Beyond the Sport by LASA Ezine

d n o y e B The t r o Sp Ezin e Fal

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| Beyond the sport

Wh at’s inside? Ruin the Game: pg. 6-9 Elevate Your Game: pg. 10-11 Cricket: pg. 12-15 A King’s Fire: pg. 16-17 Taking the Field: pg. 18-21 Shooting for Success: pg. 22-25 The Fencing World: pg. 26-27 Getting the Extra Edge: pg. 28-31

A Hit Around the World: pg. 32-33 Modern Fencing: pg. 34-37 6 Uncommon Sports: pg. 38-39 Power vs. Consistency: pg. 40-41 4 | Beyond the sport

Meet the Aut h o r s

As a group of six athletically involved students, we wanted to write a magazine that would reach many people and help to provide information about sports to people that are interested. We feature a variety of sports and hope that readers find something that they are interested in or would benefit them. Showcasing more than what the public sees, we look Beyond the Sport to give readers a behind the scenes look. Sophie

Jeffrey

Has played softball since the age of six , playing for the Texas Blaze and runs track for the high school track team.

Has played basketball since seventh grade and runs track for the school team.

R i le y

Josh

Fences for the Texas Fencing Academy, he also coaches younger fencers and teaches them the ways of fencing.

Has played baseball since he was six and plays today for Tier 1 baseball.

Clara

Watches Cricket and analyses player technique and strategy

Maxine

Has played soccer since she was 8; she has played for the YMCA, and the Kealing Girls Soccer team.

Beyond the sport | 5

RUIN The

GAME The man that changed the game of basketball forever By: Jeffrey Li

Stephen Curry as he poses in his uniform. He has been playing for the Golden State Warriors for many years. Photo by Mark Medino

6 | Beyond the sport

A man has completely ruined the game of basketball. He has changed the way people think about basketball, and the game will forever be different. Basketball has not always been the way it is today. Back in 1946, the NBA had just started. The game was different: for one, the hoops were peach baskets instead of the roped net we see today. The rules were different to now when Cody Rush, a high school basketball player has played. “Back in the day, it was a lot of tough basketball. Today’s game has changed to the point where players can just have more protection [with the implications of new rules],” Rush said.

Stephen Curry has been playing in the NBA, Also known as the National Basketball Association, for over 10 years. He was born in North Carolina, Charlotte where his dad had played for the Charlotte Hornets, and where his interest in basketball began. His early experience in basketball as a child had carried onto his later career when he went to the league. Curry is well known for what he’s done, but he is also well known for his personality off court. Not only is he a father of three, he also does many charity events and fundraisers.

court is what defines you as a player. “The way that he handles himself off court. He’s a great family. He’s never done a single thing wrong in his life regarding family. I just feel like he’s a perfect guy to look up to, especially for a young kid that may be raised up in the wrong neighborhood. I feel like nowadays he’s such a good person to look up to in regards to family and social life and all that I just think that he’s just a

The logo of the NBA. This symbol is known across the world .Photo By NBA

Rush has an intriguing opinion on Curry’s impact on the court.

The game of basketball in the 1900s was seen as messy, and it didn’t seem like there were many rules. Although this was how basketball was played, many people still liked watching players go against each other.

“[He is] a once in a generation type player and the way that he approaches the game of basketball won’t be seen for a long time. He’s revolutionizing the game for a lot of younger kids that aspire to be professional league,” said Rush.

Basketball was a relatively small sport at the time, and not many people knew about it. There was one man, Stephen Curry, that completely changed the game of basketball. When he stepped into the league, he showed everyone how basketball is more than a game.

Basketball is supposed to be rough, and it is thought that the meanest team wins. Curry showed everyone that it could be played in a different way. He isn’t aggressive towards others, but rather strategic. You could be the best in the game, but how you handle yourself off the

Beyond the sport | 7

Stephen Curry as he shoots. He is playing against the Portland Trail Blazzers Photo By Nathan Beighle

great man overall,” Rush said. Many people realize that they need to be good off the court, and they start to act like someone they aren’t. Curry has been a good person contributing to many charities for over a decade. He is real with his fans, and people look for these values on a player. “He just made me think how much you may be affected by religion because I used to never pray but before every game now I’m just praying to make sure that everything goes well and that we come out with a win... he just motivated me to play and it has been like that ever since,” Rush said. Curry’s inspirational spirit has spread the culture of basketball across the whole world. Even 8 | Beyond the sport

for Josh Leong who started basketball at an older age, Curry was one of his first inspirations. “I used to watch those montage type of videos of Steph Curry hitting crazy shots and that just made me want to hit more shots... so it just honestly made me work harder,” Leong said. Curry’s impact on the NBA is shown across the web and social media. Many young players watch Curry play and they become motivated to be more like him. Although these opinions side with the good side of Curry, some may disagree and believe that Curry is negatively impacting the game of basketball. “First of all, I just like to say that I don’t think he deserves

all the hate that he gets. He’s calm and collected, and the game of basketball where you can’t really be into your head too much and the way that he goes to every game I guess you would call it, is something that is not traditional, and I feel like many if other players would follow the pattern, there would be a lot of good people,” Rush said. Curry has been seen as a good person in general, which is exactly what the NBA and what his fans are looking for. In 2018, he was paid $400 million. This proves that the NBA likes what Curry is doing. Curry came into the game and started lighting other teams on fire when he shot so accurately from such far distances. Everyone saw the flow of

Curry’s game and instantly fell in love with it. High school basketball was affected by this with many players going outside the comfort zone of shooting closer. Daniel Wang has studied basketball for many years, and he also knows a lot about the details that may be lost. “I think Curry has a positive effect [on basketball] because he’s showing kids that you can also be good at a sport and not have to [be naturally talented]... he’s not tall compared to most people, so you don’t have to be tall to be good at basketball,” Wang said. High school basketball is a long way away from the NBA. High school basketball is more raw, and many players don’t understand what the NBA will be like for them. In basketball, you could score two points if

Stephen Curry with his daughter. Curry is a real family man, and he loves taking pictures with them. Photo: Michael Buckner

you shoot closer to the basket, but Curry shoots from further at a line called the three point line. The line was introduced way before Curry’s time, but it was never utilized as much as it is now. “Yeah, it’s the same thing, high school kids are shooting more threes,” Leong said.

