Thornridge High School - Piper Yearbook (Dolton, IL)

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'ZW M, , 5 5 f ,efsfff 23 ,, 4 1 'xi y, H, ,Q 5 , 4 6 Q57 , 551' . 255' Wi' ,M W EffQfp,1vf,:' w-W' f ,,,',::' w U,,f,m', ,Q war, ml' ,525 9 1 My Top: Coach Mary Ann Pearson aids Chris Crance in preparing for a race at Veterans Park. Above: Ginnie Hartman and Cathy Wagner pace each other at the 122 Girls' Cross Country X' rrrr r2,r , , Conference meet. A V 1 ff Right: Starting ol? in a pack again y QV.. Tinley Park are Leisl Robertson, '-1 , ' . Cindy Canales, Julie Populorum, A 7 M tyy - and Michelle Wozniak, ' V , wi

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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

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Smith leads 10-1 season Led to a successful sea- son by a first year runner, Rachael Smith, the only state qualifier, the girls cross country team finished with a 10-1 season record. With their only loss to H-F the harriers finished a strong second in confer- ence with a 5-1 record. At the conference meet Smith, Jenny Foy and Chris Crance led the way with 2nd, 6th and 9th places respectively. Placing in the top 10, these girls were named all confer- ence. This gained the girls 2nd place as a team and pre- pared them for regionals. Due to the fact that all the girls ran up to their poten- tial and better, made our team finish as well as they did and qualified them for regionals, stated Julie Po- pulorum, captain. Regionals were success- Braving the cold, Cathy Wag- strives to one of her best races an invitational. Girls' Cross Country: Front Kristie Syzmanski, Rachael mith, Leisl Robertson, Rristin To- iello, Laura Steele: Row 2: if it Coach Mary Ann Pearson, Stacy Collins, Ginnie Hartman, Michelle Wozniak, Chris Crance, Jenny Foy, Karen Geringer: Back Row: Sandy Hall, Cathy Wagner, Julie Popu- lorum, Cindy Canales i f ful for the team as they fin- ished I5rd and qualified for sectionals. However, sec- tionals proved to be a let doum as only Smith quali- lied for state. As a team the girls missed by only 25 points. lt takes the whole team to run well on the day of sectionals to qualify for state and this did not hap- pen, said Cathy Wagner, senior. Even though their season was over the team ran with Smith all week and accom- pained her to state for sup- port. However, due to an ill- ness she could not run her best race but still placed a solid 64th. 'I was pleased to make it to the state fin- als, but l was also upset that l was unable to com- pete in good health. All the support of the team brought me as far as the state finals, stated Smith. Opponent Rich Central Thornwood Thornton Oak Forest Bloom Eisenhower Homewood Flossmoor Bloom Trail Tinley Park Shepard 10 wins, 1 loss Girls Cross Country TR 27 ' 50 22 59 25 51 17 T.F.H0r1h 46 25 31 18 46 15 ' 50 45 ' - 18 15 50 15 50 15 50 Girls Cross Country 123