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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

Junior forward Ali-Raza Rizvi dribbles the ball across the field as he searches for a teammate to get an open shot. The boys JV soccer team came out on top with a win 3-1 at Parkway South to give momentum heading into the rest of the season. “Although in soccer I try to keep my mindset the same against every team I play, against rivals the intensity rises before the game even starts,” Rizvi said. “In order to prepare for these types of games, I let the intensity fuel me to play even better than normal games.”

Fall sports sweep Parkway South

Tre Bell, Staff Writer October 30, 2019

#BeatSouth was the motto for the beginning of the fall season when the varsity softball, field hockey, all levels of the football and soccer teams and all levels of the tennis team came out with wins over...

Hustling on the field, sophomore Ja’Marion Wayne breaks records at the Mayor’s Cup football game Oct. 17. Wayne broke two school records for rushing yards and all purpose yardage. “That record stood for 52 years, and he hit it as a sophomore. I think his ceiling is very high,” assistant football coach Zaven Nalbandian said.

“The sky’s the limit”: Sophomore Ja’Marion Wayne breaks 52-year-old school yardage record

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor October 25, 2019

Under Thursday night lights at the Mayor’s Cup football game Oct. 17, sophomore Ja’Marion Wayne carried the ball 463 yards, breaking a record set in 1968, the school’s first year. The first record...

Set on the line of scrimmage, senior Chris Atkinson and his fellow Longhorns face off against Oakville Sept. 6. “Because we’re playing for the Mayor’s Cup and it’s our senior night, throughout practice we’ve been a lot more in it and focused,” Atkinson said. “We’re really confident for tonight, and on a scale of one to 10, we’re a nine. It's going to be a fun game, but it’s just sad that it’s senior night.”

Longhorns hoping to trample Colts at annual Mayor’s Cup game

Madi Foppe, Ava Kayser, and Megan Hoenecke October 17, 2019

Once a mere placeholder on the varsity football schedule, the annual Mayor’s Cup game against Parkway Central has evolved into a highly-contentious affair between the two crosstown rivals. Fresh off...

Leading the running backs, coach Melvin Bethany uses his own experience playing football to help Varsity football against Ladue High school. Bethany has been the running back coach for the last 11 years. “He does a great job teaching the game,” sophomore Tyree Simms said. “He really wants to help players get better and meet their goals.”

Practice makes perfect: Varsity football coach Melvin Bethany trains football players for the field and the classroom

Michael Lolley, Staff Writer October 16, 2019

NFL Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott, Super Bowl champion Carey Davis and sophomore Tyree Simms. These athletes all have one thing in common: coach Melvin Bethany. Bethany not only coaches varsity football,...

At the Sioux Passage cross country meet Sept. 21, junior Emily Sipp rounds a bend in the course. Sipp has been running since second grade when she began a track program through her church. “My favorite part is probably just [being with] the people that I get to run with daily. Outside the sport, we probably wouldn’t really all be friends. When you get to know each other, and push each other and work hard together, it's really fun to [share] that experience with other girls,” Sipp said.

Girls cross country travels cross-state to experience new course

Kathryn McAuliffe and Fatema Rehmani September 27, 2019

Always on the run, the girls cross country team is traveling cross-state for a race Saturday, Sept. 28 to familiarize themselves with the new state course in Columbia, Mo. The state course was relocated...

JV tennis coach Audra Hartwell gives sophomore Betsy Weaver parade line up details before the Homecoming parade begins. Hartwell made a point to her players about having fun while also competing at a high level. “ I want tennis to be the best part of their day because it keeps them coming back,” Hartwell said. “I want them excited to come to practice or a match.”

Alumna Audra Hartwell returns to reverse roles from player to coach

Tre Bell, Staff Writer September 24, 2019

Turning right at the stoplight into 14653 Clayton Road is not out of the ordinary.  Gearing up in Columbia Blue Longhorn apparel seems like an old habit. After a six-year hiatus from playing softball...

Making a pass down the field, senior and varsity midfielder Carly Anderson strikes the ball past a Clayton defender. Anderson has played varsity all four years of high school. "I am really excited about this season," Anderson said. "We started out a lot stronger than usual and we're determined to finish out the season that same way."

Field hockey: new teams and new titles

Fatema Rehmani, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2019

From the first day of fall sports tryouts, the field hockey program has been breaking traditions. With more than 50 players, the program formed three teams and welcomed their first Pool Championship in...

Cheering on the varsity football team, seniors Cameron Neisler and Garrett Larsen get the crowd ready for a victory at the homecoming football game. Neisler and Larson run the @PWestSuperfan Instagram account which promotes sporting events and activities around the school. “I’ve had the account since May of last year,” Neisler said. “The reason I created the account was to spread the word about different sporting events and show love to all the teams and players.”

Attendance is Mandatory: Behind the scenes of @PWest Superfan

Drew Boone, Staff Writer September 20, 2019

After noticing a lack of school spirit and attendance at sporting events in previous years, seniors Cameron Neisler and Garrett Larsen found a way to motivate the student body and boost attendance through...

Fresh off their first performance at Red and Blue Night, freshman Kelsea Wilson hugs her sister, senior Kristin Wilson, excited that they completed their first routine together. Both tried out for poms and were excited to make varsity, it being the only year they will both be on the team. “My favorite part is the games, getting ready with her beforehand and having our parents get to watch us both perform,” Kristin said.

Senior Kristin Wilson and freshman Kelsea Wilson take advantage of the chance to dance as teammates

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor September 11, 2019

Sisters share lots of things, whether it be clothes, shoes, a car or even a room. This year, senior Kristin Wilson and freshman Kelsea Wilson are sharing a one time experience of dancing on the varsity...

Softball coach Jeff Chazen and boys basketball Coach John Wright pose with Tim Corteville, a retired teacher and coach of boys basketball, boys track and boys volleyball. Chazen and Wright began a podcast over the summer after discussing the idea together. “It’s fun to look at current and past coaches and players from Parkway West athletics. There are some great stories and memories that are shared,” Chazen said.

Tune into “Parkway West Coaches Corner”

Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 9, 2019

Upbeat music plays as head boys basketball coach John Wright and varsity softball coach Jeff Chazen introduce their guest star in their new podcast, “Coaches Corner.” This podcast covers a variety...