Why Lifting Weights is Necessary for Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, there are numerous reasons why all athletes should utilize the weight room to some extent. Using the weight room could be that extra push an athlete needs to be great instead of just good. Many athletes overlook lifting weights and only work on skill work and practice of their sport or sports. I am here to tell you why that may be setting them back, and how the weight room is vital to athletes.

The first of many reasons is the most important one which is increased strength. By lifting weights and getting stronger, one’s sports performance will continue to rise. This is because an increased output in power allows athletes to become faster, quicker, more agile, and have more force and stability in their upper and lower body. Not only will you have a higher force output, but by lifting weights you will also cause hypertrophy, increasing the size of your muscle fibers. Not only will you get stronger and more athletic by lifting weights, but you will also become more toned and look the part. Balance the weights with a well-balanced diet and you will see the great benefits to come with your athletic abilities and performance.

Next off, weight lifting also is vital to injury prevention. While some injuries are inevitable, the latest research suggests that resistance weight training can assist heavily in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. This is because by lifting weights with the correct form and targeting the right muscle groups you can increase stability and support in your body. By utilizing the weight room athletes can prevent injuries and also get rid of them by strengthening the surrounding ligaments and muscles around the affected area.

Lastly, lifting weights is very beneficial for one’s mental state. Many studies show regular weight training can boost one’s mood and decrease anxiety. This is because lifting weights and exercising releases endorphins which play a major role in having a good mood. Also, lifting weights can improve brain health because studies show that resistance training can increase neuroprotective factors. One of these factors is the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor which is linked to learning and memory.

To summarize, many athletes overlook the importance of weight training and how it can enhance performance. This is why athletes should begin a weightlifting program and pay attention to the benefits that come with it.   

Ranking the Seasons: Winter

By: Alexis Dawkins

            Winter is my least favorite time of year. Being cold is the worst thing on the planet, but a few good things can come from winter. To start off, there is Christmas. Even though I hate winter, Christmas is the best time of year. Having time with family and getting gifts: what could be better? Santa comes for the kids, and they have the best time setting up cookies and milk for him. Then there is New Years. This is a monumental time every year because we end one year and start a new one. Everyone tries to make new year resolutions but we all know how those go. A month into the year and a majority of people have forgotten about them. 

           Valentine’s day also is in the winter. February 14th is the day that couples love. Everyone giving out chocolate and flowers and stuffed animals is a big part of Valentine’s day. Sometimes, depending on where you are, it may snow. Not in Sumter but in a lot of places it may snow a few feet. If it does snow then it is a great time for friends and family to get together and play outside. Even if you live in South Carolina where it doesn’t snow you can go places like Virginia and go snowboarding and snow skiing. This is a great way for families to bond and make memories that last a lifetime. 

           This also is the time for basketball season for all the basketball lovers out there. The winter is the best time to have bonfires too. They can be fun in the summer but they are better in the winter because they heat you up in the cold of the winter. 

           Even though I do not like winter, it is still a fun time of year for those who do like the cold. 

Top Vacation Spots: Banff

By: Logan Mims

Number 2 out of the top 5 places I have vacationed would have to be Banff, Canada! Banff was without a doubt the most beautiful place I have ever gone on vacation to. It was just so beautiful and so different from what I am used to. The weather was cool, and there was always a slight breeze. We went during the summer so there was no snow, so the weather was cold but not too cold: it was perfect. Not only was the weather perfect but the views were unbelievable. Everything was just so beautiful. 

One of my all time favorite things that we did in Banff was when we went to visit Lake Louise and Lake Morain. The view was like nothing I had ever seen before. The easter was crystal clear and was slightly blue and they were surrounded by trees and mountains. At Lake Louise, you could also hike up what mountain so you could see the lake from a taller view so that was really fun.  

Another fun activity that we did was the raft tour. We were in one of the blow up boats that are used for white water rafting, but the water was calm. We went down a river and we had a guide who would tell us about all the different mountains and different sites surrounding us. Not only was it informational, but it was just an amazing experience because the view was remarkable.

