Category Archives: Sports

Sports

Fall sports

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hphsFall. It’s something a lot of us look forward to. From going back to school (just to see your friends), to wondering if Halloween is just around the corner, or when winter break finally starts. But no one else looks more forward to fall than the athletes participating in this year’s fall sports. From football to girls swimming, girls volleyball, boys soccer, cheerleading etc. these athletes have been waiting all summer to do what they love the most.

“I love a good challenge for these athletes and just seeing their energy and dedication that they have when participating…” said Pat Auran, Highland’s newest athletic director. “It’s a rewarding and comradery type of atmosphere.”

During this small interview I had with Mr. Auran I asked him what it means to be a great athlete. His response was:

“School always comes first, always. No exceptions, it just does, that’s why so many athletes have a greater chance of graduating when they participate because they know that if they don’t get their homework in they can’t play or they get put on academic probation…” He added, “I feel as if sports is just an extension of school. Think about it: you have seven classes in a day so just think of it as your eighth [class]. They’ve also got to be proud of our school [Highland], I always encourage school spirit it brings the school closer in some ways and after all they’re representing our school. I also expect them to be respectful towards others and themselves 100% of the time.”

I had also asked him what it means and what it takes to be a good coach (or assistant coach) for the athletes. He said, “They’ve got to be able to get along with the athletes and feel like they’re just having fun with whatever sport they chose to be in. The coach also has to be approachable. Besides being their mentor and help the kid achieve their goal we’re helping these bright athletes transform into mature adults that could eventually help them in the long run. We try our best to help these kids be prepared for their future.”

“So far, it’s been a great season for all sports that are going on right now. Sure we may not have won a ton of games, but the spirit the people have when they’re on the stands is incredible. The Washburn vs. Highland game for football was a loss for us, but the crowd in the Highland area stayed throughout the whole game. Win or lose the people stayed to show support for our school and that’s something I’d like to see at all games.”

For more listings about when and where the next games/meets are for each sporting event, you can go on the Highland Park website and click on the athletic calendar for more information, or follow this link: http://sports.spps.org and go show some school spirit and support!!

 

Sports, Track & Field

Track and field season wrap-up

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After a successful season of track and field, there was one night that everyone was waiting for…and that was the Banquet.

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photo courtesy of Asiah Atiq

The Highland Park track team had a variety of people with many different skills. Those skills helped us win track meets, and if we didn’t win we sure put in our all. On May 17, and May 19, the City Conference Track Meet was hosted, which meant “Go hard or go home.” The Highland Park team was determined to make their mark at this meet, and that’s exactly what they did. All the training, and confidence we built as a team, surely helped us get the win for the Conference Champs of 2016. In my eyes, I saw a team that was known for building each other up, not knocking each other down.

This year not only helped me improve some skills and help me get into shape, but it helped me face my fears and made me be more confident into trying new things, and to be more open-minded. The skills and things I was taught this year made me realize that I’m stronger than I thought I was, and made me think “outside the box.” Since I had so much faith in the team, and myself, I made my mark on the team.

Banquets are usually events that bring people together, celebrating accomplishments, and talking over the greatest moments, followed by speeches that include wise words. Monday, May 6th, was the day of Highland Park’s track banquet which recognized and awarded many of our great athletes. One thing I like about banquets is that it shows the different capabilities in people, whether it’s from jumping, to throwing, and even running. We talked about what the team meant, what was expected from the athletes, and how the overall season went.

The coaches had a huge impact on me and the team, because if I wouldn’t have known that there was gonna be obstacles on our way to success, I would have never continued trying to reach my goals, and going outside the box. I achieved blocks, a big part of a race that I havent tried till this year. That connects with the saying “You learn something new every day” – Ray LeBlond. 

Overall, this year was filled with accomplishments, and not only am I proud of myself, but I am also proud of my teammates. I want to thank the Track and Field coaches for making this track season one to remember, and to continue doing what you think is right.

To anyone who wants to join track, or is getting ready for next season…stay true to yourself and know your strengths.

