![“[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)
Varsity boys soccer lost to Crystal Springs Uplands 2-1 at home on Jan. 10.
The Gryphons scored two goals within the first 10 minutes of the game, but the Eagles’ defense blocked their continuous attacks for the remainder of the half. Striker Ben Cha (12) highlighted the first half with his goal-post hit from the 40-yard line, garnering reactions from both spectators and players. Despite numerous attempts on goal, the Eagles remained scoreless, ending the first half 0-2.
“It’s looking a little rough right now and could be better, but I think they’ll make a comeback and score some goals in the second half,” spectator Laurel Davies (12) said.
The offense pressured the Gryphons throughout the second half. Forward Ryder Hewitt’s (10) goal arrived with 20 minutes left in the game after the Gryphons subst
ituted their keeper. Harker failed to convert two on-target shots and a corner during a 10-minute offensive surge. The Eagles sustained their aggressive pace but concluded the match with a missed corner.
“Following their second [goal], I feel as though our confidence kind of dropped, but our competitiveness increased,” Ryder said. “We slowly played our way back into things and started charging for the ball more, going into tackles a lot more.”
Throughout the match, the Gryphons appeared louder in communication both on the field and bench, but the Eagles prevented them from scoring another goal.
“What might be an interesting idea is trying to get a bit more pregame hype,” Ben said. “Our energy during our warmups could definitely be a bit stronger.”
The team holds a 2-9 season record. They play against Pinewood at home on Wednesday.
