Aviators Undefeated in the NBC
Father, Son Are Honored
By JAZZILYNN MASON
Red and Blue Staff Writer
Alliance High School’s 2014 boys’ basketball team finished undefeated (14-0) in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference, winning the league title.
In addition, father and son won NBC titles with Coach Larry Kukura named NBC Coach of the Year and J. J. Kukura named NBC Player of the Year.
On March 8, the boys went up against St. Vincent/St. Mary in the Division II district championship game in the Canton Memorial Field House.
The entire game was back and forth, the crowd alternately yelling and booing the refs because of calls they didn’t like. With only two minutes to go in the game, Alliance was leading 48-48.
But St. V-M gained points at both ends of the court, grabbing rebounds and sinking five free throws. The Aviators’ season ended that Saturday night, with St. V-M winning 60-51.
After the game, Coach Larry Kukura said: “Our kids have nothing to be ashamed about. This team had great chemistry this year and these seniors did a great job the last three years.”
Senior J. J. Kukura became the fourth player in the history of Alliance basketball to earn All-Ohio first-team honors. He is the third on Stark County’s career scoring list with 1,681 points.
Also, he was named district player of the year and will be playing in the Stark/Summit All Star Game.
“It was a fun year, I played on a good team, I played with my three best friends and we had good team chemistry,” J. J. said.
He added that his philosophy is: “Never take anything for granted, work hard and don't fear anyone."
Along with J. J., senior Parrish Martin was given first-team honors for the NBC and for the district. He also was recognized for scoring 1,000 points in his high school career.
Senior Kordelle Phillips was also named to the first team for the district and honored with second team for the NBC.
Senior Dale Dickson and sophomore Jairon Brackett was rewarded with honorable mention for the NBC at the winter sports banquet March 11. Dickson received honorable mention on the District II All Star Team. Their coach, Larry Kukura, was named coach of the year for both the NBC and the district.
Red and Blue Staff Writer
Alliance High School’s 2014 boys’ basketball team finished undefeated (14-0) in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference, winning the league title.
In addition, father and son won NBC titles with Coach Larry Kukura named NBC Coach of the Year and J. J. Kukura named NBC Player of the Year.
On March 8, the boys went up against St. Vincent/St. Mary in the Division II district championship game in the Canton Memorial Field House.
The entire game was back and forth, the crowd alternately yelling and booing the refs because of calls they didn’t like. With only two minutes to go in the game, Alliance was leading 48-48.
But St. V-M gained points at both ends of the court, grabbing rebounds and sinking five free throws. The Aviators’ season ended that Saturday night, with St. V-M winning 60-51.
After the game, Coach Larry Kukura said: “Our kids have nothing to be ashamed about. This team had great chemistry this year and these seniors did a great job the last three years.”
Senior J. J. Kukura became the fourth player in the history of Alliance basketball to earn All-Ohio first-team honors. He is the third on Stark County’s career scoring list with 1,681 points.
Also, he was named district player of the year and will be playing in the Stark/Summit All Star Game.
“It was a fun year, I played on a good team, I played with my three best friends and we had good team chemistry,” J. J. said.
He added that his philosophy is: “Never take anything for granted, work hard and don't fear anyone."
Along with J. J., senior Parrish Martin was given first-team honors for the NBC and for the district. He also was recognized for scoring 1,000 points in his high school career.
Senior Kordelle Phillips was also named to the first team for the district and honored with second team for the NBC.
Senior Dale Dickson and sophomore Jairon Brackett was rewarded with honorable mention for the NBC at the winter sports banquet March 11. Dickson received honorable mention on the District II All Star Team. Their coach, Larry Kukura, was named coach of the year for both the NBC and the district.
Swimmers Succeed in Sectionals
Rodman Breaks School Record
By KAELYNN KEMP
Red and Blue Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Cockrill's Studio
The AHS boys’ and girls’ swim teams competed at sectionals at the University of Akron and had some exciting things happen this year.
The Aviators boys’ team placed 7th overall, becoming the highest-finishing swim team in AHS history.
Boys who qualified for the district tournament at Cleveland State University were freshman Jared Watson in the backstroke and butterfly, senior Sam Rodman in the 500 free and backstroke, the 200 medley team that consisted of Rodman, sophomore Bradley Dennis, and freshmen Leonard Cook and Jared Watson, and the 200 free relay team that included Rodman, Cook, Watson and senior Zack Handy.
Rodman broke the AHS school record in the breaststroke. The record had been held by alum Eric Richmond since 1998 with a time of 1:05.40. Rodman finished at a time of 1:04.49.
Aviator girls’ swimmer LeeAnna Brugh placed 11th at the sectional competition and qualified for the distinct competition in the 500 free.
In addition to team records, many swimmers achieved personal best records this season.
Red and Blue Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Cockrill's Studio
The AHS boys’ and girls’ swim teams competed at sectionals at the University of Akron and had some exciting things happen this year.
The Aviators boys’ team placed 7th overall, becoming the highest-finishing swim team in AHS history.
