thePROWLER Friday, Dec. 14, 2018
www.TheProwler.net
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Vol. 22, Issue 2
Proudly serving Caney Creek since 1997
13470 FM 1845, Conroe, TX 77306
LEVEL UP?
BASKETBALL, page 14
When will Caney Creek
Caney Creek High School currently sits at a 5A classification, the second highest UIL recognizes. However, the school is less than 100 students away from becoming a 6A, which will dramatically change the way the school competes in both academics and athletics. See PAGE 2 for what will happen once Caney Creek hits that 2,100 student mark.
2,075 Current Enrollment
1,953 1,931 1,912 2017-2018
2016-2017
2015-2016
CANEY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
INDEX 2 - News 3 - News 4 - News 5 - Opinion 6 - News 7 - News 8 - Arts
9 - News 10 - News 11 - Puzzles 12 - News 13 - Sports 14 - Sports 15 - Sports 16 - Sports
NEWS
PAGE 2
New subdivisions will add to Caney Creek on cusp of becoming enrollment over next 10 years 6A school with pop. nearing 2,100 ANGIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor
Two new subdivisions will impact the Caney Creek area and bring in many new students. Airia Development announced a new subdivision was being built near the intersection of Texas 242 and FM 1314 called Star Ridge. The Star Ridge subdivision will have approximately 5,000 homes and will begin to move people in in about two years, according to Conroe’s Director of Community Development Nancy Mikeska. “The subdivision has 1,589 acres in it,” Mikeska said. “Once people start moving in, it will (grow) fast.” Another subdivision being built will be the Granger Pines. This subdivision will be built off of FM 3083 and Gulf Coast Road. It will fill up 460 acres of land with approximately 1,300 new houses. With this many homes being brought in, it is expected to have an increase in the school
population, as well as commercial buildings being built around our area, according to Principal Dr. Jeff Stichler. “I think it’ll slowly grow our school,” Stichler said. “We don’t have to ‘poof ’ overnight now that we have a new subdivision.” With more people in our school, many of the vacant classrooms will be put to use and the sports and activities that perform for University Interscholastic League will be moved up a class, according to UIL’s rules and requirements. “UIL member schools are divided into six conferences according to enrollment. Conferences, in order of enrollment, are 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, Conferences, in order of enrollment, are 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A,” the UIL’s official website states. Currently the school is a 5A conference, with 2,082 students. See SUBDIVISION, page 3 Caney Creek High School
FM 1485
GRANGER PINES
UIL Classifications for 2018-2020 1A - Below 105 students 2A - 105-224 students 3A - 225-504 students 4A - 505-1149 students 5A - 1150-2189 students 6A - 2190 and above
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Gulf Coast Road
FM 1314
FM 3083
According to Stichler, there are 13 to 14 classrooms still available. Editor-in-Chief “That’s 350 more kids we can hold just by using As the years go by, the student population those classrooms,” he said. “We have plenty of room for our continued growth right now, classroom-wise increases and rooms get filled up. With new subdivisions such as Granger Pines of course,” Stichler said. New programs and organizations have been and Star Ridge being constructed and located within Caney Creek High School’s zone, becoming introduced for the past few years. Two years ago, a 6A school is going from a far-off discussion to real wrestling, construction and welding were added. Last year, the cosmetology program was introduced. planning. Finally this year, the health science There are currently 499 seniors, program and child care were 461 juniors, 537 sophomores and 578 initiated. Discussions on opening a freshman, according to the campus “Five to 10 years new program for next year are not administration. Next year, most of from now, we will the 597 eighth graders will head over probably be close to anticipated. “I think we’re going to grow the from Moorhead Junior High School. “Five to 10 years from now we will 3,000 students here programs we have,” Stichler said. “I probably be close to 3,000 students at the high school.” don’t know if we’ll get any new ones. -- Jeff Stichler, principal Sometimes having stronger programs here at the high school,” Stichler said. with more kids is better than just In order to become a 6A school, having a whole bunch of little 2,100 students need to be enrolled programs with a few kids in them.” at the high school. All high schools UIL reclassifies schools every two years. The within Conroe ISD compete in the 6A conference, with the exception of Grand Oaks High School and earliest CCHS will see a change in classification would be the 2020-2021 school year. Caney Creek High School. According to the Campus Profile of each of the following campuses in the CISD web page, The Woodlands High School has 4,345 students, Conroe High School has 4,065, The Woodlands College Park High School has 3,120, Oak Ridge High School has 2,839 students and Grand Oaks High School has 1,244 students. With 2,075 students in Caney Creek High School, number don’t expect to drop as years go by. While other schools like Oak Ridge High School have issues with space, Caney Creek doesn’t have that issue quite yet. When the school was first built, it functioned as both a junior high and high school that left room to grow. The 2200 hallway classrooms are yet to be filled.
GEORGE JUAREZ
STAR RIDGE SUBDIVISION TX 242
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theNEWS Community safety bill goal: Educate students on interactions with police PAGE 3
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Agency, the State Board of Education adopted an amendment to Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code in Section 74.5, Academic Achievement Record (Transcript), to require clear indication on the academic achievement record of completion by a student of the required instruction on proper interaction with peace officers. SBOE member Barbara Cargill, R-District 8, said the new bill is beneficial. “It is our hope that when students are trained on how to interact with officers, they will remember what they learned in future situations that may come up like a routine traffic stop,” Cargill said. “The training was actually a good reminder for me, so even adults can benefit from it.” For more information, contact the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division by email at curriculum@ tea.texas.gov or by phone at 512-463-9581.
From SUBDIVISION
utility district’s it encompasses, Mikeska said. The subdivision will be built on top of the MUD districts of 157, 158, 111, and 106. “Because of the strategic partnership between them, it will eventually become part of the City of Conroe,” Mikeska said. As well adding onto the school’s population, this development will also bring in a large amount of local and chain commercial businesses, according to Mikeska. She also says that the area can expect an increase of fast food restaurants first, and then be followed slowly by grocery stores and everyday use stores. There will be an increase of traffic, new elementary/middle schools and a slow economic growth in the area, according to Mikeska.
Prices cheap enough for all sized Email Mr. Green at smgreen@conroeisd.net
for more information.
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and increased training of law enforcement will certainly help prevent some instances.” Teenagers who want to get a driver’s license would receive similar instructions about law enforcement interaction. These instructions will be placed in the driver training manual published by the Texas Department of Public Safety. “We hope that this legislation will become a national model,” West said in his Fall 2017 newsletter. “If it saves but one life, all the energy poured into SB30 will be well worth it.” There are some groups who oppose this bill such as the Houston chapter of Black Lives Matter. Ashton Woods, a spokesman of the chapter, called the bill an “insult.” “It’s saying to a little black child, ‘When the police stop you, and they will, this is how we want you to act, even though we know you’re still going to get killed,’” Woods said in an interview with the Texas Observer. “It’s an insult. It just seems to me that they are trying to satisfy the demands and needs of the police unions.” According to the Texas Education
budgets to afford.
