SPORTS
Troopers Look to Have Exciting Season
By Evelyn Munoz
By Evelyn Munoz
Batter up Troopers because baseball is back in season starting on the 21st of February officially. Although the Eastwood baseball team has had a few scrimmage games so far, more are to come as we begin this new season. Friends and family of the players all have come to the grand conclusion that this season is going to be one of their best yet. The team has had amazing luck in just the scrimmage games but still the real games are just slowly approaching.
Opening night taking place at the Southwest University Park at 7pm, the Troopers take on the Knights. “I think it’s going to be a really good game. I'm looking forward to it,” said Sophia Vitela, sophomore. The baseball stands are expected to be completely packed for their opening statement.
“I think the team is more than ready for this game. I think overall we are better than Hanks but we have to prove that tonight by making all the plays and showing up with the best bats. I am very excited about the game and I hope we can come out with the win but we will see what happens!” said senior, Eric Daniel. Many people are eagerly waiting for this game and are hoping that it's a hit.
With this brand new season coming up everyone's excited to see what's in store for the Eastwood High School baseball team. “I hope we can do good and help out the team today but we will just see what happens,” said senior Eric Daniel. Baseball season is upon us and we hope this season is one of the best it can be.
Opening night taking place at the Southwest University Park at 7pm, the Troopers take on the Knights. “I think it’s going to be a really good game. I'm looking forward to it,” said Sophia Vitela, sophomore. The baseball stands are expected to be completely packed for their opening statement.
“I think the team is more than ready for this game. I think overall we are better than Hanks but we have to prove that tonight by making all the plays and showing up with the best bats. I am very excited about the game and I hope we can come out with the win but we will see what happens!” said senior, Eric Daniel. Many people are eagerly waiting for this game and are hoping that it's a hit.
With this brand new season coming up everyone's excited to see what's in store for the Eastwood High School baseball team. “I hope we can do good and help out the team today but we will just see what happens,” said senior Eric Daniel. Baseball season is upon us and we hope this season is one of the best it can be.
Super Bowl Sunday
By Jessica Rose Johnson
By Jessica Rose Johnson
The Super Bowl took place on February 12, 2023. The Kansas City Chiefs played against the Philadelphia Eagles. It was much anticipated by not just El Paso but everyone in America and around the globe tuned in the watch that Sunday afternoon. Kicking off at 4:30 with back to back scores nearing the end, it had everybody on their toes. This year's score ended up as 38(Chiefs) to 35(Eagles).
The Super Bowls has always, and probably always will be something everyone, whether a football fan or not, tune in to watch. If we are talking about halftime shows I asked people what their favorite halftime show was. The most popular votes came from Coldplay featuring Beyonce and Bruno Mars, and last year's, with Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and 50 cent.
The Super Bowls has always, and probably always will be something everyone, whether a football fan or not, tune in to watch. If we are talking about halftime shows I asked people what their favorite halftime show was. The most popular votes came from Coldplay featuring Beyonce and Bruno Mars, and last year's, with Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and 50 cent.
The World Cup
By Jacob Beckett
By Jacob Beckett
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in international soccer and takes place every four years, bringing together the best national teams from around the world to compete for the title of world championship. This year's tournament, which was held in Qatar, was a thrilling and historic event that saw some of the world's best teams and players competing for the coveted trophy.
One of the most interesting aspects of the World Cup is the power brackets that are used to organize the teams. The teams are divided into eight groups, with each group containing four teams. The teams in each group play a round-robin tournament, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. From there, the teams compete in a single-elimination format, with the winners moving on to the next round until only two teams remain. This power bracket system allows for a fair and balanced competition, as it ensures that the strongest teams are not eliminated in the early stages of the tournament. It also creates exciting matchups and upsets, as teams from different regions and levels of skill can face off against each other.
Some of the favorites heading into the tournament include Brazil, Germany, and Spain, who are all considered to be among the best teams in the world. However, there are always surprises and upsets, as any team has the potential to beat any other on any given day.
