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I am naturally a very curious person. I don’t remember myself as a child besides through pictures in which I mostly have very bad haircuts, but I am guessing I about drove my folks crazy with questions. And to this day, I love a good question and answer session.
I am not dangerously curious. You won’t find me ambulance chasing, rushing into a fire to determine the cause, looking too far over the edge of a cliff, or deep sea diving to open a treasure chest (although I might wait on the shore just to see what they brought up). There are some very positive things about being curious. I read once that curious people are more intelligent, and that asking questions which connect people might just be the glue that holds our society together. Not to be a martyr, but can you imagine if my good-natured cross-examination was somehow saving the world one inquiry at a time? Admittedly, I am a relentless speculator. Good or bad, I always have a question. When my brother and a friend visited at Christmas, we decided to get out of the house for a minute and drove around a new housing development in my neighborhood. “Wonder why they angled that house so that the front door is not facing the street?” I asked. They both shrugged their shoulders. “Hadn’t thought about it,” they said, nearly in unison. Clearly not curious. When I watch a movie with my husband, I am constantly analyzing a character’s motivation or what will happen next. While I am wondering if Julia will return to the site of the murder or why she can’t stop her love of bad boys, I can guarantee you my husband is thinking more about whether I stole the last piece of buttered popcorn. Case in point was when we watched a war movie on a chilly COVID Friday night from the comfort of our couch. “It seems strange to me that the other guys in his unit didn’t notice the same things he did. Do you think maybe they really did know what was going to happen but just couldn’t bring themselves to talk about it?” I say to the hubs. “Hmmm,” he grunts. “Don’t know.” That’s it? You don’t know? Aren’t you curious? It doesn’t get a lot better with the next generation at our house. My daughter likes Star Wars movies, and I don’t. I have tried to sit down and watch with her, but she doesn’t appreciate having to talk me through all the questions I have. “What was the problem between the Jedi and the Dark Side Force to begin with?” I ask, secretly sort of proud of myself for even remembering some of the names. “I am not sure; we just know that they fought, the Jedi won, and the Dark Side wants revenge,” she said fairly patiently. “But isn’t the whole thing sort of based on that feud from long ago?” I try again. “Hard for me to believe it would just carry on all these years and through all these generations and galaxies without it being something big.” “Probably,” she says, dismissing me and my curious mind. I didn’t even get to ask about the whole Luke and his father thing I saw in a meme. I have tried to build some curiosity into others. At family dinners, when there is a conversation lull, I coax them into playing Rapid Fire. This is not a food fight, but a question game, where you ask a question, and the person answering has only ten seconds to answer. My family has begun calling the person answering the question The Victim, so you now have an idea of their enthusiasm level. The last time we played, I offered them the chance to go first, but neither of them could think of a question. What? There is no burning unanswered inquiry you just have to make? Undeterred, I volunteered to go first. “Do you think aliens exist?” I asked my daughter. And she replied immediately, no hesitation. “Yes!” “Wow! Why do you think that?” “Well, to be honest, I think they may have taken over your body, with all your weird questions,” she said. Hateful, just hateful. My husband smiled at me sympathetically and told me he would play, but I didn’t fare a lot better with hm. “Okay,” I said and leaned in toward him to show my interest, one of my favorite questioning postures. “What is your favorite song ever?” “From what genre?” he replied. “Any genre. Just your favorite song.” “Could it be something from a long time ago, or do you mean something newer?’ “From any time period.” “Do you mean from a soloist or a band?” At this point, I was ready to try the hateful kid again. I am pretty persistent with my pursuit of turning my family into inquisitors. I have unashamedly purchased 20 Questions books or Would You Rather card games for our vacations and long car rides and used them as stocking stuffers. They would rather have candy or socks. I have been known to ask new couples friends how they met or what their first apartment or home was like. Once when I was interviewing for a job, they asked if I had any questions, and I pulled out a list. Probably not what they anticipated, but I got the job. I don’t consider myself nosey or snoopy, like the stock characters on TV, who are just all up in somebody else’s business. I don’t really meddle or intrude…most of the time. I can, however, tell you where my neighbor went to college and where she grocery shops, how much the parking lot attendants at a local event center make per hour, and whether the ladies at my favorite craft store have to supply their own scissors when they work or if the store graciously provides them. You would suppose that a person as curious as me would have inadvertently discovered a disease cure or made a scientific advancement with all my questions, but thus far, I have to admit I have not unearthed anything of much significance. I am not stopping, though. Wanna’ know why? Did you know that “Curiosity killed the cat” is only the first part of that familiar phrase? The second half is ,“And satisfaction brought him back.” Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer. by Denise Sullivan, Nutrition & Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension As my husband and I completed the end-of-season garden clean-up, I found myself a little sad that our little garden plot had come to an end. Granted, I still have plenty of spaghetti squash in the basement and a pantry full of pickles and salsa that are the evidence of our efforts, but I will miss the goodness of a just-picked tomato or cucumber.