Curry is not genetically gifted like most NBA players. He is on the shorter end of the spectrum, and he is also not the strongest player. This inspires many players because of the lack of a certain attribute such as strength. It just shows the hard work Curry puts into the sport, and the way he approaches the game has completely ruined the game.

Stephen Curry as he does his signature celebration. Everyone in Oakland has come to see him. Photo By Tim Kawakami

Beyond the sport | 9

Elevate Your Game The Best baseball and softball Gear to enhance your level of play By: Sophie Sun

A Glove for all Wilson A2000

The Wilson A2000 is a high quality, glove that is good for all-around infield and outfield use on the field. With this glove, you will get the most bang for your buck.

$260

Laser Focus Oakley Radar EV Oakley sunglasses come with a hefty price tag but they are specially engineered for the baseball/softball player to make the ball pop out at you.

$196 10 | Beyond the sport

Batting your Best Easton Ghost The Easton Ghost has been worked on by many designers to create a bat to help hitters get the maximum bang out of their swings.

$350

Cleats for Faster Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam Velo V1 Metal Cleat

$89

These cleats are recommended by many people as they mold to your feet over time and have extra padding to ensure you always feel comfortable on the field.

Beyond the sport | 11

How Cricket Impacts Youth in Communities

Players from the Hill Country Cricket Association cool down in the shade after a game. Photo by: Hill Country Cricket Association

The deafening cheer from the crowd propels your limbs forward. It’s as if you’re not thinking, trapped in a foreign body, unaware of your actions. The cheers, echoes of your name bouncing off the onlookers and lodging themselves into your ears. These actions, repeated until engraved into your brain, have all become muscle memory: walk onto the field, hold the bat in your hand 12 | Beyond the sport

and smile at the faceless people. As you tune out the crowd, you set one foot into position and then the next, peering at the ball approaching closer and closer, finally, you’re ready to regain control of your body. Cricket has been a popular sport since the mid 1800s so it is not surprising that it is currently being played all around the world. The question

of positive development in children due to physical activities has been argued and fought over by many scientists. The overall conclusion is that sports impact children more than just physically, they help children with overall emotional reactions to situations presented to them. As all sports positively impact development, coaches to the sport of cricket have seen major improvements in their

students. Cricket originated in England and has since spread to every continent. As the popularity of cricket increases, the amount of places that play cricket also increase. In Austin, Texas there are many cricket organizations that host classes with experienced coaches and dedicated students. Throughout all these cricket academies, the coaches focus on not only teaching techniques but also ensuring that students develop important life skills. Raghav Shankar, the head cricket coach at My Sports Movement, located in Austin, believes in coaching with a goal in mind. “You want to make the game as fun as possible, [which] applies to any sport … all extracurriculars are about making kids want to learn.” Shankar said, “As a coach you want to make [learning] as fun as possible.” He has been coaching for many years and has seen positive improvement in all his students. “There are lots of occasions where [the players] do not just do well at the game, but they grow...and learn what the game has to teach them,” Shankar said. “We teach them not just the game but life skills as well so they actually grow as people.”

goal of any sport: winning over the opposing team. Cricket, like other sports, teach children the life skills such as learning to accept losses. Santosh Shetty from the Hill Country Cricket Association has been coaching youth, intermediate and advanced players for many years. “It’s a very mind centric game which tends to really teach them the concept of focusing.” Shetty said. “When focusing is related to rewards, the goal tends to mess with the focus.” He believes in a modest coaching, with limited rewards. The coaching methods between coaches tend to vary. “I’ve learned to focus less on technique,” Shetty said, “and focus more on generating interest in the initial age group.” With the positive development in children that the game of cricket results in, the overall community tends to primarily develop a more accepting behavior. Herman Thakkar, the founder of the Hill Country Cricket Association, has noticed changes in communities

Cricket is a complex sport comprised of eleven players who must Young player getting ready to work together in bat the cricket ball. order to gain points to Photo by Santosh Shetty accomplish the overall

due to this sport. All coaches have different teaching methods but they all agree on popularizing cricket in schools. “If you look at the viewership, cricket is probably number one, after soccer, watched around the world. If you can get this at the youth level here in the United States, that’s going to create more diversity,” Shetty said, “you have different ethnicity that follow the game and because of this cricket brings communities together.” Schools in the U.S tend to focus on sports such as football and soccer while neglecting other sports such as cricket. “I believe cricket should be more popular in schools. [since] it is popular all around the world.” Shetty said, “Cricket is an activity with official coaches in lots of places such as Asia, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and countries in Africa.” Beyond the sport | 13