The tournament began with a bang, as host nation Qatar shocked the world by defeating defending champions Brazil in the opening match. From there, the competition only got more intense, with teams from all over the globe battling it out in a series of grueling matches.
In the end, it was Argentina who emerged as the champions, defeating tournament favorites France in a hard-fought final. The victory was particularly sweet for French star player Antoine Griezmann, who was named the tournament's best player after scoring six goals and providing three assists throughout the competition.
However, the tournament was not without its controversy. There were concerns about the heat in Qatar, with some matches played in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, In recent years, there have been accusations of corruption and bribery surrounding the selection of host countries, as well as issues with discrimination and human rights abuses. These issues have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability within FIFA, and have sparked debates about the role of the World Cup in shaping global politics.
Overall, the FIFA World Cup is a magnificent spectacle that brings the world together to celebrate the sport of soccer. While it is not without its controversies, the tournament remains a beloved and revered event, and will continue to captivate fans and players alike for years to come. The tournament was a huge success and fans around the world were treated to some truly spectacular soccer. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will no doubt be remembered as one of the greatest in history.
One of the most interesting aspects of the World Cup is the power brackets that are used to organize the teams. The teams are divided into eight groups, with each group containing four teams. The teams in each group play a round-robin tournament, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. From there, the teams compete in a single-elimination format, with the winners moving on to the next round until only two teams remain. This power bracket system allows for a fair and balanced competition, as it ensures that the strongest teams are not eliminated in the early stages of the tournament. It also creates exciting matchups and upsets, as teams from different regions and levels of skill can face off against each other.
Some of the favorites heading into the tournament include Brazil, Germany, and Spain, who are all considered to be among the best teams in the world. However, there are always surprises and upsets, as any team has the potential to beat any other on any given day.
The tournament began with a bang, as host nation Qatar shocked the world by defeating defending champions Brazil in the opening match. From there, the competition only got more intense, with teams from all over the globe battling it out in a series of grueling matches.
In the end, it was Argentina who emerged as the champions, defeating tournament favorites France in a hard-fought final. The victory was particularly sweet for French star player Antoine Griezmann, who was named the tournament's best player after scoring six goals and providing three assists throughout the competition.
However, the tournament was not without its controversy. There were concerns about the heat in Qatar, with some matches played in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, In recent years, there have been accusations of corruption and bribery surrounding the selection of host countries, as well as issues with discrimination and human rights abuses. These issues have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability within FIFA, and have sparked debates about the role of the World Cup in shaping global politics.
Overall, the FIFA World Cup is a magnificent spectacle that brings the world together to celebrate the sport of soccer. While it is not without its controversies, the tournament remains a beloved and revered event, and will continue to captivate fans and players alike for years to come. The tournament was a huge success and fans around the world were treated to some truly spectacular soccer. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will no doubt be remembered as one of the greatest in history.
British Royalty, Princess Kate and
Prince William attend Boston Celtics game
By Dylan Hardin-Espinoza
Prince William attend Boston Celtics game
By Dylan Hardin-Espinoza
It is said that good luck charms come in many forms, but most people probably never thought that the presence of royalty officials can serve as good luck. Princess Kate and prince William attended the Boston Celtics game on Nov. 30, 2022. Their arrival surprised many fans in the crowd.
The Celtics are currently first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28 wins and only 12 losses. The night Princess Kate and Prince William attended the game, the Celtics won against Miami Heat with a score of 134-121 at the TD Garden arena.
It has been eight years since the royal couple has traveled to Boston. The couple had decided to go pay a visit to the Celtics. Upon entrance, the Prince and Princess received hate towards their arrival to the game. While many attendants of the game had shouted and booed the two royals, they for sure still enjoyed the game. Them staying there shows they weren’t phased by it, which definitely requires a lot of courage.
