www.centraljournalism.comFall 2012

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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Fall 2012

2012-2013 Chargers,

Welcome to the Class of 2016 and welcome back to the classes of 2013, 2014, and 2015! I am excited and confident that this year holds much success for all of us. Our theme this year is “We Are Central”. That translates to include all of us working together and helping each other to be our very best. I’m sure that many of you either bought or were given new things in preparation for the new school year. It could have been clothes, shoes, supplies, or a new back-pack. A friend of mine shared a story about his wife getting a new backpack. He and his wife noticed one day that something in their apartment smelled really bad when they got home. Both of them went on a cleaning spree to get rid of the odor. For several days, they cleaned every-thing in the apartment, but still could not get rid of the smell. It seemed to get worse every day. Finally, one afternoon, my friend heard his wife loudly exclaim, “Oh no!”. Being a protective husband, he ran to the rescue, only to see what had been causing the stench. In his wife’s backpack, she had

found an old yogurt carton. Somehow, over time, the yogurt had managed to work its way out of the carton and grow into some new life form. Needless to say, the back pack was thrown out and a new one was bought. The lesson from this story is simple: We all keep “things” in our metaphorical backpacks. This new year gives all of us the opportunity to clean out our backpacks or buy new ones so that we are not holding on to old things that could weigh us down or stink things up. I challenge all of you to “clean out your backpacks” and start this year with an open mind. Be supoportive of your classmates and accountable for your responsibilities. I promise you that I have already done this very thing. Again, welcome to a new year and I look forward to all of the great successes each of you will have this year!

Principal welcomes 2012-13

Letter from the editor

Central High School 9450 Ray White Rd Keller, Texas 76244

Editor in Chief: Amara Thomas

Managing Editor: Ashley Walker

Staff: Bailey KachtikRachel Murphy Chearlea Owen Arthur Nieva Alex Perez Michael Busch

Adviser: Natalie Brown

Mission Statement:

We the Zone are here to bring the Central community the news they want to know, also we’ll be showcas-ing art, photography, music, events and the stories that matter to the Central High School Community.

Amara Thomas. Editor in Chief

We’re ready to embark on another year at Central. Summer has once again slipped through our fingers and the rhythm of the school year has begun. The first month of school is slow and dull. Introductions and repetition, every class is giving you a feeling of déjà vu. Teachers and administrators reintroduced the rules and regulations of this building. They set high expectations for us and demand we act like the mature individuals they know we can be. You see the familiar faces you’ve seen since eighth grade and you see the new ones, who are only new to you. You’re slowly put into that routine, first to second and third to lunch. Side steps then main steps and the breezeway after English. Now I know I’m supposed to be providing encourage-ment, telling you that high school is the greatest thing since sliced bread and you will have the time of your life. However,

I know how this story goes and for some of you high school is fantastic, but for the most of us it’s pretty average. It’s stressful and at times you feel awkward and unsure of everything. It doesn’t matter if you are an AP student or if you are just glid-ing through, high school has drastic ups and downs. We are also teenagers, our minds are always racing with questions and concerns. However, high school isn’t all that bad and I’m not negative Nancy. I feel that there is a possibility, that this year can be better than the last. We’ve adjusted to the new schedule, rules, and loss of teachers. I’m hopeful that we can make it through this year and even end it with good memories to look back on. The only advice I can supply is the make the most of everything; you don’t want to leave this place regretting. Flourish your social life and try to pay attention in class. Don’t give up just yet, because before you know it, it will be summer once again.

Opinion Flipside: Social Networking

Have you ever counted up all the social networking sites that you’ve joined? There’s a lot right? With technology today, keep-ing in touch with family and friends, and knowing impor-tant events that are going on in the world every day is easy and important, and that is why I think social networking is an important thing to have. Moving a total of five times in my life, I have a lot of friends and family from all over the U.S. Keeping in touch with family and friends is important, and without social networking, how would people easily communicate? Facebook is a great way to update your friends and fam-ily of what you are doing, and what’s going on in your life. You can sign up for a social network with a couple clicks of a mouse, and it is usually free. Keep in touch with all your relatives and friends by joining Facebook, Twitter, or

another social networking site. You can find out what’s going on in the world almost anywhere, any time. If you have a smart phone, you might not realize how easy it is to look up news, weather, events, birthdays, sales, etc. Go on Twitter and see what’s “trending.” Using social networks to figure out these things is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get timely news. Not only can you figure out what’s going on in the U.S, but other countries too. Also, it is free, unlike most newspapers. It is important to know news, and it saves time to look it up quickly on a smartphone or computer. All in all, there are so many positives to signing up for a social network. You can keep in touch with all your family and friends, know important news, weather, events, birthdays, sales and so much more.

