Soaring Eagles

Kelsey Ayers

Softball

A strong force on the varsity softball team, junior Kelsey Ayers has recovered from her hand surgery after breaking it in two places last year. At first, Kelsey had trouble hitting due to lingering pain in her hand but decided that she would try slap hitting as a way for her to get back on track.

“The slap hit has actually become one of my greatest assets,” Kelsey said. “I was able to see past the fact that I probably wouldn’t be hitting for power any time soon and use what I had to keep getting better.”

Kelsey wants to continue softball in college and enjoys playing many positions on the field. She emphasizes her father as a strong support base for her improvement in the sport.

“My dad loved teaching me when I was younger and always wanted to practice with me,” Kelsey said. “He’s still eager to go out and push me to get better.”

Doug Tomlinson

Wrestling

Senior Doug Tomlinson has enjoyed success as a varsity wrestler. This year he placed third at League Finals and ranked sixth in CCS. Doug’s triumphs as a wrestler came as a surprise to him, as his father originally signed him up for the sport in order to escape school PE requirements.

“The coaches and my dad both have had faith in me since freshman year,” Doug said. “The wrestling captains last year, Duncan Tormey and Enrique Calderon, also really motivated me to work hard and practice to reach my potential.”

Doug has come to appreciate how physically demanding wrestling is and is surprised by how much hard work and dedication has contributed to his improvement.

“Not to be sadistic or anything, but I enjoy taking people down,” said Doug. “When you pick your opponent up and throw him down, hearing them grunt and knowing you’ve knocked the wind out of them feels good.”