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Taylor Smith
Staff Writer It is Friday night, the lights are shining down on the field, and the crowd roars as the players run on the field. “Bees! Bees! Bees!” The football players hear distant chants. As they begin warming up, the chants seem to fade away. Everything is a blur. “Thump, thump.” Their hearts beat faster and faster. The announcer says, “Let the games begin,” and the annual Bonneville versus Hillcrest Civil War commences. The traditional Civil War football game first started in the fall of 1992 whereas the most recent game took place on October 6, 2023. Every year the game is held at Thunder Stadium, the shared Bonneville-Hillcrest field, and the teams alternate being home or away. This game has been a long standing tradition; Civil War week is one of the biggest occasions at Bonneville High School. A few BHS student organizations and clubs take charge of Civil War week: StuCo was in charge of dress up days and Hope Squad was in charge of organizing lunch activities.To help the school spirit shine through in preparation for the upcoming game, at the end of the week, StuCo put on an assembly in the main gym. During the assembly, the cheerleaders taught the school cheers, and StuCo nominated teachers to judge which side of the gym had the most school spirit. After the cheers ended and scores were tallied, the football players decided to make a grand entrance. With music playing as they entered, they ripped the Hillcrest posters to hype up the crowd. The intensity and urge to win was palpable as the athletes encouraged the crowd to attend the game and reminded their peers to support all BHS athletic teams. There are many amazing athletes who are aspects of how the football team strives. One of the Featured players is Mateo Madreno, a senior on varsity. He plays wide receiver and anywhere else he is needed. Multiple people have had worried thoughts on how they play, as Mateo says, “Everyone has a job that they are scared of messing up.” Going into any game, especially a rivalry, emotions are very mixed, so relying on the team is crucial. Hillcrest’s Varsity football team came to the Civil War game with an undefeated season, and continued their streak with this game. Shortly after kickoff, the kick return, when a returner catches the kick and tries to advance towards the end zone, brought the ball up the field all the way to the 15-yard line. Tyler Myrup, a junior on the BHS team, reached for the legs of the kickoff returner and took him down. As the game continued, Hillcrest proved themselves worthy of taking home the title of champion. As for the BHS freshman team, their season finished on a high note; the team brought down Hillcrest as a whole. Civil War always offers a variety of characteristics to the game such as sportsmanship, competition, courage, and optimism.For this year, no matter what grade, each player left his heart on the field. Especially for the graduating athletes, leaving it all on the field was the only option. Although the Civil War is just one night game for each team, it goes far beyond that. The game brings dress up weeks, games at lunch, pep assemblies, and loads of spirit for everyone. No matter who is participating, everyone can find joy during the Civil War!
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Cooper Ruesch
Staff Writer The sound of music fills the halls, fields, and classrooms of Bonneville High School. The High Desert Marching Band is both Hillcrest and Bonneville, bringing sounds of joy as they play in the games and their competitions. Though it takes time and hard work to play these instruments, it is amazing and worth it to see and feel the success of performing and have a wonderful time. Matthew Sorensen, a senior, is one of the band’s drum majors, and has been playing instruments since sixth grade. Sorensen has participated in a multitude of bands, such as concert band, marching band, and jazz band. Last year, Sorensen played the mellophone, the marching version of the French horn. Although Sorensen's main instrument is a French horn, in addition Sorensen plays the trumpet as well as the clarinet for the concert band and is learning percussion. When asked about his position in the marching band, Sorensen explained that the drum major is "the one who conducts the band [and serves as a] student leader. It is an audition process. We have to audition … And we are in charge of helping run rehearsals, conducting the band for warm ups and competition.” Without a strong head on team the marching band, the marching band would not be able to show it off in the end. In addition to Sorenson, explains the warm ups such as stretching, and getting the air flowing through the instruments. Then the band runs drills in the field to practice footwork or “set to set,” as it is called. The band practices where they are positioned on the field while playing their instruments. After they master the formations, they add music to the steps. The marching band brings the sounds of excitement and the music they entertainment to tons of people, as well as always encouraging more and more people to either join or watch the Performers, with the help of Sorensen and the band’s hard work that they put in the band, as the marching band plays in our games and their competitions. It is worthwhile to see the members perform what they love, as well as showing support towards the BHS Fine Arts. MacKenzie Kulp
