Race for Success
by Aryn Hoyle

The Cherokee High School track team is comprised of hard-working, competitive athletes. Junior Nathan McDowell has been a dedicated member of the track team since he began his high school career. He and his teammate, Zavier Wiggs, are known for their speed.

Sophomore Xamayca Brown is a first-year runner on the track team this season. Having played soccer, she believes she will perform well as a runner because of the energy and work she exerts at practices. “A lot of our amazingly talented track runners graduated last year, but I know we still have wonderful people on the team who will continue on and further the success of the Cherokee track team,” Brown says.

Junior Kyra Freeman is a second-year track runner who competes in the 100-meter dash, the 4x1 event and the 300 hurdles. Freeman stays in shape and maintains a healthy diet, which helps her perform. She also believes the team will do well this season.

Soccer Update
by Demi Miller

The high school soccer season is in full swing and the Cherokee High soccer teams are taking charge on the field. The girls varsity team is racking up wins and working toward becoming region champion. The girls have already had a fulfilling season and won two of the four region games they played.

Junior standout Jenna Burris is proving to be a clutch performer when her team needs her most. In a stressful region game against Wheeler, the team was behind, 1-0. With only three minutes remaining, Burris scored a goal. The game then went into overtime with penalty kicks from Kelly Hall, Jenna Burris, Alex Logan and Amber Coward. Goalkeeper Amanda Lopez, another standout junior, insured the win against Wheeler with three impressive saves in overtime.

Cherokee was also victorious in a region game against the Marietta Blue Devils. At halftime, the team was down, 2-0. Burris scored two goals to tie the game. In the game’s final minutes, Logan headed a ball into the goal for the win.

All Cherokee High soccer teams show heart and determination on the field, even if they are losing. “We all work as hard as we can to be able to pull off a win,” says Lopez. “We cannot get down on ourselves just because we are losing. We have had a lot of come-from-behind victories this season so when we are behind, we just think of those games and that gives us more confidence.”

The players’ perseverance during demanding practices provides the stamina to play hard in their even more demanding games. The varsity girls are in game mode from the moment they step on the field until the game ends. Every player’s dedication to the game is what helps the team win. The Lady Warriors are on the warpath to success with only one more win needed against Etowah to ensure the team a spot at state, which would be the second state appearance in the school’s history.

Warriors Baseball
by Zach Brigham

The Cherokee Warriors baseball team had a hot 4-1 start this season, losing only to Kell High School in Cobb County. The Warriors pitching staff did a magnificent job in the five-game stretch with shutout performances by Jake Anthony, Jake Landry and Eli Dickens.

The Warriors have since cooled a bit, losing two heartbreakers to Mount Paran and Kennesaw Mountain. Sophomore Mason Ward started a cool, windy game at Mount Paran. The Warriors’ bats sprung to life early in the game with homeruns from Landry and Josh Thomas. Although Cherokee’s offense posted six runs in the first inning, the Eagles rallied to beat the Warriors, 9-8.

Another great pitching performance by Tyler Wemmer was to no avail as the Warriors lost a great pitchers dual against Kennesaw Mountain. Cherokee got behind early in the first inning, 2-0. The Warriors bounced back in the second inning to cut the lead in half and in the sixth inning, a triple by Zack Lemons tied the game, 2-2, with Josh Thomas coming in to score. Kennesaw Mountain scratched out one more run to take down the Warriors, 3-2.

“I feel confident in our pitching staff and feel that we will be looking strong going into region play,” says pitching coach Ben Sosebee. The Warriors will try to stop the losing streak as they work their way through the season.  The Warriors are looking strong and will work hard to get back to the playoffs for the first time in two years.

Boys of Summer
by Haley Thacker and Zach Brigham

It’s baseball season once again and the Warriors are on the hunt for a postseason appearance. Though Cherokee High has not advanced to state in the past two years, Coach McDaniel feels confident in his team this season.

