Have you ever had the thrill of a screeching, 50 mph race car speeding right at you, while someone screamed like a little girl? Many would want to turn around and go back home, but not Alyssa Smith. Allyssa, a 7th grader at NIS, just happened to be in the above specific situation. She kept rolling along like nothing ever happened after her lightning reflexes enabled her to dodge immanent death. Shortly after facing her own mortality, she knew what she was going to do for a very long time…race mini sprint cars! She always thought that she was going to be an all-star softball player but clearly that didn’t happen. She races a mini sprint car that normally weighs about 700-800 pounds. The car's top speed is around 50 mph. Alyssa races throughout the year and is a fierce competitor, however the big championship at the end of the season is what she really wants to win. Racing is a great sport because one of our NIS students competes, it can become part of your family culture, and it's a growing sport among adults.
Racing is in Alyssa Smith's blood! The desire to go as fast as possible around a racetrack goes all the way back two generations to her grandfather who raced. After he retired, her dad got into the sport and experienced a lot of success too. Since Alyssa was four year-old, she's watched her dad race. Now her dad is on the sidelines, watching her race! Although Alyssa's dad still races, he makes the time to work on her car so that she goes into every race with a car primed for a win. Since her family was so experienced in racing, when Alyssa started racing, she dove into the sport head first. The first night she raced, somebody went crazy, spun-out and crashed into Alyssa's mini sprint car. It really freaked her out, but she was ok and kept going like nothing ever happened. She actually won that race! Allyssa has been racing for about a year now and has her share of victories. Her car looks somewhat like a go-cart but has a roll cage. It has a checkered flag for the bottom, and pink, black, and white lines on the top (gallery and video below). She absolutely loves to go fast. She said that she has always favored cars more than anything else in her entire life. Victorville is the city where she usually races, and she enjoys Saturday night races from 6pm to 9pm. Her ultimate goal is to win the championship at the end of the season. That is the reason she races twice, every two weeks. One time she passed up the leader on the last lap, stealing the victory from the racer that thought she had the race in the bag. Other than being a tough mini sprint car driver she is a normal 7th grader whose all-time favorite movie is called Six Pack (a racing movie). She has a pig named Wilbert, two horses named Dallas and Tater, and her favorite pet is her dog named Hershey. She also has a 3 year-old brother and a 18 year-old sister. Alyssa is almost a professional race car driver, completely committed to the sport, and having fun. Racing, like any sport is a great extra curricular activity that teaches discipline, focus, good sportsmanship, and is a great outlet. Alyssa has learned all that and could very well surpass the accomplishments of pro driver Danica Patrick. In the future, you can say I knew Alyssa Smith when she first started racing and when her great career began!
Racing isn't just an important sport in the life of Alyssa Smith, but it is a wildly popular sport in the United States. NASCAR brings hundreds of millions of dollars to cities that host races. In Las Vegas it brings in BILLIONS of dollars (http://www.lvms.com/media/news/nascar-weekend-has-pumped-billions-dollars-into-local-economy.html)! Christopher Leone , the Senior Analyst for BleacherReport.com on Dec 18, 2012 wrote that NASCAR was only 2nd to football on twitter in 2012. To explain why NASCAR has an advantage over Major League Baseball, he went on to write, " In NASCAR, the 10-race playoff ensures that three months' worth of racing is handled with extra urgency, and the payoff has been three consecutive years of memorable playoff battles." If this article has created an interest in racing or reminded you that you might want to be a race car driver then you might want to try Poleposition in Corona (https://www.polepositionraceway.com/corona/ ), which offers an affordable racing experience that anyone can enjoy. Don't be left behind in the racing fun, and check out the local races. Ask Alyssa when she's racing next, and check out racing on TV. You might want to view the NASCAR action that is captivating millions of viewers!
Racing is in Alyssa Smith's blood! The desire to go as fast as possible around a racetrack goes all the way back two generations to her grandfather who raced. After he retired, her dad got into the sport and experienced a lot of success too. Since Alyssa was four year-old, she's watched her dad race. Now her dad is on the sidelines, watching her race! Although Alyssa's dad still races, he makes the time to work on her car so that she goes into every race with a car primed for a win. Since her family was so experienced in racing, when Alyssa started racing, she dove into the sport head first. The first night she raced, somebody went crazy, spun-out and crashed into Alyssa's mini sprint car. It really freaked her out, but she was ok and kept going like nothing ever happened. She actually won that race! Allyssa has been racing for about a year now and has her share of victories. Her car looks somewhat like a go-cart but has a roll cage. It has a checkered flag for the bottom, and pink, black, and white lines on the top (gallery and video below). She absolutely loves to go fast. She said that she has always favored cars more than anything else in her entire life. Victorville is the city where she usually races, and she enjoys Saturday night races from 6pm to 9pm. Her ultimate goal is to win the championship at the end of the season. That is the reason she races twice, every two weeks. One time she passed up the leader on the last lap, stealing the victory from the racer that thought she had the race in the bag. Other than being a tough mini sprint car driver she is a normal 7th grader whose all-time favorite movie is called Six Pack (a racing movie). She has a pig named Wilbert, two horses named Dallas and Tater, and her favorite pet is her dog named Hershey. She also has a 3 year-old brother and a 18 year-old sister. Alyssa is almost a professional race car driver, completely committed to the sport, and having fun. Racing, like any sport is a great extra curricular activity that teaches discipline, focus, good sportsmanship, and is a great outlet. Alyssa has learned all that and could very well surpass the accomplishments of pro driver Danica Patrick. In the future, you can say I knew Alyssa Smith when she first started racing and when her great career began!
