7Designed By Alix Leavitt

the view from the

TrackNow that track is over for the year it was time to get a few

simple answers out of some of the best Pleasant Hill track ath-letes. Here’s what they had to say.

Samantha Fritz (9)-When did you fi rst know you were a fast runner?

I knew in 6th grade at my fi rst race in Junction City when I came in fi rst place for the 100 meters. What’s your favorite event?

I really love the 100 meter and 200 meter dash, also the 4x100 meter relay!How much better do you think you would have done this season if you hadn’t pulled your quad with a second degree pull?

If I wasn’t injured I would probably have had a chance to go to State in the 100 and 200.

Alex Churchman(10)-When did you fi rst start doing track?

6th grade, in IdahoWhat’s your favorite event and why?

Triple jump because it’s diffi cult to do and I’m good at it.What’s your farthest jump?

38’2”Ariel Nelson(11)-

What are some key elements for a good track season and stay-ing in shape?

Eat right, drink lots of water, defi nitely have a positive at-titude, go through the race in your head a couple of times-seeing yourself as the best as you can be.

Landon Putnam(12)-What are your favorite events?

Long jump and the 4x100 meter relayWhat is something you’ve said throughout the year to keep yourself going?

I’ve qualifi ed for State two years in a row and I haven’t been able to go. Knowing that I can make it, keeps me going. Hope-fully I can this year!

MCKENZIE PRIVATReporter

Battling back and forth for most of the game, the Billies pulled out a thrilling State championship victory on a squeeze bunt. The Billies outlasted the Horizon Christian Hawks,

7-6 in 8 innings for their fi rst champion-ship since 1946. The Billies last made it to the fi nal in 1997 under Coach Steve

Smith who had the Billies as pe-rennial State contenders. But this year, Billies pulled it off on a bril-

liant afternoon in Keizur Stadium against a tough Horizon Christian team.

The Hawks led off with 3 runs but the Billies returned fi re and gained the lead only to lose it later. Jackson Bertsch, the team workhorse had pitched in his third con-secutive game until he was swapped for Dillon Ritchie in the 5th inning. Ritchie got tagged for a couple runs as

TIMOTHY MEINZENAdvisor

The kind of conventions that you most commonly hear about are either political conventions, or hobby related conven-tions like Comic-con, or any kind of convention that is held for a large amount of people who have similar passions.

The kind of convention I’ll be talking about is the Comic-con/Anime convention kind of convention. These are typically more laid back and just for fun. Unlike a political convention where they do....political things.

Comic-con is a convention for, well, people who love com-ics. This convention, that is held in multiple locations year round, is one of the most well known and attended conventions in the US. It’s for people who enjoy comics, animation, and pop culture to gather into one place, for one weekend and act like complete nerds.

Comic-con has hundreds of different things to do from au-tograph signings to panels with famous voice actors, writers, and sketch artists. There are photo shoots for specifi c comics or shows, costume contests, skit contests, signings, vendors, and so much more. However a common misconception of Comic-con is that it is a convention solely for comic books and comic animations. Comic-con has activities for all kinds of topics like; video gaming, TV series, cartoons, online web-series, anime, and robotics.

The other kind of convention that is tied in with Comic-con are Anime-conventions. These are very similar to Comic-con ex-cept that Anime conventions focus more on anime and Comic-con is more focused towards comics. A lot of the same kinds of activities go on like autographs and panels with voice actors, writers, and artists.

Like Comic-con, Anime conventions are said to be all about what their name entails. This is not true. Yes the convention is for anime and 80 or so percent of the activities are anime based there are a lot of other things to be seen and done. For example; gam-ing, kimono workshops, mask making, dances, concerts, raves, web-comics, samurai workshops, history of Japan, tea parties, and so many other activities.

Conventions are very fun to go to, and it’s a great experi-ence. The best thing about it is that you are surrounded by people who love the same things you do. You can walk up to almost any random person and start a conversation. You don’t even have to like the same comics or anime.

However, going to a Con can be VERY expensive. if you stay for the whole duration of the convention, which is usu-ally Friday through Sunday, you will end up paying a hefty sum depending on where you stay. For example when I went to a con-vention in April, it was held at the Washington Convention Cen-ter, in Seattle Washington. I went with two other people and we all shared a room. My portion of the room for three nights would have been around $500 (this was paid for me as a graduation present), same with the other two staying with me. This amount does not include food, transport, entry fees, and souvenirs.

