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Blocking his opponent, senior Cole Neville holds off the defender. Neville helped his fellow offensive teammates make out with the first victory for the team. “I like playing offense because I am able to do almost every task on the field,” Neville said. “I get to block for the backs and I can also go out for passes so I can help my team as much as possible.”

BLOCKING BATTLE

Starting the game off, senior Chase Bishop kicks the ball to Lincoln East. Bishop played soccer, so playing as kicker was something he was interested in, and had been doing for several years. “A friend of mine on my soccer team thought it would be a good experience for me to join the team,” Bishop said. “I love the atmosphere of football and the team. It’s almost like a religion.”

KICK-OFF

THE BOYJunior steps up and carries the game

Every play in football started with the quarterback, and for a majority of the seasons that position was taken by a senior. This year, things went differently as junior Logan Anderjaska took the field as the consistent starting quarterback. Anderjaska was the first consistent junior quarterback since 2005, pleasing the coaches with his dedication to the game and his leadership skills despite being younger than some of his teammates. “He fits our offensive philosophy really well,” head coach Kirk Peterson said. “He has good feet and he throws really well.” Anderjaska surpassed his senior teammates in his coaches eyes. He fit into the plays and gave the team options on how they wanted to move the ball.

“We try to be an option based offense with a quarterback that can run well,” Peterson said. “He has those characteristics.” It was an honor for Anderjaska to be able to play the position of quarterback for his team, and he took his role seriously, making an effort to help his team on the scoreboard “It was a little nerve wracking at first,” Anderjaska said. “But it feels good to know that my coaches and teammates trust me to be the starter. I try to lead the offense whenever it’s needed, but the leadership role has really fallen more on the senior captains than anyone else.” Anderjaska excelled in his position, proving himself as a force to be reckoned with, and one that would return next year even stronger.

OF FALL

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The 20th team corrects history, replacing defeat with victory

COMEBACK KIDSThe very first football team

at Millard West started off less than ideal. With a season record of zero wins and nine losses, they left the teams in years to come with nowhere to go but up.

Crushing the records of the starting team, this year the boys changed the game from a showcase of individual talent into a team sport. Talent came together, and victories and losses were taken as a team.

The boys ended their regular season with a record of six wins and three losses and brought in countless college offers. They made it to quarter finals in the playoffs, where they ended their season against Grand Island.

“We went into the season wanting to win,” head coach Kirk Peterson said. “We played really well, but we had multiple guys out throughout the season.”

The team accomplished feats on more than just the field, coming together to compensate for the injuries at the beginning of the season. The boys played positions that were new to them, but the team was able to accomplish much more than years previous to them.

“When an injury occurs, the coaches look for who stands out in practice and works hard to fill the positions,” senior Jacob Kistaitis said. “We were able to do that because we work as a group well, and we get along.”

The coaching staff could only do so much and were confined to the side line when it came to game time. The players were left to motivate each other and work together as a team.

“This year is a lot different from the ones in the past because we have less individual talent, and a lot of juniors have had to step up and fill important positions,” senior Zachary Sullivan said. “We had a tough start, but I feel like we are good enough to go really far.”

The team instilled pride in the student section and the community. They served as the evidence that the school was a force to be reckoned with, and shouldn’t be forgotten, despite it’s young age.

The Varsity football team became much more than just the ‘Boys of Fall’ this year, cementing themselves in history as Millard West’s 20th team.

SENIOR SUPERSTITIONSAfter playing for years, seniors developed habits in preparation for the game

“Before we get onto the bus, we listen to the song ‘In the Air Tonight,’ and all walk out to the bus when the drum solo goes on. Then before we go onto the field we say the Lord’s Prayer together. I say my own prayer by myself, too.”

-THOMASRUSSELL’15

“It’s dead silent before getting on the bus every game. Once we get to the game, I like to try to say something to pump up the team and then the captains do chants as we run onto the field. It’s been a tradition for the past 20 years.”

-ZACHARYSULLIVAN’15

“During our quiet time, I say a few quick prayers before we leave. I always wear a black sleeve and black cleats for home games and all white for away games. It’s just a supersition I have for every game.”

-JACKBARNA’15

“We always listen to the same song before we get on the bus. Before every game, while I’m getting ready, one of my superstitions or traditions is that I always have to put my left cleat on and tie it before my right one.”

-ADAMMAURER’15

“In the locker room before we go out onto the field, I close my eyes and try to visualize how the game will go and play out the entire game in my mind, so I can feel more prepared for it.”

