Harrison Boys Basketball Tips Off Season
by Ryan Blumenthal

The Harrison High School basketball team has finally taken to the court for the 2010-2011 season. After months of grueling off season workouts and weeks of practice, the Hoyas were ready to return to the court.

Their season began Saturday, November 20, against perennial basketball powerhouse Norcross High School. The final score left the Hoyas a couple of points short of a victory but the intensity of the team’s performance left all its fans, including the "Church’s Choir," hopeful for the rest of the season.

Through the first two weeks of the young season, the Hoyas claimed a 1-3 record, only losing by a total of 10 points for all three games. Though the record doesn't prove much, the boys have been playing good basketball against difficult competition. The Hoyas had two of the top five teams in the state, Columbia High School and Norcross High School, on their schedule to help prepare them for the bulk of their season after the holiday break.  “We need to be able to compete with these teams to be able play for a championship in March,” says senior point guard Michael Obi.

Over Christmas break, the Hoyas are planning to win the Hiram Holiday Classic after finishing second last season to Hiram High School. Harrison will travel to the Sunshine State December 26 for the Adidas Holiday Slam tournament. While in Miami, Florida, the team will compete against some of the top high schools throughout the Southeast. “We are excited about the trip to Miami. We’re going down there to win some basketball games but we’re going to have some fun also,” says junior forward Julian Lavender.

The Hoyas will host cross-town rival Alatoona High school and travel to Hillgrove January 7 to take on the Hawks. Region games are crucial in the seeding each team will attain for the region tournament in February. After finishing fourth in region last year and earning a bid to the state playoffs, the Hoyas are bound to reach state again as long as head coach Robert Churchwell keeps the boys working hard.

Harrison Varsity Cheerleading Competition Team
by Emma Taylor

In June, Harrison’s competition cheerleading team began working on becoming one of the best teams in the state.  Harrison has boasted a talented team the past three years with three consecutive region titles.

Coach Ann Dau and community coach Robyn Cathey seized the opportunity to have some of the most talented cheerleaders in Harrison history.  But creating a routine that would enable the team to maximize all categories of the score sheet was the easy part.  

The girls took it upon themselves to work for the coveted title. Beginning in August, the team could be seen on weekdays at 6:30 a.m. running through the halls of Harrison, screaming their cheers.  After running, the cheerleaders rolled out the mats for squad triple-toe backs and handspring tucks.  The workout, intended to improve stamina and tumbling, proved effective when the team received perfect scores for jumps and standing tumbling at their first competition in September.

This season, team members displayed an attitude of determination. A member of the varsity team for four years, junior Lauren Calhoun says, “Through the years, we’ve had so much talent, and this year is the best opportunity we’ve ever had.  We put in so much effort and have had to overcome so much.”

With great talent and goals came a large amount of pressure for the Hoyas and the season did not arrive without complications.  Injuries and performing under stress challenged the competition team.  Three days before the last competition of the regular season, one of the Hoyas injured herself while tumbling.  With two days before the competition, the team had to work someone new into their routine. “It’s not like football or baseball where you have a backup quarterback or backup pitcher.  We each have a unique part in the routine and bring something different to the table, making it impossible to replace someone,” says Calhoun.

Hoyas Take The Plunge
by Dylan Magel

With winter approaching, Harrison High School seeks athletic prominence in a new domain: the water. The Hoyas swim team has begun its season and plans to achieve greatness this year in a multitude of ways. With an excellent senior class leading the surge and the girls placing fourth in last year’s state competition, new head coach Doug Forester has high expectation for the team. “For the girls, I expect a lot. They should be able to finish in the top 10 in state, if not the top five,” says Forester.

Along with a talented group of students, the team’s coaching staff is filled with experience. While in high school, Forester led Parkview High School to four state championships, allowing him to continue his career at Clemson University. Community coach Lisa Jacobi swam at the University of Georgia, where she was a four-time All-American. Jacobi also earned a trip to the Olympic time trials.

With two major meets under their belts, the H2Oyas have already broken previous personal records and qualified for the state tournament. Russell Dieter beat his personal record and qualified for state in the 100 backstroke. Madison and Olivia Jacobi both qualified for state in numerous solo and relay events. They also qualified and competed at the Junior Nationals at Georgia Tech.

