thePROWLER Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2018
www.TheProwler.net
Update on Layne Rodgers pg. 3
•
Vol. 22, Issue 1
Proudly serving Caney Creek since 1997
13470 FM 1845, Conroe, TX 77306
FOOTBALL, page 16
Sahvannah Evans: In Memoriam pg. 3 Dustin Gerke: In Memoriam pg. 3
INDEX 2 - Election 3 - Difficult Battles 4 - News 5 - Opinion 6 - Alumni Spotlight 7 - News 8 - Photos
9 - Photos 10 - Shoutouts 11 - Puzzles 12 - News 13 - Sports 14 - Sports 15 - Sports 16 - Sports
ELECTIONS
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New bond election likely to be called in early 2019 school, the district and campus will need to look at more facilities for sports teams, such as locker Contributing Reporters rooms and the weight rooms. “We already have classrooms Conroe ISD is ramping up that we’re not using right now plans to pursue another bond issue so we really don’t need more sometime next year, according to classrooms at this point,” Stichler discussion at a previous board said. “But, our athletic facilities meeting. are not up to par for schools in At a board meeting in August, 6A and for the size of teams that members discussed calling a bond would use those if we continue to election in late January. grow.” Melanie Bush, Conroe ISD The possible bond election Board President, said they will is a major game changer for the know more information in a little school because as the community over a month. is growing the “Regarding school will become when the bond even more crowded. election will Eventually the “Our athletic facilities happen,” Bush school will need to said. “I believe are not up to par for expand, and build it will be voted schools in 6A and for better facilities to fit on between late hte size of teams that the needs of the staff January and early and students. would use those if we February.” The school’s Before a bond continue to grow.” primary goal is to can officially be -- Jeff Stichler, principal upgrade the security, on the ballot in and improve the May, a committee sport teams facilities first will meet to when they become a decide what the 6A school. district needs and what will go CCHS’s safety system will most into the bond. The committee likely improve due to the bond will send that to the school board, election. The school is thinking which decides when the people about improving the security of are allowed to vote on it and doors leading outside to help stop finally voting takes place. any unwanted visitors. The bond referendum includes “Safety comes first,” Stichler the construction of new schools said. “Campus safety is always a and classrooms to support big thing that would be studied: student growth, improvements to How can we make our school aged buildings to sustain capacity, safer? If so, can we bring in some funding for programs and money to increase security on the facilities and upgrades to safety outside doors? Then we’ll do that. and security. The tax impact “You just have to look at how from the bond referendum is much it cost and what the benefit conservatively estimated to result is. If it gives us a tiny benefit and in no more than a one cent tax it cost a whole lot it’s probably not increase over the life of the bond. what we’re looking for.” Principal Dr. Jeff Stichler said A bond called in early 2019 that as the school continues to will likely take place during the grow and eventually become a 6A May 2019 general election.
ROBERTO GARCIA & ANNALI WARD
MID-TERMS 2018
Brady faces first Democratic challenger since 2012 election ASHTON RUSHING Contributing Reporter
The Congressional midterm elections are fast approaching for voters and politicians alike with Election Day on Nov. 6. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, is running in Texas’s 8th Congressional District, which he has held since 1997. Brady will face Steven David, his Democratic opponent, and Chris Duncan, the Libertarian candidate. Brady, who serves as the chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, wants to continue to work on tax reform. “The most important goal I have is to continue to work on tax reform so that Texas families keep more of their hard-earned paycheck,” Kevin Brady said. “It’s exciting to help change the culture in Washington - looking at the tax code every year and considering how we can help American companies stay BRADY competitive, so that they can continue to grow and hire more workers every year. Ensuring that there are jobs for students who are finishing their education is a top priority.” In his role on the Ways & Means Committee, the chief tax-writing organization for the country, Brady has previously sought to reduce the size of the income tax form and make tax-rate cuts as with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed in December 2017. “Several companies, such as Starbucks and McDonalds, reacted to the tax cuts they received by increasing tuition assistance for their employees,” Brady said. “We expanded 529 education savings accounts, making it easier for families to afford rising school costs, providing more flexibility and eliminating the need to save in separate accounts.” Education is also something Brady cares about. “Education legislation over the past few years has focused on giving authority to the local schools and parents, instead of letting bureaucrats in Washington design one-size-fits-all rules that just don’t work for every school, and I will continue to
support this effort.” Brady also believes in a military rebuild and to modernize military training to stop complications with training tactics and to stop injuries among soldiers in training. “There are now more military members harmed in training exercises due to old and faulty equipment, than there are in the battlefield,” Brady said. “Over the past two years, we have worked to fund the military so that they can properly train our soldiers, sailors, and airmen. We’ve also provided the highest pay-raise in over nine years. We live in an increasingly dangerous world, and we must continue to equip our military with everything they need to protect themselves and our shores.” David, who has a political science degree from Arizona State University, believes in making healthcare “affordable and accessible.” “I believe that America is an amazing country yet we have people choosing between food DAVID and healthcare, and families going bankrupt over exorbitant medical costs,” he said. David said student debt from college was a problem he would like to address if elected. “(I want to ensure) that college doesn’t saddle us with so much debt we can’t enter into the middle class after college, and not spiking the federal debt so that future generations don’t have quality government services,” David said. David said taxes should be handled with a public eye in mind. “I think that any decrease or increase in taxes needs to be a transparent process,” David said. “That includes public input as to what is gained or lost.” David also notes he’d like to “scrutinize and improve” welfare, medicaid and medicare, “but cutting these programs should be out of the question.” Brady said welfare reforms in the 1990s “drastically reduced” the number of people enrolled by requiring beneficiaries to work, volunteer or See ELECTION, page 7
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theNEWS
Rodgers goes through second round of cancer GEORGE JUAREZ Editor-in-Chief
Stephen Green | The Prowler POWERFUL ADVICE. Layne was listening to a public speaker at a Gathering and
Worship vigil organized by a family friend, Crystal LaCaze, on Aug. 29, 2018, at the Caney Creek High School baseball fields..