The royal couple traveled to Boston to award the Earthshot Prize to environmental entrepreneurs who have made a noticeable impact. Five entrepreneurs are chosen and awarded 1 million pounds, or 1.2 million dollars.
The purpose of this is to support these entrepreneurs' ideas to help our environment for the better of the world and the many organisms of the earth’s many ecosystems.
So with this trip, the couple might want to take another trip to Boston. Maybe the Celtics might win again with Prince William and Kate’s presence. Either way, this sports game might compete with the events of the Boston Tea Party!
The Celtics are currently first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28 wins and only 12 losses. The night Princess Kate and Prince William attended the game, the Celtics won against Miami Heat with a score of 134-121 at the TD Garden arena.
It has been eight years since the royal couple has traveled to Boston. The couple had decided to go pay a visit to the Celtics. Upon entrance, the Prince and Princess received hate towards their arrival to the game. While many attendants of the game had shouted and booed the two royals, they for sure still enjoyed the game. Them staying there shows they weren’t phased by it, which definitely requires a lot of courage.
The royal couple traveled to Boston to award the Earthshot Prize to environmental entrepreneurs who have made a noticeable impact. Five entrepreneurs are chosen and awarded 1 million pounds, or 1.2 million dollars.
The purpose of this is to support these entrepreneurs' ideas to help our environment for the better of the world and the many organisms of the earth’s many ecosystems.
So with this trip, the couple might want to take another trip to Boston. Maybe the Celtics might win again with Prince William and Kate’s presence. Either way, this sports game might compete with the events of the Boston Tea Party!
Alexis Montes Finishes Second at Nationals
By Samuel Montes
By Samuel Montes
Back in July, wrestler, Alexis Montes finished second in the USMC/USAW Junior and Cadet National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota. Montes competed in the 117-pound weight division and finished 5-1. She lost to Floridian, Juliana Diaz; who finished 6-2.
Back in January, Montes suffered an injury in both her knees caused by her teammate taking her down incorrectly during practice. She underwent surgery during her junior year causing her to enter the tournament unranked. She beat many of the top girls in the nation; even pinning the number one ranked girl in Texas. She tech fell (getting a 10-point separation) everyone leading up to the final match. “I was nervous, the tournament had some of the best wrestlers in the nation,” said Alexis. “But I’m glad to be back doing what I love after my surgery. I was upset because I let myself get injured.”
Although Alexis didn’t place first, she still did an amazing job and was even offered a full ride from Wesleyan University, a university located in Iowa. What she accomplished that day is a hard thing to do. Being a Fargo finalist alone is one of the hardest accomplishments a wrestler can achieve. The Junior and Cadet National Championships were full of nationally ranked wrestlers; some have even wrestled outside the U.S, and Montes was able to finish second. Alexis is now ranked number one in the state of Texas and number 2 in the nation.
Montes has begun her senior year with some goals in mind. She is excited to be wrestling in the upcoming Super 32 tournament, the women’s nationals, and she’s even interested in joining the world teams. “My knees are feeling good and I’m excited to be back wrestling,” said Montes.
Back in January, Montes suffered an injury in both her knees caused by her teammate taking her down incorrectly during practice. She underwent surgery during her junior year causing her to enter the tournament unranked. She beat many of the top girls in the nation; even pinning the number one ranked girl in Texas. She tech fell (getting a 10-point separation) everyone leading up to the final match. “I was nervous, the tournament had some of the best wrestlers in the nation,” said Alexis. “But I’m glad to be back doing what I love after my surgery. I was upset because I let myself get injured.”
Although Alexis didn’t place first, she still did an amazing job and was even offered a full ride from Wesleyan University, a university located in Iowa. What she accomplished that day is a hard thing to do. Being a Fargo finalist alone is one of the hardest accomplishments a wrestler can achieve. The Junior and Cadet National Championships were full of nationally ranked wrestlers; some have even wrestled outside the U.S, and Montes was able to finish second. Alexis is now ranked number one in the state of Texas and number 2 in the nation.
