Stephanie Wagner, Introduction to Journalism

    “On your mark, get set, go!” can be heard everyday after school in the Rec Center Field House. The Campbell County High School indoor track team is up and running for a new season ahead.

The focus this year is Simplot. Simplot is a national event held in Pocatello, Idaho where track teams from the United States and Canada come to compete.

“Simplot is a big meet,” junior pole-vaulter Brittney Saenz said. “It’s a really fun experience though.”

Sophomore pole-vaulter Dustin Erisman agreed. “Simplot is a really big meet.”

With competition, come competitors.

“I think Cody is our competition,” sophomore pole-vaulter Matt Martin said. “They have really good vaulters.”

“I think for girls, Central and Laramie are our competitors,” said coach Mark Kelting. “The boys competitors are Central, East, and Laramie.”

How do CCHS track athletes improve through the season?

Junior shot putter Ashley Nodland said, “Your have to keep practicing to make yourself better.”

“Its all technique,” said senior shot putter Matt Brown. “Technique is everything.”

For the second year, state indoor track will be held in Gillette.

“I want to go first at state,” Brown added. “I think I have a chance this year too.”

Junior mid-distance Demi Fischer also wants to place at state. “I hope to get in the top three.”

“I hope that the girls and boys team both place first at the state meet,” Kelting added.

Track is not just a social event. Athletes have to work 100% with every run through and with every practice run.

“Track is hard,” senior pole-vaulter Ali Kistler said. “Because some teams are good competitors.”

Junior sprinter Alex del Valle agreed, “You have to run really hard.”

“You do have to run hard,” Martin said. “Sometimes I’m really lazy.”

Every one on the team hopes for a good season, and to hit their marks and qualify. Simplot will be held Pocatello, Idaho February 16-18. State is in Gillette on March 2-3.

Peter Nelson, Introduction to Journalism

If you ask children these days what super power they would want, most of them would say they would want to fly, run really fast, or be invisible. However, hockey players from CCHS feel like what they do is a super power of their own.

            “I play hockey because I love it,” junior Dalton McCann said. “It makes me feel like I am more than just a human.” Flying across the ice at crazy speeds make all the work that he does worthwhile.

              Other hockey players love the adrenaline rush of the game.  “I play because I love the game and the feelings I get from playing and winning state championships,” senior Austin Tennant said.  “I feel great when I score a goal or hit someone really hard.”

            However, some players continue playing because it’s the only thing they’ve ever known.  “I’ve always played. So it’s just a normal part of my life,” sophomore Tyler Tennant said.

            The coach enjoys spending time with his players for a unique reason.  “I coach so that I can torture little kids,” Coach Terry Pettigrew said.  “Plus it makes me feel great to be able to help young kids learn the game that I have loved for so long.”

            Hockey holds a large spot in the hearts of its players and it makes a difference in all of their lives, whether it is getting them in shape or showing them how to be a good person.

Peter Nelson, Introduction to Journalism

Batter up! Everybody loves a good day at the ballpark watching America’s past time, being played like it should be by the Gillette Roughriders.

“I love the game,” said senior Austin Tennant, the varsity catcher.

“I eat, sleep, and breathe baseball,” said junior center fielder Dalton McCann. “I practically live in the indoor facility.”

“I couldn’t imagine waking up everyday and not being able to play the sport I love,” said sophomore shortstop Tanner Rogen.

Baseball is a worldwide sport that provides players with a place to get away, almost like a personal paradise.

“I play because it’s the best sport on Earth and it makes me feel good,” said junior outfielder Andrew Youngs.

Junior Kadison Wass, the varsity short stop, said, “I play because I love the sport and I always will.”

Baseball is loved by many because of the impact it makes on lives.
“I started when I was four,” said junior first baseman Taylor Murdock. ”I wasn’t really old enough to pick, so my dad just got me into it.”

A lot of baseball players started at a young age, but sometimes it doesn’t matter how old you were when you start.

“I actually started when I was 13.” said junior outfielder Lucas Rissler. “I had always wanted to play, but I didn’t get around to it until then.”

Other teams in Wyoming have to stop practice at the end of the season, due to weather, but Gillette is lucky enough to have an indoor facility so that they can practice year-round. Many of the athletes on the team use this opportunity to their advantage.