-MITCHELLRAGAN’15

“Before every game, I listen to the same playlist while we are in the locker room preparing. I always wear a cut off underneath my jersey, and after we say a prayer as a team, I repeat the same one in my head.”

-DYLANROTHANZL’15

Taking on the reigning State champions, senior Benjamin Stodola and his team go all in while defending the end-zone. For the first game of the season, the boys battled and took a close defeat in the fourth quarter. “We work hard all year to only play nine games,” Stodola said. “This team taught me that hard work really pays off.”

LEADERSHIP

After the first touchdown on their home turf, senior Thomas Russell and junior Elijah Zoucha celebrate in the end zone. The first home game resulted in the teams first victory. “It was the best feeling we have had this season as a team,” Zoucha said. “I know we worked hard for it. The team played great and everything fell into place.”

CELEBRATION

Carrying the ball, junior Preston Humphrey runs down the field at the beginning of the Omaha Bryan game. As the wide reciever, Humphrey made many long runs with the ball and brought in many first-downs for his team. Despite his young age, Humphrey played an instrumental role on offense. “It feels really good to con-tribute to the team,” Humphrey said. “It’s nice to be able to make plays for the team when the coaches and players need me to.”

RECEIVER SPRINT

photo by Kelcey Wetterberg photo by Alexa Leroux photo by Alexa Leroux

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“Before each game in the locker room, we are all silent, and I study my scouting report. That’s where we hug each other and get our minds all ready for the game. We talk to each other and encourage the team.”

-SAMUELWALKER’15photos by Kelcey Wetterberg

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SUDDEN SHOWERS

During the second half of the JV game against Westside, players received an unexpected surprise. The sprinklers rose from the groud and drenched nearby players. The players had to run off the sidelines to find trashcans in order to cover the sprinklers from soaking the field. “I had a lot of fun carrying the trash can,” junior Riley Williams said. “ I covered them up and continued playing the game.” While the players were running to find trashcans others took the time to clean off their shoes.

“First I tried to step on it to push it back down into the ground,” sophomore Tanner Kalb said. “But that did not work so I just cleaned my shoes because they were muddy.” Coaches, trainers and spectators watched and laughed as everything unfolded. Shortly after the sprinklers were covered they were shut off, but the trashcans were left on the sidelines in case anything else were to happen with them. The game went on without any other mishaps. With the help of the sun the field dried quickly.

A team gets an unexpected surprise on the sidelines

photo by Mackenzie Hamilton

photo by Jordan Daniels photo by Jordan Daniels photo by Claire Lagemann

Making sure the opposing team does not score, junior Tanner Kubat focuses on blocking his op-ponent. He had to cover the wide receiver to ensure that there would not be a touchdown. “I was making sure I was holding the block,” Kubat said. “If I didn’t block him there would have been a touchdown.”

INTERLOCKED

Moments after being tackeled, sophomore Carter Wilken collapses to the ground while trying to advance down the field. The team worked together in order to gain more points than their opponent. “I got my legs taken out and I got leveled,” Wilken said. “It’s not scary, it happens every play.”

MAN-WICH

With 42 seconds left in the game, junior Zachary Lanham scores a touchdown giving the JV team a 24 to 23 lead. However, seconds later, the opposing team kicked a field goal to win the game. “It was a big play in the game with little time left on the clock,” Lanham said. “It was a gutsy call by the coaches, and a great play in the game. It should have sealed it, I thought we won the game. It was a pretty big deal.”

TURNING POINT

photo by Emily Schuster

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While being closely followed, sophomore Benjamin Holman runs down the feild. Holman was able to make an advance for his team. “Carrying the ball was just a good feeling,” Holman said. “Especially when you score for your team.”

QUICK ADVANCE

FAVORITE MEMORY What was the best part of the season?“My favorite memory was getting to practice with my best friends every single day and getting to know the older guys better.”

-FRANKSCHARFF’17

“My favorite memory was blocking passes at the Omaha Central game because a few of them caused interceptions.”

-JACKANIELLO‘17

“My favorite memory was playing every week with my group of friends. It was like a bonding experience.”

-DAWSONSAMLER’17

“My favorite memory was playing with all of the seniors. Now that football is over I will not see them everyday.”

-JEFFREYKOVAR’16

“My favorite memory was the sophomore team going undefeated. No one even came close to beating us.''

-DOUGVAWTER’17

“My favorite memory was summer conditioning. It was fun becasue we were always active. It helped me stay busy during the summer.”

