more Sequoits running shoes, secure their volleyso what they represent. Ever since I choose to play ball pads, or even put on that cheerleading was little, my dad had me playing and trytheir sport(s) sparkle, as the next sports season approaching new things all the time. As the seasons for different es. A huge athletic recognition that many changed, the sports changed. To me, each reasons. sequoits strive to obtain in their four years season was associated with a sport. Fall at Antioch Community High School is the meant football and the winter brought basiron man or woman award. This award is ketball. The spring was full of baseball (my received by any Sequoit athlete that particfavorite) all the way into summer. Being ipates in three sports for their entire high part of a sport has always meant something school career. For many athletes, as the season changes, so does their to my family and me. From a young age, I was always told to take adsport. I, on the other hand, focus on my one love: soccer. vantage of situations. My dad would always come home and talk about A popular question that many of us were asked at a young age was kids who stopped playing sports either to “work out for another sport” or “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Being raised in the Wilbecause “it was too big of a commitment.” This discussion was usually helm household meant believing that you could do whatever you set accompanied with “I try to tell kids that it’s four short years of high your mind to because with hard work and a little faith anything is possischool, it’s gone before you know it.” This always made sense to me ble. So, with that being said, my answer to the question never changed and it left me thinking “why would anyone not want to play something and never will change even to this day. When I am older, I want to be a because they were worried about one sport?” professional soccer player.

I also thought that playing high school sports for most athletes are the I have always been known as a dreamer. Although I may not always last time they get to competitively play a sport for the rest of their lives. have the most self-esteem, I have always believed that all things are posThinking that way was scary because more than ten years of youth sports sible. From a young age, I did not know what my path would entail, but I leading into high school would drastically end due to the end of a school was very certain of where I wanted the end result to be. In my mind, I am year. My dad once told me “you can play baseball against another team never where I want to be. There’s always something that I could be doing in the playoffs and 18 people compete against each other. Yet, when you to help me get stronger mentally, physically and technically. In turn, that walk across that stage at graduation, good luck finding nine people to can be perceived as a bad or good thing. It’s not healthy to think you’re play.” never good enough, but it is what drives me to always want to be better This stuck with me and I still think about its true meaning. It is also a than the person I was yesterday, on and off the field. definite reality since I will be graduating in a little over a year. Thinking Soccer is not only just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Soccer is played three that time is limited provides an edge to always take advantage of the seasons out of the year, with summer being a time for camps and even situation which means playing as many sports as I can. Also, in my more intense training. For me, soccer is played 365 days out of the whole family, my parents take pride in commitment and keep it a priority to year. Soccer has captured my heart since my first breath and will remain always fulfill potential. My sisters were both very good students who a part of the game until my last. I am a “specialist” athlete because it is dedicated their time in the classroom as well as outside of it. Although I what I want to be the best at, what I want to do, and who I want to be. am different from them, it was basically an understanding that I would I choose to focus on one sport because I couldn’t imagine my life play three sports and devote my extra time to them especially baseball. without soccer. I choose to focus on soccer because it is my escape from Even if I wasn’t the top student in my grade, I would exert all my enerall the outside evils of the world. I choose to focus on soccer because it gy into something. For me, playing three sports and contending for the is my happy place that will never compare to anything. I choose to focus Iron Man award is about commitment and proving something to myself, on soccer because it is my purpose to life itself. TT while striving to be the best I can. TT The “A” Issue

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On the fiField

QUEENS OF THE DIAMOND The Sequoit softball team has experienced success in the past few years, and they look to continue their dominance this season.

LOGAN WEBER // Department Editor

UPCOMING SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

04/26/17 Lake Zurich 04/27/17 Wauconda

05/02/17 Grant 05/04/17 Grayslake Central 05/05/17 Libertyville 05/06/17 Buffalo Grove 05/09/17 Round Lake 5/10/17 Warren 5/11/17 Lakes 5/17/17 Prairie Ridge

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inning is a common theme when it comes to Antioch Varsity softball. The team has won four consecutive regionals and does not seem to be stopping any time soon. The team has many talented individuals who know how to win and they win often. The players know that the pressure is on them to be able to perform better than they did in previous seasons. Many of the girls on the team are up for the challenge, and expect to go farther.

“I do believe that we will live up to our expectation,” senior Varsity softball player Jackalyn Geraty said. “The goal this year is to take the coach bus down to state.”

This will be Geraty’s third year on Varsity and she has been on the team for two regional championships. There are many players on the team who have been playing together for almost their whole lives. This connection can bring in a sort of trust among the players, and they know that they can rely on everyone on the team.

“No matter who is up in the order, we can count on them,” senior Varsity softball player Carlie Gaylord said.

“We can also play defense very well with two great pitchers who throw with different styles of pitching.”

Gaylord has been on Varsity just as long as Geraty and has seen just as much success as the rest of the team. She too has high expectations for this season.