This year’s team is loaded with experienced players, including returning seniors Jake Anthony, Zach Brighman, Dylan Brewer, Dylan Haynes, Jordan Wells and Tyler Wemmer. According to McDaniel, the main difference in this year’s team is its incredible senior leadership. “Every one of these guys has experienced valuable playing time in varsity games,” he says.

Junior Jake Landry is another crucial piece of the puzzle. Transfer student Josh Dechant had stats at King’s Ridge that led to All-State honors. Dechant plays middle infield with juniors Zach Lemons and Josh Thomas.

The Warriors will have depth around the horn this year.  Anthony will be the ace of the pitching staff.  Along with Brigham and Lemons, Anthony was named to the All-County team and led the Warriors in wins. Following Anthony in the rotation, Brewer and Wemmer will be key relief pitchers.

Coaches Matt Debes and David Blaylock will contribute to the team’s success. With the team’s experience and new coaching staff, the Warriors are looking forward to a great season.

Kickin’ It
by Demi Miller

The Cherokee High School soccer team is full of camaraderie. The girls and boys varsity teams work hard every day to ensure they are in top condition for every game. The teams began conditioning in the middle of winter, ignoring bitter cold temperatures, to make its defense and offense the best it can be.

Even when the Warriors are off the field, their work never slacks. Every member of the team studies daily to remain academically eligible to play. “We work really hard on and off the field,” says junior Jenna Burris. “Sometimes it is really hard to balance soccer and school but we all try really hard to pull it off and it works out.”

Both soccer teams are comprised of players who are friends off the field.  The girls varsity team has some members who have been playing together since elementary school. Being able to hang out after school and on the weekends contributes to the players’ close relationships and gives the team an edge.

However, it is not all fun and games for the team. Players train for countless hours before their season begins in order to become the best soccer players they can. In the middle of winter, they run and work out every day after school, rain or shine, and push their endurance to its limit. Conditioning offers players many opportunities to get into shape before the regular season starts, and every player attends training sessions.

The Cherokee soccer teams have some of the most dedicated athletes at the school. They work hard on the field as well as in the classroom to be the best athletes they can be. The amount of time and effort that each player puts into high school soccer keeps the team on top of its game.

Tennis Anyone?
by Aaron Fuchs

After winning their season opener against Creekview on February 8, the boys tennis team is looking forward to a successful season. Four of their five singles lines won their matches, losing a total of only three games.

After taking a break from coaching for several years, Dennis Jolley leads the boys team this year. Jolley cites singles players Max Singleton and Marshall Brown, who recently recorded victories of 6-1, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-0 respectively, as a major force in the first and second lines. Drew Hulse also recently performed extremely well in the third line, winning 6-0, 6-0.  “I have every expectation that when they get on the court, they will win,” says Jolley, who fosters particularly high expectations for the team in region competition.

The girls team, led by coach Angie Pannell, is also feeling optimistic about the impending season. Singles players Rebekah Snow and Maddie Gressly are leading the singles lines. Haley Thacker and Ashley Cisowski represent doubles well. Despite its season-opening loss, the girls team will approach the remainder of the season with a strong will to win.

The Warriors tennis program has many new, promising faces this year, including sophomore Kenny Schuckers and freshman Lauren Byrd. Jolley says he is looking forward to “grooming them and helping them grow.” With so many young players, the program is looking forward to success not only this season but in future seasons as their talent continues to develop.

Track and Field
by Aryn Hoyle

The Cherokee High School track and field team is expected to do extremely well this season. Under the guidance of a new coaching staff, the team is composed of many hard-working, talented athletes who support each other and work together to achieve success.

Sophomore Seth Brown is confident that the majority of the team’s seniors as well as other members will advance to state this season. “It is going to be a tough season, but I think we will pull through,” he says. Senior Madison Hester, the only girl to compete at state last year, is close to beating the school record in discus. Hester plans to receive her fourth letter for track and field this year.

“I live for track and field,” says Alexus Clark. Staying focused and on top of their game at all times, Cherokee athletes have not lost sight of their goal: to be better than their opponents. “We’re going to dust them,” says sophomore Quincy Mauger.