Racing isn't just an important sport in the life of Alyssa Smith, but it is a wildly popular sport in the United States. NASCAR brings hundreds of millions of dollars to cities that host races. In Las Vegas it brings in BILLIONS of dollars (http://www.lvms.com/media/news/nascar-weekend-has-pumped-billions-dollars-into-local-economy.html)! Christopher Leone , the Senior Analyst for BleacherReport.com on Dec 18, 2012 wrote that NASCAR was only 2nd to football on twitter in 2012. To explain why NASCAR has an advantage over Major League Baseball, he went on to write, " In NASCAR, the 10-race playoff ensures that three months' worth of racing is handled with extra urgency, and the payoff has been three consecutive years of memorable playoff battles." If this article has created an interest in racing or reminded you that you might want to be a race car driver then you might want to try Poleposition in Corona (https://www.polepositionraceway.com/corona/ ), which offers an affordable racing experience that anyone can enjoy. Don't be left behind in the racing fun, and check out the local races. Ask Alyssa when she's racing next, and check out racing on TV. You might want to view the NASCAR action that is captivating millions of viewers!
NIS BY THE NUMBER & NOTABLE QUOTES
(COMING SOON FOR THIS ARTICLE)
The crowd cheers and gasps, as Marin passes the ball right across the net for someone to score a goal. Marin is an ordinary girl, with an extraordinary talent. There are tons of great athletes in this world, but if you can’t keep up with your grades, your soccer career won’t go very far. Starting to play soccer at a very young age, Marin Whieldon, has caught the eye of all the coaches, especially national team coaches. Marin is a great student athlete because she plays on the #1 team for the under 13 year- old girls' division, is able to maintain a 4.0 g.p.a., and she's good at time management. Marin also refrains from bragging about the things she has been able to do with her soccer career, which many in her shoes wouldn't. Marin is able to maintain a high g.p.a. because she spends adequate time studying for tests, and doing her homework. She is able to stay on the top team because she goes to EVERY SINGLE practice, additional practices, practices on her own, and participates in other school sports (to stay fit). In P.E. she tries her hardest to be the very best at everything she does (laps, sports, etc.). Marin is a gifted soccer athlete, and only a few people have her talent. Marin is able to maintain a high g.p.a, and still keep a starting spot on her club soccer team.
As Marin glares at the ball, then the goal, then the ball again, and then the goal a second time, she begins sprinting up to the bright colored ball. She strikes it with perfect follow-through. As everyone watches the ball soar through the air, the sun puts a glare on it. Marin has lost sight of it in the sun. Marin closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, and hears the ball sliding on the side of the net. Marin begins jumping up and down. The parents begin clapping, and everyone is happy, knowing they just won the game. Marin is well-known for her speed, skill, aggressiveness, hustle, and sportsmanship. No matter what, you can always count on her to get to every ball possible, and score many goals. Some girls who play soccer however, do not take chances, are not aggressive, and do not hustle! You are never a "great" soccer player until you have these traits. Soccer is definitely no fun unless the players on the field have those characteristics. Marin however, makes the game fun to watch, and her sensational style catches the eyes of all the coaches.
Obviously, if you want to get far in an athletic career, good grades is a MUST! Marin is very dedicated to soccer and school, which will take her far in the future. Even though Marin gets many opportunities to train with different people, she doesn't get recruited to every big event there is, but she still keeps her head up. Sometimes it may seem hard not really getting a break from sports, but with the passion and dedication like Marin and the rest of her team, coaches, and parents, it's worth it! With dedication, passion, and effort you too can be a superstar in whatever you choose (sports, music, art, drama, academics). It's your choice! What will you choose to do?
As Marin glares at the ball, then the goal, then the ball again, and then the goal a second time, she begins sprinting up to the bright colored ball. She strikes it with perfect follow-through. As everyone watches the ball soar through the air, the sun puts a glare on it. Marin has lost sight of it in the sun. Marin closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, and hears the ball sliding on the side of the net. Marin begins jumping up and down. The parents begin clapping, and everyone is happy, knowing they just won the game. Marin is well-known for her speed, skill, aggressiveness, hustle, and sportsmanship. No matter what, you can always count on her to get to every ball possible, and score many goals. Some girls who play soccer however, do not take chances, are not aggressive, and do not hustle! You are never a "great" soccer player until you have these traits. Soccer is definitely no fun unless the players on the field have those characteristics. Marin however, makes the game fun to watch, and her sensational style catches the eyes of all the coaches.
Obviously, if you want to get far in an athletic career, good grades is a MUST! Marin is very dedicated to soccer and school, which will take her far in the future. Even though Marin gets many opportunities to train with different people, she doesn't get recruited to every big event there is, but she still keeps her head up. Sometimes it may seem hard not really getting a break from sports, but with the passion and dedication like Marin and the rest of her team, coaches, and parents, it's worth it! With dedication, passion, and effort you too can be a superstar in whatever you choose (sports, music, art, drama, academics). It's your choice! What will you choose to do?
NIS BY THE NUMBERS AND NOTABLE QUOTES
Fifty NIS students were surveyed to see if they thought keeping up with their schoolwork and sport(s) could seem stressful. Sixty-two percent of the students agreed thirty-four percent disagreed, two percent used to play sports and agreed, and two percent never played sports and agreed.This survey proves that most students believe it can become stressful trying to keep up with school and sports. Seventh grader Isabelle Gonzalez states, “I dance and get home at 9:30 Monday-Thursday, and usually stay up late." Eighth grader Alyssa Cortez stated,"Yes, it is very stressful. Sometimes I don't have time for homework, and don't get enough sleep." However seventh grader Deziree Ponce had a different opinion when she remarked, "No, because I don't do sports till late at night, so I get everything done beforehand.