Editor-in-Chief Red and blue lights flash in the rearview mirror. Some are scared to pay a fine for something they don’t know they committed. Others, cops included, are afraid they will be shot. The Texas Senate unanimously passed Texas Senate Bill 30 on March 2018 which will require high school students and police officers to be taught how law enforcement and civilians should interact. This bill is also known as The Community Safety Education Act. Both state senators Royce West, D-Dallas, who vice-chairs the higher education committee, and John Whitmire, D-Houston, who chairs the criminal justice committee, were the authors of this bill. Under the bill, Conroe Independent School District and the CISD Police Department have worked together to establish instructions on interacting with law enforcement for students in grades 9-12 and a civilian interaction training program for peace officers.
Deadly encounter between law enforcement and civilian comes after the high-profile case of Sandra Bland, a 28-yearold woman arrested in Waller County in 2015 after a traffic stop whose videotaped argument with an officer became national news after she was found hanged to death in her jail cell three days after the incident. This new requirement applies to any student who enters grade 9 in the 20182019 school year and thereafter. “This bill is an attempt to reduce the number of fatalities or high-tension encounters between law enforcement and citizens,” West said as he laid out his bill at a Criminal Justice Committee hearing. Whitmire said that learning how to communicate with law enforcement combined with increased training of law enforcement will lead to improved relations and interactions between the public and law enforcement. “No legislation can address every instance of interaction between law enforcement and the public,” he said. “However, increased education of students
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GEORGE JUAREZ
But once more students begin to move in, the school will move up to a 6A, UIL’s largest conference. This will likely make Caney Creek compete against schools in similar size schools to Conroe High School, The Woodlands High School, The Woodlands College Park High School and Oak Ridge High School. “As we get more kids coming in, we would expect to have more of a selection for different sports for who plays on their team,” Stichler said. “So, hopefully we will be getting better as well The subdivision will be completed and become part of the City of Conroe in about 15-20 years. This will take a long time because of how many municipal
theNEWS
PAGE 4
Popularity of esports rising in schools, worldwide ASHTON RUSHING Contributing Reporter
Esports is a type of competitive video gaming. It is mainly multiplayer, where a single player or team go against other players to determine who is better. Esports got their start in 2000 and gained funding from viewers in 2010, expanding the size of the event. This in turn made esports more popular and gain a wider audience of people. Senior Gregory West plays League of Legends; a multiplayer competitive game in where two teams go against each other in a objective hunt until one team wins. League of Legends has a player base of up to 67 million active monthly players. “I can hop on and play with some friends and relax after school,” West said With a huge player base it gains attention from players who do it for fun, and professional players who do it for a living. With 24 professional teams, and thousands of smaller teams, there is a lot to choose from. Along with the amount of
League of Legends teams, West said there is a lot of diversity and skill-wise teams and plays. “Say you want to be a mage that punches people- you can do that.” West said. This diversity also opens the creativity door for many people. “It’s something different to do other than school.” West said. “It’s something I can do with my friends after a long day.” LoL isn’t the only game esport players participate in. Games nclude genres of fighting games, first-person shooters, real-time strategy, sports, racing, MMORPG, and others. Esports can also snag players looking to get a higher education. These games can get scholarships of anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands. “If I could I would go after a scholarship,” West said. “That would be a great opportunity.” Esports is one of the fastest growing college competitive groups. Several colleges offer scholarships including a few that have offered full rides for qualifing students led by faculty coaches.
Sam Churchill | Flickr A VIRTUAL FIGHT. An example of the esports
competition held in an arena.
Book Club invites award winning author Zentner GEORGE JUAREZ Editor-in-Chief
Songwriter, guitarist and author Jeff Zentner came to speak to English II, III students and book club members Nov. 9, in the auditorium. Zentner lives in Nashville, TN and he is the author of New York Times Notable Book The Serpent King, as well as Goodbye Days. He’s released five albums and appeared on recordings with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Thurston Moore, Mark Lanegan, Lydia Lunch and Debbie Harry. He has won many individual awards such as the William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and the Westchester Fiction Award. “The purpose was to expose students to a published author to promote reading and writing.” librarian and book club adviser Tina Sanders said. “Students in some english classes and members of the book club were invited.” College Park High School invited Zentner to speak and he agreed to come if they could arrange additional school visits to stop by multiple places. He visited three high schools in the district. “Mr. Zentner talked about how his music career never was the success he desired, so he began to teach music to teens,” Sanders said. “He had a friend who was publishing a book and it gave him the idea to write stories for young adults.” It took Zentner about nine months to write his first book, The Serpent King, which he actually started on his phone and then published. “I learned that there’s ways to express your ideas and that aside from other things in life,” junior Wendy Aguilar said. “Expressing your ideas could catch the attention of many and you’ll actually affect many people’s lives.” Zentner’s third book, Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee, is coming in February 2019. “The point of his speech was if one dream doesn’t work out, begin something else,” Sanders said.
Leo Marban | The Prowler AN OPEN BOOK. Zentner came in during 4th period class
periods Nov. 9. Book Club members and all english classes were invited to attend. Zentner came all the way from Nashville, TN to talk to students about his accomplishments and past life.
