Back to School! Vikings Take the Field in '10
Issue 1, Vol. II
Editor Darron Daniels
Writers Alexis McCullough Courtney Combs Jerod Oakes Stephen Foster Jamal Scales
Contributors Mr. Rick Sigler Mr. Scott Armstrong Dontres Henderson Andrew Hindes Jamel Summers
Table of Contents Photos..........................4 Josie Edwards............14 Edward Valentine.......16 Kyle Onuma...............18 Carolina Quiceno.......20 Ronald Jackson..........22
VikingSports Magazine is a monthly publication of North Forsyth High School's Sports & Entertainment Marketing II class. For more information about this magazine or other projects this class creates (including the North Forsyth Sports Podcast), visit our web site at www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/nfhs and click on the Athletics tab. You can also follow North Forsyth Sports Marketing on Twitter at twitter.com/NFsportsmktg. We appreciate any comments you may have about our magazine. Please direct them to snarmstrong@wsfcs.k12.nc.us.
Josie Aces Her Way Through Tennis By Courtney Combs, VikingSports Magazine
SWING! That’s the rushing sound of tennis team member, Josie Edwards, swinging her racket through her high school days. Josie, who is a sophomore at North, has been on the tennis team for two years now. She plays a big role on her team as a member, a supporter, an encourager, and many more. This all-star has played in all but one match this year, which is very good, considering that she is only a sophomore. She influences her team more than it seems by her support and how she cheers them on from behind the fence. Josie also swings the bat for North Forsyth and a local team in the town of Rural Hall. Not only is she a sports star, but Edwards is also involved in several clubs at school. Those clubs help her academically, give her membership responsibilities, and look good on her college applications. Even though she has more than enough school activities going on, she still maintains her grades. Josie is the last of the Edwards going through North. She is the younger sister of fellow graduate, Kayla Edwards, and current senior, Taylor Edwards. Josie prefers to lead her own path though, and not follow in the footsteps of her older siblings. Mrs. Proctor, who is the head coach of the 2010 tennis team, is honored to have Josie a member. When asked what Josie adds to the team, Mrs. Proctor responded, “Josie adds spunk to the team along with athleticism. She is small, but has a ton of positive energy.” Mrs. Proctor also stated that her favorite part of coaching Josie is that no matter what and no matter how hard it may be, Josie never gives up. After high school, she sees Josie going to college and pursuing her career of choice. Fellow teammate, junior Kala Spencer declared, “Josie adds cuteness for the most part. Josie may be little, but she has a lot of competition in her which gets her through the games with good scores. She tries her hardest to do her best for the team, works her hardest for her grades, and is active in her local clubs. This shows that she will be very successful once she graduates from high school.” Whether it’s on the tennis court or in a college class, Josie will give her all to get wherever her path leads her.
Valentine's Day By Alexis McCullough, VikingSports Magazine
He’s on the fifty, the forty, the thirty, the twenty, the ten, TOUCHDOWN EDWARD VALENTINE! Junior Edward Valentine continues to prove to everyone and himself that he is a valuable and committed player to the North Forsyth Varsity Football Team. Ever since the age of five, Valentine has played the sport that he describes as “competitive and intense.” He began playing on North’s varsity team during his freshman year. Edward Valentine plays many positions on the field. He is on the special teams and he also plays as quarterback, which is his favorite position. Valentine says that he plays as quarterback because “that’s where the team needs me the most.” Teammate Daniel Woodruff, who has been playing with Edward for two years, shares the same feelings. “Edward contributes to the team a lot by his great leadership and his skills,” he said. When asked where he sees Edward in the future, Daniel replied, “playing college football or basketball.” When asked why he wears the number seven, Valentine replied, “Michael Vick wears that number, and he is one of the hardest working players in the NFL. Vick is also a playmaker and he knows how to move the ball.” Just like Vick, Edward has been making plays on the field and has been setting examples for his team. Coach Gilchrist, who has coached Edward for three years, declared, “Edward contributes to the team offensively and on the special team.” “Edward is very athletic and has the knack a playmaker needs,” he continued. Edward’s pregame ritual consists of standing by himself to get his mind focused on the game he will play that night. Valentine says he does not have any major highlights in his career so far. “I could possibly see myself playing in the NFL,” replied Edward when asked where he sees himself in the future. As Coach Gilchrist said, “with Edward’s hard work and as he continues to master his skills, he can be a great college player.” “Edward has proven the growth it takes to be successful and lead us to a conference championship,” said Gilchrist when asked what he enjoys the most about Edward. With the looks of the recent record, the Vikings could actually win a conference championship. “We need improvements, but we have the talent we need to win the conference championship,” said Valentine. Edward advises people who want to play football to “make sure that they put their all into it.” Edward continues to put in one hundred percent and continues to prove to everyone that he has the playmaker skills that most athletes need. There is no doubt that Edward could play college football and possibly make it into the NFL.
