Spring Sports
Kailey Canterbury '21, Hannah Davis ‘21
Spring sports have begun and are in full swing. A lot of things look differently this year but many people are very grateful for the opportunity to play and are lucky enough to have a season. Boys baseball is off to a great start after taking down Olivet 15-5 this past week. Treyvan Fettes says, “I believe we will do great things this season, if we keep working hard.” Boys and girls track is doing great and has some great competitors. Riley Clem is a senior who medaled in all of his events at the White Pigeon invitational. Brianna Ferral is another strong competitor who placed 1st at the all city meet for pole vault. Girls softball is off to a rocky start as they were shut down because of COVID-19. Ayri Washack says, “Once we get to be able to go back I am not taking anything for granted, we never know if this will happen again.” Boys lacrosse lost 2 times to Lakeview at the beginning of their season but, Jack Boyd says, “ We are ready to work harder and come back even stronger.” Girls soccer has a record of 3-3 right now and have been working very hard. Abby Schwartz says, “I believe we can do great things this season and go far in the tournament, if we just keep working hard.” Girls tennis is off to an amazing start as many people placed 1st in the Hamiliton invitational. Lauren Saxton says, “We have many great girls this year and we are going to do whatever it takes to have a great season. Spring sports will continue until early June, you can find schedules and results at Pennfieldathletics.com.
High School Athletes Signing for College
Brielle Barber’ 23, Ally Keown’ 23
Some of our Pennfield senior athletes have worked hard these past 4 years to lead up to this moment. Jack Boyd, Cody Hultink, and Seth Clothier are amazing players on the Panthers Field but now they are going to college with their heads held high. Jack is planning to play lacrosse at Davenport University in Grand Rapids. ”I play on a lot of travel teams in the summer, I lift a lot and do a lot of training sessions with college players and coaches around Michigan,” Jack said when asked how he trains for lacrosse. Jack says he's looking forward to getting a good education and continuing to play a sport he loves. He has been inspired by Mitchell Pehlke who posts Youtube videos and is someone he looks up to. In about 3rd grade, Mr. Lamb had introduced him to the sport and has loved it ever since. When asked if he plans to go pro Jack said, “Obviously, that's every kid's dream who plays a sport growing up I feel like I wouldn't say I "plan" on it but I’m not saying I wouldn't try to.” Baseball player and Senior Cody Hultink is planning on going to play on the University of Michigan's Baseball team. “I’m looking forward to meeting other players with the same drive and work ethic as me,” says Cody. He first fell in love when he was very young and was inspired by his dad, now he is making his dreams a reality, “I hope I can go pro but I need to develop more at the University.” |
Seth Clothier is planning to play baseball at Spring Arbor University. Seth says, “SAU is a Christian college and played a huge role in why I chose to go there. I’m really looking forward to growing my relationship with God at SAU.” He got into baseball by starting when he was really young and just loved sports. He was inspired by Bryce Harper because he plays with passion and makes the game exciting, “I've always wanted to be a professional athlete but I know God's got a plan for me,” said Seth.
These amazing athletes are excited to play what they love on a different field while continuing their academics. We can’t wait to see what you guys achieve after high school. |
Senior Sport Memories
Hannah Davis ‘21, Kailey Canterbury ‘21
Senior year is known to be one of the most memorable years of your life. It’s the last year you can make memories with the class you’ve grown up with since elementary school; before moving on to the next chapter of our lives. Many student’s here at Pennfield, including the Senior class, have always been very involved in athletics. From Freshman to Senior year every single one of our Senior athletes will say they’ve made some of the greatest memories, through our athletic program that they won’t ever forget. Many of the student-athletes at Pennfield have been playing their sports ever since they were little, including, Senior, Jack Boyd. “If anything, my best memories I’ve made at Pennfield through athletics are all the connections I’ve made to fellow past players and coaches or just the community in general. I’m going to miss representing Pennfield in every sport I’ve participated in. I’m going to be playing Lacrosse this Spring for the last time with my Pennfield team. I’m hoping everyone stays safe from Covid, while coming to practice or games everyday knowing it could be our last, so attack everyday with positive energy,” Jack tells me. With Jack being an athlete for so long, he also loves giving advice to the underclassmen. Jack continues to tell me, “Go to every off season lift conditions meeting, you know you can.” When playing a sport here at Pennfield, you make bonds with your teammates that feel like family. |
Senior, Allison Biergeder says, “I’ve made a lot of friendships with the girls on the teams I’ve played on for Pennfield. They are all my second family. I’m going to miss the leadership, team bonding, and the competition with both soccer and volleyball. My goal for my last season of soccer this Spring is to put 100% into both practices and games to make up for the lost season last year.”