“I come in and hit everyday,” said sophomore second baseman Tucker Jensen. “No matter what the weather’s like, I can still come work to get better.”

Though baseball season doesn’t start until April, the Gillette Roughriders will be working all winter to hone their skills in the sport they love.

Breezie Long, Introduction to Journalism

“Y-a-w-p!” can be heard echoing throughout the Campbell County High School gym as the junior varsity volleyball team prepares to match their opponent.

“We always yawp so we can breathe out bad energy and breathe in good energy,” sophomore Sydney Matheny reported of her pre-game ritual before the junior varsity game.

“I think the yawping is pretty weird,” sophomore Shelby Johnson said. “I have never heard of it before.  Plus it’s weird to yawp in a public place because no one knows what it means.”

The volleyball players at Campbell County High School have a wide array of activities before a game both as individuals and as teams.  Each player has a different ritual as well as a different reason for

continuing it from game to game.

“We were trying to do tricks before a game, so we started doing cartwheels,” said junior McKayla Peterson.  “We felt warmed up so we decided to continue doing it.”

“Everyone is a part of the pre-game activities; it has to be a whole team effort,” Johnson said.  “We hunt people down if they’re not there.”

Most of the volleyball team agreed with Johnson, including junior Kailey Anderson. “The rituals bring the team together and make us realize we are all aimed towards the same goal.”

“I think I wouldn’t play as well if I didn’t listen to my music,” junior Jacey Holst said.  “I wouldn’t be as pumped up and focused.”

Would athletes wear the same socks during every game without washing them?  The volleyball team was divided.

“Of course I would,” answered Matheny.  “I’m kind of superstitious about stuff like that.”

Senior Darby Kokesh’s disagreed.  “No! That’s really gross.  You can get diseases from that!”

Whether it’s yawping, listening to music before a match, or wearing the same socks, Campbell County High School’s dedicated Camels have pre-game rituals before every volleyball game.

Trista Fortuna, Senior staff writer

Cross country: a sport full of rivalry even against your own teammates. Every single week someone is challenged for a new rank, a new spot to be earned or to be lost.  

            “Cross country is different from other sports because we run against everyone around us,” sophomore Jessi Jeffries said. “It gets really competitive.”

            Jeffries is not the only athlete who believes this. Junior Sarah Sharp agrees that each teammate has a certain rank they want to be, and since they all have a common goal, it makes them stronger as a team.

            Although it’s tough to contend against your own teammates, it can be beneficial.

            “I think if we have more competition between the team, we become stronger as a team,” sophomore Derek Myers said.

Junior Jamon Rodrigues said that every week a member of the team gets new bragging rights, and the joking around pushes the team to do better every time.

            Not only is the inner-rivalry a challenge, but other obstacles face the squad.  With the intensity of cross country, the athletes follow a special diet. The team has a spaghetti feed every night before a meet.

 “Carbing up is what the spaghetti is for,” senior McKenna Hauschild said. “Most of us also take pop and sweets out of our diet.” Sharp added that it becomes a habit as a runner to always eat healthier.

            Every team has leaders to look up to and who strive to do their best at all costs.

Seniors Audra Destefano and Thomas Andrews have proven to be huge role models for the team. They always work hard and never complain.

“Audra is so positive all the time, which is really cool for our team,” Jeffries said.

“Thomas is a definite leader by example,” Myers said.

            A goal for every team is to win State, but this year it’s a good chance for both the girls and boys cross country team to do so. Senior Zach Sarchrella explained that both teams haven’t lost too many seniors. “We always work really hard to have three or four of the Camels runners in the top 10 each race.”

According to Hauschild one of their goals for the season is to have all of the runners become a minute apart in times.

            Myers summed it up by stating, “This is a sport that whatever you put into it, is what you get out of it.”

Jessica Dinan, Senior editor

“TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!” shouts the fanatical student section of Campbell County High School on a typical Friday night.

Through boisterous cheering and chaotic attire, the stands are anything but unnoticed. 

            “Gillette students are the rowdiest, craziest and most intimidating fans I’ve ever met,” junior Collin Baldacci said, “and I’ve been to the AFC Championship.”

            At CCHS, rowdiness and costumes are all show for school spirit.

