District Dominance
Senior WR/DB Brandon Cook is the only returning All State player in the program. Offensively, Cook has 35 receptions for 660 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Cook leads the team with 103 tackles. He also has 3 interceptions, 2 interceptions returned for a TD, and one punt return for a TD. Cook is usually the most vocal leader on the field at any given time.
District Championship Showdown Battle of the Unbeaten District 8-3A Teams
Elijah Trest Staff Writer
Senior WR/DB Max Kutch is a big time target in the Roughneck passing attack. With 33 receptions for 647 and 11 touchdowns, Kutch is one of the leading receivers in East Texas. Defensively, Kutch has 3 Interceptions.
Senior WR/OLB Antonio Castiglione is another versatile 2 way athlete. Defensively, Castiglione has 69 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss and 1 interception. On the other side of the ball, Castiglione has 14 receptions for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is one of the hardest hitters on the defense and is fast enough to cover the skill players on the other team.
Junior WR/DE Elijah Trest leads the defensive line with 76 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. On the offensive side of the ball, Trest has 18 receptions for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Kason Kienzle Sports Editor
6-2, 3-0
When: Friday, October 28, 7;30 pm Where: Bulldog Stadium, Jefferson, TX Opponent: Jefferson Bulldogs
Jefferson (6-2) Is built for speed to say the least, only one player on the Bulldog defensive unit is a non-skill position player. A huge offensive line blocks for a backfield that is the fastest in district 8-3A. A trio of backs and and a sophomore quarterback lead the high powered offense. All three backs have different skill sets, each back just as deadly as the next. One is a power back, the other is a threat to run around the end and pick up bigtime yardage, the last back, possibly the best all around back, is a mixture of size, strength, and speed. The quarterback is a versatile athlete that can put up big numbers on the ground as well as through the air. The only real weakness is how undisciplined the team as a whole is. Penalties and turnovers prove detrimental to the Bulldogs as the games continue to get tougher. White Oak (8-0) ranked #5 in Texas Division I (3A) are rolling. With a offense averaging upwards of 50 points a game and a defense that gives up very few points, the Roughnecks are a tough game for anyone in the state of Texas. A big part of the Roughnecks success is the team chemistry. No player is more important than the next.
JV Football Continues Unbeaten Season Sub-Varsity looks to finish season strong
vs. 8-0, 3-0
Each player does his job and the team works well as a unit. On the offensive line, there are five guys who have been coached to protect East Texas’ second leading quarterback, junior Heath Hood, in passing and they are doing as good of a job if not better than they have in years. Despite the collarbone injury to Hood, junior Kason Kienzle will step into that position and take care of the quarterback duties until Hood’s return. In the backfield, there is a running back who ran for more than a thousand yards last season in senior Connor Hearron. All of the receivers are returning varsity players and are putting up big numbers for the Roughnecks. With five men in the box, the Roughnecks will run the ball down your throat. With seven men in the box they will spread the defense out and pick away at the secondary. The Roughneck offense has yet to be stopped in their first eight games of the season. The defense is almost just as good; all eleven play physical and fly to the ball. Some of the offensive success could be contributed the the defensive unit for White Oak making big stops. The key to beating Jefferson is containing the big play. If they stop the big play, they stop Jefferson.
The 2016 JV football squad is rolling, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The junior varsity hasn’t lost a game yet this season, and they look to close out the season as district champs. The JV plays at New Boston next Thursday night in their final game of year. “It feels pretty good knowing we could have the opportunity to play for a district championship,” sophomore wide receiver Cade Wheat said. “Those hot, long twoa-day practices and all of our hardwork is paying off.” The sub-varsity began their season with a great start, opening up with huge wins against New Diana, T.K. Gorman, and Spring Hill. “The great start we had to our season kept us wanting more and more,” junior lineman Stone Palmer
District Dominance
said. “It made all of us work harder and push each other.” Their toughest contest so far this season came against Daingerfield in week 4. The Tigers featured a big line on both sides of the ball to go along with a tough running game. The JV ended up tying in a close 14-14 game. “It was good to see our team not give up when we faced adversity,” sophomore receiver Trenton Gross said. “We played hard and showed Daingerfield how to play the game of football.” The team got back on the win streak during week 5 against Harmony, where quarterback Dalton Sumrow displayed an impressive performance. “The coaching plays a bug part in our success,” Sumrow said. “The whole team working together is what makes us good.”