Norco's National Champion
by Kalib Mohamed
7th grade student
October 21, 2013
If you saw a 1,000 pound bull's hoof coming at your back what would you do? Most people have not been in this situation, I know someone who has. He is currently an 8th grader at Norco Intermediate School and was enrolled last year as well. His name is Dalton Shepard, he says he wouldn't be where he's at without his family. His success came out of hard work and his inspirations. He practices for three hours, two to three days a week. Now he is a national champion. You might be wondering how he got started? Well I'm going to tell you.
Dalton started when he was two years old, of course not on a bull, he had to grow into that. The first time he rode was when his dad took him to a practice pin and had him ride a sheep. After a time of doing this he knew he wanted to do this for the rest of his life. After riding sheep for a while he then road calves, steers, and then finally bulls. His first competition was when he was three years old here in Norco. When he was five he went to Oklahoma for a riding competition and placed 9th. The year after, he got 1st at the Norco competition and 11th in Texas.
With all his success he really doesn't think about all the injuries, which is common in this dangerous sport. One time when he was 11 years old he was practicing and he got on the bull wrong and he dislocated a bone in his arm, this sadly ruined his chances on going into the finals in a competition. Recently he fell off his bull in the finals and got stomped on, the results weren't horrible but it was hard for the fans to watch. Despite this hair raising event, he still got on again the next day. This clearly shows dedication to the game and his unwavering courage. Now he is a national champion, after all you don't just get on a bull and ride. Bull riding takes hard work, and you have to do this your whole life to be great. After talking to him it seems like he is willing to work and do whatever it takes to further his career in the sport. Hard work always comes before talent.
For more, check out the video below and the link:
http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/corona/corona-headlines-index/20121221-norco-boy-12-is-national-steer-riding-star.ece
Dalton started when he was two years old, of course not on a bull, he had to grow into that. The first time he rode was when his dad took him to a practice pin and had him ride a sheep. After a time of doing this he knew he wanted to do this for the rest of his life. After riding sheep for a while he then road calves, steers, and then finally bulls. His first competition was when he was three years old here in Norco. When he was five he went to Oklahoma for a riding competition and placed 9th. The year after, he got 1st at the Norco competition and 11th in Texas.
With all his success he really doesn't think about all the injuries, which is common in this dangerous sport. One time when he was 11 years old he was practicing and he got on the bull wrong and he dislocated a bone in his arm, this sadly ruined his chances on going into the finals in a competition. Recently he fell off his bull in the finals and got stomped on, the results weren't horrible but it was hard for the fans to watch. Despite this hair raising event, he still got on again the next day. This clearly shows dedication to the game and his unwavering courage. Now he is a national champion, after all you don't just get on a bull and ride. Bull riding takes hard work, and you have to do this your whole life to be great. After talking to him it seems like he is willing to work and do whatever it takes to further his career in the sport. Hard work always comes before talent.
For more, check out the video below and the link:
http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/corona/corona-headlines-index/20121221-norco-boy-12-is-national-steer-riding-star.ece
NORCO'S WRESTLING JUGGERNAUT
bY rOBERT sAMSOE
7TH GRADE STUDENT
MAY 29, 2014
Anyone who has seen the movie The Avengers remembers when the massive, muscular, and green Hulk tossed around the villain Loki like a rag doll, smashing him over and over on the concrete floor. The theater erupted with laughter at this scene (see below). If you were to wrestle 8th grader Tye Kelsoe, you would know how Loki felt and it would be no laughing matter! Have you ever wondered how good our 8th grade peer, Tye Kelsoe is in a wrestling match? Well, I'm here at Folkstyle Middle School State Championships in Fresno, California, and he's killing it! Although Tye could have cut weight from the 140 pound weight class to 132's, he went the tough road at the 140's. Let me tell you, this was no walk through the park because the first guy he wrestled placed 3rd at The Reno, Nevada World Championship Tournament where kids from across the globe come to compete. Tye has worked hard for this tournament by going to all Norco High wrestling practices, wrestling with athletes older and stronger, and sparring with the top dogs. His 2nd match is coming up soon and I'm sure it will be action packed and full of take-downs, pin attempts, one broken heart ...Tye's opponent. I want to be the first person to tell you about it!
In the beginning, Tye slowly, but dauntingly walks across the navy blue wrestling mat wearing his white and royal blue singlet, matching Asics wrestling shoes, and headgear. The tension could be cut with a knife, but for Kelsoe, his mind was focused and determined to win the match that would soon begin. The match started with Kelsoe and his opponent fighting for hand control, but that would change very soon! Tye shoots for a sweep-single leg, for an outstanding take-down. Now it's up to Tye to set up a pinning combination. What will he choose? Yes, of course he goes for a challenging guillotine, where his opponent's face turns from a bright red tomato to a light blue grape as he is choking out the other wrestler and splitting his legs apart in the meantime to set up a pin. The referee signals, one, two ,three, four, times! Mr. Kelsoe was one second away from a first period pin at the state championships. The period began with his opponent's choice, which was top, bottom, neutral, or differ (let the other guy choose). He chooses bottom to get a one point escape or two point reversal. Wow, he just couldn't get away from Tye, but after trying several times he does! Well, for a split second anyhow, Tye is already back on top for two points! In the third period, Tye chooses neutral, and just takes him down. Tye repeatedly lets him up over and over. Tye seems to be an unstoppable force...a juggernaut. Tye sinks a clean lateral drop to end the match with another Norco win...with a pin!