Montes has begun her senior year with some goals in mind. She is excited to be wrestling in the upcoming Super 32 tournament, the women’s nationals, and she’s even interested in joining the world teams. “My knees are feeling good and I’m excited to be back wrestling,” said Montes.
Cross Country from the eyes of Junior Varsity
By Jacob Beckett
By Jacob Beckett
There are many sports that are noted for their long hours and quantity of work and effort poured into the perfect performance, but no sport stands out quite like the world of Cross-Country. A three mile race with no breaks or timeouts while attempting to hold a steady state with each second. Merely up taking the challenge of running as a sport deserves respect. Eastwood High School’s Cross Country has made headlines in recent years, having been ranked nationally in the nation and outperforming opponents despite the odds stacked against them. The recipe for this long term success differs, from the quality of workouts, or the good spirited team bonding.
Each year brings different challenges to the team, and this year specifically has brought a new standard for everyone. Annalicia Cabral, a current junior on the Junior Varsity cross-country team, has been running cross-country since the seventh grade.
“Motivating myself to continue to put in the needed work and have the proper mindset to conquer my nerves have probably been the most prevalent challenges this season so far,” Cabral says. “Believing in myself and the work I put in has been the most effective way that I’ve been able to combat such.”
It’s evident that before fitness, cross-country remains a mental sport above others with only those with sharpest trust in their abilities excelling in performance. Despite these mental barriers, it seems that the connection shared between the runners has been the mold that has united them to move forward in the season.
“This year our team is extremely connected with each other and it has never felt like more of a family, especially within the girls. We all care about each other so much, and hold each other accountable to always give it our best shot.” said Cabral. This is especially true, as the cross-country team are not only teammates but remain friends off the muddy trails which they lay their running shoes upon, supporting each other in school and hanging out together outside of it. The effects of this tight-knit love for the team is heavily reflected through each of their performances.
“The close bond shared by all of us allows our team to show lots of promise and dedication, with the varsity team especially serving as a good model to all the junior varsity and freshmen teams, who are also performing exceptionally at the meets.” says Cabral. It’s the same values that the team shares that allowed both girl and boy varsity teams to qualify and make their way to regionals which is a big accomplishment.
As the hard-fought cross-country season comes to an end, the team is up against one last battle in the coming weeks. Selected athletes will have the chance to perform at the Nike South cross-country meet in Woodlands, Texas, an annual regional competition event hosted by Nike that brings together the best of the best in the southern United States. The trip is often considered as the resting conclusion and final bout to months of hard work as runners perform their absolute best.
From the eyes of Cabral, who sees this moment as an opportunity for the team, “Nike south is a final race to show that hard work Eastwood has truly put in, day in and out. I expect this meet to be extremely fun for all of us, and I know our runners will give it their best effort like we always do. We’re a family and we’re going to run like one.”
Each year brings different challenges to the team, and this year specifically has brought a new standard for everyone. Annalicia Cabral, a current junior on the Junior Varsity cross-country team, has been running cross-country since the seventh grade.
“Motivating myself to continue to put in the needed work and have the proper mindset to conquer my nerves have probably been the most prevalent challenges this season so far,” Cabral says. “Believing in myself and the work I put in has been the most effective way that I’ve been able to combat such.”
It’s evident that before fitness, cross-country remains a mental sport above others with only those with sharpest trust in their abilities excelling in performance. Despite these mental barriers, it seems that the connection shared between the runners has been the mold that has united them to move forward in the season.
“This year our team is extremely connected with each other and it has never felt like more of a family, especially within the girls. We all care about each other so much, and hold each other accountable to always give it our best shot.” said Cabral. This is especially true, as the cross-country team are not only teammates but remain friends off the muddy trails which they lay their running shoes upon, supporting each other in school and hanging out together outside of it. The effects of this tight-knit love for the team is heavily reflected through each of their performances.
