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Journalism teacher, Brad Pettit, photobombs Lily Heredia’s bonfire photo with Jesse Vazquez and Holt Carlton.

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Oved Cruz, senior, dresses up as an athlete as part of the dress-up days for the week at Crane High School.

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Rodriguo Perero, sophomore, poses for a photo in journalism class Friday. He is a foreign exchange student new to Crane High School.

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From left, Clarissa Velasco, Nataly Reyes, and Miranda Salcedo get ready to cheer on the cross country team as they leave for Lubbock on Monday.

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By Lilian Heredia

Band has always been a huge part of the Crane community. Through sun and rain, thick and thin, the band holds a special place in the hearts of many.

When the band was placed in the hands of another capable band director after the retirement of Daniel Todd, everyone was curious to know what this would mean for future band competitions. This curiosity has been satisfied, however, following the band’s recent string of success at area and regionals.

Because Sara Hill has done such a good job for Crane High School, she was recognized by being selected for the “Difference-Maker Award” by the principal, Hector Limon, and the superintendent, Dr. Stephanie Howard.

She was both surprised and humbled about the recognition.

“I thought our administration was coming to congratulate the band on their outstanding accomplishment at Area Marching Contest,” Hill stated.

She expressed delight over the award, however.

“I feel very honored and humbled to be chosen by my peers for this award.”

Hill had many she wanted to thank for being in her corner.

“I must acknowledge my incredible band staff who works with me every day. Russell Dean and Ryan Chambers have been so great, and I could not have accomplished the things I have done this year without them. I’m thankful Dominic Rivas, Ryan Rodriguez, Aaron Rodriguez, and Lisa Bejarano, who gave us an extra hand at evening rehearsals. I also want to thank our supportive administration who have our backs in everything we do.”

Hill also had kind words for the previous band director, Mr. Todd.

“Lastly, I owe so much to Daniel Todd. He has been an absolute incredible mentor and dear friend to me over the years, and I cannot thank him enough for convincing me to move to Crane 13 years ago.”

Hill hopes that the band will continue to become closer and stronger.

“I hope we can keep growing as a band family and attain our goals as we push these kids to their fullest potential this year.”

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(From left to right) Seniors, Nicolas Petitt, Dominick Mirelez, Oved Cruz, Lucas Rizo, Tyler Tarin, and AJ Rodriguez hold hands as they embrace the flames.

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Video by Clarissa Velasco and Miranda Salcedo

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On this week of Spooktober, sophomores, Clarissa Velasco and Miranda Salcedo, asked students of CHS what their favorite scary movie was.

Click the link to find out the students’ responses!

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Senior, Erick Ortiz, poses with his tub Thursday morning for “Anything but a Backpack Day” at Crane High School.

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Chemistry students experiment with drinks using dry ice this Friday as part of tying classwork into the spooky season.

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Sophomores, Miranda Salcedo and Arianna Garza, pose for the camera at the senior bonfire Thursday night.

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Freshmen new to Crane High School get into the school spirit by celebrating Anything but a Backpack Day Thursday.

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Fireworks are lit during the bonfire Thursday night in Crane.

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Coach Raymond prepares for basketball season

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Coach Raymond prepares for basketball season

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By Adam McGuire

Coach Greg Raymond has been coaching for a long time. This year will mark his 40th year coaching. Raymond has very memorable playoff runs, but has never made it to the state tournament yet. He hopes to change that.

Coach Raymond wanted to coach eve since he was a junior in high school because he loves to compete and is a fan of devising strategies.

His first coaching job was at Uvalde, and for half his coaching career he’s been coaching in Medina Valley, Hondo and D'Hanis.

Raymond’ said he’s always enjoyed basketball because he likes the pace of the game and the teamwork that leads to success.

Raymond said his favorite sport is basketball, and he’s super excited for the season to get going.

“The start of basketball is always exciting. We will be ready for the season to start. Hopefully, it will be a late start due to a long and successful football season.”

When you see Coach Raymond in the hall, congratulate him on starting another year of a long and successful coaching career.

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Genesis Villisana, senior, celebrates being accepted to UTPB where she will be attending this upcoming year.

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Crane added fireworks to the bonfire this year, which was held Thursday.

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From left: JV cheer coach, Jessica Pettit, junior cheerleader, Makenna Willis, and varsity cheer coach, Terra Willis, pose for a photo at the bonfire Thursday night. Pettit is the aunt of Makenna and sister-in-law to Terra.