freshman gives you a new perspective
on how hard you’re in the White Oak
volleyball program and in basically
everything you do at White
Oak in general,”
freshman Meredith
Smith said.
photo by Kason Kienzle
He launches himself into the water, flying to the other side before turning back to return. Brushing the wall, he popped up and looked to his timer for his result. Swimming was more than just a sport for him. It was his passion. Junior Layton Anderson has been swimming for so long he knows nothing else. With early mornings and hours spent swimming every week, he’s found a passion he intends to turn into a career one day. “My dad had a friend from work who’s daughter swam and he came home one day and asked if I wanted to swim,” Anderson said. “It just became something I enjoyed.” After initially starting to swim, Anderson began to find success and grew closer to his team, finding his drive to succeed. “I got close to my swim team and had a bond with them that I didn’t really have with the people I’ve played baseball with since tee ball,” Anderson said. “And winning of course. I hate to lose more than I love to win but winning keeps me going.”
Though he swam competitively from the beginning, he didn’t decide to really become serious about the sport until he was 12. “I was at a point where I wanted to quit,” Anderson said. “My dad and coach talked to me about it and it was after getting through that when I started getting serious about it. I love to compete. It’s something that makes all the hard practices and hours worth it.” Regardless, Anderson has looked to his coach for guidance, shaping him as a person and teaching him to deal with life and how swimming relates to it as he grows up. “My coach is paid to teach me how to swim up and down a pool fast, but he has done so much more than that,” he said. “He’s taught me life lessons that I probably wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. He’s taught me how to deal with pain. Pain is no stranger he always says and that we’re most comfortable when we’re uncomfortable. He’s taught me how to be a man and how to treat ladies. He’s taught me so much more than just swimming.” Anderson also looks to Olympian Michael Phelps as a role model. Not only this, but he looks to succeed as much as Phelps. “Well he’s obviously the most decorated olympian ever,” Anderson
said. “He’s won too many medals to count. He has multiple world records. I don’t know how you can be a swimmer and him not be your person to look up to. Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to be the next Michael Phelps. I want to break his records.” To become as great of an athlete as Phelps, Anderson has begun to buckle down on his diet, sleep cycle and workouts, even adopting some of Phelps’ routines and habits. “As I’m getting older I’ve started studying some of the ways he eats, sleeps, and trains and see how my workouts compare to his,” Anderson said. “He’s the greatest so the way he did things has to work. I look up to Michael Phelps and hope to one day be as good as him or better.” As college looms nearer, Anderson has begun to evaluate what he plans to do in the future, deciding to continue swimming for as long as possible. “If it’s in God’s plan and my body and health allow it, I plan on swimming D1 and continuing swimming in college,” he said. “My top two schools at the moment are UT and Arizona. From there, I hope to make the Olympics. I love swimming and I hope it’s something I can do for a long time.”