Social networking,Rachel Murphy Staff Writer

Charlea Owen Staff Writer

Living without it

Web sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumbler are becom-ing exceedingly popular over the course of time. Almost half of all Americans have at least one of them, but not all of us know the negative effects social networking can cause. I personally feel that all social networking web sites are a waste of time, a hot spot for cyber bullying and a permanent reminder of that one little thing you posted that you may regret later. “Oh my gosh, did you hear what they said about this guy?” It’s awful how one Facebook status update can ruin one person’s life in a matter of seconds. It is not allright to be so cruel to someone online, or at least it shouldn’t be. Now-a-days, you can get away with practically anything on any social networking web site. Not only have I seen people get hurt while on a social networking web site, but I too have been a victim of cyber bullying. Sometimes a conversation can come across as being hurtful, because it’s so hard to express emotion when all you’re staring at is a bright white screen. I know that I’ve had a problem where the person I was talking to had gotten the wrong signal about the conversation, but this isn’t an excuse for all the other rude things being said. I feel more and more people will continue to be victims of cyber bullying because of these social networking web sites. I once posted something I later came to regret on a web site that anyone could view with no way of

deleting it. What goes online stays online forever. I couldn’t bear to think of all the people who would later come to read this. Even now, every time my eyes come across it, I’m constantly haunted by what I had said. Not only will your friends and family view what you post, but even the people you work with. When in an interview for a new job, your employers will look through your account for any questionable posts or pictures. How many times do you check Facebook every day? I’ll openly admit to checking mine as many as three times a day. A certain friend of mine checks hers three times an hour. These social networking websites are becoming extremely time consuming. Even while studying, I’ll be disturbed by the sudden urge to check it knowing that nothing will have changed since the last time I was on. Constantly checking will eventually take the place of whatever your supposed to be doing such as homework, dishes, or even your part time job. The urge even visits during class. Your whole life will pass you by if you keep you keep giving in to the little red lizard (probably named Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr) sitting on your shoulder whispering “CHECK ME.” Don’t check it. I have stopped letting Facebook control me, and I’ve noticed that I have loads of time on my hands, and a better attitude.

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Charger Champions welcome freshmenAshley WalkerManaging Editor

For the 2013 school year, Mr. John Fabel created something to help the new freshmen coming to Central. The Charger Champi-ons are juniors and seniors that volunteer to help the new students with anything they might need. “Charger Champions is built on the idea of Link Crew,” Fabel said. “But we wanted to make it stronger and more unique to Cen-tral. That’s why we rebranded ourselves.” On June 5 and 6, the Charger Champions had two trainings that took place at the Texas National Guard Armory in White Set-tlement. There, students participated in activities on building effec-tive communication, problem solving and decision-making. “We did a lot of training over making decisions, communica-tion and how to help others,” senior Lain Lashley said. “We also learned about the fish camp we hosted and how we can help the freshmen as much as possible throughout the year.” Preliminary training on the Champions role started at fish camp on Aug. 14. The Charger Champions introduced the fresh-men to the school and Central traditions. “We had a scavenger hunt to find different parts of the school so we can get to know it better,” said freshman Mikayla Hankins. “Then we were assigned a Charger Champion so we could ask them questions about school, play games and just talk about life.” Throughout the school year, the Champions will contact the freshmen every other week to answer any follow up questions and to encourage them through their first year. “Giving a freshman the resource of an upperclassman that has been trained with problem solving and decision making situations

can be a big assistance,” Fabel said. “By enhancing the skills they already possess, they will be far better resources for the freshmen that are assigned to them.” About 64 students participate in this program. All the students chosen to be champions are already recognized leaders on cam-pus. Senior Jessica Carter became part of Charger Champions be-cause she wanted to make the incoming freshmen feel welcome. “I want them to feel like they have a voice,” Carter said. “On the first day of school I helped freshmen to their classes and an-swered any questions they had about their schedules.” On the first day of school, all of the Charger Champions wore red shirts and khakis, so the freshmen could recognize them. “It gives us more of a professional look,” Rochelle said. “And they know we are serious about our job.” This program is designed to last all year and leave a lasting impression on the freshmen. “Our goal is make Central a better place through making the freshmen feel welcome and involved,” said Lashley.