Allison has a lot of love for soccer and was very devastated when the season ended too soon last year. “Every underclassmen needs to know that you need to have fun and enjoy every second you get to play, because the next day is never promised,” Allison explains. |
Winter Sports Pt.2
Hannah Davis ‘21, Kailey Canterbury ‘21
Winter sports at Pennfield Highschool have returned. Sports such as, boys and girls basketball, competitive cheerleading, and wrestling. The record for the boys varsity basketball team is 8-1. Luke Davis states, “Our goal this season is to go into every game with a winning mindset.” Many of the boys on the varsity basketball team think they have a great chance of winning the conference as well as the district, and believe they can go even further. The girls basketball record this season so far is 2-7. Abby Schwatz says, “ We came into our season rushed and not prepared but we are going to push hard through the rest of the season and try to win some games. The competitive cheerleading team has placed in the top 3 at many of the competitions and are one of the top teams in the conference. Makayla Woolman says, “ The team's goal for this season is to qualify for regionals and break our scoring record this year.” The wrestling team has many competitive boys. Cameron Pemberton says, “All of our boys this year have been working very hard and we hope to have a few on the team place high in the conference and in the region.” You can keep up with results and upcoming schedules at pennfieldathletics.com.
Girls Basketball
Alyssa Hanner, Ashlynn Goshorn ‘24
Here at Pennfield, girls basketball has been able to start back up again. Many of the players are excited to get back out on the court. We asked a couple of the freshman girls how they feel about the season being resumed.
This year many teams have struggled with things throughout the season. When asked what the hardest challenge playing this year was, Katelyn Lamb answered with “one of the hardest challenges playing this year was how small our team is.” While Kathy Byers responded with “keeping my grades up.”
“Finally getting to play again makes it a little more exciting than a normal year because we have been waiting to play for so long,” said Katelyn when asked what it was like to finally be able to play again. “Feels like I could take every bad thing and let it go and on top of that, it’s just fun and something to look forward to,” Kathy answered.
There are many things to look forward to this season but here are the main reasons that Kathy and Katelyn are excited. “Working on my offense better, offense is a key part of basketball and it feels really good when you see the ball go into the hoop,” Kathy told us. Katelyn said that one of the things she was really looking forward to was being able to grow as a team. She also stated that they’ve grown so much already over the past month.
A lot of people have their own reasons why they like to play basketball. For some it may be a sentimental reason, and for others it may be just because they simply like the sport. Katelyn told us “I chose to play basketball because I‘ve been playing since I was 7 and enjoy it.” Kathy said “I’m not really sure why I chose it, but it just makes my day a whole lot better.”
This year many teams have struggled with things throughout the season. When asked what the hardest challenge playing this year was, Katelyn Lamb answered with “one of the hardest challenges playing this year was how small our team is.” While Kathy Byers responded with “keeping my grades up.”
“Finally getting to play again makes it a little more exciting than a normal year because we have been waiting to play for so long,” said Katelyn when asked what it was like to finally be able to play again. “Feels like I could take every bad thing and let it go and on top of that, it’s just fun and something to look forward to,” Kathy answered.