High School Volleyball Program must learn that either everyone makes time, or nobody does. There must be hard work during practice in order to succeed in games. “I enjoy the thrill of when all the team’s hard work pays off,” sophomore rightside-hitter, Ashlee Wyatt said. “Hearing the crowd cheer you on as you cram the ball into the other team’s face is pretty entertaining.” The teams were led by coaches, Scott Morton (Freshmen), Tammy Cloud (JV), and also taught by varsity coach, Nicole Thorn. Both freshmen and JV were working towards discipline, keeping control when playing out the ball, and being coachable. “Playing with Coach Cloud this year has been really fun because she’s so funny and always wants to see us succeed,” Banks said. “She always knows what to do to get us out of a problem and if we are freaking out she calms us down. It’s also always fun watching her yell at the refs.” The freshmen team had to figure out that high school volleyball is very different from middle school
volleyball and that much more time and effort must be put in. There are new rotations to learn and freshmen also have to learn how to “play the ball smart” by making good decisions on the court. “This season has been completely different from middle school,” freshman middle-hitter, Magen Woodard said. “In middle school, you don’t really know the game and usually just play it because your friends do, but in high school you find the real love for the game and learn what a team is really like.” Although it can be tough being the youngest in the volleyball program, there is so much improvement amongst freshmen in their first season of high school volleyball. After learning to play at a higher level and watching the intensity and success of the varsity, the freshmen get to witness great volleyball skills and see what they can become in the future if they stick with it and work hard. “The expectations were raised considerably and there’s definitely a learning curve, but overall I’ve had a great experience as a freshman,” Meredith Smith said.
Ladynecks Set For Playoffs
photo by Isaac Rodriguez
Eat.Sleep.Swim.Repeat. Sabrina Smith Staff Writer
photo by Mike Peery
The Freshmen and JV White Oak Ladynecks played Elysian Fields Tuesday afternoon for their final game of the season. Both teams came out with the win in two sets, making it an overall victory for the Ladynecks. With JV victories against Garrison, New Diana, Beckville, Jefferson, Waskom, and Spring Hill and Freshmen victories against Ore City, New Diana, Jefferson, Waskom, and Beckville, the girls came out with a successful season and a strong bond with their teammates. “The team’s relationship is really strong because we all have a great time together and we’re all good friends,” sophomore middle-hitter, Casey Banks said. “Even when we have to go through something mentally and physically challenging we can always rely on each other.” This year each team has had to learn to be mentally tough and stick with it through countless foursix-fours, down-and-backs, ab workouts, and finishing as a team. Each member of the White Oak
Avery Moore Staff Writer
Running his last stretch kn the disrtict race, senior Zach Herring digs deep as he nears the end of the race. lacing third at the meet, Herring advances to regionals with his team. “I only had one year left to qualify to the state level. I wanted to make this year count.”
Junior takes dedication to sport to next level
Swimming the 100 yard butterfly, junior Layton Anderson flies out of the water to take a breath. “My coach always tells me, ‘You don’t have to be strong to swim butterfly. Swimming it makes you strong’,” Anderson said. The race is Anderson’s favorite, but also the hardest to prepare for and compete in.
With arms wrapped around the opposing team’s quaterback, sophomore Mark Martin attempts to pull down the passer for a loss of yardage. Martin is known as a very good pass rusher who can stop the run. “I’m glad to be on the team and push my team to do go harder and just keep pushing. But most of all, I am glad to have them, I couldn’t do it alone,” Martin said.
Anna Dusek Staff Writer
“I think being a
Jaci Wallace Staff Writer
Herring. Regionals could be his last race as a Roughneck, but he isn’t letting that affect his race. “I don’t feel sad since I’ll continue to run,” Herring said. “I’m just concerned with being better than last year and getting better times.” Though the boys’ team does not have enough members to qualify for regionals as a team, the entire girls’ team will make an appearance and hopes are high. “I truly believe the team will do well as a whole,” Tyl said. “I think we will be able to advance as a team to State.” Alongside the girls’ team shooting for state, there are many individuals with the same goal. “Since I placed first at district, I feel pretty good going into regionals,” Harris said. “It even makes me feel like I can get top five or better.”
Carrying the ball, freshman Partick Martinez runs past his Mt. Vernon opponents. “In high school, you have to get the small things right. The coaches expect more and we have to work as a team,” Martinez said.
