Chapin Claw » Sports

Super Bowl match up deja vu

MCharpia — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:06:38 +0000

The date is set. The teams are set. It’s finally time for the most watched sporting event in the world. It’s the Super Bowl.
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants have both climbed their way to the top and proven they are the two best teams in the NFL, but on Sunday February 5 there will be a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl and only one team who will be named champion.
The Giants have had a lot of success this year on offence led by the quarterback Eli Manning. Manning with shear grit and talent has led his offence to eighth overall in total yards per game. After struggling off and on throughout the season, the Giants scraped together a 9-7 record after ending the season with five straight wins including a stellar upset of San Francisco. The Giants will have to put up some big yards if they want another ring. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw and wide receiver Victor Cruz will help out with that task.
The Giants defense will also have to step up and try and stop the powerhouse offence led by Tom Brady. The Giants defense is ranked 25th in the country for least points scored against them.
The Patriots and their powerhouse, second ranked offence has outscored opponents this season by 171 points.
The Giants will see how good they really are when they go up against the 15th ranked Patriots’ defense.
I think the Patriots will come out with the ring on their finger this year. I say that because of how good Tom Brady is playing. As of now, I don’t think there is any defense that can contain his passing game.

Zandi finds inspiration on and off the field

Erika McVey — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:46:28 +0000

Mention Chapin High School senior Mason Zandi in a conversation and one image will come to mind: a 6’ 8” giant of a football player who recently turned heads at both Clemson and Carolina and verbally committed to USC for a full scholarship.
“What really makes Mason special is his potential due to his young age,” defense coordinator Scott Stogner said, “he’s very fast and coordinated for his size, and the coaches have four years to make him bigger, stronger, and better.”
While it is clear that Zandi is a dominating force come game time, not everyone knows what goes on behind the scenes. He practices between two and four hours every day but he says that if he did not have his family and God he never would have made it this far.
“My family is always there to support me and help me when I need them,” Zandi said. His track and football teammates can testify for his love of God.
“One thing I’ve really noticed about Mason is how openly he talks about God. He said something at our track banquet about how God is his inspiration for everything and I think that’s great,” senior Lannon McCoy said.
What really sets Zandi apart from other football players and students is his determination. His drive transcends across all areas of his life, not just athletics.
“I don’t know what exactly I’m going to do when I’m older, I don’t know where I’ll be in 10 years, but I’m going to make sure that whatever I do I’m good at it. I’ll sacrifice everything but my family and my religion,” he said. Such great determination can be hard to find in someone so young.
While his love for football takes up a great amount of time, Zandi loves to hang out with friends and go fishing. He will be majoring in International Business at USC so he is interested in travelling.
“After I graduate college I want to spend 10 years in Europe. I was raised in SC and in school we learn about all of these places but I’ve never seen them. I would like to travel and see the world like my dad did,” Zandi said.
Europe is a far plane ride from Chapin but that is several years from now. Closer in the future is graduating CHS. Of course he will miss his friends but Zandi said he will also miss Principal Akil Ross.
“I love Mr. Ross. He’s a major mentor in my life because he did what I’m going to do. He played Division I football and I really like to hear what he has to say.”
Something different about Zandi is his interest in people.
“Everyone has their own story, their own life. Everyone has wisdom to offer. I like to know what makes them who they are,” he said.
He really values what other people have to say and takes their words to heart.
“My dad always used to tell me that if you have a dream, don’t ever let it slip through the cracks,” Zandi said. Clearly he has kept those words in mind as he has progressed throughout his football career.
Zandi knows that sometimes it’s difficult to keep your eye on the prize. In order to stay on track he saves inspirational quotes in the notes section on his phone.
“Regardless of the amount of love you have for something, at some point you will start to lose that passion. You have to go back to the foundation and remind yourself why it’s so important to you. Inspirational quotes can help remind you. I have quotes from Ross, Stogner, anyone really. I write down anything that alters my perspective in a positive way.”
With so much talent it would be easy to assume that Zandi wants to be remembered as one of the greatest football players to come from Chapin, but he says he would rather be known as helpful.
“I want people to remember me as the best server ever. I want them to know that I did everything I could for my track team, football team, teachers, and friends. I tried to do everything I could for them.”