“I truly believe that we can make it to state this year,” Gaylord said. “We have practically the same team as last year, but now we have some key younger additions.”

5/18/17 Grayslake North 5/22/17 IHSA Regionals

PHOTO // JOHNNY HORTON Senior Stephanie Bonaguidi watches as Junior Katherine Sorensen catches the ball to get a Palatine runner out at first.

“I go into every game thinking that we’ll win,” Senior Jackalyn Geraty said.

14 Tom Tom April 2016

PHOTO // JOHNNY HORTON Senior Jillian Foote throws the ball to first to get out a Palatine player. She is a key returning player for the Sequoits this spring. “We have a lot of returning talent this year,” senior Carlie Gaylord said.

The Sequoit softball team is returning the majority of their lineup from last year, and they expect to make it farther than they did in the year previous. They made it to the sectional championship before losing to a very talented Carmel team, who made it to the state semifinals before being knocked out of the tournament by the state champions, Montini.

The team does not like to think too far ahead; instead, they play with a “one game at a time” mentality.

“As long as we all keep working hard and coming together as a team I believe we have a great chance to beat any team that we will face,” Geraty said. “The majority of our team has played softball for as long as we can remember, and that muscle memory of the game is definitely an edge that not every team has.”

The family mentality that the softball team has is one of the many advantages that they will have over most opponents. Also, the fact that most of the Sequoit softball players have been playing the sport for their entire lives is another key advantage over almost anybody in the state.

“On one of the hottest days of the years, we came together as a team and pulled through in the end to win a fourth consecutive regional championship,” Gaylord said. “One of the best parts from that day may have been after the game.

We stopped at Portillo’s and coach Rocco bought the team food.”

The girls from last year have great memories from the regional championship game. By the end of this season, the girls hope to have just as many memories and have high hopes to bring out the coach bus at the end of the year. In the end, only one thing is on the girls’ minds: to continue the legacy of Sequoit softball. TT

SPRING FEVER

With the spring season kicking into action, athletes can’t wait to get outside for practices and games.

JOHN HOWE // Public Relations Director

PHOTOS // JOHN HOWE

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ue to the fluctuation in weather these past couple of months spring coaches are eager to get out on the field as soon as possible. Being able to get outside earlier would allow athletes to get an actual feel for how the weather factors into the games.

“It’s tough to simulate a full baseball field in the gym, especially without any dirt or grass to see how the ball will bounce off the actual ground versus a wooden gym floor,” sophomore baseball coach and physical education teacher Robert Hafer said. “Depending upon how frozen the ground is, we will hopefully be able to get out soon onto the actual ground. Getting out early would give us an enormous advantage, similar to teams that have a turf field who are able to get out as soon as the snow melts, we would then be able to do the same, granted the ground is not frozen.”

Soccer, however, has an easier time transitioning from indoor to outdoor season. Varsity soccer coach Matthew Bohmann compares practicing indoor to outdoor and the transition between the two.

“Allowing us to be outside early definitely gives us an advantage, except for when it’s windy,” Bohmann said. “Usually when it’s cold out early in the season, the girls are more focused on keeping themselves warm than [on] practice. But as soon as it’s nice out, they focus more. When we’re inside, we can basically do the same things we can outside, minus the field.

We can run through the halls inside or go on the

Junior Karly Monaco practices with her teammates on a cold, windy day to begin the season. The whole team is excited for this season, and the rest of the student body is excited to see how the girls’ season will conclude.

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treadmills to get our cardio in.”

Both of these sports have a different view on trying their best to make do with the situation that is the weather. Spring sports have something that no other sport has to deal with: the cold start with a warm finish.

Most spring sports start with practicing indoors, doing the best they can to simulate the closest thing to playing outside. Varsity track and field coach Christopher Bailey allows his distance runners to be outside as long as they can tolerate the weather.

“The thing is to get out and train,” Bailey said. “This year we’ve been able to get outside more than usual. Distance runners haven’t even skipped a day of being outside running this year yet. When the weather was bad in past years for the distance runners, we just had them run inside, up and down stairs and lifting.”

Field events, however, are a different story. The majority of them, excluding high jump, can do virtually nothing indoors without a pit to be jumping in, gravel to be throwing on or high enough ceilings to pole vault.

“For field events, I know coach Pechauer keeps the throwers in for longer in the winter anyway, but we are able to get them out in the throwing pits earlier this year,” Bailey said. “It is hard to haul the mats back and forth, so we wait until spring break to bring them down for good. For pole vaulting, they are not able to do anything inside, which is unfortunate. There is no full approach or takeoff; they have to wait until the first indoor meet to practice.”

Sprinters have a different indoor experience. They are able to more successfully utilize the space available indoors.

“Sprinters have access to the gyms, and we have a new program where we roll out the runways to get a more accurate time and the kids get to compete and try to beat their time from the previous weeks,” Bailey said.

