INDOOR TRACK ON THE ROLL AGAIN
written by sports staff
It's winter. What does that mean? Well, to some, it means it's time to stay warm and drink hot chocolate. To the West Meck track & field team however, it is time to put in work. Our indoor track team, coached by Coach Willoughby, has started the 2017-2018 season off on a very positive note. Staying true to history of West Meck relay teams, our girls team have two of the best times in the state in the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400. Pictured above, Ebin Matthews, Za'Nya Page, Mekyll Robinson, and Jireh Pinkney are al underclassmen.
The boys team is led by junior Jaquan Ebron, a standout wide-out on the football team, who has qualified for the state companionship already with a personal best jump of 6 feet 2 inches.
The boys team is led by junior Jaquan Ebron, a standout wide-out on the football team, who has qualified for the state companionship already with a personal best jump of 6 feet 2 inches.
West Meck Wrestling
by Tion Roberts
Coach Byron Hughes expects to be taking a trip this year to the state championship tournament to be able to compete in every weight class.
He stated “ Our team is definitely going to grow this year, as compared to the number of wrestlers. Last year we had a team of six wrestlers, got two conference champions and a conference bronze. Out of those six wrestlers, we managed to qualify five for the regional tournament. Coach Hughes Challenges In CMS are, there are no middle school wrestling and there are not enough wrestling clubs in the Charlotte area it is difficult to recruit experienced wrestlers at West Meck. Many student-athletes at West Meck do not have a strong culture built around wrestling.
Majority of our students typically do not grow up wrestling like they do others sports such as, football, basketball, or soccer in their community. This makes it difficult to recruit new wrestlers. A lot of people in our community say that they did not even know we had a wrestling team.
Wrestling is not just a season or a sport, wrestling is a lifestyle. It is where you can embrace the daily struggle to always get better. Anyone can come and watch what we do this year as well as participate because we are here and are competing with
the best teams in the state.
He stated “ Our team is definitely going to grow this year, as compared to the number of wrestlers. Last year we had a team of six wrestlers, got two conference champions and a conference bronze. Out of those six wrestlers, we managed to qualify five for the regional tournament. Coach Hughes Challenges In CMS are, there are no middle school wrestling and there are not enough wrestling clubs in the Charlotte area it is difficult to recruit experienced wrestlers at West Meck. Many student-athletes at West Meck do not have a strong culture built around wrestling.
Majority of our students typically do not grow up wrestling like they do others sports such as, football, basketball, or soccer in their community. This makes it difficult to recruit new wrestlers. A lot of people in our community say that they did not even know we had a wrestling team.
Wrestling is not just a season or a sport, wrestling is a lifestyle. It is where you can embrace the daily struggle to always get better. Anyone can come and watch what we do this year as well as participate because we are here and are competing with
the best teams in the state.
WEST MECK SWIM TEAM
by Ty Liscomb
This year West Meck has a new swim coach, Mr Goins. He is 69 years old and has a 6 year degree and also teaches karate and chess. He explained to me that the reason he became a swim coach is because of his concern for our young people. He says that swimming is not a sport, it’s life. Mr. Goins made it clear that he is determined to beat the statistics and help the younger generations.
As I interviewed him, he gave me a little insight into swimming and what it’s all about. For example, safety concerns, there is 0 horse playing in the water and it is better to stay cautious and always keep your guard up. Mr. Goins also told me about many of his accomplishments, when he was 65 he became a lifeguard and he is a senior lifeguard and swim instructor at YMCA.
The swim team trains very hard according to Mr. Goins he makes sure to teach his students form and make sure they know how to kick and have their body positioned right in the water. He also teaches them endurance and different stroke styles. Swimmers development all depends on how much they swim and the best thing to do is swim, swim, swim always practice and stay in the water.
As I interviewed him, he gave me a little insight into swimming and what it’s all about. For example, safety concerns, there is 0 horse playing in the water and it is better to stay cautious and always keep your guard up. Mr. Goins also told me about many of his accomplishments, when he was 65 he became a lifeguard and he is a senior lifeguard and swim instructor at YMCA.
The swim team trains very hard according to Mr. Goins he makes sure to teach his students form and make sure they know how to kick and have their body positioned right in the water. He also teaches them endurance and different stroke styles. Swimmers development all depends on how much they swim and the best thing to do is swim, swim, swim always practice and stay in the water.
FIRST YEAR COACH PUSHES FAST PACED BASKETBALL
by Tion Roberts
Uptempo Hawks are using their press this year to make change at West Meck. Fundamentals and a high basketball IQ is what first year Coach Berry stated is necessary for his team to unify and play as one. Coach Berry stated “100 percent effort and competing will help this basketball team this season.” Everyday he motivates the players to work harder and stay focused. Leadership, athleticism, and speed is what makes the strengths of this young developing team. Coach Berry’s coaching style is to press on and off the court. He stated that his main focus is getting the team use to winning.“ They are always working together helping one another.”
Come out and support all of our star athletes. Help our Hawks keep their heads in the game.
Come out and support all of our star athletes. Help our Hawks keep their heads in the game.
COACH STOKES & LADY HAWKS BASKETBALL
Meet Ms.Erica Stokes, also known as the girls basketball coach. She went to a school in South Carolina. She started coaching over 13 years ago because she loves the game and also wanted to give back. She said that it was something that she loved. When it comes to having a favorite player she can’t because it’s a team as one and the team overall.
