TIGER TIDBITS

The beginning of spring sports includes the start of baseball. For sophomore Grady Westphal, the start brings an exciting season, starting of with a record of 4-4.

“It’s been pretty good,” Westphal said. “We’ve won quite a few games and we’ve also lost, but it’s been a fun season so far.”

Along with winning games and doing the best he can, Westphal is ready for what’s to come.

“ I’m friends with a lot of kids on the team, so seeing how we grow together and just seeing how we grow as a team [is exciting],” Weshphal said.

Track and Field is considered off-season training for many atheletes, but for senior Eleanor Warren, she has a passion for running.

“My times are faster this time — at these meets, I’m faster than I was last year,” Warren said. “We have a lot of good people on the sprinting team, and a lot of our field events are going well.”

With her time at BV ending soon, the Spring season brings some exciting moments Warren looks forward to.

“It’s fun because it’s my senior season,” she said. “I’m excited for senior night and just to run with my friends and teammates that I’ve had for four years.”

This year, BV Tiger Band members participated in the Blue Valley Solo and Ensemble Festival. Junior Lindsay Cho was one of the participants.

“You can choose a solo piece or play a trio, or do it with an ensemble,” Cho said. “Our Winter Park trip to Colorado interferes with the official District Solo and Ensemble. Because we can’t go to District, we can’t make it to State, so we did our own.”

For her performance in the Fesitval, Cho was in two trios for which she played the flute.

“At first I was really nervous, but then it just went away,” she said. “[Afterward] I felt terrible in the moment because I could remember all my mistakes, but then the recording was fine.”

Despite the anxiety that comes with playing, Cho loves doing it.

“[I like to do festival,] especially ensembles because they sound a lot cooler than a solo piece.” she said.

After a long time of involvement in the Performing Arts, the high school theatre career of senior Ben Samuelson is coming to a close. Nearing the end, Samuelson performed in “Rock of Ages”, a playing Drew Boley.

“The show follows the character Drew, who’s a wanna-be rockstar working at a bar and he falls in love with this girl,” Samuelson said. “Then at the end, the love story resolves with him getting what he wants, but realizing he has to give up his dream of being a rock star.”

Along with the show comes all of the behind the scenes moments.

“My favorite memory from the show is probably being backstage and kind of stressing out but at the same time, just living in the energy of the show,” he said.

Since he is a senior, Samuelson has no clue what the rest of the quarter will bring for him.

“It was sentimental because it’s definitely my last show in high school musical-wise, but also because it was with people I’ve done shows with since middle school,” he said. “It was our final thing and to see us all be leads up there was a cool, full circle moment.”

Softball — one of the many sports starting this spring. For junior Ava Bloyd, it’s time to step into her role on the varsity team.

“I’m a pitcher, so I really like coming out on the field and being in charge of the plays,” Bloyd said.

With a strong start to the season, the Tigers have for wins under their belt.

“It’s going really great — I’ve had two shut-outs in the last two games that I pitched,” she said. “It’s been really good for me.”

After a good season last year, Bloyd only has one goal in mind.

“I’m hoping to make it to the State championship,” she said. “We’ve been so close, but this is going to be the year.”

Aside from her goals, Bloyd has a few things she’s looking forward to.

“I’m excited for all the new girls we have and all the new friendships I’m making,” she said.