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PAGE 5 COLUMN
theOPINION
We need to talk about stress
During high school our stress seems to rise dramatically, and in my opinion seems to correlate with increase of activities. Many students get involved to look good on college applications but we often get too involved with too many activities and become stressed and overwhelmed. Stress, we hear everyday something about stress. Whether from your parents, friends, teachers or even yourself stress always seems to be there. A 2017 American Psychological Association survey found that a 80% of respondents reported experiencing at least one symptom of stress over the past month. Stress is a part of life and can not be completely gone so many of us have to learn how to cope with stress. The American Heart Association has an invested interest on stress as it can lead to many health problems including; digestive problems, anxiety, headaches, depression, sleep problems, weight gain, memory and concentration issues, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. As the American Heart Association tries to help americans lead heart healthy lives
they’ve given a few ideas on how hesitate to ask for help if you to healthily cope with stress on need it, most people have trouble their website. First up is giggling, with this one, including myself. laughing until you cry, they want In band I would often do tasks you to blow off steam by humor. that require two people by myself When you laugh endorphins just because I wanted to prove I are released, it has been shown could without help, even though to lead to reductions in stress I needed it. hormones such as cortisol and Even though many of epinephrine. When us believe we can laughing the brain also take on the world, releases endorphins we can’t. We have that can relieve some to be realistic with physical pain. Laughter ourselves. Saying no also boosts the number doesn’t come easily of antibody-producing to most of us, we cells and enhances the want to be seen as effectiveness of T-cells, someone you can RaganLewis leading to a stronger go to, easy to work Opinions Editor immune system. with, or a team Another way to player. The issue cope with stress is shed the with this is too much work leaves “superman/superwoman” us drained and stressed, like urge. According to Mental when your mother is a teacher, Health America, the superman/ a band booster, the secretary for superwoman urge is one to the band booster, the Pavilion be perfect at everything. No Coordinator for the band and the one is perfect, so don’t expect lead teacher for the kindergarten perfection from yourself or team. She had issues with on others. Start by asking yourself how to deal with stress, but she real questions you can answer noticed that she had taken on too such as, What really needs to many jobs. So she did the best be done? How much can I do? she could and said no to anymore Is the deadline realistic? What that popped up and resigned adjustments can I make? Don’t from Pavilion Coordinator
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-888-628-9454 for Spanish-speaking callers) Youth Mental Health Line 1-888-568-1112 Child-Help USA 1-800-422-4453 (24 hour toll free) Coping With Stress A 24 hour crisis line 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
once the season was over. She was able to see that she had too much work, and while she is a superwoman in my eyes she still needs rest sometimes. Saying no comes with practice, call me crazy but saying no outloud to yourself in your room or to some family or friends practicing is actually good according to Harvard Business Review. It helps you be more confident in your tone and learn how to say it without being rude. The skill of learning it’s okay to say no is beneficial not only now, but later in life too in your job. Stress happens especially near the finals and the holiday season, for the next semester we must be able to cope with stress, recognize stress causing events and put your health above your ego. People will get mad sometimes when you say no, but the risks that come with too much stress is greater than the anger of another student or teacher. If you are having a panic attack, suicidal thoughts or believe the stress is too much you can call one of these numbers located at the bottom of this page.
HAVE OPINIONS? LIKE WRITING?
Let your voice be heard by writing a column or letter to the editor. For more information, email the idea to Ragan Lewis at lewisrag@conroeisd.net. Open to staff and students!
STAFF
GEORGEJUAREZ
Editor-in-Chief
ANGIERODRIGUEZ News Editor RAGANLEWIS
Opinions Editor
YAMILETHMALDONADO Sports Editor ABYMARROQUIN Photo Editor
CONTRIBUTINGREPORTERS Emily Alfaro, Jacquelyn Bahena, Bethany Barnes, David Cooper, Joseph Floyd, Roberto Garcia, Julea Henthorn, Gracie Lang, Alexis Lutz, Jazilyn Murray, Emily Osorio, Omar Perez, Mario Rangel, Esmeralda Reynoso, Litzy Reynoso, Alexius Rocha, Yesica Rodriquez-Cortez, Ashton Rushing, Jaelei Shaw, Trevin Simons, Brook’lynne Taylor, Mayra Torres, Annali Ward, Nuvi Xon
----------------------------STEPHENGREEN
Faculty Adviser
Dr. JEFFSTICHLER
Principal
The Prowler is a student-run newspaper and the content and views are produced solely by the student staff members and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration of Conroe ISD, Caney Creek High School, or its faculty. The newspaper is a learning tool for student journalists and does occassionally contain errors. Please notify the adviser or a staff member and be patient with us! Contact information: Caney Creek High School 13470 FM 1485 Conroe, TX 77306 936-709-2000
theNews
PAGE 6
Alumnus serves as rector at Notre Dame ALEXIUS ROCHA & OMAR PEREZ
Contributing Reporters Being the first class to graduate from a high school can make the experience shaky and ever-changing. But those challenges did not stop successful alumni Justin McDevitt from pursuing a successful career. McDevitt is currently a rector at the University of Notre Dame, a private, nonprofit Catholic university in Indiana. “As the rector of stanford hall, which is like the head of the house (from the Harry Potter series),” McDevitt said. “I teach a few college classes during the day, then come home to Stanford to be with my guys.” McDevitt was not always at the best place in his career. He went through many difficulties trying to get to where he is today. He had “many blessings” but also struggles in life. One struggle he had was skipping kindergarten. McDevitt would always be
the youngest kid in class in elementary and intermediate school. “Some kids were mean about it, telling me to go back to whatever grade I should be in,” McDevitt said. “But the comments only made me want to work harder.” Once he got to high school, the newly created CCHS back in 1997, every club, organization and sport had to be created from scratch. With help from his friends and teachers, making clubs was simple and easier to build together rather than alone. McDevitt said Caney Creek had a “profound impact” on his career. “Looking back, it made me feel comfortable taking risks and investing in the long run,” McDevitt said. “Today in my career, I think outside the box much more than normal, because I know that, just because something doesn’t yet exist, doesn’t mean it can’t. Life is full of possibilities.” After law school in Chicago, he decided to get his Ph.D. at Notre Dame, so he could
teach “almost anywhere he wanted.” After four years in college, one-year of extra college classes, three years of law school and four years of graduate school, on top of everything at Caney Creek and before, he decided to call his academic career as a student quits. “I decided 24-years of school was enough,” McDevitt said. “I left with only my masters instead of going on to finish my Ph.D.” McDevitt was not sure what he wanted to do when he left, but he fell in love with Notre Dame. His professor suggested to look jobs in student affairs at Notre Dame. “He said he thought I’d make a great rector,” McDevitt said. “I had no idea what that even was. When he explained that it was basically like being the dorm dad, I thought that sounded perfect for me. I applied and was accepted and I’ve loved every minute since last year, I was asked to teach a class and this year it’s four classes; so, I couldn’t be happier.”
Submitted Photo MCDEVITT. Caney Creek High School alumnus Justin McDevitt poses with two of his resident advisor students at a challenge course. He is a rector, a building leader, at Notre Dame.
