Thornridge High School - Piper Yearbook (Dolton, IL)

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Members of the most successful volleyball team in TR history con- gratulate themselves on ajob well done. 120 Sports

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--Q-iwl ,,.-rl New sponsor - new twist Okay you guys, let's do it again. These words were often heard ringing through the halls of F Building dur- ing zero period that started at 6:50 a.m. as the Lassies prepared for their next per- formance. Added to these early morning meetings were summer and Saturday practices. We practiced hard and often, but because there were so many of us, our tim- ing had to be very synchro- nized or it didn't look right, said Michele Broski, senior. lmproved and more mod- em steps brought the Lass- ies recognition. They per- formed at half time of foot- ball and basketball games to such songs as lf You Only Knew and When I Think of You. There was a new twist to the Lassies as they per- formed in competition at the Calumet City Labor Day Parade and took second place in marching. I was .I .5 skz 9c:L9f: 2 '14im2! ' iiifiikiff-Si. , . ,, tr . wks- gsm-a 2 really surprised after taking second because the com- petition was pretty stiff, said Sheila Quirke, captain. Not only did the Lassies practice during the sum- mer, but they also raised money for their new sum- mer uniforms. They asked for a donation for a lollipop, they sold keychains, and they manned the conces- sion booth at a basketball game. The Lassies had a new sponsor, Miss Sarah Manes, business teacher and for- mer Lassie. I've enjoyed working with the girls be- cause they've really tried hard. There was an adjust- ment period for both the girls and me for a while, but after a few weeks everything came together, said Miss Manes. Practices were successful 'as the girls did come to- gether on the field and on the court to perfomi their entertaining routines. Left: Sue Hartigan, Elise Nye, and Carol Lester watch the game while waiting for their half-time perfor- mance. Middle: Members line up prior to doing their routine in the assem- bly. Top: Jennifer Kovacs and Traci Gassett concentrate on their tim- ing. Lassies 119

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Athletic ability brings success Determination and hard work of athletes prevailed as teams were led to hard fought winning seasons. Many sacrifices had to be made if one wanted to per- form to the best of his abili- ty. Between school and practice, there wasn't much time you had to yourself, but the hard work usually paid off, said Julie Popu- lorum, senior. And paid off it did. The volleyball team spiked its way into winning regionals and had its best season ever as did soccer. The football team was first in Conference, while girls' cross country was second. Girls' track and tennis sent reps to state with track tak- ing a 2nd and a Z5rd. Boys' track ran I2 to state. Base- ball beat Thomwood for the first time in three years as boys' gymnastics tumbled to their best score in four years. However, practicing be- fore and after school, even on weekends, was just a part of being on an athletic team. The work also had to be done in the classroom as well. Every week each person involved in a sport was evaluated by his teach- ers, and if he was not pass- ing the required four classes, he could not par- ticipate in any of the activi- ties of the next week. The weekly grading put pressure on each athlete: not only did he have to per- form athletically but also academically, said Mr. Fred Murino, assistant foot- ball coach. lt served two purposes: it was a reminder to athletes that academic growth is what they were here for and athletics was extra-curricular. lt also al- lowed coaches to be aware of individual academic pro- gress, so they could guide their scholastic stiuation. When each of the sea- sons came to an end, one could always look back and find a highlight that he could remember. Team member or spectator, there was feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when taking a closer look. Sports 121