Tye's matches were exciting and had the Cougar Wrestling club fans on the edge of the bleachers as they witnessed Kelsoe's takedown brilliance, pin attempts, and victories. He did absolutely outstanding considering the tough situation he was dealing with. He has repeatedly worked extremely hard for this and the other challenging upcoming state events. During this time of hardcore training and conditioning, Tye has been drilling the basic moves he anticipated using during this massive state meet. All of the people Tye wrestled at the competition were either more experienced than him, older than him, and/or heavier than him. The kid’s at the Cougar Wrestling club, were all inspired by Tye for winning matches at this year's state championship meet.
The kids learned from his victories and learned from his defeats. Despite not gracing the very top of the podium, he carried himself like a champion...and that's the true importance of this article. Character counts and Tye is a good example. After all, Tye helps the kids who wrestle for our local club, so maybe they will be as great if not better than anyone. Who knows, Tye could even wrestle for the U.S. at the 2020 Olympics. Work harder than you are right now and maybe you will be a state champion for your sport and maybe even a legend.
NIS NUMBERS AND NOTABLE QUOTES:
Fifty NIS students were surveyed to see how many have watched wrestling. Twenty-four percent of the students have never watched wrestling, 14% have watched wrestling once, 14% have watched wrestling twice, and 48% have watched wrestling three or more times. This shows that wrestling is more popular than some might believe and people must be interested enough to watch it because there is very few people that haven't watched wrestling. Diana Gallegos says, "I think it's a very complex sport." "Well... it's not fake," says Ryan Sanchez. Many other quotes have been given including Eric Ramos's quote, "wrestling is a very cool physical sport to watch."
In the beginning, Tye slowly, but dauntingly walks across the navy blue wrestling mat wearing his white and royal blue singlet, matching Asics wrestling shoes, and headgear. The tension could be cut with a knife, but for Kelsoe, his mind was focused and determined to win the match that would soon begin. The match started with Kelsoe and his opponent fighting for hand control, but that would change very soon! Tye shoots for a sweep-single leg, for an outstanding take-down. Now it's up to Tye to set up a pinning combination. What will he choose? Yes, of course he goes for a challenging guillotine, where his opponent's face turns from a bright red tomato to a light blue grape as he is choking out the other wrestler and splitting his legs apart in the meantime to set up a pin. The referee signals, one, two ,three, four, times! Mr. Kelsoe was one second away from a first period pin at the state championships. The period began with his opponent's choice, which was top, bottom, neutral, or differ (let the other guy choose). He chooses bottom to get a one point escape or two point reversal. Wow, he just couldn't get away from Tye, but after trying several times he does! Well, for a split second anyhow, Tye is already back on top for two points! In the third period, Tye chooses neutral, and just takes him down. Tye repeatedly lets him up over and over. Tye seems to be an unstoppable force...a juggernaut. Tye sinks a clean lateral drop to end the match with another Norco win...with a pin!
Tye's matches were exciting and had the Cougar Wrestling club fans on the edge of the bleachers as they witnessed Kelsoe's takedown brilliance, pin attempts, and victories. He did absolutely outstanding considering the tough situation he was dealing with. He has repeatedly worked extremely hard for this and the other challenging upcoming state events. During this time of hardcore training and conditioning, Tye has been drilling the basic moves he anticipated using during this massive state meet. All of the people Tye wrestled at the competition were either more experienced than him, older than him, and/or heavier than him. The kid’s at the Cougar Wrestling club, were all inspired by Tye for winning matches at this year's state championship meet.
The kids learned from his victories and learned from his defeats. Despite not gracing the very top of the podium, he carried himself like a champion...and that's the true importance of this article. Character counts and Tye is a good example. After all, Tye helps the kids who wrestle for our local club, so maybe they will be as great if not better than anyone. Who knows, Tye could even wrestle for the U.S. at the 2020 Olympics. Work harder than you are right now and maybe you will be a state champion for your sport and maybe even a legend.
NIS NUMBERS AND NOTABLE QUOTES:
Fifty NIS students were surveyed to see how many have watched wrestling. Twenty-four percent of the students have never watched wrestling, 14% have watched wrestling once, 14% have watched wrestling twice, and 48% have watched wrestling three or more times. This shows that wrestling is more popular than some might believe and people must be interested enough to watch it because there is very few people that haven't watched wrestling. Diana Gallegos says, "I think it's a very complex sport." "Well... it's not fake," says Ryan Sanchez. Many other quotes have been given including Eric Ramos's quote, "wrestling is a very cool physical sport to watch."
lEADER FROM BOW TO TOE
BY DIANA GALLEGOS
7TH GRADE STUDENT
MAY 25, 2014
She could feel her palms drenched in sweat as she rubbed them against her blue skirt. Gabi was waiting back stage watching the other fierce competitors perform, until her team name, Smoed, would be called. She was praying to God so that He would give her the confidence, strength, and determination she needed to pull through for what was lying ahead. She could see her team trotting on stage, as she felt her bright white shoes stepping on the blue mat and being blinded by the light show. This was it, Gabi Butler was counting in her head to the music. She was hoping their elite tumbling, her incredible flexibility, and the power of their one based stunts would lead them to victory. Gabi Butler was a cheerleader from bow to toe!In this article Gabi shows that in life anything is possible as long as you practice, have confidence, and determination to make it happen. Our friend Gabi will show us, that we can succeed in life if we believe in ourselves. Even if you aren’t doing any sports or just looking for great advice in life, this article can be of great help.
