![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Football begins spring training
Football boys practice passing and running with the ball. Pre-season spring training began this Monday.
The football program began its annual spring training to prepare for next year’s season this Monday.
Spring training is usually a time for teams to evaluate their remaining players after their seniors have graduated and prepare for the upcoming year.
Though the team’s past season was hindered by its lack of players, this year’s expected high numbers suggest a return to fielding a 11-man team.
Head Football Coach Ron Forbes described next year’s team and the chance to get to work with both new and returning players.
“This may be one of the most talented teams, young but talented teams that we’ve ever had,” said Forbes. “We have a lot of young guys coming in that have four or five years of experience playing tackle football so they’ll be able to make a big impact their first year on the team.”
The team is currently focusing on reassessing players’ development after off-season training and restructuring positions to account for graduating seniors.
Sophomore Jonathan Keller stressed the importance of starting preparation for the upcoming season early.
“We practice in spring and over the summer so we can be ready when the season starts, because our first game is in the first week of school,” he said. “We just do it to be prepared and be the best that we can be. This is the second year with all of the returners and we can watch the film from last year and reassess what we did well, what we did wrong, and we can move from there.”
Junior Christian Williams agreed, explaining the element of camaraderie that results from the team’s dedication during this time.
“Spring ball helps the team bond because it’s time we all spend to get together out on the field and see who’s new and who’s returning,” he said. “I think it also shows the commitment we have to each other to give our time in these two weeks to each other. I really like how close our team is this year. We are a brotherhood and I’m excited to have a great season with my brothers and one sister.”
The team will continue its offseason training with a full summer schedule including 14 passing tournaments, resulting in 50 to 52 7-on-7 games, as well as two full contact games, in addition to their regular practice schedule.
Kavya Ramakrishnan (12) is the managing editor of the Winged Post. This is her fourth year on staff, having previously held the positions of reporter and...