Senior Send-Off: A Night of Cheers and Tears

Olivia Richardson, Sports Editor • February 9, 2024

2/7/24 Ethan Powell shooting a jumper against Ben Lomand

As the cheers echo through the gym for the seniors; Decker Dzierzon #3 a small forward/power forward, Keegan Kinsman #4 a guard, Jack Hendrix #11 a shooting guard/ guard, and Ethan Powell # 13 a center/power forward. They enter ready for one final battle on their home court against Ben Lomond High School.

On this senior night, the spotlight isn’t just on the court; the spotlight is also on the memories, the wins and losses, the friendships, and all the small moments these seniors have shared on the court together. Senior Jack Hendrix said, “ We are all very close because of all the time we’ve spent together over the past 4 years and all the work we have done together, I am forever grateful for these boys.”

The boys gather for their final tip off, their last battle on their home floor. Senior Ethan Powell went up with power and got the tip off. Starting off the game strong. Senior Keegan Kinsman #4 puts up the first points of the game. “It is truly sad this is the last time I played on my home floor, so much has happened on that court that will always be remembered. Having played so many games there and only to realize it was my last one is sad, but it also gives me so much gratitude that I got to play here.” said Captain, Ethan Powell.

Seniors leaving can be bittersweet; they have been the heart and soul of the school for four years. On one hand it is a beauty that they have gotten to play here and on the other hand it can be truly sad that they will never play on Grantsville High School’s floor again. Ethan Powell said, “I’d like to highlight all of the seniors who also experienced their last game this year, they have put on great performances and are a huge inspiration to myself and the oncoming athletes of Grantsville behind them.”

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The Boys ended their last game on their home floor with a win, 52-41 against Ben Lomond High School. Adding to the record books, and leaving a footprint in the Grantsville High School Boys Basketball program. Once a Cowboy, Always a Cowboy.

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About the Contributors

Olivia Richardson

Doing anything by herself was hard. Going up the stairs was almost impossible. Going down was a little easier. She sat on the top step. She set her crutches by her side and started the slow descent. Sliding down step by step. After only a few steps she stopped. Olivia Richardson couldn’t take it anymore. The initial knee injury was hard, but the fact that she had had to get surgery and now couldn’t walk on it was even harder. So was the fact that no matter what no one understood what it was like. To not be able to do the things she loved. To not be able to even just practice with her volleyball team no matter how hard that practice was. Volleyball was a part of her. Liv had broken multiple parts of her knee. Tripping over a hurdle at a track meet had started this painful process, and was continued as her knee cap popped out of place at every volleyball practice. She had been through surgery, and grueling physical therapy that pushed her to her limits each and every time. She worked hard. She pushed through the pain, and at times it was constant. She was doing it for her team. She was doing it for her body. But most of all she was doing it for herself! She was the one who was going to come out on top. Then she could prove to them what she could do. Liv stood on the volleyball court. Varsity player. An asset to the team. She had come so far. Looking around she was filled with gratitude for the simple things she had taken for granted before. “Volleyball has given me opportunities to meet new people and travel” Liv said. She cherishes all the memories she makes with her team and she knows they will be there for her and in return she wants to be there for them when they go through hard times. Now she understands what it’s like to feel alone. What it was like for no one to understand how you feel. Also what it’s like to come out on top. To get through the hard times. Olivia Richardson had won!

Gen Moore

Travel Junkie By Sarah Olney Venice Is the beautiful city, the culture is lush and yes, tourism may be a criticism for some, but for Gen getting to see the world and its diversity is part of the charm. It’s because of this, and of course the beach, that she can easily say Italy is her favorite place out of all her travels. Gen has been traveling as long as she can remember. As asked about her firsts, she can vaguely remember a trip to Mississippi she went on at 2 years old. More clearly she can remember her first time out of the states in 3rd grade. A trip to Canada, full of hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and swimming. Gen is always living life to the fullest and experiencing all the new things she can find. A perfect example of this, and another core memory Gen has, is the surf camp she attended this summer. Spending full days on the beaches of California is definitely not something to forget. Gen being an avid traveler and adventure enthusiast is no doubt, and it's safe to say she won’t be stopping this lifestyle anytime soon. For the time being as a dual sport athlete and high school student, fitting in time for other travels and adventures may prove to be tough. Some goals and dreams Gen has for her future would be going to Bora Bora, swimming with sharks and ideally moving to Hawaii after graduating. Whatever she ends up doing next will be a mystery, but with her track record there is no doubt it will be something new for her to remember forever.