This talented World Champion was born in Boca Ranton, Florida on January 16, 1999. Her first World Competition was in the summer of 2012, and she and the Smoed team won first place. Worlds is the most famous cheerleading competition in the world. You can say that this event is basically the “Olympics” for cheer. Squads from all over the world that are proud to carry their team name come here to compete. Gabi’s mom has told us that to begin with Gabi wasn’t flexible at all (which she is very admired for). It all started with a little girl on television who was double jointed, and as soon as Gabi saw her she decided to be “double jointed.” Her mom said, “Honey, you are born double jointed, you can’t just become it.” Gabi responded, “I’ll be double jointed, you’ll see.” After three weeks of going straight to her room after school, Gabi proved her mother wrong by stretching everyday and becoming extremely flexible. Since that day on, Gabi decided that she could do anything, if she put her mind to it.
Even though most people think cheer looks easy, it isn’t. To become great at what she does, Gabi had to have discipline. At every practice Gabi has to run a total of four miles in a limited time and afterwards still has to do warm-ups. Her warm-ups consist of three sets of countless reps, one hundred and fifty crunches, dumbbell presses and curls, two hundred squats, and so many other exercises. “Sometimes I just feel like giving up, but then I realize nothing good comes out of it and I strive to do my very best,” Gabi explains. She went on to say, "Yes, it can be very difficult in the real world to pull through something on your own, but I always remember if God puts you to it, he’ll guide you through it." Gabi Butler has taught us that nobody becomes great at anything without hard work. Every skill you earn comes by practicing, having confidence, and maintaining determination. This advice can be beneficial to everybody, especially young adults. This amazing role model has even inspired me to become better at my sport of cheer leading. With trying your hardest, life can open up new opportunities. You can work for your dream job, or even go to a great university, as long as you believe. So every time you hear that little voice in your head telling you to give up, just remember the advice that Gabi has given you, and give it your all.
NIS NUMBERS AND NOTABLE QUOTES:
I have conducted a survey at Norco Intermediate School, to see if students thought cheer leading was a sport. In my perspective I truly think that cheer is an athletic activity.It seems like most students agree with me because 94% of Norco Intermediate students believe cheer is a sport, and the other 6% don’t consider it as one. Even though most people have different feelings toward this subject, they have responded kindly. Nora Abuelkhair said, “I think cheer leading is a sport, it has athletic and competitive sportsmanship.” However Jasmine Alpert said, “I don’t consider cheer as a sport, because the cheerleaders just stand on stage and sing.” Lastly, Robert Samsoe said, “I do see cheer as a sport, because it involves lots of physical capability.” According to this survey, most people do believe cheer leading is a sport and recreational activity too.
This talented World Champion was born in Boca Ranton, Florida on January 16, 1999. Her first World Competition was in the summer of 2012, and she and the Smoed team won first place. Worlds is the most famous cheerleading competition in the world. You can say that this event is basically the “Olympics” for cheer. Squads from all over the world that are proud to carry their team name come here to compete. Gabi’s mom has told us that to begin with Gabi wasn’t flexible at all (which she is very admired for). It all started with a little girl on television who was double jointed, and as soon as Gabi saw her she decided to be “double jointed.” Her mom said, “Honey, you are born double jointed, you can’t just become it.” Gabi responded, “I’ll be double jointed, you’ll see.” After three weeks of going straight to her room after school, Gabi proved her mother wrong by stretching everyday and becoming extremely flexible. Since that day on, Gabi decided that she could do anything, if she put her mind to it.
Even though most people think cheer looks easy, it isn’t. To become great at what she does, Gabi had to have discipline. At every practice Gabi has to run a total of four miles in a limited time and afterwards still has to do warm-ups. Her warm-ups consist of three sets of countless reps, one hundred and fifty crunches, dumbbell presses and curls, two hundred squats, and so many other exercises. “Sometimes I just feel like giving up, but then I realize nothing good comes out of it and I strive to do my very best,” Gabi explains. She went on to say, "Yes, it can be very difficult in the real world to pull through something on your own, but I always remember if God puts you to it, he’ll guide you through it." Gabi Butler has taught us that nobody becomes great at anything without hard work. Every skill you earn comes by practicing, having confidence, and maintaining determination. This advice can be beneficial to everybody, especially young adults. This amazing role model has even inspired me to become better at my sport of cheer leading. With trying your hardest, life can open up new opportunities. You can work for your dream job, or even go to a great university, as long as you believe. So every time you hear that little voice in your head telling you to give up, just remember the advice that Gabi has given you, and give it your all.
NIS NUMBERS AND NOTABLE QUOTES:
I have conducted a survey at Norco Intermediate School, to see if students thought cheer leading was a sport. In my perspective I truly think that cheer is an athletic activity.It seems like most students agree with me because 94% of Norco Intermediate students believe cheer is a sport, and the other 6% don’t consider it as one. Even though most people have different feelings toward this subject, they have responded kindly. Nora Abuelkhair said, “I think cheer leading is a sport, it has athletic and competitive sportsmanship.” However Jasmine Alpert said, “I don’t consider cheer as a sport, because the cheerleaders just stand on stage and sing.” Lastly, Robert Samsoe said, “I do see cheer as a sport, because it involves lots of physical capability.” According to this survey, most people do believe cheer leading is a sport and recreational activity too.
