Tiger Review

Spring Sports wrap up

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 By Atlanta Proctor and Tucker Mastin

This year’s spring sporting season at Tahlequah was filled with many triumphs and few failures. The sports in the spring season included soccer, tennis, golf, track, slow pitch softball and baseball. For those in soccer, they had a demanding season. The players are required to train on a daily basis, and often training leaves them drained but eventually leads to victory. “Everyday training was rough. But what you put in is what you get out. From sprints to pushups, it’s all worth it,” Hunter Elam, 11, said. Girl’s soccer made it to the first round of the playoffs, but eventually lost to Edison, 6-1. While the boys did not make it to playoffs, they left with 7 wins and 13 losses. With the season wrapping up the team will be losing members as they graduate but will be gaining new members as the next season begins. “Many of the seniors leaving I have played with for years. It’s like losing a huge part of my family, but I look forward to playing next year,” Ben Lamb, 11, said. Tahlequah’s tennis team placed 1 st in regionals and 4 th in the state as a team, and the individual players did very well also. “I am thrilled about how this year turned out. I did not think we would even get close to doing that well this year,” Emily Linebarger, 12, said. Many of the younger players sought inspiration within their team. Some found it by looking at those who are starting with them and facing the same hardships or by looking at the older players who had more experience. “Emily Linebarger inspired me by always having a positive attitude and cheering the team on,” Sarah Schiefelbein, 9, said. Track members were successful in their efforts when they were made 5A Regional champions and Metro Lakes Conference champions. They were motivated by their coaches who not only taught them but helped them use their skills to their maximum potential. “Coach Proctor would sit me down and tell me what his goals were and how I would reach them,” Reno Blum, 12, said. Even though training may have been vigorous the team members and their coaches pushed through together. “You build a unique bond when you and your team train together and have successes and have failures,” Ara Poteete, 11, said. Students who played golf finished 3 rd in regionals and 9 th at state. Sophomore Jake Johnson triumphed by placing as Regional Champion. “I felt like we did pretty well but still have great potential for next year,” Brent Spradlin, 10, said. Golfers would exhibit their talent and compete against others at many tournaments. They played single matches or with partners, and tried to contend for a spot at the top. “The most difficult hardship that occurred this season was trying to make the cut for tournaments,” Aaron Crawley, 10, said. The girls that played slow pitch had a very successful season. The Lady Tigers placed second at state, with 38 wins and only 3 losses. “We lost the first round at state, but we played really throughout the season. We won 73 games collectively between fast pitch and slow pitch, which no one else in the state did,” Marisa Girdner, 10, said. Traditionally before every game, the girls would have a little fun. Each sport has their own team traditions, and slow pitch is no exception. “We always play Simon ‘Sammy’ says or ‘Who’s the Chief’ before every game,” Britney Johnson, 11, said. The Tahlequah Tigers baseball team placed 10 th at state with 21 wins and 12 losses. Players used perseverance and dedication to the team to overcome their opponents. “I feel good about the results this year, we worked really hard to finish out the season where we did,” Zach Armstrong, 11, said. Along with traditions, teams often have the same rivals from years before. “Our biggest rival would be Claremore, we always have tough games against each other,” Armstrong said. Although it may have not been filled with countless victories, the teams of the spring sport season at Tahlequah worked hard and with dedication to achieve the best for their teams and the school. Many are anxious to begin the season again next year. “Soccer is my life and I will continue to play in years to come,” Elam said.