“The close bond shared by all of us allows our team to show lots of promise and dedication, with the varsity team especially serving as a good model to all the junior varsity and freshmen teams, who are also performing exceptionally at the meets.” says Cabral. It’s the same values that the team shares that allowed both girl and boy varsity teams to qualify and make their way to regionals which is a big accomplishment.
As the hard-fought cross-country season comes to an end, the team is up against one last battle in the coming weeks. Selected athletes will have the chance to perform at the Nike South cross-country meet in Woodlands, Texas, an annual regional competition event hosted by Nike that brings together the best of the best in the southern United States. The trip is often considered as the resting conclusion and final bout to months of hard work as runners perform their absolute best.
From the eyes of Cabral, who sees this moment as an opportunity for the team, “Nike south is a final race to show that hard work Eastwood has truly put in, day in and out. I expect this meet to be extremely fun for all of us, and I know our runners will give it their best effort like we always do. We’re a family and we’re going to run like one.”
Tennis Junior Varsity Season
By Carmella Castruccio
By Carmella Castruccio
Varsity season is over for tennis, which gives junior varsity a chance to prove themselves as potential varsity candidates when the seniors graduate. While the Junior Varsity is preparing for competition, many Junior Varsity students who are not competing are practicing every day until they can.
When I asked Sophomore Francisco Portillo, a member of the varsity, what he felt about their season, he stated, “We definitely could have done better, although I really enjoyed playing doubles.”
When asked about whether or not team building is important, he said, “Yes, it is very important to play as a team and to have the same mindset during competition.” Finally, When asked what his advice would be to the kids competing, he said, “Don’t give up mid-match, and certainly don’t get frustrated.”
Another Varsity member, Junior Isaac Carbajal, was asked if he could have done one thing differently, what would it be? To which he responded, “Probably pushed our team harder, and to make sure that we have the best to succeed.”
When asked what his favorite part of competing was, he said, “Seeing everyone win or lose, but putting everything in.” Finally, when asked about what he looks forward to the rest of the year and what he will do in his downtime, he stated, “Working on getting better and better every day, and to keep practicing to prepare for the spring.”
I asked a current member of Junior Varsity, Sophomore Andre Milo Jones, who is practicing for the competition, if he has competed before, to which he said he had. When asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, “Hanging out between games.” Finally, when asked if he felt that he was ready to be on varsity, he stated, “I am the alternate so yeah.”
The junior varsity beginners that are waiting to participate in the competitions and tournaments are building their skills and stamina for the right moment. I interviewed Junior Varsity member freshman Paola Herrera and asked what she can do to improve her game, and she said, “Definitely practice more.”
When I asked Sophomore Francisco Portillo, a member of the varsity, what he felt about their season, he stated, “We definitely could have done better, although I really enjoyed playing doubles.”
When asked about whether or not team building is important, he said, “Yes, it is very important to play as a team and to have the same mindset during competition.” Finally, When asked what his advice would be to the kids competing, he said, “Don’t give up mid-match, and certainly don’t get frustrated.”
Another Varsity member, Junior Isaac Carbajal, was asked if he could have done one thing differently, what would it be? To which he responded, “Probably pushed our team harder, and to make sure that we have the best to succeed.”
When asked what his favorite part of competing was, he said, “Seeing everyone win or lose, but putting everything in.” Finally, when asked about what he looks forward to the rest of the year and what he will do in his downtime, he stated, “Working on getting better and better every day, and to keep practicing to prepare for the spring.”
I asked a current member of Junior Varsity, Sophomore Andre Milo Jones, who is practicing for the competition, if he has competed before, to which he said he had. When asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, “Hanging out between games.” Finally, when asked if he felt that he was ready to be on varsity, he stated, “I am the alternate so yeah.”