THE SMOOTH TOUCHDOWN TO HEAVEN
BY ALAN DO
7TH GRADE STUDENT
FEBRUARY 6, 2014
It was a mysterious, dark, and foggy night when eerie sounds of petrified football players being tackled by a ferocious player named Blake Beecher could be heard. If you were to peer down on the field you would see Black sweeping them off their feet and making them burst into tears while yelling for their mommies. Many people would be afraid to get injured and give up after losing several games or getting smashed by a tough football player, but Blake would never give up even if he suffered an unbearable injury.
Blake Beecher is a fierce and strong 13 year-old football player who plays on the Norco Bengals team. He never gives up even if his team is losing. Blake plays linebacker and full back. He’s been playing football for six years and started when he was 7 years old. He always encourages his teammates to push to their limits and never give up even if they lose. For example, Blake’s team lost against the Corona Chargers 26 to 6, but he never gave up trying even though he lost. The next game against Lake Elsinore, Blake’s team crushed and grinded their opponents’ bones 23 to 0. Even though Blake’s team won, his victory turned upside down 36 to 15 when his team met their next opponent in Murrieta. To me, their season was like a tug-a-war because they pull but then they lose their grip and the other team pulls. The last game they played was against Indio and they won 34 to 6. Blake did a smooth touchdown that won the game and he felt like he was in heaven.
Q & A:
“Have you ever got hurt in football?”
Blake yelled, “Heck yeah!”
“Is it fun tackling people on the field?”
Blake says, “Yeah!”
“Have you ever done a touchdown?”
“Many times!” yelled Blake
“What was your most exciting game against?”
“Playing against the Chino Hills.” Blake said with excitement.
"How many games did you lose, including the playoffs?"
"We lost against 2 teams in the regular season and one in the playoffs (Corona 26 to 6, Murrieta 34-14, and Murrieta again in the playoffs 52-0)
"Why did you guys lose so badly the 2nd time playing Murrieta in the playoffs?"
"Robert Samsoe and Christian Wallender got hurt and they are both really good players."
I conducted a football survey among my classmates and I discovered some interesting things. I surveyed 50 students in all consisting of 7th grade boys and girls. Eighth g graders weren't surveyed. The question they answered was, “Have you ever played football?” The students choices included "yes, no, or I will". Sixty-eight percent answered "yes," 30% marked "no," and 4% marked "I will." Some of the comments were different from each other, for example, Kennedi Staab asked if P.E counts because she plays in P.E and she plays with her family. What really made me crack up was when my friend, Caitlyn Prak, commented, “I’m scared >.<!” In conclusion, Blake Beecher never gives up even though he loses and always encourages his teammates.
One things certain, if Blake's on your team, you are lucky!
Blake Beecher is a fierce and strong 13 year-old football player who plays on the Norco Bengals team. He never gives up even if his team is losing. Blake plays linebacker and full back. He’s been playing football for six years and started when he was 7 years old. He always encourages his teammates to push to their limits and never give up even if they lose. For example, Blake’s team lost against the Corona Chargers 26 to 6, but he never gave up trying even though he lost. The next game against Lake Elsinore, Blake’s team crushed and grinded their opponents’ bones 23 to 0. Even though Blake’s team won, his victory turned upside down 36 to 15 when his team met their next opponent in Murrieta. To me, their season was like a tug-a-war because they pull but then they lose their grip and the other team pulls. The last game they played was against Indio and they won 34 to 6. Blake did a smooth touchdown that won the game and he felt like he was in heaven.
Q & A:
“Have you ever got hurt in football?”
Blake yelled, “Heck yeah!”
“Is it fun tackling people on the field?”
Blake says, “Yeah!”
“Have you ever done a touchdown?”
“Many times!” yelled Blake
“What was your most exciting game against?”
“Playing against the Chino Hills.” Blake said with excitement.
"How many games did you lose, including the playoffs?"
"We lost against 2 teams in the regular season and one in the playoffs (Corona 26 to 6, Murrieta 34-14, and Murrieta again in the playoffs 52-0)
"Why did you guys lose so badly the 2nd time playing Murrieta in the playoffs?"
"Robert Samsoe and Christian Wallender got hurt and they are both really good players."
I conducted a football survey among my classmates and I discovered some interesting things. I surveyed 50 students in all consisting of 7th grade boys and girls. Eighth g graders weren't surveyed. The question they answered was, “Have you ever played football?” The students choices included "yes, no, or I will". Sixty-eight percent answered "yes," 30% marked "no," and 4% marked "I will." Some of the comments were different from each other, for example, Kennedi Staab asked if P.E counts because she plays in P.E and she plays with her family. What really made me crack up was when my friend, Caitlyn Prak, commented, “I’m scared >.<!” In conclusion, Blake Beecher never gives up even though he loses and always encourages his teammates.
One things certain, if Blake's on your team, you are lucky!
Some call him bogie, his opponents call him "the problem"
By Sebastian Albelais
8th grade student
October 21, 2013
Have you heard of a guy named Bogie? Actually, Bogie is his nickname and his actual name is Noah Bogardus. There's a reason they call him Bogie, he's fast like a missile, and agile like a jet. He gives opposing teams problems as he dodges and dashes his way into the end zone time after time. My friend Noah "Bogie" Bogardus is playing for the Norco Bengals. This is his seventh year playing football. He is a running back, safety, and wide receiver. The Bengals have played two preseason games so far, and both of the games ended in a tie. He said that he wishes his team could have won their games, but he also said that he's glad that they were only preseason games.
As luck would have it, the Bengals will have a second chance to beat the two teams they tied when the regular season begins. Their first game is going to be against Chino Hills, one of their biggest rival teams. So far the Bengals have never beat them, but hopefully this time they will practice hard, rise to the challenge, and finally defeat their rival team once and for all.
