Dance team hosts kiddie camp

By: Maddie Munger

The Sparta Dance Team held a dance camp at Sparta High School on October 9, 2010 for children kindergarten to fifth grade.

The dance team worked together to choreograph a fun dance for the children to learn. This year they had 78 kids compared to last years 40 kids. On Saturday, the dancers split up into groups of two and were assigned a group of kids from the following schools: St.Pats, St.Johns, Cataract Elementary, Maplewood, Lakeview Montessori, Southside, Lawrence-Lawson, and Meadowview Intermediate students.

Once everyone was split into groups, Freshmen Ashley Tester mentioned, "It was a fun, new experience. I really enjoyed working with the younger kids and teaching them how to dance."

The dance clinic went from nine in the morning until eleven in the afternoon. The girls danced to a song from the movie Camp Rock called "Play my music." Tester commented, "I asked some of the girls that we taught and they said they really enjoyed dancing and working with the older girls." After the clinic everyone went home to practice and rest up for the big performance.

They met back up at the Memorial Football field that night at seven and performed the dance in front of parents, relatives, and other football players parents under the lights. Dance team coach Kristin Munger commented, "This year's clinic went very well. It was a very good fund raiser and made a lot of little kids happy, and that's all that matters."

The dance team looks forward to next year and getting more girls then this year. Tester exclaims, "I hope it goes smoothly next year and stays fun for us and the little kids."

Boys Basketball

By: Brianna Brinckman

Winter is right around the corner which brings the start of the Sparta boys basketball season.

Last year's varsity team consisted of eight graduating seniors leaving this year's varsity team with one returning starter. Coach Bill Ott states, "We do have a young and inexperienced team this year but that's an advantage in the long run." He continues to talk about the strengths of having such a young team. "Since the players are young, they will be playing together for more than one year. They are dedicated, coachable, and have great attitudes," says Ott.

Not having many returning starters also has its weaknesses. "A lot of my players this year are going to be inexperienced and it's going to be hard to find consistent scoring, but there are ways to improve your skills before the season starts," continues Ott.

One way to improve your skills is to use the weight room after school. Ott is also providing numerous open gyms starting the first week in November. "The open gyms are available every Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:30 to 4:30," states Ott. There will be a sign up meeting on October 25 after school for all boys interested in going out.

Tiny Tots



A Tiny Tot member poses for a picture.

 By: Kala Lindley

The 2010 Tiny Tots program has gotten under way at the Sparta Barney Community Center under the direction of Joanie Blixt.

“The best part is when we color,” added Taylor Lindley-Schendel when asked what her favorite part of the day involved. Children who attend Tiny Tots take part in various activities during their two hours together, which meets every Tuesday and Thursday. “Miss Joanie always sings songs with us and reads books,” offered Lindley-Schendel. Everyday they get to learn a new song and read a different book. “My favorite song is The Itsy Bitsy Spider and I love when Miss Joanie reads Mary Had A Little Lamb,” said Lindley-Schendel.
 

Along with singing and reading, Tiny Tots members get to release some of their energy by having recess time. “Rag ball is a lot of fun!” stated Lindley-Schendel. Youngsters also get time to bring in one of their prized possessions during their Show and Tell time. Lindley-Schendel adds, “They bring horses, purses, dragons, microphones or anything they want.”


Children ages two through five can participate in Tiny Tots for a small fee of $24 for residents or $36 for non-residents, which takes place two times a year. Parents are allowed to sit in with their kids during the sessions to see them interact with one another. If you want more information as to how to sign your child up, stop by at the Sparta Parks and Recreation or visit them online.