Ladynecks defeat EF for successful last home game
expected to work
Cross country team to compete at regionals
After having a bye week, the JV opened up district play against Hughes Springs. The Mustangs managed to eat up lots of the clock with their running game offensive strategy, but the JV prevailed with a 16-8 victory. “It can be difficult playing against a team that has an offense that eats up a lot of the clock,” junior receiver and safety Bryan Crossland said. “We just have to score when we can and play good on defense.” The next two games for the JV brought them their biggest victories yet, with a 44- 6 win over Sabine and a 46-0 win over Redwater, making their record 7-0-1. “The line plays one of the biggest roles in our success,” sophomore running back Caden Cowser said. “Being coachable also provides a bigger chance at success as well.”
Freshmen/JV Volleyball Season Comes to Close
photos by Mike Peery
The cross country teams competed at the District meet October 16, held in Elysian Fields where they captured a spot to compete at the Region II meet in Grand Prairie this Saturday. The girls’ team brought home the championship title while sophomore Olivia Sipes and junior Dylan Harris both took the first place individual title. “I have been hurt the past couple of weeks, so placing first was really surprising,” Sipes said. “It gives me a good feeling about going into regionals.” Chasing Sipes was junior Shaynee Tyl, who took second place with a time of 12:54. “Throughout this season I’ve worked on pushing myself out of my comfort zone,” Tyl said. “I hope to have my time under 12:30 and place in the top ten at regionals.” Next to place for White Oak in the boys’ division was senior Zach
9
Sports
Friday, 10.28.16
photo by Madison Malone
Roughnecks to Watch
Friday, 10.28.16
photo by Taylor Bellotte
Sports
8
Hannah, We are so proud of you! Good luck on the remainder of volleyball season and senior year. Have fun and enjoy every moment. Love, Mimi & Papa
photo by Morgan-Taylor Thomas
Hitting the ball, junior Kyla Weeks jumps high in the air to gain an advantage over her opponent. Weeks is a dominant force on the team, despite battling an injury throughout the season. “Although I have a back injury, it doesn’t keep me from working hard and being the best I can be,” Weeks said. “I look forward to continuing to help my team in the playoffs.”
Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.
Brandon Cook Class of 2017
Senior 2016-17
Finish Well, Connor we Love you, Mom & Dad
With a win-loss record, Ladynecks will move on to next level
The Ladyneck volleyball season has once again rounded the corner into the state playoff season. The Ladynecks finished the season in second place behind Beckville. The Ladynecks are hosting a warmup game against Gilmer, Friday October 28, at 5:00 p.m. It will officially be the last home game of the 2016-2017 volleyball season and a great match between the two teams. “Being second in district was definitely an eye opener, but it was also nice to have some competition within our district,” senior hitter Spencer Sallee said. “That’s something we haven’t had in years.” The Ladynecks 2016-2017 team intends to keep up the legacy that’s been set in front of them for years, even from a second place finish in district. “Getting second place in district makes us work harder,” junior libero Brooklyn Noll said. “We played well in those games we lost, so we learned from our mistakes. We learned to take one point at a time,
instead of focusing on the whole game.” Wrapping up White Oak’s district season were wins against New Diana, Waskom, and Elysian Fields. In the match against New Diana, Kyla Weeks had 23 assists, 11 of which came from kills from Avery Moore. Brooklyn Noll held up the defensive end in this game with 18 digs. In an uneventful win against Waskom, Kara Carter led the way at the net with 13 kills, and Kyla Weeks added 28 assists. The district closer against Elysian Fields was decided in three sets. Weeks again led the way with 28 assists. Avery Moore added 12 kills, Kara Carter and Weeks six apiece, Madison Sigmon four and Spencer Sallee three. Carter added five digs and an ace, Destiny Morgan seven digs, Sigmon four digs, Hannah King eight digs and three aces, Weeks nine digs and Brooklyn Noll 12 digs and two aces. “Personally, I need to step up more as a leader,” junior setter Weeks said. “We need to keep playing hard and finish games.”