Before you really know Bogie, you have to run a mile in his cleats! So, I asked him to tell me some stories about his battles on the football field. His favorite touchdown was when the game was on the line. It was the fourth down, in the fourth quarter, and they were losing by three points. It was the type of situation you only see in the movies. The clock only had enough time for one more play, a play that required their star running back, Bogie. Once they hiked the ball and gave it to him, he bolted for that glorious end zone. The game clock struck zero, so he knew it was all or nothing at that point. Somehow, someway, he evaded all the defensive players of the other team. He made it to the end zone and scored an awesome six points to win the game. Noah's record for touchdowns in one season is an amazing twenty-two touchdowns. Further more, his longest touchdown record is eighty-five yards! That's pretty tough if you're having to sprint the whole eighty-five yards. All in all, Noah "Bogie" Bogardus is in my opinion a very good football player who will go on to do great things. Maybe some day you'll be watching the NFL and be able to say, hey I went to middle school with that guy.
As luck would have it, the Bengals will have a second chance to beat the two teams they tied when the regular season begins. Their first game is going to be against Chino Hills, one of their biggest rival teams. So far the Bengals have never beat them, but hopefully this time they will practice hard, rise to the challenge, and finally defeat their rival team once and for all.
Before you really know Bogie, you have to run a mile in his cleats! So, I asked him to tell me some stories about his battles on the football field. His favorite touchdown was when the game was on the line. It was the fourth down, in the fourth quarter, and they were losing by three points. It was the type of situation you only see in the movies. The clock only had enough time for one more play, a play that required their star running back, Bogie. Once they hiked the ball and gave it to him, he bolted for that glorious end zone. The game clock struck zero, so he knew it was all or nothing at that point. Somehow, someway, he evaded all the defensive players of the other team. He made it to the end zone and scored an awesome six points to win the game. Noah's record for touchdowns in one season is an amazing twenty-two touchdowns. Further more, his longest touchdown record is eighty-five yards! That's pretty tough if you're having to sprint the whole eighty-five yards. All in all, Noah "Bogie" Bogardus is in my opinion a very good football player who will go on to do great things. Maybe some day you'll be watching the NFL and be able to say, hey I went to middle school with that guy.
One year in softball could affect the rest of your life!
by grace dudden
8th grade student
october 21, 2013
Three balls, two strikes, and the pitcher starts her wined up before pitching the ball. Then, "CRACK!," it's an out of the park HOMERUN!!!! Lately I’ve been hearing that softball is just a hobby and that girls can’t play. Well, if you are one of the culprits then you’re wrong. There are amazing girls out there that can really play this sport including myself. One of these elite, female athletes I spoke to is Shelby Hintgen.
Come on down to Norco Girls' Softball League and find Shelby playing in center field, second base, or first base. She bats 5th in the line-up and her favorite coaches were Shawn Dudden and Dustin Cheyne. What she loves about the sport is making new friends and playing with her other friends.
When I asked her, “Where would softball take you in life?” she said, "I want to play in high school, and I will try to teach other kids about this sport." I asked her one last question and that was,"What advice would you give young spirits like you once were?" Shelby said, " Just have fun and never give up and always practice to get better." Softball is not just a sport, it can prove to be a life lesson. One of these lessons include teamwork because it teaches players how to have patience. Another lesson is that through hard work and dedication you will get better, which requires you to devote a lot of time to the sport. You use this same philosophy in school, a career, and friendships and you will certainly be successful. I'm Grace Dudden and always remember, whether on the field or in the classroom, get your game on!
Come on down to Norco Girls' Softball League and find Shelby playing in center field, second base, or first base. She bats 5th in the line-up and her favorite coaches were Shawn Dudden and Dustin Cheyne. What she loves about the sport is making new friends and playing with her other friends.
When I asked her, “Where would softball take you in life?” she said, "I want to play in high school, and I will try to teach other kids about this sport." I asked her one last question and that was,"What advice would you give young spirits like you once were?" Shelby said, " Just have fun and never give up and always practice to get better." Softball is not just a sport, it can prove to be a life lesson. One of these lessons include teamwork because it teaches players how to have patience. Another lesson is that through hard work and dedication you will get better, which requires you to devote a lot of time to the sport. You use this same philosophy in school, a career, and friendships and you will certainly be successful. I'm Grace Dudden and always remember, whether on the field or in the classroom, get your game on!
Gymkhana
By Shelby Hintgen
8th grade student
October 21, 2013
The sounds of the crowd cheering, the wind blowing against your face, and the feeling of a trophy being tightly grasped as your family and friends cheer for you, are all of the feelings that come when you win a gymkhana competition. This sport is very competitive and one of our students here at NIS competes and participates in this sport.
That student's name is (drum roll please) Kaitlyn Vasquez! She competes in the Southern California region. The first question I asked was “What do you like about the sport?” She said “The thing I like about Gymkhana is the speed and agility.” The next question I asked was “Can you tell me a little bit about your horse?” She remarked, “I own a Quarter Horse named Punkin and I have shared a very close relationship with her.” Another question I asked was “When was your last competition?” She responded “My last competition took place on August 18th at the Huntington Beach Equine Center.” She won three first place prizes, two third place prizes, and she received many colorful ribbons.
She also said that in her free time she enjoys riding on the streets, and in the hills of Norco. She explained the thing she likes about being in competitions is that she gets to make a lot of new friends. The last thing I asked was “What would be a word of advice if you were talking to someone that is trying gymkhana?” She answered “It may be hard at first but the key is practice and all of your hard work will soon pay off." The most important thing is that gymkhana is more than a sport it is a way of life.