With the widespread popularity of cricket, many coaches are surprised that the sport is not popular in the U.S. “In America, I don’t see cricket played that much in schools.” Shetty said. With the addition of cricket in schools, a whole new community would be created with diverse players and mindsets. Sports create a strong bond between the population of places. “[Cricket] is a big part of our culture, and of

everyone’s lives. If there’s a game on TV... no one misses it. On all weekends, you would watch the games, Shankar said. “So cricket was a big part of my culture growing up as it was with all other kids... and with the next generation as well.” But with the 14 | Beyond the sport

small cricket community in the United States, the amount of coaches available to teach children cricket has become a problem. “One problematic aspect of working with such a big age group of kids is there is a very limited amount of coaches.” Shetty said, “We don’t have many coaches available, so eventually the coaches that are teaching the children will never have days off since there are no substitutes teachers.” If cricket were to become more popular in all areas, there would be no problem of limited coaches. Eventually children develop competitive behaviors while playing the sport. “I saw with [my students] that when we started teaching them, the first few weeks they’re just trying to understand the game and don’t generally socialize.” Shetty said, “But over a period of time, when they get good at catching the ball, and throwing the ball, they begin to engage. Once they’re there, I’ve noticed

that they start to compete with themselves when they’re catching. They kind of measure it too, and then it engages them, they want to come and play, and then the children start socializing.” The socialization between players is important to overpass common stereotypes imposed onto individuals. “The game itself is different, cricket has a diversity that other sports don’t have. Thakkar said, “With more youth involved, it would increase [the] diversity of the already diverse [cricket] population.” There have been many communities which have grown over time due to the diversity in people’s activities. There is a strong connection between positive development in children and overall mindset from communities. When the children are engaged in any physical activity, regardless of the sport, they learn to look over the certain differences between them, their teammates and their opponents. “Everyone is willing to overlook previous mindsets for their passions.” Thakkar said.

Whether it be ethnicity, race or social status, the children will learn to stop viewing individuals with strict labels and stereotypes. Shetty, Shankar and Thakkar all In a competition, young student finishes a success- agree that cricket positively influences ful bat. Photo by: Hill Counchildren.

try Cricket Association

Youth players practicing batting in field area thing. Beyond the sport | 15

A Kings Fight

Who is the king of basketball? Made By: Jeffrey Li

The comparisons have been made throughout their professional careers, but who is the best?

ABOUT

Kevin Durant is a rising NBA star that won two Finals MVP's, most valuable player, in the years 2016-2018. He is being compared to Lebron and has even been predicted to be better.

KEVINDURANT 2 Rings 2 MVP'S

Durant is a special player because he will do anything for his team. During the 2019 Finals, he played for his team even though he was injured. This resulted in him injuring himself again.

26 PPG 5.9 APG 6.4 RPG Age: 31

16 | Beyond the sport

LEBRON JAMES 27 PPG 4 MVP'S

8.3 APG 8.5 RPG 3 Rings Age: 34

ABOUT

Lebron has been a star since he was a teen. He is continuing to make his case for being to greatest of all time. Lebron's stats have proved that he is still the king.

Throughout Lebron's career, he has carried his teams to victory. This has earned him the name "The King". He is only 34 so his career is far from over, and he will continue to improve his game. Information Provided by ESPN, Los Angeles Times, and USA TODAY

Beyond the sport | 17

Taking the Field When life throws you curveballs, hit home runs S oph i e Sun

Kelly Barnhill pitching for the University of Florida, controlling the game with her rise ball. Barnhill recently graduated and is now pitching for the Chicago Bandits professional softball team. Photo provided by Kelly Barnhill.

Its May of 2019. You’re on the mound, everyone’s eyes are on you. You prepare yourself for the next pitch, focusing immensely on the task at hand. To strike out the best batters in the nation. This isn’t the time for an error or a wild pitch. Your fans expect only the best. The other team hopes for your failure. You’ve trained almost four years for this moment and tensions are high. Kelly Barnhill was in this exact situation a mere five months ago. When you compete at such a high level, you not only train your body, you train your mind. Softball as a sport has evolved and the players and technology have evolved with it. “You just have to stay in the moment and you can’t let things get too big. That’s when the pressure starts,” Barnhill said. Kelly Barnhill was a softball all-American athlete and brought the

the Sport sport 18| Beyond | Beyond the

University of Florida’s softball program to a new and higher level, shutting out hundreds of batters and leading the team to many championships. She now plays professionally for the Chicago Bandits and hopes to participate in the Olympics for Team USA.

together in the tournament.” As a young kid, something about softball

Like most successful softball athletes, Barnhill worked almost every day to be a better person, athlete and student. This work eventually paid off, as she committed to the University of Florida her senior year in high school.

“[Countries] don’t want to build a venue for softball. They don’t want to compete in something that doesn’t matter to them,” Barnhill said. “For L.A. 2028. That’s a whole different story. And I could see getting put it back in there.” The SEC annual softball tournament is one of the most important events for colleges and the dream for every team is to be the champions. For the University of Florida, it was a reality, but it doesn’t come without hard work. “It’s always a really amazing moment when you get to celebrate with your team after a big game like that. I was just so happy and proud of what we had accomplished during the tournament,” Barnhill said. “We hadn’t been our best through a lot of the SEC regular season but things started to come

“I ended up just looking at it realistically, I’m better at softball and I enjoy softball more, so that’s what I’d probably go to college to play,” Barnhill said.

Once committed to the University of Florida, Barnhill’s practices became more structured. The thought process at a division one college is that the athletes are there because they are already good. was appealing to Kelly Barnhill, as it is for many younger girls today. She played softball, volleyball and soccer just like any other kid, but soon realized that her talent was in softball. To her, soccer was too much running and she enjoyed softball more than volleyball so she stuck with her passion, softball.