As I found myself pondering the fresh produce options over the coming months, I decided to ask my Facebook friends for their ‘go-to’ fruit and vegetable choices during the winter. Some of the responses were humorous, others were inspiring, but I saw a theme when it came to fruit choices. By far, the most common fruit was some form of citrus…and why not? Though not a local food option, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are easy to find year-round, even during a Midwest winter. Citrus fruits are a rich source of Vitamins A and C, antioxidants that may reduce your risk for heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin A is also beneficial for eye health and Vitamin C aids in wound healing and helps the body’s absorption of iron. Vitamin C supports the function of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Though popularly thought to prevent the common cold, research does not support this theory. However, taking increased doses of vitamin C during a cold can slightly reduce the length of the illness, typically by about one day. As a water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is readily absorbed into body tissues for immediate use. Because they are not stored in the body, water-soluble vitamins need to be replenished regularly in our diet. Any excess of water-soluble vitamins is excreted in urine. The Linus Pauling Institute, a lead Vitamin C research institute at Oregon State University, recommends that generally healthy adults consume 400 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Oranges and orange juice are usually the first foods thought of when Vitamin C is mentioned. One large orange contains about 100 milligrams of Vitamin C and has about 65 calories, while 6 ounces of orange juice has about the same about of Vitamin C and contains about 100 calories. About 70% of the oranges in the US are grown in Florida. The first citrus was planted by early explorers in the 1500’s, perhaps even by Ponce de Leon, and have been grown commercially since the 1800’s. But there are even options within the family of oranges. According to US Citrus, the main types of oranges are Blood oranges, with a deep red flesh; Valencia oranges, which are sweet and juicy (and grown in California); Bergamot oranges that are used for Earl Grey tea as well as perfumes, Navel oranges, which are the most common variety though not the sweetest; and Mandarin oranges, the small, sweet, easy to peel variety popular among children. I guess I’m a big kid, because I prefer clementines, a specific type of mandarin. They are very common in the winter months and their easy peel skin and sweet-tart flavor make them a favorite for many people. Not only are they a quick and healthy snack, they are a great addition to salads. The recipe that follows is a popular one with my family and our cooking class participants. by Megan Callahan, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian If high blood pressure has you down, do yourself (and your heart) a favor and fight for better readings. According to the American Heart Association, almost half of American adults live with this condition, yet don’t even know it.
A reading of 130/80 and higher is considered elevated, and since symptoms can be silent, it’s often left untreated. In turn, this can cause severe damage to our circulatory systems and lead to serious issues, such as a heart attack or stroke. Many of us can bring our blood pressure within a healthy range without conforming to a boring diet. Remove the images of unseasoned egg whites and limp steamed veggies from your mind. Bringing your blood pressure into a healthy range is more than just doable – it’s downright delicious. Fortunately, some of the most flavorful foods that regulate a healthy blood pressure are filled with cold-fighting vitamins and great for weight management, too. (New Year’s resolutions, anyone?) Let’s break it down. Fish: Most high-fat foods won’t make the blood pressure fighting meal plan, yet fatty fish, like salmon, is a major exception to that rule. Loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fats, salmon has been shown to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, making this lean source of protein a must-eat for anyone who has seen blood pressure creep up into a concerning range. Aim for two servings of seafood per week, or ask a Hy-Vee dietitian for help in selecting a suitable supplement. Potatoes: Put spuds on your grocery list and lower your blood pressure at the same time. Both white and sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium – a triple threat in fighting hypertension. Need a quick cooking tip? Poke a potato with a fork and microwave for seven minutes. Serve with a lean piece of protein and a side of veggies for a delicious, nutritious dinner that will make not only your tummy happy, but your heart, too. Fruit: Replace those sugar-heavy treats for a naturally sweet pick, like fruit, and watch your blood pressure fall into doctor-approved territory. Snack smarter by choosing a high-fibrous fruit such as cherries, citrus, apples or strawberries, and lower your readings – and your chances of a sugar crash – in one fell swoop. Leafy Greens: Make like Popeye and add spinach to your daily routine to blast your blood pressure numbers back to normal. Spinach is one of the easiest foods to “sneak” into every dish. From smoothies to eggs to casseroles and sauces, this green produce pick should be a go-to for even the pickiest of palates. With an ample amount of potassium, folate and magnesium packed within its leaves, it’s a recipe for success when spinach makes the plate. Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed with this condition or are just being proactive, keep in mind the importance that diet plays in managing high blood pressure. Colorful produce, fewer salty snacks, and more filling fibrous foods make for a tasty day. In turn, you’ll be pleased with your blood pressure numbers. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2). The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of January 6-12, 2021.