Boys who qualified for the district tournament at Cleveland State University were freshman Jared Watson in the backstroke and butterfly, senior Sam Rodman in the 500 free and backstroke, the 200 medley team that consisted of Rodman, sophomore Bradley Dennis, and freshmen Leonard Cook and Jared Watson, and the 200 free relay team that included Rodman, Cook, Watson and senior Zack Handy.
Rodman broke the AHS school record in the breaststroke. The record had been held by alum Eric Richmond since 1998 with a time of 1:05.40. Rodman finished at a time of 1:04.49.
Aviator girls’ swimmer LeeAnna Brugh placed 11th at the sectional competition and qualified for the distinct competition in the 500 free.
In addition to team records, many swimmers achieved personal best records this season.
Top Ten
Competition Cheer Squad Achieves Goal at State
By ANDE’ GREEN
Red and Blue Staff Writer
This year’s AHS Cheer Competition Team, coached by Jaclyn Mothersbaugh, advanced to the state level competition after a season of hard work and dedication.
Juniors Leona Weatherspoon, Olivia Turney, Kendra Bailey and Annie Conway led the team in experience, with three out of four of them competing at state their freshman year. Along with the seven sophomores and four freshmen, the team was more than ready to go to Columbus.
The state competition was originally suppose to be held at The Ohio State University in Columbus on March 2. But due to a bad snowstorm, it was postponed. The competition was rescheduled for March 16 at Bowling Green State University.
That morning, the cheerleaders were given a send-off at the high school by some Alliance residents and were escorted out of the city by Alliance firefighters.
Two years ago, the competition cheerleading squad took 17th place out of the top 20 teams in the state of Ohio. This year’s squad wanted to improve on that record.
The Alliance cheerleaders took the floor at 11:45 am. They only had to wait until about 12:30 p.m. for results, but it seemed like a long time.
Finally it was time for the awards ceremony. The cheerleaders’ goals were to be in top ten and to have fun. They met the first of those goals with a 10th place finish in Division II.
That weekend, they also achieved the second goal: having fun. Now they’re looking forward to improving for next year’s competition season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our girls,” the head coach said. “They cheered their hearts out and gave us what we’ve been asking for.”
Red and Blue Staff Writer
This year’s AHS Cheer Competition Team, coached by Jaclyn Mothersbaugh, advanced to the state level competition after a season of hard work and dedication.
Juniors Leona Weatherspoon, Olivia Turney, Kendra Bailey and Annie Conway led the team in experience, with three out of four of them competing at state their freshman year. Along with the seven sophomores and four freshmen, the team was more than ready to go to Columbus.
The state competition was originally suppose to be held at The Ohio State University in Columbus on March 2. But due to a bad snowstorm, it was postponed. The competition was rescheduled for March 16 at Bowling Green State University.
That morning, the cheerleaders were given a send-off at the high school by some Alliance residents and were escorted out of the city by Alliance firefighters.
Two years ago, the competition cheerleading squad took 17th place out of the top 20 teams in the state of Ohio. This year’s squad wanted to improve on that record.
The Alliance cheerleaders took the floor at 11:45 am. They only had to wait until about 12:30 p.m. for results, but it seemed like a long time.
Finally it was time for the awards ceremony. The cheerleaders’ goals were to be in top ten and to have fun. They met the first of those goals with a 10th place finish in Division II.
That weekend, they also achieved the second goal: having fun. Now they’re looking forward to improving for next year’s competition season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our girls,” the head coach said. “They cheered their hearts out and gave us what we’ve been asking for.”
Softball Players Change Positions
Three Share Pitching Duties
By SKYLAR HUFFMAN
Red and Blue Staff Writer
The AHS varsity softball team this year has three very experienced seniors: Olivia (Charli) Kelley, Olivia Baxter and Cheyenne Harris, who have all been playing softball since they were old enough to get on the field.
Two freshman girls, Mary Zurbrugg and Brianna Bondoni, made the varsity team this year. Mary pitches, while Brianna plays first base.
After losing pitcher Sam Stevens to graduation, Coach Marty Cvelbar is alternating pitchers this year. The three pitchers are seniors Kelley and Megan D’Eramo and sophomore Cheyenne Bylene.
This will be a huge shift in positions for Charli, since she has been the catcher for her freshman and sophomore year.
“I think Charli will do fine pitching,” Coach Cvelbar said. “She catches on quickly to new things and is one of the most dedicated players.”
Other players will also change positions this year. Senior Harris will be playing center field, while senior Baxter will play shortstop and second base.
Junior Katelyn Daniels will also play shortstop and second. Junior Anessa Fox, who played the outfield, will move to second base.
“The biggest challenge this year is the change of routine in our pitching,” Baxter said. “This year we will have more than one pitcher and three girls will switch back and forth.”
The team played their first game against Canton South at Early Hill. The final score was 0-12, with the Aviator girls taking the loss.
On March 25, the JV girls won their game against Southeast with a score of 10-0. The varsity team also played Southeast on the same day but lost with a score of 0-3
But there were some highlights, with Alicia Mitzel hitting a double and Miranda Vaught claiming a single.
