After reading the article Smith sent out letters and placed some ads in newspapers to form a similar team in St. Louis. What began with a small St. Louis team of 15 players has now expanded to 54 teams and up to 700 registered players in Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois.

Challenger Baseball was established to connect people of different backgrounds and to provide the experience of America’s pastime sport to all children.

“[We] give these kids with a disability a chance to play baseball and we treat them no differently than a traditional team except for a couple of little things,” Smith said. “We don’t count outs, we don’t count runs, and everybody bats every inning. We’re not skill based at all, we’re all abut fun. And we’re all about the players having a good time.”

CHS senior Dawn Androphy has been volunteering with Challenger Baseball for several years.

“I heard about the organization and I played on various baseball and softball leagues when I was younger,” Androphy said. “I really enjoyed the experience of being on a team and I felt like I grew a lot from that and it teaches you how to work with others. I saw the organization as an opportunity to give that experience to other people that wouldn’t necessarily be able to be on another team.”

According to Smith the organization’s greatest priority is to make friends and to embrace differences.

“[The players] will get a chance to interact with people they may not get a chance to interact with in another situation,” Smith said. “Our players are great, they’re the nicest people and they have great senses of humor.”

Senior Ali Meyer volunteers with Challenger Baseball and holds a unique perspective on the organization. Her younger brother is a league member, which she believes has made her “extremely comfortable in situations/scenarios like Challenger Baseball that may seem a little intimidating at first for lots of people.”

She stressed the need for more buddies and the excitement of volunteering with the organization.

“I think the organization is important because it gives kids and adults with special needs the chance to play a sport and experience some normalcy that may have otherwise not been possible,” Meyer said. “Especially in an area like the St. Louis Special School District, where inclusion isn’t always stressed, I feel like it is also a chance for socialization for the players. The inclusion is really great for both the buddy volunteers and league members.”

Challenger Baseball has a strong community environment, with the families, players, and volunteers all coming together to play baseball. Baseball turned out to be the perfect sport. Not only is it America’s pastime sport, but it is an easily adaptable sport for all players.

“Baseball is a real sport that other kids are doing,” Androphy said. “It’s a nice opportunity for these kids to participate in something other kids are doing because anyone can do a craft at home, but I think for these kids it’s a way for them to have that experience they wouldn’t be able to otherwise have.”

Challenger Baseball gives the players an opportunity to switch roles, to be in the position where they are on center stage. According to Smith the experience helps both the players and the buddies gain self-esteem.

“[The buddies] feel better about themselves with their self-confidence and they can be the hero for a change,” Smith said. “They’ve gone to other traditional baseball games with their families and their friends and they see everybody cheer for the players on the field now it’s their turn to be cheered.”

The players are given the opportunity to play baseball, while the buddies are given the chance to brighten someone else’s day. Androphy cited this as her main reason for continuing her work with Challenger Baseball throughout the years.

“It’s a really good way of spending your time,” Androphy said.  “I think sometimes volunteer hours cannot be fun, but this is probably one of the most fun ways I’ve found to volunteer. You get to play around with someone and make their day better and it makes me feel good every time I do it.”

Not only is Challenger Baseball a great way to give back to the community and enrich someone’s day, but the games themselves can be quite competitive and exciting.

“The excitement and the smiles are honestly unmatched,” Meyer said. “The parents have just as much fun as the players. And quite frankly, don’t think the atmosphere isn’t competitive; Line drives to short stop, big hits to left field. The games are great, and the reactions from team members, parents and buddies is reason enough to go out and volunteer.”

The organization overall provides all the participants with a day to remember. The game of baseball is used to connect people from diverse backgrounds, enriching the lives of all those involved.

“What we get back never matches what we put in,” Smith said. “I think us out there playing Challenger baseball might even feel a little bit guilty because we get so much back from these players they are just so glad that we are there.”

Freshman Mac Rechan smashes the ball. Rechan is one of the top players on the varsity team (Elizabeth Sikora)

Rechan started playing tennis when he was five and started playing more competitively about five years ago.

“I train year round at Miller Tennis Academy and attend personal training sessions two times per week,” Rechan said. “I also play in many sectional and national level tennis tournaments usually twice a month throughout the year.”

With hard work comes great success. Rechan is currently the number one ranked singles player at CHS and according to head coach Susie Luten he “is highly ranked both nationally and in the Missouri Valley” and quite the team leader.

“He works hard on his game on and off the court,” Luten said. “Mac is not just about his personal success, but is a real team player.”