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Senior cheerleaders celebrate last bonfire

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Senior cheerleaders celebrate last bonfire

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From left: sophomore, Amber De La Torre, seniors, Maddie Bernard, Bethany Todd, Jack-Jack Bernard, Nataly Reyes, Lily Piñon, and junior, Arianna Escobedo, celebrate at the bonfire with their senior sticks that they will later throw into the fire as part of a yearly ceremony symbolizing the ending of their high-school experience.

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Seniors Donovan Clark-Martinez and Fabian Oyoque contemplate the gravity of their final bonfire as Golden Cranes.

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Myranda Contreras and Dekota Scott, seniors, enjoy the final bonfire of their high-school careers.

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Downtown Crane was totally dark during a recent blackout.

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Photo and article by Dadyt Perez

On Monday, Crane suffered a blackout around 6 P.M. The blackout left Crane without any power for several hours, with only one of Crane's water towers, and the hospital, which has back-up generators, still shining with light.

With the power coming back later in the night, Crane was finally able to go back to normal. The cause for this black out was due to the harsh winds occurring earlier in the day.

With this blackout, many were affected, such as CHS students who had not yet finished their homework, and those who had their Chromebooks and phones uncharged. They also had jobs on paper that could not be finished due the lack of light.

Many students were worried, thinking if the electricity would arrive the next day. This blackout brought back memories of the “snowpocolypse” from a while back when many were without power for days.

Many students were wondering if they had to return to the school because it was cold and there was no heating. Also, because there are some classes that have little to no lighting.

Most smart boards in the classroom work with electricity. And many students mostly utilize their computers in the classrooms. Because of this, many students were wondering if going to school was even going to be productive after a night with no electricity.

The good thing is that the electricity was restored the next day. And the students were able to return to their normal schedule without any problems. But this whole experience has made me think about this: owning a generator that can keep the lights on in moments like this doesn’t sound like such a bad idea after all!

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Crane High School seniors show off their senior sticks prior to throwing them into the fire at the bonfire Thursday night.

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The seniors gather around to watch the bonfire Thursday night in Crane.

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Seniors, Nevaeh Espino and Nailleli Rodriguez, cherish their last bonfire Thursday night.

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Taylon Watson, senior, stands in front of the fire Thursday night. He said, “I’m going to miss it.”

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Seniors, Omar Reynoso and Genesis Villasana, get lit during the bonfire Thursday night in Crane.

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Golden Crane marching band finishes first in prelims, second in finals at area band contest

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Golden Crane marching band finishes first in prelims, second in finals at area band contest

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Article by Hannah Nichols and Isabella Ramirez

The Crane band went to Area competition this past Saturday in Abilene to strive to be the best band at the competition. This contest was different from the Regional competition, as there were no divisions given. There was a preliminary competition, and if the band qualified, they advanced to the finals.

First, the Crane band performed in the preliminary competition and advanced to the finals. The Crane band astonished the judges and crowd and went on to become the silver medalist for the finals!

Ryan Chambers, assistant band director, says he felt the band performed well at prelims, but he did not expect the band to take first place in prelims. He said that the band did not perform their best in the first performance of the day, but he knew if they made it to finals that they could have a shot at a better second performance.

Chambers said that he thinks the band went out there really focused on their goal of getting first. He added that there were several places that the band had worked on that past week that were significantly better.

“There were only a couple of spots that I thought needed to be more refined, and Jose’s solo was too loud (not his fault),” said Chambers. “But overall, it was a very solid run!”

Chambers said that he is very close to this particular group of seniors who are in band since they were his first group of freshmen when he got here.

“Two state marching appearances, and a second-place finish at Area in the non-state year, is nothing short of spectacular. I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments the entire band class of ‘23 has done.”

Sara Hill, head band director, said that she feels the band’s performance for finals was the best one all season. She added that they left it all on the field and said she is incredibly proud with the performance at Area Finals.

Hill said she could not be more proud of these kids.

“They went through some obstacles this season, and boy did they show up at Area finals.”

Hill said it was nice to see how the band worked together.

“It was just so fun to see all of the band students come together, and have such a great feeling coming off that field for the last time. We were up against some pretty tough competition, and they definitely stepped up to the plate and delivered a great performance.