There are many things to look forward to this season but here are the main reasons that Kathy and Katelyn are excited. “Working on my offense better, offense is a key part of basketball and it feels really good when you see the ball go into the hoop,” Kathy told us. Katelyn said that one of the things she was really looking forward to was being able to grow as a team. She also stated that they’ve grown so much already over the past month.
A lot of people have their own reasons why they like to play basketball. For some it may be a sentimental reason, and for others it may be just because they simply like the sport. Katelyn told us “I chose to play basketball because I‘ve been playing since I was 7 and enjoy it.” Kathy said “I’m not really sure why I chose it, but it just makes my day a whole lot better.”
Best Friend’s Commit to the Same College for Volleyball
Hannah Davis ‘21, Kailey Canterbury ‘21
Kailey and I have been playing volleyball together since sophomore year. We always came together and kicked butt on every team we were on. Volleyball grew our bond, making us closer than ever before. Without volleyball, we’d probably never be friends. Now we’re seniors wrapping up high school being able to continue playing the game we love, together, at Concordia University Ann Arbor.
When we were looking through colleges, our main focus was going wherever our volleyball career took us. We first had a plan to move into an apartment near Kellogg Community College and get an inexpensive college education while playing volleyball. Later on we both got a call from Spring Arbor University on taking a college tour while getting the chance to practice with the volleyball team. We both accepted, but it ended up being a place we didn’t really call home. A few months later Kailey committed to Concordia University to continue playing volleyball. She told me that the coach was looking for a defense specialist, so I decided to give it a shot. So here we are being able to play together for four more years.
Concordia University is known best for it’s wonderful nursing program.
Kailey said, “When I was researching colleges that would fit my major and where I could continue playing volleyball at, I came across Concordia. When I’m older, I want to become a surgical nurse and I felt Concordia would be the best fit for me.”
Getting into college isn’t the easiest thing in the world. You definitely have to face a number of challenges.
At first myself, Hannah, was worried about choosing Concordia because I was interested in the business field, not medical, but I learned that they have a great business program that travels all the time. When meaning to contact Concordia Ann Arbor, I accidentally contacted Concordia Wisconsin. Finding out that Concordia Wisconsin was interested in me was exciting but I wanted to stay in Michigan, so Ann Arbor was the best choice for me.
When finding out we were going to continue playing volleyball together for another four years it was exciting because we’d be able to do college things together. We are looking forward to rooming together and decorating our room to whatever we chose. Not only that, but we get to do all the fun activities college students do such as; focusing on our major, having freedom, team bonding with the boy’s lacrosse team, and many more.
College is a very exciting thing but also a bit nerve racking. But we’re very happy that we get to grow our friendship even stronger while playing the sport we love most.
When we were looking through colleges, our main focus was going wherever our volleyball career took us. We first had a plan to move into an apartment near Kellogg Community College and get an inexpensive college education while playing volleyball. Later on we both got a call from Spring Arbor University on taking a college tour while getting the chance to practice with the volleyball team. We both accepted, but it ended up being a place we didn’t really call home. A few months later Kailey committed to Concordia University to continue playing volleyball. She told me that the coach was looking for a defense specialist, so I decided to give it a shot. So here we are being able to play together for four more years.
Concordia University is known best for it’s wonderful nursing program.
Kailey said, “When I was researching colleges that would fit my major and where I could continue playing volleyball at, I came across Concordia. When I’m older, I want to become a surgical nurse and I felt Concordia would be the best fit for me.”
Getting into college isn’t the easiest thing in the world. You definitely have to face a number of challenges.
At first myself, Hannah, was worried about choosing Concordia because I was interested in the business field, not medical, but I learned that they have a great business program that travels all the time. When meaning to contact Concordia Ann Arbor, I accidentally contacted Concordia Wisconsin. Finding out that Concordia Wisconsin was interested in me was exciting but I wanted to stay in Michigan, so Ann Arbor was the best choice for me.