by John Unrein The Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio first opened in 1963. It houses 346 enshrined members as of 2020. To be eligible to be nominated into the National Football League’s Hall of Fame, a player must have been retired five years.
Per the National Football League, fans may nominate and player, coach or contributor by simply writing via letter or email to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Selection Committee is then polled three times by mail (once in March, once in September, and once in October) to eventually narrow the list to 25 semifinalists. In November, the committee then selects 15 finalists by mail balloting. The 2021 Modern-Era Player Finalists include the following: Jared Allen, Defensive End Peyton Manning, Quarterback Ronde Barber, Defensive Back Clay Matthews, Linebacker Tony Boselli, Offensive Tackle Sam Mills, Linebacker LeRoy Butler, Safety Richard Seymour, Defensive Line Alan Faneca, Offensive Guard Zach Thomas, Linebacker Torry Holt, Wide Receiver Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver Charles Woodson, Defensive Back John Lynch, Safety The Selection Committee meets on “Selection Saturday,” the day before each Super Bowl game to elect a new class. To be elected, a finalist must receive at least 80 percent support from the Board, with at least four, but no more than eight candidates being selected annually, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 48 person committee consists of one media representative from each pro football city—with two from New York and Los Angeles, as those cities each have two teams in the National Football League. There are 16 at-large selectors, who are active members of the media or persons intricately involved in professional football, including one representative of the Pro Football Writers of America. Terez Paylor from Yahoo Sports, for example, is the committee representative for the Kansas City Chiefs. Jamaal Charles formally announced his retirement from professional football in 2019 after a stellar 11 year career. Charles received the final ceremonial handoff of his career in suit and tie from Patrick Mahomes at the Chiefs practice facility on May 1st, 2019. Charles first year of eligibility to be inducted will be 2024. The following are the Top 5 reasons why running back Jamaal Charles belongs in Pro Football’s Hall of Fame. 1. Charles outplayed being selected in the 3rd Round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Five times over the 1,000 yard rushing mark and 7,563 total rushing yards by Charles would be evidence of being underrated coming out of the University of Texas. 2. Charles is 4th all-time in NFL yards per carry average. That is elite company. 1st- Michael Vick: 7.0, 2nd- Randall Cunningham: 6.4, 3rd- Marion Motley: 5.7, 4th- Jamaal Charles: 5.4, 5th- Jim Brown: 5.2. 3. Few had the burst of speed displayed by Charles accepting handoffs and running outside zone plays. The 5’ 11” and 199 pound Charles also displayed toughness in his career carrying the football 190 times or more in a season five times during his career. 4. Twenty career receiving touchdowns and 2,593 receiving yards underscore the hands and receiving ability displayed by Charles during his career. Further underscoring the point is the 27 times Charles caught the football for a 20+ yards. This was for a Chiefs franchise that averaged 7.5 regular season wins from 2008-2016 while Charles played at times without the strongest supporting cast around him. 5. Charles came back from numerous knee injuries during his career to perform at a high level. September 2011 witnessed Charles have knee surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee. That would be followed by surgery in 2015 to repair the ACL in Charles right knee. 2016 continued to see Charles have arthroscopic surgery on both knees. The toll of these injuries would limit the play of Charles in his final two seasons in 2017 and 2018 with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. by John Unrein The Grain Valley Lady Eagles basketball team (7-3) wrapped up a busy week with a 63-43 win over the Grandview Bulldogs on January 15th. The Lady Eagles reeled off three straight wins during the 34th Annual Pleasant Hill Basketball Tournament, permitting them to hoist the first place plaque. The Grain Valley girls had previously been tournament champions in 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2016. The victory was impressive for Grain Valley in several facets. First, it took the Lady Eagles overtime last February to beat the Bulldogs, who are led by junior point guard Cierra Smith. Grain Valley struggled at home to contain Smith during that matchup as she racked up 41 points. Grain Valley Lady Eagles head basketball coach Randy Draper diligently prepared his