32 AUGUST 2026 days a week for 2.5 hours, including 5 a.m. practices during the hotter months of the season, while also completing after-school workouts and individual training. “Rowing involves the integration of the physical output of a power lifter, the speed of a mile runner, and the precision of a ballet dancer,” Stricklin said. A standard rowing race covers 2,000 meters – about 1.25 miles – and requires roughly eight minutes of full-body effort. To prepare for Nationals, the rowers had to complete multiple races at that intensity over several days. “Training off the water is harder,” rower Cara Boyle said. “Self-discipline really comes into play; you have to motivate yourself, push yourself, but also be aware of your limits.” The junior quad of Cara Boyle, Izzy Castro, Alayna Zimmerman, and Sienna Goforth earned Xavier’s bronze medal at the SRAA National Championship. Boyle admitted she felt nervous entering the regatta because competing teams were unfamiliar, but once the race began, she felt more confident. Before every race, the team follows the same routine: cardio, stretching, and a quiet walk to the water. Izzy said encouragement from her teammates helped settle her nerves. The competition only intensified at the USRowing Youth National Championship, where Xavier faced the country’s top club and scholastic programs. That boat featured Emma Perry, Lauren Aldrete, Raphy Capozzi, and Olivia Moshiri, who finished seventh overall. “When we’re in it mentally, we’re in it physically,” Olivia said. Raphy emphasized the importance of mental strength: “It’s mentally pushing yourself to be a better racer,” she said. “During a race, you’re anxious, and it’s physically demanding.” The team also credits its sisterhood for its success. Before practices and races, the rowers pray together, sing, and share words of encouragement to help one another stay confident. “Although it’s cliche to say, this is a true team effort,” Stricklin said. “I’m so grateful for all the parents who sacrifice to make this program possible, for our board of directors which handles all the administrative tasks, and for our coaching staff. Coach Kevin Boyle, in particular, worked most closely with both of these national level crews, preparing them technically and mentally to perform as well as they did.” The season’s accomplishments have also created momentum for the future. This fall, Xavier will return to the national stage at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston after Emma Perry and Ella Boyle earned an automatic bid by finishing in the top half of a 70-boat field race last season. With national medals, top finishes and major competitions ahead, Xavier’s rowing program continues to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with! By Olivia Garcia The Xavier Prep rowing team had a remarkable season, earning a bronze medal at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) and placing seventh overall at the USRowing Youth National Championship, solidifying the program’s standing among the nation’s best. The two national regattas brought together elite high school and club rowing programs from across the country. The SRAA National Championship is held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, while the USRowing Youth National Championship takes place in Sarasota, Florida. For Xavier’s rowers, reaching Nationals was the result of discipline, teamwork, and determination. To qualify for USRowing Youth National Championships, teams around the country send the best of their best to 10 regional qualifying events around the nation. “Our qualifying event was the Southwest Youth Championships in Sacramento. At each of these regional championships the top three or four crews earn bids to Youth Nationals,” Head Coach Geoff Stricklin said. “In a three-day racing event involving time trials, semifinals, and grand finals, among the 14 crews who competed in our Southwest Region this year, our Under 17 Quad earned a top 4 position, automatically qualifying them for Nationals in Florida.” Obtaining that goal required early mornings and demanding practices. The Gators train on Tempe Town Lake four Xavier crew reaches new heights at national championships Coach Kevin Boyle, Olivia Moshiri, Raphy Capozzi, Lauren Aldrete, Emma Perry and Coach Geoff Stricklin. PHOTO COURTESY OF GEOFF STRICKLIN By Mark Hays What began as a way to stay active quickly became a passion, leading Arcadia sisters Brooke and Mackenzie Bream from first-time golfers at AHS to Division I student- athletes at the University of Nebraska. Both have built accomplished collegiate careers while continuing to set new goals on and off the course. After developing their games through the Junior Golf Association of Arizona’s year-round tournament circuit, both sisters signed with Nebraska, where they spent three seasons as teammates. Brooke graduated in May after completing both her undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in business. Mackenzie will return for her senior season this year. For Brooke, the relationships built through golf stand out more than any single tournament. “When I look back at my journey, the thing that stands out most is how much fun I’ve had competing and how grateful I am that I decided to start playing,” she said. “Some of my favorite memories are with my family, playing golf with my dad and sister while my mom rode along.” Her college career finished on a high note. Brooke qualified for the Big Ten Championship, won the 2026 Nebraska Women’s Amateur to earn a spot in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, captured her fourth Academic All-Big Ten honor and was named a First Team Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. “I’m especially proud of winning the Nebraska Women’s Amateur after finishing