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Beautiful Soccer-A Game of Sportsmanship

September 30, 2011 By: Shelby Long

Beautiful soccer is a term the Americans may not recognize, but the rest of the world does. It is what makes a team have the drive to play. It is the amazing ability to maneuver the ball from the defense, push up the midfield to the forwards, and finish into the goal. It is the focus of Blue Ridge High Schools' Varsity soccer team. Currently on an unbelievable 37-0 winning streak, having consecutively won state championships the past two years, and receiving the Old Pueblo Sportsmanship award last year, this dedicated team demonstrates they fearlessly have what it takes to be top dog. While opponents attempt to dominate, Blue Ridge has their mind set on playing smart. They anticipate possibilities and take advantage of opportunities that come their way on the field. When other teams play rough physically, Coach Crain gives this advice, "Just play through it. Don't ever back down and just play your game!" Opposing teams may make a game intense, but this team focuses on attitude, hard-work, commitment to the team, confidence in their abilities, having fun, and always competing. Team member Jacob Wilcock supported Coach Crains' advice to never back down when he expressed, "We're not doing it to show off to other teams. We just play the game. We'll stay firm and play our best," he expressed. Sadly, this season started with people making negative comments about this team that completely go against everything in which they believe. They won the Sportsmanship Award for a reason. The admirable qualities they displayed to win the award shine through every single time they play. For instance, Trey Cavanaugh explained, "When an opponent is knocked down, our teammates help them up, or when they're hurt, we make sure they're O.K." Luke Traeger also commented, "We play our game, and we're good sports about it." Such good deeds contribute to the sportsmanship this team displays. Another way they play in harmony comes from a goal on which everyone agreed- that every team member should have the chance to score. These players keep that close in mind when they hit the field, determined to create opportunities for each teammate to make a goal. The game of soccer requires strong, physical work and endurance. This varsity team won't back down as revealed through their song, "Say hey Blue Ridge! What's your battle call? United we stand, divided we fall. Together we are what we can't be alone. We came to this field to make it our own!" That field becomes Blue Ridge's field because they know how to display the qualities of Sportsmanship, have a positive attitude, work hard, be committed, and have confidence.

National Honors Society

September 2, 2011 By: Melissa Waters

The National Honor Society is centered on character, service, leadership, and scholarship. On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, about 18 Blue Ridge High School students met to elect officers and discuss future goals for the club. Zane Gouker was elected President, Kendra Teetsel as Vice President, Shannon Higgins as Secretary, Danny Groebner as Co-Treasurer, and Clark Terrill as Co-Treasurer and Historian. Anyone involved in this club has maintained an outstanding GPA of 3.5 or higher, written a letter of application, and gotten approval from teachers. The major focus of these hard-working students is to increase participation in community service. For example, members helped with yard work for a woman who recently had a stroke. They also plan to visit a senior center to play poker and spend quality time one night a month with some of the elderly of our community. The members of this club rise above expectations. The club sponsor, Mr. Robinson commented, "It's more than just getting good grades. These kids go beyond the grade. Those are the things that separate the men from the boys." National Honor Society looks forward to a very successful year!

Chess Chooses Chiefs

September 2, 2011 By: Melissa Waters

The awesome chess club had their first meeting of the year on Monday, August 15. During this meeting they voted for their officers and decided on their slogan, "Got Pawns". Tyler Martis is the team captain, and Mr. Robinson, David Erts, and Chessaly Towne all said that he is extremely talented. David Erts, president, commented, "Chess is a life lesson in itself because you will always have to use your brain." People get in to chess for different reasons, but the most interesting reason found was the sponsor's reason; Mr. Robinson expressed that Bobby Fisher was the man facing the world who inspired him to get in to chess. When asked which piece was the most important piece in the game, David Erts exclaimed, "Every king needs a queen to protect him." Mr. Robinson revealed that the best players almost have a sixth sense way of seeing everything fourth dimensional. David Erts also expressed that being good with geometry and patterns really helps someone to be a good chess player. Their first tournament is this Labor Day weekend in Tuba City with thirteen BR players going. They have around 24 players, but they could always use new players who love the game or want to learn.