![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
On Jan. 10, the Phoenix indoor track team hosted their senior night meet at home. They went up against many other schools, including Broad Run, Independence, and Lightridge, and the team’s performance showed that they have been putting in hard work during practices. During the meet, they celebrated and congratulated the seniors for their multitude of achievements during their time on the team, and they wished them luck on their journey to their respective colleges and future life outside of high school.
Senior Emmanuel Bankole has had ups and downs during his time on the track team. However, he’s ready to take the next step into the future while also cherishing his remaining time with the Phoenix. “Senior night was a great time, [the seniors were] looking back at all the years that they have done track,” Bankole said.
While not graduating yet, Sophomore Khem Temoka also shared the bittersweet feeling that his fellow seniors were feeling. “To Emmanuel, Daniel, and Steven, I’m going to miss them,” Temoka said. “We’ve gotten close, especially in relays, so I’m going to miss them and I hope they do well in college.”
Coach Bradley Burzumato led the team this year and has been seeing students come and go for a while now. “We had over 150 kids [for tryouts],” Burzumato said. “Unfortunately, we’re only able to keep 80 of them which is always difficult; [however], we have a lot of returners this year so we are a much older team.”
While each athlete has different personal goals, Burzumato hopes that they all can reach a high standard. “As always our goal for athletes is to qualify for championships,” Burzumato said. “We have three levels of championships: the district, the regions, and the states [however we also want athletes to] keep following their passions and enjoy it. High school sports are only available for a limited time so make every chance count.”