college,” Brooke said. “It earned me a spot in the USGA Women’s Amateur in August, and my dad will be caddying for me. Getting to share that experience with him will be very special.” Brooke said one of her proudest accomplishments was earning a consistent spot in Nebraska’s lineup during her final season after years of competing for one of the team’s five travel positions. “Serving as team captain during my final year made that season even more meaningful,” she said. Mackenzie said the opportunity to attend Nebraska alongside her sister has made the experience especially rewarding. “What stands out the most is how incredible the journey was,” she said. “From never picking up a golf club to managing a Division I spot at a school that means a lot to my family is so incredible. Being able to do it with my sister made it even better.” Mackenzie has earned two Academic All-Big Ten honors, a First Team Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award, and several leadership and academic recognitions while continuing to develop her game. “My favorite college memory so far has been playing in a tournament in Vegas this past year with my sister,” Mackenzie said. “Both of my parents got to come watch, and it was sort of a full-circle moment that reminded me why I play.” While Brooke is spending the summer working 70+ hours a week across three golf courses, helping with junior golf, women’s programs, and golf operations as she explores a career in the industry, Mackenzie has been enjoying time with family and friends while hosting a weekly golf radio show with a former Nebraska teammate. After graduation, she hopes to combine her background in sports media and management in a sales or marketing role with a university or professional sports organization. Their mother, Shelly, said the family’s unexpected introduction to golf has become one of life’s biggest blessings. “It’s never too late to take up a sport and your passion, because it’s surprising if you have the passion for something how good you can get,” she said. “That’s what they did.” That same message is one Brooke hopes young athletes will remember. “Take the chance, because you never know where it might lead,” she said. “Some of the best opportunities in life come from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a chance on yourself.” Bream sisters continue to shine at the University of Nebraska Brooke, Mackenzie, Shelly and Scott Bream at a tournament in Vegas. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLY BREAM

33 AUGUST 2026 Residents will notice a few important changes and reminders this August, from a temporary trail closure near Camelback Mountain to updated animal welfare regulations and ongoing efforts to conserve water amid drought conditions. CHOLLA TRAIL TO CLOSE FOR SEWER PROJECT The City of Phoenix Water Services Department has begun the Cholla Sewer Diversion and Abandonment Project, with construction starting July 13. As part of the project, Cholla Trail will be temporarily closed August 10-21 to accommodate the work. Hikers planning to visit Camelback Mountain during that time are encouraged to use alternate trailheads while the improvements are underway. NEW ANIMAL CRUELTY ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT The City of Phoenix has also updated its animal cruelty ordinance with new protections for dogs. Under the revised rules, dogs may not be tethered without direct supervision, and any tether used must be at least six feet long, allowing the animal adequate room to move comfortably. District 6 officials say the changes reflect the city’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of pets while encouraging responsible ownership. The city is also reminding residents that shelters continue to face overcrowding. According to the Arizona Humane Society, more than 25,000 pets entered its care in 2025. Officials say one of the most effective ways to help reduce pet overpopulation is by spaying and neutering pets, helping ease the burden on shelters while improving animal health. WATER CONSERVATION REMAINS A PRIORITY With Phoenix currently operating under a Stage 1 Water Alert as part of its Drought Management Plan, city officials are asking residents and businesses to continue making water conservation a daily habit. Simple ways to reduce water use include repairing household leaks, reviewing monthly water bills for unusual usage, replacing thirsty landscaping with native desert plants, installing smart irrigation controllers and encouraging others to embrace water-wise practices. As drought conditions persist and uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River continues, the city says every drop saved helps strengthen Phoenix’s long-term water future. Residents can learn more about conservation efforts and water-saving resources at phoenix.gov/waterfuture. – ! vi " Heads up, Phoenix! ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON !"#$%"&$'(')*!+$, “In 1996, my son just completed second grade and his teacher Bea Simmons asked me to paint a tree on the inside of her classroom door. One door led to painting another, and another and eventually all the doors at the school. Most teachers chose a picture based on subjects they were teaching at the time. I spent that summer painting, bringing my two kids with me. It truly was such a wonderful experience! Unfortunately, about two years later, the doors were discovered to have asbestos and had to be removed. I have continued painting and creating since I retired. The experience I had at Tavan was the best! I’ve always felt my artwork was a gift. To quote Pablo Picasso: ‘the meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’” – Cathy Mitchell, who retired from teaching in 2018 30 30 YEARS AGO YEARS AGO The story behind the doors, straight from the painter…