Miller's injury highlights Bears bad luck
Just when things were starting to turn around...
By Michael K., Entertainment Editor

With starting quarterback Cade McNown injured, Jim Miller finally was in and things were supposed to turn around for Chicago fans.

It started out well. Miller rejuvenated the offense and led the Bears to an upset victory over the Colts.

The next week, expectations were high against the Buffalo Bills. Then fate stepped in. As Miller dived for a touchdown he ruptured his Achilles tendon and was out for the season.

Then, with Shane Matthews filling Miller's shoes, the offense faltered and the Bears lost 20-3. Its been downhill ever since.

Brief bright spots appeared during a great defensive effort in a 13-10 win over the Tampa Bay Bucs, and Sunday's victory over the struggling New England Patriots.

For the future, a bright spot is the Bears first year linebacker, probable Pro-bowler Brian Urlacher.

However, as if the Bears season wasn't bad enough already, receiver Marcus Robinson is out for the season too.

So, to put it lightly--bad season.

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NFL season update
By Jim M.

In the AFC, the three best teams are Miami, Tennessee, and Oakland, with records of 10 and 3. The three best teams in the NFC are New York, Minnesota, and New Orleans. New York is 9 and 4, Minnesota 11 and 2, and New Orleans 8 and 5.

New on the Bears injured list is Marcus Robinson, who will miss the rest of the season because of a bulging disk in his back.

With the Superbowl approaching, did you know that it is the most anticipated sporting event for any sport?

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Cheerleading season begins with a cheer and a leap
By Lyndsey M.

The 2001 cheerleading season has arrived. Girls from sixth, seventh and eighth grades work for one week learning new cheers.

On December 18, 19, 20 the real tryouts begin. They try their hardest and give their best, but still only a few can be chosen.

Mrs. Jamaron, the cheerleading coach, commented that she was glad to see a lot of girls trying out. She said that all students needed when they tried out was a positive attitude and an all-out effort. She added that taking gymnastic classes and dance classes also helped.

There are a few risks to cheerleading, however. These included falling in a mount and falling when doing flips or cartwheels. Mrs. Jamaron said that most of all, she wanted the cheerleaders to be good role models.

Seventh grader, Stephanie J., is trying out. She likes cheerleading because it is fun and shows school spirit. She thinks the most important thing about cheerleading is attitude and skill.

Stephanie has been taking Poms in Elk Grove for three years, so she knows what to expect in cheerleading.

Sixth grader, Agnes Z., is looking forward to cheerleading this year. She doesn't know what to expect because she has never tried out for cheerleading before. She has, however, been on the Itasca Gems.

Seventh grader, Rachael R., is also trying out. Rachael made the team last year and loved it. She was also in Bandits cheerleading for a few years. Rachael thinks it important to know your routine.

Cheerleading looks easy but it isn't. Like any sport it takes alot of practice and hard work. That is why taking gymnastics and dance lessons might help someone to make the team.

Practicing the cheers is another good idea if you want to make it.
Cheerleading is alot harder then it looks.

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Springwood loses to Peacock
Opposing coach discusses game
By Kelly B.

The Peacock girls basketball team faced serious competition when they played Springwood Middle School, on November 20.

Coach Morris, from Springwood, is the sixth and seventh grade coach. He felt that his team gave it their all, but he said that they could have done better. "The girls need to work on defense, ball control and use of space on court," said Morris.

Springwood sixth grader, Shawna D., thought that they played "okay."

"We have a good defense," said sixth grader Katie R. Seventh grader, Mandie M., thought that they played well.

Sixth grader Brandie E. said, "We could have played better."

All of the players agreed that the Springwood team needs to work on defense and shooting. They also felt that Peacock was very good competition.

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Eighth grade girls basketball team ties for first
By Nicole D.

This fall, the eighth grade girls have been working tremendously hard and concentrating on basketball.

"The team so far is 8-1. We have a good chance of winning the title if we play well for the last four games," said eighth grade coach, Mr. Anderson.

"Our best game was against Medinah. We were losing at the beginning of the game. The girls came back with determination, ending with a victory."

"Our most difficult game was losing against Westfield because we had beaten them previously in a tournament this fall," added Coach Anderson.

"All the girls are talented, hard working, and have grown tremendously over the season," he added, noting that he was excited about the season.

The girls that he thinks have improved are Izabela B., Stevie H., and Amanda S.. They all have been working really hard to earn a Gatorade award.

"It has been a very competitive year," he stated. "Every game has been important."

But does Mr. Anderson like coaching the girl's basketball team?

"Oh yes. Coaching the girl's basketball team is one of the most fun times of the year."

"I'm proud of their efforts as they have shown so much character this season," said Mr. Anderson. Every girl has contributed to the team's success, due to their hard work and determination."

The team members for the 2000 season were Sarah Z.; Holly B., Lauren G., Amanda S., Adreanna C., Stevie H., Steph C., Savanna S., Tracy A., Jamie O., Krissy M., and Izabela B.

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