Whatever the spring sport, the athletes are trained to adapt to the weather as soon as they are able to get outside and get a feel for how the season will go. Until then, they are forced to be at the will of none other than Mother Nature for when they will be able to return to the fields and start competing. TT

Spring sports have something that no other sport has: a cold start with a warm finish.

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Coach Matthew Bohmann works on passing with sophomore Karina Steitz at practice down on the turf field. “Allowing us to be outside definitely gives us an advantage,” Bohmann said. Working on passes is an important drill when preparing for an upcoming game.

The “A” Issue

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On the fiField

PLAYING TO WIN V. FOR FUN Many high school athletes join their preferred sport for a reason; from the desire to win to just playing for fun, happiness is found in the love of the game.

ABIGAIL RUSSELL // Department Editor

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t starts with your heart pounding and a tingly feeling, athlete’s get when they know the win is coming. For some athletes, this is the only reason to play. For softball player Deighton Butenschoen, the feeling of accomplishment that comes from winning is one of her favorite parts of playing any sport. The feeling of winning sparks Butenschoen’s competitive spirit, driving her to achieve that feeling every game.

“That feeling of winning,” Butenschoen said. “Just the feeling that I have done as much as possible to contribute.”

To do this, Butenschoen and others rely on several different techniques to drive themselves to win, including different rewards and punishments after the game, a pregame ritual or something else. For Butenschoen, having a good attitude going into games and practices allows her to contribute all she can to the team to be able to win.

“Your spirit definitely affects how you will play,” Butenschoen said. “I know if I’m not having a good day I’m not going to play as well.”

Butenschoen knows she cannot be the only one with a positive attitude on the team if they truly want to win. She knows her teammates will help lift her up and they can help each other to make the game or practice the best that they can.

“If I go into a game and I’m not having a good day but someone else is they’re going to help me get my spirit up to want to go and win that game,” Butenschoen said.

Despite trying to keep the positive attitude, not all athletes have the same motivation to play sports to win. According to Butenschoen, she has no problem with people who just want to have fun while playing, but she has her doubts about them saying that they just want to play for fun.

“Everybody is going to have some sort of competitive spirit,” Butenschoen said. “You may start out for fun, but by the end you’re going to have some competitive drive.”

PHOTO // ABIGAIL RUSSELL Tebbe enjoys her break before her race at Rolling Meadows on March 3. She enjoys these breaks to help bond with her team, which is one of her favorite parts of track and field.

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PHOTO // RYAN BUTENSCHOEN Butenschoen gets ready to throw out a runner during one of her games sophomore year. Butenschoen highlights these wins as one of her favorite parts of playing. “The feeling of achievement and accomplishment that we feel after a win [is what makes it worth it],” Butenschoen said.

Sometimes when athletes get too serious, they forget about being a teenager, do not encourage their teammates or do not enjoy the sport they are in. For senior track and field athlete Danielle Tebbe, running means having fun with her team and staying in shape.

“I mainly run for the exercise, but I also like the team environment,” Tebbe said.

Tebbe has run track for four years and has had many ups and downs throughout her running career. These troubles have helped Tebbe put her running career in perspective, deciding when it is right to be very competitive and when it is not.

During her earlier years of track, Tebbe was very competitive because of the older girls. The upperclassmen were stiff competition. If she wanted to be that top girl, she would need a lot of competitive drive.

“All of the older people were intimidating and you wanted to beat them so you could show them what you got,” Tebbe said.

As she has gotten older, Tebbe has realized that some people are going to be faster than her and she cannot let that be the only thing that motivates her. She has learned not to be upset when people beat her, but instead enjoy her time running and enjoy her team. Rather than trying to beat them out for a Varsity spot, she cheers for them to do their best.

While Tebbe supports all of her fellow athletes, there are times she thinks that athletes take it too far. When athletes are only motivated by winning they may begin to not be a team player, get overly cocky or push themselves beyond what they should do.

“When you’re just playing to win you can push yourself too hard and burn yourself out from that intense training,” Tebbe said. TT

PLAYING FOR THE MAN UPSTAIRS Besides playing just for the love of the game, some athletes play for their faith.

JR JOHNSON // Tom Tom Staff

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thletes have many different reasons for why they play their sport. All athletes have different backgrounds, but often share many similarities. As for the Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and Antioch Varsity baseball player Patrick Day, both play for God. Although they play two different sports, both athletes play for the same reason: their faith Growing up as a church kid, Curry accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 13. Curry gives all of his accomplishments and blessings back to Jesus Christ.

“I know why I play the game,” Curry said in an interview. “It’s not to score 30 points a night, but it’s to use the stage I’m on. I’ve been put here for a specific purpose: to be a witness and to share my testimony as I go through it.”

Curry is a fantastic shooter, but he is humble and lets his game talk the talk. Day is similar, as he stays humble and attributes his success back to Jesus Christ.