NEWS Central High School Zone Newspaper

Courtesy of Bolt Yearbook

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Dress Code: re-enforced policy The night before the first day of school, Central students, boys and girls, looked through their closets. They matched, paired, and searched for that one outfit. The first day of school ensemble, that says it all. Your chance to make a great first impression, however to much of our surprise many of our first day of school ensembles fell into violation with the KISD dress code policy. No hats, bro tanks, facial piercing, non natural colored hair, or holes in your pants. These basic rules we are all quite familiar with and have been around for quite awhile, but there are some that took us by surprise. Central administrators declared that the three fin-ger rule for shirts is nonex-istent. “In the past, the dress code has focused on four things we would not like to see: bellies and backs, chests and cracks. This year, we have added shoulders,” said John Fabel, a chemistry and earth, space, and science teacher. The rule states that your shoulders have to be completely covered. If you do decided to wear a tank top or bro tank, make sure you are covered up with a jacket, sweater or any other outer garment. This piece of cloth-ing must stay on all day or you will fall in violation with the dress code policy. “I understand covering some skin, but I think tank tops should have the ban lifted. Shoulders aren’t as attention grabbing as they’ve been made out to be by these rules,” said Katie Sajewski, senior. KISD has stated that see through shirts, such as ones made of lace and satin are forbidden, despite their growing popularity.

Although one may assume that wearing a tank top underneath is okay, it is also not allowed. “The school dress code should allow see-through and lace shirts, because you’re wearing a tank top underneath, and the over shirt covers you up,” said Christina Ramirez, sophomore. Unlike the past, the dress code policy is being enforced at a new level. “The dress code is fine, I like it, but they might be going a little overboard,” said Justin Barren, freshman. Every morning in second period, teachers are required to

do a dress code check. To simply scan their classrooms and see if anyone is wearing anything inappropriate. If so, they are sent to the office. “ [There] you’ll be invited to change your clothes, choose from the wide selec-tion of school appropriate clothing that may be offered you, or take the day off with an unexcused absence,” Fa-bel said. Prior to second period be-

fore school, administrators and teachers stand outside the doors in the courtyard enforcing the dress code policy. They watch those coming into school and stop them if they are violating KISD rules. Many students are finding that the intensity of these rules unnec-essary. “While they’re trying to keep students clothes less of a distrac-tion, I feel like making such strict rules and sending kids to the office for violations is more distracting,” Sajewski said. However, others feel more intensity is needed. “I think the school dress code is fair, and they should enforce it more,” said Batool Al-Shudifat, freshman.

Amara Thomas Editor In Chief

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Illustration by Alex Perez, Mikey Busch

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PDA: Annoying things people do Remember that time you were walk-ing down the hall to wherever it was you were going, and there, blocking the doorway to your classroom is America’s most hands-on couple, obliterating each other’s faces like

there’s no tomorrow? I mean, come on! They look like they stepped directly out of Animal Planet. I think that it would be great

to yell, “Get a room” or throw paper balls at them, but then again, you’re not supposed to mess with an animal while it’s eating. Do people have no decency anymore? Heck, why don’t we get rid of bathrooms and pop a squat in the courtyard? We are all teenagers with the same urges. However, some of us act on them like normal human beings, while others act on them like little bunny rabbits. There’s a huge difference in giving your boy/girlfriend a goodbye kiss and cleaning their face with your mouth. With any luck, maybe one day two brace-faces will lock more than just lips. So, what can be done about this grotesque endemic? We could have a daddy-daughter day. No boy would try to put the moves on his girlfriend then, and if he did, well that’s a whole other way to weed out PDA in and of itself.

Some people are worse than others. There are the couples that go after each other like a kid goes after cake, but there are also the ones that just stare into each other’s eyes. Guys, you look constipated. There is nothing wrong with intensely gazing at each other in the hallway…it’s just weird. Be warned, if I see you doing this, I will stop whatever I am doing and join in the staring. It may be difficult to enforce the rule of PDA because there are so many students at Central High School, but maybe we could make it as awkward for them as it is for us. Next time you’re walking down the hall and you see a couple exhibiting the circle of life, you should pat them on the back and sarcastically tell them, “Good job!”