team for the heavy pick and roll offense that Grandview likes to use with Smith. Draper’s squad consistently came under the screen set at the top of the key to stay centered in front of Smith. Hustle continued as the Lady Eagles denied the passing lanes to the wing once Smith moved past the pick. The strong containment effort by Grain Valley held Smith to 18 points in the contest. Next, was the determination displayed by Grain Valley from the opening tipoff. The Lady Eagles jumped out to an 11-0 lead by pushing the ball in transition, moving unselfishly without the basketball, securing rebound positioning through boxing out (leading to 34 total team rebounds), and avoiding turnovers. Those ingredients forced Grandview to burn an early timeout and regroup. It was a deficit that the Bulldogs could not overcome as the game unfolded. Finally, the Lady Eagles continue to mature against man and zone defenses when on offense under the direction of Draper. Grain Valley has become adept at running “overload” offensive sets that create mismatches against defenses. Furthermore, attacking zone defenses through centering a player at the elbow on the key has become a hallmark of Draper’s. Passing the basketball to that player settling in open space at the elbow collapses the zone before that player sends the basketball back out the wing or to a cutting scorer if no opportunity exists at the elbow. Freshman Emma Jane Ogle has displayed good decision making at the elbow against zone defenses for the Lady Eagles. Ogle’s 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal against Grandview speak strongly to her growth. The only thing as big as Ogle’s smile after the win was the purple welt on her leg. “Coach Draper pushes us to be aggressive and that keeps us from thinking too much. We are reminded by him that basketball is not Algebra,” Ogle said. “Tonight, was so much fun. This is a memory I will probably never forget. I am excited to keep going and see where this team ends up. The freshman on this team have been welcomed and it feels like a family environment.” Lady Eagles point guard Grace Slaughter led all scorers with 38 points in the contest. Slaughter continues to show a scoring pension as a triple threat through driving the lane, shooting accurately from behind the arc, and pulling up in the lane to drain a basket if given space. The sophomore would also add 8 rebounds and 2 steals to her stat line in a stellar effort. “Our floor spacing against zone defenses continues to yield us points in the paint and on the wing. Our rebounding on defense and outlet passes definitely sparked our success in transition,” Slaughter said. “The IQ of the basketball team continues to grow. These freshmen have played basketball all their lives, just like me. Seeing them mature at the varsity level has been exciting. I am happy for our seniors to be tournament champions, especially against a talented team like Grandview.” Tenacity is required to secure defensive rebound positioning in the paint. To find the nearest opponent and pin your backside against them so that they cannot get to the basketball first takes as much determination as it does strength. Grain Valley senior forward Gabbi Keim continues to be a stalwart under the basket for her team. Keim would score 9 points and pull down 12 boards to go with her 2 assists in an effort just one point shy of a double-double. The senior would add 3 personal fouls for good measure in not allowing the opposition easy looks in the post. “I hear ‘block out’ during practice, I hear it during the game, we drill it to the point it is second nature to us during a game. It is definitely engrained in my brain,” Keim said. “I have not done this before (winning this tournament), being new to the team. To have this experience with this group of girls is awesome.” Draper admitted that he had a list of concerns prior to the matchup against Grandview. Rebounding and containing the scoring of Smith was among them. Draper was quick to share with his team that their reward for managing both would be their team being printed on the back of the program as tournament champions moving forward. “Our attention to detail tonight was so good. The gap from us not having a summer (due to the pandemic) to work as a team is closing right now. Playing was the only way to fine tune our lineups. Winning sticks with you,” Draper said. “Ogle’s athleticism, Slaughter’s scoring, and Keim’s rebounding were special. Ogle relaxed and let her talent take over tonight. Keim was a force in the paint as well.” The Lady Eagles display their first place Pleasant Hill Tournament plaque. Photo credit: Valley News staff Gabbi Keim maneuvers through the lane to score a basket. Photo credit: Valley News staff Grace Slaughter sets up the Lady Eagles offense after passing mid-court.