Baseball tryouts begin for 2011-12 season

adviser — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:36:35 +0000

Baseball Practice has begun in preparation of tryouts in January. Tryouts determine if a player has the five tools needed to play: hitting, fielding, speed, arm strength, and general knowledge of the game.
Practice and conditioning before the tryouts allow coaches to work with each player’s abilities and see how players work together.
Coach Paul Scheno says, “The legs feed the wolf.”
Athletes start base running, pitching, catching, and fielding ground and fly balls to prepare for the upcoming season.
With more players trying out this year than previous years, it’s tougher to decide who will fill the desired seventeen spots. But that may not be a problem in head coach Scott McLeod’s view.
“We’re a lot younger this year, although the nucleus of the team is back and that’s all we need,” says Coach Scott McLeod.
A major change that all coaches and players will have to deal with this year is the move to Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) bats.
Hitters must now use BBCOR bats that deaden the trampoline effect the bat has on the ball and, in turn, do not send the ball as far.
The team also lost some senior members of the pitching staff.
Even with the new bats and pitching staff, the team doesn’t seem too worried.
“We plan on winning region for the third time in a row, taking care of business in the playoffs and winning state,” says senior Mel Kitchens.
Many of the seniors are eager to win state.
Senior Zack Haralambis says, “We’ve been playing baseball with each other since we were younger and it has always been a goal to win state with them.”
The team is determined to achieve their goal.
“We have to play as a team and not individuals. This year we get to learn from our seniors and grow as players as the season progresses,” says junior Barrett Charpia.
After tryouts, the season kicks off with a scrimmage against South Aiken on February 12th. The first home game is on March 10th against AC Flora. The coaches and team will be looking for a lot of support from the student body and community at the games this year.

Coaches of the Year!

MCharpia — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:34:49 +0000

Chapin is honored to be the home of three coaches of the year. Cross County Coach Jack Legrand was named Cross Country coach of the year, Volleyball coach Mary Jo Jenny and Tennis coach John Rogers were selected as coaches of the year in their respective regions.

Coach Legrand has been coaching Cross Country for many years atChapinHigh School.

“Over the years, numbers keep increasing, competition gets better, so we have to work twice as hard” said Coach Legrand.

After all the years of coach Legrand coaching the Cross country team, he always finds a way to have a standout team.

“The program runs itself. Our runners have bought into our system and run year around to be ready for the meets,” said Coach Legrand.

Coach Legrand has affected his runners in other ways than just winning races.

“Coach Legrand has taught me how to constantly push my self no matter what, and also to stay positive no matter your situation,” said Junior Dillon Gums.

Coach Rogers arrived here at Chapin in 1977 as a tennis and basketball coach right after he graduated from The Citadel where he played basketball. As soon as Coach Rogers arrived at Chapin, the tennis team soared above and beyond all of the other programs in the state leading the program to two state titles.

“What really separate us from all of the other teams is our work habits and our team chemistry,” said Coach Rogers.

Similar to Legrand, Coach Rogers always finds a way to have a winning season every year.

“The main explanation of how we’re always winning is the positive attitude and having the mentality to never give up that Coach Rogers always displays,” said Junior Sean Koch

Chapin is proud to have two of the finest coaches in our school that show good coaching and make their players better both as an athlete and as people in general.

Coach Mary Jo Jenny who has been an outstanding coach for the volleyball program here at Chapin for many years. Coach Jenny always comes out of the season with an outstanding record of 18-5. “We defeated Airport to be named the number one seed for the playoffs and region championship”. Said Coach Jenny.

One of the key to the volleyball team’s success was how close together they were and played really good together. “This team was incredible. The chemistry that they had can’t compare to any team I’ve ever coached. They loved playing for each other and they tried their hardest not to let anyone on the team down. I loved this group of rugrats!!!!”