When finding out we were going to continue playing volleyball together for another four years it was exciting because we’d be able to do college things together. We are looking forward to rooming together and decorating our room to whatever we chose. Not only that, but we get to do all the fun activities college students do such as; focusing on our major, having freedom, team bonding with the boy’s lacrosse team, and many more.
College is a very exciting thing but also a bit nerve racking. But we’re very happy that we get to grow our friendship even stronger while playing the sport we love most.
Winter Sports
Hannah Davis ‘21, Kailey Canterbury ‘21
Many student athletes have been worried about if they’ll have the chance to play their Winter sport this season due to Covid. Seniors especially were worried that they wouldn’t get to play their sport, one last time. After hearing schools were going to open many athletes grew excited that they’d be able to have the chance to play again. Now that it’s been officially announced everyone is very excited for the upcoming season. But it will be weird not having a big audience.
One of the most popular winter sports, boys basketball, is very excited to be playing, but many find it upsetting they can’t have the crowd huge cheering them on.
Senior, Connor McCleary tells me, “I’m very excited to have the chance to play my senior year if things continue the same, but it’s upsetting knowing the student section won’t be as packed as normal. It always gets the boys and I excited to have a loud student section going crazy after every point, but I’m just thankful knowing I can play my last year.”
Many of the boys are excited to have almost the same team as last year.
Senior, Gavin Burns tells me, “Last season we had a winning streak and a 90% chance of being district champs. It was so sad knowing we couldn’t finish off the season with a bang due to covid. But knowing we have the same players returning is exciting. Our goal is to make it far and work hard in every practice, treating it like a game. That will help us so much in the long run.”
If boys basketball can play, that means our girls basketball players get to finally be back on the court.
Senior Sadie Drawhorn tells me, “I was very worried that we wouldn’t get the chance to play this season. I’m very grateful we have the chance to play and that everyone is doing whatever they can to get us a season this year. Being a senior I want to know at the end of the season that I left everything on the court, being proud of what I’ve done.”
Many athletes here at Pennfield have the chance to continue their sport in college, but still want to make the best of what they can at Pennfield, including Senior, Abby Swartz.
“It’s amazing to know we get to have a season this year. A lot of us have been waiting patiently for the news to let us know if we can or not. Now that we know we’re having a season I would like to score my 1000 career points this year. It’s definitely a very difficult goal, considering our circumstances with covid. But, it’s something to look forward to, even if I don’t receive it. Being able to play basketball in college at Spring Arbor University is very exciting, but I want to leave a good review on myself here at Pennfield,” Abby tells me.
Pennfield’s biggest supporters are back for competing this season, competitive cheer. Many of them were scared to not be able to compete and complete their goals, so the news was very exciting for them.
Senior, Jaidyn Pike tells me, “I am excited about being able to cheer my senior year. My goals for the season is to get all my tumble skills back after the time off before seasons. The goals my team have is to be able to have solid rounds.”
Being a senior, it’s hard knowing you won’t be able to play your sport again once the season wraps up.
Senior Makayla Woolman tells me, “I was more than thankful to have my season. Being a senior thinking there’s a chance it wouldn’t happen, scared me. I’m very passionate about the sport and I didn’t want to say goodbye too soon. This season I’m planning on enjoying every minute of it as much as I can and work harder than I have in the past years. Our team has always been successful since I was a freshman and it’s exciting to know we will continue that on out.”
Many athletes are very excited and thankful to have their Winter season. Seniors especially are more grateful than ever knowing they get to play their sport one last time before saying goodbye to it.
One of the most popular winter sports, boys basketball, is very excited to be playing, but many find it upsetting they can’t have the crowd huge cheering them on.
Senior, Connor McCleary tells me, “I’m very excited to have the chance to play my senior year if things continue the same, but it’s upsetting knowing the student section won’t be as packed as normal. It always gets the boys and I excited to have a loud student section going crazy after every point, but I’m just thankful knowing I can play my last year.”
Many of the boys are excited to have almost the same team as last year.