Staff Writer Did you know that Bonneville High School has a swim team? The BHS swim team has been around for many, many years. It started off as a club sport and was finally moved to being a sanctioned sport in the 2017-2018 school year. The head coach, Glenn Roth, has been an important asset to the team for numerous years. This being his sixth year of coaching, he has brought and will continue to bring much to the team. He loves watching the swimmers improve as they come in with little to no experience and seeing them be able to do things they could not do before. It also makes Roth happy seeing the impact that swimming has on people's lives after graduation. Even when swimmers come in to try their best and not see much improvement, Roth does not stop pushing on and supporting his team. Having swam since fifth grade and all the way through high school, Roth brings experience to the team. The head coach also has a passion for the sport as it has always been a part of his personal and family life. Roth is not the only one teaching valuable skills; the swim team taught him “how to appreciate the kids and the good relationships that I have and seeing them succeed.” However, the team is learning how to utilize the limited pool space and still work together and get along. Roth encourages anyone who is interested in swimming to find out more and join the team next year! The captain of this year's team is Kendra Vickers, a senior here at Bonneville. Vickers has been swimming since she was a baby and joined the team her sophomore year. Since the sport does not require hand-eye skills such as throwing and catching, Vickers encourages anyone who considers themselves "unathletic" to join the team. Even though Vickers expressed her struggle with the early practices, she still enjoys doing dives and turns. The team has even encouraged her to continue swimming for pleasure after high school. Vickers and Roth both encourage everyone looking to make new friends or have a good time after school to find out more about the Bonneville High School swim team. MacKenzie Kulp
Staff Writer The girls varsity volleyball team at Bonneville High School has been around for decades! Last year the team won many victories and secured a variety of trophies. So far the team is continuing that trend as they have only lost one game. They are on a roll because they are currently running as number one in state, and they plan to maintain that status. Kaylie Kofe, a senior and setter on the volleyball team, has been playing volleyball since she was four years old. Her mom played volleyball and told Kofe she was basically “born in the gym.” Kofe says that one of the hardest things about playing volleyball is working through the mistakes and learning from failures instead of letting them take control. Kofe reiterates this point by saying volleyball is “a game of mistakes, and it's hard to have the mentality of not letting a mistake get to you.” The team does an excellent job maintaining this focal point on and off the court; mistakes are unavoidable and can be used to grow. Kofe believes having an encouraging, entertaining team strengthens the team's mentality. According to Kofe, she is grateful for her team's endless support and knows it will push her further than ever. The Bees’ volleyball team has provided many ways to further give back to the players and support their journey after high school. For instance, Kofe was able to have the experience, growth, and preparation for her to commit to Utah State University. The impact of volleyball stretches far beyond the net. The BHS volleyball team is a prime example of powerful teamwork, and this year’s season will provide them with the skills to face future wins and losses. Each athlete serves as an example that perfection is not necessary to rise to the top. Anyone who is interested in joining the team, learning about strong, positive mentalities, or simply learning to play volleyball, is encouraged to explore the BHS volleyball team. Grisel Gonzalez
Staff Writer The junior varsity (JV) and varsity softball teams at Bonneville High School have had great success this year. JV played their first ever away game against Blackfoot, which they unfortunately lost, but this loss did not prevent the girls from making long-lasting memories. Hailey Mecham, a member of the JV team, expressed the enjoyment she gets from spending time with her teammates, stating, “The funniest thing that has happened this season was in St. George. (At the beginning of the season we always have a tournament down there). I was in a room with Miah Jacobson, Kylee Olaveson, and Erica Haynes. We had the best time, we were up for hours just talking and laughing. It was awesome, one of them put on a facemask and laid in bed and it was hilarious! They made the trip so fun!” Softball has helped some students attending BHS become closer and learn more about one another. Lifelong memories like these are what make highschool softball such an excellent experience. Tryouts for varsity were split into two days. The first day included timed running to determine how fast the girls could make it from home base to first. The second day was primarily focused on hitting and recording how fast the ball comes off the bats. The varsity played and won their first game in St. George. The varsity team has had six wins and 15 losses this season so far. Similar to JV, varsity has also had great memories. Faith Arteaga mentioned her favorite memories thus far, expressing, “The season has been so good! We had new coaching staff and they are so helpful with us. They push us to try our hardest everyday. My teammates are the best. We are a family and all get along so well and play together really good.” In addition to Arteaga’s statement, Saydee Howell added, “The funnest memory I had this year and I think I could say this for a lot of our team, was beating Skyline, not once but twice.” It is evident that this year's BHS Softball team have built strong bonds with each other that have helped them come out on top. In the end, this softball season has been a remarkable opportunity for these girls to become closer as one. Savana Carter