Good luck, Roughnecks! White Oak Mom’s Club Winner of the FNF’s Team Mom Contest
District Championship Showdown Battle of the Unbeaten District 8-3A Teams
Elijah Trest Staff Writer
Senior WR/DB Max Kutch is a big time target in the Roughneck passing attack. With 33 receptions for 647 and 11 touchdowns, Kutch is one of the leading receivers in East Texas. Defensively, Kutch has 3 Interceptions.
Senior WR/OLB Antonio Castiglione is another versatile 2 way athlete. Defensively, Castiglione has 69 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss and 1 interception. On the other side of the ball, Castiglione has 14 receptions for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is one of the hardest hitters on the defense and is fast enough to cover the skill players on the other team.
Junior WR/DE Elijah Trest leads the defensive line with 76 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. On the offensive side of the ball, Trest has 18 receptions for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Kason Kienzle Sports Editor
6-2, 3-0
When: Friday, October 28, 7;30 pm Where: Bulldog Stadium, Jefferson, TX Opponent: Jefferson Bulldogs
Jefferson (6-2) Is built for speed to say the least, only one player on the Bulldog defensive unit is a non-skill position player. A huge offensive line blocks for a backfield that is the fastest in district 8-3A. A trio of backs and and a sophomore quarterback lead the high powered offense. All three backs have different skill sets, each back just as deadly as the next. One is a power back, the other is a threat to run around the end and pick up bigtime yardage, the last back, possibly the best all around back, is a mixture of size, strength, and speed. The quarterback is a versatile athlete that can put up big numbers on the ground as well as through the air. The only real weakness is how undisciplined the team as a whole is. Penalties and turnovers prove detrimental to the Bulldogs as the games continue to get tougher. White Oak (8-0) ranked #5 in Texas Division I (3A) are rolling. With a offense averaging upwards of 50 points a game and a defense that gives up very few points, the Roughnecks are a tough game for anyone in the state of Texas. A big part of the Roughnecks success is the team chemistry. No player is more important than the next.
JV Football Continues Unbeaten Season Sub-Varsity looks to finish season strong
vs. 8-0, 3-0
Each player does his job and the team works well as a unit. On the offensive line, there are five guys who have been coached to protect East Texas’ second leading quarterback, junior Heath Hood, in passing and they are doing as good of a job if not better than they have in years. Despite the collarbone injury to Hood, junior Kason Kienzle will step into that position and take care of the quarterback duties until Hood’s return. In the backfield, there is a running back who ran for more than a thousand yards last season in senior Connor Hearron. All of the receivers are returning varsity players and are putting up big numbers for the Roughnecks. With five men in the box, the Roughnecks will run the ball down your throat. With seven men in the box they will spread the defense out and pick away at the secondary. The Roughneck offense has yet to be stopped in their first eight games of the season. The defense is almost just as good; all eleven play physical and fly to the ball. Some of the offensive success could be contributed the the defensive unit for White Oak making big stops. The key to beating Jefferson is containing the big play. If they stop the big play, they stop Jefferson.
The 2016 JV football squad is rolling, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The junior varsity hasn’t lost a game yet this season, and they look to close out the season as district champs. The JV plays at New Boston next Thursday night in their final game of year. “It feels pretty good knowing we could have the opportunity to play for a district championship,” sophomore wide receiver Cade Wheat said. “Those hot, long twoa-day practices and all of our hardwork is paying off.” The sub-varsity began their season with a great start, opening up with huge wins against New Diana, T.K. Gorman, and Spring Hill. “The great start we had to our season kept us wanting more and more,” junior lineman Stone Palmer
District Dominance
said. “It made all of us work harder and push each other.” Their toughest contest so far this season came against Daingerfield in week 4. The Tigers featured a big line on both sides of the ball to go along with a tough running game. The JV ended up tying in a close 14-14 game. “It was good to see our team not give up when we faced adversity,” sophomore receiver Trenton Gross said. “We played hard and showed Daingerfield how to play the game of football.” The team got back on the win streak during week 5 against Harmony, where quarterback Dalton Sumrow displayed an impressive performance. “The coaching plays a bug part in our success,” Sumrow said. “The whole team working together is what makes us good.”