Warriors Take the Court
by Zach Brigham and Haley Thacker

Though the season has not yet started, there is much hype about the upcoming Cherokee basketball season. Boys varsity coach Roger Kvam is excited but realistic about this year’s team. With only two returning starters, Dionte Jenkins and Quinn Watts, the team is lacking some necessary varsity experience. Watts, the point guard for this season, is a talented ball handler and has a great shot. Jenkins has good anticipation on the court and is very smart with the basketball. These two players will be essential to this season due to the loss of All-Region player Mike Kvam.

To be successful this season, Coach Kvam says that young players will need to step up and contribute to the team along with senior leaders Lance Woodhull, Austin Phelps, Cory Wyatt and Blake Sheldon. Woodhull, another strong player from last season, is a great shooter and one of the best defenders on the team. Phelps is also a tremendous help on the defensive side of the ball. Judeven Keith, Blake Jones and Matt Scott are young but also very talented.

Kvam says that with hard work and dedication anything is possible in Region 5-AAAAA. Cherokee will face challenging, new region teams such as Wheeler, Walton and Lassiter as well as the more familiar Etowah and Woodstock. Despite the inexperience on the court, the boys varsity basketball team has great talent and is expected to have an exciting season.

Water Warriors Prepare to Dominate
by Chris Lionetti

As winter approaches, the sound of swimmers strapping on goggles and smell of chlorine in the distance signifies the beginning of swim season. The Cherokee High School swim team has been training rigorously since October 18 for their first meet, one of several in which Cherokee will compete this season. “We have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks, but I do believe that if we put in a decent amount of effort, we will have some success,” says senior Kelsey Achin. “Right now, we are just trying to give it our best to reach our goals and hopefully make state.”

Coached by Michelle Duren and Rhett Wilson, the team has come into its own during the past couple of years. The coaches have quite a bit of help from former national swimmer Peggy Donaldson and assistants Betty Frady and Brenda Segall, who provide new practice styles and an abundant array of drills that help the swimmers perfect their techniques. With their assistance, the future for this team looks bright.

Wrestlers Continue Warriors Tradition
by Aaron Fuchs

For the Cherokee High School wrestling team, this year is about continuing a strong tradition and exceeding expectations. The wrestling Warriors have a history of being a tough group of athletes, claiming an array of regional champions and a few state champions, dating back to the ‘70s. “There’s a great tradition here,” says Charles Higdon, Cherokee’s first-year wrestling coach. Higdon, who has been coaching wrestling for 12 years, previously coached at rival Woodland High School. Higdon says that Cherokee has always been tough in the past and should continue that trend this year.

In 2009, Hunter Chumley represented CHS at the state championship and won. There have been several other state champions in Cherokee wrestling’s prolific past. Is there a chance of continuing this tradition? “Absolutely,” says Higdon. “The Walker brothers are really tough.” Higdon also cites Patrick Beal and Tyler Radcliffe as key athletes to look for this year.  “It should be a fun year,” Higdon adds. “We’re not predicted to be one of the better teams in the region, but it could definitely happen.

Cherokee wrestlers exude an immense passion for their sport and plan to utilize that enthusiasm when practicing for the upcoming spring season.  “It’s a very hard sport,” says Higdon. “It’s one of the only sports where you get to go one-on-one with your opponent. If anybody’s never seen wrestling, I’d definitely have them check it out.”

Cherokee Rugby Team
by Alexis LeMaire

Rugby is an unfamiliar sport to many. It originated from soccer, which is known as football in other countries, and developed in the 19th century in England.  According to Cherokee rugby team sponsor Michael Manzella, “The gist of the game is similar to NFL football. You are trying to score, but you cannot pass the ball forward and there is no blocking.”

Although rugby is a year-round sport, Manzella says, “Spring is the true season, when we play for state championships and have an organized schedule.” Excited for the start of the new year, Manzella and fans are eagerly anticipating what is to come for this year’s rugby team.

