IRONWOOD SPORTS
Taking on Nationals With Spiritline
January 19, 2024
Em Pearson
Editor-In-Chief
Competition for sports and are some of the most common to see high school students competing in for school. From the playoffs for boys’ basketball to wrestling taking on State Championships, the Ironwood High Spiritline program is no different. Their competitions give them the opportunity to perform the choreo and stunts they practice from the moment competition season comes aroound.
This last Thursday, the Eagles take off to California, Anaheim, to take part in the U.S.A National level along with other schools from Arizona and schools from all over the country. The teams taking part in the competitive Spiritline are Varsity Show Cheer, Varsity Competitive Pom, and Jazz. In each category, show cheer had performed in the Co-Ed Varsity Show Cheer intermediate category against 14 other teams. Pom performed in the Varsity Song/Pom intermediate large (12-23) category against 10 other schools. Jazz competed in the Varsity Jazz (Song/Pom) —Small (5-7) against 16 other schools.
At the end of the competition, Ironwood’s spiritline had taken home 8th, 11th, and 13th out of all three of their categories. Though they didn’t win, they still showed great performances from each athlete at their full potential and strength. This year gave these Eagles some great memories to take with them as they graduate and for those to keep as they continue to grow and improve within this program.
While they weren’t competing, Spiritline took some time to get some fun in between. On the night they had arrived, the cheerleaders and pommies took some time to explore Downtown Disney, shopping and eventually after competing, took it the actual Disney parks where they spent time together building new friendships and had fun before they had to return home.
Image Credit: Ironwood Spiritline Instagram
Ironwood Hosts: The Wrestling Invitational
January 26, 2024
Em Pearson
Editor-in-Chief
The Ironwood campus has the honor of hosting the 27th Annual Eagle Invitational wrestling tournament. This is the fourth largest tournament in Arizona. The tournament will be an all-day event from Friday, January 26th to Saturday, January 27th. To watch the event, the adult tickets for the day pass are $15 and $25 for the weekend pass. Student tickets are $3 for the day pass and $5 for the weekend pass.
31 high schools all over Arizona have been invited to participate in the wrestling tournament. The schools invited to attend: Agua Fria, Apollo, ALA West Foothills, Cactus, Central, Centennial, Copper Canyon, Cortez, Desert Edge, Glendale, Horizon, Ironwood, Lake Havasu City, Lee Williams, Maryvale, Moon Valley, Mountain View, North Canyon, Northwest Christian, Odyssey Institute, Perry, Poston Butte, Sunrise Mountain, Tempe, Tolleson, Valley Vista, Verrado, Westpoint High, Westwood, Willow Canyon, and Youngker.
As the wrestlers are wrestling, the students of Ironwood are going to have to catch rides with others due to limited parking spots being available. They will also have to eat outside during both lunches as the event will be preoccupying the cafeteria and the gymnasium.
Image Credit: The Eagle's Eye
​
Mission: Inclusion
August 31, 2023
Jack Freeman
Staff Reporter
What does it mean to be Unified? Many people today have heard the term before, possibly from around campus, the workplace, scrolling on Facebook, and many other settings. Although the term is popular, many people do not understand its meaning. The single word stands for so much, it could be talked about in a variety of ways. Highlighted today will be Unified Sports and Unified Esports.
Ironwood High School has taken many steps to include all students on campus in sports and activities. The unified program has done an exceedingly well job at accomplishing its goals set as a club yearly. The club focuses on allowing and encouraging students to make friends and connect with other students, participate in an environment outside of the classroom that promotes self-discipline, respect, responsibility and a positive work ethic. The club also pushes students to explore new interests, discover new talents, participate in contests and competitions, and most importantly; HAVE FUN!
To get a better insight into the club here at Ironwood, director Mrs. Lopez was interviewed. She states, “The club has done a very good job including kids from all over campus by giving partners and athletes opportunity to engage in activities inclusively”.
A big takeaway from the interview was how welcoming the community was. All members know each other and interact during in person and online activities. Ironwood High School praises the idea of getting involved in something you find interest in. The Unified program specializes in getting partners and athletes involved.