“The whole philosophy they have is you’re good, that’s why you’re here, so we just want to do things to keep you at your best and improve upon what you already have,” Barnhill said, “We’re not reinventing your technique here.” This philosophy stays with athletes for as long as they play the sport. What keeps Beyond the sport | 19

Mo n USA ica A b her softb bott o n a u rece niqu ll, dom the m e pi n t l tch inatin ound Oly y re i f m pro pic t cruited ng styl g hitte or e vid ed b am in to pla e. Abb rs with ot y t y Fl oSo he 202 for th t was ftba 0 O e US lym ll. A pics . Ph oto

them there is not the practices or the coaches, it’s the passion for the sport that motivates them. The hardest part for most athletes is accepting that they are no longer the best in the game. “You realize everyone was the best where they came from, that’s why they’re playing at this level,” Barnhill said. “You’re facing the best player on whatever travel team you played in high

school, every single at-bat. I think it comes to the point where you’ve got to accept that you’re going to fail, but that’s not the failure that defines you as to how you react to the failure.” Monica Abbott, a University of Tennessee softball alumna, Team USA player, and current Olympic recruit, feels the same way. Abbott, a dominating pitcher has more experience, as she graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2007. After being asked to compete at the Summer Olympics in 2020, she has been working to train her body to be at her best in the time of the competition. Another main part of preparing for tough competition is training your mind and mindset.

“[In games] you have to think, what does it JB Slimp, founder and manager of the Texas Blaze take for you to be Fastpitch Softball organization. Coach Slimp has been

20 | Beyond the sport

involved with the game since 1997 and started the organization in 2003. Photo provided by JB Slimp.

successful, what pitches do you feel most comfortable in what situations, and what is working for you that day,” Barnhill said. While she made the team because of her existing skills, her passion shines through with her working hard, even though she is working to inspire young girls daily. The Olympics are where the world’s best athletes gather in one city to showcase their skills, many of which have been worked on since they were young children. When there are this many skilled athletes competing against each other, it makes for a very entertaining show. In this scenario, the whole world is watching. So how do players get to play at this high of a level? One of the many resources available to help players are fastpitch softball organizations like the Texas Blaze Fastpitch Club. The main goals of these

organizations are to prepare high-level athletes for the next level. College. These fastpitch organizations are present all over the country with the same goal of setting the athletes up with the best skills to be successful in college. JB Slimp, founder and manager of the Texas Blaze started the organization with the goal of letting kids have fun and evolving to also setting kids up to be successful once they graduate high school. “We basically have two different

““Academics

are just as important as your talent, they’re looking for students, not just athletes.”- JB Slimp programs running,” Slimp said. “You have a younger youth program that is focused on development and love and passion for the game. And then you have an older part of the program, which is focused on development, competition, exposure to college coaches, and the recruiting component.” Organizations like these are all around the USA and are designed to be a learning place where players can be on good teams where they can develop and refine not only their skill in their sport but to help them become team players. “Our goal is to create something in the Austin area that is a catalyst for helping kids play softball at a high level in

college,” Slimp said. These organizations are most well known for having high level athletes, but they also focus on making sure the athletes know how important it is to have other extracurriculars and to keep their academics in check. Softball is most popular in the U.S., but it is slowly being integrated into European countries as well. Italy is a good example of this. While before they wouldn’t have given a second thought into making leagues and studying the sport, it has become immensely popular, with teams and organizations popping up all over Italy and the EU.

it simplifies the ability for an athlete to learn more about their swing on their own without the need of somebody being there who’s either a professional or really understands, it helps simplify that for the hitters so that they can understand things on their own,” Slimp said. The Blaze program uses the Blast sensors all throughout age levels to help athletes get a sense of how they can manipulate their swing. These sensors have become so popular that many high-level Division one colleges use them as a recruiting aid and to help their athletes improve their swings. This technology all comes from more popularity and interest

new

One of the reasons for the seemingly instant popularity growth of the sport is due to the new technology that is available. SEC and ESPN have broadcast college and professional Jes softball games sic b almost weekly, and all a Me at t team ndoz when a kid sees he a bal swing , E SP something that they l. P N i hot ng fo repo find inspiring, they want op r th rte rov r to do the same as the “cool” ide e fenc ,, on d person they saw on TV. by e as the U Flo s S Sof he lo A so in tba oks ftll Some examples of this softball. As it up technology are sensors like is broadcast, more Blast. The blast measures and more people will metrics during an athlete’s become interested and it will swing and helps them to see continue evolving with more what they can improve and people watching and playing the what they can change about sport. People like the founders their swing to make it the best of Blast, work to further that it can be. improve the level of play and invent more technology to help “As it relates to softball, you athletes be the best that they take a technology like Blast, can. Beyond the sport | 21

Megan Rapinoe (right) and Alex Morgan (left) pose for fans after Rapinoe scored another goal in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She scored six goals in total. Photo provided by Francisco Seco

Shooting for Equality The fight for justice within U.S.A. soccer

By Maxine Fraser 22 | Beyond the sport

The streets of New York City are filled with cheers from fans painted with stripes of red, white, and blue. They gather around a tall raised platform, on which is a podium, surrounded by chairs. A woman approaches the podium and addresses the crowd. She introduces a man, who stands behind her and smiles at the audience of cheering fans. He nods at the woman and takes his place at the microphone. His name is Carlos Cordeiro and he is the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. When he starts to speak, his words are drowned by the excited chants from the crowd. They are chanting “equal pay!” over and over, while waving hand-made signs wildly towards him.

That was the day of the celebratory tickertape parade for the United States Women’s National Soccer Team’s win of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Thousands of soccer fans poured into New York to see their favorite players and to hear them speak. Underlying the festivities, however, the mood of visitors and team members alike was somber and defiant.

but the total in prize money for all participating teams stand at $30 million for women and $400 million for men. The $400 million prize is expected to rise to $440 million by 2022 for the Men’s World Cup in Qatar .