Photo credit: Valley News staff by John Unrein Being a college freshman on a new campus can be full of trepidation. A typical eighteen or nineteen year old may ask themselves, “How will I react being away from home?” or “Will I meet people that can become my friends?” And do not forget “Will the cafeteria food be good, and will I excel academically at this level?”
Add to that list the rigors of being a student athlete committed to playing NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football that will be assimilating to the new culture of a second family. You can see how all this may be a big moment in the life of a young person. Such is the future for Grain Valley High School seniors Donovan McBride and Hunter Newsom. McBride has recently announced his verbal commitment to play NCAA Division I football for Murray State University. The school is situated in Murray, Kentucky and nestled in the Southwest corner of the state. The 2020 enrollment listed for the university is 9,569 students and the Murray State Racers are under the direction of Dean Hood, a 30 year veteran of college football. McBride is happy with his scholarship offer and pleased with the way that Murray State has stayed in touch with him throughout the recruitment process. The 6’ 4” 270 pound defensive lineman will be playing in the nearly 17,000 seat Roy Stewart Stadium next fall. “I had a lot of schools reach out to me during the recruitment process. I chose Murray State because of their consistency. They made it a point to ask how my family was doing, to check with me to see how my grades were, and how my football season was going on a weekly basis. They no doubt want me to be a part of their program,” McBride said. “Obviously, I am little anxious about what is ahead. Some of the guys I will be facing are going to be bigger and stronger initially, and some will have kids for crying out loud.” McBride continued, “On the other hand, I am ready to play football again. I miss it. I am looking forward to being a part of a team that have eleven guys on each side of the football ready to get after it.” McBride’s unselfishness was on display this fall for the Eagles. Starting along the offensive line as a center and learning the position over the summer paid dividends for Grain Valley head football coach David Allie. McBride would play both ways along the offensive and defensive lines, including both at defensive tackle and defensive end as a member of the Eagles black shirt defense. The Eagles would march on to a 10-2 record that would consist of a share of the Suburban Conference White Division Football Championship. “Donovan McBride has meant so much to the team for four years. It seems like yesterday that he was a 7th grader coming to our Youth Camp, impressing the coaches at all positions, not just on the line. He was such an athletic and hardworking player then; we knew there would be something special for him in his future and for the future of GVHS football. He did not disappoint,” Allie said. “He has been a four-year starter and letter-winner for us and brought a level of consistency and accountability to our defensive unit that will be hard to replace. He brought that same stability to the offensive side during the 2020 season as well, and for a player of his size and strength, it amazed us that he rarely asked to come off the field and sometimes had to be dragged to the sideline to get rest.” Allie added, “His numerous All Conference, All District, and All State awards attest to his ability as a player, but that is just part of what made Donovan such a great member of the Eagle Football Family. Besides his physical prowess and maturity, he has also always been emotionally mature. Of course, kids are kids, and he would sometimes do the silly things that adolescent males do. But for a great majority of the time, and when our team really needed to look to somebody for leadership and guidance, Donovan was that pillar of confident strength.” “We have counted on him for so long he has become a "fixture" on our defense. I know it will almost feel surreal to step on the field next year and realize that he (and a few of his classmates) are no longer on the team.” Number 25 for the Eagles will have a new home as well this fall. Newsom has announced his verbal commitment to the University of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The public university is in Rapid City, South Dakota and had a 2020 enrollment of 2,529. The Hardrockers play Division II NCAA football and are under the direction of head coach Charlie Flohr. The 6’ 1” 200 pound Newsom double dipped both as a linebacker and running back for the Eagles this football season. Newsom’s enthusiasm for tackling and his ability to avoid blockers will be on display northwest of Grain Valley in 2021. Newsom was frequently a captain for the Eagles during the pregame coin toss. A mantle of leadership earned and well deserved by Newsom. One that Allie is proud to have coached and will miss next season as new leaders emerge in the Eagles program. “Hunter Newsom is one of the finest leaders we have ever had at GVHS. One true mark of a leader is that they use every resource available to improve themselves. Hunter was blessed to have two really good leaders (Kole Wagener and Seth Dankenbring) precede him at Inside Linebacker, and he took their examples and improved on them,” Allie said. “He was also very coachable, willing to take constructive criticism and work on the little things that his coaches, and that he himself, saw that needed to be improved. In addition to his adaptability, he was also relentless on the field and in the weight room. He is a prime example of why wrestlers make great football players and vice versa – the only way to make him quit attacking is to carry him off on a stretcher.” “His