From birth, Day grew up around baseball and religion. Playing America’s favorite pastime since he could walk, Day has trained and earned his spot on the 2017 Varsity baseball team. While this year’s team can go very far into the postseason, Day gives his blessings back to his commitment to his faith.

“God has made me a better person overall on and off the field,” Day said. “I have learned that being humble and helpful is the best policy on and off the field.”

Growing up, Day has been humble whether it be on the ballfield, helping people in need or spending quality time with his family. He knows that wherever he is or what he is doing, Jesus is with him and will always have his back.

“God gives me a strength when I’m not performing well,” Day said. “On or off the field, I can turn to Him and He will be there. He’s the extra boost I need to keep pushing through.”

Day knows God’s strength is with him in the batter’s box. He has inscribed on his bat his favorite Bible verse which helps him remain calm and focused on the task at hand. Even in high stress situations he knows that no matter what will happen, Jesus is there at the end of the day.

“Win or lose, I carry myself with pride,” Day said.

“Yeah, I’m upset when we lose but at the end of the day it’s a game. I try to be there for my friends and teammates. It’s all about being caring and kind to everyone.”

For Day, Jesus is with him on and off the field no matter the situation good or bad. Many athletes play for God and they all show their passion for their sport and God in many different ways. TT

SEQUOIT BASEBALL SCHEDULE 4/25/17 Grayslake Central 4/28/17 Grayslake Central 4/29/17 Hersey 5/1/17 Round Lake 5/2/17 Lakes 5/3/17 Lakes 5/5/17 Lakes 5/6/17 Zion 5/8/17 North Chicago 5/13/17 Richmond Burton 5/15/17 Grayslake North 5/16/17 Grayslake North 5/18/17 Grayslake North 5/20/17 Wilmot 5/22/17 Regionals

The “A” Issue

17

On the fiField

WA N T A R E P L AY ?

HEAD OVER TO SEQUOITMEDIA.COM TO READ T H E R E S T O F B O T H S T O R I E S A N D W AT C H A S O U R S TA F F E R S G I V E I T T H E G O O D ‘ O L T O M T O M T RY AT G I R L S S O C C E R .

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TomTomTries: SOCCER

See what happens when our staff members drop their racket and bow and take the field with the Varsity girls soccer team.

PHOTOS // HALEY EDWARDS RACHEL BECKMAN // Department Editor

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have never played soccer before, besides the casual passing along the shoreline at the beach and family party backyard games. When I was asked to participate in the Tom Tom Tries event, I was pretty laid back in response, saying that I would love to be a part of the Varsity girls’ practice. However, as time drew closer, I became a bit nervous. I had no soccer skills from the past, and I knew the practice would be an embarrassment. Nevertheless, I jogged out to the field and begin passing warmups as Coach P directed me. TT

EMMA DEJONG // TomTom Staff

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his was the first time I’ve ever played soccer. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of pick-up beach games and kicking around the ol’ ball with some friends in the street, but this was the only time I’ve played real soccer. Good form, quality technique, strong foot-eye coordination- I lacked all of these things. Being out on the field with girls who have played for years and years really showed me how little I know about the sport. TT The “A” Issue

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A On the fiField

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET

20 Tom Tom April 2016

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1. What matters is what something is, not what it is called.

BRANDEN GALLIMORE // Department Editor

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n Shakespeare’s iconic play of star-crossed lovers, Juliet says, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet is saying that the importance of an object is by what it is, not by what it is called. Overall, it means that no matter what someone calls something, it will not change it. Calling a rose by a different name will not change the fact that it is a rose. This goes hand in hand with sports.

For many people, sports can be a way of life.

Sports teach people how to work with others and how to become leaders. Playing a sport can be a great joy for people. And yet, many assumptions are made in sports. From race to gender, athletes are always being judged. Many people look at an athlete’s skin tone or their gender and right off the bat jump to conclusions just from a glance. Whether an athlete is African American or a female, it does not change a thing. Gender and race do not play sports, athletes do.

Race is one of those things in sports that is widely looked at as either an advantage or a disadvantage. Sometimes, when a person sees an African American athlete, they assume things about them.

They think that because someone is African American, they should be the best athlete.

“People think that I should be the fastest or jump the highest,” junior Drew Porter said. “It’s annoying because if I’m not the best, then they look at me as a disappointment.”

Always being looked at as being the best may seem like a nice thing, but it comes with high expectations. When someone is always expected to finish first in a race or make the game winning shot, it can tear them apart. There is so much more pressure added onto these athletes from people. At points, it is nearly impossible to meet others expectations.

Letting people down is one thing, but being forced to always meet expectations of people is another.

“People always tell me that I look like a basket-

ball player,” Porter said. “When I tell them that basketball isn’t my thing, they always look super surprised.”

Just like any other person, these athletes are the exact same; they are all humans. The skin tone of an athlete is not the deciding factor of how good or bad they are.