For most people, the issue of equal pay was well known, but it was not at the top of their minds at the time.

However, for Texas House Representative Gina Hinojosa, this topic has been one of the main issues she has been pursuing for years.

“ If you want my opinion, “I used to practice this kind of law,” Hinojosa the women's soccer ladies said when asked about need to be paid equal. equal pay for employees in general. “It was what I did They are just as for a living before I was a House member.” deserving. She worked at a law firm “ that helped employees Though much was said to congratulate and celebrate their win, team captain Megan Rapinoe made it clear that equal pay was what they would be fighting for from that point forward.

who were treated poorly because of their race, gender, and/or disability. Hinojosa worked with people who agreed with her views on equal pay, but not everyone feels the same way.

Before the end of the FIFA World Cup, the United States Women’s Team had sued the FIFA organization for paying the winning women’s team substantially less than the winning men’s team. The total prize money for the winning team was doubled in the women’s tournament in hope of lessening that gap,

Megan Rapinoe (second left) celebrates with her teammates Kelley O’Hara (left), Christen Press (second right) and Sam Mewis (right). Photo provided by Noah K. Murray

Beyond the sport | 23

A young girl lines up a kick towards the goal. Photo provided by Lonestar Soccer

Since the Women’s Soccer Team made their lawsuit against FIFA, fans nationwide have been in complete support of the motion. However, there are opinions that differ extremely. Even some players on the United States Men’s National Team have stated that the Women’s National Team’s competition is not at the same level as the mens,’ and the teams’ salaries should reflect that. The Men’s National Team have never won a World Cup and the players previously mentioned suggest that this is also because of the unevenness in the level of difficulty at the competitions.

Buck Baccus is the president of the Lone Star Soccer Club that trains both girls and boys in soccer with the aim to allow for them to reach national level in competition. He has a different theory on the pay

24 | Beyond the sport

gap. “The United States has sports fans that attend men’s matches more often than they attend women's matches and they're willing to pay more for tickets, advertisers, sponsors and things like that pay more for the men's game than they do for the women's game. And as a result, men make more,” Baccus said. “I wish it wasn't true, but that is an environment for profit.” His statement is backed by evidence. At the 2018 Men’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, there were over three million people who watched live in the stadiums. At the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, there were 1.1 million people total that watched live in the stadiums.

Alex Morgan smiles at teammates and fans after a successful play Photo provided by Bob Kupbens

There is also a wide range between the two groups ticket prices. For the 2018 Russia World Cup, category one tickets cost almost 550 U.S. dollars, while the top range tickets sold for 1,100 U.S. dollars. However, in the most expensive ticket package for the Women’s World Cup in France was 280 dollars. When asked if she understood the some of the reasonings behind withholding equal pay from

women’s soccer, Keri Jaworski, who coaches girls’ soccer at Kealing Middle School, gave insight on her opinion. “That's just the

nature of the game. However, I think we need to find a sort of meeting point. I think if you want my opinion, the women's soccer ladies need to be paid equal. They are just as deserving.” Jaworski said. Jaworski went on to bring to light another interesting point. “Then you remember Carly Lloyd, do doing that [kick] for the football team, remember?” She is referencing a time earlier this year. Carli Lloyd, who is a forward for the United States National Women’s Team, made a 55-yard field goal while on a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles training session. Afterward, several NFL teams made offers for her to kick at pre-season games. She declined, due to a lack of preparation, but the idea of a pioneer for gender equality in sports was appealing to many people. This brings forward another question of whether girls and boys are both given an equal playing field on the subject of fair coaching and teaching

“

Simple. Treat girls equally. It boggles my mind that we don’t.

“We absolutely put equal time and effort into the women's soccer, into men's soccer and our programs,” Baccus said. “The United States [is] pretty widely dispersed and we're one of the clubs that has both the women's and men's program. I will tell you, as a national trend, there are fewer young women entering the game of soccer and athletics that's trended at a national level and we've seen that. We tried very hard. We have a number of young adult women who came through our system, played for us and went off to college, played college, some of them went on to play pro and came back to coach for us.” When Baccus was asked what he would say if he could have the chance to say anything to FIFA or the U.S. Soccer Federation, he responded with an air of confidence.

Megan Rapinoe posed in her signature celebration. Photo Provided By Time Magazine

“Simple. Treat girls equally. It boggles my mind that we that we don't. It really does.” Baccus said. As the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team gains more and more success and popularity, it is very likely that Baccus’s demand, as well as the demands of thousands upon thousands of fans across the country, might come true.

“ methods. Buck Baccus gave insight on how Lonestar handles both groups in their league.

Gina Hinojosa Photo provided by Chelsea O’ Hara

Beyond the sport | 25

The FENCINGWORLD By: Riley Parker

Have you ever wanted to now what countries are the best in the sport called Fencing? Well, here is a brief explanation of which countries are the in the top 3 of the modern fencing sport.

Quick Fencing Facts:

The tip of a fencing weapon in motion is the second fastest sport equipment part in all of sports. The modern sport of fencing allowed female events since its introduction in 1924 at the Paris Olympics.

The U.S.A.

The U.S.A. main weapon in fencing is the Epee. Epee was the first of the three weapons to become electric. In America, it has both male and female participants. It is the only weapon that has target on the entire body.

26 | Beyond the sport

Ita we tie Ol

South Korea

The main weapon in South Korea is the sabre. Sabre is the fastest fencing weapon, having matches that can finish in under two minutes. It originates from the calvary sword, which was usually used on horseback. Because of this, the target in sabre is the waist up excluding the wrist and fingers. In Korea, it is the main weapon that is practiced in the country.

taly

alyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main weapon is foil. Foil is the training weapon for the other two weapons, combining the speed and agility of Sabre and the control and paence of Epee. In Italy, it is the weapon that most Italian people fence in the lympics. Its target is only the front and back of the chest.

Beyond the sport | 27

Getting The

Extra Edge

Having The Best Baseball Equipment Can Make All The Difference By Josh Sylliaasen

Atlanta, Georgia Braves left fielder Nick Markakis dives for a tough fly ball during a Major League Baseball game wearing his polarized sunglasses. While playing in the outfield the players mostly have to catch balls in the air while looking at the sun, but some players use polarized sunglasses that block sun rays to help them better see the ball.

Image By: The Murcury News

28 | Beyond the sport

The tension in the air is unbearable. The players senses are heightened as the pitcher winds up to throw the ball. All they feel is the blazing sun and the suspense building to see what is going to happen. There is a ding from the bat, and all the players move subconsciously as muscle memory takes them to where they need to be for the play. While playing baseball a person wants every extra advantage they can get in order to hit the ball a little farther or ensure they make that amazing fielding play. Even though technique plays a major role in someone’s performance, having a good bat can mean either hitting the ball over the fence or missing by a

few feet. Many parents spend hundreds of dollars a year to buy their kid top rated baseball bats and gloves. As a player, trusting your equipment to work like it’s supposed to, can give someone the confidence to dive for a fly ball or make a play they wouldn’t normally attempt. Having the newest top rated baseball equipment can help a player stand out from their peers, and give them a bright future in the sport. Most high school players don’t have the money to constantly buy new products that are created every year, most get the essentials needed for the sport and use those for as long as they last.

“I have the ones you need to play the sport in general. A bat, helmet, cleats, but I don’t have any of the extra stuff that costs a lot of money,” Murphy Canning said, an Austin High baseball player. Even though a large amount of players can’t afford to supply themselves constantly with products like the popular Easton Ghost X bat or a new A2000 glove, it doesn’t sway their opinion that they hope to get one someday. However, there is also the case of new trending products that don’t actually make a difference. “Probably like if I thought they were worth buying , but some of them not so much,” Canning said. “I bought [a specially designed band] that goes across your arm, I bought it and it just didn’t work”. So there is also the fear that you will be spending a lot of money for something that won’t work or make a difference. Travis Tores is the owner of a baseball equipment store called Baseball Express, which is a well known for its wide variety of products to choose from. “There is no proof that having better products makes you a better player, but having better products can increase the results of your playing,” Tores said. Even the people selling the products know that you can’t judge that it’s the product someone uses that makes them a good player because of the many factors are a part of being a good player. “Over the years, different Beyond the sport | 29

brands have become more and less popular,” Tores said. “A few years ago Marucci had the most popular bat, but recently Easton products have been the most popular.” Brand popularity is constantly changing which makes it difficult to tell if a company’s product is going to work well or be trending before it has been rated. So many players choose to buy an older product when they need one because when purchasing baseball equipment you want something that is reliable and a reasonable price. Another thing that plays a huge role in how well someone plays, is their own preferences to what type of bat or glove they prefer. “I got a Ghost X and it was a waste of $250,” Canning said. 30 | Beyond the sport

Getting a trending bat doesn’t help someone if they don’t like how it feels when they swing, if it is too heavy, or if they just can’t hit well with it. “Our most popular brand for hitting is Easton, and for gloves our most popular gloves are the A2000 or A2K,” Tores said. Most baseball players are aware that Easton has been a top trending company with the Ghost X and the A2000 glove that has been popular for quite a while. “Although over the years, different brands have become more and less popular,” Tores said. “A few years ago Marucci had the most popular bat, but recently Easton products have been the most popular.”

Baseball player Doug Bernier shows how to properly catch a ground ball wearing an A2000 glove. The A2000 glove is made with high quality leather and can be used in both the infield and outfield making it a good glove for people who play many different positions.

Photo By Ed Wolfstein

These experiences prove that no company or product will be trending forever, so you can remember that if you don’t get some equipment to help improve you playing that year, there will always be another product that will be portrayed as the best in the next. Even so, baseball equipment is more than just what you use to play in the games. “Our top training equipment is probably wiffle balls because they are cheap and a good way to practice hitting,” Tores said. Even what you use to practice can make a difference based on how much you improve over time. Having good equipment to practice with has almost a much of a role a what you use in games because they are both greatly contributing to how

Mike Trout watching his first home run of the season fly over the fence in Fenway park against the Boston Red Sox.

Image By: Michael Dwyer

One of Easton's top rated bats the Ghost X

Adidas baseball cleat 2019 model

Image By: Baseball Express

Image By: Gorilla Bats

good of a player you are all around.

Harris is a visual trainer who has helped countless numbers of Major League players improve their vision, so they can either out perform their opponents or just keep up with the younger competitors. “Most of the top players in baseball have very good eyesight,” Ryan Harris said. “When they were learning baseball, their eyesight gave them that slight advantage to be better than all the others”. “Baseball is such a complex sport that you can’t rely on one thing in your gameplay to be perfect and expect to be better than everyone else,” Harris said.