While the current swim team is having a successful season, the future looks bright for Harrison High. Sophomore Connor Oslin is on track to shatter high school records by his senior year. Oslin has already qualified for state this year in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. “He’s just a really fast swimmer. Now that he is swimming year-round, I expect him to be one of best swimmers in the state before he graduates,” says senior captain Aaron Schneider.

Along with competitive achievements, the H2Oyas have attained success with team camaraderie and a positive environment. With their big sister, little sister system in place, team bonding has reached its peak. Senior captain Jamie Newton states, “This team allows us to open up with each other and have the goal of helping each other improve. Throughout my four years, it’s been a really fun environment.” Schneider included more positive thoughts on the team, “I love how the chemistry has come together and become very close knit.”

Talent and team chemistry are catalysts for the Harrison H2Oyas’ success. The team cooperates and helps each other improve daily, leading to achievements in the water. With the current team’s strong look and bright future, there appears to be no limit to their success.

Lady Hoyas Reach Final Four
by Ryan Blumenthal

The Harrison High School volleyball team has had an outstanding 2010-2011 season. The Lady Hoyas posted a 39-11 record through the regular season and secured an Area 5-AAAAA championship after defeating rival Kennesaw Mountain along with five other volleyball squads. After the area tournament ended October 9, the Hoyas received a number one seed that accompanied them throughout their run through the state playoffs.

After scoring their ninth area championship in 18 years and first since 2006, the Hoyas were ranked third in the state behind Walton and Northview. With hopes of a championship run, Harrison began their first two rounds of state with two 3-0 victories over fourth-seeded Savannah Arts Academy and second round opponent West Forsyth.

The Lady Hoyas were then among the final eight teams in the tournament when they played East Coweta, who was also a number one seed from Area 4-AAAA. The Lady Hoyas toppled East Coweta and joined Walton, Lassiter and Northview in the Final Four. The Hoyas had their toughest test yet against traditional volleyball powerhouse Northview, which had been in the finals three of the past four seasons. The Hoyas eventually lost their match against Northview, who went on to defeat Walton High School to win the state championship. Although the Hoyas fell short of a state title, it’s not going to stop them from working hard through the offseason to accomplish their goal for next season.

Lady Hoyas Basketball Preview
by Connor Steele

Approaching the start of a fresh basketball season, the Harrison Lady Hoyas look forward to an exciting year. Though many players from the previous season are not returning, the team looks to be competitive in the upcoming season. Steve Lenahan expects to build on the previous two seasons and the team’s improvement from their 2-24 to 9-16 record. “Our goals for the season are to improve every time we step on the court,” says Lenahan. “We obviously want to win as many games as possible and put ourselves in a position to compete in the region tournament at the end of the season, but our main goal is just to improve every day.”

There is a great deal of team chemistry and a close bond among the nine girls on this year’s varsity team. The young Lady Hoyas are prepared to grasp all the materials and concepts that the coaches give them. Junior captain Nikki Hegstetter says, “We lost a few players from last year but we still have a strong roster. Last year, we had a good season and there’s no reason that we won’t go on and have another one this year.”

The Lady Hoyas coaches try to instill a sense of purpose in their players. The fact that there are so few players reinforces their importance and gives each a sense of unity. “Our captain is Nikki Hegstetter, so she is our main leader but everyone on our team is a key player,” says Lenahan. “We really preach to these players that everyone plays an important role on this team.”

Hoyas Grapple With New Wrestling Season
by Megan Bright

The wrestling season is about to start with upcoming tryouts. The Hoyas had a promising season last year with several underclassmen who are now predicted to lead the region. Senior Will Mifflen states that last year’s season was pretty average but they are “looking to step it up this year.”

The team has a good group of wrestlers, many of whom have won several awards. Patrick Curry, Nick Thompson, Anthony Fiacco and Deuce White placed third or above at the region tournament last year and are predicted to do just as well, if not better, in the upcoming season. “We’ve got a lot of really talented kids and a really strong team,” says senior captain Trent Arwood.

