A winning start to a new season
Video and story by: Abby Hopper - December 4, 2015
Tuesday December 1, 2015 the Great Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball team had their first game. Sophomore, Zac Roberts, said, “I was a little nervous before the game started, but after the game I felt great!”
Being that this was the first game of the season, being in the crowd you could just feel the nervous tension throughout the gym. Thankfully we pulled out with the win! The final score ended up being 57 Great Falls and 50 Central Pageland.
Deandre Green, a junior and starter on the basketball team said, “I felt pretty nervous since that was my first official game starting for the Great Falls Varsity Basketball Team. It's a big deal cause there are such high expectations and high bars to set playing for this school. After the game I felt exhausted, but it felt even better knowing we got the win and we started the season off right!”
We are extremely happy for the basketball team on their win and wish them the best of luck on their upcoming season!
Tuesday December 1, 2015 the Great Falls High School Boys Varsity Basketball team had their first game. Sophomore, Zac Roberts, said, “I was a little nervous before the game started, but after the game I felt great!”
Being that this was the first game of the season, being in the crowd you could just feel the nervous tension throughout the gym. Thankfully we pulled out with the win! The final score ended up being 57 Great Falls and 50 Central Pageland.
Deandre Green, a junior and starter on the basketball team said, “I felt pretty nervous since that was my first official game starting for the Great Falls Varsity Basketball Team. It's a big deal cause there are such high expectations and high bars to set playing for this school. After the game I felt exhausted, but it felt even better knowing we got the win and we started the season off right!”
We are extremely happy for the basketball team on their win and wish them the best of luck on their upcoming season!
A bitter sweet ending
By: Candace Baker - November 18, 2015
The Cross Country 2015 season has come to an end and the runners don’t know how to feel about it. First, let us look at how accomplished this team really is:
They started conditioning in January and their official season ended in October, with the exception of Candace Baker and Devin Banks who went to state.
The runners came out at least four days of the week for almost ten months just to run. They had extremely challenging workouts and meets. But no matter how hot or how hard the practices and meets got, they had a smile on their faces. So many new friendships were made that will last a lifetime. The Cross Country team has one of the best relationships ever.
They do more than just run and workout together. They had breakfast a few times after practice over the summer, they got to know one another a lot when they ate out after meets and on the bus rides home. Also six of the runners went to a camp over the summer where they spent a lot of time together.
The team had their end of season banquet on Tuesday November 17th where the runners were honored for their achievements. The parents came together to prepare the meal, including drinks and desserts.
Every year Coach Corral gives out a "most improved award" and an "MVP" award, this year during his speech he said "I was trying to decide who deserved these awards, and I realized that all of the runners do. So, there will be no special awards this year, good job everyone."
The all-region runners, Candace Baker and Kayla Coleman, were recognized and so were the state runners, Candace Baker and Devin Banks. It was also noted that out boys team beat Lewisville's three meets in a row and got second in all-region!
Coach Corral passed out varsity letters to the new runners and gave gold bars to the runners who received letters in the past. Candace Baker then thanked the parents for everything they have done this season and gave out team pictures to them that said "thanks for supporting us."
After receiving his varsity letter, Landon Dye said that he had a great season where he made new friends.
The night ended with tons of silly group pictures and the team signed a card to mail to Colt Smith, a member of the team that recently moved to Florida.
The Cross Country team had a great season and will begin conditioning again in January, they can't wait!
The Cross Country 2015 season has come to an end and the runners don’t know how to feel about it. First, let us look at how accomplished this team really is:
They started conditioning in January and their official season ended in October, with the exception of Candace Baker and Devin Banks who went to state.
The runners came out at least four days of the week for almost ten months just to run. They had extremely challenging workouts and meets. But no matter how hot or how hard the practices and meets got, they had a smile on their faces. So many new friendships were made that will last a lifetime. The Cross Country team has one of the best relationships ever.
They do more than just run and workout together. They had breakfast a few times after practice over the summer, they got to know one another a lot when they ate out after meets and on the bus rides home. Also six of the runners went to a camp over the summer where they spent a lot of time together.
The team had their end of season banquet on Tuesday November 17th where the runners were honored for their achievements. The parents came together to prepare the meal, including drinks and desserts.
Every year Coach Corral gives out a "most improved award" and an "MVP" award, this year during his speech he said "I was trying to decide who deserved these awards, and I realized that all of the runners do. So, there will be no special awards this year, good job everyone."
The all-region runners, Candace Baker and Kayla Coleman, were recognized and so were the state runners, Candace Baker and Devin Banks. It was also noted that out boys team beat Lewisville's three meets in a row and got second in all-region!
