Underclassmen
excel
Jessi
VandenBerg - Wilder
garners varsity experience
Becca Wilder’s first year on cross country has been surprising.
Wilder has been continuously finishing first for the varsity team , and top
seven at meets.
"I like that cross country is more of an individual sport, while being a part of
a team," Wilder said. "It's challenging, you have to personally push yourself,
but I like a challenge."
Wilder played volleyball on the freshmen team. She wanted to try something new
because most everyone in her family was big on running, especially her dad,
Wilder decided to join the team.
Wilder considers coach Barry Peiffer a reason for her success. "Peiffer pushes
and encourages me," Wilder said. "His loud yelling makes me run faster at the
end."
Nick De La
Cruz - Trujillo
enjoys second season
Alex Trujillo has had some impressive finishes this season.
Trujillo finished first at the freshmen and sophomore Cedar Rapids Invite, fifth
at the Lancer Invite and eighth at the University of Iowa Invite.
Trujillo attributes his success to a summer of consistently working hard.
"Everyday I was in town, I was at practice," Trujillo said.
Trujillo participated in road races over the summer, weight lifted and cycled to
insure a good upcoming season.
Trujillo's biggest improvement in racing this year over freshmen year is that he
knows who to look for in the other teams. He also worked on bettering his form
this summer, and he says that has greatly contributed.
Over a 5 kilometer race, Trujillo believes he has improved his time by a minute.
This isn't without the help of teammate Robbie Pogue, who Trujillo says helps
him at races.
"Robbie (Pogue) and I push each other a lot in races, him at the beginning
because of his speed, and me in the middle because of my endurance," Trujillo
said.
Trujillo is an optimist for the team's success in future seasons as well.
"If the team sticks with it, we'll be okay," Trujillo said.
Nick De
La Cruz -
Betsworth swims varsity as
freshmen
Mary Betsworth has been a
success in her first season on the swim team.
“I work hard, I do what needs to be done,” Betsworth said.
Betsworth has placed first in a meet with Muscatine and has two second place
finishes in the Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley meets.
Betsworth swims the 50 and 500 freestyle races. She also participates in relays.
“Me swimming relays helps me help the rest of my team,” Betsworth said.
“I want to go to state. I plan to work hard and get first at districts so I
don’t have to worry about other swimmers’ times.
Nick De La
Cruz -
Barnes skills sets team up
for success
Shaina Barnes, the lone
underclassmen on the varsity volleyball squad used the time away from here to
play for Platform Elite and Iowa Rockets club teams to better herself, traveling
to volleyball camps in Chicago.
Barnes attributes her success to improved communicating, hustling and being a
better setter.
"I have a better understanding of team work," Barnes said.
Barnes sees herself helping the team, and the team helping her.
Nick De La
Cruz -
Behrendt earns times
"If you put you're time
into it during the off season, it'll pay off for you during the season," Josh
Behrendt said.
These are words of wisdom from sophomore Josh Behrendt, who this year is
starting varsity at strong side tackle and outside linebacker due to some
dedication to working hard over the off season.
"I'm not exactly the smallest person on the team, but I can adapt easily,"
Behrendt said of starting at two distinctly different positions.
"Behrendt has been a pleasant surprise on offense and defense," offensive
coordinator Mark Roering said.
Behrendt prefers the defense, but not for the reasons people may think.
"You really don't get as much glory as an offensive lineman," Behrendt said.
Behrendt's plans for the future of the football program start with himself, but
his focus is largely external.
"Do my best, don't take plays off, try hard and get a winning season," Behrendt
said.
