Caddo Magnet High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Shreveport, LA)

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The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat . . . Intramurals AII is quiet save the dull thud of basketball connecting with hard floor. The air thickens with tension. The silent crowd senses the immi¬ nent arrival of action about to take place. On the center of the floor one Ione being takes position mapping out his route to victory. Slow ly, he moves, dodging what might hinder his goal for two points. Adrenalin pumping, mus cies tense as the ball is brought up and shot to perfection, whooshing the net with victory. The silence lasts a moment and then is broken by a shatter of applause. The first Intramurals bas ketball game begins with gusto. When the seedling idea of intramurals first took root, physical education teacher Vicki Owen had the students in mind. Amid the var- ied assortment of people at Magnet exists a variety of athletic abilities. ‘ The idea (of Intramurals) means a great deal to me because it provides the students, without regard to skill level, a chance to participate on a competitive level, in a wide range of activities.” A twelve year veteran of physical education with majors in Health and P.E. from Centenary, and a Masters in Health from LSCIS, Ms. Owen is quite capable of beginning such a program and following it through. But she persists, ' My role is simply one of organization.” Her hard work and good intentions are paying off. ' Intramurals at Magnet is in its third year. Last year over 700 students participated in In¬ tramurals on some level, so I believe it’s work- ing.” While Ms. Owen launched the fledgling program a new physical education teacher joined the Magnet family. Coach Drew Collins immediately became involved in the new pro¬ gram. His experience in Intramurals at Centena¬ ry for two years places him in a vital position as an advisor. Coach Collins believes realistically that the program is unique and very valuable. “You learn so much being on a team. You respect others, leam responsibility, and learn to work with others. It s that team atmosphere. He adds, “ We stili have a long way to go. Part of advancing the Intramurals program came this year in the form of an intramurals commit- tee.” Ms. Owens commented, “The Intramurals Committee is the catalyst for the entire pro¬ gram. It is composed of hardworking students and the physical education faculty.” The com¬ mittee, made up of five girls and two boys, takes responsibility for planning schedules, publicity, and sacrificing much time, energy, and ideas. Whenever a program is begun, the odds have a way of hindering the production to a final halt, but with the special caring people involved in the Intramurals program, they have beaten what once seemed to be a wall of stone with a style ali their own. It doesnt matter if you win or lose, it is how you play the game. But these girls enjoy winning so much more. Weather does not matter when volleyball is con- cerned. On any given day, there is at least one game in play in the gym. 80 • Academics

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Fencing is an art of early times. The fencing instrue tors take great care in encouraging moves, proper stance, and appreciation of the sport itself among fencing students. Grabbing ali the gusto as well as all the attention, this student shows being a little short does not hinder his ability to work out the big moves. Determination is etehed in the face of senior Kent Wren. Mastering the pummel horse is tough, requir- ing upper body strength as well as coordination. in the winner’s circle Poised and self assured before the camera, Rod Mat- thews is the picture of physical fitness. Jauntily strolling down the hall just be¬ fore fifth period fencing class, Rod Mat- thews often sported a girl on his arm, an easy grin on his face, and a fashionable “set of threads” on his lean frame. The leisurely pace usually became more enliv- ened as he approached the gym door. Once across that threshold, he was trans formed into Magnefs own perpetual mo tion machine. He got physical in physical education. With moves sleek as a panther’s and energy as boundless as his dreams, Rod and his athletic prowess have been the subject of many discussions among his intramurals opponents. His dedication to sport, accompanied by a profusion of sweat and uninhibited drive, has kept the spirit of team competition alive. Rod has stated that he doesn’t like to limit himself to one area; he likes all athletic events. He has served his teammates in the intramu- ral games well, for his leadership and skill have enabled his teams to stay right on target. Having voiced .hopes of becoming an Air Force pilot, Rod has been just as sharp in individual performances. Fleet of foot and swift of sword, he has foiled enough oppo¬ nents to reach national ranking as a fencer. Having qualified for the National Junior Olympie Fencing Championships in 1984 and 1986, Rod Matthews has truly stepped into the winner s circle. Physical Education Department • 79

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Have you ever had one of those days where you feel Ms. Owen, a major force behind intramurals, explains like a big heel? Being the property of Mark Win to her students the advantages of sports. berry, sophomore, is a job in itself. I Intramurals • 81