Sparta Soccer Does It Again!

These boys had a great season and got very far in it. The boys ended up winning their sectional final game against Osceola 3-0. This then proceeded them to state.

Sparta soccer is in Division 2 for their conference. This is the first year that soccer has ever made it into the state competition. Senior Captain Kevin Rasmussen stated, "All of our adrenaline were pumping and holding the plack that made us sectional champs and we're now going to state."

The big game was on October, Friday 30th down in Milwaukee at the Uihlein Soccer Park. The team ended up facing Fox Valley Lutheran. This was so big game that a fan bus was even sent down there as well. "It took a while to set in but it was just over all awesome. The best way to end a season," stated Kevin Rasmussen.

The game started out on a good note when our boys scored in the first half. That person being the goalie Jordan Stanek. He made a kick so big that it made it into the other goal end and right over the opposite goalie. "This was very exciting and having all of the fans there made it even better," Rasmussen explained.

But then came the other half of the game. They held Fox Valley off pretty well until now. Then they ended up scoring a few goals on the Spartans. This made the final 1-4 with everyone still putting on a good fight. "I was thinking did this really just happen were we really playing at the state competition? It was just an amazing feeling and just being so happy it was awesome," Kevin Rasmussen concluded.

Fox Valley Lutheran ended up winning state for Division 2 and for the Sparta boys, they're still loving the fact that they made it to state and will never forget this moment, especially for the seniors. Congratulations to our soccer boys! You all had a great season. And as the team says, "Sparta soccer was keepin it sexy this year!"

Winter Driving

By CJ Anderson

Winter is just around the corner, and that means everybody will have to make adjustments in their driving. Snow will cover the ground, ice will blanket the roads, and, for some, vehicles will be all over the road.

When asked about preparing for winter driving, high school English teacher Sue Bartlett said,"I make sure my tires are good, both with air pressure and and tread size. I also make sure I have a scraper for the ice, jumper cables, and a blanket or extra cloths for warmth" School secretary Melissa Kogutkiewqicz said, "I drive slower, and I'm more cautious."

Of course, being prepared for winter driving and dealing with the conditions are two different things. "Black ice is hard because its unexpected and hard to see, avoiding drivers who don't know how do drive, and visibility are all issues" said Bartlett, on the hardships of winter driving. Also Kogutkiewqicz cautioned drivers to "slow down when the roads are slippery."

Some of the best advice anyone could get is driving in the winter. "Drive according to conditions. pace yourself, watch for deer, and if possible, stay off the roads if the conditions are bad. Also, give yourself a lot of time, and don't rush", said Bartlett. Also, Kogutkiewqicz said, "slow down"

Younger drivers are at a disadvantage when it comes to winter driving, simply because they don't have the experience advantage that other drivers have. There is good news, however. "The majority of the students are careful, but there is too much of the minority that speed and are reckless," said Bartlett, and Kogutkiewqicz said that students drive "fairly good" during the winter. They both said that they considered themselves to be good winter drivers as well.