Along with their successful region tournament results, the boys also performed well at many local competitions, such as the Cobb County Tournament and the Beef ‘O’Brady’s Tournament. But placing high in tournaments isn’t their only concern. “The boys also have to train hard to be in shape for the season,” says head coach Tom Fiacco. “We have strength training and conditioning every day.”

Another aspect of wrestling that requires vigilance is body weight. Some wrestlers have to constantly lose weight to be eligible for competing in tournaments. “In order to be a wrestler, you have to have a lot of determination,” says junior Jared Arntzen. “Just seeing kids not eat makes me hungry.”

Mifflen, the team’s captain, agrees. He says it takes commitment and a lot of physical and mental strength to be a wrestler. “You have to be outright crazy,” says Mifflen.

Basketball Preview
by Meagan Bright

While many sports are coming to the end of their season, basketball is about to start. The Harrison Hoyas had a sub-par record last year of 16-14 but are looking to advance as far as the state playoffs in the upcoming 2010-2011 season.

Returning all starters, the Hoyas are more experienced and determined than ever. Only four seniors graduated from last year’s team, and Coach Churchwell is optimistic about most of his key players returning.

“We work well together,” says senior captain Jamal Watson. “We are a very diverse team and we have a lot of different weapons.”

With the Hoyas looking to have a promising year, it is important that they come together as a team and move as a unit on the court. Juniors Subby Adetujoye and Julian Lavender agree that team bonding and team chemistry will play a huge role in their success. One of the team’s mottos this season is “One team, one dream.”

The boys will have to work hard to compete with rivals Campbell and Hillgrove for the program’s first-ever region championship. The Hoyas will need a lot of support from fans in the “Churches Choir,” which is also known as the student section.

“I think it’s not only our team but also our Harrison High School community that is excited for this upcoming season. We have been training for our first game against Norcross (November 20) since our loss to Central Gwinnett last spring in the first round of state,” said junior captain Ryan Blumenthal.

Nat Estes Spotlight
by Connor Steele

To some people, cross country means nothing more than continuous running. The average spectator doesn’t think about the mental aspect of the sport. They don’t think about exhaustion or the way an athlete feels when pressing onward.  

Each runner has a personal goal of finishing a race faster than they had before.  They must maintain a pace that will help them achieve the standard they set for themselves. Runners aren’t commonly judged in terms of winning and losing but in terms of improvement and raising the bar for themselves.

Four years ago, Nat Estes joined the Harrison cross country and track teams as a freshman. Estes now stands out as a devoted and accomplished athlete with the drive and perseverance that coaches look for in a cross country runner.

“This year Nat has run better at each meet and had his best race in Memphis, finishing sixth out of 350 runners with a time of 16:08 (5:12 per mile).  He is also in contention for the individual region championship and Cobb County Male Runner of the Year,” says Coach Scott, co-head cross country coach.

Estes shows much discipline through his daily routine.  To prepare for events, Nat adheres to a grueling schedule that includes running 10-20 miles every day after school.

Fellow cross country runner Jake Goodman speaks highly of his teammate. “Over this past summer, he ran 800 miles. He’s insane. Nat always gives his all. He starts out going hard and finishes strong every time.”

After strenuous exercise, Estes enjoys a substantial meal. He primarily consumes foods with high carbohydrate content and his diet consists of 5,000 calories per day to compensate for all the calories burned by running and to maintain a healthy weight.

Endurance is key for cross country athletes. “Getting a lot of sleep, food, practicing every day, and getting a good base of mileage are very important to keep good endurance,” says Estes.

All the effort Estes puts into training pays off when he competes. In the 5K, Estes has recorded an impressive 16:31. His outstanding times also include 4:37 in the mile, 1:58 in the 800-meters, 9:55 in the two-mile and 0:51 in the 400.

Describing what he enjoys about running, Estes says, “I like the competitive aspect of the meets that we run in.”

With his natural ability and strong ambition, Estes plans to continue his career at the college level, though he doesn’t know where.  For now, he plans to improve his times and focus on the season at hand.

Harrison Softball
by Connor Steele • photography by Olivia Rolf and Spencer Payne

The Harrison fastpitch softball team is state-bound once again. After an exciting finish, the Lady Hoyas won their region this year for the first time since 2005.