Rechan has proven himself to be an extremely vital player to the team. Throughout the season he has overcome quite a few disadvantages playing against older players. However, with his rigorous training throughout the year and his will to be the best he has proven himself to be a major threat on the court.

“Coming into the season I wanted to be the number one player,” Rechan said. “So I put myself in a mindset to do just that. I have just been playing my game throughout the year and not trying to do too much to deal with the bigger kids I see during the high school season. The challenge in high school tennis is having to play older and stronger kids that you do not normally see in the age group specific tournaments.”

Even so Rechan takes these challenges in stride, defeating many of his older and stronger opponents.

“Mac is integral to the team in that he adds to the overall strength of our team,” Senior player Sagar Yadama said. “Although he is only a freshman and is sometimes overpowered by senior players, he wins many of his matches.”

It takes drive and confidence to compete with older and perhaps more experienced players. Rechan joined the tennis program with an understanding of what it would take for him to be the number one player. He dedicated himself to fulfilling the characteristics that make a great player.

“I feel quickness, strength, and dedication are necessary traits to become a good tennis player,” Rechan said. “It takes many long days on the court at tournaments and work outside of tournaments and the high school season each day after school.”

According to Luten, Rechan “has a huge game and moves extremely well on the court.” Yadama also commended Rechan’s skills and his understanding of the game.

“Mac is a very consistent and smart player,” Yadama said. “Although he may not hit as hard as other players, he is always able to get the ball back and place it exactly where he wants to on the court which can win more matches than pure speed.”

His rise to the number one seed hasn’t been a walk in the park. Just as in any sport, to excel a player must put in the time and effort to improve.

“You won’t become better unless you go out there and actually work on your game,” Rechan said. “It won’t happen overnight, but eventually the work you put in pays off.”

As for the future, Rechan has set the bar high. Not only does he want to help lead the tennis team to state, but he also would like to continue playing at a Division I college.

“I have high expectations for myself and the team this season and for several seasons to come,” Rechan said. “I hope to win a state team and individual title in the coming years.”

Luten shares Rechan’s enthusiasm for the coming seasons.

“Mac is easy to get along with and I have enjoyed coaching him,” Luten said. “The best part [is] he will be here three more years!”

March Madness, a time for immense competition, filling out brackets, and hours watching college basketball.

Perhaps it resonates more with me as a basketball player, but I can’t help but watch the game with perhaps the same intensity as the players playing. Unfortunately there are many critics who contend that women’s basketball is “a joke” or “not a sport.” Such critics must not consider the energy, drive, and effort given by these women throughout the year as they strive to be the very best.

The men’s bracket certainly lived up to the madness aspect of the tournament with Butler repeating as Cinderalla, making if to the championship game for the second consecutive year. The road to the finals was chalk full of bracket busters and major upsets, but the low-scoring championship game featuring Butler and UConn fell short of fan expectations.

Both teams shot below 35 percent and accounted for less than a total of 50 points at the end of the half. UConn came out victorious with a final score of 53-41. Fans complained the next day, claiming they “fell asleep” or were even forced to turn off the game. Thankfully the women’s teams from Notre Dame and Texas A&M put on quite a show for viewers the very next night.

It is on very rare occasion that my brother will put a women’s basketball game on TV. Even though I wasn’t invested in the game’s outcome, I found myself inspired by the players. As a basketball player I work day in and day out to improve my game and to see other extremely skilled women competing for a national championship shows me where hard work can take you.

While seeing Texan A&M’s Danielle Adams put up 30 points is exciting, I am more inspired by the strong emotions of all the players. Their celebrations, hustle, and shouting make it clear that they are extraordinarily invested in the game. To see them fight with such intense emotion to the final seconds motivates me to work even harder.

In the final minute it seemed that the game was decided with Texas A&M ahead by five points and possession of the ball. But the fighting Irish did not give up. Sophomore point guard Skylar Diggins stole the ball and drew the foul. She then followed up with two made free throws, making it a one-possession game.

But Texas A&M would not give it up that easily. Missouri’s own Tyra White and Adams led Texas A&M to their 76-70 win over Notre Dame.

To see these two women move from small backgrounds to national champions is beyond inspiring. To dismiss their hard work and talent as “a joke” is beyond offensive. The performances of both Notre Dame and Texas A&M outshone that of Butler and UConn in the men’s tournament and will hopefully cause more people to take the women’s game more seriously.

“Alison trains year round,” head coach Paul Hoelscher said. “She is always seen in the Clayton area jogging outside in any weather. She is disciplined, reliable and incredibly determined to do well.  She is tireless because she works year round to stay in great shape.  Many students in Clayton pretend to be year round athletes, but they don’t have the determination or discipline to really stay with it week after week. Alison hasn’t gone three days for the last four seasons without running.”