Senior Kaycee Schriber admits she usually doesn’t know who the opposing team is during a game, however; she always knows the theme.   “It’s all about showing support,” Schriber said.

Associate Principal Jim Howard noticed the originality in the stands by stating his fondness of the “Throwback” theme during the Camel’s first game against Evanston.

“I’ll wait with anticipation for what the student section comes up with next,” Howard said.

Through optimism and strident chants students drive motivation into each player on the field or on the court.

“If you were an athlete that just made an 85 yard touchdown run, and the only people cheering were your grandma and mom you wouldn’t be as pumped,” senior Matt Perry said.

            “If we didn’t have the student section, we wouldn’t have the drive to play our hardest,” linebacker and junior Jasen Scalzo said.

            Senior Trevor Bitterman said he likes going to the games to support the team and to let them know he believes in them.

            Cheers not only help the players, but pumps up the crowd too.   

            “The best cheer is ‘Go Start the Bus’ because then we know we’ve beat the other team,” senior Sean Kelley said.

By Jessica Dinan

Julianne Reum Junior Staff Writer

The new season of the CCHS Dance Team has begun, with many different challenges to overcome. Eight seniors have graduated and the team is small, but determined.

“It’s definitely a disadvantage to have the seniors graduate last year because we don’t have anyone to lead us, however, we are going to work extra to be the best,” said sophomore Devyn Brinkerhoff.

Senior Devon Talcott agreed. “It is going to be tough to try and get everyone together on the choreography and counts.”

The dancers now have to find their own way to do things around the studio and set an example for the girls who are younger.

 “The oldest on the team is one senior and one junior and they don’t have a lot of experience being on the team,” said sophomore Willow Colbrese. “The seniors helped us at competitions, lead us in all of our choreography, and helped us when we didn’t understand.”

            Each year brings different things to look forward to and accomplish.

            “Performing and being together as a team is what I’m looking forward to the most this year,” said sophomore Jacinda Orozco. “I’m also looking forward to getting more experience and getting better as a dancer.”           

Many fundraisers and performances are ahead. Dance cards, basketball half time performances, a Chili Cook-Off performance, and a dance camp in January for the little upcoming dancers are all great events not to miss.  Despite the challenges, the team will work hard together and have another successful year.

Hunter Greer, Senior staff writer

Campbell County High School girl’s volleyball is underway, and this year the Lady Camels plan on emerging triumphant. As the season progresses, the players remain optimistic and in high spirits.

According to senior Darby Kokesh, the team thrives through sisterhood and compatibility.  “We have the same amount of talent as last year’s team, however I believe this year the girls have more of a closeness on and off the court.”

Junior Kailey Anderson agreed. “We all get along and have the same aspirations and goals, making it to State and doing well.”

This year’s unanimous goal of making it to state is a challenging, yet achievable goal of the Lady Camels.

Senior Dacia Lynman also believes winning State is obtainable. “Of course every time I say that, I knock on wood!”

In order to take State, the volleyball team must handle the pressure, something sophomore Amanda Galambus is becoming familiar with.

“It depends on the situation,” Galambus said. “Winning relieves pressure, but when we loose, we often get down on ourselves.”

However, they don’t stay down long. Their important pre-game ritual elevates their hopes and spirits, and the Lady Camels always stay consistent with their routine.

“We always gather together and have a positive talk, motivating and preparing each other,” junior Katie Howard said.

The Lady Camels are digging up fear and setting the stage for a spike of a season. Aiming for that one-way ticket to State, the Campbell County High School girl’s volleyball team is ultimately striving for success.

Nate Schelling Senior Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again when teams from around the United States travel to Gillette, Wyoming for one of the top high school basketball tournaments in the nation.

On December 28^th, 14 teams arrive in Gillette to compete in Energy Classic  against other elite teams. Teams from Washington, North Dakota, Utah, California, Arizona, Wyoming, Oregon, Nevada, and Canada will be here for four days.

In 2009, the Gillette Camels were the boys overall Energy Classic champions. They return five varsity players: seniors Will Lopez, Evan Lopez, Taylor Holst, Taran Brown, and Blaine Shaffer.