Adapted Bowling, Sports

Adapted bowling state tournament

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photo courtesy of Nancy Galligan

On Friday, May 20, two Highland students placed 1st in our State Adapted Bowling Tournament in the Singles Division: Kyra Kracth and Connor O’Meara. Eyna Linn and Minh Dang came in third place.

Adaptive Bowling is a sport that helps children with disabilities, or disadvantages, participate in the sport much easier. There are many different types of equipment to help athletes, like the set up, the physical approach to the foul line, the back swing and the guided release of the ball. For an easier approach, the adaptive bowling devices have been divided into three main categories; wheelchair adaptations, bowling ball adaptations and ball rolling adaptations. Depending on the type, and severity, of the person’s disability, one or more of these devices might be necessary for them to be able to bowl.

To determine which adaptions are appropriate for each student, the following steps should be taken: evaluate each student’s present level of bowling skill for probability of success, assess previous experience, fitness level, motor functioning, attitude toward his/her disability, and willingness to participate.

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photo courtesy of Nancy Galligan

I interviewed Ms. Nell, a teacher at Highland Park that specializes in helping children with disabilities, who is also coach of the Highland adapted bowling team. She told me that they prepare by, “We bowl every week practicing lining up the bowling balls onto the straight arrows.” She also explained how she has encouraging talks with her students, but she prefers to call them her kids. When I asked what was one of the hardest parts for them, Ms. Nell said it was focusing and also keeping the ball straight.

I asked how hard it was for her to coach the kids she simply said, “I’ve been doing this for years so it’s really not hard I enjoy it.” I was also curious about how her experience has been through doing this for multiple years. She replied with, “This has allowed me to see how my kids can grow in many different ways in not only this, but in many different sports.”

I also spoke a bit with the state champion Connor O’Meara he said, “It felt great.” Also, “The last time I won state champion was in 2007.”

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photo courtesy of Nancy Galligan
Advice/How To, Sports, Track & Field

Track and field

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Have you ever wondered why people run for fun?  What the significance of track is? Track is what you make of it.

Track and field is a combination of field events such as throwing, jumping, and running: which goes from 50m hurdles – 3600m. Unlike other sports, track is simply a sport that helps you get in shape, and helps you improve skills. Whether it’s from throwing a short distance, to jumping farther than you ever jumped! It’s a matter of commitment and hard work. If you’re not going to put your all into what you do, then it reflects in your races and events.

IMG_0226Track is important to me because it’s very intriguing and lively. Since 5th grade, it has been my favorite sport. It can be quite overwhelming sometimes when you over think about the little things, but you have to keep moving. My past coaches have told me key things that I have kept with me until this day.

“Don’t let the little things knock you down. Sometimes you fall, and when you do you get back up”-Anonymous.

Sometimes when you feel like giving up, it’s better to just think about what you think is the problem, and try to fix it. Giving up won’t make you better, it will only slow you down even more.

Everyone has their own skills, and it takes specific training and strength to bring the talent out of their shell. Each event is not the same, which means more people can try to search what they like best about each one. Being open-minded in a sport like track is good because depending on what sport you play, there is always a better option that you can partake in.

Another key thing with track is setting goals. Some may call it “PR” which stands for personal record. Whether it’s improving a second or a minute, you want to set that up for yourself so not only can you better yourself, but you’re pushing yourself closer to success.

I suggest more people join track no matter what school they go to, because it helps with getting stuff off your mind, improving skills, and getting you fit for your next season, if you play multiple sports. Track and field is for anyone, any age, and is here not only to make you better, but also to help you build a better perspective on skills and exercises.

Baseball, Sports

Highland Park baseball

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The Highland Park Boys baseball team is off to a nice start to their 2016 season. The Scots currently sit at a solid 6-3 record, and 7 of those 9 games have been non conference. Historically, SPPS baseball teams struggle in non-conference games, and a 4-3 record to start off the season is very respectable, especially considering the fact that 6 of those games were on the road. The team had its most exciting game of the season in its first matchup of the year against St. Anthony, in which sophomore Jack Dombrock hit a walk off single to win the game 2-1.