New paraprofessionals, teacher make home at the Creek GRACIE LANG & BROOK’LYNNE TAYLOR Contributing Reporters
There have been four new paraprofessionals and one new teacher added to the employee roster since the school year started. Bradley Fisher Fisher arrived to Caney Creek in October, taking over the IT paraprofessional position after Erik Allen left after the school year began for another position. Before he started work here, Fisher was an IT technician at UPS.Fisher said the reason he came to Caney Creek was because he wanted to get out of UPS and he saw that there was a spot open here. Fisher said he had always been good with computers. “I had people in my neighborhood that had asked me to help them with their computers, so I already had it on my resume,” he said.” I went to The Woodlands
Christian Academy and I had an off period. I would go to the IT lady’s room and asked her if she needed help, because I liked working with computers.” Fisher said the best part of his day is seeing the relief on a teacher’s face when a their computer is messed up and they think that it’s not going to work all day and he fixes it. Rikki Thompson Rikki Thompson started working as the substitute coordinator and copy clerk on Halloween. She said she wanted to become a paraprofessional because it was a more traditional job after working for Carrabba’s. Thompson had heard about the job from a friend. “I know the Assistant Principal Kathy Franklin, and she had mentioned the opening here at Caney Creek.” Thompson said so far, she loves her job here. Rebecca Flowers Rebecca Flowers arrived in late
September. Before she came to Caney Creek, she was a nanny for special needs kids. She had been looking on the CISD website for a job. Working in the COVE with special needs kids was the first job she applied for. Flowers said she loves working with special needs kids. Nicholas Smith-Eppinette Nicholas Smith-Eppinette has been at Caney Creek since the beginning of October teaching chemistry, filling in for former teacher Brent Rahwles who left earlier in the year. He went to college at University of Houston-Downtown and majored in biology. Smith decided to come to Caney Creek because he is from Conroe and he looked up to his teachers. “I wanted to become a teacher because I really looked up to professors in college and the teachers and coaches in high school,” he said. “ I have a passion in science and I
wanted to share that.” Smith said he was observing teachers and when the long-term position came up, he applied for the job. Brenna Richard After not ever being at CISD, Brenna Richard started working as a paraprofessional at Caney Creek in September. Before Richard came to Caney Creek she was a supervisor at a call center and a stay at home mom for five years. She became a paraprofessional because she needed a schedule that matched her kids schedule and she loves working with kids. A suggestion had been made that Richard look for a job. “The principal and attendance clerk at her kids school told her to start looking and she just happened to be looking on the CISD website and found the job.”
PAGE 7
Aby Marroquin | The Prowler THAT BASS. The choir performs at Caney Creek High School’s auditorium Nov, 8.
Bellingardi makes choir area auditions
aspect of competing and how they all cheer for each other. Even though she did not proceed to area, she News Editor says that she might pursue a major in music. “I’ve been staying after with Ms. Robertson, she’s Choir students performed at pre-area competition my go-to person,” Arroyo said. “She is helping me Nov. 28, and had one student advance to area. Choir students compete in the district division with sight reading and how to make my music more first, then after succeeding they move into region. musical.” Junior Dalton Sugg also performed at the pre-area The students that surpassed these competition but did not continue. levels are: Silvia Arroyo, Dalton “It’s going pretty good, a little shaky Sugg, Enzo Bellingardi, and on some things, but it’s going as good Michael Rodriguez. All were able “I love this rehearsal as it can be,” Sugg said. “Meeting a lot to pass prior competitions and we do in the beginning of new people is always the best part. have a chance to audition in pre- where everybody (the area, but Bellingardi was the only sections) are singing all I’ve made a lot of new friends going to competitions.” one to make it to area. together. I just love comAlong with Arroyo, fellow senior “I’m feeling really confident petition all around. Michael Rodriguez went to compete, about my music and the way I can -- Enzo Bellingardi but did not succeed. perform it,” Bellingardi said. “I “I’ll be honest I’ve had mess-ups of love auditioning, I like just chilling course, but that’s normal.” Rodriguez out with my friends in between said. “I like (competing because of) auditions. I love this rehearsal we do in the beginning where everybody (the sections) the socializing. You get to see a whole bunch of are singing all together. I just love competition all people who are into what you’re into.” Bellingardi will compete against other Bass one’s around.” Jan. 12, 2019. Senior Silvia Arroyo said she likes the teamwork
ANGIE RODRIGUEZ
theNEWS
@CaneyCreekHS | Twitter POLITICS. Ponce, Guerrero, Reneau traveled to University of Texas at Austin to participate in Boys State.
Students take leadership skills to capitol at Boys, Girls State RAGAN LEWIS
Opinions Editor Four current seniors, three boys and one girl, were nominated and attended Boys State and Girls State last summer. These organizations are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for High School Juniors. These students are nominated during their junior year of high school by past participants. The three boys, Jesus Guerrero, Jonathan Ponce and Trentin Reneau, were nominated by students while the only girl, Emily Fisher, was nominated by Ms. Karen Solberg. Since there was no past participant last year for Girls State, Solberg was chosen to nominate one girl for the program. “It was a pretty serious process,” Fisher said. “I think it was harder for girls to get picked because we don’t have the room to be stupid.” Each program is held at a college campus, for the boys it is
the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas. Girls State is held at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. Boys and Girls State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. Founded in 1935 to counteract rising socialism, Boys State was founded to increase patriotism in younger generations. “God bless America,” Ponce said. “You had to say that in all of your speeches.” Once the students arrive they get sorted into parties (not republican and democrat) and then into cities. Each ‘city’ was made up of each party being half the population. After dinner, election of city officials, such as mayor, color guard, press corps, and olympiad director are held. Throughout the week elections are held, this may be a local, district, region, or state election. Ponce was the only one to obtain See BOYS STATE, page 12
theARTS Theater begins prep for UIL One Act PAGE 8
ANGIE RODRIGUEZ
News Editor The theater program has knocked out its first three performances, and has begun working towards preparing for UIL One Act Play. The department hosted its first three plays these past few months, beginning with the “Anatomy of Gray”. After, they performed its Renaissance show, “A Doctor in Spite of Himself ”, and concluded the semester with its children’s show, “Charlotte’s Web.”
Anatomy of Gray
Senior Justin Olds was the lead of their first performance. He played the character of Dr. Gray, a doctor who was forced to take shelter in a small town. “The chemistry within
the cast was amazing,” Olds said. “There was a little drama here and there but nothing too big. We were all very cooperative with each other and we were all collaborating together to get the show on point.”
A Doctor in Spite of Himself
Following their first play, theater classes began producing their annual Renaissance show. This year’s show was named “A Doctor in Spite of Himself ” and included Sophomore Donavon Crimm as the character Lucas. “I enjoyed the characters in the (Renaissance) much more because Charlotte’s web is a very ‘already done’ play,” Crimm said. “With the renaissance, it was a play that we basically made, and could change the characters
however we want and give them whatever life we want. The loose details on the character allowed me to make my character Lucas whatever way I envisioned him in my head.”
Charlotte’s Web
Soon they concluded their long-run with its children’s show “Charlotte’s Web”. Sophomore Julian Mendez was the lead character, Wilbur. An unfortunate pig who is saved by a clever spider. “The children’s show is taken a lot less seriously, so you can have a lot more fun with it and put a lot more character into it,” Mendez said. “It’s a lot less stressful.” The theatre department will begin to produce their Jackie Rebollar|The Prowler UIL One Act Play later next REN FEST READY. Senior Nick Davis performs during one of Caney Creek’s shows at the Texas Renaissance year. Festival earlier this semester.