Three years ago, Manzella asked his former University of Georgia rugby coach how he could become involved in high school rugby. Now in its fourth year, the team often has complications finding a field and plays at Weatherby Park, River Green and Boling Park.

While some believe rugby to be a dangerous sport, it may be safer than football. “Because of very little padding, players are forced to tackle correctly and learn how to avoid injuries,” Manzella says. “In my opinion, the padding in football creates a false sense of protection and causes players to take unnecessary risks.”

Life College and Kennesaw State University offer rugby scholarships. “We have had several players go on to play in college, including one former player that now plays for Alabama,” Manzella says.

Conditioning and weight training are necessary for those interested in rugby as players have to prepare for running the entire game. “The best thing to do if you want to play is find a team and show up for practice,” Manzella says. “There are teams everywhere!”

Softball Looks for Place at State
by Zach Brigham and Hunter Scott • photography by Greg Spell

The Cherokee High School softball program is legendary and known for being one of the school’s most prestigious sports programs. Continuing the tradition, this year’s team is off to a good start with a 4-2 region record.

Etowah, Woodstock and Wheeler fell to CHS in region play. Losing only to Walton and Lassiter, the Warriors are currently ranked number eight in Georgia 5-AAAAA softball. Although rank is set during the preseason, hopes are high for CHS to be within the top five teams at the end of the season.

Team captains Natalie Rhodes and Brianne Welch have decided to take their talent to the college level. Welch, a consistent player, has committed to Lipscomb University.  Rhodes has committed to Kennesaw State University, joining CHS players from years past.

Rhodes is a four-year letterman and has the experience to lead the Warriors in her senior season. “I feel like we have great team commodity.  If we just work as hard as we can, the sky is the limit for us,” Rhodes says.

Senior ace pitcher Torie Reeves adds, “Anything less than the state playoffs and competing for a state championship will be a disappointment.” Brianne Welch also likes the team’s playoff chances.

Playing successfully among the toughest teams in the state requires team unity. The 2010 Warriors are sure to pull through with a very successful season.

Set, Spike, Score!
by Demi Miller • photography by Maggie Reneau

The Cherokee varsity volleyball team is made up of some of the most dedicated student athletes in the school. Team members try their best to improve their sets and spikes by arriving at school early and staying after hours for weight training and other physical exercises. Although Cherokee has never competed in a state volleyball championship, the team is trying their best to make it all the way to the top.

New head coach Casey Pyszczymuka encourages team camaraderie. With ages ranging from 14-18, the players put aside their differences and equally contribute to the team’s victories as well as their losses. The joy of winning a match and the disappointment of losing is considerd the responsibility of everyone, including the team captain and managers.

The varsity volleyball team isn’t the only team dedicating countless hours to improving their game. The junior varsity team also puts in time before and after school. Together, the two teams try their best to make Cherokee’s volleyball program successful.

At a recent game against McEachern, the Cherokee girls did everything in their power to make sure the ball crossed the net and tried even harder to spike the ball down to score points. During both matches, Cherokee remained focused.

Even though fans may be cheering and making noise in the bleachers, team members keep their heads in the game and are willing to make sacrificial dives to keep the ball off of the court and send it soaring back over the net.

Trying their best and dedicating their free time to the game, the Cherokee High School volleyball team does not disappoint. Players keep their eyes on the prize, not afraid to dive and dig to make that saving play.

Football in the Air at CHS
by Zach Brigham and Haley Thacker • photography by Haley Thacker

It’s football time at Cherokee High School! Though the Warriors haven’t made the playoffs in the past two years, Coach Dameron and the new coaching staff are feeling very optimistic.

Coach Dameron is excited about the opportunities the new staff will bring. Coaches Otto and Morris are the ninth-grade coaches. Matt Blaylock will be a great addition to the coaching staff. Coaches Myer and Fowler will be retuning this year to work on the defensive side of the ball. Former North Star and Dunwoody offensive coordinator Tom Shehan is coaching at Cherokee for the first time and expected to make to an impact in the upcoming season.

