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The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

To Dikec, equipment pushes the boundaries of sport in an unnatural way, and he suggests that his talent alone carried his success in the Games. Even in the wake of this success, concerns arise over “technological doping,” an idea first introduced in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Tech or talent?

by Gabe Sachse and Eva Cheng August 21, 2024

The crowd holds their breath in anticipation as a man toes the line that denotes shooting distance from the target. Dressed in a simple T-shirt branded with Turkey’s team logo, he adjusts his glasses...

As the debate over transgender participation in sports persists, athletes like Khelif and Lin Yuting navigate significant challenges posed by ongoing controversies. The evolving discussions about transgender athletes highlight the ongoing search for balance between fair competition and inclusivity.

Boxing away biases

by Charlize Wang, Aquila Co-Managing Editor August 20, 2024

The sharp clang of the boxing bell reverberates through the stadium, signaling the start of the match. Two figures, one clad in red, the other in blue, circle each other with calculated precision. In an...

Powering-up your pre-game

Powering-up your pre-game

by Eva Cheng, Co-Sports Editor August 18, 2024

Sweat trickling down your neck and lungs burning, you dig your cleats into the grass as you sprint down the field in the final seconds of the game. An opponent closes on you, trailing closely behind. You...

As tools like the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in soccer have grown in usage over the past decade, the number of fouls and red cards has decreased. Similarly, sports like baseball, volleyball and tennis utilize the Hawk-Eye system, which allows referees and umpires to accurately make out-of-bounds calls.

Technology in sports: To use or not to use?

by Jonathan Szeto, Co-STEM Editor May 3, 2024

The soccer championship game is at its final moments. The score is tied, and there are only 30 seconds left on the clock. Suddenly, the striker shoots the ball, and — it’s in! It seems as if the game...

Caitlin Clark debunks doubt in women’s basketball

Caitlin Clark debunks doubt in women’s basketball

by Eva Cheng and Isabella Lo May 3, 2024

Caitlin Clark lines up to shoot two technical free throws for No. 6 ranked Iowa against No. 2 Ohio State. Stepping into the key, she takes two dribbles and scores the first, with the crowd roaring...

Junior varsity boys soccer goalkeeper Cameron Jones (9), varsity softball player Grace Fu (9) and varsity girls volleyball player Aline Grinspan (10) each utilize unique hairstyles to perform with confidence on game day. Intricate braids and comfortable head bands help control stray hairs, letting athletes play with more focus.

Styling for success

by Eva Cheng, Co-Sports Editor April 26, 2024

Basic ponytails, boring crew cuts — your go-to game day style might just be what is leaving you feeling flat on the field. In a world ruled by triumph and trophies, athletes utilize every tool in their...

Stepping into the world of shoe culture

Stepping into the world of shoe culture

by Kevin Zhang, Co-Managing Editor April 24, 2024

Wander into the back of a Nike store, and you’ll find yourself amidst a labyrinth of shelves filled to the brim with bright orange shoe boxes. Take one step into a Foot Locker, and you’ll see sneakers...

Pitcher and shortstop Raeanne Li (9) follows through with her swing after hitting the softball. “If you only have a few good people, you can’t win games like that." Raeanne said. "The whole team has to support each other.”

Back to the bases

by Tiffany Zhu and Mia Tang April 11, 2024

After a two-year hiatus, the varsity softball team steps onto the diamond again, facing off against their first opponent of the season, James Lick High School. With a roster of almost all new players,...

Many are aware of the pain that concussions cause on the court, but the arduous process of concussion recovery behind the scenes is less known. Apart from the initial pain of the hit, symptoms of a concussion vary and have the potential to heavily affect day-to-day cognitive function, emotional wellness and physical health. 

Athletes tackle concussion recovery

by Claire Yu, Co-Assistant Sports Editor March 28, 2024

Every year, 11.9% of U.S. high school athletes suffer from concussions. Similarly,  multiple Harker athletes sustain concussions every year. Many are aware of the pain that concussions cause on the court,...

Roma Bhanot (9) leads the varsity girls lacrosse team’s cheer during a huddle after the first quarter. “The culture just seems really relaxed because of the players and the coaches,” Roma said. “A lot of the players are new their freshman year, so I definitely got a lot of help from them, even before the season started.

Clearing challenges and building onwards

by Emma Milner and Tiffany Zhu March 28, 2024

After clinching first place in the WBAL Alpine League last season with an undefeated 12-0 record, the varsity girls lacrosse team boasts a formidable reputation. This season, their hopes soar high as they...

Watch out for these watches

Watch out for these watches

by Jonathan Xue March 28, 2024

You’re browsing the market for a sports watch. But which watch? And what separates a sports watch from your standard wristwatch? Well, fear not. With our handy explainer, you’ll be a sports watch expert...

Dancer Selina Wang (10) performs in the upper school dance production, with an image of her rehearsing in the background. Despite the intense training required of dancers, many forms of dance strive to hide strain on stage.

Studio grit, stage grace: Dancers debate sport vs. art

by Katerina Matta and Tiffany Zhu March 15, 2024

Competitive dancers can practice at least nine hours every single week, or condition to train endurance for up to an hour each time they’re in the studio. They push the human body to its physical...

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