Most people consider a common cold annoying; a fever discomforting; or a broken bone crippling. Not everyone should be so lucky. Others fight diseases that aren’t as temporary and just as dangerous. Layne Rodgers, 17, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in September 2017. He wasn’t responsive to the first round of chemotherapy and his right leg was amputated in order to save his life. In the second round of a different chemotherapy treatment, he didn’t respond and had to undergo into two lung surgeries to remove tumors. Layne did not wish to be
interviewed for this story, but several of his relatives and friends did. In April 23, it was announced through the “Cancer, STAY OUT of our Layne” Facebook page that he was cancer free. Then it came back. During his two month scan on July 10, they revealed a relapse with 14 tumors in his lungs. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, bone cancer that has metastasized, or moved to other parts of the body, has a five-year survival rate of 15 to 30 percent. Logan Rodgers, Layne’s brother, said when the doctor told his family about the news, the room “was dead silent until you could hear the crying.” “Everything has changed,”
Logan said. “He’s not my same big brother anymore.” Senior Ashlynn Stanford, Layne’s cousin, said that medically, Layne is not at his best. “One of his lungs doesn’t have any activity and he coughs up blood sometimes, but physically he’s great,” Stanford said. “He still goes to places like he did before all of this, and he still has a great mindset with all that has been going on.” Last month, Caney Creek High School and Creighton Elementary hosted a blood drive and were dedicated to Layne. One of Layne’s closest friends, senior Colton Newsom, who donated blood, said he’s going to beat cancer again. See RODGERS, page 9
Former student Gerke remembered after fatal crash Evans remembered for
‘feisty but loving’ attitude
ANGIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, at least 3,720 people were killed on Texas roadways in 2017. Unfortunately, another number was added to the 2018 statistic. Former student Dustin Gerke died in a car crash that occured on June 9. Reports say he had been going at an unsafe speed limit, which caused the vehicle to lose control. Gerke and one other person were found in the vehicle off of FM 1484. The vehicle had driven off of the roadway, causing Gerke to overcorrect and flip over multiple times. Gerke was ponounced dead at the scene while his girlfriend was transported to the hospital in stable condition. After his passing, many students were deeply affected including one of his close friends senior Noah Miller. Miller said that Gerke’s passing is something
LITZY REYNOSO & JALAEI SHAW Contributing Reporter
Stephen Green | File Photo A LIFE OF EXCITEMENT. Dustin Gerke, pictured in this file photo from the pep rally before the New Caney vs. Caney Creek football game, was known for his fun personality and there being “no real dull moment,” according to his friend Noah Miller.
that was unexpected, especially because of how they were still in high school when it occurred. “With him being such a good friend, and being one of the only few people I trust makes it even more difficult,” Miller said. “He was the same person inside of the school as outside. He was fun,
outgoing, and plenty of jokes. “There was no real dull moment.” One of many other students impacted by Gerke’s death is Senior Skyla Ramnage. She was good friends with Gerke before See GERKE, page 9
When tragedy knocks at the door, it’s an emotional moment, especially when it impacts the most vulnerable of us. Junior Sahvannah Evans died in her sleep on Aug. 16 after a long bout with debilitating conditions. The 16-year-old fought cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture. Evans will be deeply missed by her peers and teachers. “It’s weird coming to class without seeing her anymore,” special education teacher Candice Tisdale said. “Unfortunately, she had a failure to thrive. She was quiet but she had a certain ‘cackle’ that would brighten up the room. She made you feel loved.”
Before turning one years old Evans had nine major surgeries, “to us she was strong.” her sister Devonna West said. “ She enjoyed playing patty cake,playing with her toys,listening to music and giving hugs.”
Submitted Photo
Sahvannah Evans, a student at Caney Creek, is pictured above. She battled cerebal palsy for 16 years dying this year.
theNEWS
PAGE 4
Admin adds 6 min. New AP, counselor hope to help all students to passing period, lunches shortened ANGIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor
GRACIE LANG
Contributing Reporter Returning students will notice some major changes to the bell schedule. An extra minute, shorter lunches and additional block days have all been put in place for this school year. The administration added a minute to each passing period this year to allow students to get to class and not be tardy. With the growing student population, Principal Dr. Jeff Stichler said this was something that would be beneficial to students. “Last year, a lot of students were not getting to class on time,” he said According to Associate Principal William Kelly, the number of tardies from Sept. 4-7 were 636, which was before the minute was added on Sept. 10. After the minute was added, the number of tardies decreased to 537 from Sept. 11-17. Fashion design teacher Kelley McCurry said the new schedule helps students going from one end of the building to the other. “I think the added minute is fair to the kids who come from the other side of the school,” she said. Algebra I teacher Susannah Gonzalez is in favor of the extra minute. “I like the added minute because less students are asking to go to the bathroom in my class, therefore they are going during the class change,” she said. Senior Rene Ortega likes the added minute because he gets to class on time. “I’m never tardy,” he said
Sophomore Ashton Rutland likes the added minute because she can go to the bathroom and not be tardy. “If I have to go to the bathroom I can actually go,” she said. Biology teacher Trisha Merchant thinks that the extra minute is beneficial to the students because it has made “a big difference in the number of kids that are tardy.” REDUCED LUNCH TIME In addition to the extra minute, administrators also shortened lunches and added more block days. Associate Principal Nancy Kahn said that in the past several years, it appeared that by the last five minutes of each lunch, most students were finished eating their lunch and were just sitting waiting for the bell to ring to go to class. Therefore, that extra time could be used as instructional time in the classroom which benefits student learning. “Students now have two to three more minutes a day in each of their classes, which adds up to at least 10 more minutes in each class per week; approximately 40 more minutes per month; 360 more minutes per school year, which totals to be more than seven more days of class time,” Kahn said. Administrators have watched the lines level out now that students have figured out which lines to go to and cafeteria personnel are thinking about adding another lunch line as well. Junior Kayla Robinson is not in favor of the shortened lunches. ”I hate it, after I get my food, I See BELLS, page 9
Even if you haven’t seen him one-on-one, you have definitely heard him. Everyone can hear new Assistant Principal Wohn Harden yell down the 3000 and 4000 hallways between classes, encouraging students to get to class on time. “One minute or less!” he shouts every day once the minute bell rings. Harden took over Dr. Donna Papadimitriou’s, former AP, position after she left to take a position at Kingwood High School at the beginning of this year. Harden said he has been looking forward to adding value to the “already great education” students have been getting. “I’m here to help make the school community better, and just to be a breath of fresh air for people every single day,” Harden said. “My goal is to, number one, make an impact on a teacher, on a kid, every single day.” Harden also plans to bolster the school atmosphere by being consistently excited and putting programs in place that will help every student, as well as making sure that when good things happen, they celebrate. “I think making people understand that it’s okay to celebrate (is important).” Harden said. “It’s OK to be happy; it’s OK to show that this school is rocking and rolling.” Harden led students in a battle cry during the homecoming community pep rally, culminating in him dancing in the middle of a group of students clapping in rhythm to his dancing. Ryan Rees, a former counselor, left to take a new counselor position at Montgomery Lake Creek High School at the end of last year. Joel Santa Maria filled that position and oversees students last names Gar-Jar. Santa Maria’s goal is to make himself available to his students and make sure that they are successful in and outside the classroom. “(I want to be) positive and trying to be the best positive role model that I can,” Santa Maria said. “I also want to offer my assistance to students who are needing any assistance (who) are facing different and many challenges during their daily lives. (I want to be) very supportive of them and watching over them and being on top of them and lending out a hand to every student that I can.” Santa-Maria’s office is located in the counselor’s center in room C107. Harden’s office is located in room 3205.
