Echo issue 2 pages 08 09

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SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Out of the PARK

I enjoy watching the parkettes.

They look like they have a lot of fun out there.”

Calista Johnson, sophomore Bust a move: The Parkettes perform a dance routine at the second homecoming pepfest.

They also helped the student section cheer on Park at the Homecoming football game Sept.

15.

William Phelan williamphelan@ slpecho.com

Coaching grows leadership

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s I stepped out of my mom’s minivan, I immediately wondered what I was getting myself into. There were at least 50 boys, all bigger than me, running with their shirts off. Sure, I had played soccer before, but never like this.

Walking onto the field, I immediately heard the loudest, most intimidating voice my ears had ever been exposed to. As I looked up in fright, my stomach dropped; this was the goalkeeper coach that I was supposed to spend the season training with.

However, as the season went on, I began to get used to his ‘tough love’ style of coaching. His voice helped What’s the me to truly internalize POINT? his criticisms and make sure to correct them. I did all I could to keep his earth-shaking voice quiet, and it truly worked.

I have worked with numerous goalkeeper coaches with many philosophies about the position, but none were able to shape me as an athlete like he was.

By my junior year, I had grown to love his intense style of coaching and built a close bond with him that stretched past on the field activities, and gave me valuable insight about life after high school and taught me a lot about what it means to be mentally tough.

Then one day last fall, he approached me after our last practice before Sections play. His suddenly soft tone indicated that something was wrong.

He told me this had to be his last year of coaching, and my heart dropped.

What would soccer be like without this coach, this mentor, this friend, in my corner?

I understood that it was the best thing for his health, but at the same time I didn’t understand how he could leave the program.

After a long period of disappointment, I finally came to terms with his decision this summer.

Though the St. Louis Park boys’ soccer program will not be the same without him, his absence gives me the opportunity to step into a greater leadership role in the team.

Without a goalkeeper coach, I am tasked with running drills and giving pointers to the other goalies.

I am responsible for passing the great knowledge of the position I gained from this legendary coach on to the next generation of Park goalkeepers.

Always keep an open mind

Parkette program revived Co-directors aim to expand danceline Makagbe Kuyateh & Dani Orloff makagbekutayeh@slpecho.com daniorloff@slpecho.com

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hen junior Parkette Mariah Wilson first performed at the Pepfest, she felt anxious, however she gained confidence throughout the dance.

“At first I was a little nervous (to perform at the Pepfest), then the crowds started to cheer us on and amp us up,” Wilson said. “It made us feel more confident and brought a positive aspect to us and as a school as a whole.”

Wilson said she joined the revived Parkettes Danceline to

improve as a dancer.

“I decided to join the Parkettes because I enjoy dancing,” Wilson said.

Former Parkette and codirector Marcia Brucciani said she believes those at Park who want to should get the chance to be a part of a dance team.

“Young women today deserve the opportunities that we had,” Brucciani said. “Our goal is to create those experiences for young women at St. Louis Park High School today.”

Wilson said she hopes the Parkettes bond and looks forward to meeting new members.

“My goal as a group is to keep us all together and be able to teach new upcoming Parkettes new, modern dances,” Wilson said.

Brucciani said she was

Photo Ruby Stillman

moved to revive the Parkettes because of the impact the program had on her life.

“The Parkettes were a sisterhood that was built on discipline and integrity and responsibility and loyalty and trust,” Brucciani said. “We didn’t know it at the time, but the friendships we formed in high school being a Parkette have lasted a lifetime.”

Former Parkette co-director Faith Schway said the team consists of seven dancers. “(They are) a very diverse group, which is really cool.

I think this is really wonderful because they are learning about each other’s backgrounds,” Schway said.

Schway said she plans to grow the program.

“When we auditioned there were 300 people trying out for

Parkettes,” Schway said. “This is our inaugural girls so they were allowed in, but this fall people will have to audition just like we did.”

Wilson said she recommends those interested in the program to take action.

“I would encourage people to join the Parkettes because it’s a good opportunity to try something new,” Wilson said.

According to Schway, the dance team members continue to improve.

“Marcia and I are witnessing some wonderful changes.