Hill said there is no such thing as a perfect performance, and there is always room to make something better. However, there is not much to change about Saturday. She said the band gave it their all, and that's all she can ask for.

The Crane band came up a little short this time, finishing one point behind Clyde, but this band was outstanding on Saturday.

“We finished first in prelims with a performance that was not our best, made a few corrections, and finished with a great run. I think seeing the joy and excitement in their eyes knowing they had a great run was the best part of the day.”

With this year being Mrs. Hill's first year back, she stated that the experience was rewarding and maybe a little stressful all at the same time. She said that this time was a great first year back in Crane, and a band that she will never forget.

“The Crane band has a great group of seniors and leaders who have led this band this year and have helped me tremendously. I look forward to many great years with the Crane Golden Crane Band.

Hector Limon, Crane High School principal, went to the Area competition in Abilene to watch the band perform. His thoughts on the performance were that the band did a great job and were definitely contenders for the final cut. He also said that once the band made the cut and went to the finals that he was blown away with the adjustments and corrections made in such a short period of time.

“The final performance was definitely the best one of the year,” said Limon. “I was confident that we had indeed performed at the state-level. The Golden Crane Band did not disappoint!”

One of the many great senior leaders is Omar Reynoso, he was in denial that this Saturday was the last time he’d ever march with the Crane High School band.

“After my final cutoff to cue the band to stop, I took a breath and looked in awe as I realized that was my final moment of being in competitive marching band. Then, I bowed my head and took a moment to myself to fully grasp my final moments. Although we were short a point, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Freshman, Itzel Venegas, also felt that the show was the best of the year.

“I felt excited,” she said said, “but at the same time I know we could’ve gotten first. We were all confident we could’ve gotten it, but I think overall we did amazing individually and together as one.”

Since its the freshman's first year of marching band, there’s a ton of pressure, and Venegas definitely felt it.

“Marching as a freshman is very difficult. You have the upper class telling you what you're doing wrong, or what to fix, but I don’t mind it because I’m learning from them as well.”

Every year the Crane High School band improves from previous years, and Venegas is excited to experience the next few years.

“It’s going to be tough next year since it's going to be a state year,” Venegas stated, “but I can’t wait to continue being a part of the amazing band we have here in Crane.”

The band performed a special black-out performance of their show at halftime following the varsity football game with Compass tonight. It was a special moment and opportunity for the community to experience all the hard work the band put in this year.

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This year at the bonfire, fireworks were added to spice things up. Students and spectators enjoyed the new addition to the festivities.

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Seniors Kenley Seabourn and Hanna Erfanian make memories at the bonfire on Thursday night in Crane.

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From left to right: Seniors, Nick Pettit and Dominick Mirelez, junior, Diego Garcia, senior, Lucas Rizo, senior Oved Cruz, and senior, Tyler Tarin, soak up some of their final moments together as a group.

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The Color Guard was in rare form at the bonfire Thursday night.

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Crane High School students celebrate at Thursday’s bonfire.

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The bonfire this Thursday gave Crane High School students, and members of the community, a time to come together to celebrate CISD.

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Twirlers Kiara Lozano and Karen Santos twirl with fire Thursday night at the bonfire in Crane.

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Seniors throw their senior sticks into the fire during Thursday’s bonfire.

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The seniors toss their senior sticks into the fire during Thursday’s bonfire in Crane.

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Take a second out of your day to thank your school’s administrators for all of their hard work.

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From left: High school cheerleaders Syanna Lopez, Taysia Ford, Maria Lomeli, Naveya Porras, and Alina Garza pose at the send-off Monday.

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Junior, Kris Rizo, poses with his “backpack” for Thursday’s “Anything but a Backpack Day.”

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Juniors, Maria Sanchez and Esmeralda Mendoza, pose with items they brought for “Anything but a Backpack Day” Thursday.

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Adrian Reynoso, sophomore, poses with his trashcan as part of the "Anything but a Backpack Day" Thursday.

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Jorge Hernandez stands by his shopping cart brought for "Anything but a Backpack Day.”

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Omar Castro, senior, poses with his night stand as part of the "Anything but a Backpack Day” Thursday.

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The Crane Lady Birds cross country team stop for a group photo at the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday. Since there are seniors on the team, this was the final time this specific team will ever race together.

