Mohey Tawa Region

By Beckham Trigo

A few weeks back, our drill team, Mohey Tawa, participated in regional events. They performed amazingly and really showed off their school spirit. They were able to make it to state this year while having fun and representing our school. This helped the team grow and better themselves. Mohey placed 6th place in all of their dances, and they did such a great job! 

I was able to interview some of the Mohey Girls, and they had a lot to say about the region, some being good and some meant for improvement. They all seem to love being on the team as they can grow and learn to appreciate one another. As I interviewed Maddy Gray, she stated, “Yes, I especially love being in a group with my team, it makes the experience so much fun.” When asking other girls, their answers were similar, including “I think we did really good!”

Then, I asked them if they think that they could have done better, or if they think the coaches could improve along with the team altogether. The questions received mixed responses, some answering with yes and others answering with no. When asked if they think they could have done better personally, Lexi said, “I was personally satisfied.” Then, I asked if they think that they could have done better as a team, and Stubbs said, “It could have been a little cleaner and counted more.” Most of them agree that they could have done a little better as a team, but they were all satisfied with themselves and their performance which is what really matters.

Now we watch Mohey go to state, and we can see how they do. They have a positive attitude and are prepared to get to, and through, state. Mohey is ready to utilize their positive attitude to achieve their goals, and it will make everyone so proud of them no matter what. Let’s go Mohey!

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Girls Wrestling: A Step Forward for Cedar High School

By Emma Taylor

Without a doubt, the sport of wrestling has brought many together, and, in the past, it was primarily boys. However, this year Cedar High School and many other Utah schools have added girl’s wrestling teams. These teams bring girls together who, until now, have not been able to find a sport that they truly love. The athletes have stayed fully committed to the sport and have put in much work to become better and better and are excited to be a part of something new.

The Cedar High team has eighteen girls, with hopes to grow more through the coming years. These girls are setting a new standard of strength and diligence. They get to be part of Cedar High School’s history and are grateful to have great leaders and coaches, both girls and boys, to look up to.

When asking a few members of the boys team how the girls team may affect them or the school community, the most common answer was that there is no change to them or their team, but they were “happy to see female independence” and a growing team. One boy stated: “girls want to be girls, but as long as they are committed, they are just as much part of the team as the boys.”

We also asked teachers’ opinions on how the new girls team has, or will, impact the school community. Coach Bennett started off by saying that the sport of wrestling, no matter who you are, helps to “build mental toughness that can be carried through life.” He added: “girls wrestling is gaining a lot of attention that contributes to the school community, adding to the wrestling experience.”

A student in Mrs. Johnson’s homeroom class said, “The team gives girls a different status of fairness and brings a great representation of supporting female empowerment.” Mr. Wood said that the girls team is a great asset to the school by “showing that girls can do tough sports just like the boys.” Mrs. Plewe responded that this team is going to “make students feel more included.”

Retired wrestling coach and current teacher, Mr. Weaver, said, “Wrestling gives boys and girls equal but separate opportunities.” He added that being a part of the wrestling team helps to “develop a level of responsibility” and “wrestling gives a great self-introspective view of who you are.”

One of the current assistant coaches for the boys team, Coach Field, says that “the girls wrestling team helps the school’s image by giving more opportunities to a lot of girls.” Current teacher and assistant coach, Coach Powell, gave the statement that “girls wrestling will bring back the way boys wrestling used to be.” He added more on how this sport gives the girls opportunities to enjoy sports like never before. The head coach of the wrestling team, Coach Payne, says that girls wrestling will “give girls a more individual sport and a chance to improve where it’s not a team environment and more of an individual improvement sport.” 

The girls team is “not a plus or minus to anybody, it’s just new and it’s never been done,” says Coach Payne.

The new girls wrestling team is excited to show what the sport has to offer to so many different people and are grateful for the new opportunities that have been placed before them, as well as the support that they’ve received to start a new part of our school’s history.

Payton Murray Voted Spectrum Defensive Player of the Year for Region 9

By Kailey Gilbert

The Cedar Reds wrapped up their football season successfully during a global pandemic, especially for one player in particular. Payton Murray, number four on Cedar High School’s team, was awarded the Spectrum Defensive Player of the Year. Voted by parents, athletes, and students across Region 9, the award aims to highlight the efforts made by individual players who go above and beyond on the field. Competing against Awsten Turnbow from Desert Hills, McKade Fielding from Dixie, and Rick Mua’e from Pine View, Payton Murray triumphed. He gives the Cedar High football team one more thing to take pride in. 

Having played as a linebacker for the last two years on the team, Murray reflects on his love for football and the time he’s put into it. “My parents put me into little league football when I was in first grade, and I played on the third grade team,” he said. From a young age, Murray showed passion for the sport. “I’ve worked hard at practices and in games. I always try to be the best I can be for my team,” he said, “Football has taught me how to work hard, not just on the field, but [also] in life.” With years of blood, sweat, and tears going into the sport, Murray takes pride in his place on the team. 

After his last year of playing with the Cedar High football team, Murray appears excited to be voted for this award. “It’s a new experience,” he said when asked about being the Spectrum Defensive Player of the Year. He recognizes the hard work that it took to get him to where he is today. “I’ve been happy with the season,” he said, but expressed that this year has also felt “heartbreaking because I’ll never play football again.” Walking off the field for the final time with his team, Murray has given others an example to follow. His legacy is one to respect. The memories and lessons that Murray has gained from football will live on and affect his life for years to come.

With a year surrounded by a gloomy fog of the global pandemic, it’s difficult not to wonder how the season had been affected. With masks required on the sidelines and social distancing for the players and students, the year would seem to have been bogged down by the constant threat. However, athletes and students alike have rallied around one another and created an atmosphere as close to normal as possible. As the year proceeds, the hope that other sports will also continue under student mandates endures. Each and every person has a part to play if sports are to continue as planned. Cedar High looks forward to a future of athletes and the dedication they possess.

XC State 2020: Retirement of Coach and a Change in Course

By Kailey Gilbert

Combatting a change of course and the presence of COVID-19, the 2020 4A State Championships was different from any other state meet. In a normal season, runners would travel up north the day before the competition and run late the next morning, avoiding any worry surrounding school, snacks, or schedules.

This year, however, was different; runners were expected to go through a shortened school day, eat healthy, and take accountability for being at the meet at the appropriate times. 

The varsity boys team performed well under the hard stakes. Their top five runners finished in the first 20 places of the race, resulting in a score of 73 and placing the team in second. Logan Peel, a sophomore, placed second at the regional meet and eighth at the state meet, leaving viewers awestruck. He is described as humble and kind by his teammates, but when the race comes around, he can only be described as unstoppable.

With high hopes for next year, Cedar Reds’ boys’ cross country team aims to finish the next season with a state championship.

The girls’ cross country team had a slightly different account of the state meet. Coming in fifth at the regional meet two weeks prior, their main goal was to hold their place and, if possible, beat the Hurricane team. With “Do it for Coach” written on their wrists, Cedar High’s girls’ cross country team finished in fourth place. They beat not only the Hurricane team, but Snow Canyon as well, shooting their ranking up to third in the region.

Their top five runners finished within 45 seconds of each other, resulting in incredible times for the season, especially considering the challenges of the course. Shocking the state and impressing their coaches, the Lady Reds celebrate a great race and an important legacy.

The retirement of “Dr. Coach” ends in victory and enthusiasm, and the state cross country meet brings in great results for both Cedar teams.