On higher levels of athletics in sports, there is tension between male and female sports. In the world, equality is a big problem that is still working to be fixed. At first glance, many people will say male sports are more dominant than female sports are. The truth is, they are wrong.

A large stereotype is that females are not as good at sports as males are. Females put the same amount of effort, time and work that males do; but why is it that female sports are looked at as jokes?

Well, females may not have the big time dunks, but they still have dunks.They may not have 400 foot home runs, but they still have home runs.

Truth be told, female sports may not be as flashy or big time as male sports are, but they are still capable of doing whatever men can do.

“My team’s accomplishments and my accomplishments are underestimated,” sophomore Piper Foote said. “People look past us to the guys teams.”

The salary difference between NBA players and WNBA players is out of this world. According to ESPN, LeBron James is the highest paid player in the NBA, making roughly $30,000,000 per year.

This amount is more than every single WNBA player’s annual salary combined.

This huge difference shows the popularity difference between male and female sports. People oftentime would rather watch men play over women, even if the success of the men is not as great.

“It is upsetting that we [the girls team] don’t get as much support as the guys team,” Foote said.

“Seeing more people at the guys games over our games made us want to work even harder to get

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On the fiField TOP 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN SPORTS HISTORY 1. PAT SUMMITT

During Pat Summitt’s 38 year career, she helped revolutionize women’s basketball from just a sport to one of the most popular sports in America.

Summitt is the winningest coach in NCAA Division I basketball history with 1,038 wins, including eight National Championships with the University of Tennessee.

2. ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE Ann Meyers Drysdale made history by being the first female ever to be selected to the U.S. National team and to receive a full athletic scholarship for basketball from UCLA. She then signed an NBA contract with the Indiana Pacers. She did not make the roster, but instead made history by being the only female to ever sign an NBA contract.

In 1993, Meyers Drysdale was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame.

3. BABE DIDRIKSON ZAHARIAS Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias is considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. Didrikson Zaharias won three medals in the 1932 Olympics, was an AAU basketball All-American and won 41 golf titles at the professional level. She is the only female to ever make the cut in a PGA event. The year of her death, 1995, she was one of the top-ranked golfers.

4. BILLIE JEAN KING Billie Jean King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and 129 singles titles. Her most historic match was called “The Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs. With over 50 million people tuned in watching, King defeated Riggs, concluding a lifetime of activism for women’s equality.

people’s attention.”

Getting the attention of the fans is a big part of sports. To get the love and support on a team’s side while chanting for them can be a positive motivation during game time. But there is a big struggle for many girl’s teams; How do we get the fans attention? The best way to get fans is to be successful.

“No one respects cheer and the work that we put in,” junior Ella Maggio said. “It was nice having such a great season because we really got people’s attention.”

There is no answer to if men or women are better at sports. This is because the difference between them are countless. From the style of play, to how referees officiate games, to how they are looked at by people, there is no real answer to the question.

There will never be a final answer simply due to the differences in male and female sports.

An object is exactly the way it is no matter what it is called. Putting a name on something does not change what it really is. By labeling something, it is just putting a tag on it to spot a difference, not changing that object from what it originally was.

Oftentimes, athletes are being labeled.

Whether it is being looked at as the best or being looked at as a joke, the criticism does not change a thing. Criticizing an African American athlete for not playing basketball or a female for not being as good will not alter the way that athlete is. The real answer is that all athletes are different. There is no real way to judge an athlete. People can talk all they want, but an athlete is the way they are, not the way others want them to be. TT

PHOTO // JILLIAN EVERETT

5. SERENA WILLIAMS Considered to be one of the best tennis players ever, at the age of 34 she is still ranked number one in the world for the seventh time. Williams holds 94 career WTA titles. She also has won 22 Grand Slam titles. Williams is also one of the only tennis players, of either gender, to have won singles titles at least six times.

PHOTO // BRANDEN GALLIMORE

22 Tom Tom April 2016

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

PHOTO // PETER BOEH

The girls Varsity soccer team looks on as the starters kick off their game against Vernon Hills. The team would go on to lose to the Cougars The “A” Issue

23

Beyond the fiField

A LOOK BEYOND THE MOUND

College softball season is well underway, but the fight for the NCAA top ranks continues as college softball teams start their second month of play and look forward to the College World Series.

PHOTO // KAYLEE SCHREINER Three members of the Varsity softball team sport t-shirts of some of their favorite college softball teams. Watching college softball is a great way to stay in the game when not playing and learn new skills. “I like watching college softball because of all the cool plays that they do and it makes me even more excited for college,” senior Jillian Foote said.

KAYLEE SCHREINER // Department Editor

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ith college softball season in its second month of play, rankings are both consistent and shocking compared to popular belief. The University of Oklahoma Sooners, having won two College Softball World Series in the past four years, are expected to keep up their dominating reputation. Though the Sooners are ranked seventh overall, they are predicted to defend their national title and are ultimately the team to beat.