Mighty Panther Band earns superior rating at UIL marching competition MAYRA TORRES & JAELEI SHAW
Contributing Reporters The Mighty Panther Band scored superior at UIL Marching Competition this year. They have been working towards this goal since the beginning of the year. Students first day of band practice started August 1, while the Color guard’s began July 15. Both band and color guard practiced everyday after school to memorize their sets and work towards achieving their goal at UIL. One of the band’s instructors, Stephen Kloesel, has taught students for 24 years and has loved to work with them . “Teaching students isn’t hard, it’s part of the job,” Kloesel said. “I love to see students working together as a team.” Senior Drum Major Olivia Durand said that the relationship within the group caused them to push each other farther. Before heading to compete at UIL they performed at - competitions. “We (were) doing good because our
scores increased,” Durand said. “Of course we come home with all the trophies and stuff because we’re the only ones in our division, but our scores are only getting better and better and that’s what matters is the numbers.” Head band director Jeremy Rehbein says he enjoyed this year’s show, and believed it to be one of the best shows he’s done. “Obviously the deeper you get the more refined the band gets,” Rehbein said. “We’re playing a lot stronger, we’re playing better together, we’re more cohesive as a group.” But as the band concluded its marching season at halftime, they were dubbed “section of the week” as a final goodbye. Sophomore Carlie Ramshur says that she will miss the seniors greatly, and is the thankful for the impact they made on her. “I feel like my soul is being ripped from my heart.” Ramshur said. The students have switched to concert The Prowler Staff mode and performed their Christmas MARCHING TO THE BEST BEAT. The Mighty Panther Marching Band performs at the Moorhead Stadium. concert last Monday. This year, the band earned a superior rating during the UIL marching competition.
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theNEWS
Strong, ambitious goals to cheer ANNALI WARD
Contributing reporter Children at a young age often dream of becoming doctors, astronauts, and even police officers. But to three Caney Creek students, their dream was to become part of the CCHS cheerleading team. The cheerleading program has been organizing a cheer clinic for the past few years and served as a catapult for young children from local feeder schools to become Caney Creek cheerleaders. Juniors Skylar Harris, Melanie Norris and Savannah Turner were a part of the Cheer Clinic when they were younger. Turner said cheer clinics are a great opportunity for kids to get to know the feeling of cheerleading before they actually do it. “They help you and give pointers on what you should know before going into cheerleading.” Turner said. Lindsey Holmes, Melanie Norris’s sister, was a part of the cheer clinic and graduated from Caney Creek High School in
2011. She later went on to become a cheerleader at Sam Houston State University. Skylar said the journey was “Fun, we grew together and built a strong bond.” Tina Harris, Skylar’s mother, said she is proud of them. “They looked up to all the (Caney Creek) cheerleaders like they were big stars,” Tina said. Norris previously had a leg injury at the age of 12. However, that didn’t stop her from becoming a cheerleader. “Bad things happen,” Norris said. “All friends will always be there, and you’ll find the true ones and they’ll be there forever. So always keep a smile on your face.” The children who participated this year met up in the performance gym Oct. 20, to practice new cheers, motions, jumps, and got a chance to dance with the Caney Creek cheerleaders. They also took them to a football game at Buddy Moorhead Stadium on Oct. 26 against Waller.
Submitted Photo CHILDHOOD. Lindsey Holmes, Melanie Norris, Skylar Harris and Savannah Turner gather up for a group picture. Holmes was the first one to become a Caney Creek cheerleader and now goes to Sam Houston University.
Students show Creek Cares at community service event LITZY REYNOSO Contributing reporter
Creek Cares was an organization that student council came up with to bring clubs together. Student council’s idea of Creek Cares was to help out others in our community. This organization made over 250 goodie bags that contained items such as: soap, deodorant, toothpaste and more essentials. They delivered 30 bags to each feeder campus, and the rest to the communities around Caney Creek.
Junior Ivan Sanchez, StuCo President, said he enjoyed participating in Creek Cares. “Being able to donate hygiene products to help support the ones in need felt fulfilling because I was able to make a difference,” Sanchez said. Senior Christina Peña, Vice President of StuCo, said that she can go on and on about the subject. “I feel like it’s important to give back to people in need because if just one thing can change one person’s day to a good one, it makes you feel
kinda like a warm feeling and that’s something you can’t be given or bought,” Peña said. “Also it really brought our school together not only clubs, but our StuCo with Moorhead’s StuCo got together.” Many organizations such as Caney Creek’s Health Occupations Students of America, also known as HOSA, donated shampoo and were involved in the packaging of the essentials. “It was amazing seeing everyone give back to the community,” senior Rosy Solis,
President of HOSA, said. “It shows how great we are as a school.” StuCo said they were inspired by the fact that they feel like a family all together and wanted to recreate that moment to promote positivity in school. “It was inspired by the feeling of community we felt after the homecoming parade,” Tracy Underwood, StuCo adviser, said. “Everyone, no matter what organization they were with, united together after the parade and it looked like a true panther family,” Underwood said.
Luis Zurita | The Prowler CARING. Sarah Dudley,
StuCo co-adviser, and junior Ivan Sanchez, president of StuCo, empty out a donated bag of socks.
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New classes prepare students Fresmen group attend event to build leadership skills for healthcare professions JAZILYN MURRAY
DAVID COOPER Contributing reporter
The health science class is a cluster of career and technology classes that are geared toward students who are possibly interested in a career in the healthcare field. These classes give the students an opportunity to gain knowledge and learn skills for their future careers, training and education. Health science teacher Bobbi Hatzold said that students have already learned how to take the most important signs including: heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory. “Some classes will learn glucometer testing as well as hand washing techniques and patient turning techniques as well as some other hands on skills if time allows,” Hatzold said. Junior Morgan Holbert said she likes how Hatzold teaches “It makes it understanding and she relates it to stuff she has seen,” Holbert said Due to the introduction of this new program, a new Health Occupations Students of America, also known as HOSA, is up and running. HOSA is a national career and technical student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health
Science Technology Education Division of Association for Career and Technical Education. HOSA will be attending a nursing home Saturday, Dec. 15, to give residents blankets and Christmas cards. “In HOSA, we do community service at the moment and help in any health career projects,” president Rosy Solis said. “We will host the next blood drive.” In the health science theory class, there is presently a charge of $125 to take the state certified medical assistant exam. “I signed up for health science because I want a career in the medical field, with health science,” senior Britney Spaulding said. “It teaches you everything you need to become a medical assistant and to be prepared for the state test.” All classes are two semester courses. The practicum scheduled for next year will be two class periods. Hatzold said in all her classes, they discuss career pathways in the healthcare field. “We also do a lot of learning regarding job seeking skills such as communication, resume building, interview skills, etc,” she said. “These skills will help students in the future no matter what field they may choose.” The health science program will help set up the next blood drive at Caney Creek High School this upcoming Spring.