The boys have stayed competitive throughout the entire season, and have lost a few games by only a few runs or less. A loss to River Falls stung the team a little, as they held a 2-0 lead going into the sixth, but would end up losing that lead, and the game 5-2. The following non-conference game against Henry Sibley didn’t help either, as the Scots wound up losing a tough one 1-0. However, the squad didn’t lose composure, and were able to beat non-conference rival DeLaSalle 6-3 in front of the home crowd. 

Over the weekend the Scots took Central at Toni Stone field under the lights. It took 11 innings but the team was able to prevail with yet another exciting victory with a score of 3-2. They boys also played Saint Paul Academy at CHS field in downtown St. Paul. This was another thrilling game as the Scots once again won on a walk off single from team captain Jared Deuitch giving them a 5-4 victory.

The captain gave me a brief statement after the game about the team thus far: “Respect is earned, never given”. It seems quite clear that the Scots are playing with a chip on their shoulder this season. Jared also announced this week that he will be attending Hamline University to further continue his education and to play baseball. Congrats Jared!

The Scots’ next game falls on May 2nd against Washington at 4:30 at home!

A full schedule can be found here: http://sports.spps.org/sport//HS/boys/varsity/baseball/2015-2016

Badminton, Sports

Highland’s badminton team

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One of the spring sports at Highland Park Senior High is badminton.

First, off here are some things to know about practice and how it works. The players in badminton practice from 2:20-4:00 pm. They set up the nets and do some warm ups. Warm ups include: running back and forth (in many ways), 50 crutches, planks, and stretches.

Now, about how games work. First, they wait for the other school to show up, if it’s a home game. After both teams practice for awhile, getting themselves ready to play against each other, they then line up in ranks depending on which team there on.

Lastly, after the game players usually play with other members just to relax after a long game.

Fact: Highland Senior High School started the season right by beating Pairie Seeds Academy winning 7-0 on their first game, which was a home game.

Sports, Track & Field

Track & field at Highland Park High

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The Highland Park spring sports are starting and I decided to interview some of the track and field athletes here at Highland.

What is your name/grade?
Asiah: 10th
Ben: 9th
Jillian: 10th

What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?
Asiah: First place in relay.
Ben: Hasn’t done track yet.
Jillian: Nothing.

What is your biggest challenge?
Asiah: Having asthma.
Ben: Getting shape before season.
Jillian: High jump.

What do you do to manage this challenge?
Asiah: Taking inhaler before running.
Ben: Make sure homework is done before going to sport.
Jillian: Pushing myself.

How is your diet different from when you’re not participating in track, and how difficult is it to control it?
Asiah: Don’t diet. No diet change.
Ben: Healthy. No.
Jillian: No, they don’t make us diet.

Is it difficult to balance school work and sports?
Asiah: No.
Ben: It can be at times like during finals.
Jillian: Yeah.

Did you have any injuries that were serious?
Asiah: Concussion in soccer.
Ben: No.
Jillian: No not yet.

Do you have advice or words of encouragement for younger kids that want to play this sport?
Asiah: If you want to get far, drive for success and don’t give up.
Ben: Don’t be scared to tryout.
Jillian: Be open minded.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Asiah: My teams are supportive and diverse.
Ben: Not really.
Jillian: No.

Baseball, Entertainment

MLBaseball is right around the corner

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With spring training starting up mid-way though February we know baseball season is right around the corner. The 2016 Major League Baseball season is tentatively set to begin on April 3, 2016. The season is going to start with a Sunday night World Series rematch between the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. The regular season is scheduled to end on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The schedule was released in September 2015.

At the start of spring training, there’s been movement in the World Series futures as the Toronto Blue Jays now have the best odds of any American League team to win the World Series. Slow down though before placing a wager on the Jays, as history isn’t on their side. Over the last 20 years, only two teams who’ve lost in the ALCS or NLCS went on to win the World Series the following year. That’s only two of 40 teams, giving the Jays a whopping 5% chance based on the results since the Wild Card era began in 1995.