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The Crane Lady Birds cross country team prays prior to their race at the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Arianna Escobedo, junior, pushes her way to the finish line during the regional XC meet in Lubbock Tuesday. Escobedo qualified for state with her run.

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XC Golden Cranes, Lady Birds run well at regionals; Escobedo qualifies to run at State

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XC Golden Cranes, Lady Birds run well at regionals; Escobedo qualifies to run at State

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Photo by Brad Pettit

Article by Jacob Bejarano

The Crane Golden Cranes and Crane Lady Birds ran well at the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday. Although neither team qualified, there was one runner who did. Arianna Escobedo.

“Although I'm happy making it to state for the second time, I'm sad that my team didn't qualify with me to make memories.”

Escobedo had very high hopes for herself and her team.

“In the beginning of the season, my goals were to break a personal record by running a 12 and to make it to state as a team and individually. I met two of my goals.”

Escobedo played a mental game throughout the run to achieve the goals she set for herself.

“In the beginning of my race, I told myself to start out strong and stay top 20 throughout the whole race. I knew that if I pushed myself to stay with girls who made it individually, that it would help push my way to state.”

Shae Coates is a freshman running with varsity. She has a very strong passion for cross country and hates it when it comes to the end of the season. This year she is sad that her first high school season has ended.

“ I’m extremely sad. Cross country wasn’t just about the running; we all built bonds with each other, and I didn't want it to end. Jack and Nylah were running what was going to be their last race ever. All of us were so upset because we’re all so close with them. We all wanted to go out and do our best for each other because we knew it could be the last race for them and for the rest of us the last of the season.”

Cross Country coach, Machele Pahl, has very high hopes for the next season and is very proud of how these runners have done.

“Thankfully, our season has not come to an end just yet. While the goal was to get both teams back to the state meet, those that did not advance ended their season with heart and a PR. These kids have put forth dedication and a lot of hard work to continually hold the standard that we have set for ourselves through the years. I’m thankful for our whole team and excited for Arianna as she will represent Crane XC at the State meet next week.

When asked about the seniors and the impact of losing them next year, Pahl had this to say.

“There’s no doubt the seniors have played a huge role in the continued success of the program for setting examples of dedication and being leaders to the younger classmen. They will definitely leave big shoes to fill, but I'm confident that the juniors will be able to step up next season and follow the lead that those have set before them.”

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The Golden Cranes varsity cross country team sprint away from the starting line during the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Taylon Watson, senior, sets his pace during the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Taylon Watson, senior, crosses the finish line during the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday. Watson's time can be seen on the clock to his right. Watson finished in first place among Crane's varsity team.

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By Adrian Ramirez

Sunny Rodriguez, Crane High School English teacher, has been coaching and teaching at CHS for three years. During this time, she has definitely made her mark on Crane High School.

Rodriguez first started teaching 8th grade English and coaching middle school sports at Abell Junior High in Midland. Rodriguez had that role for five strong years until she decided to get her Masters in Educational Leadership.

Rodriguez worked for her masters then became the assistant principal at Abell Junior High in Midland. She said she absolutely loved being an assistant principal and stated it was probably her favorite job.

“It was always a new day, and I was able to be involved with students.”

Rodriguez's family was growing at the time, and they decided to sell their house in Midland so they could build a new one.

“Our house sold in 24 hours and we had to move out quickly, so we came to Crane to stay with my parents.

“We loved it so much we decided to move back.”

Rodriguez stayed home for about six months before she started to miss education.

“At that time, I decided to apply in Odessa. I didn't want to work in the school where I grew up for some reason. I just had this phobia of teaching in a small school.”

She then became the assistant principal at Odessa Gonzales elementary school.

“I commuted back and forth, all the while trying to make all my kids events in Crane. It was really tough and starting to take a toll on me mentally and physically."

She sought other career opportunities in Crane.

“I had the opportunity to purchase The Dugout and decided to resign from my position as principal and run my business.”

This lasted about six months before Rodrigues said she got the urge to go back into education.

“My heart just belongs with kids, so I decided to give Crane a try and become a long-term sub.I absolutely love ISD.”

Rodriguez later on decided to apply full-time at Crane High School and was hired to teach English and to coach. And the rest, as they say, is history.

“Crane is a truly amazing place with the best teachers, parents, and students! They always say home is where the heart is, I just can’t believe it took me 15 years to figure that out! I absolutely love what I do and I hope to finish out the rest of my years in Crane.”

