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Hit the Ground Running
By: Anna Monroe, HCCA Senior
A blur of jersey numbers running up and down the field of Holy Cross Catholic Academy sparks the start of a brand new football season. What makes this all shine a little brighter is the fact that it is the first Holy Cross football season in five years.
With each strong play, it takes an even stronger coach to command the field. With the 2022-23 Mustangs, Coach Zach Zuniga brought together a team that basically had to start from scratch.
“What drives me as a coach, I think, is being able to teach the things I know and giving kids the ability to express themselves,” Coach Zuniga said. “Some kids are creative with art and others are sports-centric. The more outlets, the better.”
Starting fresh is hard for most people, but finding something to fire that motivation is even harder. Rising from the ashes is just as difficult as it sounds.
“It gives us something new, a new possibility for passion and bonds,” Chris Villa, senior center and co-captain said. “It’s tough, but we found our motivation and we got rewarded. We have to give it our all, no matter who we are playing.”
Football may be all scrapes and stains, but there is a second game these players have had to overcome before stepping onto the field.
“The learning curve from not playing to always playing has been difficult because it’s more real and tense,” Andrew Britten, sophomore quarterback, said. “No matter what though, I have to be determined and have a good mindset.”
One mindset the players have had to learn to incorporate into their game is getting over giving up.
“We all have to be ready to hit the ground and get back up,” Ivan Sanchez, sophomore and running back, said.
For some of the students, it may have been their first year of many seasons to come, but for others, it is their last year before hanging their cleats up. And for those who will toss up their graduation caps at the end of the school year, these next few months will forever hold a special place.
“This year is sentimental because I played my sixth grade year here, and now I’m doing it my senior year,” Andrew Phillips, senior lineman and co-captain, said. “A beginning and an end.”
The Mustangs play their homecoming game Thursday, October 6th at the Ascension football field at 7 P.M. against the Wildorado Junior Varsity.
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More Than Just a Team
By: Anna Monroe, HCCA Senior
Bruised knees and court burns aren't the only things showing up this new volleyball season at Holy Cross Catholic Academy. The Lady Mustangs have come to win and to grow.
Twelve skilled young women make up this team, each with different strengths but all focused on building themselves and tailoring a cohesive squad.
“I love seeing the growth of my girls after spending two to three years together,” Laura Valdez, HCCA Volleyball Head Coach, said. “We have started off great, and we will be going far.”
Some players of this team have been through thick and thin together–the losses, the major wins, and the learning. Because of their whole history together, each point comes with its own backstory.
“After playing for seven odd years, we have definitely become more of a team, and the bond is better,” Audee Seidenberger, senior and co-captain, said. “What keeps me going is seeing other people’s love and passion for the game.”
Growing mentally and physically is not the only aspect of the game, but the factor of growing spiritually also makes up part of what the team is learning. Before every game, the girls hold hands together in prayer, hoping that they will get a little extra help in snatching a win.
“Besides winning, I hope to see our girls push not only their body but also their faith to grow,” Erica Ramos, assistant coach, said.
As any athlete knows, playing a sport can either challenge you or teach you, but it’s up to the player to decide how to overcome the challenges. These women have figured out together how to conquer the obstacle of doubt.
“We have grown closer as a family, not only by spending every waking hour with each other, but also emotionally,” Madison Valdez, sophomore, said. “I’ve come to learn with the girls that just because you mess up, that doesn't mean it should define you.”
The concept of family is something that can be hard to come by even when you are part of a team. However, after the progress these volleyball players have made, home and family is never far away.
“I love my team. Everytime I have a bad day, I know they will make me laugh and smile,” Mia Luna, sophomore, said. “The game and the girls have taught me confidence, and the experience of learning about myself through this experience has been so special.”
Nothing defines a sport more than the energy that emanates from the team and echoes into the crowd after a winning point. Many players would say that it's this moment, when it's just you, the ball, and the point, that makes it all worth it.
“Screaming with my team after we win, just being overwhelmed with excitement and emotions is what I came here for,” Lisbeth Vazquez, sophomore, said. “It’s the best feeling ever.”
After the net is rolled up and the stands have emptied, the echoes of this phenomenal team will surely still resonate through the history of Holy Cross.
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New Head of School Promotes Relationships
and Respect at Holy Cross-
byline: Anna Monroe, HCCA Senior
Out of the 116 students attending Holy Cross Catholic Academy, every single one knows coming to school that they are seen and respected by a man who makes it a priority to shake their hands every single morning when they come through the door.
Coming into the 2022 school year, Holy Cross Cathoilic Academy welcomes a new Head of School, Craig Logan. Every head of school has one outstanding strength, and for this man, it is the relationships he builds.
“I am very confident in his abilities because I’ve worked side by side with him,” Angela Seidenberger, former Head of School at Holy Cross, said. “His love for people gives me chills.”
As the head of a Catholic school, Logan strives to instill the tools of faith into the students of his community.
“Being new here, Mr. Logan was supportive, great, and helped in every way he could,” Charlie Maldonado, religion teacher at Holy Cross, said. “He implements my suggestions with regards to the Catholic faith, and seeing this lived out is the reason why I love teaching here.”
Logan walks closely in the footsteps of Jesus and tries to live out the Scripture through patience and service.
“We serve students, and now, I serve the people that work for me and with me,” Logan said.
Logan's messages about patience and how important relationships are have impacted the students in a proper and heartfelt way.
“I feel his strength is his mindset,” Kaci Willburn, HCCA senior, said. “He is a very humble and patient man, and I feel that he is that person to relieve anxiety from any stress that may be going on.”
As Holy Cross has grown over the years, many different heads of school with many different ideas have entered and exited through its doors. This year, Craig Logan stands before those doors to greet every student he leads, with a smile and sign of respect.
“If I would have known about this kind of environment, I would have found it 30 years ago,” Logan said. “When I was in public school, I could pray for my kids, but now I can pray with them.”
Therefore, Holy Cross is kicking off the new school year feeling very blessed to have Mr. Logan leading them.
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