People are coming out of their shell. Now they are a very cohesive group,” Schway said.

“Coming from the background of St. Louis Park, I want to give back to the community and create some community spirit.

Senior takes on leadership role

Cross country votes new captain Esther Gendler esthergendler@slpecho.com

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fter senior Collin Perkins came up short of votes for becoming a cross country captain last year, he was surprised to find out he was going to become a captain anyways.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t receive enough votes. But later on our head coach, Chris Nordstrom, felt that the boys’ team did not have enough energy. So, he got all the coaches and captains together to vote on who should become the fourth boys captain,” Perkins said.

Nordstrom said he believed Collin deserved a leadership role on the team.

“Collin does everything a coach could ask for. He works hard, is very positive and has a unique ability to reach and connect with all the kids on the team,” Nordstrom said.

Perkins said he is excited to be named a captain and is enjoying his position.

“My duties are to lead stretching, make sure my teammates are holding up okay during a long run,” Perkins said. “I also

Photo Sophie Olmen

Keeping Pace: Senior Collin Perkins leads warmups at the start of cross country practice on Sept. 15. Perkins was selected as captain at the beginning of the season. make sure that my teammates get to the start line on time, on race day. I’ve had so much fun connecting with the team in a new way.”

Nordstrom said he looks for certain qualities in a captain, and this is the first time they have chosen a new captain during the season in five years.

“This is my first season as head coach, fifth (year) in total. We have not done this since I’ve been here,” Nordstrom said.

“A captain is someone who can lead by

example and be a positive person for the other athletes to go to when a coach isn’t available or they feel more comfortable talking to a peer.”

Perkins said his goals for the team to run together and place higher in meets.

“The team goals I have for the team are to have us run together in packs during races. This will allow us to place better at our meets,” Perkins said.

Perkins said he hopes to place well and make sure the team is having fun.

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(After the last Hopkins match) we got mad that they beat us because we were so close.”

SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Susanna Hu, junior

Girls’ tennis prepares for Hopkins

Mental strength will be key to success

Eli Curran-Moore & Anna duSaire elicurran-moore@slpecho.com annadusaire@slpecho.com

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s sophomore Kenna Jacobson walks to a court to begin warming up for practice, she said she is anxious but excited for the match against Hopkins. “(Hopkins is) very good. I’m nervous, but it is going to go well I think,” Jacobson said. “This season has been really good. We are currently 8-2, so it’s been a really good season.”

According to senior captain Hanna Schechter, the team has been practicing various skills in anticipation for the match against Hopkins.

“We’ve been playing a lot of matches and kind of getting into the mindset.

We’ve been practicing a lot of deep balls, and I know a lot of doubles teams have really practiced being offensive at the net, which will really help us win matches against Hopkins,” Schechter said.

Jacobson said aside from being consistent in game play, the team hopes to have a positive mentality, as well as discipline with their play when matching up against Hopkins and in future matches. “(We need to focus on) consistency and not just giving the other team free points, and like making mistakes,” Jacobson said. “Not just like having the mentality going into it that we’re going to lose, (and) always knowing that we have a shot at winning.”

Photo Josh Halper

Junior varsity coach Christine Tvrdik said she hopes the team approaches the match with a competitive attitude.

“The main thing is going into every match with the mindset that we want to win, whether it’s a team that we know we should win easily or a team we know is going to be challenging, like Hopkins,” Tvrdik said.

According to varsity head coach David Breitenbucher, a player’s mental game is critical to their success in the sport.

“Tennis is one of the most frustrating sports mentally. We talk about it a lot, you have to be on your game, you have to be confident,” Breitenbucher said. “If you’re not confident, you’re not hitting your strokes, you have to have the mentality that you got to back off and go in the middle of the court more. So we talk about that all the time, strategy and staying positive.”

Schechter said the team is hoping for confidence and a self-assured mindset during the match.

“We all are practicing calming down before every point, being confident. A lot of times when we miss it’s because we

Serving a laugh: Senior Lillie Albright and sophomore Kenna Jacobson share a laugh during their match against Cooper Sept. 19.