Drum Major By Jerod Oakes, VikingSports Magazine Carolina Quiceno is a senior at North Forsyth and has been here for four years. She is 17 years old and is a member of the North Forsyth Marching Band. Carolina said “I am enjoying Marching Band a lot. We are improving tremendously and the music is great.” After three years of hard work in the band, she has achieved the position of drum major of the Marching Band. Carolina said “I always said that I was going to be Drum Major and the years I finally am.” She works hard and pulls no punches when it comes to work. Serene sounds from the flute resonate from Carolina Quiceno while she plays tunes in band. She has played flute and the piccolo since she was in middle school. “I enjoy playing music a lot. The flute is amazing and easy to play,” Carolina says. One of her flute colleagues, Kelly Medina, believes that Carolina is an awesome flute player who is consistent when playing. Kelly said, “Carolina is an amazing flute player who is really devoted at what she does.” Carolina is now playing a musical composition called “Variations.” She practices hard on this music so that she can perfect her part in this music and improve her flute skills. Carolina commented “I enjoy this music a lot. It’s fun, yet challenging to play.” Another flute player, Karol Velasquez, said “I’ve known Carolina for a year and a half and through that time of knowing her, I feel that she is really gifted at the flute and I feel that she is one of the strongest members of our group.” All in all, Carolina Quiceno is gifted student and is a great asset to the North Forsyth Marching Band. She works hard not only in band, but also in her other classes. She is diligent and very serious when it comes down to what she has to accomplish. People enjoy her company and feel that through the time of her life, she will not only be great as a musician, but also great as a person. With this achievement and recognition, Carolina Quiceno moves forward onto a bright future.
Big Play Threat By Stephen Foster, VikingSports Magazine
Off the field, varsity football player Kyle Onuma seems like an average young man. However, on the field, he is an offensive wrecking machine. Kyle has racked up 526 receiving yards, leading the team in reception yards. Kyle has also managed to get in the end zone 5 times, tying in second place with Quentin Thompson for points scored. Even though this season started off with the team doing poorly, they are currently 2-1 in conference play. The team has adopted a new attitude and changed the way they focus and prepare for a game. When asked to comment, teammate Daniel Woodruff said, “Kyle is a good teammate. He is energetic, talented, and a great communicator.” On the field woodruff says he and Kyle “review the defensive schemes and try and find ways to coordinate blocking and their route timing.” Daniel also commented on their friendship. They are pals on and off the field. “Kyle helps keep me focused and motivated. On the field he is wiser in certain situations and can give me helpful advice.” Kyle says he must be mentally and physically prepared for every game if he wishes to achieve his goal of reaching a thousand receiving yards this season. Kyle’s agility and elusiveness gives him an edge on most defenders. “In practice I increase my ability by studying defensive movement and strategies.” My role model throughout my life has been Jerry Rice for many reasons. He is soft spoken and keeps a low profile, but he always maintained his position as an exemplary leader,” stated Onuma. Juggling school along with football practice and preparing for college is a lot of pressure on a young man. However, Kyle manages to maintain by keeping a schedule and honoring his commitments. “It’s all about time management, staying focused, and keeping a positive mentality.” After being suppressed the first part of the season, Kyle and the rest of the team are ready to ignite the competition and explode into the post season.
Holding the Line By Jamal Scales, VikingSports Magazine
Ronald Jackson is a senior football player for North Forsyth. Ronald plays defensive tackle and offensive guard. He has played football for four years. Jackson says he is thinking about playing football in college. Ever since Ronald has played football he is more disciplined and tough. The highlight of his career is his progressed of becoming a better player since his freshmen year. Due to the Vikings starting their season off slow; Ronald says “I feel disappointed about the team record because I know the team is better than our record.” Ronald also feels like the team plays closer together and is more of a family than last year. Ronald thoughts to having two rookie tackles on the offense line are “I feel like they may not be ready to step up to take on the starting positions since it’s their first year playing.” Since October 8, 2010 is the team’s first conference game at Ledford. Ronald is hundred percent sure that the team will do great in conference. Teammate Neal Davis says “Ronald has gotten stronger, faster, and much more talented than his freshmen year.” Neal enjoys playing with Ronald because he never lets him down and he does what he has to do to make the team better. Neal Davis has been playing with Ronald for 4 years. Neal Davis said “Ronald brings talent and hard work to the team every year.” Coach Pete Gilcrist has coached Ronald for 4 years. Coach Gilchrist said “Ronald has improved each year and his physical makeup is where every student needs to be. Coach Gilchrist also said that “Ronald brings stability on offense and defense.” Ronald is dedicated to do anything that the team needs him to do and that is what makes him a team player. He enjoys having Ronald on the team because he is the ultimate team player and student athlete everyone would want on team. Daniel Woodruff says “Ronald has a positive attitude and is the leader every team should have.” Bennie Williams says “Ronald helps me learn the plays that I need help with that’s what makes him a team player.” Senior Andrew Hindes says “Ronald is a hard working individual and he also is a great team player and is one of the key players on the team.” Junior Bradley Sawyer says “Ronald is devoted to making the team better.”