Cheer Team

Sophomore Angela Sandoval performs during the winter pep assembly Nov. 19. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz)

Royals Win, City Wins

World Series win a sophomore at Sion last brings more than just pride to Kansas City. time they won and I think it’s funny that history is repeating itself with me,” sophomore Meredith BY RACHEL DOCTOR REPOTER Oswald said. Chuck Strom, a vice president at the Easton, Pa., As outfielder Jonny athletic apparel maker who Cheer Wins 5th, Prepares for Nationals Gomes began his speech at the celebratory parade also is general manager for its Major League Baseball downtown on Nov. 3., business, said the company After three months of perfecting their routine, the cheer team won fifth place in the 4A Small Division at State on Nov. 7. According to Head Cheer Coach Lisa Lauck, the scores improved 20 points from last year, with no penalties, and ultimately ranked them in the top 45 percent of all teams in the state. “This is only our second year competing, and we are already improving so much,” Lauck said. Only 14 out of the 18 girls on the roster were able to compete because they were on a foreign exchange trip over the summer. Four seniors missed learning the routine because of this six week trip. “It was great to see everything come together,” senior Sarah Faye Helton said. “Especially because we were missing leadership, BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR Two cheer members were named AllState Cheerleaders at competition. everyone really stepped up for the competition.” Freshman Liz Oltjen, sophomores Courtney Hiatt and Maddi Clark were acknowledged during their performance in Columbia and were named All-State Cheerleaders. “It was just such a great experience competing and watching the other teams perform,” Oltjen said. “Being recognized just made it more special.” But the team isn’t done competing. In January, United Cheer Association Nationals will take place in Dallas, Texas. “Nationals will be exciting not only because we will have more girls performing, but we are in the intermediate non-tumbling category,” Lauck said. “This will really give us a good competitive edge.” Their stunts are prepared in correlation to the category, and practices and cheering at basketball games will also help them improve. “I am really looking forward to Nationals,” Helton said. “Because I know we can only get better from here.” the sea of fans in blue, erupted with cheers and the excitement that had filled the air in Kansas City since the end of the World Series. After 30 years, The Kansas City Royals returned to “Take the Crown” in the 2015 World Series. The Royals defeated the New York Mets 4-1 in the series, claiming their victory at the final game which took place in New York on Nov. 1. “Last year, as a city, we watched the Royals exceed all expectations. No one thought the Royals would go as far as they did. This year we believed in our team,” senior Amelia Bodde said. “I think long term, this has given the city something to was surprised at how strong the demand is for Royals apparel, according to The Kansas City Business Journal. The total cost of hosting the city wide celebration on Nov. 3 after the win was approximately $350,000, while sponsors and supporters contributed $300,000. Sponsorships covered costs such as rentals of the barricades, sound system, stage and big screens, according to the City Communications Office. “The spotlight shining on Kansas City during the World Series shares with the nation the story of our beautiful fountains, vibrant Coach Prepared for Season, Looks To Seniors be proud of. ” And the city was downtown and tasty BBQ,” Chris Hernandez, Director The swim team dynamic has changed from last year. watching. According to The Kansas City Star, over 75 percent of all Kansas City of City Communications said. “It makes people think we should visit there, or BY MADISON HEIDE TVs were tuned into the company leaders to wonder SPORTS EDITOR first game in the series. The about expanding their

Chemistry teacher Kelly Timson national ratings were up 26 business here.” is beginning her second season as percent over the first five It’s one thing to come head swim coach. Now with a better games of last year’s series, together with a near 40 understanding of what to expect and overall, there was a thousand fans at Kauffman within the season, she looks for six percent increase over chanting “let’s go Ro-yals”, leadership among those that learned to the 2014 Royals/Giants but it’s another to come respect and trust her last season. seven-game World Series. together with approximately

Not only will the senior swim Comparing the first five 800,000 more to celebrate captains Kat Qamar and Erin Mills games, this year’s World history in Kansas City. and senior dive captain Margaret Series was the most-watched “People were so proud Brandmeyer take charge, but since 2009 when the Yankees of KC after the win,” Bodde according to Timson, all the seniors faced the Phillies, according said. ”I think that when a have the capabilities to lead the team to RoyalsReview.com. whole city comes together and really bring the swim and dive “We were watching. and is proud of who they are team together. The win was special for and where they live, there

“This year, I can rely on the girls me because my mom was are no words for that.” that know what to expect from me. I also get to see their transition from last Go to lejournallive.com for year,” Timson said. “I can really see the improvement.” Sophomores Ann Huff and Sarah Schaffer prepare for the Royals parade pictures

meet against Lee’s Summit High School during practice

Visit lejournallive.com for the full story Nov. 30 at the YMCA. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco)