44 MAY 2020 By Kelly Richmond Xavier College Preparatory Junior Alexandra Scott was on her way to represent her school’s archery team at the nationals in April when COVID-19 hit. The tournament was subsequently cancelled, but she hopes to return to nationals next year. Scott’s interest in archery started her freshman year. “I was initially most drawn to the sport because it’s really unique,” she said. “I was able to partake in something that you wouldn’t normally be able to do in high school.” Archery is one of only a handful of sports at Xavier that allows both boys and girls to compete against each other. The team consists of 25 girls from Xavier and 25 boys from Brophy College Preparatory. Scott believes the competitive nature of archery helps women become strong, confident and determined. “They say that archery is 10% physical and 90% mental,” Scott said. “It’s something that really takes a lot of focus.” Although archery is based on a single individual’s abilities, Scott is very grateful to have a team to back her up. “They really pick you back up and help you kind of forget the chances that you may have missed,” Scott said. “They remind you that you have so many other chances to make up for it.” The national competition is made up of two different tournaments. The first is target-based, where there is a traditional bull’s-eye with rings. The archer then shoots 15 arrows at two distances, 10 and 15 meters. The second tournament consists of 30 arrows being shot at six 3-D animal-shaped targets. Whoever shoots closest to the bull’s-eye to gain the most points wins. Scott plans to continue participating in archery through college. “I want to encourage people who are maybe younger to get involved in archery because it is a growing sport and we really want more and more people to be involved in it,” Scott said. Besides participating in archery, Scott is also a member of the National Art Honors Society, the National Spanish Honors Society, the National Honor Society and the Pierian Spring Club at her school. In her free time she trains as a black belt in karate and does yoga. Xavier student hopes to make it to nationals once more By Mallory Gleich The last weekend of February, the 7th graders of the Arcadia Fire basketball team headed to Tucson to participate in the state championship, where they won their third tournament in a row. A majority of the 12 students from Ingleside Middle School and Christ Lutheran School have been playing together since they were in fourth grade. “These guys are great friends on and off the court,” said Coach Jimmy Fox. The state championship hosted teams from all over the state. The team had to win by more points than any team with the same win/loss record. Arcadia Fire played teams from Tucson, Oro Valley and Phoenix, playing five games and winning them all. Fox and coaches Robert Koehler and Chris White have been coaching together for just under 10 years. “It’s kind of wild. Coaching is so much fun, and we are so lucky to have the best group of kids who genuinely like each other,” Fox said. “Our team parents are all awesome as well. I’m not going to lie, I like winning much better than losing!” Fox said that the kids’ favorite part of the championship is heading to Tucson, hanging out by the pool in their off time and the Sonoran Dog food truck. “Some of my favorite parts are playing keep away on the grass with the basketball, playing tag in the hotel and, of course, winning the state tournament,” said teammate Jamison Fox. “I loved having a chance at another championship. I was so happy we won,” said teammate Xander Koehler. “We had so much fun at the hotel playing tag and hanging at the hot tub. Having the team together in the van was really fun, too.” After the tournament, everyone was ready to head home. “The best part is watching the kids improve. The kids love the game and seem to really enjoy practice and games,” Fox said. Arcadia Fire Basketball celebrates three-peat Front row (from left): Charlie Nielsen, Connor Cook, Nick Gentner and Luke Gullekson. Middle row: Dillon Achen, Dutch Van Es and Will DeSpong. Back row: Johnny McDade, Braylen Rooney, Xander Koehler, Jamison Fox and Joshua Garrison. Coaches: Chris White, Jimmy Fox and Robert Koehler. PHOTO: JIMMY FOX Alexandra Scott shooting at the Ben Avery State Qualifier. Alexandra Scott By Rhys Lee Madison Highland Prep Senior Dodge Flynn took on the challenge of applying for the National Merit Scholarship and has been named a finalist for the prestigious award. The process to become a National Merit Scholar is arduous and competitive. Each year, 1.6 million students apply for the scholarship, which has been around since 1955. Students must take the PSAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) during their sophomore or junior year of high school. Afterward, they must take the SAT or ACT and earn scores that confirm their performance on the previous test. The student’s school must also provide transcripts that show the student has maintained academic excellence each year of their high school career. What makes this scholarship even more difficult to achieve is that the score to qualify changes year to year. The score to qualify is relative and based on how well all students perform. Flynn met every qualification for the scholarship, including writing an essay and getting recommendations from his teachers. Flynn has kept himself busy during his high school years. When he entered high school, he was a year younger than others in his grade. He is also advanced in math, and the school has provided ample opportunities to challenge him. Beyond academics, Flynn has kept his mind sharp with plenty of ext racu r r icular activities. He played basketball all four years; he’s president of the chess club; he participated in the academic decathlon; and he plays the saxophone. He also started an esports gaming club with one of his friends in school. Flynn also participates in a bowling league. “I started in the league this year,” he said, “and won the first two tournaments I participated in.” With so much going on, many may ask where he finds inspiration to keep pushing through. “My dad grew up needing to earn everything,” Flynn said. “Now, I have the opportunity to make use of my resources to become the best person I can be. My grandma is also an Italian immigrant, so the hard-working mentality has been a core foundation in my family.” That mentality is still pushing him forward. Although he hasn’t chosen a college yet, Flynn is hoping to major in data analytics and business science. He wants to get into statistics and is looking at financial management. Eventually, he would like to analyze data for a corporation. Madison Prep student a finalist for National Scholarship Dodge Flynn

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