internal drive to succeed made him a great linebacker and running back for us and such hard-nosed play inspired his teammates and helped him become one of the most award-winning players in GVHS history. His selection as First Team Coaches and Media All-State, three different recognitions for Defensive Player of the Year, the All-Simone Team, our team's Napier Award (a legacy award given to the most outstanding Eagle football player), and a handful of other awards are tribute to how good of a player he was.” Allie concluded, “However, I have a feeling that to him, the most meaningful award he won as an Eagle football player was being elected team captain. His resilience and perseverance showed in the classroom as well, being recognized three times as part of the Academic All-State Team. But if you ask the best thing about him, no matter whether he was excelling on the field and in the classroom or if he was suffering under a pile of weights or running sprints, he always had a smile on his face and was happy just to have an opportunity to be there.” Both McBride and Newsom have committed to continue as student athletes at the post-secondary level. The Eagles are likely to have other seniors who will be blessed to receive scholarship offers and make announcements in the coming days and weeks. No doubt a sign of hard work and commitment. “It definitely fills us with pride to see a player who has toiled and sweated for four years be able to reap the rewards of his hard work and effort on the field and in the classroom,” Allie said. “To me, football is the greatest sport in the world, but most of us are only able to play it competitively for a short time. Any chance that a person can get to continue playing this ultimate-of-sports is cause for celebration. Unfortunately, the truth is even fewer will be lucky enough to play this (or any) sport professionally, so they will have to prepare for a career outside of the game.” “That is the true reason to celebrate these young men getting the opportunity to continue playing; it means they are getting a chance to go to school to receive training for their future career. When you add the multiplying effect of being exposed to even more lessons from the great game itself, networking with more friends and acquaintances while in college, and simply growing and maturing into adulthood, the opportunity for a scholarship to play a sport becomes one of the most valuable things a person could ever receive.” by John Unrein Three distinct things garner your attention upon entering the Grain Valley Eagles wrestling building behind the high school: a sign taped to the door requesting that a mask is worn upon entering the facility, a large cutout of an Eagle in a wrestling singlet, and the ritual of spike ball being played by those who get to practice early.
For those of a certain age or unfamiliar with spike ball, think of an equivalent of four square being played by contestants as they spike a ball into a small trampoline net. The benefits of the game become easily apparent with the agility and quickness required by participants, not to mention the laughter and smiles that accompany the competition. Such is the design of Eagles head wrestling coach Jeff Bowman who is in his second year at the helm. Bowman is notably proud of his team, including freshman Sevi Aumua. The 151 pound weight class grappler loves wrestling for the competition it brings, the camaraderie from being around her teammates and coaches, and the confidence gained from learning self-defense. Aumua’s entry to practice coincides with that of her quiet and unassuming nature. Her male teammates are quick to say “Hi” and share the latest funny Tik Tok video or Snapchat from a group of friends. Aumua got started in wrestling through attending the meets and practices of her younger brother. Her parents noticed how Aumua paid keen attention to what was happening and encouraged her to consider taking up the sport. From her first club practice, Aumua was hooked and has continued wrestling at the high school level. “I feel like there are people who think that girls can’t wrestle. I have met that criticism, and I would like that myth destroyed. I am a competitive person that likes winning. The joy you get from a win brings enjoyment to the whole team. It is an accomplishment past you,” Aumua said. “I like going to the weight room in the summer to get stronger. I stay busy with schoolwork and playing multiple sports. I play football in the fall and soccer in the spring as well.” Aumua’s competitive streak was also apparent for the Eagles this fall. Aumua could be identified more by her long black braided hair coming out of the back of her helmet instead of shying away from contact at the line of scrimmage. Evidence of this could be heard as much as seen from the “popping” sound that would come from Aumua pulling from the offensive guard position and kicking out the edge defender on the Eagles “down” or off-tackle trap running play. When Aumua does find time to relax, she enjoys nature walks and writing poetry. Counting how many animals she can hear or see on a jaunt to unwind is equally matched by creating rhymes that demonstrate expression. “My long term goals include figuring out what college to attend. I am focused on wrestling and hope it can bring me a scholarship in the future. I am just a freshman, but I look forward to my future.” by John Unrein The Grain Valley Lady Eagles basketball team opened the Pleasant Hill Basketball Tournament with a win over the Pembroke Hill Raiders, 71-44 on January 11th. The Lady Eagles opened the game with full court pressure that led to turnovers and transition scoring opportunities for Grain Valley. The result was an 18-3 first quarter lead for the Lady Eagles that they continued to build on as the game progressed.