Coach Corral passed out varsity letters to the new runners and gave gold bars to the runners who received letters in the past. Candace Baker then thanked the parents for everything they have done this season and gave out team pictures to them that said "thanks for supporting us."
After receiving his varsity letter, Landon Dye said that he had a great season where he made new friends.
The night ended with tons of silly group pictures and the team signed a card to mail to Colt Smith, a member of the team that recently moved to Florida.
The Cross Country team had a great season and will begin conditioning again in January, they can't wait!
Welcome in the lady varsity basketball team
Video and story by: Nauria Wilmore - November 12, 2015
Tuesday night, November 10th at 5:30 P.M the Great Falls High girls Varsity Basketball team had a scrimmage against Chesterfield. There are usually four rounds in the game and our girls won one round.
Mr. Jimmy Duncan is the head coach of the team and his assistant is Mr. Quentin Lamar. Junior, Alexis Emerson, who has been playing basketball since the 7th grade, said that her favorite part about playing basketball is defense and working with others as a team.
In a few words of encouragement for upcoming athletes, Emerson stated that "no matter if we lose or win, keep your head up high regardless of what others may think or say."
Emerson also said that she is very excited for this year's basketball season and she is sure that it will bring prosperity and awesome memories.
Tuesday night, November 10th at 5:30 P.M the Great Falls High girls Varsity Basketball team had a scrimmage against Chesterfield. There are usually four rounds in the game and our girls won one round.
Mr. Jimmy Duncan is the head coach of the team and his assistant is Mr. Quentin Lamar. Junior, Alexis Emerson, who has been playing basketball since the 7th grade, said that her favorite part about playing basketball is defense and working with others as a team.
In a few words of encouragement for upcoming athletes, Emerson stated that "no matter if we lose or win, keep your head up high regardless of what others may think or say."
Emerson also said that she is very excited for this year's basketball season and she is sure that it will bring prosperity and awesome memories.
Our very own state-level runners
By: Candace M. Baker - November 5, 2015
Candace Baker and Devin Banks, two of our Cross Country runners here at Great Falls High, will be running in the South Carolina State Competition Saturday November 7, 2015.
These two dedicated runners were chosen to run at the state level by their coach, John Corral, because of their performance at the region meet. Baker received an all-region award and Banks placed first for the Great Falls team. Kayla Coleman also received an all-region award and was invited to state, but turned the offer down because she was ready for her well-deserved off season break.
Baker and Banks have been practicing for an extra two weeks for state. Their workouts have consisted of trail and track training. The rain has caught them a few times but it never stops them from practicing. These two are determined to do well at state and end their season with a good run.
Banks, a sophomore runner, said, “I am very excited about running at the state-level. Candace and I worked very hard to get here."
The Cross Country State meet takes place at Sand Hills in Columbia, SC. Baker will run at nine in the morning and Banks will run one hour later at ten. Both of the runners have experience with the course. Baker has run it twice and Banks once.
After the meet the two runners will carry on the tradition started by Candace Baker and Thomas Mills last season by eating at CiCi’s pizza, courtesy of Coach Corral.
John Corral, Cross Country coach, says, "Wish Candace and Devin luck at their meet and support them by heading to Columbia Saturday morning to watch them run, Go Devils!"
Candace Baker and Devin Banks, two of our Cross Country runners here at Great Falls High, will be running in the South Carolina State Competition Saturday November 7, 2015.
These two dedicated runners were chosen to run at the state level by their coach, John Corral, because of their performance at the region meet. Baker received an all-region award and Banks placed first for the Great Falls team. Kayla Coleman also received an all-region award and was invited to state, but turned the offer down because she was ready for her well-deserved off season break.
Baker and Banks have been practicing for an extra two weeks for state. Their workouts have consisted of trail and track training. The rain has caught them a few times but it never stops them from practicing. These two are determined to do well at state and end their season with a good run.
Banks, a sophomore runner, said, “I am very excited about running at the state-level. Candace and I worked very hard to get here."
The Cross Country State meet takes place at Sand Hills in Columbia, SC. Baker will run at nine in the morning and Banks will run one hour later at ten. Both of the runners have experience with the course. Baker has run it twice and Banks once.
After the meet the two runners will carry on the tradition started by Candace Baker and Thomas Mills last season by eating at CiCi’s pizza, courtesy of Coach Corral.
John Corral, Cross Country coach, says, "Wish Candace and Devin luck at their meet and support them by heading to Columbia Saturday morning to watch them run, Go Devils!"
Runners and chocolate?