My last favorite thing that we did was exploring downtown. We rented bikes for the day and we rode around downtown and went to all the different stores. It was very interesting to see the difference in the stores compared to how they are in the United States. We also ate at some really delicious restaurants. Banff was so amazing and I would definitely recommend taking a visit. 

Volleyball Reflections

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

On this weeks blog, I’ll be talking about one of my favorite things, which is Wilson Hall Volleyball. This program has been a big part of my life since 7th grade. It started with my first year on the b-team where I fell in love with the sport and the atmosphere Wilson hall provided. 

    After 7th grade, I progressed to JV. JV was a big step for me because we got to practice with the older girls. Practicing with them brought some fear every now and then, but most of all it brought friendships that last a lifetime. Even when I was a little 8th grader, they still cared about me. Those same friends still check up on me even though they have moved on to bigger things in college. I stayed on JV my freshman year as well.

     My sophomore year I got the chance to be on the varsity team. It was the most exciting thing after being told I had made the team. I walked into the locker room and the whole team was jumping up and down. That was pure joy. That tradition still lives on where we go crazy in the locker room congratulating the new members. Sophomore year was such a highlight in my life just because of the memories I made with that specific team. It never once mattered about playing time. It was about the family we had created that year. 

      Now being a senior, I still fully love this program. After our seniors last year graduated, it was really hard to step up because I never imagined myself being the senior. This year’s team is just as special as all of the others. We are coming together and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow. Wilson Hall volleyball will be something I cherish forever.

Top 5 Appetizers

By: Addie Griffin

Everyone loves a little something before dinner time. Whether it is finger food, or a simple soup or salad, there is an appetizer for everyone. Today I will be ranking the top five best appetizers known to man. 

5. Starting off at number five, we have a side salad. A salad is a much lighter option than most of the other appetizers that we are used to, which is why I think it deserves a spot on this list. It gives us something to munch on to hold us over, while still leaving room for our main course. 

4.  At number four, we have bread sticks. This is a controversial rating as many people love breadsticks- specifically from Olive Garden- however, I think they are slightly overrated. With all this being said, I think they still deserve a spot above salad because of their flavorful taste that salad lacks. 

3. Now starting off our top three is chips and queso. This classic appetizer is hard to beat, especially if it is from our local restaurant Mariachi’s. This appetizer is more than the chips and queso itself, it is also the conversations that are had and the people that surround you while eating it. Some of my favorite memories have been made whilst eating this delicious combination. 

2. At the number two spot is no other than mozzarella sticks. If you take any “sit down” restaurant, I can almost guarantee they will have mozzarella sticks. This is because mozzarella sticks are a crowd favorite and loved by all. The garlic taste of the breading combined with the juicy stretchy cheese is a flavor burst like no other. 

1.Finally the long awaited number one spot goes to no other than fried pickles. This is a very controversial pick, especially at number one.  This is because if you don’t enjoy pickles, then you most likely hate them. However I am far from one of those people. The thin crispy breading combined with the tanginess of the pickle preferably dipped in buttermilk ranch is unbeatable, in my opinion. Forget an appetizer, I could eat fried pickles as my main course! 

Ranking Celsius Flavors- Vibe Variety Pack Edition

By: Anna Kate Coker

The flavors in this pack consist of peach vibe, arctic vibe, and tropical vibe. They are all very refreshing and will bring you great energy to persevere through the day. This is a very nice pack of choices, letting you pick between berry, peach, and pineapple. 

1. Arctic Vibe

This is my least favorite celsius out of every single one there is. It tastes like a rip off of gatorade and just doesn’t fulfill what I thought it would be like. The flavor is “frozen berry” which is confusing because what makes it different from their original berry one? It is described as a cool breeze.. But if you drink any other flavor and it’s cold then its the same temperature? I just think this flavor doesn’t deserve  to be recognized with the other following celsius. 

