Windsock

The Day in States

Yesterday afternoon, three EMHS sports teams were engaged in state tournament contests: boys tennis, girls softball, and girls soccer.  Writeups:

Boys Tennis

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 3:30 PM, the EMHS Boys Tennis Team spun the racquets to begin the State Quarterfinals. EMHS, seeded #4, took on seed #5 Norfolk Collegiate School. Going into the match, the guys knew that it would be a tough match, and it turned out to be an excellent day of tennis. In singles, Junior Vincent Morra (1) overtook his opponent 10-6. Almost two hours later and despite the pressure of being the last singles playing, Freshman Christophe Langouet claimed the Flames' 2nd victory with a 10-4 win to move to doubles.

After a small break with strawberries, bananas and brownies, the guys went back out on the courts to play doubles. During doubles, many of the guys like to have some competition that slightly makes fun of the girls team. Whenever they hit a "slama-jama," in other words, an amazing overhead that goes over the fence, they yell "It's cookie time!" Although most people don't understand this phrase, when the girls team is there to support the guys, much laughter will be heard because in girls tennis, this is a rarity, but for the guys, it's a daily occurrence.

Doubles 1 (Vincent Morra and Senior Lucas Schrock-Hurst) and Doubles 3 (Senior Eric Brodersen and Freshman Michael Poynter) pulled out two more wins for the team. Although Langouet and Freshman Nathaniel Morra didn't win their doubles, they fought an injury during their match and had a great comeback.

Yesterday's match is one to be proud of because all seven players played their hearts out and never gave up hope. Although the end result was a 4-5 loss, the team was pleased with how they played this season and are anticipating next year.

- Special Correspondent Amy Leap

Girls Soccer

"5! 4! 3! 2! 1!" went the chant from the soccer team supporters in front of the Booster Club trailer. They were counting down each minute, starting at minute 16, to the end of the game.

Yes, this game was a type of countdown, as it was the last home game for the team's seniors, but the team will continue its season on Friday in the State Final Four after holding on for a 2-1 victory against #6 Denbigh Baptist.

The #3 Flames jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 6 minutes in when Senior J.J. Hostetter hit a left-footed shot just over the outstretched hands of Denbigh's keeper. The goalie tried to push the ball over the bar, but missed. Denbigh answered at 29 minutes with a misplayed cornerkick that slipped past the near post, leading to a 1-1 halftime score.

In the second half, the Flames answered with an emphatic goal from Sophomore Kara Lofton on a corner kick from Hostetter. Lofton drove the ball over the goalie with a strong header, giving the Flames all the goals they would need.

The defensive crew for EMHS played an excellent game, with Sophomore Kierra Stutzman, Juniors Malia Hostetter and Kristen Myers, and the rock in the middle, Lofton, shutting down the Minutemen attack.

Coach Sherman Eberly thought the team played pretty well, saying, "It wasn't our best technical game of the year, but we had stretches when we looked very good... We controlled the game.  [Denbigh] came to play, and played hard, but overall we had the better speed."

Now the countdown begins for the school's second soccer Final Four appearance of the school year, as the 14-3 Flames take on the 17-1 Atlantic Shores Seahawks.

- John Leonard

Girls Softball

EMHS softball, seeded #7 in the state, travelled to play #2 Brunswick Academy in Lawrenceville.

The girls were hanging tough in the game, down 2-0, when the floodgates opened in the bottom of the 5th inning, when Brunswick scored seven runs, aided by 4 Flames errors. "We were doing great, but then we had [the really bad inning]," said Junior Jordan Burns. EMHS coach Greg Michael said, "It's very disappointing because we were in the game. Our girls were making plays, but in the fifth inning, we had four errors, and that just took the game out of reach."  (Daily News Record)

Despite the tough loss, the Flames had a successful season, ending the year at 13-10. Burns and Junior Heather Vaccaro were named to the Blue Ridge All-Conference first team, Senior Erica Lehman and Junior Lucy Showalter were named to the All-Conference second team, and Coach Greg Michael was named BRC Coach of the Year. Congratulations to all for an excellent year!

- John Leonard

Senior Tributes: Jonathan Martin, Karmen Miller, Kendra Miller

Jonathan Martin

1.  How many years have you been at EMHS?  6

2.  What are your plans for next year? I’ll be taking a year off, working for 6 months, and volunteering for the Mennonite Disaster Service for 6 months

3.  What is your best memory from EMHS? Sitting in the hallway over lunch

4.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’ll own my own business

Karmen Miller

1.  How many years have you been at EMHS?  2

2.  What is your best memory from EMHS? The Senior Trip

3.  What are your plans for next year? I’ll be attending Hesston College, majoring in something related to becoming an elementary teacher

4.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Living here in Harrisonburg with a family

Kendra Miller

How many years have you attended EMHS?  7

What are you doing next year?  I'm going to JMU, and I'm undecided on what I'll major in, possibly dietetics or health services administration

What is your favorite memory of EMHS?  Heading decorations for Jr. Sr. Banquet

Where do you expect to be in 10 years?  I will hopefully be in another country doing missions or other work