Taler Thomas Staff Writer

Illustrationby Micheal Busch

Although it may sound easy, living the life of a soccer player can be more than what most people make it out to be. Even though we don’t wake up at 5 a.m. for practice, and don’t bench 200 lbs., soccer is not only a physical challenge but also a mental challenge. Living in Maine my whole life and then moving to Texas my freshman year was a huge change for me. Going from a class of 80 to a class of 700 definitely made me nervous but it shocked me that everyone was so welcoming and friendly. When it comes to soccer, I realized that I needed to change my mindset if I wanted to be recognized amongst the crowd of soccer players. I realized that being soccer player is a privilege, and that coaches recognize all the effort we put into it. It is even a privilege to have our own locker room, or to be able to wear our uniform on game days. Coaches can tell how much we want it by our actions on or off the soccer field. When it comes to tryouts, coaches don’t mess around. Showing the coach that we can try our absolute best, shows them how we will do in an actual game. I asked myself “Would I rather try 60% and not be happy at the end of tryouts, or try 100% knowing that I

tried the best that I could? Soccer players need the mental drive and passion to win. Even if it’s just a scrimmage during practice, through my actions, I can show my coach that I have a passion to win, and most importantly a passion for the sport. By my actions, I can let other players know how much I want it, making them push harder. When I have that mental drive to win, I will never feel tired and never have the urge to give up. Also a good thing about having that drive, is that it makes me feel more precise and “smooth” on the soccer field for when those before game nerves kick in. Even though soccer players don’t lift 200 lb. weights or run 6 miles every day, soccer workouts are more intense than what most people think. Since soccer is all about running and work-ing with your feet, everyday sprints and doing multiple squats in weight room are mandatory. No one likes sprints or weight room, but keeping the right mind set to never give up pushes me forward even when my legs feel like they can’t do it anymore. I said to myself “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”Soccer is my passion, my sport. Even if other people think soccer is just a simple game of pass, I think of it as my life. Making the commitment to become a soccer player was one of the best deci-sions of my life.

The life of a soccer playerRachel Murphy Staff Writer

OPINIONS

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The trends we see these days change dramatically every month. From silly bands to jeggings we can’t live without. Books are more and more becoming a part of this cycle. When I go to read a book it is because I genuinely

want to and find it appealing. But now, when books are made into movies the people who believed before that they were lame and not

worth the time to read, now pick them up and begin to gush about how great they are. The Hunger Games is a wonderful example of an exceptional work turning into some huge trend to follow and quote. When the Hunger Games was being released as a movie the amount of people reading it was at an all time high. People read this book be-cause suddenly the movie was coming out, but the book had been published and available to the public for several years beforehand. I had read all these books way before some movie director put it in the theatres. When you say you love the Hunger Games please explain to me why. In no way should anyone ever make something their favorite just because it is now a movie that people who actually read the book many years before are obsessed over. It sucks as a book lover myself hear people turn my most prized books into a fad

because they will be their forever not just today.Another illustration of books being taken from greatness and made into a horrible replica of their amazing true form is Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. This movie was a horrible destruction of an otherwise lovely piece of fiction. I absolutely loved this book when it came out for its twists and plot alone but then it was trashed into some horrible film. When books are made into movies many key parts that made a book a real book and not just words on paper are taken out because there is too much to be showed. When you see a movie like The Lightning Thief all you see is actors, but in my mind when I read the book I was Percy and saw everything he did from his perspective with a love and understanding of him you can never receive from a movie. In this case if you never read the book then you lost out on vital information so went on to believe that a pa-thetic movie with barely anything relating to the book was actually well done. It makes me want to cry knowing people will never get to meet and love all the characters like me. Books are to be loved by something inside you not through some twisted way to feel trendy or hip. A true unadulterated enjoy-ment of books is something that you cannot be forced or made to read. Books turned into movies just ruins them in a way that cannot be amended. Movies should find their own stories and leave books to themselves because they are perfectly fine without interruption from a film.

Let’s make a movie

Bailey KachtikStaff Writer

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Freshman year is the year to show everyone

who you really are. Everyone knows that freshman year will be fun, but are you really ready for all the challenges that await you? Here are 10 tips to help you succeed in your first year of high school.

