Drake Taylor Narrative

From before day one, all our minds were set. This was the year to win a State Championship. I can’t exactly explain it, but right from the start I knew we were going to do it. I was never so sure about anything in my life and I never doubted it once.

As we walked out of the McLeod Center, I learned that I experience history wherever I go. I can also say that any team can be beaten on any given day. Even if your record is bad you can still exceed expectation to win. Being with my dad and experiencing this moment is one of the best memories I will never forget this moment with

“We feel good after the win.” Coach Kylie Whaley said, “We have worked on playing together as a team, we’ve struggled with that in some areas throughout the season, so I think we’re finally getting to the point where that’s all coming together.”

The second championship game began much like the first. By the seventh inning the score was seven to one in favor of Waterloo Valley. Being the home team, we had one more chance for survival in the bottom of the inning. The inning started with one hit after another, raising the team’s spirits with each one. The hits just kept coming until we finally found ourselves only down by only one run. The excitement in the dugout was soaring, and so, with a runner on third base and two outs, Coach Sullivan put in Jakob Crampton for what could be the final at bat of the season. After strike one the anxiety became overwhelming. With the second pitch on its way, Crampton swang the bat, and the dugout exploded into cheering as the ball found its way between the third baseman

In 2016, more than ever, the team was committed to and had one goal of winning. One of our biggest rivals was St. John’s College High School (SJCHS). My doubles partner and I played the last match of the WCAC championships against SJCHS. During the season, SJCHS was one of the hardest competitors we faced but walking onto the court on the final day of championships, my partner and I knew we would fight and win. After 45 minutes, I hit an ace and we won the match that put us in the lead to win the championships. October 30, 2016 was the single most exciting and overwhelming day for the team all season. Everyone’s hard work paid off.

The clock is falling short of time and the Armhest Lady Hurricanes are just hoping that they can score something, just anything to help them win this game. The buzzer goes off and everyone is in tears due to all of their hard work, sweat and blood failing, losing the playoffs in Madeline Blais, “In these girls, hope is a muscle”

Cole Holbrook and Devin Reich stated the reason for their success was just knowing each other which made them play with confidence. Really stressing the fact that playing together last year was so important in building their chemistry. When asked how close the two of them are Devin said “practically brothers.” I asked Cole and Devin what they plan to improve on from now until the state competition they responded with “practicing a lot” and “practicing with other state competitors. When asked about their plan for state Cole responded with “our goal is to make the opponents cry.” The Talon and myself congratulate Ty, Cole, and Devin on their success and wish them the best of luck as they prepare for state in the

As a young three year old Nick Fornelius steps out onto the ice in his skates that are little too big for him, he immediately falls flat on his butt leaving an echo sounding throughout the entire rink. With a single tear rolling down his cheek he looks up at his dad who is standing beside him and says, “We’re not leaving here till I can skate!” Although the obstacles in Nick’s life on the ice have changed the emotion of that phrase still emulates from his entire being when he enters the rink. Even now in his college hockey career this childhood quote describes Nick perfectly.

Air Horns, Yelling, Sweat, Tears and Blood, this was the moment I knew all the hard work put in over the last fifteen years came to an end. All around me I could see my teammates, my brothers, kids I go out everyday and work my ass off for crying and shaking their heads. The look of defeat was all around me, the feeling of emptiness filled my heart faster than liquid fills a water bottle. This was the second time my High School hockey team had lost in the state championships game. Losing two times doesn 't only hurt the heart but it affects the community as well. As I made my way back to the locker room I hugged my fellow seniors and their parents, and congratulated them on an amazing high school career. As I was changing into my suit and tie, the feeling of failure overcame me and I could tell the same for my fellow teammates. It was the worst feeling imaginable, all the dedication I put into winning this state championship was stripped away and I couldn 't help but feel sad. Cheer up Zach is all I heard for the next two days, as my father constantly tried to enliven my spirit. My father has constantly been there for me, he has been my inspiration and my mentor over the years. At a young age my father taught me the importance of work ethic and discipline. I have carried these traits with me my whole life and without my father 's guidance and mentorship, I wouldn 't be the man I am today. My life has revolved around these traits and after that horrible defeat, I had a dream

The puck was back and forth, receiving a collective OOOH, from the crowd if it was shot at the goal. But the final period is where the game got interesting. Still tied at zero, a Capital player received a penalty for tripping, giving the Islanders a one man lead, or otherwise known as a Power Play. This reawakened the crowd, which began buzzing with excitement. Half way through this Power Play, a shot on the Capital goal tipped off the shoulder pad of the Goalie, ricocheting the puck straight into the net. As soon the tiny red light above the goal began its routine spin, the stands exploded with sound. Fans sung along together and toasted what was left of their drinks, while children squealed with delight, knowing something important happened, but not exactly what. And with that goal, the Islanders began playing at a level unrivaled by the other team, who felt panic and fear, as this could lead to their

They came off the bench with a fire in their a**. Even when they were playing with such strength, we still had the momentum. We were able to put one more score on the board and win the game four-zero. It was the highlight of the tournament for our team. After that game had finished, we were able to get all of our players back and go on and win the tournament.

“It’s a big win, penalty kill did a heck of a job, power play stepped up and got a big goal when we needed it. Contributions from everyone” said captain John Tavares. Tavares scored a huge goal with nine minutes remaining as he clanged a snap shot off the post behind Lundqvist after the Islanders had an absolutely horrific power play attempt their previous try. Clearly playing ill, the captain gutted this one out and lead all forwards in ice time once again with 18:45, four shot attempts and an 11-7 mark on

The crowd went absolutely wild, and everyone was hugging (compound). My team and I were in a group hug in the middle of the court with our coach. When we turned to the crowd, it erupted with applause (complex). I went over and hugged my best friend, Delaney, and we told each other that we each did outstanding. We then were presented with medals and the State Championship trophy. We all stood huddled on the floor, holding the trophy high above our heads. After that, all the fans and parents came onto the floor. I could tell that my parents were ready to embrace me.

Friday night rolled around, it was the game we had all been working so hard for. Knowing we were seniors, we knew it would be the end of the journey.

Jason deCaires Taylor has created many pieces of art. Jason deCaires Taylor is a sculptor, who creates underwater living habitats. It shows the effect that humans have on nature over time. His work is designed to be like artificial reefs, attracting corals, which increasing marine biomass and gathering fish.