freshman gives you a new perspective
on how hard you’re in the White Oak
volleyball program and in basically
everything you do at White
Oak in general,”
freshman Meredith
Smith said.
photo by Kason Kienzle
He launches himself into the water, flying to the other side before turning back to return. Brushing the wall, he popped up and looked to his timer for his result. Swimming was more than just a sport for him. It was his passion. Junior Layton Anderson has been swimming for so long he knows nothing else. With early mornings and hours spent swimming every week, he’s found a passion he intends to turn into a career one day. “My dad had a friend from work who’s daughter swam and he came home one day and asked if I wanted to swim,” Anderson said. “It just became something I enjoyed.” After initially starting to swim, Anderson began to find success and grew closer to his team, finding his drive to succeed. “I got close to my swim team and had a bond with them that I didn’t really have with the people I’ve played baseball with since tee ball,” Anderson said. “And winning of course. I hate to lose more than I love to win but winning keeps me going.”
Though he swam competitively from the beginning, he didn’t decide to really become serious about the sport until he was 12. “I was at a point where I wanted to quit,” Anderson said. “My dad and coach talked to me about it and it was after getting through that when I started getting serious about it. I love to compete. It’s something that makes all the hard practices and hours worth it.” Regardless, Anderson has looked to his coach for guidance, shaping him as a person and teaching him to deal with life and how swimming relates to it as he grows up. “My coach is paid to teach me how to swim up and down a pool fast, but he has done so much more than that,” he said. “He’s taught me life lessons that I probably wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. He’s taught me how to deal with pain. Pain is no stranger he always says and that we’re most comfortable when we’re uncomfortable. He’s taught me how to be a man and how to treat ladies. He’s taught me so much more than just swimming.” Anderson also looks to Olympian Michael Phelps as a role model. Not only this, but he looks to succeed as much as Phelps. “Well he’s obviously the most decorated olympian ever,” Anderson
said. “He’s won too many medals to count. He has multiple world records. I don’t know how you can be a swimmer and him not be your person to look up to. Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to be the next Michael Phelps. I want to break his records.” To become as great of an athlete as Phelps, Anderson has begun to buckle down on his diet, sleep cycle and workouts, even adopting some of Phelps’ routines and habits. “As I’m getting older I’ve started studying some of the ways he eats, sleeps, and trains and see how my workouts compare to his,” Anderson said. “He’s the greatest so the way he did things has to work. I look up to Michael Phelps and hope to one day be as good as him or better.” As college looms nearer, Anderson has begun to evaluate what he plans to do in the future, deciding to continue swimming for as long as possible. “If it’s in God’s plan and my body and health allow it, I plan on swimming D1 and continuing swimming in college,” he said. “My top two schools at the moment are UT and Arizona. From there, I hope to make the Olympics. I love swimming and I hope it’s something I can do for a long time.”
