Author Archives: PHS Media News

Griffith Heads to Home Base

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For senior Tyler Griffith, the 2019 baseball season marks the end of a great high school career. His love for baseball was first discovered when he was eight years old. When Griffith had first moved to Paoli, he started in little league, and his love for baseball continued.

He currently plays many positions for Paoli’s baseball team, including pitcher, catcher and outfielder. The training required to get to where he is now gave him the opportunity to travel across the country playing baseball.

“Playing in high school has been a great experience, but I have a lot more memories playing travel baseball. I still have friends today from travel baseball that I would practically consider family. Growing up playing travel baseball has brought me closer to my family and teammates, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything else,” said Griffith.

While Griffith has been apart of baseball, he has accomplished a lot. In 2018,  the team won PLAC conference for the first time since 1994. Griffith has also earned individual awards.

“I have been all-conference at the high school level. I have also won the top defensive player award. During two years of travel baseball, I played for the Indiana Rawlings Tigers located in Clarksville, Indiana. I won the All-Tiger award. This award is granted to two outstanding players on each team. Playing travel ball, I have also helped my teams win multiple tournament championships across the United States,” said Griffith.

Griffith has learned valuable life lessons during his baseball experience.

“Baseball has taught me a lot about what it means to be apart of a team and how to work together in certain situations. I have developed a lot as a player playing travel ball through my high school career, but also as a person because I have learned how to be a good teammate and to always be supportive of others,” said Griffith.

With his many years of experience, Griffith would advise younger players to do their best, work hard and never give up.

Griffith is looking forward to his last year of high school baseball, but is sad to see it come to an end. Griffith strives for another conference title and a sectional title before he has to put high school baseball behind him.

“I’m pretty disappointed that this is my last year, but I’ve had some great memories. I will miss being apart of the sport more because I had made some many memories with different teammates over the years,” said Griffith.

Story by: Faith Wilder

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Photo by: Karyas Slaten

Vincent Strives to Unify PHS

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This past year, Sophomore Maggie Vincent created the Champions Together Club co-sponsored by guidance counselor Rachel Robinson.

The club promotes and encourages awareness, respect and inclusion of those without intellectual abilities. It is through the IHSAA and Special Olympics and must accomplish four tasks to become a “Banner School,” which is one that completes all four tasks by the end of the year. These tasks include: inclusive student leadership, one activity based around “whole school engagement,” participation in one “Unified Sports” activity and raise $1,500 for Special Olympics Indiana.

“I can’t wait to see the club grow and see students talking to others you would never thought would interact,” said Vincent.

Story by: Kinley Block

Patton’s Recovery Continues

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On July 17, 2018, the summer before his freshman year, freshmen Landon Padgett, Dexter Brown and Bladen Patton had an ATV accident in Padgett’s backyard. As a result of the accident, Patton had a broken ankle and arm. Through six surgeries, emotional turmoil and missing out on multiple sports seasons, the experience is something Patton will never forget.

“I have had a rod placed in my right arm and two screws put in my right ankle. The screws later had to be taken out because they were too long. I also had an emergency surgery on my arm because of a blood clot,” said Patton.

Patton has had a slow recovery, but to him, how far he has come is a big deal.

At first, Patton started off in a wheelchair and had casts on his arm and ankle. He was barely able to move his arm on his own. By January 2019, Patton was able to straighten his elbow out, and the feeling in his fingers was starting to come back.

“Now, I am back to being independent on most things, but I think the biggest difference for me is that I can finally sleep on my stomach. I couldn’t do that at the beginning,” said Patton.

Though Patton is not far enough along in the recovery process to know of any permanent restrictions, some temporary ones include playing certain sports, writing, tying his shoes and lifting weights.

Patton is also unsure of when he will be fully recovered, but he is still determined to play basketball and football as soon as he is released to do so. One major milestone Patton has accomplished is the fact that he is now able to play baseball again. 

Because of all the obstacles that have been put in his way, having a good attitude is extremely important.

“I could’ve very easily given up by now, but that’s not me. I want to get back to doing the things I love. I look at life in general quite differently now. It can be over in the snap of a finger, and you have to be very careful. I understand that anything can happen so fast and change your life, but I know God always has a plan,” said Patton.

Story by: Gracie Walls

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Photo by: Addison Wells

Leone Reflects on Tennis Career

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For senior Emily Leone, the 2019 tennis season is her last of high school. Leone discovered her love of the sport in fifth grade.

“Several of my friends were going to play tennis so I thought I would try it out as well.  Also, my cousin had played tennis and enjoyed it so I figured I would probably enjoy it, too,” said Leone.

Leone has enjoyed the memories and friendships she has made because of tennis throughout her years.

“There have been a lot of different stories and memories come from tennis over the years,” said Leone.

Along with the perks of tennis, Leone admits the hard work involved with participating. She also mentions that rain is an obstacle for both her and her team.

Through the difficulties, Leone has had the opportunity to grow as a player. She has noticed the placement of her tennis balls are better and she has been playing smarter.