The orioles defeated the hawks 7-0.

Keys to beating Hopkins Positivity and confidence Minimize unforced errors Competitive mentality Infographic Jacob Stillman Source Coach Breitenbucher, Coach Tvrdik, Kenna Jacobson

weren’t confident enough in our strokes and so we’re practicing playing the best we can,” Schechter said.

Breitenbucher said everyone has been practicing performance under pressure.

“We’ve done serving where if they miss a serve, the whole team has to run. So I am trying to put more pressure on them, in front of everybody,” Breitenbucher said.

“So just little things like that, to have them get more pressure can help us mentally and in the game, I don’t know if it will, but little things.”

The match will take place 4 p.m. Sept.

27 at Hopkins High School.

Orioles to face cross town rival Benilde

Meet the ATHLETE

Who Rosa Rut Sigrunardottir Grade Senior Sport Soccer When did you start playing?

I started playing soccer when I was seven-years old and two years ago I took a break. When I came here, I thought it would be a great opportunity to (start playing again).

How is soccer in Iceland different than soccer in the U.S.?

We don’t have high school soccer (in Iceland), we just practice in clubs. It’s a lot different here because we’re all in the same school. I know the girls on my team a lot better than the girls back in Iceland that I’ve played with for two to three years.

What position/s do you play?

I play forward, I could do midfielder or goalie but it’s not my favorite.

How has it been playing for Park?

It’s been awesome. We’ve had a couple of hard games, but it just makes us a better team. It’s been good to (make) friends and it’s given me a lot of opportunities.

Do you participate in any other sports or activities?

I want to try basketball and try theater.

How long are you going to be in the U.S.?

I am an exchange student, but no one went to Iceland, so I’m just here living with my host family

Football team prepares for Red Knights

Do you feel as if you’ve improved while playing at Park?

Definitely, I feel like I’m growing as a player. How we play the game, the girls know more of the strategy and working hard to get better.

Sam Birnberg & Adam Johnson sambirnberg@slpecho.com adamjohnson@slpecho.com

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ollowing a 28-20 win over the Richfield Spartans, Park football prepares this week for Thursday’s home game against rival, Benilde-St. Margaret’s. The game will be played early because of Yom Kippur.

According to senior defensive back and kicker, Skyler Rudelius-Palmer, last week’s win provided team with confidence as they prepare for kickoff against BSM. “Even though we might have a few mistakes that give up big yards, if we cut those down we are going to be a really elite defense and an elite offense” Coach Ben Wolfe said the team, currently 2-2, is ready to face the Red Knights despite the shortened week of practice.

“We feel prepared. It is a team we have faced for a lot of years. They are a good team and we are a good team too,” Wolfe said.

According to Rudelius-Palmer in

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Photo Grace Farley

Jokes: Senior captian Jonny Sorenson surveys the field to throw to a receiver. Park lost 30-0 to The Academy of Holy Angels Sept. 15. preparation for the this week’s game, the team focused on preparing throughout practice because of the earlier game.

“We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work,” Rudelius-Palmer said.

Wolfe said that although BSM may be seen as a rival, the team sees the game as a chance to add another tally to the win column.

“We don’t necessarily look at it as added pressure, more so as an opportunity to beat a good team at home in the middle of the season,” Wolfe said.

Rudelius-Palmer said having strong defense will be a crucial component of stopping the Red Knight’s offense.

“(We cannot allow any) blown coverage(s), for the defensive backs. We have a tendency to play really well, and then we have a few plays where we have blown coverage and let up a big play,” Rudelius-Palmer said.

Wolfe said although the team is approaching the matchup like any other game, it is a game they have had circled on their calendars since the schedule was released.

“It’s a game we have been looking at for a long time, and we have been preparing for going into this season,” Wolfe said.

Park plays Benilde at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at home.

What do you hope you’ll learn from this experience?

I hope I’ll learn to be quicker and to know how other players play.

What’s the difference between living in the United States rather than Iceland?

People here are more open, it is easy to find friends or find someone who helps you out. I love living here and if I could choose now, I would like to live here for longer time than one year.

Amaia Barajas amaiabarajas@slpecho.com