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In 1948, track started being offered to students as part of the athletic
program. Mr. Gordon Pitcher,class of 1954,was on the first team and said, "The
track used to be out in front of the old high school building and was in rough
condition.The track was made of clay,and the team did not have proper run-
ning shoes or equipment."In 1949 he won the mile run in four-minute,twen-
ty-four seconds(4:24 minutes).
Ms.Gore,class of 1977 was on the first girls track team. Back
then,girls were not allowed to participate in many sports since they were
viewed as fragile and delicate.The girls were,"...always held down,told -
no,"says Ms. Gore, but they kept pushing. When the team was finally . ' i
formed, the girls were excited. "Back then there were no sports bras f / 1
so I would use ace bandages to keep the sisters in place,"commented 9 A `' "/
Ms. Gore. The girls had a lot to learn since they didn't have much ex- ,, �,
perience. Coach Roman taught the girls many things, including how to
use starting blocks.
Ms. Gore wishes she had the opportunity to run track lon-
ger, like senior Jamieshia Parker who has been running track since
sixth grade. Jamieshia has broken the long jump record and has been
to states two times. Even though Jamieshia has torn her ACL and had
surgery,she is still committed to the sport."At Wesley Chapel I was in last
place, but I chased down the girl in first place. I was like a fishing rod reel-
ing in on her,"stated Jamieshia.
Jamal Roberts has been running for five years. He runs the 4X1,
100 and 200 events. Like Jamieshia, he too has been to states. He plans on
continuing in college track in college if he gets the opportunity to. "College track
is a lot different than high school track. You have to put a lot of time and effort into
it,"says Jamal. He looks up to Lindsay Arnold as one of his idols,"She's a beast at run-
ning."
By Jon Vogt
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In 1974,Suzanne Pulliam-Bahr was part of the very first girls'tennis team.That first
year was really a learning experience for all of the players. It was one of the first sports girls
were allowed to play:most of all the girls that joined the team were just excited because they
had a sport to play. not because they had a large amount of experience playing. Their
coach,Connie Brown,was enthusiastic and supportive even though the girls didn't do so
great those first few years.She said that her favorite memory about being on the tennis
team was really just the fact that she was part of a team.She quit cheerleading to join
that very first tennis team and enjoyed it to the end.To this day,she is still friends with
her coach,Ms.Brown.
Boys'tennis on was around well before the girls'team.Randy Bahr played
on the boys'tennis team for three years of high school.He had been playing tennis
since 1969,winning conference in 1971.During his time playing here,there weren't
too many schools in the area that had tennis teams.Because of this,the girls'and
boys'teams alike would have to travel hours to play different schools which mostly
included private schools and schools much larger than ZHS.The atmosphere then
was fairly competitive.The team did well although their coach, Mr.Woods,had to
scom them sometimes."For instance,one time he told us that we were all outstand-
ing,literally just out standing on the court,"Randy stated. He added that his favorite
memory of playing tennis in high school was putting a forehand right through his op-
ponent's legs.
When asked what has changed from tennis then compared to now,Sarah
Vandeberg,Anson Angail,Suzanne,and Randy all agreed.The courts that are used now
have certainly improved.Back when Randy and Suzanne played,the courts could be as-
phalt,dirt,or any other material:a few of the nets were made out of chicken wire.The courts
have improved in quality and number. The equipment used has also greatly improved.Randy
and Suzanne both used Wilson products,but the frames would be made out of just wood and the
racquets were slightly smaller.
One thing that hasn't changed,though.is the atmosphere.Sarah and Anson both say
that it is still competitive yet fun. When asked what their favorite memories were.Sarah and Anson
both answered that just being on the team, playing, and making friends is the greatest memory
from their time on the tennis team.
By Chloe Newman