2. Peach Vibe

This energy drink tastes just like peach rings. It is sweet but not in an overpowering way. It leaves a nice after taste and I think highly of this flavor, although some of my friends disagree. That leads this flavor to second place. I think the can is pretty with pink and orange and just gives off such a happy summer vibe. 

3. Tropical Vibe

This flavor is the most overall liked celsius. With the yummy sensation of pineapple and starfruit, it is a perfect mix between sweet and sour. It is easy to sip or chug and is perfect for every occasion. My friends Olivia and Molly love to drink these before our volleyball games and it helps them play to the best of their abilities. Everyone seems to love this drink whether they have it fresh out the fridge or let it sit out and lose carbonation. This is a top tier choice. 

Wilson Hall Volleyball Update

By: Olivia Cogswell

On Tuesday August 17, the Lady Baron volleyball team took on the LMA swamcats, a rivalry matchup. The Wilson Hall volleyball team, having come off losing three region games to Trinity Collegiate, John Paul II, and Hilton Head Christian, were fighting for the win. 

The Barons started off strong with a two set lead, finishing the first set with a score of 25-15. During the set Molly Jones and Mckinley Bath led the offense, but the swamp cats hung around. Wilson Hall was playing hard, being aggressive at the net, and Mckenzie Gray Mills led the defense with digs. The second looked very similar, with Bath leading on offense, and Mills carrying the defense, but the swamp cats were hanging on. Until sophomore Savannah Wells came up to serve with back to back aces. Leading the Barons to the second set victory.

However the third set took a turn with the lady Barons falling behind with a swampcat lead of 10-0. The team fought for a comeback, but there were errors on errors. Faces began to show, and the team was clearly in a slump. However later in the set they were able to come together and make a comeback, but unfortunately were unable to finish with the victory, ending with a 25-20 score. 

In between the third and fourth set, senior Anna Kate Coker pulled the frustrated Barons into a huddle. Pep talks and encouragement were shared, before it was time to huddle up with Coach Rip. The Barons went out for the fourth and final set to take back the lead and finish the game. The Barons played hard and aggressive while LMA kept hanging on by three. Questionable calls were made by the ref, but everyone kept playing. Until finally the Barons had gotten their first region victory of the season, and held their winning record over their rival LMA. 

3D Printing: FDM Printing and Resin Printing

By: Lottie Bynum

3D Printing in its many forms is now an accessible hobby to the public. Print farm businesses are one way people use them. They are able to buy the rights to print files for daily uses or something fun they are also able to make their own to print then sell. Props and fan merchandise are another use for them, whether it’s a full suit of Ironman armor or another prop from a show or movie, people make it on 3D printers.

There are a few different ways to 3D print: one is FDM(fused deposition modeling) printing where spools of plastic or other material such as ABS or Nylon are melted and come through a nozzle that set down thin layers of the melted material in whatever shape the person who is printing it wants. The thin layers cool before the machine puts on another layer allowing whatever it is making to be durable. Resin printing is the other main type of 3D printing many hobbyist’s know how to operate. It builds parts by curing resin in layers where a light is shined in the resin to harden it at different places and heights. 

Each method of 3D printing lends itself to certain types of items it can print. For example, FDM printing is able to more efficiently print larger items whereas a resin printer takes longer the taller a print is. Although, a resin printer can produce higher quality prints than FDM printers can. Both can be finished by sanding and spray painting or can be used after printing; Resin printed pieces need to be processed in alcohol to cleanse it for 20 minutes to an hour depending on how large the print is. PLA, which is what most FDM printers use as filament to print, is durable but can melt or weaken due to heat or too much UV light. Similarly, resin prints can weaken because of UV light as it over hardens it but doesn’t react as much to water as PLA does. 

Choosing which kind of printing to do depends on what would be printed and what kind of conditions it can be used for. Both methods of 3D printing are useful in many ways and are fun hobbies to pick up. 

Private School Positives and Negatives

By: Campbell Cromer

Private schools offer a distinct alternative to public education, with both advantages and disadvantages depending on a student’s needs and family preferences.

