Peacock students rock and roll on new hockey rink

By Jeff R.

The School District recently built a hockey rink behind Peacock. Since then, many kids go there after school to compete or just have fun. Jason, a sixth grader, goes to the rink very often and enjoys it. Seventh grader, Mike M. also commented that he uses the rink a lot, along with his friends. According to Mike, he and friends like the new rink because kids used to have to play hockey in the tennis courts and it was crowded. Now, however, they have a real rink, although some kids still play at the courts.

Mike and his friends suggested that the installation of lights for a night game would be a good idea, but they still like the games as they are now. Groups of kids have formed teams, some with...interesting names. If you are interested in playing, just meet up with someone there after school on a nice day.

Some track team members run for fun and some run to win

By Abby W.

The track season has just ended. The girls finished fifth in the conference overall, and the boys finished fourth. Although this was not Peacock's most successful season, there were some real highlights for the team at the conference meet, including seventh grader, Felicia C.'s first place finish in the 200 meters. Felicia was also on the winning 200x4 relay team, along with Jenna D., Rosa S., both in seventh grade, and eighth grader Vicky Robertson.

Many of the team members were recently asked why they joined track, and several of them stressed the social over the competitive side of the sport. For example, eighth grader Elizabeth P. said that the main reason that she joined track was to be with her friends while being involved in a sport at the same time. Elizabeth's best event was the long jump. She has also played volleyball, basketball and been a cheerleader. Zareena J., also in eighth grade, said that she joined because she like the feeling of camaraderie that you get from being on a team sport. Characteristically tongue in cheek, Zareena insisted that her favorite event "was when you sit in the back and cheer." She also admitted that she never ran hard until she was yelled at.

Other students, however, did seem were more interested in the competitive side of track. Sixth grader Ben Y. said that he was in the 4x400 relay. He also played basketball and ran cross country this year. According to Ben, "the thing I hate most is that you can only run up to 3 events." Another sixth grader, Andrew S., commented that he enjoyed the relays. Andrew said that he joined track so that he could participate in a sport. He said that the only thing that he disliked about track was when he got yelled at. On the other hand, he appreciated that the coaches were willing to help him and to offer suggestions on how to improve his performance. Both Ben and Andrew were pretty pleased with their performance this season.

Of course, there were a few students who did not think there was a positive social or competitive side to track. Seventh grader Nick N. said "track stinks, they don't give you enough days to ditch. "

Excitement for World Cup 98’ is building

Predictions for the World Cup brackets

By Blake H.

June 10, 1998--For four years, soccer fans have been waiting for this day. World Cup 98’ is almost here and excitement is building as many fans and all the players are heading to France. On my World Cup chart, there are many teams placed where you would least expect them. Let me explain why.

I said that in my last article that Group G would be the hardest of the eight to qualify from. I want to recant that statement and place Group F in its place. Why? Because Germany has many great players such as Klinsman, Möller, and Hassler. The U.S. is also a strong competitor for a second round bid under coach Steve Sampson and three time World Cup player, Marcela Balboa. Experience is on the Americans' side. Finally, there is also a strong albeit very young Yugoslavian team to contend with. Don’t look for them to place very high in 98’. But in 2002 (England) and 2006 (unannounced), they could be formidable.

Now for some other predictions: Germany won't make it out of the second round because they are just too slow. Brazil will not make it to the finals because they will be unused to the cooler climate, and not play well in it. England will defeat Holland in a well-fought game because England’s Stamiski will prevail, and they will score two late goals.

Eighth grader uses 100 Mile club to gain competitive edge

By Courtney G.

Eight grader Blake H. participates in the Hundred Mile club because it helps build his stamina and fitness, qualities he needs for his other sports, such as soccer. Blake usually runs at least a mile a day if not more. The Hundred Mile club is ...

Blake has been running since he was about five or six, during traveling soccer. He admitted that he did not really "like running," but that it was something that he felt he had to do to help him excel in his other sports and to keep fit. He said that he plans to continue running after school is out and at Lake Park High School.

The Stanley Cup Finals

By Bob E.

Hockey famsf you are a hockey fan I'm sure you have been following the playoffs. Right know the teams that have advanced are fighting in the semifinals. Four teams from each division that have advanced are playing. From the Eastern Division the teams are Montreal Canadians, Buffalo Sabres*, Ottowa Senators, and Washington Capitals*. In the Western Division the teams are Detroit Red Wings*, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars*, and finally the Edmonton Oilers. The asterics above indicate which teams I think are going to make it to the next round. I pick the Sabres and the Capitals because they a very strong teams. The Red Wings and the Stars have veterans and will help the rookies proceed on. If it came down to a split second decision I predict that the Detroit Red Wings and the Buffalo Sabres will make it to the Stanley Cup.

Wolves are the only bright spot in Chicago Hockey

By Eric T. and Joe C.

This year has brought good news and bad news. The good news talks about the Chicago Wolves (Chicago's IHL team), who are still alive in the Turner Cup play-offs. They have just defeated the Milwaukee Admirals in a seven game series and will move on to play either Long Beach or Kansas City. We are glad the the Wolves beat them because the Admirals put an ad in the Sun Times that said: "Come watch your sissy Wolves play for the last time." Captain and center Steve Maltais along with goalie Wendell Young had a big part in the series win. Bobby Nardella and Martin had a big part in the defensive aspect of this series.

The bad news brings us to the Chicago Blackhawks. They didn't make it to the play-offs for the first time in 30 years, that says it all. About a week after the regular ended, the Hawks dumped their coach Craig Hartsburg. There are many free agents the Hawks can go after. This list includes:

Brett Hull Formerly on the St. Louis Blues

Al MacInnis Formerly on the St. Louis Blues

Zigmund Palfy Formerly on the New York Islanders

Pavel Bure Formerly on the Vancouver Canucks

There was also talk about trading for Doug Gilmour of the New Jersey Devils. Based on previous trades (Dominique Hasek, Jeremy Roenick, Ed Belfour) and free agents that they let go (Eric Lindros, Wayne Gretzky), they probably won't end up with any of these top players.

GO WOLVES