Though Oklahoma is the team to look out for, their rival, fourth-ranked Auburn University, is soaking up a bit of the spotlight as well. Last year, Auburn and Oklahoma battled through three tough games in the College World Series.

Oklahoma barely took game one with a score of 3-2, but Auburn bounced back and tied the series in game 2 with a score of 11-7. During a highly anticipated third game, Oklahoma pulled off the win with a score of 2-1. College softball fans are anticipating another battle between the two teams this season.

Along with Auburn, many other teams have surprised college softball fans by holding onto their spots in the top five. The University of Florida Gators have been in the number one spot for two consecutive weeks, recently outscoring University of Missouri 7-0 in two games. The University of Oregon Ducks, The Florida State University Seminoles and The University of Arizona Wildcats have been bouncing around ranks two through four, consistently staying within the top five. With many teams in the running for the NCAA tournament, fans are hoping to see their favorites in postseason play.

24 Tom Tom April 2016

“Michigan [is my favorite team],” junior Katherine Sorensen said. “All of the girls are super athletic and inspiring, plus they work well as a team.”

Being a Division I softball team requires a lot more than just skill. Coaches are constantly looking for girls with natural talent that are the right fit for their team and school. Athletes need to have the right mentality and spirit to compete on a Division I softball team.

“I’m trying to figure out what it takes to get today’s athlete to make a total commitment to the sport, to [make a commitment] to excellence and to find the right balance for the team,” Arizona head coach Mike Candrea said in an interview with Fastpitch TV Softball.

Coaches encourage athletes to go to many different camps to try to find schools that are the right fit for them based on what they are looking to get out of college softball. Although finding the right school is most important for athletes looking to play college softball, practice and mentality are also big factors.

“Coaches just kept telling me ‘you know, you could be really good if you really put the work in’ and I kind of thought about it and was like ‘I might as well try it,’” former University of Oklahoma pitcher and College Softball World Series Champion Keilani Ricketts said in an interview with Fastpitch TV Softball. “When I was 15 I would throw about 50 of each pitch every day.”

College softball is very advanced and competitive sport that requires a combination of skill and teamwork; the teams that are able to combine these two factors the best are the ones that will appear in the College Softball World Series. TT

CWCS CHAMPIONS

2016: Oklahoma (57-8) 2015: Florida (60-7) 2014: Florida (55-12) 2013: Oklahoma (57-4) 2012: Alabama (60-8) 2011: Arizona State (60-6)

THE SPRINTING SEQUOIT EMILY HOLMES // Tom Tom Staff PHOTOS // EMILY HOLMES

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Tommy cheers on her fellow Sequoit teammates after she finished her race at the second indoor meet of the track season at Rolling Meadows .“We push each other everyday,” Tommy said.

Tommy prepares to attempt another jump in the high jump at Rolling Meadows High School.“I’m going to focus on my times and heights, not so much my place,” Tommy said.

ver since she was younger, freshman Ayanna Tommy has been exposed to the wonderful world that is track and field. Tommy’s mom participated in track in college, running the 200 meter dash and the 400 meter dash. Her dad participated in field events such as shot put and discus. Tommy’s family being so involved in this sport got her interested at a young age.

“My mom was a big track runner, so I wanted to be just like her,” Tommy said. “I just remember going to my cousin’s meets when I was younger too.”

Tommy, much like her mom, runs the 200 meter dash and the 400 meter dash. In addition to those races, she also runs the 100 meter dash and has had a lot of success, primarily in the 200 meter dash. From the second people drive into Antioch, Tommy’s name is plastered on a green, metal sign celebrating her back-to-back state championships in the 200 meter dash. Current teammate junior Noor Abdellatif uses this sign along with Tommy to help push herself towards her goals.

“She makes me think that I want to be a state champ too, but in the pole vault,” Abdellatif said.

Tommy’s goals as a freshman this season are very realistic, as she knows that high school track is very different from middle school track. Transitioning effectively between the two was an absolute priority and she’s currently making the transition look easy.

“I’m not really looking for what other people think, but more my perspective,” Tommy said.

The competition is a lot tougher and there is a lot more of it. Her goals include making it to conference and sectionals, but also, DID YOU ideally, state. Tommy knows going KNOW? into this season that she is one of the youngest athletes competing, but Earlier this season, Tommy competed that is not going to stop her. Knowing in the Illinois Top this, she is choosing to keep her goals Times meet on March 28. This simple this year. Coach Daniel Osmeet is extremely lage thinks that these are good goals hard to qualify for based on the fact that Tommy is only and Tommy did so a freshman. as a freshman. She ran the 55 meter “She’s not only competing against freshmen, like she was last year as sprint. Since then, eighth graders,” Oslage said. “Now Tommy has moved to outdoor and there’s sophomores, juniors and se- plays a vital role in niors, so I think the challenge for her certain events at the Varstiy level, is to be able to handle a loss and how like the 4x400 do you come back from that and move meter relay, the forward.”