Aby Marroquin|The Prowler WOHN HARDEN. Harden took over Dr. Donna Papadimitriou’s, former AP, position after she left to take a position at Kingwood High School at the beginning of this year.
Aby Marroquin|The Prowler JOEL SANTA MARIA. Joel Santa Maria filled the position previously held by Ryan Rees, a former counselor, left to take a new counselor position at Montgomery Lake Creek High School at the end of last year.
/theprowlernewspaper @CCHSJournalism
PAGE 5 OUR VIEW
theOPINION
Safety improved at Caney Creek Safety is one of the most important standards at Caney Creek. Whether it’s the students, teachers or parents, we all agree that we need to guarantee some form of safety to us students. Principal Dr. Jeffrey Stichler has done a lot for us in terms of safety. He’s helped increase officers on campus, hired a hall monitor and the district has added AnonymousAlerts to all schools. Last year, there were only about two officers at our school on any given day. According to Stichler, there’s been an increase in officers but for safety reasons he cannot give an exact number. While we could have officers patrolling the hallways, to many of us it would not be an environment we could thrive in. “There are certains things hard with a school because it’s not a military base,” Stichler said, “It’s supposed to be open and inviting to kids.” So instead of officers we have the hall monitor Ronald Sanders. His main purpose is to monitor the halls to keep students in their right areas but also to help keep unwanted guests out.
He checks where we are suppose to be and if we are students are with lanyards and passes. Each hallway has a designated color, students have to wear the same color lanyard as the hallway they are in or they can get into trouble such as after school detention, write up, or ISS. Many students have complained about them, but most agree that they do their job. While the lanyards and hall monitor are new, there’s something else that’s old being highlighted now more than ever. While all these new ideas have been put into place and have created a safer environment for students and teachers alike, there is still more that the student body can do to keep us safe. Many things happen in our school that we see everyday, despite seeing the event we often don’t say anything. When we ask for safety we have to be able to keep ourselves safe by if we see something say something, AnonymousAlerts allows us to be able to say something. The AnonymousAlerts is an app you can download to anonymously send messages, whether its a school incident like, kids
smoking in the bathroom, or a home incident like abuse. The app lets you send your alert in many ways, a couple are, text messages, video or photos. This allows anyone to be able to send in alerts, because the app is for not just students; it’s for teachers, parents, a neighbor, this app is for the community. This year, speak up at school; our school becoming safer isn’t just because of administration, its because of students that spoke out about problems at our school. We all have to do our part to keep each other safe, are you?
HAVE OPINIONS? 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.
COLUMN
Rising anxiety in teens partly on shoulders of parents Anxiety is on the rise in teens and it’s adults fault. It’s not from lack of caring or because they purposely hurt us. It’s because they protect us too much. Growing up means getting hurt and learning from it. Whether it is a, restricting our information or letting us stay home when we “don’t feel good”. Adults are meant to guide us, they help us learn things and give us the information to choose our own options. But recently that’s not been the case, we often get pampered by our parents with them protecting us from death, uncomfortable emotions and fear. We aren’t told it’s OK to be upset, that happy is what we need to be, but that often makes us unable to work through things. We feel stressed by sad emotions because we aren’t supposed to be sad in our minds.
When we are prevented from experiencing and working through our own obstacles we start to believe that everything that makes us RaganLewis uncomfortable and Opinions Editor anxious is to be feared. That there is something truly dangerous about these things. That’s why when faced with even somewhat difficult things we panic, we haven’t learned yet to make decisions to help ourselves and hinders us in the long run. Our parents don’t want us to experience failure when failure is the building block of success. When we are tired, mopey, and want
to stay home, we need to be pushed to be at school, or work or anywhere else. Because we’re able to stay home, we can attempt to hide from failure. We try to hide from things that give us anxiety, that give us fear. We need to face things head on that we fear, like tests, talking, even playing an instrument. Being someone that suffers from anxiety, it is difficult sometimes to even write a story, but its important for me to put myself out there to realize that this isn’t something to be afraid of. Talk to your parents, because most will never know anything is wrong until we say something. Anxiety is a major problem and it is parents fault, but if we communicate we can start to solve this rising problem.
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, Makinley Simmons, 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
theAlumni
PAGE 6
Alumna turns book into career
OMAR PEREZ & ALEXIUS ROCHA Contributing Reporters
Most people don’t like reading, but a single book can inspire a lifetime career choice. That’s what happened to Tabitha Walsh, who graduated from Caney Creek High School in 2003. Walsh attended Texas State University in San Marcos where she earned a degree on Public Relations. She has chaired and worked for healthcare, municipalities and large scale organizations. She said she never realized what public relations was until one day she picked up a career book from the library and got inspired. “When I began reading the section of public relation,” Walsh said. “I liked the concept of promoting good will about a company through their relationship with public, It’s less about glamorous advertisement and more about strong, relevant conversations.” Public relations is an industry designed to market and promote the good side of companies and lead crisis management. “My favorite example of public relations is a campaign from the ‘father of public
relations,’ Edward Bernays,” Walsh said. “In 1928, the American Tobacco Company was selling plenty of cigarettes to men, but they wanted to double their market share, and that meant convincing women to smoke as well.” Teachers of Caney Creek challenged her to fully understand her position on complicated ideas, issues and circumstances. “This better equipped me to trust my personal intuition and instincts in situations outside of school,” Walsh said. “This confidence provided me with solid footing. When I attended college and I began my career, I knew other people in the room would always be smarter than me. But, trusting my gut allowed me to be more confident in sharing me ideas.” An English teacher changed the course of her life with exposure to thoughtful books and films. The class read two books that impacted the class - “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Hero with a Thousand Faces”. They also watched “Cool Hand Luke.” “It taught me about how rules and authority can be game in themselves,” Walsh said. “My favorite line is ‘Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand.’ That often
Submitted Photo PASSION FOR CAREER. Tabitha Walsh, a Caney Creek alumna, speaks to the media as a representative for her company. She entered the public relations field after reading a book in the school library.
reminds me when I’m presenting to a large group or people I feel know more than me.” Walsh lettered in theater, which helped her in her public relations career and went on to participate at the college level. She joined social organizations like the baseball booster club. “Being able to confidently articulate
thoughts in front boards or large crowd is mandatory for PR professional,” Walsh said. “Step out of your comfort zone and speak during class presentation, take speech and debate, audition for a play. “Even if you don’t get cast in the play, sometimes the audition process is where you test yourself the most.”