Image Credit: Ironwood Unified Facebook
The IHS Golf Team
August 31, 2023
Keila Gonzalez
The only noises heard around the golf course were the hitting of balls and the rough wind whistling through the atmosphere. The player took a few breaths, calming himself down before taking his shot. This was it, his chance to aid his team in winning. The most important thing he could do was keep his focus.
Similarly, when interviewed, most of the boys on the Ironwood High School golf team concluded that the hardest part about golf was not anything related to the game itself, but the mentality one must have in order to succeed. For example, if you were to take a bad shot, you should not let your mind center around it before taking another shot, for it can distract you from making a better shot.
They also mentioned that it is very important remain focused. Sometimes, it is easy to be intimidated by others around you or get distracted by the noise. Luckily, Nathan Padia was happy to share some advice. During an interview, he stated that, “If you get in your head, you can really mess up your shot. It’s important to make sure you have a clear head and positive thoughts.”
Golf is more of an individualistic sport that comes together in the end. Each individual must take their own shots, but their scores will be added up together in the end. Mr. Robinson was interviewed for more insight on how the team was doing. When asked what his goals for the season were, he stated that “[he] was interested in seeing how much our golfers progress because we have guys that are seniors and [he’s] seen them work their way up, which is nice.”
Although the blaring heat makes these games difficult to go to, it is nice to enjoy the soft breeze under the shade and watch in anticipation as a golfer prepares themselves to make their shot.
Image Credit:Eagle's Eye
Cardinals Preseaon Moves for 2024 Season
August 31, 2023
Johnny McHugh
Staff Reporter
The 2024 National Football League (NFL) season is about to start. The Arizona Cardinals haved one many things to prepare for the upcoming season. First off, the Cardinals only have “two quarterbacks for now, going with rookie Clayton Tune, a fifth-round pick ,and veteran Joshua Dobbs, whom they traded for last week. ”According to ESPN ,the new NFL rules allow a third quarterback, but it is unclear if the Cardinals will have one for opening day. They have Kyler Murray but due to him being physically unable to perform, they will go for their other two. The tightend Noah Togiai did well but was eventually cut along with longsnapper Aaron Brewer, who has been with the Cardinals since 2016. Their first game is on Sunday, September 10 at 10AM, where they take on the Washington Commanders. Sadly the Cardinals are not projected to do well this season due to Kyler Murray’s torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). Without him the Cardinals are projected to win under 60% of the games that they play this season.
Image Credit: AZCardinals.com
World Cup 2022
September 20th 2023
David Ca Rai
Staff Reporter
The World cup of 2022, which was considered one of the best world cups in the world ever in soccer history, it was held in Qatar and man say it was one of the best world cup experiences. It was one of the best world cup finals ever because of the experience and because Messi had won the world cup after trying his whole career. Argentina vs France, the previous world cup champion. In the world cup final, France had almost won another world cup final after they had won in the previous world cup in 2017, but the world cup also has its sad moments where great teams were eliminated. And where Neymar and Ronaldo could not win a world cup ever in their career. It was said it would be Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo, and other players’ last ever match in the world cup. Many considered this as an end of a great era. The world cup had over three billion views, that is over 1/3 of the entire world! Mbappe a youngster who already won a world cup, had scored a hat trick in the world cup final against Argentina! It was breath taking because of how close it was in the penalty shootouts. In the end, Argentina won the world cup title, and it was the best world cup ever in history of soccer.
Image Credit: The New York Times
Boys Basketball
February 2, 2024
Isabel Jiminez Hernandaz
Staff Reporter
The Ironwood boys' basketball team is one of Ironwood’s amazing programs. Their record this season is 22 wins and 2 losses, almost undefeated. They have amazing coaches and talented players.
However, the season has come to an end they played their last home game on Tuesday, January 30th. Luckily, they came out with a win. Since it was the last home game too, it was also senior night. The boys played Kellis High School; it was a fair game against Kellis as Kellis is a rival school. The score was 73-41, with Ironwood taking the win.