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Junior, Santi Rodriguez, finishes strong during the regional cross country meet in Lubbock on Tuesday.

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Freshman, Shae Coates, finishes on empty during Tuesday’s XC regional meet in Lubbock.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Nyla Smith, senior, leaves it all on the course during the cross country regional meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Ivory Velasco, freshman, is on the move at the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Sophia Hernandez, junior, pushes past the competition during the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Jacqueline Bernard, senior, finishes strong during the cross country regional meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Seniors, Nick Pettit, left, and Lucas Rizo, enjoy the moments following their last race together at the regional XC meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Sophomore, Kyla Rangel, appears to be running on water during the regional cross-country meet in Lubbock Tuesday.

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Senior, Oved Cruz, dresses like Bobby Boucher, the H20 expert from the hit Adam Sandler comedy, Water Boy. Cruz dressed like Boucher as part of the Adam Sandler dress-up day at the high school.

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Sophomores Lily Padilla and Grace Encinas show off their swag in chemistry. The two participated in the Adam Sandler dress-up day, where students were asked to wear clothes typically worn by Sandler. Namely, this style includes basketball shorts, T-shirts, and either sneakers or flip-flops.

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From left: Isaac Hensley, Grace Encinas, Carmen Padilla, with Hugo Montes in the back, hold until their next movement during the regional band performance Saturday in Abilene.

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Arik Aguilar, sophomore, is totally serious about his role during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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The Crane clarinet section of the band play their part during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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The Crane band leans into it during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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Bethany Todd, senior, and Kayla Santos, junior, come forward to play their solos during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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The clarinets and trombones of the Crane Golden Crane marching band hit sweet notes and their marks during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday. The band finished first in the prelims and fell slightly short by placing second in the finals. It was an impressive finish for the band, and band director, Sara Hill, said the band is looking forward to competing again next year, which will be a State year.

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Senior, Myranda Contreras, swings her axe like a Valkyrie at the band contest in Abilene this past Saturday.

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Kiara Lozano, sophomore, twirls with two batons during the area band contest in Abilene this past Saturday.

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Hannah Nichols, senior, hits some notes while Kyla Rangel, sophomore, swings an axe right behind her.

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Karen Santos, senior, twirls during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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Share Coates, freshman, does her part for the Color Guard during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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The Pettit family gathers together to celebrate one last band contest with senior son, Nick Pettit. From left: Brad Pettit, CHS journalism teacher, Nick Pettit, center-back, Jessica Pettit, CHS math teacher, Cash Pettit, CES 5th grader, and Stevie-Kate Starr Pettit CES 2nd grader, center-front.

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The clarinet section of the crane band does its part during the area band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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From front: Santi Rodriguez and Kris Rizo, both juniors, pass through throngs of fans during Monday’s XC send-off to Lubbock.

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SCHOOL EVENTS

Varsity Football Game
When: Friday, October 28 at 7:30 pm
Where: El Ave Stadium

Volleyball Game
Varsity: Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 pm in Fort Stockton

Bonfire: Thursday, October 27 at 8:30 pm

Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat:
When: Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Exhibition building on 6th street

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Halloween
Trick-or-treating
When: Sunday, October 30 from 5:00 to 7:00

Halloween: Monday, October 31

National Day of the Deployed: Thursday, October 26

National Pumpkin Spice Day: Saturday, November 1

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Name: Mick Limon

Job title: Teacher/Coach

Married? How long?:  Yes, my wife Kristie and I have been married for about four years now. We currently have two small children: Brooks, two, and Canaan, will be one in February.”

How long have you been in education? I have been in education for six years.

Where were you at before Crane? I was in Lubbock, teaching middle schoolers at McCool Academy for the last couple of years. Before that, I was teaching at the high school level.

What do you do for fun?  I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, painting, drawing, sculpting and working out.

How many siblings do you have? I have two older siblings, both brothers: Hector and Marcus.

What is one of your hidden talents? I used to be able to throw a baseball pretty hard..now not so much. I’m getting too old. I’m a decent artist who doesn’t have enough time to ever get anything done. I think that is one, kind of.

What would students be surprised to find out about you? I used to play college baseball, but got hurt right after I signed. I had one shoulder surgery, and one elbow surgery (Tommy John). I think I might have about three years of eligibility left.