The girls overall champion in 2009 was Oregon City, Oregon, and the Lady Camels placed third. The Lady Camels return with seniors Jordan Kelley, Ashley Knofczynski, Kari Borchgrevink, Kaycee Wise, Sara Reile, and junior Dacia Lyman.

“I am excited to play out of state teams and see how we match up with them,” said Holst. “I also want to repeat as champions because it was a good feeling knowing we could compete with some of the top teams from around the country.”

“I am excited to watch people better than me and learn from them,” said sophomore Dani Williams. “I’m excited to get the experience to play against them.”

The Camels will play their first game at 9:15 p.m. on December 28^th against Sir Winston Churchill High School out of Calgary, Canada. The Lady Camels will play at 7:30 p.m. on the 28^th against Holy Cross High School from Saskatoon, Canada.

Every year, local families volunteer themselves to host a team. Junior Keaton Smith’s family hosted the Oregon City girls team several times. “We do it to represent our community,” said Smith. “We also like meeting people from other states.”

“We took our team to Devils Tower and bowling, but we mostly just hung out with them,” added Smith.

Admissions for the 2010 Energy Classic are $25 for all-session passes, and $10 for a daily pass.

The championship game for the girls is at 5:30 p.m. on December 30. The boys championship will follow the girls game at 7:30 p.m.

Trista Fortuna

By Trista Fortuna

Junior Staff Writer

Teams Participated

Dream Team (11-0)

E=Mc Hammer Squared (7-4)

Dirty Dirt Squirrels (6-5)

Eight Inches (2-10)

Spartans (1-10)

With names like “Dirty Dirt Squirrels,” and “E=Mc Hammer Squared” you know something fun is going down. Touchdown! That’s right, it’s got to be flag football.

Since 2002, flag football has become an intramural sport sponsored by the Campbell County Recreation Center, which many Campbell County High School students are interested in.

Beginning September 21^st and ending October 12^th, every Tuesday and Thursday, the boys gathered for a few games at Bicentennial Park.

“It’s a great way to get involved with friends and to stay active,” said senior Brenden Lujan from the Dream Team. “There wasn’t much of a fan base though.”

“All the teams would trash talk, and our team took it pretty seriously,” said junior Brad Larson from the Dirty Dirt Squirrels.

Flag football ended with a single-elimination tournament on Tuesday, October 12^th.

“Some games were really competitive compared to others,” said senior Zach Green from team E=Mc Hammer Squared, “The championship was intense.”

Taking first, and staying undefeated during the season was the Dream Team.  E=Mc Hammered Squared came in second.

There were no limits to how many teams could enter. However, it took $200 per team to play.

“I loved it,” said junior Christian Garcia from team Dirty Dirt Squirrels.

“I like hanging with my friends and catching the ball.”

Every game lasted between 30 to 60 minutes. There were 50 plays per game, and the field was about 50 yards. When a team was up by 35 points, the game could end with the “mercy rule.”

For those who want something less cutthroat, flag football can be a fun way to be social and lively without the pressure. “If you didn’t want to play high school football, it could be some kind of alternative,” said junior Bryce Knudsen from the Spartan’s team. Garcia added, “High school football isn’t for everyone, but everyone wants to have fun.”

Coming up next with the Rec. Center is Intramural Basketball (formally known as God Ball) for 9^th through 12^th graders. The fee to play is $150 per team, and rosters are due November 8^th. So sign up today!

Julionna Skinner, Staff Writer

Gillette fell short of making school history on Saturday, May 22nd, after they lost to Laramie 2-0 in double overtime. The Camel girls soccer team have yet to win a state title and were upset by the Plainsmen in the state championship for the second straight year. “It’s like déjà vu and feels the same as last year,” said senior Libby Storie.

            Sophomore Karen Storie added, “It is so frustrating and hard losing in the championship.”

            Others came off the field with a positive look of the game. “We gave it everything we had,” said sophomore Erin Thamm.

            “It was pretty disheartening when we lost, but we all played hard. It just didn’t seem to click,” added junior Missy Schultz. “We were super nervous and just couldn’t calm our nerves.”

            Along with Schultz, Karen Storie, Kayla Corcoran, Angie Benson, Brittany Lacek, and Sheree Small all earned first team All-State. Libby Storie was named second team All-State.