Alumnus Likens takes to the spotlight with film career JAZILYN MURRAY & ALEXIS LUTZ Contributing Reporters
Not everyone gets to live their dream,but successful alumni Taylor Likens does. Likens graduated from Caney Creek in 2010 and attended Sam Houston State University where he studied film psychology and English. Likens writes and directs short films. Caney Creek is where Likens first got to play around with a camera and got introduced to video editing. Likens was in KPAN for several years, which was taught at the time by former assistant principal Ashley Wallace. Likens filmed three movies “Sin Jar” “A-point” and “Home” Wallace and other teachers at Caney Creek helped motivate Likens to keep moving forward and never give up . Likens
also met his wife Emily there and she is also one of the main reasons Likens keeps moving forward in his career today. “The film I think is the most successful was my first major one - a horror short called ‘Sin Jar,’” The project was way too ambitious. However, that also made it the best learning opportunity you could ever ask for.” Likens had many struggles to face. When Likens wanted to start seriously filming he had no money, and no equipment for many years. Likens also dealt with depression and social anxiety like many teens do now. Likens pushed through his challenges by pushing his limits of comfort and taking risks. “My first time directing was so terrible, I nearly vomited and did a terrible job,” Likens said. “That’s kinda what first times
are for though. If you’re lucky your first time will be so terrible that it’s nothing but uphill from there.” Likens said a general word of advice would start with the premise that “20 to 30 percent of your life will already be gone.” “Don’t waste the rest trying to be comfortable,” Likens said. “Do stuff that scares you - not stuff that hurts you, but things that might be intimidating. “If you aren’t at least a little bit frightened, then you’re not moving forward. Don’t do drugs, don’t drop out, and don’t have kids before you’re 20. So on and so forth.”
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File Photo BEHIND THE CAMERA. Taylor Likens in his
graduation photo. Likens since went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University and pursue film direction.
PAGE 7
Conroe ISD Board Election Q&A ASHTON RUSHING Contributing Reporter
Conroe Independent School District board elections, like the congressional midterms, will take place Nov. 6. Positions one, two and three are up for election. Below is a Q&A of candidates that responded to The Prowler’s questionnaire. Kathleen Harmatuk-Swisher, Position 1 1. Why are you running for school board? As a Licensed Professional Counselor and former school counselor, I have always had a passion for kids. To serve on the school board is a way for me to give back to my community, which I have been a part of since 1994. At this point in my career, I feel I have the time to commit to continuing to make CISD a great place for students, teachers, and staff. 2. Are there any policies you want to change? CISD has exemplary schools. Our Superintendent and current school board have done a great job in dealing with our ever-expanding district while keeping our district fiscally sound. If there is an area for improvement, I believe students need enhanced positive and safe learning environments to prepare them well for college or the workforce. This can happen, if our
community, businesses, parents, teachers, students commit to working together in a nonpartisan way to influence our students to become all that they can be. We are better together. 3. Do you want to change anything in funding, if so what? As I mentioned, the district has done a great job of keeping the district fiscally sound. From what I’ve learned (having never served on a school board before) the District utilizes a demographer from Texas A&M, along with a District Planning Committee to review the needs of each and every feeder zone. Planning for our future growth and maintaining our current resources is always a good move. 4. Do you have any goals in place if you are elected? My goal would be to continue the vision that the district has regarding fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers, and the vision for quality education for all CISD students. I desire to provide leadership that brings all the key constituents (students, teachers, parents, counselors, administrators, and businesses) working together to make the best decisions that serve all CISD students. 5. Why do you think you should be elected? My education, experience, and See BOARD, page 9
From ELECTION receive job-training. “I believe we need to build on those efforts,” he said. “... Medicare is headed towards bankruptcy, so the Ways and Means Committee which I lead is looking for ways to protect these benefits for current recipients and save this important program for future generations. This is going to take a serious, bipartisan effort.” David would also like to provide an increase in funding to education programs, and stop separations of children from their parents at the border, as well as performing “background and domestic assault checks on every person that wants to own a gun.” Voter registration ended Oct. 9. The general election day will take place Nov. 6.
theNEWS
Leo Marban | The Prowler OPENING DOORS. Junior Jimena Carrizales works with students at a book fair at Creighton Elementary on Thursday, Sept. 20.
Key Club resurrected
ANGIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor
Caney Creek High School can add one more club to its ever-growing list of student extracurricular opportunities: Key Club. This international club is built on the foundation of helping others and getting community service. They have four core values: leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness. Members’ objectives are to interact with school principals and teachers to help them aim towards gaining good communication skills, according to the organization’s website. President George Juarez plans on making the club well-known by organizing many events and opportunities, as well as making their members feel welcome. “I want to hit the ground running this year because it’s my last year in high school,” Juarez said. “I want this to be the best year of Key Club as well.” Spanish teacher Elsa Victoria and Testing Coordinator Angie Archie both sponsor the Key Club. Juarez said he’s already starting to make connections beyond the school’s walls. “Right now I’m emailing and talking to event coordinators around the City of Conroe,” Juarez said. “I’m also talking to the principals of our feeder
schools to have that bond between high school and feeder schools.” Vice President Nansi Rodriguez said they are trying to plan more events and recruit members by spreading the word during class and over social media. “We want to make it more than a club; we want to be like a family,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t want them in there just for the hours, but we wanna get to know them and make them feel welcome and like they belong somewhere.” This is not the first year of Key Club though. During the first few years that the school opened Key Club had many people including past sponsor and current world history teacher Karen Solberg. Solberg’s favorite parts about Key Club were watching the students gain leadership skills and being able to interact with adults in many different occasions. “I was a new teacher and eager to connect with students in an extracurricular capacity,” Solberg said. “The Kiwanis Club (the adult version of the club) sent a couple representatives to our school to discuss chartering a club at Caney Creek. I don’t remember how I ended up talking to them, but another teacher and I wound up being the sponsors.” The next Key Club meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 7 in the LGI. For more information, contact Juarez, Victoria or Archie.