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! www.Balfour.com or Mrs. Greenmyer’s office. Price at $70 until Jan. 1
$80 from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1 • $90 after delivery (limited supply)
Contributing reporter A group of freshman went on a trip to learn and acknowledge their future selves: Leaders. According to Leadworthy Live’s official website, students are selected to attend an event featuring live music and thoughtprovoking talks from speakers who make up the best and most influential leaders in business, thought, and culture. A Leadworthy live trip occurred Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 and freshman students were chosen to go on where they participate in small activities and have successful people give speeches about what it is like to be a leader. 25 freshman and 25 eighth graders from Moorhead Junior High that were selected. One of the students who attended was
freshman Lesly Alcantara. Alcantara said that they listened to leaders talk about their experiences through life and what inspired them to be in Leadworthy. “I guess they see something in me,” Alcantara said. “This professional illusionist, basically a magician, talked to us about how he was inspired, and how he started off as an accountant and his boss thought he wasn’t meant for that.” Coach Banes was one of the chaperones on the trip. He was there with the students to observe what was said and the information that was given to the students about being a leader. Banes said he wanted to be part of the trip because he was a former Teen Leadership teacher. See LEADWORTHY, page 12
PAGE 11 PANTHER SUDOKUS
thePUZZLES
RIDDLE ME THIS After a big storm the captain of a japanese ship is found dead.The master at arms questions four crew members.The cook was prepping breakfast.The quartermaster was doing inventory.The armourer was fixing the flag that was upside down.The first mate was hiding below deck up to 10 A.M. because he was sea sick. Who did it?
The first three people to email Mr. Green the correct answer wins $5 of the cost of a yearbook! Mr. Green’s email is smgreen@conroeisd.net.
PANTHER WORDSEARCH
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PAGE 12
Adopting an angel
Staff, students buy gifts for families in need NUVI XON
Caney Creek has been contributing to the angel tree for a long time with donations from The Angel Tree program is parents, students and faculty. an assistance program that helps “It started here in Caney Creek families in need for Christmas. years ago reaching out because This a national organization there was students in need during that spreads across the United christmas time and we thought States and helps children and that would be good to have families who can’t afford gifts, something to start,” Outlaw said. by registering M a n y children as an clubs and “angel” from “Helping out any organizations church, school such as the Leo or online. The way possible is Club, Key Club, only required FFA and Student information is always the right Council have the child’s name, thing to do.” lend a helping age, gender and -- Ivan Sanchez, president hand to adopting a list of items that of StuCo an angel. Some they want. then volunteered Counselor their time by secretary Dana shopping and wrapping the Outlaw is in charge of running gifts so that they are ready to be the Angel Tree. She looks distributed. after the angels’ adoption and President of StuCo Ivan handles donations received from Sanchez said the members of the individuals or club organizations. organization wanted to serve the “(There is a) limit of two pairs community and give back. of clothing, and only $25 limit for “Helping out any way possible the gifts,” Outlaw said. is always the right thing to do,” Contributing Reporter
Sanchez said. The Leo Club went shopping for two angels, each of the members bringing their own money, and wrapped the gifts as well. The angel tree not only helps the needy for christmas, but also makes members grow. ”It teaches the kids helping others for children without christmas, many of them been in that situation it makes us feel good inside,” Leo Club adviser Carrie Bryant said. Attendance assistant Veronica Castro adopted an angel and said she wanted to give back. “Some kids don’t have as much as our kids now these days,’” Castro said. “I make my kids shop for those kids, so they can see the value of giving.” Giving back is what these individuals and clubs stand for. “The reason we get from it is being able to know a students to have gotten a christmas,” Outlaw said. “Seeing the parents faces and being able to know that they were able to give their child something for christmas.”
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! www.Balfour.com Caney Creek School Webstore Visit Mrs. Greenmyer in the Main OFfice
From LEADWORTHY “Some people are afraid of being on the spot or afraid of failure,” Banes said. “It is also easier for others to follow than to lead. Accepting responsibility for their actions, a good communicator, knowing how to present themselves are all traits of a great leader.”
From BOYS STATE a position, he made chairman of Ponce was the only one to obtain a position, he made chairman ofhis city and district, but failed to make state. These officials make laws, go to Austin, and listen and debate for many things. According to Ponce, Guerrero, and Reneau, it wasn’t as serious as Fisher’s trip. “We legalized prostitution,” Reneau said. “We actually did, and LSD.” From the schedules it was, on day one of their week long stay, they met 13 different dignitaries including officials and top aides from the Texas legislature, railroad commission, board of education,
Banes also believed that the students who were chosen to participate have excellent leadership traits. “I think the students enjoyed the credibility and skill set of the speakers most.” said Banes. This trip helps students uncover their sense of leadership and work towards becoming a more self-dependent person.
and the U.S. Armed Forces. For the girls, the busy week had a lot of traveling to Austin. “They would take a bus to Austin almost everyday to be involved in legislature,” Fisher said. While most of the time it was about politics, the boys and girls had talent shows and performances. They had a concert band, tricks and voices. “Yeah there was some guy playing the guitar and another one sang,” Guerrero said. In the end, all Caney Creek participants said it was fun and full of helpful on the understanding of government. “It was a lot of fun,” Ponce said. “It was hot and a lot of walking, but we had fun.”
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theSPORTS Let there be (no) light PAGE 13
Class of 2019 hosts first-ever, blackout pep rally
YESICA RODRIGUEZ-CORTEZ & EMILY OSORIO
Kiley Neeley | The Prowler HOLE IN ONE. Senior and captain John Neely competes at the Huntsville tournament and shot 18 holes and ended up with a score of 83.
Golf putting in work to prepare for district tournament in spring JULEA HENTHORN & ALEXIS LUTZ Contributing reporters
In golf there are ups and downs during the games and the season, but the players have shown stable results so far. “The team consists of 16 students,” Coach Mark Whitworth said. “On the varsity team there are five boys and five girls.” One of the boys on the varsity team is senior John Neely, who serves as team captain. The Caney Creek golf team has had four tournaments total, including two for the boy’s team and two for the girl’s team. Their meets and practices have been helping them out and making the team better overall, according to Whitworth. “During rough patches when playing golf the team has a poster of motivational quotes in the storage room,” Whitworth said. During practice and meets they start off with warming up
which involves drives, putting, and working with any areas of needed improvement the team has made during other games. Whitworth usually sets up mini courses for the team to play on also. Outside of school the team likes to have team-building events such as going to River Plantation Golf Course and Top Golf. These events bring the team closer together and also help the students better their skills. “My players know what I expect from them,” Whitworth said. “We are in constant communication both at practice and during tournaments. Our kids understand where their game is at the moment and where it needs to be.” While the team has been doing good, Whitworth tries to make the best they can be by giving expectations and goals they are told they need to reach. The team attends invitational meets during the year to prepare them for district in the spring.