Basketball, Sports

Basketball season coming to an end

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The basketball season here at Highland is coming to an end for both girls and boys.  The boys last game was on February 19th at home against Washington, and the girls last game was a non-conference game on February 26th against Mounds Park Academy at Mounds Park Academy.

After the regular season is their section games, both teams play until they lose. The boys basketball team’s section games started on Wednesday, the 24th at home against Bloomington Kennedy, they got 1st seed in their 3AAA section. The boys won their first game is sections, however, they lost their next game on Saturday, the 27th against St.Thomas Academy. Unfortunately, this means their season is now over. The girls team however, is still alive and their first section game is on March 2nd, against Bloomington Kennedy at Bloomington Kennedy.

~b763118Overall, the boy’s varsity record was 15 wins-11 loses, conference record was 8 wins-4 loses. The boys were very close to winning conference this year, if they would’ve won their last game against Central, which was a very close game that went into overtime, they would’ve had a very high chance of being 1st in conference. Highland Park’s boys basketball was ranked 3rd in conference following Central, ranked 1st, and Johnson, ranked 2nd. The fan sections at the Johnson, Central, and Como games had great turnouts!

I asked some of the players a couple questions about their season.

“What was your best memory from this season?” I asked Khari Dennis (12):

“When we played Washington at home, it was senior night/parent night. All the senior’s started, I had a really good game that night and we won,” was his response.

My second question I asked was “What was your most proud moment from this season?” I asked Dreem Kelly (11):

“When I dunked at the Southwest game and we won,” was his answer.

“When I had a 4 point play in overtime against Johnson and I had the winning points. That was the first time in 7 years they lost in their home gym,” Michael Cornelious (12) responded.

~b345372The girl’s varsity overall record was 7 wins-17 loses, conference record was 4 wins-7 loses. The girls first home game against Central had a great turnout! Highland Park’s girls basketball was ranked 5th in conference, with Como ranked 1st and Harding at 2nd.

I asked some of the players the same questions I asked the boys.

Olyvia Mason (11) said her best memory from this season was “When I scored 17 points in the Johnson game.”

I asked Micheala Newman (11) “What was your most proud moment from this season and some of your best memories?”

“When our players worked as a team and with intensity during the SPA game, during which our youngest player played her best game,” she answered.

Both teams had a great season! Good luck at sections to both teams!

For more information, updated stats and games check out:

http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/highland-park-scots-(st-paul,mn)/girls-basketball/home.htm

http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/highland-park-scots-(st-paul,mn)/basketball/home.htm

https://sports.spps.org/sport/hs/boys/varsity/basketball/2015-2016

https://sports.spps.org/sport/hs/girls/varsity/basketball/2015-2016

Go Scots!

 

 

 

Nordic Skiing, Sports

Nordic Skiing

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This year at Highland Park, the girls Nordic Skiing team along with some individual qualifiers have been sent to state. Before the state tournament, some of the Nordic Skiers, along with their coach Mr. Moening had been interviewed.

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photo courtesy of Mr. Moening

Mr. Moening was asked, “In what ways had he seen his Nordic Skiers improve from the previous year?” The main focus of Mr. Moening’s answers was commitment. He had mentioned how he had seen more determination among his skiers, not only when it came to preparing for a meet, but as well as exercising in the off season.

Nordic Skiers are recommended to continue cardio exercises in the off season, and Mr. Moening mentions a noticeable improvement in skiers who continue their workouts throughout the summer.

Coach Moening is not the only one who recommends regular exercise. His daughter, Erin Moening, who earned a place among the top ten individuals at the state tournament, would also recommend committing to exercise in off season.

The times earned by the Highland Park participants in the state tournament are available to the public at:

Boys: http://sports.spps.org/Team/highlandpark/HS/boys/varsity/nordic_skiing/2015-2016

Girls: http://sports.spps.org/sport/hs/girls/varsity/nordic_skiing/2015-2016