thePhotos
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Christina Pena | The Prowler
Drone Photo Courtesy of Moorhead Junior High
Dovey Garcia | The Prowler Stephen Green| The Prowler
Christina Pena | The Prowler
Leo Marban| The Prowler
Dalton Artherholt | The Prowler
PAGE 9 From BELLS I have like three minutes to eat,” she said. Rutland is also not a fan of the shortened lunches. “The lines take forever and I never have time to eat,” she said. Kahn said administrators are looking into adding another
From BOARD love for children give me a unique position for this role. I have been on the inside and outside, as an educator (school counselor) and then as a parent. Currently running a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor provides additional insight to what CISD and students need now and as challenges arise. Dale Iman, Position 1 1. Why are you running for school board? I have 3 primary objectives: 1) Giving every student a chance at success. This is accomplished through offering students preparation for career, vocational, and/or college success. 2) Giving the taxpayer a voice in increasing "in classroom" dollars. 3) Working to ensure schools offer a safe learning environment. 2.Are there any policies you want to change? Yes, I would like to see a greater
lunch line to speed up students getting their lunches. Other students, like freshman Cadence Rehbein, are fine with it. “I think it’s fine I finish all of my lunch and I still get to socialize with my friends,” she said. “I mean it does help that I pack my lunch.” percent of taxpayer dollars going into student educational improvement and classroom expenditures. 3.Do you want to change anything on funding if so what? Yes, the rapid growth of tax money spent on programs, administration salaries/ benefits, staff, "extra" spending, outside teacher and classroom expenditures must be curtailed. 4.Do you have any goals in place if you are elected ? Yes, as answered above 1) more student success opportunities, 2) efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars, 3) a safe learning environment. 5.Why do you think you should be elected?My educational and business background give me a unique perspective on finance and budgeting. I have started multiple businesses and successfully built them, managed them, and sold some. Schools have problems, I am able to offer solutions.
theNEWS
Stephen Green | The Prowler LIFTING IN PRAYER. Layne Rodgers, his mother and grandmother stood on the pitchers mound at the Caney Creek High School baseball field Aug. 29 after he was diagnosed with another bout of cancer.
From RODGERS “Most people I’ve talked to say he is going to make it,” Newsom said. “There’s still a positive attitude about it.” In September, the community held a rally in his honor at the baseball field where his pastor spoke and led prayer to get him through the diagnosis. Another sang gospel songs as his supporters surrounded him, his mother and grandmother on
From GERKE the accident occured. “I definitely look out when i’m driving now and take in more into consideration,” Ramnage said. “We miss him everyday, we just can’t change it.” As well as impacting many students, some of his past teachers were affected as well. One of these teachers is English teacher Nicole Brodie. Brodie was fond of the way Gerke acted in class. He often seemed to be the ‘class clown’ and lightened
the pitcher’s mound. In an emotional moment, everyone gathered around Layne in a giant mass and put their hands toward him and toward the sky in prayer. More recently, Layne traveled to Alaska as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Others, like his brother Logan, picture a bleak an end to the struggle. He said, “(It’s) an end where I’m left being the only child.” everyone’s mood by telling jokes and uplifting them. “My heart breaks for his friends, and as a mother myself I can’t imagine what his family is going through,” Brodie said. “As a senior class sponsor I want to do things for the senior class, and whenever we do important things I want to make sure that we remember Dustin.” “He was a part of our class and he always will be.” Gerke’s vigil was held June 13. Gerke’s family also hosted a birthday party for him and his twin sister Cheyenne Gerke last Saturday.
Price of yearbooks and senior ads going up! Don’t be left paying more for your high school Yearbooks on sale for: memories. Get them now while they’re cheaper! $60 until Oct. 25 Email Mr. Green at smgreen@conroeisd.net for yearbook or ad information, or visit www.balfour.com.
theSHOUTOUTS
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14 student’s art pieces to be hanged in CISD building
Art students went to compete at a district event last May. A committee selected to exhibit approximately 350 pieces of art from over 1000 submitted. The submissions were from grades K-12 and from all CISD campuses. Submissions included sculptures and drawings. 14 students from Caney Creek High School will have their art piece hanged. These student’s art pieces include: Cara Jahn, Aracely Pesina, Emily McDonald, Sierra Taylor, Serena Delgado, David Pinedo, Enrique Lozano, Jonathan Morales, Vanessa Diaz, Lee Diaz, Ashlee Broussard, Angelica Urena, Rosy Solis, Amaya Lee. Their art pieces will be professionally hanged at CISD’s building for one year.
@CaneyCreekHS | Twitter CERTIFIED. National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) is a national accredited training agency. Certification in this program gives students the upper hand in a construction career. They also earn credit hours towards trade schools that offer NCCER curriculum. Several inspections of the construiction lab had to take place to ensure all the safety and equipment needed to run the program. Construction intructor Ignacio Sauceda said, “The students were very excited that we completed this process. Some of them helped me quite a bit staying after school to help get the lab ready and setup the right way. Most of them graduated last year but were very excited when I told them that we finally got our accreditation.” Sauceda, and Mr. John Krueger, welding teacher, and representatives from NCCER pose for a picture with the certification sign.
Submitted Photos SCULPTURES, MASTERPIECES. Only three students out of 14 will have their pieces in display at the CISD building. Above: junior
Lee Diaz; and below: Vanessa Diaz, left, and Emily McDonald, right.
Stephen Green | The Prowler PANTHER ROYALTY. Seniors Cody Fay and Nansi Rodriguez stand beside each
other after being coronated as the homecoming king and queen.
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thePUZZLES
RIDDLE ME THIS Joey walks into the local Home Depot and asks the associate for help with pricing a few objects.The associate says one costs $2, nine costs $2, twenty-seven costs $4, one hundred four costs $6, and two thousand and seventeen costs $8. What was Joey asking prices of? 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
ALUMNI DIA DE LOS MUERTOS HALL SUBDIVISION TREATMENT ADMINISTRATION CANDLES ELECTION
VOLUNTEER MUSIC ART FOOTBALL HOMECOMING ISS CAT MILES VOLLEYBALL
CISD COUNSELOR APPS LEADERSHIP DOCTOR HEALTH PUBLIC RELATIONS
theNEWS ISS no longer ‘a hangout’ for students PAGE 12
GRACIE LANG Contributing Reporter
ISS just got a lot more strict. Instead of sitting, listening to music, playing on your phone, a slew of new rules and new teacher were put in place to make ISS a less enjoyable place to be, including community service. Principal Dr. Jeff Stichler said community service is optional. Students can either participate or sit in the assistant principal’s office and write an essay about why doing community service is important.