Their biggest competitors are Audrey Kell and South Mecklenburg High School. The record so far is 3-4. This year their goal is to have more than 9 wins. In order to make this possible the team will work hard to achieve that goal. “ We have a chance to make it, as long as we work hard we’ll make it, if we continue to work as hard as we’ve been working” she said.
At the end of the day coach Stokes is very confident in the team and knows that the team will do better every year and the girls want to work hard and be consistent with how hard they push to do better. One thing that Stokes can guarantee is that everyone that was on the team this year will be on the team the next season.
Their biggest competitors are Audrey Kell and South Mecklenburg High School. The record so far is 3-4. This year their goal is to have more than 9 wins. In order to make this possible the team will work hard to achieve that goal. “ We have a chance to make it, as long as we work hard we’ll make it, if we continue to work as hard as we’ve been working” she said.
At the end of the day coach Stokes is very confident in the team and knows that the team will do better every year and the girls want to work hard and be consistent with how hard they push to do better. One thing that Stokes can guarantee is that everyone that was on the team this year will be on the team the next season.
MEET OUR TENNIS TEAM
MEET THE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR OF WEST MECK
written by Ty Liscomb
Mr. Vernon Hunter is the Athletics Director at West Meck. While talking to Mr. Hunter he stated that he wants West Meck’s athletic program to “grow and be more competitive”. He wants more drive from our future leaders. He enjoys his job and is determined to not only uplift himself, but West Meck athletes as well.
Mr. Hunter believes that by creating a shared vision, the goals he has set for the athletes and the program will eventually be met. The things that motivate him most are seeing student athletes excited and compelled to compete in the games and activities at West Meck.
For every team there has to be a coach. Hunter says that he looks for an individual that has integrity, enthusiasm and the desire to help students. He motivates coaches by enforcing an “open door policy.”
There are also some challenges and concerns he wants to work out, like making sure student athletes handle business and keep up their grades. He also would like to have more parental involvement. When asked about the steps he would take to ensure his growth as the A.D he stated “ professional development, attending conferences, and being prepared as possible” will help him to grow.
If you are unaware of the activities taking place Hunter also has a plan for that. He says he will use the various sources of technology, emails, meetings, and West Meck website to make sure the school and the community are up to date about athletic activities.
Boys Soccer Team Remains Determined and Diligent
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HAWK CHEERLEADING TEAM MAKING MOVES
written by Tyniseedwin Liscomb
West Meck cheerleaders are making more improvements this year. The coach has pushed herself to be firm and consistent with them. This is the start of a new season and the coach wants to make sure that all the cheerleaders are working hard and trying their best. The cheerleading squad is sometimes overlooked as a sport but they are here to prove they deserve everything that other sports have access to.
Coach describes her team as outgoing. They have a lot of personality and their individual ways contribute to the team. West Meck cheerleader Serenity Lockhart has been recognized as a person that has made a great impact for the team. Serenity has taken on leadership aspects that she did not do so much of last year.
With cheerleading there are many ups but also some downfalls. Injuries can take place, but so far no one has been injured. The cheerleading squad has a lot of strengths about them. They are very resilient and hard working. The coach focuses on boosting the confidence of her students. Coach says I tell them all the time, “You made the team now do what it takes to stay on the team.”
Come out and help the cheerleaders support the football team. So we can all show HAWK PRIDE!
Coach describes her team as outgoing. They have a lot of personality and their individual ways contribute to the team. West Meck cheerleader Serenity Lockhart has been recognized as a person that has made a great impact for the team. Serenity has taken on leadership aspects that she did not do so much of last year.
With cheerleading there are many ups but also some downfalls. Injuries can take place, but so far no one has been injured. The cheerleading squad has a lot of strengths about them. They are very resilient and hard working. The coach focuses on boosting the confidence of her students. Coach says I tell them all the time, “You made the team now do what it takes to stay on the team.”
Come out and help the cheerleaders support the football team. So we can all show HAWK PRIDE!
HAWKS CONFIDENT DESPITE MAJOR INJURY
written by Tion Roberts
West Mecklenburg Football Coach Davis and his team are very confident even though they are without the services of their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, due to injury. "The team is staying focused to win one game at a time," Davis stated. “Everyday is a learning experience, he added.
The Hawks are highly ranked in the area and have a high powered offensive attack which ranks among the best in the SoMeck conference. Although the varsity team receives most of the attention, Davis stated, "the J.V. players push varsity everyday.” From observing the Hawks in action, it is clear that maturity and speed is their strength. Davis added that they will need to cut-down on mental mistakes going further into the season.
Coach davis is a hard but fair coach. Everyday he motivates the players to work harder and stay focused. Varsity games are taking place every Friday night. Come out and support. Help our Hawks keep their heads in the game and make a deep run into the playoffs.
The Hawks are highly ranked in the area and have a high powered offensive attack which ranks among the best in the SoMeck conference. Although the varsity team receives most of the attention, Davis stated, "the J.V. players push varsity everyday.” From observing the Hawks in action, it is clear that maturity and speed is their strength. Davis added that they will need to cut-down on mental mistakes going further into the season.
Coach davis is a hard but fair coach. Everyday he motivates the players to work harder and stay focused. Varsity games are taking place every Friday night. Come out and support. Help our Hawks keep their heads in the game and make a deep run into the playoffs.