So my tips for you if you plan on ever going to a conven-tion are;

1. SAVE SAVE SAVE your money at least a year or more in advance. You will regret it if you do not bring enough money.

2. Go to the conventions website and look for lodging in the immediate vicinity. It is helpful to have a place nearby especially if you are wearing costumes.

3. Book your room early! Lots of people will be booking rooms and they may run out of space.

4. Make a schedule. As soon as it is available look online at all the activities planned and map out your weekend so you get the most out of the experience.

5. Have fun and meet new people!!

LAUREN MICHELSONReporter

Softball plays with pride

NINA STEARNSReporter

The stereotype that softball is a “lazy” sport was put to shame when the Billies stepped onto the fi eld. Coach Heather Holte encouraged her team to be dedicated and proud, even after a loss.

Courtney Cox(12) is a perfect example of this. Courtney re-ceived 1st Team All League for right fi eld along with Mckenna Morell who received Honorable Mention for designated hitter.

Throughout the season, each athletes’ skills improved through in their hard work. Maddie Morrell (10) worked hard last summer to earn her starting position at centerfi eld. She also picked up the skills to play second base in just a couple weeks.

Newcomer, Cheyenne Shiell (11) said she remembered that the game against the Toledo Boomers was the Billies’ proud-est win. The Billies never lost hope, especially near the end of the game. In the 7th inning, the score was tied. Then Toledo scored a “fi nal” run. The crowd expected no comeback. Cheyenne Shiell (11) stepped up to the plate and hit an RBI single up the middle of the fi eld. With only one out, Mariah Stevens (11) took advantage from third base, and raced home with the winning run.

Coach Holte said about the season “We had only three re-turners with varsity experience. We started out slow but fi nished strong. We went through a lot growing pains. It was a learning experience and players are starting to understand the work ethic, unselfi shness, and commitment that it takes to be successful in the Pac West league. I look forward to next season.”

Although the season is sadly over, the Billies are ready to come back next year with high hopes and the mindset to win State. Next year the Billies are looking forward to a strong fresh-man class, a J.V. team and the return of Billie Spirit.

Courtney Cox

ship since 1946. The Billies last made it to the fi nal in 1997 under Coach Steve

Smith who had the Billies as pe-rennial State contenders. But this year, Billies pulled it off on a bril-

liant afternoon in Keizur Stadium against a tough Horizon Christian team.

*Tanner Olson

Ariel Nelson

Congratulations, 2013 Graduates!

the Hawks pulled ahead and momentum shifted to the Hawks side of the stadium. But Ritchie changed everything with a off the right fi eld wall triple that drove home Chad Way as the tying run. This set up the dramatic 8th inning.

Garrett Davis walked, then Jackson Bertsch singled and Parker Smith walked to fi ll the bases and one out. Chase Stowell came up with orders from Coach Hoberg to bunt.Typically called a “suicide squeeze” the bunt is a bit of a gamble. But Stowell laid down a perfect bunt allowing Davis to blaze across home for the winning run. After that, Billie Fever erupted as the boys tumbled out of the dugout and leapt on Davis then Stowell.

This capped yet another season with a glittering record of 23-4 for the Billies who have made a habit of winning under Coach Steve Smith. Standing in their way was the cream of the 3A crop especially Glide and Cascade Christian.

Led by Jackson Bertsch, Parker Smith, Austin Payne, Bruce

We are The Champions!

Dillon Ritchie slams a triple to tie the Championship game.

Gibeau, Chad Way and others the Billies excel at small ball. Trying to get at least one run per inning.And that is what made all the difference in the championship. The Billies pitching is also its strong suit.

A highlight of the season was besting Thurston, 5th in State at 5A. Winning 8-7 reminded the team that they can play with anyone. The Billies victory came through timely execu-tion.

Matt Bryson admitted that the boys did start a bit slowly this year but feels that they are now at the peak of their game. Their State win proves that true.

The best surprise for the team has been the emergence of Mitchell Williamson as a clutch hitter and Chase Stowell’s base hits.

Jackson Bertsch hurls fi reballs at the Hawk batter.

Comic-Con Explained