56 57FootballFootball

Football team finds their

grooveCOHESION

With only two returning seniors, the football team was in order for a year of rebuilding. However, with the addition of five upperclassmen who had not played football since junior high, it was in question how the team’s chemistry and talent would play out. After a first game loss to Nebraska Christian, the team’s ability to play as a whole was in doubt, but the second game blew all of those away.

“The first game was the first one I’ve played in three years, so I think after getting that one over with I was more confident. Being in cross country the past few years has helped me to succeed as a wide receiver, but I still need to keep learning the plays, routes, and footwork. I enjoy having the opportunity to play with my teammates,” said Trey Fischer (11).

What made the difference for the team as a whole between the two games, though? Practice and team bonding.

“We weren’t playing as individuals anymore; we started playing as a team. The new guys started to fit into their roles. During our bye week we had time to bond at different activities, like volleyball games,” said Carter Miller (12).

It takes all the parts of a machine doing their role well to make the whole thing work, and football is no different.

Breaking Ankles Ball in hand, Dominic Stewart (11) manuevers around opponents to advance the line. Stewart injured his ankle during this game. “When everyone gets really packed together during a play, it’s easy for injuries to happen. (Brennan) Harms was the one who actually rolled over my ankle at one point,” said Stewart. photo by Jayden Leonard

Chest Bump In celebration of a touchdown, Trey Fischer (11) and Luke Templin (11) jump on each other. Both boys had not played since junior high. “I’ve really enjoyed the team aspect of football and getting to celebrate after great plays with my teammates. After a win we go into the locker room and celebrate by shouting and singing a song,” said Templin. photo by Jayden Leonard

“I start with my left foot a little forward. As the ball approaches me, I take a step as I catch the ball and then another two steps which will lead to my right foot kicking the ball. I place it as far as I can down the field, usually down the middle so we can surround the opponent for an easier chance to tackle him.” - Andrew Heinrichs (11)

kickoff

“De-De-De-Defense” At the first game against Nebraska Christian, Gunner Mumford (9) works to tackle an opponent running the ball. Mumford had blank amount of tackles this game. “I think the hardest part of playing defense is being on the right side. It’s helped a lot coming up into high school ball this year and having older teammates help me out,” said Mumford. photo by Jayden Leonard

play your Part Eyes on the field ahead of him, Jackson Feulner (12) runs the ball at the homecoming game against Nebraska Lutheran. Feulner has played a major role on the team for all four years of high school. “I’ve been playing running back since I was really little and that’s what I’ve felt the most comfortable with. I’ve played wide receiver and quarterback but none of them felt as comfortable. It’s nice having all the positions filled this year with talent so that I can focus on my own job as running back,” said Feulner. photo by Jayden Leonard

"Football Edition"

Rewriting RECORDS

853 Receiving Yards

ANDREW

HEINRICHS

TREY

FISCHER

57 Receptions

LOGAN

WIEDEL

30 Touchdowns Passed

a tough spot With the ball already on its way, Logan Wiedel (11) finishes a pass to wide receiver Trey Fischer (11). Wiedel had blank passing yards on the season. “When passing the ball, I always need to think about setting my feet, that’s a big thing. If I don’t think about it, my pass is going to be bad,” said Wiedel. “You have a lot of responsibilty as a quarterback to make each play successful. It’s typical for you to either get the blame if the game goes badly or the praise if we get a win.” photo by Jayden Leonard

by Jayden Leonard

64 65Boys' Track Boys' Track

An 800 meter run is two laps around the track. Two miles is eight. Just imagine how many laps a track coach sees run over the years. For the past 11 years Andy Long has been a part of the Thayer Central staff and spent many of those years as the coach of the track teams’ distance runners. He has seen much success throughout his career with many runners contributing big points to the past championships.

“I like the idea of helping kids reach their potential and enjoying the fact they went further and harder than they thought they could. As coaches and teachers, we’re only as good as the kids we have,” said Long.

Much of this success can be attributed to his boys’ 4x8 relay. Zach Koss (12) was the anchor for this year’s team which made another appearance at State and brought home fifth place.

