North Allegheny High School - Safari Yearbook (Wexford, PA)

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Boys' r w by SteveWeber Taking advantage of a mild Colorado Winter, boys' lacrosse players began training far ahead of their first scheduled practice. It prepares us both mentally and physically for the seasonf commented Sr. Ji Park. With positive attitudes, a powerful team headed into the season. After a disappointing loss to a strong Kent team, the Raptors captured their first win against Smoky Hill. Continuing to dominate the weak Colo- radan schools, the varsity team traveled to the east coast in search of some real competition. During this week long trip, the team saw the sights, as well as faced the competition. Even though they played well against some of the nations top teams, all they had to show for their trip to New York was one victory, and some ten dollar pairs of Oakley sunglasses. '4We didn't fair so well in New York, but the competition was a lot better than here at home. We only lost to a nationally top ranked team by a few points. Overall, the experience prepared us better for the rest of our season, ' boasted Sr. Matt Salmons. The Raptors had high hopes in making it to state. With a nearly perfect record, no team could stand in their way. live wanted to take state since my freshman year. Now, Eaglecrest has a team that canf, said Sr. T.J. Rohde excitedly. Sr. Brad Kooi added, We had a good team. The future looks bright for upcoming teams. 9i5 Defensive player Sr. Jeff Walker tries to return the ball to his offensive teammates in a game against Smoky Hill. As a defensive player, Walker helps the goalie to keep the opposing team from scoring. ii? Sr. T.J. Rohde playing in an offensive position tries to regain control ofthe ball so the Raptors can score. Rough play is not uncommon during lacrosse games. eie 6' fi? Jgfqhy

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Ei? Hurling a strike at the plate, Soph. Jason Bernosky looks to get ahead in the count. Young pitching was something the varsity baseball team had an abundance of this season, which helped to prepare them for next year. Burks by Lisa Roberts eiePlaying with the top two teams in the state in your league made games a little more competitive. The varsity baseball team played in many close games in the difficult Centennial League. With Fairview and Creek as the top two teams in the early season, the Raptors knew they had their work cut out for them. Despite the early season losses, our team really came together at the end of the season. We played with more confidence and more like a team, stated Sr. Erik Johnson. Baseball was a difficult sport that could have gone either way at any time in the game. This, unfortunately, was the cause of many late game losses for the Raptors. Our season has been a disappointment. We're a much better team than our record shows. VVhen it was time to step it up, we didn't. We have high expectations for the second half of the season, commented Soph. Chadd Chadwick. A big win over Boulder helped to push the team and change the momentum for the rest of the league play and hopefully on to post-season play. Without many seniors, the varsity baseball team looked forward to the next season with most of their play- ers returning. With our young team, we competed very well against the tough Centennial League teams, stated Sr. Jason Houston. it? Intensity is an important part of baseball. The Raptors kept their focus on the field with strong defensive play even with the presence of baserunners, which, if the game is close and the runners are in scoring position, can change the whole focus of the game. df df 17: 5 77: , WMM!!

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Klanica Y I 9:6 7 916 ' V . ZW Zuma eoguem il? Controlling the ball away from the defender is a skill that takes a lot of coordination and practice to perfect. Jr. Zac Beavers does his best to dominate his opponent. 1 ees Once the ball is dropped, recovery sets the tone for the next play. Soph. Jesse Liggins hopes Jrls. Shane Milosevich and Nick Martinez are ready. Klanica eie Playing teams from other states offers a unique learning experience. Sr. Brian Cvancara scores an important goal for the Raptors agianst a team from California. 55 Cradling the ball is imperative for victory as Jr. Nick Martinez and Sr. John Prann know. Without ball handling skills, the team canlt control the ball and score.