“I think it’s a good life lesson,” Stichler said. Sophomore Shelby Champagne likes how ISS was last year. “The teacher was pretty chill,” Champagne said. Assistant Principal Kathy Franklin thinks that ISS this year has improved greatly. “It has more structure and disciplinary placement,” she said. “When students are doing community service they are just helping out it’s a random act of kindness. It’s not official community service like if you needed it for a club it wouldn’t count.
They are helping their school be a better place.” Sophomore Tori McCall said that she was OK with ISS how it was but thinks it’s better this year. “I think it was fair last year but, this year it’s better because fewer people are getting in trouble but worse for the kids who do get in trouble,” McCall said. Students not liking the new system is exactly the point, according to ISS teacher Caryl Defrancesco. “Last year, ISS was a hangout place and not much productivity,” she said. “I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the
teachers and I don’t think that kids would want to go back. A lot of them don’t like it.” According to Assistant Principal Brian Lovetinsky, hall monitor Ronald Sanders or Defrancesco watches the students while they are doing their community service. Rules are posted in the room so students know what is expected; they have lockers for their belongings; and if the students don’t have any demerits, they are allowed their phone back the last 30 minutes of class. ”They will be good so they can get their phone back,” Stichler said. “Now there is a point to be good.”
Hall monitor getting more students to class Idleness killed the CCAT TREVIN SIMONS & JOSEPH FLOYD Contributing Reporters
It will be harder for students to skip or sneak out of class after administration created a new hall monitor position. Principal Dr. Jeff Stichler hired Ronald Sanders, a former Navy chief, for the new position to catch the students who do not have a pass or who are skipping class. Stichler said the change is already showing some benefits. “We always have people in the hall during passing periods, but when the bell rings, every teacher has something to do,” he said. “They have to go back to their office, so we hired a hall monitor to look for kids being out of area at that time.” Stichler said they have “ran some numbers” from last year and the first couple weeks of this year.
“It looks better, kids are getting to class more,” he said, adding that kids are not skipping as much and the ones that are, are getting caught. Sanders said that kids are putting in more effort to get to class on time. “I think the biggest thing that has changed is the kids always have their passes on in the halls and its filled out right,” Sanders said. “I have been working in the military my whole life and working with young people. A reason I wanted to be a hall monitor is so I can give a chance to share some stuff I learned in the military and empower the students to make the right decisions.” Junior Brett Bonjour said it was a good addition to the school. “I think kids will get to class on time more,” Bonjour said. “I do not mind him that much “I am never really out of class so I barely see him anyway.”
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! www.Balfour.com Caney Creek School Webstore Visit Mrs. Greenmyer in the Main OFfice
Study hall period nixed after being underused by students for work BETHANY BARNES & JULEA HENTHORN Contributing Reporters
The recently removed Caney Creek Academic Time class might make a comeback in a few years. When the STAAR test was first initiated, students all around the state were failing left and right, according to Principal Dr. Jeffrey Stichler. To solve the problem, the administration created Caney Creek Academic Time, a 30-minute class period, which was fitted into every student’s schedule at our campus. Administration removed CCAT for this school year. CCAT’s purpose faded and students benefited from it less and less, according to Stichler. “CCAT class was kind of like a shirt you wear a lot,” Sitchler said. “After a while, you will get bored of the shirt and put it away, but after a few months you see it again after it hiding deep in your closet. Then decide to start wearing it again.”
Junior Mckenzie Ochoa said students took the class as a free period to sleep and talk rather than work on homework or other assignment. “A lot of people didn’t do their work and messed around the whole time,” Ochoa said. She said the whole thing just became a mess and most wouldn’t actually take the time and use the advantage of the benifit the class was giving them to fix their mistakes and become better. Ending in a downhill spiral until it was finally removed. Since it was removed they have used the time dedicated to CCAT class into instructional minutes for all of the class throughout the day. Once CCAT was removed, teachers got more instruction time. Science teacher Nichole Huse said CCAT sounded like a good idea in theory, but still had its faults. “In practice it didn’t work the way it was supposed to,” Huse said. “It wasn’t a graded class, so kids didn’t really pay attention.” Athletes and students in advanced academic classes or clubs tended to use the class time wisest according to many students and teachers, as the extra responsibility required more time to prepare.
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theSPORTS
New faces on the sideline YAMILETH MALDONADO Sports Editor
Caney Creek High School has six new faces standing in the sidelines. Those new faces are those of the coaches : Dustin Simpson as assistant football and baseball coach, Jomar Cauley as powerlifting’s head coach and a football assistant coach, Jason Banes as assistant football and soccer coach, Courtney Taylor as assistant coach for softball and volleyball, and Joshua Culp as head coach for softball.
Dustin Simpson Coach Dustin Simpson previously coached and taught for four years in Anderson High School, Magnolia West High School and Teague High School. At a young age, Simpson grew up with a passion of sports ultimately driving him to decide to coach football and baseball. “Playing sports at a young age, being around it watching game with my dad, grandpas, uncle, friends all contributed to me having an interest at a young age,” Simpson said.
SIMPSON
By helping achieve their goals Simpson wants to to assist athletes to get better. Simpson wants to be a motivational coach and built the self-esteem in the young men he is coaching and teach them to “fight through adversity.” Simpson is trying to get better at perfecting the art of coaching and form motivating players. He’s helping athletes become mentally and physically tough by putting them in the right position. Simpson thinks putting away individual wants and desires will have athletes be committed and “believe that they are part of a family through the positive and negatives.” Simpson teaches world history and world geography outside of athletics.
Jomar Cauley This would be Jomar Cauleys first year teaching and coaching in the high school level. He previously coached football and track in Peet Junior High school for the past four years. Cauleys aspirations are to build and establish trust with his defensive linemen and powerlifters, add value through his personal experiences to the staff and grow
CAULEY
personally within his new coaching roles and academic content. “(I hope) to improve as a coach,” Cauley said it takes many of the same attributes to improve as a player.” Cauley said love is the most important aspect of a championship team. “If you love a person more than you love yourself, for them you will find that you are capable of more than you ever imagined,” he said. “Once you tap onto that power, as a team you can be unstoppable.” Cauley plans on being dedicated, patient, hardworking and steadily increase his knowledge of the game so he can “lead these young men and women to success.” In addition to coaching, Cauley also teaches health.