Senior Night is a night dedicated to honor the sport team’s seniors, giving them a nice and fun goodbye. It is a chance for students to support their school. Along with a little ceremony they got to cut the net because they had won their game for regionals. The seniors that were honored were: Noah Gifft, Blake Carabio, Jadden Jones, Henry Bako, Dino Jukic and Mawud Makuei. It is extremely upsetting for IHS students to see the seniors leave.
The players are also happy with the program. They say it is very fun, but it is also a lot of work. The school is incredibly supportive, the nest, our student section, is always packed. Finally, lets acknowledge the other levels, Freshman and JV, they also won their game on Tuesday.
Image Credit: IHS Boys Basketball
Ironwood's Amazing Team of Wrestlers
Wawa Langyanai
Staff Reporter
The wrestling tournament is exciting so far; the Ironwood tournament was held on Saturday, Jan. 28th. This season, the Eagle’s Eye newspaper interviewed Coach Flanigan about how the wrestling tournament was going so far.
When we asked Coach Flanigan what members he found outstanding he responded, “...Markell Rivera-Cain (Senior) undefeated returning State Champion, Pablo Macias (Junior) returning State Champion top 3 at every tournament, AJ Lopez (Freshmen) has placed top 3 at every tournament, Jordan Beauvais (Junior) top placer at every tournament”. The next question we asked was about any trouble or hard times this season and he answered, “Yes, we have had challenges. We have never had our entire team on the mat yet. Between injuries, sickness, and other challenges we have yet to be at full strength. Even so we have been highly successful while not at full strength”. We also asked him which tournament was his favorite one and why and he said, “I am hoping my favorite tournament is the State tournament. If we have a good weekend anything is possible at the State tournament for us this season”. We also asked him about any future events he is looking forward to. He responded, “The Eagle Invitational Jan 27th and 28th; Sectionals at Ironwood on Friday Feb 11th”. Lastly, we asked him how the first wrestling tournament was, he answered, “Last weekend was the 26th annual Eagle Invitational. Our wrestlers competed hard as always. Wrestlers who medaled were Lillian Read (4th), AJ Lopez (4th), JJ Beauvais (6tth), Julian Macias (2nd), Jordan Beauvais (2nd), Xavier Lerma (1st), Pablo Macias (1st), Daniel McCarthy (1st), Markell Rivera-Cain (1st), and once again Markell won the Outstanding Wrestler Award”.
To sum up, this year's wrestling tournament is doing wonderful. They have many good wrestlers, and they are all looking forward to the state competition and winning the state championship. They have practiced hard with the help of Coach Flanigan.
Image Credit: Ironwood's Wrestling
February 3rd, 2023
Boys Soccer
Jessica Serrano
Staff Reporter
The boys varsity soccer team has been amazing so far for the 2023 season. The Eagle’s Eye Newspaper interviewed Coach Beck about the season.
They won the Rams and Rattlers Tournament, and “semifinalist in AZ HS Soccer Showcase, 8-0 in powerpoint matches”. Boys varsity is ranked number 1 in 5A. Coach Beck states, ” [He] feels good about it, but [there are still] games left to play”. We also asked him about how their practices are going. He said, “Practices are going well; [the]
boys work hard and constantly strive for improvement”. The boy’s varsity is 15- 2 . We asked Coach Beck what members he found outstanding and he said, “Senior L.J. Moeschl (21 goals), Sophomore Bryan Romero (18 goals), Junior Ben Rouse (10 assists), senior captains Angel Cortez and Colin Beebe.” We also asked what his plans are for the end of the season and he said, “ Our plan is to make a serious run at a state title”. There will be a Senior night on Tuesday, Jan 31st. Overall, the boy’s varsity soccer team is doing very well this season and Coach Beck is hopeful for continuous progress.
Image Credit:AZCentral
January 27th, 2023
Track and Fields' Shot Put and Discus Team
March 5th, 2021
Mathew Futch
Staff Reporter
One of the sports that many do not talk about is shot put and discus. Our Track and Field sports have officially
started up for practice and a certain sport we want to bring into the spotlight is our shot put and discus team.