That student's name is (drum roll please) Kaitlyn Vasquez! She competes in the Southern California region. The first question I asked was “What do you like about the sport?” She said “The thing I like about Gymkhana is the speed and agility.” The next question I asked was “Can you tell me a little bit about your horse?” She remarked, “I own a Quarter Horse named Punkin and I have shared a very close relationship with her.” Another question I asked was “When was your last competition?” She responded “My last competition took place on August 18th at the Huntington Beach Equine Center.” She won three first place prizes, two third place prizes, and she received many colorful ribbons.
She also said that in her free time she enjoys riding on the streets, and in the hills of Norco. She explained the thing she likes about being in competitions is that she gets to make a lot of new friends. The last thing I asked was “What would be a word of advice if you were talking to someone that is trying gymkhana?” She answered “It may be hard at first but the key is practice and all of your hard work will soon pay off." The most important thing is that gymkhana is more than a sport it is a way of life.
Athlete of the month
by Ivan Villagrana
8th grade student
October 21, 2013
To become a great athlete you must have several great skills that make you an amazing athlete. These abilities put your opponents to the test. They change a good team into a great team, and are feared by their opponents. An athlete I believe has all these qualities is Oscar Medina. I feel he is worthy of athlete of the month because he posses such qualities.
I talked to my friend Oscar he told me everything about his short football career. He is #11 in Norco J.A.F.F. Midgets division (highest division in J.A.F.F.). Oscar's position is right tackle. This is also his first year of football and he already made it on Midgets, which is one of the many reasons he deserves to be athlete of the month. Oscar gives it his all every game and every practice. He plays every game as it were his last and practices to make his game even better. Oscar said, "I try as hard as I possibly can no matter what, and I give it my all every game and practice. I know it will only make me better, and I would risk anything even injury to make my team get a win.'' Something I believe all athletes should live and die by.
Oscar is currently in 8th grade and will be attending Norco High School next year. Oscar said that he does have plans of playing high school football and said that he doesn't care whether he makes varsity, junior varsity, or freshman squad. He said all he cares about is playing the game he loves. Oscar also has plans of attending college and playing college football. Oscar said he would like to attend and play for Arizona State University. To do this he must have to work hard every game and every practice. Clearly, Oscar is a great football player worthy of being athlete of the month and hopefully he will have a great injury free season and an amazing future in football. I hope you enjoyed reading about a great athlete with hopefully a great future in football.
I talked to my friend Oscar he told me everything about his short football career. He is #11 in Norco J.A.F.F. Midgets division (highest division in J.A.F.F.). Oscar's position is right tackle. This is also his first year of football and he already made it on Midgets, which is one of the many reasons he deserves to be athlete of the month. Oscar gives it his all every game and every practice. He plays every game as it were his last and practices to make his game even better. Oscar said, "I try as hard as I possibly can no matter what, and I give it my all every game and practice. I know it will only make me better, and I would risk anything even injury to make my team get a win.'' Something I believe all athletes should live and die by.
Oscar is currently in 8th grade and will be attending Norco High School next year. Oscar said that he does have plans of playing high school football and said that he doesn't care whether he makes varsity, junior varsity, or freshman squad. He said all he cares about is playing the game he loves. Oscar also has plans of attending college and playing college football. Oscar said he would like to attend and play for Arizona State University. To do this he must have to work hard every game and every practice. Clearly, Oscar is a great football player worthy of being athlete of the month and hopefully he will have a great injury free season and an amazing future in football. I hope you enjoyed reading about a great athlete with hopefully a great future in football.
Soccer, the Kretz way
by Hannah brodie
8th grade student
october 21, 2013
"She shoots she scores!" screams one of the team's many fans as Cassidy shoots a goal for her team making them go into the lead. One of my best friends, Cassidy Kretz, played soccer last year and said that she looks forward to playing it this year. I interviewed her to tell us some things she does in soccer and why she likes playing.
Cassidy played in AYSO on the Red Thorns last year and won 2nd place in regionals. The year before that, her and her team won 1st place. She likes playing mid fielder, offense, and goalie. Cassidy likes soccer because she thinks its fun whenever she plays it and likes to use team work with her team. She said, "I like playing soccer because it is very competitive with some girls out there."
I asked her what she would say to people who are just starting out in playing soccer. She answered “It can get a little bit aggressive but they should keep moving forward.” I also asked her where she would take soccer, as if she would play it for a while and she answered “Yeah, I think I will be playing soccer for a long time because, I think it is very fun sport to do and once you play it you keep playing it, it’s so fun.” I think that my subject is important because its telling you how students in your own school feel about their sport that they play, why they play it, and how they plan for it to affect their lives. Remember for next time, this is Hannah telling you how kids got their Game On.
Cassidy played in AYSO on the Red Thorns last year and won 2nd place in regionals. The year before that, her and her team won 1st place. She likes playing mid fielder, offense, and goalie. Cassidy likes soccer because she thinks its fun whenever she plays it and likes to use team work with her team. She said, "I like playing soccer because it is very competitive with some girls out there."
I asked her what she would say to people who are just starting out in playing soccer. She answered “It can get a little bit aggressive but they should keep moving forward.” I also asked her where she would take soccer, as if she would play it for a while and she answered “Yeah, I think I will be playing soccer for a long time because, I think it is very fun sport to do and once you play it you keep playing it, it’s so fun.” I think that my subject is important because its telling you how students in your own school feel about their sport that they play, why they play it, and how they plan for it to affect their lives. Remember for next time, this is Hannah telling you how kids got their Game On.