The scrimmage against Sequoyah signaled the start of the season.  Cherokee was victorious, winning 21-9. The first game of the season on August 20 facing North Forsyth at Tommy Baker field was one of great intensity.

According to Dameron, the key players for this season are Dylan Haynes and Jonathan Byers on offense, and Zach Brigham and Patrick Beal on defense. Sophomores who will have a huge impact on the team are Tunde Ayinla on defense and Quincy Mauger on both sides of the ball.

After 10 years at Cherokee, Dameron has many great memories, including last year’s end of the losing streak against North Cobb and going on to win three more games in the following weeks.

With the new coaching staff, the dedication from the players and support from our fans, this is sure to be a playoff season!

Cross Country Runners Prepare to Compete in the Shadow
by Aaron Fuchs • photography by Nick Zincone

With the falls sports season under way, it seems that Cherokee High School is focused on the football team. The tailgates and body paint ready, and with every Friday comes the sight of football players walking the halls dressed in ties and dress shirts, mentally preparing for the game. After beating Sequoyah 21-9 in a preseason exhibition, it’s no wonder everyone is so excited – the Warrior football team is ready to play.

This excitement is all well and good, but there is something else lurking behind the scenes. In the immense shadow that Friday night football casts over the world of high school sports, cross country runners quietly lace their shoes and count their miles without stirring up any fuss at all. Early Saturday mornings, less than 12 hours after football team retires for the weekend, the Warriors cross country team will represent Cherokee in perhaps the most demanding physical challenge in high school sports. They receive little credit for their hard work, which doesn’t seem to bother them. “It’s no secret that cross country is overshadowed by football. And why shouldn’t it be? Football is a lot more entertaining,” says junior runner Wright Dyer.

For the most part, the athletes’ parents and close friends are the only spectators at meets, but Dyer says it’s not just high school running that lacks attention. “[World record-holder and Olympic champion] Bekele is literally a living running god, and I’d bet 90 percent of the population of the earth do not know who he is.”

The only time running seems to get coverage is when someone freakishly breaks a record, like Usain Bolt. “It wouldn't be bad if more people paid attention, but it's not something huge that most students will ever get really excited about. Running may be one of the oldest sports but people just won't watch it,” says senior Paul Walker, who is hoping to break his personal record and finish in the low 16-minute range this year.

Despite the lack of recognition for their efforts, the Warriors are feeling positive about the upcoming season. “I feel like we are going to have a very successful season, with a very likely possibility of the team going to state,” says Walker.

The Cherokee runners are tight-knit. “One issue in small sports, especially cross country, is getting participants,” says Dyer. He sees the team as a very cliquish group, adding, “There’s a lot of bonding that comes from running 10 miles together.”

On August 28, and in the shadow of the football program, the Warrior cross country team will quietly begin working toward its goal of reaching state. With a modest attitude and contentment with the love-hate relationship that is running, perhaps they want the shade to keep cool in the August heat.

New Totem Pole on the Horizon
by Jonathan Lionetti • photography by Nick Zincone

The totem pole outside the entrance of Cherokee High School is being replaced. This totem pole has stood on Cherokee grounds for over a decade as a representation of the rival schools fought in recent years.  Each school in the region is represented with their mascot, but the life of Cherokee’s second totem pole has run its course after 12 years of service.

This is not an end to a wonderful run but merely the beginning. Cherokee High is working to salvage as much of the totem pole as possible and will replace it on campus along with the original totem pole. A new totem pole will represent the future of Cherokee High School and incorporate new regional opponents.

The Cherokee High School athletic program has grown during the past 12 years, ultimately leading to their advancement in the division as a 5-A school. This new classification will have Cherokee competing against new opponents, whose skills and athleticism pose a brand-new challenge for Warrior athletes.

New challenges and experiences await the young athletes who walk the halls at Cherokee, and fans can only hope they meet these new challenges with such tenacity that opponents will shake in their shoulder pads.

The next totem pole will embed the Warrior spirit in such a way that it will no longer be just a totem pole, but symbolic of team conquests as well as the magnificent pride that resides in Cherokee students and faculty.