Shot put and disc is where you get three throws every competition and after they are measured, the farthest throw is added to their season’s total score. Basically they seat everyone in flights, and move them all into champion flights from worst to best from past experiences, meaning seniors are more likely to go first. Those who win get ribbons. To add on this is an individual sport where you are competing for yourself for state. This sport can be challenging if you mess up all three of your throws in the first game because this means your season is practically over.
Ironwood’s shot put and discus teams are very much all new people, so they all have the potential to learn quite a lot .This year their coach, Coach Light, does not want this year to be about winning but instead how much progress the team makes as individuals. Most of them are new which can make it harder for the Ironwood team to win, but Coach Light is ready to have his team give their all!
As we all know well, COVID-19 has caused many issues towards activities in all communities, and sports are no exception. The shot put and disc team will be following regulations easier than we think. All members go up one by one so all they need to do is use hand sanitizer and wipe the equipment thrown. Coach Light will be enforcing this as one positive COVID-19 test in a team could shut down the whole team, which would be a huge detriment for the throwers.
Our Track and Field season here at Ironwood has a variety of sports that anyone could try out for. Shot put and discus are great examples of a sport people with no experience can try out for. Here at the Eagles Eye we know how amazing our newcomers are going to do and wish to give a special thanks to Couch Light for coaching his first here at Ironwood, first with football, and now shot put and discus. Lets cheer on our eagles on their first competition on March 24th!
Image Credit: simplifaster.com
Spring Sports News and Awards for Fall Sports
February 25th, 2021
Trinity Clark
Editor-In-Chief
Ironwood sports is continuing on its upward trend. From scholarships, awards, and the promising spring sports season there is a lot to talk about.
First, Ironwood had its first ever Girls’ Badminton Signing Award. On February 16th, 2021 Savannah Hendrix signed on to join Arizona Christian University (ACU) on a scholarship in the upcoming Fall Semester. Coach Stafford who will continue to coach Hendrix at ACU, is extremely excited to have her join the team. Also present at the signing were Savannah’s teammates including Toni DeMarco, Zofia Martinez, and Lexi Hogan who stated, “we have known Savannah since our freshman years’, and it is exciting to see her now.”
Also signed on to ACU is McKenzie Omoruyi. Omoruyi played for Ironwood’s Girls Volleyball team led by Coach Lopez this season and committed to play at ACU on a scholarship.
Next, Elijah Sanders, who has played for Ironwood’s football, also signed on a scholarship this past week. Sanders will be attending the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. While Sanders is traveling far, his teammates and Coach Rizzo will certainly remember his achievements.
Football is full of stars. Sebastian Fiery-Hardimon recently signed on at Lake Forest College in Illinoise to play football.
On top of this, Mekhi Mannino Faison was recognized by and has committed to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.
J.J. White was also recognized for his contributions to Ironwood’s Boys’ Basketball Team. White’s hard work and continued impressive efforts on the court garnered him the All Time Steals Leader award. He has now entered into Ironwood’s legacy with All-Time Steals Record.
Another Basketball player is making history. Bailon Black is Ironwood’s All-Time Leader in Assists. As of now, he has assisted in over 250 plays.
On February 19th, Coach Augustine’s Boys’ Basketball team gave him his 100th win in their game against Shadow Ridge High School. This accomplishment is truly a shows Augustine’s commitment as an Eagle and as a coach.
Ironwood’s fall and winter sports truly showed out despite the complications caused by the pandemic and staff members are anticipating the same from this season’s spring sports athletes. Spring sports start on March 1st and will continue under the AIA guidelines sent out for student sports. This includes the wearing of face masks, recording of temperatures, and tracking of positive cases in a team. Potential athletes still need to complete the Register My Athletes form, take the Brainbook concussion test, and pay the $100 athletic participation fee.
Wonderful work has been done by the talented Eagle athletes from our fall and winter seasons. Surely, the same will be said about our spring sport athletes as well!
Image Credit: Trinity Clark and @ihsactivities on Instagram