-TRENTBROWN’17

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ONEHEADACHEHeading into a safer game with improved standards

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Rival teams were not the only thing the Junior Varsity and Reserve team were thinking about. One big focus was concussions. The concussion awareness act was revised and sent to all Millard schools with plans of action for players suffering from concussions. When a player received a concussion, steps were taken to insure that they were treated properly. First, the player would be sent to the trainer where he is assessed, then the trainer would contact the parents and would be taken to the doctor. If the doctor confirmed that it was a concussion, the player would be put on a Return To Learn plan. The Return To Learn plan focused on the players education before playing. A consussion team made up of activities director Christopher Loofe, a school nurse, trainers, the players’ parents and the teachers of the player, all worked together to help the player academically. With this plan in action the player was not allowed to participate in any physical activities until cleared by a doctor. The Return to Learn plan also allowed a person suffering from a concussion to be given time to heal before taking tests, limited homework, and a place to rest. “I think it helps not being rushed back into activities,” Loofe said. “It’s focusing on their academic needs, not just their playing needs.” After the player was cleared for academics they were allowed to resume playing, on the Return To Play plan. They had to take extra precautions to play, like monthly check-ups. “I have to do monthly check-ups with the trainers,” sophomore Devin Kells said. “They also check me for dehydration.” The players were taught different techniques for tackling during practice, which includes tackling with the head on the outer shoulder. The players are also properly equipped with helmets. “I’m nervous to play again,” sophomore Doug Vawter said. “ I’m afraid my concussion will get worse.” These new guidelines planned to set a new standard of athletic safety.

Playing on a team with a friend was always fun. Playing with a sibiling was even better. Twin sophomores Benjamin and Jack Aniello, both knew the feeling. But being twins on the team was not the only unique thing about them. Both twins towered at six foot three inches tall. “Being tall helps me catch passes better,” Ben Aniello said. “But I am a

bigger target” Ben, who was on defense, and Jack, who was on offense, didn’t play at the same time in a game. This didn’t stop them from motivating one another. “Sometimes we set contests for each other,” Jack Aniello said. “Winning the contest motivates us.” They both made the best of the time they spent on the same team.

TOWER POWERTwins take on the season using their height to their advantage

Benjamin Aniello ‘17 Jack Aniello ‘17

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188SHOWCHOIR//

Determined to make his first year of high school stand out, freshman Trevor Olsen transitioned from a team full of guys to a suit and tie. With little exposure to the musical world, Olsen decided to give singing a shot. “I played football for about six years but stopped right before high school,” Olsen said. “I wanted something new to try. Since I haven’t had much singing experience, I was pumped when I made show choir.” Wanting to broaden his musical career, Olsen attended the School of Rock, a place where kids could get together to improve their vocal and instrumental skills through lessons and performances. “At the School of Rock, I learned how to play guitar,” Olsen said. “My favorite part is being like a family and having the opportunity to get close with people who share my passion. I have even begun writing some of my own songs.” Alongside Olsen, sophomore Lauren Quick looked to improve her vocal ability. Quick and Olsen performed in the School of Rock’s performance group together, along with students from other schools. “I would say that the main thing that School of Rock helps me with, besides my singing, is my nerves,” Quick said. “Because I have some solos in the performance group, I have gained some experience and now I don’t get as nervous when we have a show choir performance.” With a new director behind the scenes, returning SCATS members were forced to alter their previous approaches. Never having taught show choir before, Ali Beckstrom was excited to dive head first and learn alongside the students. “Because it is my first year directing, inevitably I’ve had some challenging moments.” Beckstrom said. “However, when students are involved in outside groups, it helps tremendously. I have noticed extreme improvements in Lauren and Trevor.” Olsen was pleased with his decision to stick with School of Rock, despite the extra time commitment. Blindly diving head first into the program had its benefits, and Olsen was proud of how far he had come since the start of his singing career, especially since he was a complete newbie.

photo by Rebecca Draperphoto by Kamryn Baker

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INTO THEOF THINGS

Lauren Quick ‘18Trevor Olsen ‘18

Freshman tackles new opportunities as they arise

Making his dad proud, Olsen conquers the stage with a sense of fulfillment. Not trailing far behind his father’s footsteps, Olsen took his love of singing to the next level after being inspired by him. “My dad has been a band since college,” Olsen said. “He is the person who truly got me interested in singing and performing.”

photo by Hannah ButlerTrevor Olsen ‘18

CAITLYN GLENN’17

“I would have to say that Adam Young is my muse,” Glenn said. “He just doesn’t care about what people think of him when he is on stage. He just goes for it and that makes him really fun to watch.”