High School Volleyball Program must learn that either everyone makes time, or nobody does. There must be hard work during practice in order to succeed in games. “I enjoy the thrill of when all the team’s hard work pays off,” sophomore rightside-hitter, Ashlee Wyatt said. “Hearing the crowd cheer you on as you cram the ball into the other team’s face is pretty entertaining.” The teams were led by coaches, Scott Morton (Freshmen), Tammy Cloud (JV), and also taught by varsity coach, Nicole Thorn. Both freshmen and JV were working towards discipline, keeping control when playing out the ball, and being coachable. “Playing with Coach Cloud this year has been really fun because she’s so funny and always wants to see us succeed,” Banks said. “She always knows what to do to get us out of a problem and if we are freaking out she calms us down. It’s also always fun watching her yell at the refs.” The freshmen team had to figure out that high school volleyball is very different from middle school
volleyball and that much more time and effort must be put in. There are new rotations to learn and freshmen also have to learn how to “play the ball smart” by making good decisions on the court. “This season has been completely different from middle school,” freshman middle-hitter, Magen Woodard said. “In middle school, you don’t really know the game and usually just play it because your friends do, but in high school you find the real love for the game and learn what a team is really like.” Although it can be tough being the youngest in the volleyball program, there is so much improvement amongst freshmen in their first season of high school volleyball. After learning to play at a higher level and watching the intensity and success of the varsity, the freshmen get to witness great volleyball skills and see what they can become in the future if they stick with it and work hard. “The expectations were raised considerably and there’s definitely a learning curve, but overall I’ve had a great experience as a freshman,” Meredith Smith said.
Ladynecks Set For Playoffs
photo by Isaac Rodriguez
Eat.Sleep.Swim.Repeat. Sabrina Smith Staff Writer
photo by Mike Peery
The Freshmen and JV White Oak Ladynecks played Elysian Fields Tuesday afternoon for their final game of the season. Both teams came out with the win in two sets, making it an overall victory for the Ladynecks. With JV victories against Garrison, New Diana, Beckville, Jefferson, Waskom, and Spring Hill and Freshmen victories against Ore City, New Diana, Jefferson, Waskom, and Beckville, the girls came out with a successful season and a strong bond with their teammates. “The team’s relationship is really strong because we all have a great time together and we’re all good friends,” sophomore middle-hitter, Casey Banks said. “Even when we have to go through something mentally and physically challenging we can always rely on each other.” This year each team has had to learn to be mentally tough and stick with it through countless foursix-fours, down-and-backs, ab workouts, and finishing as a team. Each member of the White Oak
Avery Moore Staff Writer
Running his last stretch kn the disrtict race, senior Zach Herring digs deep as he nears the end of the race. lacing third at the meet, Herring advances to regionals with his team. “I only had one year left to qualify to the state level. I wanted to make this year count.”
Junior takes dedication to sport to next level
Swimming the 100 yard butterfly, junior Layton Anderson flies out of the water to take a breath. “My coach always tells me, ‘You don’t have to be strong to swim butterfly. Swimming it makes you strong’,” Anderson said. The race is Anderson’s favorite, but also the hardest to prepare for and compete in.
With arms wrapped around the opposing team’s quaterback, sophomore Mark Martin attempts to pull down the passer for a loss of yardage. Martin is known as a very good pass rusher who can stop the run. “I’m glad to be on the team and push my team to do go harder and just keep pushing. But most of all, I am glad to have them, I couldn’t do it alone,” Martin said.
Anna Dusek Staff Writer
“I think being a
Jaci Wallace Staff Writer
Herring. Regionals could be his last race as a Roughneck, but he isn’t letting that affect his race. “I don’t feel sad since I’ll continue to run,” Herring said. “I’m just concerned with being better than last year and getting better times.” Though the boys’ team does not have enough members to qualify for regionals as a team, the entire girls’ team will make an appearance and hopes are high. “I truly believe the team will do well as a whole,” Tyl said. “I think we will be able to advance as a team to State.” Alongside the girls’ team shooting for state, there are many individuals with the same goal. “Since I placed first at district, I feel pretty good going into regionals,” Harris said. “It even makes me feel like I can get top five or better.”
Carrying the ball, freshman Partick Martinez runs past his Mt. Vernon opponents. “In high school, you have to get the small things right. The coaches expect more and we have to work as a team,” Martinez said.