So the equipment you use doesn’t greatly affect your results, but it can make those small differences that mean either winning or losing the game. Seeing that a certain company’s equipment is trending greatly influences what players are going to buy. The Easton Ghost X was first released at over three hundred dollars, but most stores were constantly sold out because it was the new thing that was supposed to make people hit better. The A2000 glove, is trending because of its quality, and how you can use it in the infield and outfield. Unlike the Ghost X which is popular because it is new, looks cool, and supposedly helps players hit home runs. Trending baseball products

are a nice thing to have, but when it comes to excelling in the sport, someone is better off sticking with what works best for them. Even if that may be a product that went out of style recently or many years ago. Another thing to remember is that players see the best results when they put in the hard work for getting better at the sport with good equipment, not when they just spend the cash to look cooler.

Beyond the sport |31

A Hit Around The World How this inspiration sport advanced And spread throughout the continents.

By: Clara Portier

. . . . The first documented reference of cricket was dated January 7, 1597. The game originated in south-east England where it was mainly played by children but eventually adopted as an adult game. The game was originally played on an open field with a ball made of matted wool, a stick used as a bat, and a tree stump used as a wicket.

16th Century 32 | Beyond the sport

Cricket became an adult sport at the beginning of the 17th century. During the English Civil War, cricket was a popular game for soldiers to play. In the middle of the 17th century village cricket had developed but country cricket was yet to be created. Cricket spread to North America via colonization.

17th Century

During the begining of the 18th century, cricket became a significant gambling sport. National games were played and covered by the press. At the time the press mainly focused on betting rates rather than the game itself. After the Civil War ended, the new government banned these â&#x20AC;&#x153;unlawful assembliesâ&#x20AC;? resulting in a decrease in the popularity of cricket. Even with this ban country teams formed and cricket spread to the West Indies, India, Australia, and South Africa. During this time the official Laws of Cricket were developed.

18th Century

.. .

The growth of cricket was influenced by the development of the railroad. This increased the amount of games played and lead to international cricket. A team of professional cricket players from Australia set off to North America for the first ever overseas competition. Later, Nation Championships were held throughout many countries and each had their own “national cup”

19th Century

.. . During this century there was a major overall growth in the amount of cricket players. The Imperial Cricket Conference was founded which has the ability to grand different nations ‘Test Status’. To participate in Test Cricket, the highest level of cricket games, nations need to be granted test status. The nations with test status in the 20th century are England, Australia, South America, West Indies, New Zealand, India, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh. During this century, World Series Cricket begins.

20th Century

. . .

Graphic designed by: Clara Portier

In the 21st century Ireland and Afghanistan are granted test status. Many unofficial cricket leagues became official and international games continue. How do you think the future will bring new advancements to cricket?

21st Century Beyond the sport |33

Modern Fencing How sword fighting became a national sport By: Riley Parker Two fencers fencing at the Olympics. This fencing match was to get into the finals of the women’s sabre event. Image by: olympicfencing.com

For many people, the idea of legally stabbing someone strikes fear in their minds, but not for all. In the actual world, it is a very inclusive family sport that is practiced across the world. Modern fencing started in the 18th century, in Europe and in America. In the 1896 Olympics, it was on the Olympic stage. Fencer and parent of two, Emmanuel Jean, explains how this way of life started back with her husband, and how that got them back into the sport. “My kids started because of my husband getting back into fencing in France 2010,” Jean said. 34 | Beyond the sport

For the past seven years, Jean has been making the trip from Westlake to northeast Austin for fencing practice, which lasts about two hours, four nights a week. This past fencing season, Jean started her own competitive track to reach the 2020 Summer Nationals held in July. For Jean, fencing has always been a sport that has been very inclusive leading many to make friends in it. “It’s good for everyone, good discipline, and it makes the mind and the body work at the same time,” Jean said. Fencing has been a very expensive

sport, most equipment starting at around 60 dollars up to 250 for certain parts of equipment. But, for many parents and families, it is very reasonable in the money sense. “It is, it’s expensive if you choose to be competitive. Compared to other sports like soccer, it is very reasonable. If you look at the price of equipment, sure they’re expensive, and they just play with a ball,” Jean said. Fencing has also been something that Jean hopes her kids will continue into college, and after college as well. It has been a very long time for her and her kids, but the hard work will pay off.

“We encourage them to do that,” Jean said. “If they don’t want to, that’s fine, but we still encourage them to [and] they plan on doing it themselves.” Being a parent in the sport of fencing means that most of your free time is either spent on your kids or the fencing community, and the same can be said about being a coach. Mike McGuire, an assistant coach at TFA, has been fencing for over 10 years and has loved every minute of the experience. “I guess 1993, which makes me 28 years old,” McGuire said. “I was working. I had been interested.

I’d seen it when I was younger, but it wasn’t available in my town, I lived in the wrong kind of town. And one of the people at work, a student just said, ‘I’ve got something that I think you will like.’ And it was a surprise.” McGuire has been a coach at TFA for about four years and has already seen an increase of fencer growth, from very young fencers to adults and hopes that this keeps happening. His son, Matthew McGuire, is one of the reasons that he keeps with the sport. “It still fascinating enough to watch”, McGuire said I’m in this world because of my son Mattew and while he is a competitive

fencer, and I can either sit there or help out.” Over the course of his coaching career, McGuire has seen a very big change in the fencing community, mostly with how inclusive it has become. It always gives him a smile on his face. “And a small thank you goes a very long way,” said McGuire. McGuire also fences competitively at some tournaments, but usually, he is coaching. Many fencing clubs have more than one coach, and TFA is no exception. Wes Philips, another assistant coach of TFA, has also

The three weapons that are teached at TFA. The one in the middle, saber, and the one on the right, foil, are the only fencing weapons that use right of way. Image by: Texas Fencing Academy.