Jason Banes
decide to coach football and soccer. Banes would like to develop young players by making sure the student athletes work on their basics and learn to become committed to their respective team. “I’m definitely trying to bring motivation and passion to the teams I am coaching,” Banes said. “I would like students and athletes to grow into young men and women.” Banes believes a championship team plays for each other, having responsibility and trust between one another to be the traits to help them get the job done. “When one player raises their level of competition on a team like that the rest of the team follows,” Jason Banes said. Banes also teaches world geography.
Courtney Taylor
Coach Jason Banes previously coached and taught high school track and soccer at Mount Carmel High school since the spring of 2006 and also coached at Moorhead Junior High school for four years. Banes said “The love for each one of those sports” drove him to
BANES
This will be coach Courtney Taylor’s first year coaching softball and volleyball and teaching. “I want to show that love of volleyball in to the younger players and in to younger generations,” Taylor said. “I think coaching softball would be a good challenge and something differ-
TAYLOR
ent.” Taylor’s goal for the season is to teach her players about having the right mindset as to be a growing and successful athlete. “Players will never grow as individuals or athletes if they do not have the mindset of pushing themselves to be better than everyone,” Taylor said “This is not something that players automatically have its something they learn.” When Taylor is coaching, she tries to have obtainable goals that her players can reach, she said. They start with the basics and once that goal is reached a slightly tougher goal is given. “I keep giving the team harder goals until they are the best team possible,” Taylor said Taylor said the most important aspect of a championship team was the players mindset “The players have to have the correct mindset and enough discipline to push themselves to be the best possible player,” Taylor said. “If the players do not have the right mindset, they will never push themselves.” Outside of coaching, Taylor is a support facilitator. See COACHES, page 14
CULP
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Stephen Green & Leo Marban | The Prowler PANTHER CHANT. Associate Principal Wohn Harden, new assitant principal at Caney Creek High School, stands on top of a table and chants with students “Panthers” while recording. At right, students were hyped up for the first community pep rally.
Community hosts first ever Homecoming Parade YESICA CORTEZ-RODRIGUEZ & EMILY OSORIO Contributing Reporters
The East Montgomery County community came together to put on the first-ever homecoming parade on Oct. 3. Caney Creek held an outdoor pep rally and parade at the football stadium on campus. Clubs, sports and feeder zone schools created floats or walked around the track in order to bring together the community. After the parade, the homecoming pep-rally started, and it consisted on a joint performance of cheerleaders and Starlettes.
“It was really neat seeing the drill team and cheerleaders perform together for the first time,” Associate Principal William Kelly said. “I thought it made it really special.” Grangerland Intermediate, Creighton Elementary and Moorehead Junior High’s student council and junior honor society all joined the parade as well “They were so excited to participate and i think that was really good for our high school kids to see that they are a role model,” Student Council sponsor Tracy Underwood said. “Whether you think so or not you have smaller people looking up to you and you have a chance to inspire them and that’s pretty great.”
From COACHES Joshua Culp Coach Joshua Culp has been coaching for 10 years and took over the softball coaching job this year. He has previously coached as head baseball coach at Eisenhower High School for seven years. He’s also been an athletic director and head football coach last year in Sanderson, Texas. “I’ve always been involved in sports,” he said. “Once I got out of college and stopped playing pro ball overseas, I had to find something to do and I wanted it to be something I enjoyed.” Culp’s personal goal is to get his foot in the door and receive his Ph.D. He finished getting his masters
Sports teams from wore their jerseys and walked around, included football, boys basketball, dance, swim, volleyball, girls basketball, girls soccer, boys soccer, baseball and softball. Reaction to the event was mixed, but overall positive. “It was a success,” senior and eventual Homecoming Queen Nansi Rodriguez said. “I liked how they worked together to show their creativity and hard work. It was a great experience.” Freshman Julie Mendoza said “it could’ve been better, but I understand it was Caney Creek’s first time.” The clubs and organizations that partic-
degree this past school year. His seasonal goal for softball is to be able to go and compete and get the maximum out of the athletes. Culp plans to use his past experiences from coaching these past 10 years and playing baseball into softball. Even though there are differences between the two sports, he says a lot of it carries over. “Hopefully my dedication and drive will help influence the girls to give it all they can in the field,” he said Culp says the most important aspect of a championship team is discipline athletes that do the right things without having to be watched over. “As long as we are getting the max out, i think we are going to be successful at the end of the year,” Culp said.
ipate were the senior class, Student Council, yearbook, theater, interact, debate, Key Club, color guard, Leo Club, class officers, JROTC, choir and National English Honor Society. Alumni from Caney Creek went to spectate and sat there cheering for their previous teams and organization. Alumna Emily Carrizales said it was a great experience. “I got to see Caney Creek once again,” Carrizales said. At the conclusion of the event, Assistant Principal Wohn Harden took a massive group photo before jumping in the middle of students chanting “Panthers! Panthers!” before the chanting individual classes.
WANT TO WRITE FOR THE PROWLER? Become a member of The Prowler newspaper staff! Talk to Mr. Green in Room 3110 or 3112, or speak with a staff member about how to be a reporter on everything that happens at the Creek!
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theSPORTS
Strong teams, few players leaves uphill climb for Creek football EMILY ALFARO & JACKIE BAHENA contributing Reporters
The football team has faced an uphill climb this year. According to head football coach Steven Svendsen, each game the team could have won but the size of the team has been problematic. “We don’t have a lot of depth on our offensive and defensive line,” Svendsen said. “There’s not enough people to back up other players” Defense linebacker Chris Garcia said the offensive and defensive line are inexperienced and need to be trained. “I try to make sure everyone is in the same page, and help if they are Kiley Neely | The Prowler confused,” Garcia said. FEELS SO GOOD. Spencer Brandon celebrates after a touchdown in the Although the lack of depth has had football game against Pro Vision Academy. The game was one of only two an effect on the team they have been the Panthers walked away victorious this year.
competitive and gotten better every game, according to several players. “I’m doing everything I can and I’m trying to get all my teammates together,” senior Julian Hernandez said. Garcia said the coaches are doing better than last year by talking to each one of them and telling them what needs to be fixed. The football team has competed against a tougher district this year. Svendsen said despite that, the 2-1 start of the season had been the “Best start they’ve had since 2008.” With a record of 2-3, with wins against Lake Creek and Pro Vision Academy (both non-district games), and losses against Vidor and College Station, Tomball and Magnolia West High schools. The talent Caney Creek faces this year on the field is no joke. The new
district alignment touts district and state champions. College Station won the state championship last year against Aledo. Magnolia and Magnolia West are both district champions in the last two years. Huntsville won the district title along with Magnolia West last year. Lufkin is coming off a year of a regional playoff berth. CCHS played Willis away Friday, but the score was not available by press time. Halfway through season and four games left, their goal is to get to a level where they can get 500 or above. “In order to get 500, we have to find three more wins somewhere,” Svendsen said. The football team will face Waller at home this Friday at Moorhead Stadium.