Staff Writer It is that time of year again, and the Bonneville ballroom team hosting tryouts once more. The tryouts were held in the auxiliary gym at 4 p.m. going until 6 p.m. for two days. These days are April 25th through the 26th, each day being a new step for future performers. April 25th is the clinic where they teach two routines. April 26th was the actual tryouts where the students reviewed the dances that were taught the previous day as well as getting judged. They auditioner dance with expertend partner, and get judged on how they do. A few days later the results will be posted. Bonneville's ballroom dances during basketball games, football games, and competitions. The times for practice are four days a week from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. during the first trimester, and also from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. during the second and third trimesters; there may be extended or extra practices during the competition season. Missing practice can be difficult to make up for. There are videos online showing what was learned the previous day. Missing practice will set everything back. Terri Guymon, the ballroom team manager, said: “Anyone can join ballroom. We have three different groups on the team: beginning, intermediate, and advanced, so all are welcome.” The ballroom team encourages anyone to join no matter their dance skill level. Ballrooms perform from October to March once every couple of weeks but depending on when football or basketball games and competitions are happening. New dancers are taught dances such as Cha-Cha, Swing, Waltz, Foxtrot and Samba. As they progress and improve, they learn other styles such as Rumba, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Jive, and more. The team has different types of competitions: Team, Syllabus, and, Open. There is a middle school team now as well, led by Coach Javie Guthrie. Green team, the most beginner, is coached by McKinley Christiansen this year. Silver, intermediate, is coached by Sara Guthrie, and Gold, the most advanced, is coached by Javie Guthrie and Tiffani Bailey. Having a middle school team will give the dancers a head start as well as know what to expect when transferring to the high school team. The extra time gives them six years instead of four years to dance with the school. Bonneville ballroom is glad to have new members join the team. The auditioners skill level does not matter, since they teach everything that a student needs to know to make the team. Tryouts are held each year, always giving a chance to those who want to dance their hearts out. They are needing performers for next season because the numbers on the team are plummeting. If anyone wants to join or even just try, please do. Contact Terri, any of the coaches, the BHS ballroom Instagram page, or any of the current performers. Heather Byrne
Staff Writer Every year, many unconventional sports are played at Bonneville High School; brawleyball is one such sport. Following the same rules as volleyball, brawleyball allows male athletes to participate in the fun of the sport; its only difference is the name. Although most practices and games occur at Bonneville, the district championships take place at Hillcrest High School. The sport’s season is contained to April, since it has very few events and practices. Ashley Yorgason, Student Council Advisor and English teacher, claims that brawleyball promotes school spirit and “creates a safe space for teens to get together.” Because of a lack of boy’s volleyball in District 93, brawleyball allows high school boys to play the game and have fun. The students playing the sport say that brawleyball definitely makes up for the absence of boys’ volleyball at BHS. Mateo Medrano, a junior and brawleyball player at BHS, claims that although he would be tempted to play volleyball, it might be too serious as a professional sport. In a low-stakes, high-energy game such as brawleyball, players are able to shake the loss off and still have fun through losses. Only two brawleyball games and four practices are held before the district championships, which is hosted by Hillcrest High School. Teams were decided by grade levels and each team would play against another grade. Medrano believes that while there are enough games, the practices are too few in number, since there are only four of them. He also claims that compared to the girls’ volleyball team, the boys’ brawleyball players are “pretty basic” as far as skills go. Medrano explains that while the games are fun, the stands are packed with more parents than students; school spirit and support from peers would be appreciated by the athletes. Even though there is a lack of audience at games, the brawleyball team is very close and, according to Medrano, do not have any problems with each other as far as getting along and playing fairly. Most of these boys participate in football or basketball together and decide to play brawleyball together. Football players who do not play spring sports during the third trimester often find themselves bored without a game to play. Having brawleyball during the spring gives these players something to do. This keeps them active as well as in shape during the spring season. The last event was on April 24th at Hillcrest, so that wraps up a great season! Savana Carter
Staff Writer Spring 2023 sports have been a struggle for competing athletes. Softball players have been trying to get onto the field play as much as possible since they have only played one game. They have been practicing in the main gym doing their best to learn new plays for the sport. The baseball team has been practicing inside, causing athletes to face new challenges once they are on the field. As for the track team, meets have been canceled or rescheduled, and some hosting schools limit the number of participants.The tennis have been outside shoveling the snow off their courts and basically playing with a wall in the aux gym. Having only played a single match, the tennis team has also experienced cancellations because of high winds and frigid temperatures. Although the teams have not had many opportunities to compete, they have been practicing nonstop and sharpening their skills in preparation for clearer skies. Even though spring athletes have held their heads high throughout the turbulent season, many are struggling to remain optimistic. Track athlete David Sorenson stated: “It upsets me, I want to run and get the times that I need to push myself, that can't come without touching the track.” Due to the cancellations, most athletes state that they are getting homework done, spending time with family and friends, or practicing more in their free time. On the other hand, athletes that are new to their respective sport have not had the opportunity to experience a real game or meet, which could stunt their progress in the future. “Practicing in the aux gym doesn’t have the same effect as practicing on an actual court does.” A tennis player Taelor Pitcher stated. Without a doubt seniors hoping to be awarded a scholarship might not accomplish it if they are not playing in tournaments; not playing in the tournaments gives them less of a chance causing them to not get the funding for school things such as covering a portion of the costs for tuition and fees, course-related books that they may need for college. Not having games has caused countless issues such as having more stress and anxiety, and not knowing what to do at the games for future players. Having contests canceled affects the way all of the players perform and does not give them the opportunity to show what the team has learned from the last time they competed. Heather Byrne
