56 FEBRUARY 2019 By Rachael Bouley The Titans hit the wrestling mat for the second straight year, starting a new tradition after the program’s long break from action at Arcadia High School. When the program started back up last year after a 25-year break, AHS students were quick to embrace the combat sport, which combines athleticism and physical fitness with mental endurance. For their second season, the Titans have 12 impressive student athletes on the varsity team. Head Coach Aaron Simpson says the return of some experienced wrestlers from last year’s inaugural season helped the team get started on the right foot back in October. The team has been making some big waves this season. Hard work and persistent practices have paid off, with several boys turning in great performances this season. “Jack Hunt has been lighting it up. He is 18-4 on the year and is getting better every time he steps on the mat. I expect big things for him at State in February,” Simpson said. The team’s growth is rooted in its dedication to teamwork and pushing each other toward success. “From our least experienced wrestler to our most, they pull for each other and want to see each other win,” Simpson said. “It may be my favorite part of coaching this team.” Jack was joined by teammates Jason Crabb and Elias Achey in placing in the McClintock Tournament. Driven by preparation, team spirit and leaders such as Achey, the squad is showing it’s here to stay. By Megan Forrester Faced with competing in a new conference and losing several standout players from last season, this year’s Arcadia High School Girls Varsity Soccer team is showing that remaining competitive is all about harnessing existing talents and adapting to the needs of the team. For the past two years, the team was able to make it into the final four group of teams that compete for the state championship, but with losing eight players to sickness, injuries, and graduation, expectations were tempered. Even though Arcadia moved up from Conference 5A to Conference 4A this year, the team is playing well, ranking fourth with a 5-2-2 record as of mid-January. If there’s any way to describe that in one word, it would be “resilience,” according to Coach Adam Zweiback. “A lot of girls have risen to the challenge,” said Zweiback, who has been coaching at Arcadia for seven years. “You can’t just sit on the sidelines and watch your star players win the game – you have to help win the game yourself. And that’s how we have had great results.” The majority of the team this season is first-time players, using their skills from other sports such as track and volleyball to compete. Others are experienced soccer players but are trying new positions. “A strength of our team is the diversity of talent; everyone contributes something to the team. I believe we need to work on our cohesiveness, but we have talented girls with many different styles of play,” said Ava Camberlango, who plays midfield. Coach Zweiback hopes the girls will recall how they all came together from different athletic backgrounds and skill sets to form a soccer team and compete at a high level. “We typically have a very successful team of tremendous students and a nice mixture of club and non-club members,” said Zweiback. “Whether they go to law school or med school or become teachers, to know that playing soccer was a big part to their success is really exciting.” While all 18 girls on this team bring power In the new year, the Titans welcomed back Hayden Kaberline from injury as he returns with just one loss this year. Jake Waltz, Abel Sandoval and Max Robbins are also in the mix ahead of sectionals, as Simpson says they’re “right there in turning the corner and getting to the next level.” No matter what happens on the mat the rest of this season, Simpson said he will be satisfied with the program’s success and his team’s ability to train day-in and day- out. “It’s such a great sport with a history rooted in ancient times. Having student athletes at Arcadia compete in the toughest sport in the world says a lot about their character.” In the future, Simpson is hopeful that the program will continue to grow and flourish. “I want more students to wrestle and learn one of the greatest martial arts there is. I am also looking forward to Arcadia having their first state wrestling champion. We are working every day toward that.” and skill to the game, some standout players this season include Mackey Massingale and junior defender Kayla Walshire, who scored three goals from powerful throw- ins. Junior Grace Pierce is playing defense for the first time in her career. Senior co- captain Ainsley McMahon is the leading goal scorer and senior co-captain Shelby Grady scored the winning goal during a game against Desert Mountain. Zweiback said there is always room for improvements in skill, athleticism, and soccer IQ. By continuing to work on these areas, not only will they be more efficient, but they will also become more intelligent players. “We want each girl to be better at whatever we think she has on the field and we are definitely building for the future,” Zweiback said. “We’ve got a real culture of success here and we really want to keep that going.” The girls have been learning to manage their time, which indirectly allows them to prepare for college. Most girls are up for this challenge and want to continue soccer in college, with a host of players from the varsity team receiving scholarships every year. “For those girls who really want to play at the next level and get scholarships to do it, it’s been really satisfying to help them make their dreams come true,” Zweiback said. Although the main goal for the varsity team this year is to make the playoffs and possibly have a run at the semifinals, Zweiback thinks the one thing the girls should take away is the memories that they have made during games and off the field with their teammates. “Whether it was knowing that you had a big sister on the team to greet in the school hallways or the conversations you had on the bus ride to a game in Flagstaff, hopefully soccer gave the team a joyful experience when looking back at their time in high school,” Zweiback said. The soccer season started in November and concludes in February. For tickets: gofan.co. Arcadia wrestlers aim high in second season Athleticism and adaptability drive AHS girls soccer season The AHS girls soccer team moved up from the 5A to the 4A conference. PHOTO: AUDREA WALSHIRE PHOTO: GABE SHEPHERD Arcadia wrestling is back in full swing. Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE Worship Sunday 8:00am & 10:45am – Traditional* | Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am – Contemporary* Sunday School/Bible Classes – 9:40am* | Sunday 12:30pm – Spanish Sunday 5pm – Sunday Night Devotions 3rd-4th Grade Youth Group – Sunday 3:30 – 5:30pm 5th-6th Grade Youth Group – Sunday 5:00 – 7:00pm *Nursery Care is available at all Sunday AM services

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