By: Candace M. Baker - November 2, 2015
You heard correctly! The Cross Country team is selling chocolate again, The World’s Finest. Our runners made a huge profit off of these delicious chocolate bars last year thanks to our student body buying them and they need your help again!
As many of you may know, six of our runners attended a Cross Country camp at Columbia International University (CIU) last summer thanks to their chocolate sales. It is their goal to send all of the veterans next year, which is where the chocolate money will go.
At the camp they are trained by award-winning runners, nutritionists, and professionals in footwork. The athletes get to stay on-campus and their days are packed with running, classes, workouts, meals, and studies. The runners who attended last summer formed amazing bonds among themselves, other runners, their college mentors, and coaches.
Please help out the Cross Country team by buying The World’s Finest Chocolate. Is it really a favor?
You heard correctly! The Cross Country team is selling chocolate again, The World’s Finest. Our runners made a huge profit off of these delicious chocolate bars last year thanks to our student body buying them and they need your help again!
As many of you may know, six of our runners attended a Cross Country camp at Columbia International University (CIU) last summer thanks to their chocolate sales. It is their goal to send all of the veterans next year, which is where the chocolate money will go.
At the camp they are trained by award-winning runners, nutritionists, and professionals in footwork. The athletes get to stay on-campus and their days are packed with running, classes, workouts, meals, and studies. The runners who attended last summer formed amazing bonds among themselves, other runners, their college mentors, and coaches.
Please help out the Cross Country team by buying The World’s Finest Chocolate. Is it really a favor?
May the course be with you
By: Nauria Wilmore - October 9, 2015
Lady Devils hit the field
By: Abby Hopper - September 11, 2015
"We’re going to step on the field knowing that every team we’re going against is going to push their game to that whole new level that we probably hadn’t seen. We’ve just got to be ready to step up with them," -Crystl Bustos, third base, Team USA. Bustos highlights what the Great Falls Lady Devils are looking forward to this year after having their first practice yesterday, September 9, 2015,
The Great Falls Lady Devils are led by Head Coach Timothy Bennett and assistant coaches, Coach Bemis and Coach Thomas. The coaches have prepared by continuously studying the game to improve their skills and are always looking for new drills to help improve the girls, yet keep practice fun.
They had thirteen girls come out yesterday. As of right now they have three seniors, Katlyn Albert, Kaylee Lloyd, and Morgan Lubojacky. Two of which are team captains this year, Albert and Lloyd. They practiced over the summer for the first time and are planning to play in a preseason tournament. There are ten returning players, so they are in desperate need for at least six more motivated and determined girls. The team has no managers right now so anyone willing to help on the sidelines with the team needs to see Coach Bennett.
Practice usually starts at 4 P.M. and normally goes to 5:30 P.M. When asked if we will make playoffs again this year, Coach Bennett said, “The question isn’t if we will make playoffs, but how far we will make it in the playoffs.” Against our rivalry, Lewisville, the team thinks it will be a very tough game, but a game to look forward to playing. The main thing the girls are hoping to take away from this year’s season is just a new love of the sport.
The team is very appreciative of their fans and would like to say that they really do make a difference. So come on out to great falls and help support our Lady Devils next March!
The Great Falls Lady Devils are led by Head Coach Timothy Bennett and assistant coaches, Coach Bemis and Coach Thomas. The coaches have prepared by continuously studying the game to improve their skills and are always looking for new drills to help improve the girls, yet keep practice fun.
They had thirteen girls come out yesterday. As of right now they have three seniors, Katlyn Albert, Kaylee Lloyd, and Morgan Lubojacky. Two of which are team captains this year, Albert and Lloyd. They practiced over the summer for the first time and are planning to play in a preseason tournament. There are ten returning players, so they are in desperate need for at least six more motivated and determined girls. The team has no managers right now so anyone willing to help on the sidelines with the team needs to see Coach Bennett.
Practice usually starts at 4 P.M. and normally goes to 5:30 P.M. When asked if we will make playoffs again this year, Coach Bennett said, “The question isn’t if we will make playoffs, but how far we will make it in the playoffs.” Against our rivalry, Lewisville, the team thinks it will be a very tough game, but a game to look forward to playing. The main thing the girls are hoping to take away from this year’s season is just a new love of the sport.
The team is very appreciative of their fans and would like to say that they really do make a difference. So come on out to great falls and help support our Lady Devils next March!
Running Red Devils: Small, but determined
By: Candace Baker - September 3, 2015
This is the second
year of hosting Cross Country meets at Great Falls. The first meet of the
season was on September 1st here at Great Falls, where 5 teams and 95 runners
participated and many fans came out to support the team. Candace Baker came in
5th place out of 30 girls and Kayla Coleman was close behind in 7th.