Along with winning matches, tennis has brought Leone lessons that will stay with her into her future. Leone mentions the mental toughness she has because of the sport, and she will be able to use that later in her life.

This season, the team started off with a 7-0 record with Leone playing number two singles. She has hopes that they will continue to have a successful year. However, Leone is no stranger to success. She has accomplished winning tournaments and was part of the team her freshman year when the varsity won sectional.

With her years of experience, Leone has words of advice to young players.

“Be patient with your progress. The only way to get better is by practicing and not paying too much attention to your mistakes,” said Leone.

With her last season coming to a close, Leone is preparing to say goodbye to a big part of her life.

“This being my last year of tennis feels pretty odd. It’s weird to think that I won’t be playing next year since I have been doing it for so long. I’ve made a lot of friendships with people I wouldn’t think I would, as well as made a lot of memories with people I have been friends with forever.  Tennis is the only sport I have ever been apart of, so I’m sure I will miss playing it,” said Leone.

Story by: Faith Wilder

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Photo by: Rebekah Reeves

Blackburn Becomes a Boilermaker

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PHS senior Joni Blackburn has been accepted to Purdue University’s all-girl cheer squad. Blackburn has been participating in cheer for 15 years, and her career won’t be ending soon thanks to her commitment to Purdue University as a Boilermaker cheerleader. Blackburn auditioned for a spot on the Purdue all-girl cheer squad in a two-day tryout on April 12 and 13.

“It’s an honor to be accepted to such a great cheer squad. I’m so excited to continue with my cheer career with such a great university,” said Blackburn.

Blackburn will attend the practices and camps Purdue offers to its cheerleaders. Some might imagine the amount of time and dedication associated with being a member of a collegiate cheer squad is overwhelming; however, Blackburn is no stranger to dedication when it comes to cheer. In her time cheering, Blackburn has seen it all, from competing at a state level to internationally.

Be sure to congratulate Blackburn on her success and keep up with Purdue athletics to catch a peek of a PHS alumna in action.

Story by: Jace Ingle

Rice to Become Lady Statesmen

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After a life filled with basketball, senior Jacqlyn Rice will be signing with Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Illinois.

“I feel very relieved and excited. I’m excited for a lot of reasons, but the main reason is to start fresh where no one knows me, and I get to meet new people,” said Rice.

Because of her accomplishments in the sport, Lincoln Trail has offered Rice a full ride. She is happy to not have the stress of student loans.

“I feel honored because it’s like my reward for all the years of hard work, and it’s a huge stress off my parents because they don’t have to pay for anything, so that makes me happy,” said Rice.

Rice is looking forward to focusing more on her major and working on getting to where she wants to be later in her basketball career.

“I could have played D1 or at a bigger school, but I chose Lincoln because it’s the best choice for me academically,” said Rice.

Rice is eager to further her academic and athletic career at Lincoln.

Story by: Makiya Russelburg

Spring Sports Await Sectional Competition

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As the end of the year nears, spring sports teams will be heading to Sectionals. Varsity track, baseball, tennis and softball are all looking to be competitive.

Baseball Sectionals will be taking place on Saturday, May 25 at Clarksville.

Varsity girls track will compete Tuesday, May 14 at Seymour against Bedford North Lawrence, Crothersville, Eastern Pekin, Jennings County, Medora, Mitchell, Orleans, Salem, Seymour, Springs Valley, Trinity Lutheran and West Washington. 15 athletes on the team will have the opportunity to compete.

“I hope everyone performs their best and we have some girls who advance to the regional,” said Coach Summer Hudelson.

Varsity boys track will be competing Thursday, May 16 at Bedford North Lawrence against Seymour, Crothersville, Eastern Pekin, Jennings County, Medora, Mitchell, Orleans, Salem, Springs Valley, Trinity Lutheran and West Washington. There will be 18 athletes competing in the Sectional. According to Coach Adam Stroud, Brett Bosley, Caleb Vanmeter and Zane Anderson have the highest chance of advancing to Regional. Bosley is looking to advance in long jump and high jump, Vanmeter will try to advance in the 400 meter run and Anderson will look to advance in shotput and discus.

“It is a big stage and allows kids to see what it takes to get to the next level,” said Coach Adam Stroud.

Varsity softball will be competing on Tuesday, May 21 against Clarksville. Other teams competing in this division are Providence, Henryville, Crawford County and Eastern Pekin.

“The girls have been a blast to coach, and I just hope we can carry some good momentum into the postseason,” said Coach Neil Dittmer.

On May 15 at Loogootee High School, varsity girls tennis will be competing at Sectional. The Sectional draw will take place Monday May 13. Emma Osborn, Emily Leone, Tinsley Moffatt, Chloe Elliott, Madison Shinkle and Faith Wilder will be competing.

“The girls have an excellent chances of winning Sectional.  It will be hard work, but it is nothing that they can’t accomplish. All of them have improved as the season went on and are ready for Sectionals. I am proud of all of them and their accomplishments to this point, but we still have more work to do,” said Coach Tyla Whitfield.

Story by: Haley Owens

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