The Camels went 13-3 overall during their season, losing just one game in conference play. “Even though the outcome of the championship game wasn’t what we wanted, our season was very successful,” head coach Carl Matson said. “I’m looking forward to next year.”

The team loses its strength with three seniors leaving. However, plenty of depth with the returning underclassmen almost ensures a great 2011 season.

Rachel Vliem, Staff Writer

Add 2010 to the Wrestling State Champions banner in the gym; they’ve done it again.

The Campbell County High School wrestling team earned their eighth consecutive title in February, which is the most the state of Wyoming has ever seen. “Eight times feels great,” said junior Kody Brown. “We really proved everyone wrong this year.” Brown wrestled on JV at 171-pounds and took fifth at state this year. “I wrestled well, but I know I could have done better.”

Senior Aaron McGee felt that the team did great. “We met the goal of state championships. We were nervous about the teams we hadn’t seen, so we really didn’t know what to expect.”

“We weren’t even supposed to compete at state a few weeks ago because of our weak performance at Ron Thon,” explained junior James Boylan. “We did really good. We came within twelve points of the record.” Boylan earned himself second place at 285-pounds.

With ten wrestlers making it to the final match, the Camels felt pretty confident. “It was incredible getting ten guys to the finals,” said junior Tyler Pownall. “The win was very exciting.” Four out of the ten won the final match, earning each of them first place and sixteen additional points for the team score. The first place finishers were freshmen Dani Fischer and Lucas Poloncic, sophomore Taylor Bear, and senior Alex Coolidge.

“We did awesome! This would have been the year to beat us,” sophomore Trevor O’Dowd added. “Next year we will be even stronger and harder to beat.” O’Dowd wrestled at 152-pounds, but was disappointed when he got fifth place.

Coolidge plans on wrestling at Cornell next year. “As soon as the season got over for us, I never stopped wrestling. I practice for about two hours every day.”

Coolidge went to the national tournament at Virginia Beach along with the other state champions. He won four and lost two, getting beat out one round before placing.

Bear was awarded an All-American title with his performance at nationals. He earned eighth place at 112-pounds, losing to a wrestler from New York.

Fischer earned himself fifth place and an All-American title at 119-pounds.

Angela Hays, Staff Writer

Basketball, football and volleyball are often the talk of Campbell County High School. There are, however, a few outstanding individuals who have gone far in sports less known.

CCHS fans typically do not show up to alternative sporting events in the numbers that appear at basketball or football games. “I go to hockey and baseball games,” said senior Bailey Aaberg. “I usually just go to socialize unless I know someone playing.” Many athletes go under the radar, unlike school-functioned sports. “Typically at the Camel games, I cheer more,” she explained.

Senior Shad Green is a disc golf hero, taking part in the sport for his fifth year. “I kind of fell into in,” Green explained. “My brothers took me to the Cam-plex for league and I liked it right away.” Green has travelled to Missouri, Michigan, Colorado and South Dakota for the sport.

“My favorite part of disc golf is traveling places to compete in tournaments and play the different courses.” Green has won an array of prizes including nearly two hundred discs, shirts, and a banana board, which he sold for one hundred dollars. Green plans on continuing disc golf after he graduates this year.

Junior Kayla Corcoran is another alternative sport hero, a participant of sled dog racing for ten years. “When I was young, my dad raced them and he decided to get my own team together,” she said. “My favorite part of the sport is being able to work with animals and going places most people wouldn’t get to see.” With sports comes memories, “In Ashton, Idaho I took first place out of 23 and there were people I looked up to cheering me on,” said Corcoran. For this sport, she has travelled to many locations in Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. She has won nearly $1500 from racing her dogs.

Hockey is another sport that can easily be left out of the limelight. A long time member of the sport is sophomore Austin Tennant. He has been playing for nine years. “My neighbor played hockey and got me into it,” Tennant explained. “My favorite part of hockey is being able to spend more time with friends and teammates and accomplish things many people don’t get to.” Tennant’s favorite memory regarding hockey is going to the national tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has travelled many other places for the sport, too, including Germany, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. “The state tournament this year and last year meant a lot to me. We took first place both years.”

There are many more alternative sports heroes walking the halls of CCHS every day. Be sure to cheer them and their teams on just as you would cheer on any Camel.