“He made me into the runner I am today. He got the training down to a science so that we could be the best athletes that we could be. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach and friend,” said Zach Koss (12).

There’s no doubt how much Mr. Long has contributed to this program and how greatly he will be missed.

BY: JAYDEN LEONARD

GOING THEDISTANCE

Reach for the sky. Flying through the air, Kevin Burd (12) jumps into the sand. “I really enjoy long jump because I think it’s a lot of fun to jump and get better, and I’ve had a lot of fun getting better at it with my teammates. Mrs. Deb Vorderstrasse has heloped me tremendously along the way, and the progression has definitly shown. When I first started I was jumping 16 feet and now I’m up to 19,” said Burd. His growth as a jumper showed when he qualified for State Track. Photo by Yong Wang

Teamwork makes the dream work. Handing off the baton, Dylan Fischer (12) reaches to pass it on to Zach Koss (12) in their 4x8 relay. “It was awesome being a part of the team becaude we always pushed each other and believed in each other to do our best,” said Fischer. The team’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed. The boys finished first at the District meet and won themselves a place at State. Photo by Holly TimmermanFinishing Strong. Approaching the finish

line, Dominic Stewart (10) runs in the 100 meter dash at the Coaches legacy meet. “My favorite race is actually the 4x1 relay. I like it better than the open 100 because it’s more fun for me to get to run with my teammates and have their support. In relays you want to push yourself even harder because you’re running for something bigger than yourself,” said Stewart. Photo by Yong Wang

Soaring High. Lunging over hurdles, Andrew Heinrichs (10) sprints towards the finsih line. “I decided to do hurdles because it was a challenging obstacle I was willing to face. I wanted to try something that was out of my comfort zone. I struggled in a few meets but improved my time slowly every time I competed,” said Heinrichs. Photo by Yong Wang

Burke Bound2019 State Qualifers

Kevin burd dylan FischerPhillip Price Damian Stewart Keegan Casey zach kossTrey FischerLong Jump 4x8 & 4X4 relay400, 800, 4x8,

4X4 relay4x8 relay 3200 Meter Run 4x8 & 4X4 relay110 Meter HH,

4X4 Relay

26 Student Council

REACHING

OUT

Student Council Involves Community

From blood drives to Meals on Wheels, Student Council has been an organization that reaches out to the community for many years.

“As Student Council sponsors, Staci (Hergott) and I want our members to be good role models for other students, and we want them to impact the school and the community in a positive manner. By participating, our students get to meet and reach out to others in our community. We are always proud to see the ways in which the kids step up to help!” said Mrs. Lara Harms, one of the organization’s leaders.

During a particular Student Council meeting during the fall, the idea for a dodgeball tournament was brought up. Thoughts buzzed around until finally someone mentioned inviting other schools in the area.

“Inviting other schools was an excellent idea because it caused us to engage in more friendships and allowed us to get a better perspective on people,” said Andrew Heinrichs (11). Heinrich’s team even included a boy from Fillmore Central.

Student Council plans to have more events like this in the future.

QUESTION: Biggest Reward of Being A part of Stuco?

MacKenzie Cast (9): Knowing I’m doing some-thing to help everyone at school in some way

Megan Lukert (10): Deciding things for our school and having chances to help people

McKenna Leonard (11): Being involved in planning fun school events

Q A

&

ding dong On the porch of a community member, Jasa Wiedel (10) and Sydney Escritt (10) wait for the door to be answered. Student Council members delivered about ten meals during their 5th and lunch periods. “Meals on Wheels is a good way for us as students to give back to the community and have fun with our friends while doing it,” said Wiedel. photo by Jayden Leonard

Winding up Being an active member of her dodgeball team, Bailey Kiburz (12) pulls back to launch a dodgeball at an opposing team member. Kiburz was Student Council president. “My favorite part about being Student Council president is the group of people we have; everyone is supportive and contributes to the group. We are cultivating a school climate that is friendly by doing activities such as our first annual dodgeball tournament we held this school year. It got lots of students involved, and we donated hundreds of cans of food,” said Kiburz. photo by McKenna Leonard

By Jayden

Leonard

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