Senior Alison Bayly fights for the ball against Westminster. The Hounds defeated Westminster 2-1. (Claire Bliss)

Bayly’s strong work ethic is as evident to her teammates as it is to Hoelscher.

“Alison’s role on the team is to lead by example,” junior Andrea Stiffleman said. “She is always giving 110 percent effort and helps to maintain a serious tone in practice and at games.”

It comes as no surprise that Bayly understands what is takes to be a good soccer player. She plays on select teams in the offseason and works tirelessly to maintain and improve her fitness throughout the year.

“To be a good soccer player you can never become complacent with your abilities,” Bayly said. “No matter how much you have improved or how good you are, you must continue to push yourself.”

Not only does her work ethic make Bayly an asset to the team, but also she plays center midfield, which Hoelscher contends to be “perhaps the most important position on the field at any time.”

Bayly’s leadership and drive make her an excellent player to fill such a position, where she can set an example for her teammates to help encourage them and lead them to a victory.

“Alison is not only a great leader, she is also a tremendous player,” senior Lily Gage said. “She plays center mid and really helps to hold the team together when we’re on the field. She helps a lot with transitions and switching fields.”

While Bayly’s work ethic makes it clear that she is committed to having a successful season, her number one goal is geared more towards her role as team captain.
“My number one goal for the season is to be a great team leader,” Bayly said. “Last year as a captain I don’t think I was as vocal as I could have been, so this year I am working on that.”

Bayly is a standout due to her skill and determination, as well as her attitude towards her coach and her teammates. According to Hoelscher, Bayly’s greatest strengths include “humility, kindness, [and] work ethic.”

“It’s easy to use ridiculous clichés in this type of article,” Hoelscher said. “But Alison is literally one of the kindest people that I know. She is polite and kind – two qualities that will never go out of style. She cares about other people and has a selfless attitude about the team.”

Her “selfless attitude” and hard work have earned Bayly a spot on the Grinnell College soccer team next year. Perhaps more importantly, she has earned the respect and love of her teammates.

“I love playing with Alison because I know she always has my back,” Gage said. “Alison goes 110% to every ball, and her energy makes everyone else want to do the same.”

Class of 2010 graduate Don Stewart is currently playing football for Butler University.

“In college it is a lot more mental than it is physical,” Stewart said. “Working out is important, but if you don’t know what’s going on you are useless.”

Just as in high school, athletes are expected to maintain a good balance between their academics and sport. However, according to class of 2010 graduate Max Goldfarb, who plays lacrosse at Bates College, “balancing practice with school is definitely not easy.” Actual practices take up to about three and a half to four hours and on top of that players are expected to lift during the day.

Max Goldfarb, class of 2010 and three-year starter for the Greyhounds, now plays lacrosse at Bates College. (Globe Archive)

Izzy Fratt, class of 2010, plays field hockey at Cornell University and can attest to the difficulty of dealing with such a difficult schedule.

“I have to plan out my days really well, in order to balance my school work and practice,” Fratt said. “Practice takes up at least 4 hours of my day and then we have traveling on the weekend when were in season. But when were on the off season it is much easier because we don’t practice as often and have more days off.”

Along with balancing time, Stewart, Goldfarb, and Fratt describe a need for determination and hard work to be successful in college athletics.

“Well obviously to play in college you have to have some level of athleticism and talent, but I think the biggest thing is just hard work,” Goldfarb said. “[And] getting into the weight room more often than the next guy, and just putting in the extra effort that not everyone is willing to put in. The expectations are definitely different because what’s above and beyond in high school is not enough in college.”

Stewart offered a bit of advice for athletes looking to stand out in the competitive ranks of college athletics.

“Being able to compete and perfecting the little things is what separates you between the other competitors,” Stewart said.

According to Fratt, along with standing out among other teammates, it is also important for athletes to choose their colleges based on more than athletics.

“Definitely make sure that you love the school that you are looking to attend,” Fratt said. “I went by the ‘broken leg’ rule, if you break your leg the first week into practice or have a career ending injury, will you still be happy with the school you are at. And the team chemistry is everything.”

The bar is raised for all athletes entering college no matter the school, sport, or division. The competition against other teams and within the team itself is greater, setting the standards much higher.

“Coaches will not baby you,” Stewart said. “And there are other kids who are talented that can replace you.”

While the expectations are high, Goldfarb offers a piece of advice for players interested in pursuing athletics in college.