4x100 meter relay, Already this season, Tommy has the 100 meter and 200 meter dash. shown that she is a force to be reckShe has also tried oned with for the rest of high school field events like as she has already become the first high jump and girl since coach Erin Schoenfelder to has been fairly go All-Conference in four events. TT successful in it.

The “A” Issue

25

Beyond the fiField

THE SENIOR WITH VELOCITY

ASHLEY STEPHENS // Tom Tom Staff

O

ne of the biggest accomplishments an athlete can achieve is reaching his/her lifelong goal within the sport they love. With hard work and dedication to the game, senior Varsity baseball player Michael “Sonny” Mentone committed to play Division II baseball at University of Illinois-Springfield.

“To finally commit was one of the most exciting moments in my life,” Mentone said. “Finally all of the hard work and effort has started to pay off.”

Mentone has dedicated many years of his life to baseball and has been playing since he was just five years old. He has been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the country and play some of the best teams in the nation. This has been his favorite part of baseball throughout the years, giving him new experiences and memories. As with anything, there are always challenges that you will face in the sport that you commit to. One of Mentone’s biggest challenges that he faced while playing baseball was overcoming arm injuries.

“These are usually the hardest and most stressful times for me as a player,” Mentone said.

Yet despite these injuries, Mentone works hard on and off of the field. Months before the start of the season, he starts working out and training his body to get back into the routine of the game. Training gets him mentally and physically ready for the start of the season. Mentone dedicates his time to improving himself and gets to school at 5:45 every day, lifting weights and working on becoming a better pitcher.

“Preparing for the baseball season is very crucial,” Mentone said. “You can’t jump right into the season and expect yourself to be prepared.”

Mentone cares about his teammates and always has their backs. His teammates have respect for him because he challenges others to improve and work hard in order to better the team. Not many people recognize his achievement and how good of a baseball player he is because of his humbleness. His attitude never goes unrecognized to his team.

“Sonny is a great player and I’m proud that he committed Division II,” senior Jake Emer said. “He always has the team’s back and best interest at heart.”

The Sequoits look to have a strong year with Men-

“

PHOTO // JR JOHNSON Senior Sonny Mentone prepares for his final season for the Antioch basbeball team before advancing to the college level. “I am looking forward to a successful last season with the Sequoits before moving on to the next level.” Mentone said.

tone’s help on the mound. With his team behind him, they look to improve from last season. Mentone is a key player, and with his encouragement and dedication to his team, the Sequoits have the potential to improve their game.

“Sonny has worked hard this offseason to prepare himself to lead what should be a very solid pitching staff,” coach Chris Malec said. “His fastball, velocity and curveball movement really set him apart.”

Mentone’s goals for the future are to successfully complete four years of college baseball and finish with a degree. He believes his education is important and is willing to commit to the many challenges a college athlete will face. He knows there will be bumps along the way, but given Mentone’s positive attitude and dedication, it will lead him to a successful future. TT

His fastball, velocit y and cur veball movement really set him apart .

“

26 Tom Tom April 2016

S

ONNY MENTONE

GRADUATING CLASS: 2017 PRIMARY POSITION: LHP HEIGHT: 6’1” WEIGHT:160 BAT/THROW:L/L

PITCHING STATISTICS MAX FASTBALL: 85 FASTBALL: 82-84 CURVEBALL: 66-67 CHANGEUP: 70-74 “The rest of the team and I always seem to have a little more energy and focus when Sonny is on the mound,” senior Connor Geidner said. “It gives the team a little extra confidence seeing him up there.”

PHOTOS // ALEX RUANO (Left) Roberts dribes past Zion midfielder during the girls home game. (Right) Ella Roberts battles Zion attacker for posseion for the ball. Sequiots win the match with a 3-0 vitory over the Zion Bees. “ Ella is a fast, agressive and highly talented player that brings strength to our team” junior and teammate Danielle Brose said.

THE JUNIOR WHO IS BACK AND READY TO PLAY ALEX RUANO // Department Editor

S

tudent athletes face many obstacles throughout their high school careers. There are many factors that affect the decision every student must make, either to play or not play: balancing school work, practice and a social life. However, one athlete in particular faced another challenge. Varsity soccer player Ella Roberts was conflicted with her fluctuated decision on whether to play for her school or her travel soccer team.

Roberts is a talented soccer player with an immense amount of experience under her belt. She has been playing since she was five and is now a junior in high school. Roberts’ love started when she played for the Chicago Kickers, but took a more serious turn when she decided to transfer over to Eclipse. Since Roberts started off at a young age, her skills developed and she was able to make the Varsity team as a freshman.

“I play soccer because it is a great way to stay active, compete and make amazing friends,” Roberts said.

