4 minute read
Prophetstown
Prophetstown High School has a proud history of athletic involvement, and our community publicly supports our teams in our gyms and on our fields. However, we are also proud of our less visible competitive teams and the strong involvement of our students and coaches. These teams provide a space for students with diverse interests, yet the public might not ever see them compete ...
E-Sports
Prophetstown and Erie co-op formed an E-Sports team coached by Kyle Schipper, with 10 students involved. Their season runs fall to spring, with competitive tournaments in the games of Fortnite, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, and Super Smash Brothers. Students and coaches meet to practice games together, with practices and many tournaments being held online. While many students have an interest in gaming, involved students feel that being a part of the school team keeps students from being bored, playing at home alone, and allows students to be a part of a team that supports and cares for them. Because the season runs in tournaments of different games, the key players change by season. For example, the students competing for the team during Rocket League may not be the same who try out for Fortnite. Students try out for the season tournaments and then compete against other schools. Sophomore Tommy Addington said that being a part of the team allowed him to stay involved last year when a basketball injury prevented him participating in other sports. You may never witness an e-sports match, but it’s an important part of the school experience for our participants. n
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Scholastic Bowl
The EP Scholastic Bowl team is coached by teacher Emily Higgins, who’s been coaching middle quiz bowl for four years and high school Scholastic Bowl for four years. Mrs. Higgins got involved at the high school level to help middle school quiz bowl students transition to the high school level and keep up involvement numbers. Scholastic Bowl allows students to explore areas of interest and become key players in those areas. This year, the team has 15 returning students and nine new members. Mrs. Higgins loves seeing students grow from middle school through high school, and their excitement when they beat a competitive team. Her favorite part, however, is the camaraderie they develop as they decompress after a meet, reflecting on what they did well and what they can do better next time. In her words: “Everybody needs a place, somewhere to connect. This gives many students that place, where they can be proud of their talents.” Senior James Smith said the team develops social and communication skills for members. The team’s goal is to advance to the Illinois Masonic State Tournament this year, and based on their performance last year, they have a great shot! n
Trap Shooting
While not officially a school team, our students are involved in a school-affiliated club for trap shooting. This co-ed team has both fall and spring seasons. The fall season is smaller, with 17 participants coached by community members Mike and Daryl Drennan. The spring season has approximately 40 students and is coached by community members Dave and Barney Olinger. Students practice and compete at the Sportsmen’s Clubs in Morrison and Coleta, competing against other schools in the conference. The season culminates in a state series and our club has a history of advancing students to the Nationals level in Michigan. Peyton Simpson, senior member of the team, said he appreciates the involvement because, “it’s a sport you can do forever with your friends, even when you’re old.” In fact, many of our students feel a benefit of the team is that they work with community members of all ages who are willing to share their wisdom with the students. Senior Hunter Harms agrees: “The shooting club is filled with people into their 80s, and they’re really funny.” n
Bass Fishing
Bass Fishing has been a school sport for two years, coached by teacher John Widener. Their season runs in the spring, with the state tournament held at Carlyle Lake in Carlyle, Illinois. Our students typically fish in the sectionals tournament each year, although they’d love to make it to the state tournament. Like with trap shooting, the students feel that they learn a sense of teamwork from their involvement. They also recognize that they get to learn from other people who are willing to pass their skills on to our students. While our students typically practice locally, they also enjoy being involved because they get the opportunity to fish in places on the river they can’t normally see. Coach Widener’s involvement in coaching the sport extends back several years before the PHS team came to fruition, as he recognized bass fishing as a lifelong sport that appeals to students beyond those who participate in the typical ball sports and wanted to share his passion for the sport. He approached the school to start a team, and with Athletic Director Derick Cox’s support, it came to fruition. Sophomore Luke Purchase, who is also a member of the trap shooting club, says that both teams teach patience and involve year-round preparation. n
