It's the little things

By Izzy Reiling, Kally Wiskus, and Katie Wiskus

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Basketball is more than just putting the ball through the net, wrestling is more than just pinning your opponent, and bowling is more than just hitting all of the pins down. It is truly the little details that ensure our athletes are successful whenever they step on the court, mat, or lane.

 

Our winter athletes recognize the hard work that is a must if they, individually, as well as their teams are to reach their goals. Each athlete interviewed discussed what they have paid close attention to this season. 

 

“Little details like pushing the ball up the court and trying to rush the defense has really paid off this year,” said Ella Heithoff, a senior on the girls basketball team. “This is an action that puts pressure on the other team and turns it into successful points for your team.”

 

Cal Heydon, a senior boys basketball player, noted a specific instance when the little details paid off. 

 

“In our game against Glidden, we struggled getting stops in the first quarter, but after that, we stepped up our hustle, and it became very noticeable that we decided to flip a switch. Everyone was working hard and hustling all over the court, which led to us creating a huge lead and winning.”

 

“On JV and varsity both, we have communicated and played as a team in order to reach our goals,” added junior Amelia Eddy.

 

Senior Mya Downing noted that it is critical the team continues seeing the court and running their new plays effectively. Gavin Heiderscheit credits the team's success to their ball handling and crisp passing. 

 

In addition to the girls and boys basketball squads paying special attention to the logistics of the sport, the wrestling team is keeping a team focus with everything they do.

 

Sophomore wrestler Sam Hoffman said, “Some little details are positive mindsets and thinking you are ready for any battle that comes your way. It’s also important to just have fun with what little time we have left with this team.”

 

Emily Booth, a sophomore wrestling manager, commented, “The boys have trusted each other and have been able to work together. When the boys help each other in practice, they learn new things and learn how to do stuff right. As a result, they have improved a lot throughout the year.”

 

Cora Sease and Celia Cook are two athletes involved in the newly-formed junior high girls wrestling team. A junior high boys wrestling team has also been formed this year.  

 

“When you do wrestling, you have to show effort each time you go out there,” Sase said. “It’s also important you adopt a positive attitude towards others and never get down on yourself, either.”

 

Cook added, “It’s simple. We go to practice every day, put in the effort, always give it our all, and don’t give up.”

 

Another new sport introduced at Coon Rapids-Bayard this year is boys and girls bowling. Freshmen Kaelynn Hanks and Aisley Schweitzer have focused on their form this year and sophomore Eddie Halbur has pushed past any tough starts he encountered. 

 

Life is truly never easy and our winter athletes recognize that the little details have made their performances on the court, mat, and lanes just a little bit easier.