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

Varsity boys soccer co-captain Jack Yang (12) checks on a potentially injured player from the opposing team in a show of sportsmanship. Jack has played on the varsity team since his freshman year, becoming captain in his junior season.

Behind the score, subtle moments soar

by Brandon Zau February 10, 2024

Within every athlete and sport comes loud moments. The astonishing feat that immediately puts respect on someone’s name. The achievement that is echoed over and over because of its lasting impression....

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes faces off against the 49ers Brock Purdy. The two teams will play in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday.

Students and staff share Super Bowl LVIII predictions

by Eva Cheng, Claire Yu, and Tiffany Zhu February 9, 2024

Excitement rings high as the days count down to the game that will crown the champion of the NFL. Fans gear up with friends to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battle for the NFL...

Elbow sleeves, special socks, Rice Krispie treats and more comprise some of Harkers student-athletes sports superstitions. It’s very important to the game, even though it’s just a Rice Krispie, girls varsity libero Norah Mehanna (11) said.

Superstitions snag success for Harker athletes

by Minal Jalil and Katerina Matta February 9, 2024

Bouncing the ball three times before each serve. Drinking from the same water bottle every match. Wearing the same kneepads to each game, no matter how ripped and faded they become. Many athletes routinely...

Selina Chen (9) represents her club team while Finley Ho (9) dons a Harker jersey. Both split their time between the varsity girls basketball team and their club teams.

Battling for balance, student-athletes take on club and high school sports

by Katerina Matta and Claire Yu February 8, 2024

Imagine shaking off the rust from two long years spent in the pandemic for your first high school volleyball season. Then picture winning the Central Coast Section title. Next, you return to club training...

Head Athletic Trainer Wes Howard attaches the electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) machine to Emily Mitnick (11) to treat her injured hamstring. Student athletes frequent the trainers room before practices and games.

Tech tackles injuries

by Eva Cheng and Katerina Matta February 8, 2024

“R.I.C.E.” Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. This famous acronym described the only options available to injured athletes before sports medicine became as widespread as it is today. As the industry gained...

Despite its accolades, warning signs about the Pac-12’s future emerged in June 2022, when powerhouse football schools UCLA and USC announced their imminent departure for the Big Ten. Following various failed attempts to negotiate with networks and bring the conference back together, each school bar two finalized plans to join other conferences in the 2024-2025 season.

And then there were two: Pac-12 dissolution ripples through fans, athletes

by Katerina Matta, Co-Sports Editor February 3, 2024

A bruin, a sun devil and a husky walk into a room. What do they have in common? They each represent a mascot from the Pac-12 Conference, which announced its dissolution earlier this year. Comprised...

Climate change worsens conditions athletes face in outdoor sports like soccer and skiing. The increase in temperature results in unfavorable air quality for soccer players and the melting snow for skiers.

Athletes run down the clock against climate change

by Tiffany Zhu and Claire Zhao January 12, 2024

Temperatures fluctuate, rising and falling by unprecedented degrees. Wildfire smoke fills the air. Sports practices are canceled. These realities may seem apocalyptic, but it remains true that outdoor...

As Formula Ones fanbase grows with publicity of drivers both on and off the track, unity binds this diverse global community together. “My favorite part about F1 is the high-speed cars and the competitiveness of the sport,” Shivraj said. “I watch most parts of the races, and I like the overtakes the best. They make it more popular, so more people are talking about it this year.”

Revving up unity

by Tiffany Zhu, Co-Assistant Sports Editor December 10, 2023

It’s the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas. The stands buzz with excitement, hosting fans ranging from Harker students to celebrities like Rihanna and Justin Bieber. Together, they witness...

As paparazzi photographed them together repeatedly on private outings and Swift began attending Chiefs games, the quasi-couple captured the focus of football fans and Swifties alike. 

Kelce-Swift romance tackles media

by Katerina Matta and Aishani Singh December 3, 2023

Sparks flew one night in Arrowhead Stadium as Taylor Swift wowed attendees at her famed Eras Tour. Current Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and two-time Super Bowl champion himself, was no exception...

Sixes, centuries and celebrations at the Cricket World Cup

Sixes, centuries and celebrations at the Cricket World Cup

by Mihir Kotbagi and Disha Gupta November 24, 2023

Thousands of passionate fans cheer enthusiastically from the stands, each one rooting for a specific batter or fielder to lead their cricket team to victory. Enthusiasm starts just feet away from the...

A lunch tray consists of turkey and rice from Mexican Fiesta, swedish meatballs and egg noodles from Main, fresh fruits from the salad bar and a cookie from the Auxiliary Gym. “Because teen athletes are still growing and developing, it’s important to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition and hydration,” registered dietitian Sara Leung said.

Finding fuel formula for teenage athletes

by Eva Cheng and Katerina Matta November 15, 2023

Nationally-ranked tennis player Audrey Feng (11) relaxed during the second set of her match, coasting on a comfortable lead and looking forward to finishing strong. Suddenly, she felt her energy sap away,...

The cheer team lifts three members into the air during the spirit rally on Oct. 5. With a total of 15 members this year, the size of the team increased fivefold, and their hardworking spirit and close-knit relationships continue on. 

Staying on top: Cheerleading team grows and adjusts to form new memories

by Emma Milner and Claire Yu November 3, 2023

Last year’s Homecoming, three cheerleaders performed a routine to a remix of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” in the middle of the illuminated field, experiencing difficulty in performing stunts...

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