Senior Cheyenne Harris took a philosophical approach to the two losses.
“Even though we lost the first two games I’m still so happy I played and I know I’m going to cry when I have to graduate,” she said.
Red and Blue Staff Writer
The AHS varsity softball team this year has three very experienced seniors: Olivia (Charli) Kelley, Olivia Baxter and Cheyenne Harris, who have all been playing softball since they were old enough to get on the field.
Two freshman girls, Mary Zurbrugg and Brianna Bondoni, made the varsity team this year. Mary pitches, while Brianna plays first base.
After losing pitcher Sam Stevens to graduation, Coach Marty Cvelbar is alternating pitchers this year. The three pitchers are seniors Kelley and Megan D’Eramo and sophomore Cheyenne Bylene.
This will be a huge shift in positions for Charli, since she has been the catcher for her freshman and sophomore year.
“I think Charli will do fine pitching,” Coach Cvelbar said. “She catches on quickly to new things and is one of the most dedicated players.”
Other players will also change positions this year. Senior Harris will be playing center field, while senior Baxter will play shortstop and second base.
Junior Katelyn Daniels will also play shortstop and second. Junior Anessa Fox, who played the outfield, will move to second base.
“The biggest challenge this year is the change of routine in our pitching,” Baxter said. “This year we will have more than one pitcher and three girls will switch back and forth.”
The team played their first game against Canton South at Early Hill. The final score was 0-12, with the Aviator girls taking the loss.
On March 25, the JV girls won their game against Southeast with a score of 10-0. The varsity team also played Southeast on the same day but lost with a score of 0-3
But there were some highlights, with Alicia Mitzel hitting a double and Miranda Vaught claiming a single.
Senior Cheyenne Harris took a philosophical approach to the two losses.
“Even though we lost the first two games I’m still so happy I played and I know I’m going to cry when I have to graduate,” she said.
Changes, Multiple Coaches for Track Team
By JAZZILYNN MASON
Red and Blue Staff Writer
This year’s track team has undergone changes after longtime boys’ head coach Mr. Chris Zurbrugg decided to step down from the position this year, although he is still helping with the team.
Mr. Andrew Wolfgang took over as the head coach for the boys, helped by assistant coaches Mr. Aaron Hill and Mr. Arin Rettig.
The head girls’ coach is Mr. Gary King. He believes that some of the best high school athletes are at AHS. He used to be one of them.
King plans on making a lot of changes, but added that “this year is going to be fun.” He will also be assisted by Rettig and Hill, as well as Ms. Nicole Shaw, Ms. Libby Shannon and Mr. John Gresko.
The girls’ team has more depth than the boys’ with 11 returning letter winners and 40 girls total on the team.
King says a challenge now is filling the 4-by-1 and 4-by-2 relay teams because of all the injuries. But he believes the team will succeed this season and hopefully have a couple track stars who qualify for state this year.
Wolfgang, the boys’ head coach, says that every Friday will be a “fun Friday.” Team members will still practice but they will also play games together, which will help the team bond and let students meet different people or someone they’ve never spoken to in school. Wolfgang will also be helping with the high jump.
Coach Shaw is a multi-tasker who will help out with a bit of everything like relays, exercises, form, and especially long jump. Rettig is the distance coach.
Coach Zurbrugg still comes to help, mostly with hurdles. He also takes the lead if Coach King is not present during a practice.
The middle school track team practices at the same time as the high school team. Coach Wolfgang wants the high school students to help the younger kids become better and achieve their goals, because they are the future high school track team.
Red and Blue Staff Writer
This year’s track team has undergone changes after longtime boys’ head coach Mr. Chris Zurbrugg decided to step down from the position this year, although he is still helping with the team.
Mr. Andrew Wolfgang took over as the head coach for the boys, helped by assistant coaches Mr. Aaron Hill and Mr. Arin Rettig.
The head girls’ coach is Mr. Gary King. He believes that some of the best high school athletes are at AHS. He used to be one of them.
King plans on making a lot of changes, but added that “this year is going to be fun.” He will also be assisted by Rettig and Hill, as well as Ms. Nicole Shaw, Ms. Libby Shannon and Mr. John Gresko.
The girls’ team has more depth than the boys’ with 11 returning letter winners and 40 girls total on the team.
King says a challenge now is filling the 4-by-1 and 4-by-2 relay teams because of all the injuries. But he believes the team will succeed this season and hopefully have a couple track stars who qualify for state this year.
Wolfgang, the boys’ head coach, says that every Friday will be a “fun Friday.” Team members will still practice but they will also play games together, which will help the team bond and let students meet different people or someone they’ve never spoken to in school. Wolfgang will also be helping with the high jump.
Coach Shaw is a multi-tasker who will help out with a bit of everything like relays, exercises, form, and especially long jump. Rettig is the distance coach.
Coach Zurbrugg still comes to help, mostly with hurdles. He also takes the lead if Coach King is not present during a practice.
The middle school track team practices at the same time as the high school team. Coach Wolfgang wants the high school students to help the younger kids become better and achieve their goals, because they are the future high school track team.