Student Articles: Jerling Jr High Fall Sports in Action

"Sprinting Into First Place" an article by Ainslee Beaty (student at Jerling Jr High)

Throughout everyone’s lives, running has always been present. Whether in gym, sports, or running late, everyone knows what it’s like to run. But, there are some kids who have taken this to a completely different level. And they… are the cross country runners.

Cross country running is a lot like what it sounds like: running across the country. Of course, it’s not the whole country. In junior high, cross country usually consists of maintaining a steady, fast pace for 2 miles straight (and competing in races called meets and larger races called conferences). There is a boys race, and a girls race, both very competitive and extreme.

Cross country actually has a meet and conference coming up. As said by Mrs. Niven (7th and 8th grade science teacher who is also a cross country coach), “We currently have one more meet in Tinley Park against Prairie View, Tinley Central, Century, Grissom, and Palos prior to Conference. [Conference is] our biggest event of course... This year’s conference will take place on Monday, September 30th. We compete against 11 other schools.” The goal for this major conference is to win first place for both the boys and girls. And with 11 schools also trying to ‘run away’ with these wins, cross country will have their work cut out for them. “As of right now, we have not competed against every school that we will race in the conference. But, Century has a few good runners that we have on our radar.”

But why? Why run miles in the heat and the cold? What motivates these runners to ‘go the distance’? Well, Mrs. Niven started coaching cross country because she “started cross country when [she] was in junior high and loved it. The best part about being a coach is watching kids push themselves and succeed when they thought they couldn't do any better.” As for the runners, we got an exclusive with 8th grader Liam Morrissey, who placed 10th in his cross country meet against Orland Junior High (among other schools). He said, “Some of my family members are runners and I heard that Jerling cross country was a winning team so I wanted to be part of that atmosphere.” Liam also says that his teammates are what makes Jerling’s cross country so fun for him.

If you want to get into running, or try cross country next year, there are some tips you should know. First, don’t burn yourself out at the start of your run. “The easiest part of the race is about a 1/2 mile or mile into the race because you are not incredibly tired but you have also been in the race for a good bit. The hardest is keeping [your] placement at the beginning of the race because at first you go fast but then you settle into a race pace [and] try not to let anyone pass you,” Liam said. Cross-country is all about running fast but also far, so you have to be able to find a steady pace and hold it. That also means you have time to speed up, so you should not feel pressured to hold your beginning placement. Another helpful tip, (also from Liam) is to not drink too much water before a race, or else you may end up feeling sick. Also, aim for days when it’s not “above 85 degrees or below 60. You never want to run on cold and hot days. You also want a slight breeze so you don’t get too hot.” Yet, a lot of running is up to you! Music can help you get through practice or simply pump you up. There are different drills to choose from as well. But, to quote Mrs. Niven, the most important aspect of cross country is, “practice, practice, practice! Improving any skills can only be improved by putting in the effort and practicing.”

"Softball" an article by Emme Ko (student at Jerling Jr High)

September third, the boys and girls softball teams first game, and the kick off to victory as both teams won their games. They will be continuing and hopefully playing for the championships settled on October 2nd. Softball is a sport that includes nine positions: catcher, pitcher, first base, second base, shortstop, third base, right field, right centre, left field, and left centre. Softball has seven innings, and is a competitive sport.

Participating in this year's softball season are Conrady, Palos South, Orland Junior High, Century, Evergreen, Simmons, Grissom, Liberty Jr. High, Prairie View, and Tinley Central, but Mr. O’Donovan seems to have a nice time going against two specific teams, “The schools that we have a rivalry with are Century and OJ, we want to be the kings of Orland.” As if they weren’t the best already, they have barely lost any games, pushing their softball season to the bestest ability. Ms. Krown has confidence, as she says, “I think we play the hardest against the other District 135 schools, Century and OJ. There's a lot of pride in being the top Orland School in softball.” Which seems to be true, because the girls softball team had won their game on September 23, beating OJH 26-9!

Lyla Maka, playing second, thinks the girls have a good shot, saying, “I think so, we have good teamwork, and when we put in the focus, we’re able to win a lot of games.” Bringing light for the next big win, hopefully for the championships. Lena Dezienisik, playing shortstop states, “We just need to keep our hopes up and not become upset over a mistake. Backing up some players and never giving up on the ball and play.” On the other side, the boys seem confident too, with Jacob Matykiewicz, a sub-pitcher and a left fielder, saying, “I am pretty confident that we will make it to the championship, as long as we stay focused and try our best.” And best they have been, as they have been rocking their season! Mr. O’Donovan gave his opinion on the championships, asking if he will be going big, or going home.“I think our team has a great shot to compete for a championship. There is only one way and that is to go big.” Encouraging the boys to play their best.

Softball is a tough game to play, not only do they have to work well with the ball, bat, and catching, they also have to cooperate with their teammates with communication. Though that doesn’t seem to be a problem for these teams! A third base player, Alex Kantznvelos, says, “I like how everyone gets along, we can pull together and be a team and win.” Emma, playing outfield, comments, “I love that our team is all kind to each other, we don’t make fun of each other when we make a mistake.”

We have some amazing coaches, (as you know,) Ms. Krown and Mr O’Donovan, but what are the teammates' thoughts on them? Brooke Wadhams and Molly M both agree that everything about Mrs. Krown is amazing, not just one thing. her personality, to her encouragement, to her coaching. They love it all! “I love everything, she’s kind and she played in college, so she has experience! Lena D appericiates how she won’t put pressure on the team, saying, “She doesn’t put pressure on you when you make a mistake. Always has faith in us no matter what.”
Jacob Matykiewicz compliments Mr. O’Donovan, stating, “The thing I like most about my coach is that he believed in me throughout the season.”

All the softball teams seem to be having fun, as Savannah O, says, “I like being with my friends and having a good time!” Alex K adds, “I like softball because it’s fun, I get to hang out with my friends, and play a different sport.”

Let’s keep cheering on the Jerling Softball team, in hopes to go to the championships!