PHS MEDIA NEWS

To be prepared for the spring season, high school softball will begin conditioning next week on Tuesday, November 19. It will take place in the weight room on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the first practice of the season on March 9.

“We will start by doing a lifting program to help prepare for the grind of the season, as well as starting to build our swings and strengthen our arms,” said head softball coach Neil Dittmer. The workouts are not mandatory, but out of season athletes are encouraged to participate.

If you are interested in playing softball this season or need more information, contact Dittmer at dittmern@paoli.k12.in.us.

Story by Lili Seals

Paoli High School basketball cheer tryouts will take place on October 2 at 3:30 p.m. To be eligible to try out, students must have a physical on file. They also must be enrolled and passing at least five full credit classes, both in the last grading period and on the day of tryouts. There was also a mandatory tryout practice on September 25 for anyone in grades 9-12 who wished to tryout for the varsity squad. During the tryout practice, students learned about the process of tryouts, practiced cheers and chants and asked questions. 

To be accepted on the varsity basketball squad, participants must meet a minimum score when being judged at tryouts. Participants will be judged on jumps, skills, original chants, group chants and the fight song. The judges will also review their appearance, spirit, knowledge and overall presentation at tryouts as well as attendance, attitude and behavior at school. There will only be a varsity squad for the basketball season this year.

After tryouts, the first practice will be on October 9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cheerleaders should make sure they have worked out all conflicts with other activities to insure they can be in attendance for every practice. For more information or questions about cheer tryouts, students should contact @NICHOLSHJ@paoli.k12.in.us. 

Story by Lili Seals

On Saturday, September 21, the Paoli golf team competed in the Sectional meet at the Otis Park Golf Course in Bedford. Although the team did not shoot a low enough score to advance as a team to regionals, seniors Avery Owens and Jalyn Engleking advanced as individuals. 

“I am really proud of Avery and I. We have put in a lot of dedication and work and it has really paid off. I am excited to see what Regionals brings,” said Engleking.

Owens shot a score of 105 and Engleking shot a score of 100.

This Saturday, September 28, they will be traveling to Montgomery to play at Country Oaks for the Regional competition.

“I never thought it would get to this point. I’ve worked so hard over the past four years, but never imagined I would be able to make it to Regionals. Golf has been a big part of who I am and it is awesome to say that I made it to Regionals as an individual,” said Owens.

Story by Haley Owens

The mandatory practice for any student interested in trying out for the basketball cheer squad will be held after school from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25.  To be eligible to tryout for the team on Wednesday, October 2, students are required to attend the tryout practice and have the purple and yellow sheets signed and turned in to Cheer Coach Heather Nichols. Packets are still available with Nichols in room 115. 

“I am excited to see who will show up and would love to have a big squad for basketball season,” said Nichols.

Story by Faith Wilder

This year, the tentative dates for Macho Man Volleyball and Powder Puff Football are set for September 30 and October 21, respectively.

Every grade level will be responsible for making their own team. There is not a maximum number of players per team, so anyone is welcome as long as they are eligible to be involved in extracurricular activities. Each grade level will have a different dress-up theme for the game, which is something each team will decide later on. 

“I enjoy the fun the kids have, seeing how competitive they are, as well as seeing how bad they are most of the time,” said Student Council advisor Neil Dittmer.

Story by Haley Owens

The Paoli golf season has officially begun, and one golfer is already showing signs of a successful season.

Senior Avery Owens was a medalist for a meet at Hickory Hills on Monday, August 12. This meet was the second of the season against Brownstown. Owens had the lowest score of all the competitors with a total of 44.

“Definitely not the best I’ve done, but a huge improvement from last week,” said Owens. 

This season will be Owen’s fourth and final season playing with the team. 

“I am looking forward to the rest of the season, and I think we have a good chance of moving on to regionals as a team or some of us as individuals. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store,” said Owens.

Story by Maggie Vincent