In Episode 6, the podcast returns today and our duo welcomed senior Laykin Busick to the pod to talk about softball and the big record Laykin just broke. The guys also get into the world of sports and talk about the big upset at the Kentucky Derby.
May 11, 2022 Produced by Brian Fullington and Fletcher Cole.
On Friday May 6, the track team traveled to Perry Central for the PLAC meet. The girls team got third of the seven teams with 95 points for the team. The first place team got 147 points.
Junior Kyrsten Fehribach was named PLAC All-Conference in High Jump, 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, and the 200 meter dash and won all of those events. Fehribach was also named most valuable runner overall.
Sophomore Carley Higgins also won PLAC All-Conference in the 400 meter dash and she won that event. Higgins told us what went into winning her All-Conference.
“It took a lot of effort in practice, and a lot of pep talks from my coach. Her and my teammate’s confidence in me helped a lot,” said Higgins.
The boys had a score of 56 points and placed fourth. First place got 175 points. Junior Austin Benales won the 110 meter hurdles and won All-Conference.
“I feel good about winning All-Conference because while expecting to win, I set a personal record as well,” said Benales.
Tonight the Track Team will compete in the Orange County Meet. The Rams will face off against the Orleans Bulldogs and the Springs Valley Blackhawks.
Story by Jeremiah Hutcheson
On Saturday May 7, the Varsity Softball team hosted the Paoli Invite and swept the competition. The girls first beat the Crawford County Lady Wolfpack 16-6.
Senior Laykin Busick was proud of her at bats during the Crawford game. Busick hit one homerun, two doubles, and a single. Busick had the final hit of the game, which to her was a huge success.
“I am very proud of my performance this weekend. I am glad that I was able to adjust on my timing in the different pitchers and was able to start hitting the ball more through the games,” said Busick.
The Lady Rams later faced off against the Evansville Harrison Lady Warriors and won 11-9. Head Coach Neil Dittmer had some things to say about the win streak.
“We are continuing to improve, and getting prepared for the sectional. We played solid softball on Saturday, our offense stayed hot all day and our defense improved throughout the day. These wins will help in the future if we continue to play solid,” said Dittmer.
The Lady Rams will face off against the West Washington Lady Senators in a make-up game at home tonight starting at 5 p.m. with JV to follow.
Story by Jeremiah Hutcheson
On Tuesday, May 10, many seventh graders will travel to the Slugger Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.
This is the second trip for junior high students in two weeks with the first coming on May 2 for eighth graders to Spring Mill.
The Spring Mill field trip was planned by social studies teacher Aaron Reckelhoff. On the trip the students visited the pioneer village, a nature program, the Grissom Memorial, and took a hike.
“I hope the field trip gave students a chance to learn some valuable content in a different and fun way,” said Reckelhoff.
The Slugger Museum field trip was planned by seventh grade math teacher Kyle Chase. Students must meet the school requirements to attend the trip. Students will see and experience many interactive experiences there and teachers will incorporate their subject area into lessons before, during, and after the field trip. They will also be walking from Indiana to Kentucky by walking across the Big Four Bridge.
“My hopes are that students see that what they are learning in school actually applies to the real world! I hope for it to be a fun-filled day in a big city,” said Chase.
Story by Lola Beavers
On Tuesday, May 10, the annual Unified Champions day will come into full swing for students competing or volunteering. Students from Paoli, Salem, West Washington, Springs Valley, East Washington, and Crawford County High School will all be involved with Unified Champions Day. Unified Champion Field Day is an inclusive physical education and gross motor education program designed to bring students with and without disabilities together to learn the skills and knowledge needed to participate successfully in inclusive sports and fitness programs in their schools and communities.
“Unified Champions field day in my opinion is the best day of the year. It brings together special education students and non special education students in an inclusive manner where all can participate in athletic events without judgment. It is a rewarding experience for all involved whether the students are competing or volunteering,” said Heather Gerlach, Unified Champions Coordinator.
Gerlach will be running the field events for the students who are in Kindergarten-2nd Grade and making sure the entire day runs smoothly ensuring everyone has a fun and rewarding time. Tyler Kumpf, Physical Education teacher at Throop Elementary, will run the track events for students 3rd Grade-12th Grade. Kumpf will also be helping with organizing the track events which are the 25 and 50 meter relay races.
“For someone like myself who has a passion for health, fitness, and sports, it’s a great way to see students with disabilities compete in an athletic event. We often forget how precious life is. Unified Champions is a great reminder that while some students have disabilities, they can still cross the finish line by themselves or with a little help from a peer,” said Kumpf.
Each special education student participating has a non disabled peer who will be participating in the events as well. The high school students will be helping to run the field events, running events, tug-o-war, and long jump. The South Central Area Special Ed co-op staff will also be in attendance helping to run field events and the concession stands. Superintendents from area school corporations, Paoli, Salem, West Washington, East Washington, Crawford County, and Springs Valley will be cooking lunch for the athletes participating in the event as well.
Story by Corinne Magner
PHS Media News 
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