1Take homework and studying seriously. Even

though homework is just a minor grade, all of the minor grades add up in the end. If you have trouble with home-work, sometimes that means that you are not paying attention in class. The more attention you give during school, the easier the homework is. The easier your homework is for you, the easier the test is. Even if you think you will pass the test with flying colors, you should still study. Studying will help you remember and feel more confident.

2Find a good group of friends. If you ever need help with school or just need advice, you want a good group of friends to go to. If you are new, on the first

day of school you should find a lunch table to sit at with people you think you might like, or people you have met from previous classes. Having a friend in the same class as you is also good for when you have questions about the class. Doing a sport or club is also a good way to find a good group of friends that will have similar interests as you.

“Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and meet new people,” said Serena Saad, senior.

3Show respect towards your teachers. This is

very important because teachers work hard every day to make sure that your future is bright. Teachers put a lot of work into grading papers and tests, and showing them respect will make them have more respect for you. Paying atten-tion in class and turning homework in on time will put you on your teach-er’s good side, which is always beneficial.

4Just be yourself. Don’t waste your time trying to be

like everyone else. People should like you for who you are and not

for what you wear, what you do, or what music you listen to. Don’t get caught up with trying to be like everyone else and show your true side because in a world where you can be anything, just be yourself.

5Get involved. Find a club, sport, or school organiza-tion that’s great for you. Getting involved with a sport you love is a really great way to make a lot of friends.

If you don’t like sports, join a club, or do both. See what interests you and try it out! Getting involved with the school can really get you recognized. It is the easiest way to make friends!

“I would recommend Circle of Friends. It’s not like other clubs. You don’t have to excel in any particular subject or activity. You get to help out with the special needs

kids and it’s so worth it seeing how excited they get over something you were a part of,” said Saad.

If you use these nifty tips, you could improve your grades, boost your confidence, and make more friends. You will be conquering freshman year in no time.

How to Survive Freshman YearBy: Rachel MurrayStaff Writer

Entertainment

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Charlea Owens Staff Writer

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Lately I’ve noticed the rise of indie-pop. Bands such as FUN., Neon Trees and Foster the People would fall into that category. I recently discovered a new band that I feel would fit quite nicely in that group called Jjamz, pronounced (juh-jamz). I was introduced to the band while anxiously waiting for Neon Trees to come on. I had no idea of what to expect from the band I had never heard before, but at 8:05 the lights dimmed and the music began. At that moment, I was instantly hooked. If you’re into that kind of music you should check out this band. The stage set up was pretty simple. Blue and red lights il-luminated the retro chick up front, Z-berg, and her four main men in the back, James Valentine, Jason Boesel, Alex Greenwald, and Michael Runion. Wearing a high wasted white skirt and a button up shirt tied like a bikini, Z-berg kept the crowd pumped by dancing passionately around the stage to the beat of the music. The soft dream like voice in which she sang, even in more upbeat songs, helped create a relaxing atmosphere where you could just relax and enjoy the music. Comparable to She and Him, the band made up of experienced musicians, took inspiration from the band Garbage. They are also similar to bands like Blondie, because of their strong lead female vocals, and Panic! At The Disco, because of their use of simple melodies and use of minor chords. Jjamz offers a vintage sound with a modern twist. Spicing up their music with the use of synthe-sizers, they take indie music towards more 80s styled music. Jjamz uses mild techno beats, almost whimsical sounding, to highlight the relaxing undertone of their music. They utilize minor

chords, such as B minor, to make the song more catchy. While Z-berg is the lead singer, she does not keep all the attention to herself. She pairs with Michael Runion for the smooth single, “Cleverly Disguised,” and also sings “LAX” with Alex Greenwald. While Jjamz may be a new band, none of the musicians in it are new to the business. Z-berg was the lead vocalist in the band the Like, which formed when all the members were relatively 15 or 16. Alex Greenwald, who plays rhythm guitar, was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Phantom Planet. Jason Boesel, who plays the drums, started out playing the drums for Rilo Kiley and then played the drums for Bright Eyes. However, Michael Runion, who plays bass, had a solo career. Finally the lead guitarist for the band would be James Valentine who plays guitar for Maroon 5. The musicians took on this opportunity and a fun experience, but they never actually imagined they would become a huge hit. Jjamz released their debut album “Suicide Pact” on July 10 via Danger Bird records. The album title track, “Suicide Pact,” has been described as wistfully dark and heart- wrenching. The songs on this album are incredibly honest and personal, but they cling to the dreams and desires of their youth. These five musicians were not created in a corporate office. They have had each other’s backs for the last ten years in which they have all become best friends. The family like relationship the members of Jjmaz share is no doubt what has made their music successful. Next time this band is in town, I would seriously recommend you go to their show.