One of the biggest advantages of private schools is smaller class sizes, which provides more personal attention. Teachers can focus on individual students’ strengths and weaknesses specific to each student. Another positive is enhanced resources. Most private schools have access to better resources, from newer technology to specialized programs in arts, athletics, and much more. This can enhance the overall educational experience of a private school education. There is also specialized Curriculums. Private schools often offer more specialized curriculum than public schools. Whether it’s a focus on college prep, the religious aspect, or arts and music, private schools can provide specialized educational experiences that align with a family’s views and a student’s interests. Another positive that could also be viewed as a negative is uniforms. Most private schools require uniforms. This could be viewed as a positive because students don’t have to worry about picking there clothes out so you don’t have to worry about getting picked on for what you wear. Some negatives of private school are high cost.

The biggest downside to private schools is the price. Tuition can be expensive, making it hard for many families to afford.  Scholarships  may be available, but not everyone can get them. Also there is less diversity. Private schools can sometimes lack the social and cultural diversity found in public schools. This can limit students exposure to different views and experiences, which are important in a well-rounded education. There are also limited extracurriculars. Some private schools, especially small ones, may have less extracurricular activities than public schools, potentially limiting opportunities for students interested in different activities outside of academics. Private school education offers significant benefits but also comes with difficulties. People should weigh these decisions carefully when choosing the best educational experience for their children.

The Panthers’ Problems

By: Knox Buxton

The Carolina Panthers have started off the season 0-2 and look like the worst team in the NFL again this season. They lost to the Saints 47-10 in the season opener in New Orleans, and then lost to the Los Angeles Chargers 26-3 in week 2 for their home opener. A lot of people wonder why the Panthers are just so bad this year. The reason why isn’t just from one problem, it is from a ton of different problems added together.

The first and biggest problem in my opinion is that their owner, David Tepper, is the worst owner in the NFL. He consistently makes the wrong decisions such as hiring the wrong coaches, like when he hired Frank Reich last season and he didn’t even make it through the whole season before he got fired. He hired Reich after Steve Wilkes almost led the Panthers to the playoffs the year before even after they traded Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers and got off to a terrible start. The players made it known that they wanted to keep Steve Wilkes around, but Tepper obviously did not care and we saw how that turned out. In my opinion, the sooner David Tepper steps down as the owner of the Panthers, the sooner the Panthers will turn things around. Tepper just has no idea what he is doing and he acts more of a fan than an owner. The Panthers also seem to make the wrong decision everytime about what players to sign. They traded for Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield in back to back years and neither of them could play well on the Panthers. Now Baker is playing the best football of his NFL career for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Sam Darnold has put together a couple good games for the Vikings. They selected Bryce Young with the first overall pick last year and have already benched him after week two of his second season. Young has started off his career 2-17 as the Panthers starter and I know he hasn’t been playing well, but the problem is not all on him.

If Mayfield and Darnold can play well when they are not on the Panthers, I believe Bryce Young can too. He has been given one of the worst receiving rooms and offensive lines in the league to start his career and as an undersized quarterback, there’s not much he can do about it. The problem is not just the quarterback position, it is just about everywhere on the field. The Panthers should start by figuring out if Bryce Young is the guy to build around or not. Then they need to keep getting the offensive and defensive lines better. After that, they should go out and get a top receiver who is in talks of being traded by their current team such as Tee Higgins or maybe even Deebo Samuel. That is the best way to start getting on the right track. If Young is not the guy, which right now it seems like he is not, they need to try to get a good draft pick and draft a top quarterback this offseason. They should not try to trade for another mediocre quarterback like they have in past years because we see how that has gone.

The final thing I will talk about what they need to do is they need to figure out who to keep and who to let go of on the coaching staff. Dave Canales is in his first season as the Panther’s head coach and it has not looked good so far. I get that we are only two games into the season, but if this keeps up he might not make it the whole season just like Frank Reich. At the end of the day, there are many problems with the Carolina Panthers organization, but I believe if they can start correcting their mistakes little by little they can turn it around.