Senior, Gavin Burns tells me, “Last season we had a winning streak and a 90% chance of being district champs. It was so sad knowing we couldn’t finish off the season with a bang due to covid. But knowing we have the same players returning is exciting. Our goal is to make it far and work hard in every practice, treating it like a game. That will help us so much in the long run.”
If boys basketball can play, that means our girls basketball players get to finally be back on the court.
Senior Sadie Drawhorn tells me, “I was very worried that we wouldn’t get the chance to play this season. I’m very grateful we have the chance to play and that everyone is doing whatever they can to get us a season this year. Being a senior I want to know at the end of the season that I left everything on the court, being proud of what I’ve done.”
Many athletes here at Pennfield have the chance to continue their sport in college, but still want to make the best of what they can at Pennfield, including Senior, Abby Swartz.
“It’s amazing to know we get to have a season this year. A lot of us have been waiting patiently for the news to let us know if we can or not. Now that we know we’re having a season I would like to score my 1000 career points this year. It’s definitely a very difficult goal, considering our circumstances with covid. But, it’s something to look forward to, even if I don’t receive it. Being able to play basketball in college at Spring Arbor University is very exciting, but I want to leave a good review on myself here at Pennfield,” Abby tells me.
Pennfield’s biggest supporters are back for competing this season, competitive cheer. Many of them were scared to not be able to compete and complete their goals, so the news was very exciting for them.
Senior, Jaidyn Pike tells me, “I am excited about being able to cheer my senior year. My goals for the season is to get all my tumble skills back after the time off before seasons. The goals my team have is to be able to have solid rounds.”
Being a senior, it’s hard knowing you won’t be able to play your sport again once the season wraps up.
Senior Makayla Woolman tells me, “I was more than thankful to have my season. Being a senior thinking there’s a chance it wouldn’t happen, scared me. I’m very passionate about the sport and I didn’t want to say goodbye too soon. This season I’m planning on enjoying every minute of it as much as I can and work harder than I have in the past years. Our team has always been successful since I was a freshman and it’s exciting to know we will continue that on out.”
Many athletes are very excited and thankful to have their Winter season. Seniors especially are more grateful than ever knowing they get to play their sport one last time before saying goodbye to it.
End of Varsity Cheer Season
Kenzie Pemberton
With 2020 being absolutely crazy, there have been a few good things to happen. Such as fall sports being able to continue with limitations of course. I asked Seniors, Cate Govier and Ember Bortz about their experience in the cheerleading program at Pennfield High school.
Cate has been doing cheerleading for 10 years and Ember 6 years. When asked about what they wished went better during the season, Cate said, “Obviously the Covid restrictions! I know they are important, but in an ideal world they’d be gone for sure!” I asked Ember what she thought went well during the season and she said, “We had a lot of time to work on cheers, and because of that I think they looked cleaner and we knew what we were doing.”
There are many sports that people can do other than cheerleading, Cate is also on the varsity track team and Ember plays soccer. They are both also on the varsity competitive cheer team.
This year school has been quite different. I asked Cate and Ember if they thought it was easy for them to keep up with school and cheer. Ember said, “No it was difficult and I fell behind in school.” Cate said, “It was never easy but it was always worth it.”
Cate and Ember are both seniors graduating high school in the 2021 school year. When asked if they were going to do cheer in college, Cate said, “I don’t plan on it, but I have a few offers and I am not saying no just yet.” Ember says, “I don’t plan on doing cheer in college, I plan on starting at KCC then moving to another college after a few years.”
Cate has been doing cheerleading for 10 years and Ember 6 years. When asked about what they wished went better during the season, Cate said, “Obviously the Covid restrictions! I know they are important, but in an ideal world they’d be gone for sure!” I asked Ember what she thought went well during the season and she said, “We had a lot of time to work on cheers, and because of that I think they looked cleaner and we knew what we were doing.”