“My biggest advice is realize what you’re getting yourself into,” Goldfarb said. “If you want to play in college it’s not some cakewalk, it’s a 365 day a year commitment no matter if you’re playing Division I or Division III.  Also budget your time well, and do the school work. If you can manage your time and get decent grades it’s definitely a sign of maturity and going to give your coach more confidence to put you in the game in pressure situations.”

Goldfarb also mentioned as a college athlete, he has to be careful.

“Obviously enjoy yourself and get to know your classmates, but everything you do is magnified because you’re an athlete, so make good decisions,” Goldfarb said.

While Stewart is enjoying his first year of college athletics, he does miss some aspects of high school football.
Stewart commented on the some-what carefree environment of high school sports.

“It felt like you could just go out, play, and have fun,” Stewart said. “In college there is basically no off season.”

Goldfarb on the other hand “was ready to move on” from high school lacrosse. While it was fun and enjoyable the level of competition the state had to offer was subpar.

Playing at Bates offers him a far great level of competition as teams look to win the national championship. However, one thing Goldfarb does miss is playing basketball.

“I do miss playing basketball a lot,” Goldfarb said. “It was definitely strange going to our games and being a fan instead of being on the court. I obviously miss the legends Coach Nelke and Coach Luhning who made basketball really fun, and brought our teams up to a new level.”

While there is a lot of pressure associated with college athletics, Fratt is happy with her decision.

“Playing sports in college is awesome,” Fratt said. “It is a completely different experience from the regular college student, but you have to make sacrifices and work your butt off to survive.”

On Friday nights we line up, two by two, geared in our orange and blue awaiting the go-a-head signal. The butterflies thrash in our stomachs, and we all try to fight them down. The tension builds in our throats; we just want to yell and eventually some of us do. We’re pumped. We’re ready. We’re off. Jogging onto the turf, from the shadows of the field house into the lights, the Greyhound pride flows through our veins. In that climactic moment when our cleats hit the turf, the adrenaline pushes us into a sprint across the endzone. I can be spotted by my miniscule height of 62 inches or perhaps instead by the two tattered ankle braces I wear religiously. If that’s not enough of a separation factor, a hint of my brown ponytail can be spotted in the small space between my helmet and ill-fitting shoulder pads. We are a unit, a team; they are my brothers, and I am their sister.

Players on the CHS Varsity Football team line the field at the 2010 Homecoming game against Chaminade. Anat Gross (pictured third from the left) has greatly enjoyed playing with the team for the past four years. (Thalia Sass)

Everyone thought and some hoped my dream to suit up as a Clayton Greyhound was just a phase during my “tomboyish” youth. My mom was supportive, but underneath that strong exterior she feared I’d be smashed by some 6’2” 300-pound offensive lineman. She was wrong; he would be bigger than that.

Despite my mom’s concern, on the first August morning of my football career I stepped out of her car and made my way down the asphalt towards the field house. One of the varsity players walked towards me and stopped to ask me what position I played. I told him I wasn’t sure yet. He responded, “You look like a linebacker.” I nodded and contemplated this as I made my way to the front doors. I liked the way it sounded, and so I became an inside linebacker for the Clayton Greyhounds.

I’ve been playing football for four years, but I’ve made fewer than 10 tackles and have never been exhausted at the end of a game. During a typical game my workout is over after our pregame warm-up. I go through practices being pummeled by hundreds of pounds of bones and muscle to the point that all the air from my chest goes out in one quick breath. My arms have been decorated by black and purple splotches, an imprint of my practice jersey, and even an orange and blue cast. Yet, I still stand on the sideline watching the game I’ve prepared for all week pass me by. And the question that I have been forced to face is whether or not it was all worthwhile. Are the rare two minutes in a game that doesn’t count and perhaps half a play at the end of fourth quarter, if I’m lucky, really worth the endless hours of grueling practice? Is that rare moment when the coach yells out my name, puts his arm on my shoulder pads, and shoves me onto the turf in the midst of a game really so precious?

Looking back, I’ve been disappointed. I had walked into the field house expecting and dreaming about what it would be like to suit up and play my first game. Yet, each game I’ve played in I couldn’t help but feel bitter and angry at being put in only because the clock is quickly approaching zero. I’ve been insulted and questioned each year; I’ve been hit and run over too many times. Yet, Coach always tells us to “never walk away from the game.” And as pointless as my football endeavor may seem to others and sometimes even to myself, I could never turn in my irritatingly uncomfortable shoulder pads.