“Coach Rogers, Coach Jenny and Coach Legrand are great coaches who bring a lot to the table, Not only for winning but for their athletes.” Said Coach Wessinger

McCoy goes the distance for cross country

Thames Jamison — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:28:40 +0000

“Knowing that this is my last year is bitter sweet because I know I’ll be running in college, but Coach LeGrand won’t be my coach anymore; I’ve had a few breakdowns alone about that,” Senior Lannon McCoy said.

McCoy has been running cross country since she was twelve years old. As her senior year is coming to an end McCoy is realizing that this is her last year running with her team and running for her coach that she’s had for six years.

“The thing I’ll miss most is Coach LeGrand. He’s awesome,” she said.

Cross country for McCoy is not only an outlet for her to relieve stress, but also a spiritual experience. McCoy has made many bonds over the past six years running for Chapin cross country.

“Cross country has been an amazing experience. Just getting mentored when I was younger by the older girls and that everyone has always been really positive. When we have long runs, it’s really just a spiritual thing. I just clear my head and go through everything that’s on my mind and in my heart.”

As Chapin cross country has been ranked in the top ten over and over, but has not gotten the recognition that it deserves, McCoy says that she understands that if someone doesn’t like running, cross country would not be as exciting as other sports.

McCoy has had to overcome many obstacles during her running career. When she thinks that she can’t run any longer she names colleges that she wants to go to in her head to keep her going.

“This year it’s just mentally pushing through, that this is my last year running. I’ll think that the girl in front of me is going to get my money if I don’t beat her,” McCoy said.

As McCoy looks back, she thinks about her most thrilling race.

“In ninth grade I got to run in the Walt Disney World classic. It was the first time I broke twenty minutes and it was just fun. Afterwards we got to go to all of the parks.”

McCoy knows that next year she will have a different team and won’t have the same bonds that she has running on Chapin cross country. Although she knows she is going to miss Coach LeGrand and her team, she looks forward to possibly running forCharlestonorAnderson.

Chapin football up and running

MCharpia — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Football season is up and running and all of Chapin is looking for a winning season. The task will be a challenge. Many are concerned over a lack of experience on this year’s squad but Coach Justin Gentry is not too worried.

“Lost some quality football players and great men, but we have a great senior class this year. We have to get some young, inexperienced guys key playing time. Then, they will be ready to go,” said Coach Gentry.

The Eagle season began this past July with a trip to camp in Summerton.

“It was good taking players away from home and spending all the time together, which builds that strong bond,” added Coach Gentry.

The Eagles crammed eleven practices into a four day camp.

“Even though the elements of the camp were awful, we definitely came together as a team,” said senior Ryan Moore.

The Eagles have a lot of new faces this year filling in the gap left by the graduation of several key players. The new faces are just limited to the players. On the offensive coaching staff, Quarterback Coach John Bailey is starting his first year at Chapin. Coach Bailey moved fromWilsonwhere he also coached quarterbacks.

“It was definitely a cultural shock, but the kids here work hard. They do what you tell them to do, and they give you everything they have. I have really been impressed,” said Coach Bailey.

On defense, Chapin returns a few pivotal players. Seniors Ryan Moore and Devin Lawrence are two of several returners on defense that have made a huge impact already. Moore and Lawrence have already racked up over 110 tackles combined in the first weeks of play.

“The difference between this year’s defense and last years is the heart and determination that the Eagles have this season,” saidLawrence.

While their record is not outstanding at the moment, fans have to consider the Eagles have played some pretty impressive teams. The second half of the season promises to bring more wins for the team.