Do you have any pets? We have two pets, both dogs: Duke (six-years-old) mix of about 10 breeds that all look like chihuahuas. Jibb is eight-years old and is a black lab retriever.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up working in education, what would you do instead?  I think I would open up a small gym, paint/sculpt every day, and buy a membership at Pebble Beach.

What inspires you? My family inspires me every day.

What is your dream vacation? If that isn’t feasible, I guess I’d take golfing at Augusta and catching a game at Truist Park the next day.

What are your trapped-on-a-desert-island books and movies?  My books would probably be: My Bible and The Old Man And The Sea. My movies would be No Country for Old Men and Ken Burns’ “Baseball.”

Is there anything else you would like to share? About you? Working in education? I’d like for my students to find something that they’re passionate about and find a way to earn a living in that field.

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The XC team is given a send off by the Crane High School students and faculty Monday. The XC Golden Cranes and Lady Birds went to the regional cross country meet in Lubbock where they ran very well. One Lady Bird, Ariana Escobedo, ran so well that she qualified for state.

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Dominic Rivas, volunteer for the Crane band, and Sara Hill, band director, make last minute adjustments prior to the regional band contest in Abilene Oct. 22. The band finished first in prelims out of 16 total bands, and second in the finals. The performance was what we have come to expect from the Crane Golden Crane band, and next year, which is a state year, looks bright for Hill and company. Stay tuned!

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Corinn Hensley, freshman, prepares herself mentally for the upcoming band performance during the regional band contest in Abilene Oct. 22. The band finished first in prelims and second overall in the finals.

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Ryan Chambers and Russell Dean, assistant band directors, take the field during the regional band contest in Abilene Saturday.

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Amanda Kashack, sophomore, tears up following the JV volleyball game against the Alpine Lady Bucks Oct. 21. Sophomore, Amber De La Torre, read a prepared speech describing how much the girls love Kashack and how Kashack’s mother, who passed away last year, was there in spirit for the game. The moment moved many on and off the court to tears.

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Ivory Velasco, freshman, prepares to serve the ball during Friday’s JV volleyball game against the Alpine Lady Bucks.

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Amanda Kashack, sophomore, prepares to serve the ball during the JV volleyball game against the Alpine Lady Bucks Oct. 21.

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Senior walk: Varsity volleyball girls walk the court during last home game ever

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Senior walk: Varsity volleyball girls walk the court during last home game ever

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The seniors of the Ladybirds’ varsity volleyball team walk the court for the final time during Friday’s final home game against the Alpine Lady Bucks. The Lady Birds crushed Alpine in three straight sets.

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Lady Birds varsity take down Alpine in final home game

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Lady Birds varsity take down Alpine in final home game

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By Shauna Scott

Last Friday, the Crane varsity Lady Birds volleyball team flawlessly took down the Alpine Bucks. They pushed their way through three sets and won each one.

It was a massive win and was one of the best games the Lady Birds have played this season.

Nayelly Sanchez, junior, said she is proud of how well her team played and hopes they can make it happen again.

"I feel that we did really good and that this was one of the best games we have ever played. I really hope we can play like that in the playoff games."

Sanchez also had some input about the seniors, considering this was their last home game.

"It was a good game for the seniors to leave off with. That was their last memory of volleyball season and a great game to go out with."

Jaylen Pittman, senior, had a few things to say about her last home game in high school.

"I feel as if we played good as a team, and we pushed through. We lost to Alpine before, but we came back around and won."

After the rivalry win, the Lady Birds traveled to Alpine again, where they also defeated the Lady Bucks in four sets.

The Lady Birds have been working hard and deserve to have a packed crowd. Come out and support them at their next game!

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JV Ladybirds play hard but suffer defeat

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JV Ladybirds play hard but suffer defeat

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By Shauna Scott

Last Friday, the Crane JV Lady Birds gave it their all, but suffered a loss against the Alpine Bucks.

This was their last home game of the season, and it left them with many things to work on to get better at for next year.

Alondra Campos, junior, said she feels like her team did their best towards the end of the game but could've started off stronger.

"I definitely think we could have fought harder earlier in the game. Overall, I think we did amazing."

Campos also expressed how her team is very strong while working together and how it has impacted her.

"We try our best and lift each other up when we don't get the outcome we wanted. I'm going to miss this team a lot."