There are many sports that people can do other than cheerleading, Cate is also on the varsity track team and Ember plays soccer. They are both also on the varsity competitive cheer team.
This year school has been quite different. I asked Cate and Ember if they thought it was easy for them to keep up with school and cheer. Ember said, “No it was difficult and I fell behind in school.” Cate said, “It was never easy but it was always worth it.”
Cate and Ember are both seniors graduating high school in the 2021 school year. When asked if they were going to do cheer in college, Cate said, “I don’t plan on it, but I have a few offers and I am not saying no just yet.” Ember says, “I don’t plan on doing cheer in college, I plan on starting at KCC then moving to another college after a few years.”
From the Desk of the Athletic Director: Mr. Steele
Ayden Ramos '24
Mr. Steele, Pennfield’s Athletic Director has had to deal with a few changes recently. “Covid-19 has greatly affected the Pennfield athletic department landscape, but like other schools we are adjusting to the new protocols and procedures,” said Mr. Steele. He mentioned that Covid-19 has had some adverse effect on our student body, especially to those who cannot come to our events as spectators, and with spectators being limited each game.This is Mr. Steele’s 20th year as an Athletic Director and his 8th year serving the Pennfield School District. Mr. Steele played basketball back in his playing days, he taught/coached at a college level for 11 years and taught/coached at a high school level for 10 years. He was primarily a basketball coach throughout his coaching days, but he also coached men’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s tennis in the past. We wish Mr. Steel good luck this year while dealing with the extra regulations that come with sporting events.
Kicking Covids Butt
Boy’s soccer is kicking COVID’s butt this unusual soccer season. Sophomore, Braden Austin and Sophomore, Alex Fourn are a couple of the boys playing this season that filled us in on all the changes this year, and how they're kicking COVID’s butt.
At first, Braden was worried there was going to be no season, “we tried to be positive at practice,” says Braden. “So we worked hard every day but after football got canceled I was worried that we weren't going to have a season.” Alex responded saying, “I honestly didn't think we would have a season to begin with, and was surprised when they said we could, although a little disappointed when we had to wear masks because playing soccer in masks is a bit challenging.” They both agreed that a huge change this year than last year is that games and practices were cancelled due to COVID. Alex says that a big challenge this year is winning games and working together as a team, “Our biggest challenge this season as a whole is our ability as a team to win games. This year we are far different from last year,”said Alex. “And in terms of how our team is doing is not very good. We have some phenomenal players, we just aren't working together as a team. I'm hoping that next year will be a better season and as a team, we are able to build on the mistakes made this season,” Alex says. |
While Braden says the biggest challenge is staying positive and keeping his teammates the same way. Make sure to check out the boys in action at their soccer games working hard! Also remember If you don’t have a ticket make sure to watch it live on Facebook! -- Brielle Barber ’23 and Madison Wood ’23 (10/11/20) |
Varsity Football
The Kick-off to Fall sports is finally here meaning football is back! The Pennfield Varsity football team was thrilled to be back on the field to play with their teammates they like to call, family. Many fans and players were upset hearing that football was being moved to Spring, so hearing that football is back to the Fall had everyone excited, even Senior, Cody Hultink.
“I was kind of upset when I heard football was being moved to Spring because that meant it was going to get in the way of baseball, so when football was moved back to Fall it was a relief because I want my last year to feel as normal as possible. I’m very happy to have my last year. I’m making sure that every game or win is a memory I won’t forget, knowing I won’t ever be able to play with this team again,” Cody said. Many players during the break did different things to keep themselves busy whether it was lifting or even building up their confidence for the season. Junior, Carter Wong said, “When I found out football was moved back to Fall I was kind of shocked but also mad because we all made different plans for our Fall and we moved back so fast. During this time it helped me gain lots of ideas and goals I want for my team and I this season. I hope to keep being a team player and helping our team grow as we are heading close to playoffs. I really want our team to make it deep in the playoffs to show our potential as a team to everyone.” Many Seniors have played football since they were young so this last year is very hard for them. Senior, Jack Boyd said, “Knowing this is my last year playing football, it’s definitely been an emotional roller coaster at times but I embrace every second of it. Yes it may be my last year playing with this team but something keeping me up is knowing I might be playing football in college if not lacrosse. But for this last season I’m making sure to stay positive and focused no matter what happens, to make this year a great one.” Get your tickets now and check out the boys next game, away at Jackson Northwest, where we cheer our boys onto victory! -- Hannah Davis ‘21, Kailey Canterbury ‘21 (10/11/20) |
Going the Distance
Cross Country Athletes Thoughts on Regulations.
