LaSalle High School - Lantern Yearbook (South Bend, IN)

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Jay Nissley discovers that it is often a lonely process In early spring when snow is still on the ground practice begins. Many sessions are spent in the and takes will power to prepare for the track season. building to get the runners in shape for the first meet. Season Opens With S.B. Classic Although competition didn ' t start until late March, the 1976-77 track team oegan training the first of February for its meets. Getting back into shape after a long winter began with a strenuous pro- gram of calisthenics which continued throughout the season. Rope climbing and running up and down steps built up leg muscles and endurance. Of course, running was a major part of the program and members ran 2 to 3 miles per day. Coach Tom Gavin took his team to Pur- due and Niles as well as the area schools for competition. The Lions played their home meets at Dickinson Middle School. Events included the 220 and 440 yard runs, pole vaulting, and shot putting. The season opened with the South Bend Classic at Notre Dame. Several members went on in competi- tion. Amos Vann tied a school record for the 100 yard dash. Mark Tobolski com- peted in state finals in the one mile run. Mr Rogers, new to LaSalle in 1977, took over for Mr. Gavin as the track coach Here he explains the techniques behind each track event to the team and gives them encouragement. 23

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Flash of Spirit Slowly but surely the girl ' s extracurri- cular sports program was expanded and improved upon. Last year basketball was added to the roster and this year a Girl ' s Track team was added to the list. Coached by Miss Hepworth the new team strove to build and improve its members with a large number of events including the 100 meter, 440 run and relay, the mile, and 880 relay. There were plenty of positions available for the large team. Shot put and hurdles were two of the other competitive events. Practice was held everyday and it con- sisted of running a variety of different distances. They ran several thousand yards each day. Some days there were workouts in the weight room. There were several superior relay teams and individuals on this team. LaSalle was represented at the state competition by Marsha Parker, who placed seventh. The team was new and learning, and the experience that they gained will aid them in the future. K Bracing for the starling gun, Karrie Klute demonstrates the form that helped her relay team break several school records. Three other girls are on the relay team. Two year veteran Dana Childress is cocaptain of the 1976-77 team. Many track team members also participate in other girls competitive sports. Marsha Parker is undefeated in each of the events she runs in South Bend. Here she practices for the 1 977 State Track Meet. 22

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Football Ends On A High Note Training for this year ' s football team began in early August with long and strenuous hours of practice. Drilling, running and general getting back in shape began at 8:30 a.m. Football fans experienced a disap- pointing season. Many thought that the number of victories on a record chart reflected a team ' s determination and desire to win. Not so. LaSalle ' s fighting Lion ' s displayed advanced qualities of endurance. Their long hours of strenu- ous practice paid off in the final game. Training began in early August. The team worked from 8:30 to 11:00 and again from 3:30 to 6:00 almost every day. Practices were spent perfecting each play and formation. Area games were played at Clay, Jackson, and School Fields. The players fought through to the end, ignoring the earlier discouraging defeats. Enthusiastic cheers from the faithful fans nourished wilting spirits back to health. Those same fans were rewarded with a final win that left hope for next year and joy in the hearts of the senior players. Quarterback Kerry Lesniewicz rolls out for a sprint down the sidelines. Newcomer Jim Hage barks out orders to the Lions under his command and guidance. 24