Beyond the sport| 35

noticed the change in the fencing community. “I like the one-on-one aspect of it, meaning that you only have to rely on yourself. I also made a lot of friends in the sport, and the community was and still is a fun place,” Philips said. Philips has been a coach for TFA for about five years, being the oldest coach that TFA has had up to the head coach, Ray Parker. Philips has had many years of experience in the modern sport of fencing and has been very glad to be a coach. “It’s definitely a hobby,” Phillips said, “I do coach and give lessons, but that’s more for the club than for me.” For Philips, the best thing about fencing is the ability for

everything to be on the fencer themselves and for them to be in charge of their own training. “The combination of progression and strategy is also part of the reason that I like it,” Phillips said. Philips also likes the fact that he can see both aspects of fencing, being a fencer and being a coach. “Both are good with me. I think I like both aspects of it. I don’t think that I would just do one or the other,” Phillips said. For Philips and McGuire, fencing has become something that they do to give back to their community. “Getting to know the kids and being able to give some of my knowledge to them as well,” Phillips said.

Allegra Parker, left, scoring a touch on Hayden Aims, right. Most bouts in fencing go to 15 touches, but this one went to five. Image by: Texas Fencing Academy 36 | Beyond the sport

A fencing salute at the end of fencing practice. After most fencing salutes, the class is released to free fencing. Image by: Texas Fencing Academy. “It also gives back to you. I like it because you see the student see themselves being able to do something that they couldn’t do before,” McGuire said. Both coaches have loved the experiences that fencing has given them, but, most importantly, how much fun they’ve had competing. “If I’m doing it myself, I don’t really care about how bad I lose,” McGuire said. “There are a lot of good people in this sport and that’s why we stay with it.”

in the teaching of the younger something new as well. Overall, fencers, ages five to seven years the fencing community of old. On most Saturdays, the TFA has been very inclusive to coaches teach that class from people of all ages, races, and eight-thirty in the morning to backgrounds. nine in the morning. While this happens, the older fencers help out with the class as well, keeping the peace and An epee fencing grip. Most commonly made by teaching Leon Paul. Image by: Blue Gauntlet the fencers

“Yeah, it would be hard for me to do this and not compete,” Phillips said, “It’s fun practicing and hanging out, but it’s the most fun while competing.” The coaches at TFA also take part Beyond the sport | 37

6 UNCOMMON SPORTS Strange sports that actually exist By Maxine Fraser

Bossaball:

Imagine a strange mix of volleyball and soccer. Then add a huge, inflatable court with trampolines. That’s bossaball. Each team consists of four players, playing to 21 points. A team can touch the ball using a mix of soccer and volleyball techniques up to 5 times to get the ball over the net. Scoring is based on final location of the ball. A player jumping high for the ball.

Radball: Think soccer, but played on bikes. Also known as Cy-

cle-ball, Radball has been played throughout Europe as well as Japan. There are two teams comprised of two players each on separate bikes. The bicycles are fixed gear with no brakes or free wheel. The ball is controlled completely by the bike or the head, except when defending the goal.

2 Bo-Taoshi:

The Japanese sport of Bo-Taoshi or “pole topping” is a rough, dangerous, mass scale team sport. Each of the two teams has a total of 150 players! The teams is split with 75 on offense and 75 on defense. The goal of the game is to topple the opposing teams’ pole. Players are dressed with helmets as their only protection.

38 | Beyond the sport

Information provided by Wikipeida

Underwater Hockey:

Also known as Octopush, Underwater Hockey is a widely played limited contact sport that is exactly what it sounds like. Two teams of up to 6 maneuver a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool using short sticks. Players are given a snorkel and flippers for underwater navigation.

An underwater hockey player reaches for the pock.

Wife-carrying: Wife-carrying is a competition in

which male competitors race while each carrying a female teammate. Very traditionally, each team contains a husband and wife couple, though this is no longer the standard. The object of the race is to make it through a specially-made obstacle course in the fastest. time.

5 Kabaddi: A fresh take on the American play-

ground game of tag. Kabaddi, which is a popular Asian sport especially throughout India. Games are played with two teams of 7 players each. One player on offense must run to the opposing teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side and tag as many players as they can without being tackled.

An intense game of Kabaddi. The player in yellow is on offense; the others are on defense.

Beyond the sport | 39

Power vs. Consistency By: Josh Sylliaasen In baseball offense or batting is a major part of the game. When batting there are two main aspects to what you should be trying to accomplish. You should either be trying to get a hit and get on base, or hit a home run which automatically allows you to score. Two prominent figures in hitting is Mike Trout and Barry Bond. Mike Trout is known for his high consistent stats and was the top ranked player in 2018. Barry Bond is known for his hitting power and holding various home run records.

About:

In 2018 Mike Trout was named the current best baseball player in the MLB. He plays for the Los Angeles Angels and had the fourth highest batting average in major league baseball.

162 Average Game Stats: AB: 586 R: 122

Mike

Trout

H: 179

3B: 6 HR: 39 RBI: 102 OBP: .419

40 | Beyond the sport

key

2B: 34 AB: At Bats R: Runs Scored H: Hits 2B: Doubles 3B: Triples

HR: Home Runs RBI: Runs Batted In OBP: On Base Percentage

Barry Bonds About:

Barry Bonds is known as one of the best MLB hitters in history. He retired in 2001, but he still hold the record of 73 homeruns in a single season. He also has the record of 762 home runs in his career.

162 Average Game Stats: AB: 534 R: 121 H: 159 2B: 33 3B: 4 HR: 41 RBI: 108 OBP: .444

Information provided by Baseball-Reference, ESPN, and Fox sports Beyond the sport | 41

| Beyond the sport