Although sports are being regulated because of Covid, student athletes are still trying to continue playing. There are many regulations with masks, social distancing, and no touching. Sophomores, Allie Ferrall and Madison Caraway expressed their thoughts on cross country with all of the regulations.
For the 2020 cross country season there are a limited number of spectators because of Covid, but that isn’t going to stop cross country runners from running. First time cross country runner Madison Caraway said, “I would rather deal with the regulations than not run, because it’s something to get my mind off of everything, so that I’m not just stressing about virtual school all the time.” Allie Ferrall said, “I would rather deal with corona regulations because I’d rather have the sport then not have it at all and at least you can have some fun.” Sometimes sports can be stressful. When asked if cross country helps relieve stress Madison said, “You kind of just forget about everything else, you’re more worried about your starting point and ending destination. It’s something you can feel you can fully control.” Many people do other sports as well as cross country such as, karate, soccer, basketball, and cheer. Some people would be overwhelmed with so many sports and virtual school. Madison says, “I like doing more than one sport because it keeps me busy.” Covid affects everybody differently, but that isn’t going to stop the cross country team who practices everyday along with meets and extracurriculars. You can find a schedule for the cross country team on Pennfield.net. -- Mackenzie Pemberton (9/28/20) |
Kick-Off to the Pennfield Varsity Volleyball Season
Pennfield schools may be closed, but Fall sports are still on! Meaning our Pennfield Panthers Varsity Volleyball team is back at it again. On September 14th the girls had their first conference game home against the Hastings Saxtons. The girls took a 3-0 victory with the scores of;
25-11, 25-16, 25-8. The team was very excited to start off the season with a great start after having only one practice inside before that. The girls had to play on the grass which some players weren't a fan of.
25-11, 25-16, 25-8. The team was very excited to start off the season with a great start after having only one practice inside before that. The girls had to play on the grass which some players weren't a fan of.
Senior, Abigail Swartz tells me, “Playing on the grass was completely different but so much better at the same time. It was hard to time ourselves with the wind blowing the balls everywhere and the holes in the ground were scary for ankle injuries. We were ready to be back and playing and it feels good to return to some sort of normalcy.” Playing outside was different but so is the new policy of having to play while wearing masks. “Wearing a mask is really difficult. It’s hard to breathe and feels really weird. They get really sweaty and stinky after a while so they can get pretty nasty,” Abby explains. Wearing a mask and playing on the grass is very different but a new addition to the Pennfield volleyball program is the new varsity volleyball coach, state Hall of Fame, Brooke Hudson. Many girls were so excited to have her, especially Sophomore, Julia Hall. “I’m super excited to have Brooke as our new varsity coach! I have played with Brooke before and I know how much she cares to help the team become better. Last year's coach was super nice but it feels great to have a change,” Julia tells me. Not only is Julia excited to have her travel coach as her high school coach but so is being on varsity as a sophomore. “I feel so lucky to be a sophomore on varsity! This is such a great opportunity for me and I’m super excited to learn and get better. All the older girls are so talented and it’s fun to watch and learn from them! It’s also nice having another sophomore on the team, Ava Spinney,” Julia says. |
Pennfield has a great start to their season but they wouldn’t have been able to do it without the varsity coach herself, Brooke Hudson.