Arianna Garza, sophomore, had some input on what her team could've done to pull through.

"We definitely could have communicated more and worked better as a team overall. I think we played way better than the last time we played the Lady Bucks though!"

The JV team works very hard in all of their games. Support from the community pushes them harder and ends in more success.

Come out to their next game and show some love!

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Article by Arianna Escobedo and Paris Tafoya

Time flies when you are having fun in high school and surrounded by people who make a difference in your life. Throughout high school, we have all had someone who has impacted our life for the better.

Michael D. Hailey, also known as Doc, has been a student trainer for 34 years and was awarded trainer of the year in the South and West Texas region.

Doc, the head trainer of Crane High School, had a few things to say about his impact on the student-athletes of Crane. Doc states that his favorite part about training is helping athletes achieve their goals.

“My favorite part about training is helping athletes not only get physically better, but to help them accomplish their goals in life. I also enjoy working with coaches and being involved in the Crane community.”

Doc explains that he has always been interested in training since junior high and stuck with it ever since.

“During junior high, sports was not my best aspect. I decided to be a manager who kept stats during the games. While being on the sidelines, I would see many kids injured and wanted to help. After seeing that I began taking courses in the summer and joined student training clinics. This had a huge impact in my life, because I found my passion in training and pursued it throughout college.”

Doc went to Baylor University in Waco, where he majored in sports medicine and kinesiology. Although it’s been a while since those college days, Doc says he isn’t even thinking about retirement.

“My plan is to go at least six or seven more years, so I can complete a total of 40 years in training. But as long as I'm healthy, I can’t see myself stopping, and I plan on retiring here.”

Doc said that he had other plans initially on what to major in, but he changed his mind after a while.

“Originally, I went into school for medicine and pre med. I then decided that going to school for that long was not something for me. I was a student-trainer in college for the Baylor University football team, and that reaffirmed my desire to be a trainer.”

Doc expressed how he felt after to receiving the title of best trainer in the South Texas and West Texas region.

“It’s exciting knowing that I've helped my peers and know that people are appreciative of what I do. That makes me feel good knowing I'm doing something right. I would like to thank all the coaches for nominating me as the best trainer.”

Doc did have another job before education, however.

“Before education, I had my own physical therapy in a sports rehab center in Austin during the 1990’s. We would work around the Austin area with schools and provide trainers.”

Doc said students wanting to pursue his line of work should stay focused and work hard.

“My advice for students wanting to pursue student-training is to stay focused and pay attention during your science classes, and to make sure you have the desire to help kids to get better.”

During Crane sporting events, make sure to keep an eye out for Doc, as he and his team of trainers help out the Crane Golden Cranes and Lady Birds as they play against their rivals.

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Article by Mitzy Jacobo, Rodrigo Alonso Perero, and Pamela Lupercio

Imagine a place that is 0 degrees in the morning and 120 degrees in the afternoon. The country you live in is heavily populated but not very large.

Rodrigo Alonso Perero is a foreign exchange student from Valladolid, Spain. Valladolid is a heavily populated province that is the size of Texas.

Perero moved to Crane to experience America.

“I wanted to learn about the culture here, the language, and to meet the people that live in the United States of America.”

Perero said he likes the traditions we have here.

“I've heard about Halloween and Thanksgiving, and I've visited state fairs.”

Perero mentioned how he likes the school here.

“You see so many people go and support the football team and their friends and families, while in Spain you see mostly five people.”

Perero mentioned how his favorite thing to celebrate is called Penguins, but his least favorite is Semana Santa.

“Penguins lasts a week, with bonfires, burning a statue of a penguin, and they sleep outside while 0 degrees, while Semana Santa is a huge catholic celebration where hundreds and thousands of people carry wood shaped different saints.”

Valladolid is a big city with a lot of gothic architecture.

Perero said he wants to be a foreign exchange student because he wants to learn more about our culture.

“I wanted to go to a country where they speak English and meet new people and learn about the country.”

Perero said that the two  big differences he sees between Mexico and Spain are the school and the freedom.

“I’ve noticed that the school from Spain is more strict than the one from Mexico. I've noticed that Mexico has more freedom; they are allowed to do more things that we can’t.”

It's not everyday you get to meet a hispanic from Spain in Texas. If you see Perero in the halls, tell him, “Welcome to Crane!”