Band Obsession: JJamzTaler Thomas. Staff Writer

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Central High School Zone Newspaper

Varsity volleyball is heading to playoffs. “We’re looking at a really good season,” senior Sydney Rochelle said, member of the team. “We have lots of returning varsity play-ers.” Playoffs start on Oct. 29, but before that, the girls have to play 14 district games to qualify for playoffs. “So far, we’re doing really well. We’ve made the goal to go to playoffs,” said sophomore Hannah Kingsolver. The varsity players practice on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school until 5:30 in the gym. On game days, they also practice during the class period, practicing drills that would help them in a game. “We prepare the girls both mentally and physically in practice,” said Head Coach Terri Kelso. “I put them into game-like situations during practice so they will be ready during the

competition.” Like other sports, volleyball is a mental and physical sport. The girls get ready in different ways before their games. “I go to sleep thinking about winning and wake up thinking about nothing else but the game all day,” said senior Keri Rogers. “Before a game we usually find a place to get away from everyone and just jump around and do stupid stuff to get us pumped up.” The team also spends time with each other outside of school, like team dinners and sleepovers at their houses. “We bond during dinners and stuff outside of school,” said Kingsolver. “It helps a lot because a team with no chemistry is like a machine with no working parts. Team bonding let us get to know each other better and be closer. The team has games every Tuesday and Friday at 6:30.

Volleyball heads to playoffsAshley Walker, Managing editor

Sports

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While most kids are asleep in bed the Central swimmers are headed to the pool to start practice. The practice for varsity starts at 6 a.m. while JV and diving begins at 7 a.m. Practices at the Keller natatorium are an hour and a half long to get ready for their first meet, which was Sept. 29.

Facing off against a fierce competition of all Keller school district schools. The girls came in second while the boys got first over all starting this season off wonderfully. Kaitlyn Frandsen said, “ My favorite thing about a meet is just being with the team, cheer-ing each other on, and of course those random dance parties.”

The swimmers are working hard and getting excited for the rest of the meets coming. Garrett Weber said, “ I’m looking forward to this year for new opportunities to move up and compete at a higher level.”

Divers are also getting into the groove of things this year with intense new dives. Tegan Brand explains the excitement she feels for this year, “ I’m a captain this year, and I’m really look-ing forward to leading our team throughout the season. We have two new divers this year, and all of us on the dive team have the potential to do well in competition.”

Not only has this year kicked off to a great start, but also new members have joined bringing the team to 56 in all. With so many new members the swim and dive members held their second annual car wash and garage sale to raise money for the away trip to Houston on October 14 to October 15. The team says they are very pleased with the year to come and can’t wait for more competition to come.

Swim and dive hit the pool

The cross country team has started with a boom. The girls had some team championships in the first two meets. “The season is going really good, the girls are starting to do better. We’re improving and working hard,” said Tracie Lee, senior. This year, unlike years past, they have had to get used to running the 5k rather than 2 miles. Training has also become more intense by increasing the length of interval workouts. Mondays and Wednesdays are spent doing quality workouts on the track, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are used for recovery running in order to give your legs a break. “To prepare for a race I take ice baths on Wednesdays to help my muscles relax, lots of stretching, and eating right,” said Jason Graham, senior. For the boys Brandon Ottman, Layne Garcia, and Jason Graham are their top runners. “The season is going pretty well, our times are getting low, and we might have a shot at making it to regionals,” said Layne Garcia, junior. For the girls Samantha Ottman has been the lead runner followed by Tracie Lee. Cross country meets are usually held on Saturdays. This weekend Coach Norris will take the top 10 runners to Round Rock for a big meet, but there will be a cross country meet held at Arcadia Park on October 13. With regionals coming up, the runners continue to give all they’ve got in completion. Regionals will take place the first weekend of November. To qualify as a team, they have to be one of the top 3 teams in the district, but to make it individually they must place in the top 10 runners. As you can see, they are hard at work, so we will keep our fingers crossed and wish the best of luck to the Cross Country team.

Hit the road

Bailey Kachtik, Staff Writer

Taler Thomas, Staff Writer