“I really enjoy being the volleyball coach. Volleyball has been a huge part of my life so it’s great being back working with Pennfield kids,” Brooke tells me. Brooke was very proud of her team and enjoyed seeing that their hard work paid off in their first game. “We played well. Our serving was key. We won in three games which helped so much. Hannah Davis has 7 aces and Kailey Canterbury has 3. It was great seeing what all we needed to work on especially since my goals for this season is to win the conference, improve our play throughout the season, and to win districts,” Brooke explains. The varsity volleyball’s next home game will be Wednesday, September 23rd against Parma Western. It’s also Senior night, so even though you can’t spectate you can check out the girls and cheer them on through the screen on a live stream. Just check out the Pennfield volleyball team’s Facebook page! -- Hannah Davis, Kailey Canterbury '21 (9/23/20) |
Order on the Court
Throughout COVID, there have been many changes to daily life including sports, academics, and extracurricular activities; but how do the student-athletes feel about these changes/difficulties? Let’s hear some opinions from two freshmen that are on the volleyball team.
Throughout these hard times, a lot of things have changed. Many people feel that the one thing that's changed the most is sporting events. Many have their own opinions on what decisions should or shouldn't have been made. After speaking with freshmen Lexi Downs and Mikayla Bennett they both agreed that the thing they miss most about the season is not wearing the masks. Mikayla also added that she missed the normal game and tournament routine. For the 2020 volleyball season, there are only two spectators allowed per student-athlete. For some people, whether in high school or the pros, seeing faces in the stands can either make you super nervous or it can take your game to a whole new level. Lexi and Mikayla both said that the limited amount of spectators changed their game, but in a good way. They both said that without as many people in the stands, there is less pressure and since it’s quieter they’re able to focus better. There have been a number of complaints and protests about the current limitations due to Covid-19. Many people say that they would rather have their season either canceled or postponed. “I’d rather have it postponed and play normally and have to wait than play now and have limitations,” said Lexi. Mikayla, on the other hand, said, “I don't really care what happens as long as we can play, or even if we didn't have games and just practice I would still be fine with it.” |
Throughout these difficult times, there have been many good memories made. Mikayla and Lexi both expressed that this has brought the whole team closer together since it’s one of the only forms of human interaction that they have.
Overall, this whole experience has been crazy for different people in different ways. As you may have noticed, there are some positives and negatives, but we just have to make the best of what we have and keep moving forward. -- Ashlynn Goshorn ‘24 (9/23/20) |
Cheering Their Way Through Covid-19
Sideline cheerleaders aren’t letting COVID stop them from cheering on the panthers at the football games! If you attend the Thursday and Friday night football games this year, are you able to hear the cheerleaders through their masks? This season for Pennfield cheerleaders, football players, and other sports has been different than their past sports seasons. Senior, Cate Govier and Senior, Tori Young who are both cheer captains for the varsity cheer team filled us in on all the changes this year, and how they are cheering their way through COVID.
Cate says that usually the cheerleaders find out what team they make in June, and have a combined team camp in July. Neither happened this year and the girls instead found out what team they made in August. She also added on by saying, “There really are only two big ways that COVID affected practice and that is being able to stunt and tumble at practice. We also have to wear masks, but that is an everywhere thing and not just practice.” Tori says, “This year is different because there won’t be a huge crowd to actually cheer for. We won’t have the student section that calls out the names of their favorite cheerleaders or those parents who love interacting with us.” They both also mentioned that to get into the games you need a ticket from either a football player, cheerleader, or you can watch the game live on Facebook. Cate and Tori are both disappointed that they can’t touch or do advanced stunts this season. But on a positive note, they are happy they are able to cheer and they’re both varsity captains. |
You can see the teams cheering their way through COVID Thursday nights for Junior Varsity, and Friday nights for Varsity. Remember if you don’t get a ticket check out the Facebook page and watch live at home!
-- Brielle Barber ‘23, Madison Wood ‘23 (9/23/20) |