The boys’ times are improving as they competed against twice the amount of runners than the girls. The team even had YMCA cheerleaders come out to cheer everyone on. After the meet there was water and fresh fruit free to all of the runners. Coach Corral was surprised after the meet with a cooler of ice water over his head, which he should have expected because it’s happened before.
The team began conditioning in January on the 3.1 mile trail created by Thomas Mills last year. Even though their season didn’t officially start until August, they ran 3-6 miles a day, four days a week; workouts consisting of hills, trails, and speed intervals. The 2015 Cross Country team has eleven runners, coached by Colonel Corral, and their captain is Candace Baker.
Runners were asked about their pre-race rituals. In response, Devin Banks, second year runner, said "I don’t have any pre-race rituals but I try to clear my head before a race". Banks feels that running hills at practice helps with his race because it works out his leg muscles. When considering competition, Colonel Corral said that Kayla Coleman and Candace Baker are real competitors and have a shot at winning All-Region. Corral also said that this is the best team he has coached in five plus years, and he believes that is because of the intense practices that have been hard for all of the runners.
The Cross Country team is looking forward to a competitive and successful season. Their next home meet is on September 29 and they expect to see all of you there!
The boys’ times are improving as they competed against twice the amount of runners than the girls. The team even had YMCA cheerleaders come out to cheer everyone on. After the meet there was water and fresh fruit free to all of the runners. Coach Corral was surprised after the meet with a cooler of ice water over his head, which he should have expected because it’s happened before.
The team began conditioning in January on the 3.1 mile trail created by Thomas Mills last year. Even though their season didn’t officially start until August, they ran 3-6 miles a day, four days a week; workouts consisting of hills, trails, and speed intervals. The 2015 Cross Country team has eleven runners, coached by Colonel Corral, and their captain is Candace Baker.
Runners were asked about their pre-race rituals. In response, Devin Banks, second year runner, said "I don’t have any pre-race rituals but I try to clear my head before a race". Banks feels that running hills at practice helps with his race because it works out his leg muscles. When considering competition, Colonel Corral said that Kayla Coleman and Candace Baker are real competitors and have a shot at winning All-Region. Corral also said that this is the best team he has coached in five plus years, and he believes that is because of the intense practices that have been hard for all of the runners.
The Cross Country team is looking forward to a competitive and successful season. Their next home meet is on September 29 and they expect to see all of you there!
The greatness that is Great Falls Red Devils
By: Caitlin Carnes - August 27, 2015
Great
Falls High School Varsity Football team will take on Grey Colligate Academy on
Friday, August 28, 2015. GCA is zero and
one, losing their first game to Gilbert. The team is looking to avenge the
double loss they experienced against us last season. Coach Kenneth Schofield
believes that the team can compete with GCA and win, but winning will depend on
how long the team can compete. “GCA has four hundred and fifty students, over
two times as many as Great Falls High School. They choose from over two hundred
athletes that were recruited to attend their school, where we choose from the
one hundred athletes that attend our public school” Schofield noted in a recent
interview. Schofield says that GCA has a large team with good athletes, but
that our team is looking forward to the challenge.
The Great Falls Varsity team has been working in practice to improve certain aspects that did not go well in last week's game. The team has been working on general knowledge of alignments of defense pass routes and basic concepts of football.
Sophomore Connor Henson will be starting as quarterback in Friday’s game. “He is a young athlete with many opportunities. Connor has been working hard on how to read defenses and how to work our offenses. He has a good understanding of the Great Falls playbook and is getting better every day,” says Schofield. The coaching staff encourages the sophomore to play like a senior and they feel very good about his last performance. They report having full confidence in him when it comes to the game against GCA.
The coaching staff is incredibly happy with the support from last Friday’s game. They are looking forward to the next student section and hope to see everyone at Friday’s away game. Schofield feels as if the team is blessed with such a supportive student body and fans.
The Great Falls Varsity team has been working in practice to improve certain aspects that did not go well in last week's game. The team has been working on general knowledge of alignments of defense pass routes and basic concepts of football.
Sophomore Connor Henson will be starting as quarterback in Friday’s game. “He is a young athlete with many opportunities. Connor has been working hard on how to read defenses and how to work our offenses. He has a good understanding of the Great Falls playbook and is getting better every day,” says Schofield. The coaching staff encourages the sophomore to play like a senior and they feel very good about his last performance. They report having full confidence in him when it comes to the game against GCA.
The coaching staff is incredibly happy with the support from last Friday’s game. They are looking forward to the next student section and hope to see everyone at Friday’s away game. Schofield feels as if the team is blessed with such a supportive student body and fans.