Koch makes history with record wins

adviser — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:43:03 +0000

Although pressure and adrenaline had been skyrocketing, senior Kyle Koch pulled through and won the tennis match. He not only earned the bragging rights of another win but also entitled him to be South Carolina’s most consecutive wins record holder.The match was at the North-South Senior Competition in Myrtle Beach, Koch was playing against a friend, Ben Barnette.“Before the match I was nervous and a little mentally unready to play Ben, I wasn’t really expecting to be playing him. During the whole match I was nervous but I started feeling pretty good because I was making most of my shots on the big points.” Koch says.The previous record holder was Bret Garnett with a record of 74 consecutive wins. Koch’s match against Barnette was Koch’s 75th consecutive win-breaking Garnett’s 26 year record. “Bret Garnett previously held the record with 74 consecutive wins, he eded up being a three time All-American and going professional,” Koch explains, “winning the match just meant that I now hold the record for consecutive wins and will hopefully follow in Garnett’s footsteps.”Koch has worked hard throughout his high school tennis career being ranked number one on the team.“Winning the title feels pretty good, it shows that all of my hard work has been paying off.” Koch states.Tennis has been a significant part of Koch’s life since the third grade and he plans to continue with it. In the fall he will be going to the University of South Carolina where he will be play tennis for the University.

Zandi wins state in shot put

adviser — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:32:09 +0000

Shot put seems like an easy event to participate in. However, many people do not know what it is. Shot Put involves throwing a heavy ball as far as possible. Not only does someone have to throw the ball, there are many rules to playing Shot Put. The participant is not allowed gloves, the athlete must throw the ball within 60 seconds, and there are other complicated rules that are involved in this sport.

Shot Put is a track and field event that Chapin High School participates in. Junior, Mason Zandi, won state with his Shot Put record.

“I really got into Shot Put this year. I had never really thought anything of it until now, but I have respect for the event,” says Zandi.

Zandi says playing football prepared him with the strength to win state in Shot Put.

Zandi practiced his throwing five days a week for at least an hour and a half.

“At practice, I would do a lot of different arm exercises to give me more strength. I would set a record for myself and try my best to reach it by the end of the day.”

All of Zandi’s hard work paid off when it was announced that he won state.

“It was such a good feeling. Knowing that I had only been playing for a short time and was still able to achieve state champion was really an honor.”

CHS students commit to college athletics

Staff Reporter — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:35:50 +0000

Most high school senior athletes often dream about making into to college level ball. This year several players have been able to make that dream a reality

Some notable student-athletes at CHS that have committed to playing collegiate sports include Michael Weimer (Wofford, football), Connor Cunningham and Michael Ragsdale (Spartanburg Methodist, soccer), Brian Kidd (Spartanburg Methodist, basketball), Gilberto Alomar (Greenville Tech, football), Taylor Alvarez (C of C, baseball), and Cole Lee (USC-Aiken, baseball).

“You work hard all through high school to try to get to this point. Playing basketball in college was one of my goals ever since I started high school, and now my opportunity is finally here,” said senior Brian Kidd.

Will Norris

Staff Reporter — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:58:59 +0000

Running around kicking a checkered print ball is what first comes to the minds of many when they think of soccer. Soccer is a lot more than just a game to the Chapin Varsity boy’s team and in particular to sophomore Will Norris who is also one of the 2011 captains.

“This year Will Norris has stood out to me because of his great leadership, work ethic, example on and off the field, and he is also one of the best defenders in the state,” says Varsity Head Coach Dick Hiller.

Will Norris is 16 years old, he has played on varsity now for two years, and he has been playing most his life for CESA, Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. With so much experience it seems fit for Will Norris to be captain as a sophomore.

“As Captain as a sophomore, there is more pressure, but it creates unity in the team. I lead vocally and I’m a role model on and off the team. I also am a bigger guy so it helps lead,” says Norris.

Norris’ commitment to excellence has garnered the praise of the veterans on the team.

“Will Norris is a phenomenal player and person. He works hard every time he takes the field at games and practices. He’s a great leader out there and a great captain. He’s always positive with everyone its amazing he’s only a sophomore but acts like a senior on the field,” says senior captain Alex Avinger.

While still a relatively young member of the winning tradition that is Chapin soccer, Norris hopes to lead the team to the state championship after coming up short last year.

“As a leader, my goal for this team is to win the state championship. I believe we have all the components that we need to win state, by playing every game our hardest it will be possible.