Contributing Reporters Caney Creek hosted their first blackout pep rally in the performance gym on Nov 9. Class of 2019 adviser and English teacher Nicole Brodie came up with the idea from her high school experience. The purpose was to raise money for the seniors and return money to the school. The fundraiser had a good turnout. Brodie and the class officers: President Rosy Solis, Vice President Marlen Meza, Secretary
Valarie Garcia, Treasurer Jesus Guerrero and Class Representative Trentin Reneau, had the blackout pep-rally in mind for a year now. Brodie wanted to add more games with the students including more glow in the dark items, but due to this being the first pep rally, administration wanted to see how it was going to go for the first time. “The bigger the better,” Brodie said. JROTC posting of the colors opened up the pep rally, following with the drumline playing, the theater students performed a Spongebob-themed
skit, the cheerleaders cheered for their teams, color guard did a routine with their white flags, and the Starlettes performed a videogame mix . At the end, the seniors took home the final spirit stick of the year, which led to an eruption of noise from the senior section, as well as confetti and powder. “I felt really excited about it being my first ever blackout pep rally because I really wanted it to happen even when it wasn’t a thing,” senior Jordy Perez said. “Now, it’s kind of sad because it’s my last year and we aren’t able to do another one.”
Stephen Green | The Prowler LIGHTS OUT. Members of the color guard perform during the black out pep rally on Nov. 9. This was the first time Caney Creek has held a pep rally like this and was hosted by the Class of 2019.
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Boys basketball working to improve over record-setting season last year TREVIN SIMMONS & JOSEPH FLOYD Contributing Reporters
Clover Plaugher | The Prowler DRIBBLE PAST. Senior Daniella Faz dribbles past the half court against the South Houston Trojans winning 43-34. This was the first
home game of the season.
Lady Panthers aim high MARIO RANGEL & ESMERALDA REYNOSO Contributing Reporters
The Lady Panthers basketball team hope for a better season than last year. Head Coach Jay White along with five seniors on the varsity team, hope they will be more successful than last year and improve their 1-17 district campaign from last season. “I feel like there is more people commited to it,” senior Shayllin Ardoin said. “The coach is very focused on making sure we are ready for the game.” The players believe that the Lady Panthers will work better if the team encourages each other to work hard and stay after according to senior Betzayra Heredia.
“As a team overall we gotta motivate each other to become better players,” Heredia said. Training has changed from last year with there being more running and specific specialty workouts according to senior Daniella Faz. “We are running more to get in shape,” Faz said. “We are focusing more on what we need help, than just random things.” A lot of new girls were introduced into the program this year and they all have to adapt to high school volleyball according to senior Tori McVey. “We have a lot of new girls,” McVey said. “So we are trying to integrate them to the team, get them used to the speed and tempo of the game.” According to White, they need to improve on their shooting and passing.
“Making our shots is a weakness, and making good passes is a weakness,” Coach White said. “Usually 40 percent of the practice is geared towards shooting, but i’m gonna have to gear more of practice towards shooting.” This is senior Blakely Niles first year in the program and she believes that practice is not hard unless you make it hard upon yourself. “If we don’t get things done in time, like shooting a certain amount of baskets, we run for that,” Niles said. “It’s not hard unless we make it hard on ourselves.” As of press time the Lady Panthers have played two games against the Lake Creek Lions and the Kingwood Park Panthers, both games ended in defeat for the Caney Creek Lady Panthers.
The boys basketball team is hoping to surpass last years outcomes and make it to playoffs. In order to do that they have been improving on getting better every day by mentally preparing their self by putting their standards and goals to make it to the playoffs. Head coach Randy Appiah hopes to surpass last year’s double digit wins. “Last year we did things that were never done,” Appiah said. “The team did amazing things.” During preseason they focused on weight and conditioning assignments and programs.They have done many things as a team like traveling different places like pearland and many other places for spring league and Working on building their relationship as a team. “We worked out everyday in the weight room and went straight to the court to work on our basketball skills,” team captain Jayden Spaulding said. Junior Troy Eubanks said the team is doing great but in order to be a good team they need to be in the same page and make improvements in team building. “We are all a family and we treat each other that way,” Eubanks said. “There is some team building that is needed for us to be on the same page, but we have good team chemistry over all.” Appiah said the team is a very competitive group that are knowledgeable about what they are trying to do and talk to each other. Overall he holds them accountable and gives them opportunities to talk to each other. “I think through communication you can always improve team work,” he said. “I
made them responsible for their improvements.” The varsity team consists of four returning players and nine other players coming from last years JV team. with the team consisting of many new players the team lacks experience. Spaulding said since the season is just now starting and the team has a lot of young players as a team they are trying to get better together to make a better team. “Since the team is young I must keep everyone’s head high and keep us going through rough times,” he said. Appiah stays after school them every day making sure he teaches the fundamentals process based incremental improvement. “Getting them together, playing and giving them goals is very important,” Appiah said. “Everyday I motivate them by staying on them, checking on their classes grades and give them goals.” “Our coaches motivate us everyday and want nothing but the best for us,” Spaulding said. During practices the athletes focus on their new opponents, by watching film on their previous games or new contestants. Then they go to the gym and get their shots up and base their practices on their next opponents moves. Later shifting their focus to competitive drills and set up for defensive and offensive schemes in preparation for their opponents. “I think with kids this age if you make drills competitive it will always motivate them,” Appiah said. Their efforts have been reflected in the court after the team placed third in the Sweeney tournament being the second time in school history to place in a tournament. The boys basketball team faces Huntsville Tuesday, Dec 18.
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Setting their eyes on state YAMILETH MALDONADO Sports Editor
With a new district alignment, the wrestling team will face new challenges competing against daring teams. The wrestlers believe this season might just be tougher, but they’re “ready for anything.” Setting their main goal in winning the district meet and finishing top five at regionals a priority. Head coach Jacob Ferguson said the team has a handful of kids that have a great shot at making it to the state tournament. “We hold them to a high standard,” Ferguson said. “The kids that have bought into our program have made great
strides.” Many of the athletes have that goal of getting to state as their drive to come out on top. They all want to feel the moment of glory and have adrenaline flowing through their veins. Junior Linda Marroquín said there is no time for mercy. “In the mat it’s just you and your opponent,” she said. They are looking on surpassing last years result by outdoing their results in every area. Ferguson said consistency is something the team requires and in order to improve on that, they have to be both hard workers and get through the tough times. “We can’t be satisfied with our achievements this far,” Ferguson said.
They have been spending a large number of time in the weight room, and have been improving areas that they lacked on executing at the regional level last year. They have had summer, after school and weekend practices. Many of them work during their personal times to enhance their skills like checking their weight, balancing their diet, and observing other wrestlers. “We have our eyes set in one goal and that’s state,” senior Joseph Gonzales said. “We put blood, sweat and tears, no matter how hard it is we keep working and showing up.” The wrestling team will compete at the Brawls at the Falls competition this Saturday at Cypress Falls High School.