Ladynecks defeat EF for successful last home game
expected to work
Cross country team to compete at regionals
After having a bye week, the JV opened up district play against Hughes Springs. The Mustangs managed to eat up lots of the clock with their running game offensive strategy, but the JV prevailed with a 16-8 victory. “It can be difficult playing against a team that has an offense that eats up a lot of the clock,” junior receiver and safety Bryan Crossland said. “We just have to score when we can and play good on defense.” The next two games for the JV brought them their biggest victories yet, with a 44- 6 win over Sabine and a 46-0 win over Redwater, making their record 7-0-1. “The line plays one of the biggest roles in our success,” sophomore running back Caden Cowser said. “Being coachable also provides a bigger chance at success as well.”
Freshmen/JV Volleyball Season Comes to Close
photos by Mike Peery
The cross country teams competed at the District meet October 16, held in Elysian Fields where they captured a spot to compete at the Region II meet in Grand Prairie this Saturday. The girls’ team brought home the championship title while sophomore Olivia Sipes and junior Dylan Harris both took the first place individual title. “I have been hurt the past couple of weeks, so placing first was really surprising,” Sipes said. “It gives me a good feeling about going into regionals.” Chasing Sipes was junior Shaynee Tyl, who took second place with a time of 12:54. “Throughout this season I’ve worked on pushing myself out of my comfort zone,” Tyl said. “I hope to have my time under 12:30 and place in the top ten at regionals.” Next to place for White Oak in the boys’ division was senior Zach
9
Sports
Friday, 10.28.16
photo by Madison Malone
Roughnecks to Watch
Friday, 10.28.16
photo by Taylor Bellotte
Sports
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Hannah, We are so proud of you! Good luck on the remainder of volleyball season and senior year. Have fun and enjoy every moment. Love, Mimi & Papa
photo by Morgan-Taylor Thomas
Hitting the ball, junior Kyla Weeks jumps high in the air to gain an advantage over her opponent. Weeks is a dominant force on the team, despite battling an injury throughout the season. “Although I have a back injury, it doesn’t keep me from working hard and being the best I can be,” Weeks said. “I look forward to continuing to help my team in the playoffs.”
Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.
Brandon Cook Class of 2017
Senior 2016-17
Finish Well, Connor we Love you, Mom & Dad
With a win-loss record, Ladynecks will move on to next level
The Ladyneck volleyball season has once again rounded the corner into the state playoff season. The Ladynecks finished the season in second place behind Beckville. The Ladynecks are hosting a warmup game against Gilmer, Friday October 28, at 5:00 p.m. It will officially be the last home game of the 2016-2017 volleyball season and a great match between the two teams. “Being second in district was definitely an eye opener, but it was also nice to have some competition within our district,” senior hitter Spencer Sallee said. “That’s something we haven’t had in years.” The Ladynecks 2016-2017 team intends to keep up the legacy that’s been set in front of them for years, even from a second place finish in district. “Getting second place in district makes us work harder,” junior libero Brooklyn Noll said. “We played well in those games we lost, so we learned from our mistakes. We learned to take one point at a time,
instead of focusing on the whole game.” Wrapping up White Oak’s district season were wins against New Diana, Waskom, and Elysian Fields. In the match against New Diana, Kyla Weeks had 23 assists, 11 of which came from kills from Avery Moore. Brooklyn Noll held up the defensive end in this game with 18 digs. In an uneventful win against Waskom, Kara Carter led the way at the net with 13 kills, and Kyla Weeks added 28 assists. The district closer against Elysian Fields was decided in three sets. Weeks again led the way with 28 assists. Avery Moore added 12 kills, Kara Carter and Weeks six apiece, Madison Sigmon four and Spencer Sallee three. Carter added five digs and an ace, Destiny Morgan seven digs, Sigmon four digs, Hannah King eight digs and three aces, Weeks nine digs and Brooklyn Noll 12 digs and two aces. “Personally, I need to step up more as a leader,” junior setter Weeks said. “We need to keep playing hard and finish games.”
Good luck, Roughnecks! White Oak Mom’s Club Winner of the FNF’s Team Mom Contest