Finishing 15-9-1 and entering their second consecutive region finals, the Lady Hoyas prepared to play Kennesaw Mountain. After losing the first game, 2-4, Harrison’s chance for a title seemed grim until junior Amy Koenig hit a walk-off grand slam to win 7-5 and send the team to game three, where they won the region with a 7-3 victory over the Lady Mustangs.

“I was really excited to win region this year,” says pitcher Dresden Maddox. “This team hasn’t won region since they won back-to-back in 2004 and 2005, but we’re on into playoffs now … we just have to take one game at a time.”

Led by senior Sam Bentzil and key players Kayla Caruso, Dresden Maddox and Rachel Gardner, the team defeated Luella in the first round of the state tournament, 3-0 and 10-1. The second round was also victorious as the Lady Hoyas defeated the Tift County Lady Blue Devils, 1-0, 8-1.

“Our goal from the beginning of the season has been to at least make it to the Elite Eight,” says assistant coach Matt Jones.

Women’s Volleyball
by Ryan Blumenthal • photography by Sherida Clincy

The Harrison High School volleyball team has had an unbelievable season thus far. After their ninth Area 5-AAAAA championship in 18 years and first since the 2006 season, the Lady Hoyas are currently ranked third in the state behind number one Walton and number two Northview.

Harrison will have a number one seed when they open the first round of GHSA volleyball championships against fourth seed Savannah Arts Academy. The Hoyas need to win four matches to make it to the finals. The Lady Hoyas are excited to compete against some of the best teams in the state and eventually cap off an amazing 2010 season.

“Our success has been achieved through our communication on and off the court. We have to listen to and respect each other in order to continue our success,” says Tyra Montour, Harrison junior and Area Player of the Year.

All types of sports teams seem to be successful when they work toward a common goal and the Lady Hoyas are no exception.

“Obviously, our goals were to win an Area championship and then have an opportunity to play for the state championship but it’s going to take a lot of hard work, practice and preparation to do so,” says junior right side Lindsey Allen.

Harrison’s volleyball team has had a superb season so far, compiling a regular-season record of 39-11. They look to take advantage of their position as number one seed throughout their first state championship run since 2008.

David Dupaty
by Spencer Payne, HHS student • photography by Spencer Payne

Senior David Dupaty has high hopes for Harrison’s football season this year.  Even though the Hoyas are off to a rocky start, Dupaty’s team goal is to win a region championship for the first time since 2005 and make a run at state.

Dupaty’s personal goal is to surpass 100 tackles for his career at middle linebacker.  Not only does Dupaty dominate on defense, he also plays an important role as a fullback on the offensive side of the ball. Being 6’and 218 pounds makes it hard for opponents to bring him down.

Dupaty realized his athletic talent at an early age. He began his football career as a four-year-old, when his parents signed him up in a local league. “I played soccer but I tackled the kids, so they put me in football,” explains Dupaty.

Over the years, Dupaty flourished into the offensive and defensive threat he is today.  “He is someone we always look to fill positions on defense and power the ball on offense,” says senior wide receiver Jake Lane.

Dupaty’s teamwork and leadership on the field allows him to be captain of the varsity team.  He is a leader with a positive attitude and takes command in tough situations.   “[David] steps up. He always wants to be in the game when the pressure is on,” explains Lane.

Dupaty learned his work ethic from his father, who he says is his most important role model. ”He works hard to provide for me, my mom, and my brothers and sisters.  He shows hard work pays off,” Dupaty says.

Dupaty’s outstanding play and his work ethic on and off the field garnered the attention of college coaches.  Duke, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Louisiana State University, Eastern Carolina and Louisville are a few Division I schools interested in Dupaty.  He is also interested in South Florida, Florida State, North Carolina and Miami.  With many options for the future, Dupaty will most likely end up in the SEC or ACC.

Though he is an essential member of the team, football is not the only sport Dupaty is interested in.  “If I was not playing football, I would probably do MMA. I have always wanted to do it.  I would also use my time to study more and take more AP classes,” he says.

A well-rounded athlete who puts a lot of hard work and effort to succeed in anything he does, Dupaty enters his senior football season with high hopes for himself and his team.  If he can show his full ability and put up another year of solid stats, the future looks bright for this rising star. He loves the game he has played since childhood and will keep playing as long as he can.