Senior Tributes: Blake Williamson, Tiffany Miller, Corey Martin

Blake Williamson

1. Years at EMHS? 4

2. Plans for next year? Bridgewater College...undeclared

3. Best Memory? Hanging out with friends near their cars just talking

4. Be in 10 years? Translating languages for whomever hires him

Tiffany Miller

1.  How many years have you been at EMHS?  6

2.  What is your best memory from EMHS?  Why does it smell like bacon?

3.  What are your plans for next year? I’ll be attending Blue Ridge Community College, majoring in Psychology

4.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Working as an art therapist

Corey Martin

1.  How many years have you been at EMHS?  4

2.  What is your favorite memory from EMHS?  Hanging out with the Nerd Herd

3.  What are your plans for next year? I’ll be attending Blue Ridge Community College, taking liberal arts

4.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Working in computer technology                      

Senior Tributes: Vita Yavny, Evan Yoder, and Matt Zook

Vita Yavny

1. Years at EMHS? 7

2. Plans for next year? Blue Ridge: Major in Drafting and architecture

3. Best Memory? Mini Term and Discovery

4. Where will you be in 10 years? Probably married and hopefully still working--teaching maybe and Sunday School work

Evan Yoder

1. Years at EMHS? 4

2. Plans for next year? EMU double major in phycology and biology

3. Best Memory? Mini Term to West VA..."get out of school, hang out with a bunch of guys hiking."

4. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? A physicians assistant or a physician

Matt Zook

1. Years at EMHS? 3

2. Plans for next year? YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Couple of months in California and then overseas for the rest of the year

3. Best Memory? Varsity State Champions

4. Be in 10 years? In a hut in China with Nathan H.

Senior Tributes: Josh Kanagy, Mitchell Leap, and Bergen White

Josh Kanagy

1. How many years have you been at EMHS? 4

2.  What are your plans for next year?  I’ll probably be spending a year with Service Adventure in Albany, Oregon.

3.  What is your favorite memory from EMHS?  Tour and all that goes along with it.

4.  Where do you see yourself in ten years?  Probably married with one, maybe two kids.

Mitchell Leap

1. How many years have you been at EMHS? 4

2.  What are your plans for next year?  I’m going to EMU.

3.  What is your favorite memory from EMHS?  Winning the State Championship with the guy’s soccer team.

4.  Where do you see yourself in ten years?  Probably coaching basketball.  Maybe two kids.

Bergen White

1. Years at EMHS? 7 years

2. Plans for next year? Butler University double major in Harp Performance and biology

3. Best Memory? Sitting in the Hallway just talking and stuff.

4. Where will you be in 10 years? Hopefully playing harp in some Orchestra somewhere.

Lady Flames Win BRC Championship!

From the looks of things, the EMHS girls soccer team is hitting its stride at the perfect time. 

On a rainy, cold Saturday afternoon, the Flames dominated North Cross to win their third straight Blue Ridge Conference championship. North Cross came in with a strategy: pack their defense in tight to attempt to stymie EMHS's offense. This meant that they had very few, if any, scoring chances as the ball was on North Cross's defensive end almost all game.

Even with this strategy, they couldn't stop Junior Vaughn Strickler and 8th Grader Emily Myers (pictured left). Just 2:06 into the contest, in a driving rain, Emily slid a pass to her right to Vaughn, who tucked in an easy shot for a 1-0 Flames lead. In the second half, at 44 minutes, Emily showed her superior quickness when she chased down a Senior J.J. Hostetter cross in the box just right of the goal, and slipped a shot pass the keeper.  In the 68th minute, Vaughn found Emily with a cross, and Myers ripped a left-footed shot in to finish the scoring for the afternoon.  All that was left was a soggy, muted celebration. Most of these girls have been here before, after all. 

Except for Emily Myers. How did everything go right in this game? Emily said, "I don't know... Things just worked out!"  Indeed.  Senior Julia Johnson now has three championships in her time at EMHS. "It feels good," she said. "We worked hard, and we were solidly undefeated in the conference."

Flames with all-tournament honors are Junior Emma Beachy, Vaughn Strickler, Sophomore Kara Lofton, and Emily Myers. First team all-conference Flames are Julia Johnson, Vaughn Strickler, Kara Lofton, and Emily Myers.

The girls' season is not yet over: the state tournament looms with a possible home game on Tuesday afternoon.

Congratulations, ladies!

More Pictures from Thursday's Game

                  

                     Collision! Malia and Kara mixing it up

                  

                    J.J. Hostetter's throw-in

                  

                     Leah Jacobs

(Pictures courtesy of Sunday Club Productions)

EMHS Girls Soccer Dominate Grace

Under ominous storm clouds, EMHS girls varsity soccer ripped Grace Christian, 5-0, in the Blue Ridge Conference semi-finals Thursday afternoon in Park View.

The Flames, 11-0 in conference play, set the tone right from the opening kick-off. Just 30 seconds into the game, Junior Vaughn Strickler (left) just barely missed a shot left of the goal. Thus began the afternoon of domination. 

