Sports
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By Tyler Hensely
uring August, Hoosiers experienced 22 days in the 90° range. In fact, a new record was set on Aug. 23 when local thermometers reached 96°, and GHS responded by cancelling all after-school athletic events. With the increased temperatures, coaches have made changes to practices to ensure player safety. Hydrating has been the most important way to combat the heat. “We have been taking more water breaks during practices so that we can stay hydrated,” Brandon Bell, sophomore football player, said. Heat exhaustion and heat strokes are serious risks for athletes. Unfortunately, the cross country team saw one of its members fall victim to the thermometer. “One of our runners suffered from heat exhaustion at his first practice because he wasn’t staying hydrated,” Coach Tad Frahm said. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, palesness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting. Athletes should be treat-
Lady Woodmen seek revenge against Hawks
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By Toby Kemp
simple saying appears on the back of the girls soccer team shirts. It states: “It is not a sacrifice if you love what you do.” Freshman Stefanie Spicer realized that in high school athletics, practices are more demanding. “As a freshman, the summer practices were really hard,” midfielder Spicer said “It was so hot this summer, but I liked playing at a higher level.” After a summer of hard work, the team found disappointment early in the season. “It was a tough loss to Edgewood, a team we beat last year 11-1, but it brought us together as a team” junior goalkeeper Alex Embry. “We changed our strategy to a more aggressive style of defense in our next game in hopes of a better result.” A better result is what they earned, as the team crushed Whiteland 4-1 in their next game, lifting their record to 2-20. After this win, it looked as though the young players were getting used to the higher level of high school soccer play. “We have six freshmen on the team,” Coach Melissa Swickard said. “It is a very big jump to go straight from playing in a U14 club league to a U18 varsity league, as the team does not have a junior varsity program.” More challenges are on the way for the team as they prepare to face Decatur Central at home on September 12. “We usually have beaten Decatur Central in the past, but last year they came out early and scored a quick goal. It was
Ashleigh Burakiewicz
“Ashleigh is probably our best leader on the floor, when we need a point we know we can count on her,” Coach Laura Gennrich said. “She is always focused and ready to play, most importantly she is a team player.”
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ed with cool beverages, air conditioning and cold showers. When outside temperatures reached 90° outside, the temperature on the tennis courts can reach 100°. “Since the first practice, the coaches have cut back on the running because of the heat,” said freshman Zach Carrie, tennis player. Conditioning can be challenging such intense heat. “At the end of practice, the coaches let us take off our shoulder pads and helmets when we run sprints,” Bell said. The heat doesn’t just affect the sports teams; it also affects the band when they are out on the asphalt practicing their show from 2:45 - 4:30 p.m.” When it is 90° outside, the temperature on the asphalt where the band practices can top out at nearly 105°, according to sophomore Stephaney Crooke, french horn player. On Aug. 23, the band still practiced even when athletic teams took the day off. But the band director paid attention to the students’ conditions. “When it is really hot outside, we get extra breaks at practice. Mr. Sutton lets us go sit in the shade and relax,” Crooke said. Freshman Stefanie Spicer fights for the ball trying to do a crossover move against Whiteland. The Lady Woodmen play the Decatur Central Hawks at home next Wednsday. Sam Richardson photo
an uphill battle,” said Swickard. The team lost their match last year against the Lady Hawks 2-1; consequently, the girls are finding ways to improve their game. “Their defense was really tough last year, and I could not get a shot off,” said sophomore Sierra Sparks. “This year I want to score in this game and I would like to hit better crosses to create opportunities for my team.” Very little is known about Decatur Central, though, which makes this game tough to predict. “The only thing we know for sure about them is the fact that they have a new coach this season,” said Swickard. “They are just another team so we are not going to worry about them.” The team has few reasons to worry about the game against the Lady Hawks. “We have played defense, shot, and followed our shots very well so far this season,” said Sparks. “There is still room for improvement, though. I think we need to communicate more and pass more efficiently.”
With increasing temperature, athletes focus on getting plenty of water to protect themeselves from getting heat illness. On Aug. 23, all athletics were canceled due to a record breaking high of 96 degrees. Tyler Hensley/ Photos
Boys cross country invited to dominate
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By Caiti Sheff
ompeting against Roncalli, Rushville and Whiteland, the boys cross country team heads toward the Whiteland Invitational tomorrow. Senior Brant Smith fin- The boys team takes off at the ished well last year but wants sound of the starter pistol during to ensure his team places well the Mooresville / Triton Central meet at Craig Park. The boys overall. head into the Whiteland Invita“Last year, I finished sec- tional tomorrow. Zach Losacker ond,” Smith said. “This year, photo we’ve gotten a lot better as a team. We’re more worried about placing as a team rather than as individuals.” Senior Alan Price has been impressed with the way the team has come together. “We’ve come together really well since we have experienced seniors,” Price said. Previous competitions have shown they are strong. “So far, we’ve done awesome,” senior Brad Newbold said. “At Plainfield, we didn’t do so well as a team, though. At Rushville, we got 5th out of 16 teams, and we’ve won three dual meets.” Tomorrow’s course should not be too challenging. “It is a flat course with a lot of straight parts,” Newbold explained. Price expects his teammates to come through at the line. “I’m hoping for our team to be one who is competing for the top place,” Price said.
Wing ‘n It
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