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| Sports February 2003, Volume 6, No. 4 |
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"Unbelievable and Undefeated"
By Kaitlyn L.
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| Eighth Grade Girls Team: Nicole D., Kelly B., Jenny O., Shannon P., Susie S., Colleen M., Hannah O., Kaitlyn L., Sarah B., Agnes Z., Joanna D., Lauren S., Ashley D. |
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The Chargers finished the 2002 season with an undefeated conference record. This was their second undefeated season in a row.
Team member Jenny O. thought that being undefeated last year helped inspire this year's team.
The only thing that almost everyone on the team regretted was losing to Westfield at the Lake Park Girls Tournament.
Shannon P. believed that the team's success had to do with their teamwork, basketball skills, and knowing all of their plays.
Mr. Anderson was also important. He was a great coach and knew exactly how to make the team great.
Many of the parents who had daughters on the team agreed that watching them play this season was a lot of fun. Mr. Powers commented that he enjoyed watching the games not only because they were exciting, but also because all the players looked like they were having a great time.
Not surprisingly, the fans also had fun watching the girls win. Eighth grader Susie S. commented that the basketball season helped our school spirit for other sports because it showed students just how good Peacock could be.
All the team members agreed that the most fun about playing was being with your friends. The practices were a lot of fun because even though everyone worked hard, there was still time to have fun.
The most memorable game of the season was definitely the last game against Westfield at Peacock. It was very intense because the Chargers wanted to avenge their tournament defeat. Every game was exciting, but that game had the most fans and the most fun.
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Eighth grade boys finish even
By Shannon P.
The eighth grade boy's basketball team had a tough season. They finished 6-6 in the conference, placing them in fourth place.
The roster consisted of eleven players this year instead of the usual thirteen.
Despite the disappointing record, Coach Anderson said that he couldn't have asked for a better season.
"The boys were always out there playing with heart. Despite some close losses, they never came out unprepared or unwilling to play," he explained.
The boys played in two tournaments over Christmas break. In the Lake Park tournament, they placed fourth, finishing 1-3.
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“We could have won more games but we made too many mistakes in crucial parts of the game.” |
"I was upset with how the boys played at Lake Park. They didn't play their best, but I was quite impressed with their turnaround in the Driscoll tournament. They had a great run."
The boys finished the season with a .500 average, winning six and losing six.
Team member, Dave K., said, "I had a great time playing basketball this year for Mr. Anderson. He's a great coach, and along with Mr. Poremba, I've learned a lot by playing the past three years for them."
Dave added, "We had a great team and did pretty well this season." "We could have won more games but we made too many mistakes in crucial parts of the game."
Teammate, Kyle P. said he really enjoys playing the game. "Although it's tough making all of the practices, especially on the weekends, I have had a great time playing. Mr. Anderson is a great coach. He's taught me a lot my past three years playing for the team."
Phil L. added, "I had a great time this season. This was my first year on the team, and I've learned a lot."
Eight Grade Boys Basketball Team (2003): Kyle P., Phil L., David K., Keith M., Mike N., Kevin K., Joe F, Chris R., Bryan T., Frankie C., and Alex S.
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New uniforms highlight of cheerleaders season
By Susie S.
If you attended an eighth grade boy's basketball game this year, you probably noticed the eight girls on the sideline cheering the basketball team on.
Tori C., Caitlyn C., Paige P., Lara P., Rachel R., Angela W., Ashley Z., and Agnes Z. made up this year's eighth grade girl's cheerleading squad.
But as Mrs. Leikin stated, "It takes more to be a cheerleader than a loud voice." It's Mrs. Leikin's third year coaching the squad, and being a cheerleader in high school, she knows what it takes.
Mrs. Leikin explains that to be a good cheerleader, you have to have a good voice, be in shape, have coordination, a great attitude, and have either dance or cheerleading experience.
All eight girls have learned many cheers, and they also help make them up. Not all the cheers are shouting though. Many include mounts, jumps, and a lot of strength.
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“It takes more to be a cheerleader than a loud voice.” |
Then they have a little cardiovascular warm-up, and next they get to the hard stuff. They polish up new cheers, practice mounts, get ready for pep rallies, and accomplish their goal for the day.
Unfortunately there haven't been many practices for the girls since the season began.
Probably the biggest talk of the season was the eighth grade cheerleaders' new uniforms. "The girls were really excited," Mrs. Leikin said, "and I was really excited for them."
The new uniforms say Peacock unlike the old sweaters which just had a "P" on the front, and they have much more of a college look to them.
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“Cheerleading, to me, is like a big game of yelling, and it’s so much fun because you get to be loud!” explains Rachel Riddle. |
Two of Rachel's fellow cheerleaders, Tori and Caitlyn, agree with Rachel, adding, "It's fun because you get to be with your friends, and it's challenging."
All three girls agree that the hardest part about cheerleading is practicing over and over and of course, mounts.
When asked about possibly continuing with cheerleading, both Tori and Caitlyn said that they would like too, for as long as possible. While Rachel stated, "Soccer has always and will always be my first priority."
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Sixth and seventh grade boys close tough season
By Nicole M.
In a disappointing season, the sixth and seventh grade boy's basketball team had a better road than home record. They won three out of five away games.
Coach Poremba still had high spirits throughout the season. He praised the boys' effort.
The team also had a lot of support from the fans. Most of their losses were close.
The team was 3-9 in conference play, 4-14 overall.
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