The junior varsity beginners that are waiting to participate in the competitions and tournaments are building their skills and stamina for the right moment. I interviewed Junior Varsity member freshman Paola Herrera and asked what she can do to improve her game, and she said, “Definitely practice more.”
How Student Athletes Balance Academics and Sports
By Lucinda Hardin-Espinoza
By Lucinda Hardin-Espinoza
Academics are the core of a student’s life, but sports are the extracurricular activities one can participate in as long as they have good grades. So, how do athletes participate in sports and keep up with their schoolwork? Does being in sports affect their grades? Do different sports have different tolls on grades or are they all the same?
“Softball practice usually starts arounds 7am and ends during second period; it honestly depends on the day. I get my work done during class. I have managed to be on the A honor roll, so sports does not affect my grades,” said freshmen softball player, Valeria Avila.
Freshmen, Samantha Estrada, a gymnast, is part of a gymnastics team outside of school. “My practice starts from 4:30 and it ends around 6pm. It takes a toll on me because I don’t get home until later in the evening,” said Estrada. “I am an A-B honor roll student and I usually get my work done in class.”
Freshmen tennis player, Julia Daniels, is on the tennis team here at Eastwood. “I am proud to call myself an A honor roll student. Being in tennis does not affect my grades because I get most of my work done in class. Practice for me starts at 3:40 pm and ends at 5:30 pm,” she said.
Swimmer, Dakota Ray, describes her early morning practices, “I start my mornings bright and early. I arrive at school at 6:30 am and finish practice at 8 am. I am also a part of a swim team out of school and practice starts at 5:30 pm and ends at 7 pm. I make B’s and C’s and I usually finish my homework when I get home after swim practice,” she said.
“I am an A-B honor roll student. I am a wrestler on the Eastwood team and practice starts right after school at 4:10 pm and finishes at 5:30 pm,” said freshman, Mike Grijalva. “Being in wrestling does not take a toll on my grades, if anything it helps them. I like to wrestle and if my grades aren’t where they need to be then I can’t play. I actually try to get my homework done during practice when I have down time.”
Being a student athlete is no easy task. Finding a good balance between academics and sports is even harder. They try their best to come up on top in the classroom and on the fields, courts, pools and mats. Student athletes are here from the light of dawn to the dead of night and are able to achieve great things here at school.
“Softball practice usually starts arounds 7am and ends during second period; it honestly depends on the day. I get my work done during class. I have managed to be on the A honor roll, so sports does not affect my grades,” said freshmen softball player, Valeria Avila.
Freshmen, Samantha Estrada, a gymnast, is part of a gymnastics team outside of school. “My practice starts from 4:30 and it ends around 6pm. It takes a toll on me because I don’t get home until later in the evening,” said Estrada. “I am an A-B honor roll student and I usually get my work done in class.”
Freshmen tennis player, Julia Daniels, is on the tennis team here at Eastwood. “I am proud to call myself an A honor roll student. Being in tennis does not affect my grades because I get most of my work done in class. Practice for me starts at 3:40 pm and ends at 5:30 pm,” she said.
Swimmer, Dakota Ray, describes her early morning practices, “I start my mornings bright and early. I arrive at school at 6:30 am and finish practice at 8 am. I am also a part of a swim team out of school and practice starts at 5:30 pm and ends at 7 pm. I make B’s and C’s and I usually finish my homework when I get home after swim practice,” she said.
“I am an A-B honor roll student. I am a wrestler on the Eastwood team and practice starts right after school at 4:10 pm and finishes at 5:30 pm,” said freshman, Mike Grijalva. “Being in wrestling does not take a toll on my grades, if anything it helps them. I like to wrestle and if my grades aren’t where they need to be then I can’t play. I actually try to get my homework done during practice when I have down time.”
Being a student athlete is no easy task. Finding a good balance between academics and sports is even harder. They try their best to come up on top in the classroom and on the fields, courts, pools and mats. Student athletes are here from the light of dawn to the dead of night and are able to achieve great things here at school.