Although Roberts started playing for high school, her sophomore year she decided to focus on travel ball instead. Her travel team’s coach held beliefs that focusing on club would be better for Roberts’s future play. Since coaches hold great influence over players, Roberts decided to take the approach and not play her sophomore year. However, despite missing one year, Roberts made the decision to come back and play for the Sequoits once again.

“I missed playing from the memories I made my freshman year and not my sophomore year,” Roberts said. “It really made me realize how much I missed playing with my friends and creating great relationships.”

Roberts’ return is one that was welcomed with open arms.

“I am glad to have anyone who wants to come out and play for me,” Varsity soccer head coach Marni Polakow said. “Ella’s presence [makes] a difference. She is a very good player. She [plays] in the center of the field and control things for us.”

Center midfield is a tough position that requires lots of stamina and endurance. As a center midfielder, Roberts uses her speed and agility to win 50/50 balls and settle the ball for the Sequoits. She has the ability to set up her teammates with through ball passes or even to rip shots herself. Roberts is hopeful for a great season and strives to achieve as many team wins as they can continue to gain.

“Ella’s return means we have another player who works hard everyday and is a great teammate,” teammate Morgan Keefer said.

Soccer is a fast-paced sport that requires teams to obtain good communication skills and truly work together in order to succeed. In addition, hard work will always pay off in the end. Although winning every game is the ultimate goal, working hard and as a team will always be a sign of true teamwork in the beautiful game. Roberts hopes to see all her hard work will result in a winning season.

“I’m still going to play for travel, but hopefully I commit to a college before next year’s high school season so I can spend my senior year focusing on playing for Antioch,” Roberts said. ***

After the initial interview was conducted and at the time of press, Roberts officially verbally committed to Winona State University to play soccer. TT The “A” Issue

27

{Perspectives

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO

ACT THE PART

BY ANTHONY ROCCO AS TOLD TO ANNE WAGNER

Softball has been in my family for many generations, so I was bound to be involved in it one way or another. My dad coached college softball, my mom was an assistant coach in college, my sister played travel and high school ball and my uncle is even in the Illinois Hall of Fame for coaching with over 500 wins.

I can’t really imagine my life without softball; it has been around ever since I was little. I started playing baseball when I was five years old, and I played on various travel teams. I also played in high school, but stopped my junior year. I first got started with softball through umpiring, and worked my way up from there. I began coaching about 12 years ago, and it has consumed most of my life ever since.

From travel to high school teams, I’ve been a part of a bunch. Right now, and ever since 2011, I have been the head coach of the Antioch Varsity softball team. Outside of that, I coach a team called Northern Ice out of Wauconda, Illinois.

When the high school season starts around March every year, I am coaching almost every day for about three months. Between practices and games, I am with the team almost every day of the week except for Sundays. Once high school season ends, I jump straight into

28 Tom Tom April 2017

travel ball season, which lasts for about three months. We practice a couple of times a week and participate in tournaments pretty regularly over the summer time.

When I’m coaching there is a lot of pressure. When I am in the softball environment, I am definitely a lot more serious than when I am just at home doing everyday things.

Sometimes when I am coaching I get a little nervous, especially this season because we have such a good program. I always want to make sure that we are doing everything in our power as a team to win those games that are important. I am also very cognizant of the health and well-being of my players. I want to make sure that everyone is doing what they can to avoid injuries, and improving and performing to the best of their abilities.

I would say that my personality during softball and at home is pretty similar. I like to joke around and have fun wherever I am, but setting a focused, somewhat intense example at softball is important. I like to get things done, and I like to do them right.

For me, it’s all analytical. I’m very meticulous when it comes to practices, drills and choosing the best lineup for games. Numbers are a big part of the game, and I take full advantage of them. I try my best to keep things very fair and rather light, and keep feelings out of it.

However, when I am not at softball, it’s a totally different story. I am way more relaxed and easy going. I enjoy playing with my dog, hanging out with my girlfriend and cruising on the lake in my boat in the summertime. I even still play video games even though I’m old, and of course I like hanging out with my friends. I do a lot of the same stuff that the kids like to do.

It is actually pretty interesting thinking about these differences. One day at practice someone got hurt. Of course, my stress levels went up because I wanted to make sure that she was going to be okay. It was all pretty intense, I was a little frantic. However, when I got home a little later, I got to just relax and unwind for a little bit. Then I had to go back to school to take care of uniforms for other teams. That is always a little hectic, but overall when I am in softball mode I have learned to handle these stressful situations pretty well, whether they be on the field or off the field just tackling the little details.

The intense coaching lifestyle has made me appreciate my leisurely, relaxing at-home lifestyle even more. My house is like my safe haven, a little place to just slow down and loosen up. At this point in my life, home is where a lot of my smaller responsibilities are, and my larger ones lie within coaching softball and the workplace. TT

PHOTO // VALERIE FOOTE

The “A” Issue

29

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{Perspectives

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