Sound floor spacing, movement without the basketball, decisive passing, and avoiding turnovers permitted the Lady Eagles to top the 70 point plateau. Furthermore, the Lady Eagles continue to grow in their ability to find open looks at the basket by being disciplined offensively. This feat is significant as seven Grain Valley freshmen and sophomores saw significant playing time on the court during the contest. Grain Valley sophomore point guard Grace Slaughter led all scorers with 35 points, to which she added 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. A strong supporting cast around Slaughter included fellow sophomore Ella Clyman and freshman McKenah Sears. Clyman would add 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Sears would have one of her strongest outings during her young varsity career. The freshman’s stat line included 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. “We came out ‘boom’ ready to play, and wanted to attack being on who we were to defend. We have worked a lot in practice on full court press and denying passing lanes when applying pressure,” Slaughter said. “Ball movement tonight was big in us getting the looks we did (at the basket). I am proud of my team and how we played.” Clyman added, “My hustle tonight was the contribution I made to our win. Boxing out led us to be good on the boards. Our intensity and willingness to work as a team was fun to watch.” Sears concluded, “My faith in the Lord has led to the growth in my abilities. My teammates supporting me has been huge as well. They are always there for me. I am learning that when I drive (to the basket) there will be people open like Grace and Ella. Coach (Randy) Draper puts us in the correct spot as well.” Lady Eagles head basketball coach Randy Draper was satisfied with how his team performed as the second seed in the tournament against the seventh seed Raiders. Draper acknowledged that the youth of his team contributes in different ways with the bottom line being that they are connected by being basketball players who enjoy the game. “The press we started the game with tonight was predetermined, but it’s something that I like to do anyway. The mindset of it pushes our team to be engaged and on point from the outset,” Draper said. “The growth and belief in themselves that the youth of this team is displaying is special. Our hope has always been that we would keep marching and that everyone would move forward. Tonight, was a good gauge that members of this team are making big steps (of progress), and they will need to continue as our competition ahead will be tough.” Draper added, “Grace is hard to guard, because of the dilemma of who do you guard her with. She can post, drive, and pull up from long and intermediate ranges. She is not fun to guard. Our offense continues to grow in that we are not playing to her (Slaughter), instead we are playing through her. There’s a difference, and if we continue to do that, things will continue to be good for us.” The Lady Eagles improve to 5-3 on the season with their win. The Pleasant Hill Basketball Tournament continues with the consolation game on January 14th and the Championship game on January 15. The Board of Aldermen met virtually January 11th, beginning the new year by approving a series of resolutions and ordinances.
The board approved resolutions to continue an agreement with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to allow residents to participate in the 2021 regional household hazardous waste collection program, and an agreement with Jackson County for stormwater project funding. The board also approved an agreement with Ron’s Auto & Truck Towing LLC to provide towing services from January 2021 until January 2024. The continuation of an agreement with Grain Valley Schools, outlining expectations and responsibilities of School Resource Officers was approved unanimously. Grain Valley Schools provides funding for one of the SRO positions and portions of two other positions. The board approved the continuation of OATS transportation services for seniors and disabled residents. OATS Inc. manages scheduling for the program, which provides transportation to medical appointments and other errands at the cost of $1/per way. The third of three annual payments to the Grain Valley Partnership was approved, and the board granted approval for 400 water meters to be purchased as a part of the City’s ongoing meter replacement program. Police Chief Beale reported the department has hired one officer and is looking to add three more officers and fill a police clerk position in the near future. During Mayor and Aldermen comments, Mayor Johnston and Alderman Stratton both praised City crews for their work in clearing roads during the most recent snow event. The Board will meet virtually on Monday, January 25th at 7:00pm. |
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