Volleyball fails to make playoffs for second, consecutive year MARIO RANGEL & BROOK’LYNNE TAYLOR Contributing Reporters
The Panther volleyball team had a struggling season and as of press time the district record is 3-9 and the overall is 7-10. The team, comprised of almost all seniors, have been unsuccessful in repeating a playoff appearance two years ago. Even so, the volleyball program is working hard and trying to improve, according to captain Blakely Niles. “It was just a struggle at first, but as we go on I think it gets a little better,” Niles said. The volleyball team had its
moments, like beating Conroe 3-2 on the road during preseason for the first time ever. Niles said the team felt great after the win and that it was a good start. “We kind of battled between,” Niles said. “We kind of played a little down. But it felt really good to get the first win of the season.” Head Coach Stephenson has high expectations for Niles and the rest of her eight seniors playing in the varsity team, whether it’s inside or outside the court. “I expect them to lead,” Stephenson said. “Show the rest of the girls in the program what it means to be a varsity athlete.” With a lot of seniors leaving,
the underclassmen on the team have to step up and fill the vacant spots, according to sophomore Marissa Hanson. “I expect the JV girls to pull up and be motivated to go back and play the next season knowing we have a lot of spots to fill.” Chemistry between the volleyball girls is stronger this year than past years, according to junior varsity captain Itzela Darkenwald. “We have some rough days, but in the end we’re all there for eachother and support one another” Darkenwald said. The team completed its last game on Friday, but scores were not available as of press time.
Stephanie Galick | The Prowler BLOCK. Varsity captain Blakely Niles blocks the volleyball from hitting the floor on the
Panther’s side of the net. The volleyball ended their season last week.
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Darkenwald finishes season as top Panther runner GEORGE JUAREZ Editor-in-chief
Sophomore Itzela Darkenwald advanced to the regional meet in cross country as Caney Creek’s top runner for the season after placing seventh at the district meet. The regional meet was held yesterday and results were not available by press time. “I felt a sense of joy take over my whole body,” Darkenwald said. “I knew all of those hard days at practice and the long hours of dedication put into Cross Country had finally payed off and I had met my goal.” Darkenwald came in eleventh place last year in the district meet, one place away from qualifying to regionals. “Now that I made it, I no longer feel mad about that eleventh place,” she said. “I saw it as a reason for myself to push harder everyday in practice so I’d never be in that situation again.”
The cross country team attended the Spring Preview, Klein Oak Invitational, Huntsville meet, Oak Ridge meet, Liberty meet, Huffman meet and competed Thursday, Oct. 11 at the UIL District meet. In the Spring Preview, both Darkenwald and sophomore Montserrat Ramos made it to top 10 and medaled at the varsity level. Freshman Jazmin Salazar and junior Yamileth Maldonado were medalists in the junior varsity level. “Before the race, when (the team is) nervous, we huddle up in a circle and I say a prayer for them,” Darkenwald said. “If they’re still nervous, I just remind them that the faster you run, the faster you get done.” In the Liberty Meet, the varsity girls were the first-place team out of 10 schools. Darkenwald (1), Montserrat (4) and junior Karla Ramos (7) all medaled. In addition, senior Katherine Lopez (14) and Salazar (23) had strong finishes. Varsity boys were
Fall tennis ends season in loss to Cougars at district meet YAMILETH MALDONADO Sports Editor
The fall tennis team finished their season with a record of 3-3 and a district performance of 1-3 . The players finished fourth in zone and competed against the Tomball Cougars who placed second in zone, during district on Oct.3. The team lost all matches 10-0. The Tomball players won the minimal amount of games that was needed to win, so the Caney Creek players did not continue on playing in the tournament . “We got beat by a really good team,” head coach David Hardy said. “They had competed against a 6A school, who had a lot more kids and a much bigger program.” The tennis team, competed against Splendora, Porter, Crosby, and lost against Kingwood Park, Grand Oaks and New Caney. The best game the athletes participated in and had a great performance was playing
against the Porter Spartans. “It was do or die for playoffs,” junior Alehem Cornejo said. “(It was the ) last game of the season and we had to go out with a bang. I would always keep repeating in my mind, ‘Good, I scored’ and if not, ‘It’s not over; so finish it.’” Last year the tennis program had many freshman competing in varsity. According to Hardy, those now sophomores have been “the nucleus of the team” while those and many of the other athletes attended practices and had the self motivation along with the desire to work and get better on their consistency on skills. “As a group we all have our own set of skills needed to win against out opponents,” junior Anna Cox said. “That’s what makes us uniquely different.” Many of the athletes had the common goal of trying to win as many of the games they took part in during the fall season and now being able to be as successful as they can for spring season. Spring tennis begins in late January, and the athletes are “ready to taste gold.”
placed seventh out of 13 teams. Sophomore Luis Morales (1) finished with a time of 18:16 and sophomore Cody HemphillToddy finished with a time of 18:18. “Se siente increíble porqué cada carrera voy bajando mi tiempo para ganar buen lugar en las carreras,” Morales said. “ (Translation: It feels incredible because every race my time goes down and I place better at every race.) In the Huffman Meet, the varsity girls placed third overall with Darkenwald (3), Karla (11) and Montserrat (12) leading the Panthers. The top finisher for the varsity boys was Hemphill-Toddy (28), who competed against 152 runners. “We’re actually doing way better than last year,” Montserrat Ramos said. “We’ve been trying really hard, training, practicing, coming every morning. (There is) no break for us.” The team works out everyday from Monday through Friday after school. This
is head coach Anna Carroll’s first year directing the cross country team. She said the team goes by a weekly schedule to help set their pace. “The week normally begins with longer distances, and then slowly I cut back the distance as we approach upcoming meets,” Carroll said. “We trade distance for faster pace workouts the closer we get to district.” The overall purpose of the cross country program is to maximize each runner’s potential, according to Carroll. “In order to be a great runner, you have to be able to fight through that little voice that tells you that you cannot go farther or harder,” Carroll said. “If you have a strong and determined mindset, then your legs will have no option than to do what they are told to do.” If Darkenwald advanced out of regionals, the state meet will be Saturday, Nov. 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.