Staff Writer “Today, do what others won’t so tomorrow you can accomplish what others can’t.” — Simone Biles, Gymnast. Every year, National Girls and Women in Sports Day is on a different day of the year, this year the holiday was February 1st. A few female sports that are currently being practiced at Bonneville High School include basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, softball, competitive and ballroom dancing, and the newest, wrestling. Wrestling is the fastest growing women’s sport in America according to The Register Herald. Currently on the girls wrestling team, three of Bonneville’s girls are ranked amongst the top six in the state, although the team as a whole is not currently ranked. According to Maxpreps.com, the BHS girl’s basketball team is currently ranked 69th in the state of Idaho, just below Nampa’s Columbia High School and just above McCall-Donnelly High School. In Addition, Bonneville’s cheerleading team took first place at state during the 2021-2022 school year and have been placing at tournaments ever since. The cheerleaders are district champions this year and will be competing at nationals. Not only are our cheerleaders hard workers, but with softball tryouts coming up, many of Bonneville’s softball players are preparing for their upcoming season by weightlifting. Last year, the team’s score was 13-9; thirteen being wins and nine being losses. BHS is not the first and only place where women’s sports were practiced. According to Brittanica.com, croquet was the first sport in the Olympics to be played by women in 1900. Although croquet was one of few female inclusive sports, in 1926 female swimmer Gertrude Ederle competed in the long-distance swimming competition and beat the male record by around two hours. Two years later, Sonja Henie earned a gold medal in figure skating, and changed the sport entirely by adding ballet moves into her routine. Another female athlete became famous in 1932. Babe Didrikson participated in many separate Olympic track and field events and went on to compete in other Olympic sports, becoming a revolutionary athlete for women’s sports. A decade later, a woman named Fanny Blankers-Koen took home four Olympic gold medals in track and field events and was the first woman to do so. Not only was Koen a dedicated athlete, but she was also a mom to two kids and a wife to Jan Blankers. Koen also had a well-known nickname from those who were not so impressed by her balance of her personal life and career. She was known as “The Flying Housewife” because many believed at the time that she was not diligent enough in her home life and should not have been participating in sports with a family at home. Thanks to women like Gertrude Ederle, Sonja Henie, Babe Didrikson, and Fanny Blankers-Koen, women’s sports flourish and are a welcomed activity for ladies to participate in. Women’s and Girl’s Sports Day is a reminder that women can be just as skilled as men in the sporting world, and honors all who have spoken up for the rights of female athletes. Gianmarco Quinzi
Staff Writer Bonneville High School is a school that gives students the opportunity to express themselves. At Bonneville, the Honeybees dance team is the ideal place to learn and grow as an athlete. The team consists of Isabella Higginbothan (9), Harleigh Keller (9), Kari Kelley (11), Kaylee Larsen (12), Faith Radford (12), Stephanie Shoff (9), Kaylee Wirkus (9), Mahiro Sumikura (11), coach Jason Coles, and assistant coach Lori Biggs. New on the team, head coach Jason Coles is putting his best foot forward with little dance experience. According to Harleigh Keller, the season is going pretty well; there are some losses and some wins as a team. Keller said, “The challenge that I definitely faced was some different ideas between the team but voices seem to come together after each idea so definitely been some no fight but arguments, there is also overcoming those arguments.” In regards to the new coach, Keller feels “that even though he is new, he does know a lot because our former coach was his wife, so he was pretty involved with the team.” According to Kari Kelley, the Honeybees is like a second family, and “Mr. Coles is trying his best, I’m glad that he is going to be here [during] my senior year. He has the base for teaching dance because his wife was our coach, so he was helping coach for a really long time.” Kelley also shared that Coles’ daughter was a dancer, so he has previous knowledge of the craft. Kelley added, “He is also learning [and] trying his best. I never had a coach like that. Actually pushing.” Keller also talked about the future of the team under the leadership of Mr. Coles and Mrs. Biggs. Since the team has more than one coach, the dancers will have the chance to learn and develop different skills from each of them. Mrs. Biggs will help the team improve their dancing skills, expand their knowledge, and refine their craft. Mr. Coles’ job will focus on managing the team, their emotions, and gaining new perspectives on dancing. New leadership often brings new challenges; however, the Honeybees are eager to continue their season and discover new opportunities to improve their dance skills. |
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October 2023
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