CASSIDY BRUNS’17

“A person who really catches my eye is sophmore Emma Campbell,” Bruns said. “She is very talented and she always gets into her performances expecially with her dancing and facial expressions.”

ALEXANDER

“As far as singing and performing goes, Mr. Bjornsen is someone who really pushes me to perform,” Ramsey said. “He has an awesome voice range and can go all the way up to soprano, and he is a fun director, too.”

RAMSEY’17HALTOM’18GARRETT

“My older sister, Shelby Haltom, is my inspiration,” Haltom said. “She graduated last year, but when she was a part of show chior she was super dedicated and had determination to get better.”

CHARLOTTEGRIFFITH’18

“Demi Lovato really inspires me to sing,” Griffith said. “I don’t think you should look up to famous people in general, so she’s not my role model, but she is a source of inspiration because of her musical talent.”W

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SCAT HOUSELeaders push the newbies to their full potenial

As sophomore Lois Corey stands in the limelight, her talent is showcased through her sassy demeanor. Corey’s dertermined attitude and perserverence to better herself was a notable quality that many group members looked up to. “I like the responsibility of keeping the entire group focused,” Corey said. “My unofficial leadership role means that I am always up to offer help, but know when to back off and let people figure things out on their own. This year, I want to make sure everyone grows and learns ways to improve themselves.”

LOIS COREY ‘17

Concentrating solely on his performance, sophomore Ryan Jansen leads his peers with passion. Jansen did not have much experience leading on stage prior to this season, however being a catcher for his baseball team helped him to gain leadership skills in all areas. “Being a leader to me means being a role model and set-ting good examples all the time, even when you think you aren’t being watched,” Jansen said. “I have the mentality that if you work hard, you can do anything, and so I want to try and make everyone else belive that.”

RYAN JANSEN ‘17

With a smile glued to her face, junior Tara Andersen leads her peers with confidence. Being a junior on a mainly underclassmen group gave her a sense of power and the responsibility to lead. “We don’t really have assigned leadership roles this year,” Andersen said. “But being one of the oldest means that people naturally look up to me because I have a lot of experience. My goal for our group is for us to be proud of what we do, even if it’s not first place.”

TARA ANDERSEN ‘16

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BIGGEST FLIRT

“I really don’t think I’m the biggest flirt,” Lombardo said. “I mean I flirt with one girl, and obviously I like her. I have lots of friends that are girls so that’s why people may say I’m a flirt.”

HANNAH

BEST DANCER

“I’ve never really had any dance background before,” Oeltjen said. “My motto is just practice, practice, practice. My favorite dance move is the dance break at the end of applause.”

JACOB

BEST HAIR

“I saw this hairstyle in a magazine and I was like ‘it has to be mine’,” Thomason said. “It takes me at least15 minutes to gel my mohawk back. I guess some might say it is fabulous.”

LOMBARDO’18 OELTJEN’18 THOMASON’18KENDRA

CHOIR CLOWN

“After every practice, people come up to me and tell me that I did a good job,” Weber said. “I give a hundred and ten percent every single practice. I work hard in and out of practice to be the best I can be.”

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BEST LAUGH

“My laugh is low pitched and really loud,” Carnes said. “This one time I was laughing so hard that pop came out of my nose. My friends will never let me live it down.”

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MOST DEVOTED

“I guess I just mess around and make people laugh a lot,” Olsen said. “And I make jokes while the teacher is talking. So, ya know, I guess that that would also make me the choir bad boy.”

WEBER’17 CARNES’18 OLSEN’17

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With intense focus, sophomore Erica Sather expresses her love for singing and dancing during the first showcase. The showcase, held at Millard West, debuted the new show choir’s talents. “I love performing, but I also love watching my peers perform,” Sather said. “I like to see what others are doing so I can incorporate their skills into my own performance.”

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As freshman Andrew Gibbson strikes a pose, the crowd erupts with praise. Gibbson’s first year as a member of SCATS had a rocky start with a challenging transition. “Middle school was a lot more relaxed,” Gibbson said. “But this year, the bar has been raised. Also we had to try out, so everyone is a lot more dedicated and expierenced.”

CATTITUDE

Belting out the final chords of his verse, sophomore Parker McInelly, adresses his task with determination and enthusiasm. McInelly’s first solo, despite being filled with nerves, gave him performing experience. “The first time I performed my solo, in my opinion, I biffed it,” McInelly said. “The second time I did better, but there’s still room for improvement.”

LIVE FOR THE AP-PAWS

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IT TAKES TWOPartners stick by each others’ sides in the midst of show chior events

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Kelcey Wetterberg Millard West High School