Aby Marroquin | The Prowler PINNED DOWN. Junior Jesse Jimenez pinned down a Kingwood Park wrestler at the Tri-meet Dec. 5, at Caney Creek High School. Atascasita wrestlers were invited as well.
New sports alignments add tough foes YAMILETH MALDONADO Sports Editor
The University interscholastic League announced a new district alignment in February for volleyball, football, and basketball. Fall sports have already been facing their new opponents. On March 16, the remaining athletics district alignments were released for the 2018-2019 school year. For academics and spring sports such as golf, spring tennis, and track and field include a new district of Grand Oaks, Kingwood Park, Huntsville, Montgomery, Lake Creek, New Caney, Porter, Tomball and Willis. The girls track head coach Stephen Meine said getting added
to a 10-team district will decrease the chances of of making it to playoffs, because the percentage of teams going to playoffs would be 40 percent rather than 65 percent. “If you’re on a six-team district, four out of the six make it to playoffs,” Meine said. “If you’re in a 10 team district four out of 10 go to playoffs.” Meine said that in terms of competition, it won’t be any more difficult than last year’s district. Soccer faces a district including Kingwood Park, Huntsville, Montgomery, Lake Creek, New Caney, Porter, Tomball and Willis. Last season they faced 10 teams. “It’s one less team, so that’s good,” head coach Andrew McGregor said. “But I’m not worried because we have a good team.”
For the past two years the boys varsity soccer team has lost against Kingwood Park, leaving unfinished business with them. Junior Jaír López said Kingwood Park would be a hard opponent during district. “We start out winning and then end up losing,” Lopez said. “This has happened two years in a row and that’s going to be a hard one this year.” In swim and dive, the new district consists of Baytown Lee, Grand Oaks, Crosby, Kingwood Park, New Caney and Porter. Head coach Michael Molenaar said the new district alignment is “very good.” The schools that they are competing against are new opponent, so the swim team doesn’t have many predisposed ideas about how well the other schools perform.
“I have a very good feeling about this year,” Lillian Morris said. “I have more confidence in our swim and dive team, and i’m very optimistic that our team is going to make it to state.” As for wrestling, the new alignment includes Grand Oaks, Kingwood Park, Katy Paetow, Richmond Foster, Rosenberg Lamar Cons, Terry, Waller, Willis, Lamar Fulshear, Needville and New Waverly. Coach Ferguson says that having a few teams added will give them good competition during the district tournament. “The new district alignments shook up our district quite a bit,” Ferguson said. “Normally our good individuals do not get tested at the district level, but this new alignment changed all of that.”
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Boys soccer looking for another playoff bid JACQUELYN BAHENA & EMILY ALFARO Contributing Reporters
Christina Pena | The Prowler TOUCH TURN Junior Christian Parra shoots at goal while sophomore Brayan Torres
tried to recover after a 1v1.
The boys soccer team wants to hit the ground running after finishing 11-1-1 last season and winning Bi-district championship. The boys soccer program was placed in a district alignment with some of the top teams in the region such as Kingwood Park, who reached the quarterfinals, and Huntsville, who were regional finalists in the previous season. The program is placed in district 20-5A, with teams including Kingwood Park, Huntsville, Montgomery, Lake Creek, New Caney, Porter, Tomball and Willis. The boys soccer team will be playing in a district that is made up of nine teams.
“We have like two of the top 10 teams in the region that are in our district this year,” McGregor said. “And possibly nine teams, which is quite a bit of teams for a district.” Last season the team went to playoffs and were unable to continue the 4-1 loss against Houston Wisdom. “It was an amazing experience,” junior Ulysses Cruz said. “When we lost against them, I felt like if I let the team down, but we always gotta keep our head up and always move forward.” This season consist of new additions and improvements. The addition of a new coach and another class period has given players a chance to increase that one on one interaction with the coach. “Its helping to give them a lot more individual time with coaches,” junior varsity A coach Leldon
Hamilton said. Junior varsity B coach Jason Banes comes from across the street, Moorhead Junior High School and said the level of competition is much higher. “Intensity of practice compared to moorhead is way more competition between the teams,” Banes said Senior and captain Marcos Benitez said communication is crucial for a successful season. “We gotta talk more,” Benitez said. “We gotta have good communication skills between the whole team.” The coaches have great expectations from last season’s returning players, they expect them to be the leaders “We (are) all leaders, We (are) all a unit.” junior and captain Jair Lopez said .
Strong turnout leads to more teams for Lady Panther soccer YAMILETH MALDONADO Sports Editor
The lady panthers soccer team has been focused on trying to make a reappearance in playoffs, while the junior varsity team directs their attention to district. Assistant coach Morris Sweat said not many changes have been incorporated to the program this year. “We’ve had success with what we have been doing, but we are always looking to get better,” Sweat said. The biggest change the program has had is the two soccer classes that have been added, one period for beginners and the other for veterans. Both classes focusing on further developing the athletes. During the time the veterans had been able to built since
August on what they’ve previously accomplished. “We can actually do other things without having to start over with freshman, and focus on what we’ve been doing.” junior Nayeli Saldana said. With the two classes the coaches have been able to work individually with the newcomers to a level where they need them to be in order to be able to compete. “Coach can focus on us more… she can go our pace,” junior Karla Chavarria said. “We don’t feel as pressured to do good and we’re not like embarrassed when we mess up.” They have been working on playing smarter and faster speeding up everything from decision making, getting rid of the ball quicker and getting down the field rapidly.
“We had mini tournaments and scrimmages,” Kloes said. “ building on the relationship the kids have.” Soccer tryouts were held after school on Nov 26. and 27. 73 girls tried out, unlike last year, not many girls were cut. Head coach Gretchen Kloes said they’ve added 22 players that have never been in the soccer program before. This is due to their efforts to push for an extra team for the past few years. With two soccer class periods, they can increase the numbers. Not to mention, this years district will be challenging and will be “a fight every game.” Kloes said the lady panthers have a great group of athletes who are dedicated to each other and the team. “From top to bottom, there’s not a team that’s weak,” Kloes said.
Christina Pena | The Prowler INCREASING NUMBERS. Girls tryouts had 73 players on the field. 22 players were added in comparison to last season due to coaches efforts to add in a third team.
Last season it was the lady panthers first time to ever make it to playoffs. In order to make it happen again, the players have to be on top of their game, according to senior Victoria Rangel. “We just need to keep our-
selves positive and fight through the struggles in every game,” Rangel said. Season will start off at Willis when the lady panthers compete at their tri-scrimmage Jan. 2.