I’ve come to realize I don’t stand a chance against the average football player, unless I dive at his legs or take my chances and hope he’s not wearing a cup. Perhaps I keep coming back for the challenge, or perhaps for the possibility that during those two minutes of play I just might reach up, pull the football into my hands, feel the butterflies freeze, the sinking turf under my cleats, tuck the football away, and…

Ahmad Smith serves as a key asset for the greyhound boys' basketball team as one of the leading scorers, averaging 21.4 points a game. (Thalia Sass)

“Ahmad’s role is to take over the game when he needs to,” sophomore guard Tyler Walker said. “He offers a lot of great things to the team, but mainly it’s his scoring ability.”

According to assistant coach Mike Nelke, Smith’s scoring ability makes him a standout player on the team.

“He can score in a variety of ways,” Nelke said. “He can hurt you from the inside or out and does a great job scoring off of offensive rebounds.  When he gets going there is not much anyone can do to stop him.”

As is the case for most athletes, hard work and determination have led to Smith’s success. He spent a lot of time in the summer working on his shot and getting in the gym. According to head coach Ryan Luhning, Smith has very little left to improve on.

“We need Ahmad to continue to score,” Luhning said. “But [we] also [need him to] improve his court awareness on defense and offense.  If he does that he will be unstoppable.”

Nelke also expects him to compete as one of the top players in the St. Louis area.

“To go along with his scoring,” Nelke said. “We also expect him to be a leader on the defensive end and be a great passer.  When he does those two things along with his scoring, he is certainly one of the better players to watch in St. Louis.”

Walker agrees that Smith’s style of play is hard to match.

“The thing that separates him is just his skill, plain and simple,” Walker said.

Smith’s favorite thing about playing basketball is hearing the fans. He is currently working to win districts and he plans to play at a Division I or II college next year.

According to Nelke, Smith is capable of playing at the next level as long as he finds the right fit.

“Ahmad is a very unique player in his ability to score,” Nelke said. “Most players you can label one way or the other, for example, a player might be a good shooter or a good athlete.  But Ahmad simply knows how to score and that is something you cannot teach.”

Smith scored a career high of 41 points in the 80-65 victory over Jennings last week. He is currently on the scoring leaderboard for St. Louis area high schools with 427 points.

Smith encourages young athletes to adopt the attitude he has taken.

“Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something, coaches, people, no one,” Smith said.

Julia Grasse, one of the captains of the CHS Girls' Swim Team, sprints through the water in the 100 meter backstroke. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated swimmer who serves as a good role model for the rest of the team. (Thalia Sass)

Junior Julia Grasse leads the swim team as a captain and top performer. Her eight years of experience allow her to be a very versatile and competitive swimmer. She swims the backstroke, butterfly, Individual Medley, sprint freestyle, and distance freestyle.

According to Head Coach Katelyn Eustis, the team is full of great swimmers, but “Julia stands out with her performances in the pool as well as her leadership as a team captain.”

Grasse’s strong work ethic is rooted in her desire to improve.

“I am most motivated by trying to improve my times,” Grasse said. “It’s so fun when you finally go faster than you ever have. Also, it’s motivating to share a lane with people who are faster than me and when I’m racing to have swimmers to catch.”

According to Eustis, Grasse “is very ‘coachable’ and will work hard to make stroke and technique changes with the spirit that even the smallest changes will help her swim faster.”

In fact one of Grasse’s favorite parts of swimming are “being able to see concrete improvement from meet to meet” and bonding with the team. Her desire and willingness make Grasse a major threat in the water, as well as a strong dependable leader on the team.

“Julia is an excellent relay swimmer,” Eustis said. “She will give a 100 percent effort because she knows her team is depending on her.  Sometimes she will exit the water from a previous race and step right in the line for the relay.”

According to Grasse, it takes conditioning, endurance, and a desire to improve to be a good swimmer.

“For high school swimming, it also takes versatility because everyone swims every event over the course of the season,” Grasse said. “That can range from all four strokes and events that last from under 30 seconds to seven minutes.”

Eustis recognizes versatility as a key quality that adds to Grasse’s success.

“She is always willing to step up and swim any event we need her to and do her best,” Eustis said. “It is very clear that Julia has set goals for herself and expects to attain them.”

According to Grasse her “number one goal this season is to join the one minute club, which means swimming a 100 yard freestyle in under a minute.”

Grasse offered a bit of advice to other student athletes and swimmers.

“If you really want to excel, I think it’s important to keep practicing in the off season and making sure you work hard at every practice,” Grasse said. “In a race, it’s important to keep going, no matter how much your muscles are burning, especially in swimming when the races are around a minute long.”

Thus far in the season, Grasse is happy with both her teammates and her own performance, getting many of her best times this year.