The Lady Flames were far more aggressive than Grace, winning most 50/50 chances and controlling the midfield. After several close chances, EMHS finally broke through with a goal at 13:26 with a crisp give-and-go between Strickler and 8th Grader Emily Myers, with Strickler tucking the ball in the left side of the goal.

While a Grace midfielder exhorted her teammates that "One goal doesn't matter," EMHS almost immediately added a second. Just thirty-four seconds later, Junior Becca Suter blasted a shot from outside the 18 through the outstretched hands of Grace's goalie. "I take a lot of shots from outside the 18," Suter said. "I try not to crowd the forwards too much."

Emily Myers (right)added her name to the scoring list when she ripped the left side-net at 18:39, while also giving the Flames a seemingly insurmountable 3-0 halftime lead (which incidentally, was Senior Manager Kendra Miller's prediction for the final score).

EMHS continued outplaying and outhustling Grace in the second half. A strange play happened in the 44th minute, as Senior J.J. Hostetter's corner cross was "stomached" in by a Grave defender for an "own goal."  J.J. also scored the last goal of the afternoon at 47:28 when she slipped a rebound shot past the right of the keeper.

Heroics remained, however, when Sophomore Caitlin Bucher replaced Senior Julia Johnson in goal. After a foul in the box, Bucher stopped a Grace penalty kick by diving to her left. "I know her because I've played with her before," Bucher said of the opposing player. "I just focused on the ball."  Coach Eberly added, "Last night [in practice], she had four or five saves like that."  Bucher  saved the shutout again a few minutes later when she stopped a Grace breakaway with another dive.

The Lady Flames next play Saturday afternoon against the winner of the other semi-final match between North Cross and VES. Suter said, "It should be another good game. I'm feeling confident for it!"  Coach Eberly feels like the team is on the right track, saying, "In the last month or so, we've played our best soccer. We're seeing each other well, and we have a great spirit right now."

Sounds like a must-see game on Saturday, and the state tournament beyond!

(All pictures courtesy of Sunday Club Productions)

Senior Tributes: Rachel Bell, Aaron Brydge, and Amy Leap

Rachel Bell

Time at EMHS: 7 years

Plans: Attending EMU

Best Memory: Miniterms

In 10 years: Unknown

Aaron Brydge

Time at EMHS: 7 years

Plans: Attending George Mason, Possibly studying nursing

Favorite Memory: Playing cards on the bus during Touring Choir trips

In 10 Years: will be in San Jose, playing Arena Football

Amy Leap

Time at EMHS: 7 years

Plans: Attending Mary Washington

Favorite Memory: Winning the tennis champiosnhip

In 10 Years: It would be fun to be a park ranger in some cool place in the U.S.

Respecting ALL Our Sports

We have many sports at our school; some succeed better than others in terms of wins and losses.  Some sports are more popular than others, and some appear more exciting than others.  Many poke fun at friends for playing this or that sport, but it seems that baseball receives the brunt of the jokes.  In recent years the baseball program has not been as successful, and people have chosen to focus their attention and comments on that. 

            Friends are a big part of our lives.  When they start insulting a hobby or interest of ours, it hurts.  This is what happens to many baseball players, especially after a bad loss.  It almost seems that people want us to lose just so they can have their fun.  When we do win, they say it's because of luck or other silly reasons. Occasionally, we have an article written about us in the newspaper.  The articles have rarely been very positive, which definitely affects our morale as a team and as individuals.  But to have the article also used to poke fun at us is hurtful and discouraging.  I personally know how that feels, having been mentioned in a recent article in a not so positive light. Players have been told not to pay attention to the media coverage of our team, and we try; but it is especially difficult when others read those comments and use them against us. 

I believe that there are several ways in which the baseball team can be better supported.  The first way would be not being made fun of for playing the game of baseball.  Also, it would mean a lot if we had better attendance from the school community instead of only from our parents and the softball girls (Don't get me wrong, we love having you there!).  When I attend a soccer or basketball game, there are usually numerous teachers and many more students in attendance. Maybe people don't realize that baseball offers the same thrilling and exciting moments as any other sport.  Being the last batter and driving in the winning run, throwing the winning pitch, hitting an over-the-fence home run, or making a diving catch are all great adrenaline-pumping situations which we have experienced as a team this season.  One example of such a moment occurred in our home game against Virginia Episcopal.  In the bottom of the sixth inning we had a runner on third, there was one out, and the game was tied at zero.  A pitch got past the VES catcher, and the runner stealing home slid under the tag to give us the lead and the momentum to win the game four to zero.  Thirdly, it would also be appreciated if we were encouraged rather than ridiculed the next day at school after a loss.       

            All sports have value in terms of team building, self-control, sportsmanship, mental discipline, physical activity, and perseverance.  One sport isn't really better than another; each one just has different ways of being played and different rules.  One of the main purposes of any athletic competition is to build the character traits mentioned; but a more important goal should be to bring honor and glory to God as we use the skills and abilities which He has given us.    We are also called to honor Him in the way that we interact with each other--on and off the field.

I hope that this article will make someone think twice before making a negative comment about baseball or any other sport. Let's strive as a school community to support and respect all the sports offered at EMHS.  Go Flames!!!

- Special Correspondent Chandler Hardy