By Justin Cooke

This past weekend, seven students from El Cap High School in participated in the FBLA Region 5 Conference. The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) event brought together students to compete in various business-related challenges against 25 other schools, with around 300 or more students in total. Riley Barlow achieved first place in Accounting, demonstrating a strong understanding of financial principles. Cynthia Hansen also secured first place in Introduction to Business Math, showing her mathematical skills. The Circus Event, a competition involving a circuit of 25 tasks, saw the team of Riley Barlow, Justin Cooke, Armond Rohbock, and Ray Fischer finish in third place with a time of 10 minutes and 21 seconds. Their performance highlighted their teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Overall this performance showed that the students at El Capitan High School can be strong competitors in State and, if they work hard, they can secure a chance to compete in Nationals.

El Capitan is currently selling yearbook pages for advertisements from local businesses as well as individual personal pages. This is a great opportunity for businesses to get their name into multiple hands, or simply have more involvement within the community. Parents and family members can also take a page out of the yearbook. To celebrate their student’s journey which can be cherished forever.

Pricing starts at $70 for an eighth page, $125 for a quarter page, $200 for a half page, and $350 for a full page. These ads will be sold and created until the February 21 deadline or until space is filled, so be sure to come and buy your yearbook page today.

By Loretta Hammon

On December 3rd, Cottonwood Elementary hosted an Art Show in their new Auditorium. The Art Show was a display of creativity, showing the incredible talent of young students. The various forms of art included paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed-media projects. Each piece of art demonstrated the unique perspective and imagination of each student, from colorful designs down to detailed scenes from nature.

In the school’s new library, each class performed their own poetry. These performances were the centerpiece of the event. Each student worked really hard for several weeks studying and creating poetry and memorizing their parts. Students brought their vision of whimsical landscape to reality, demonstrating creativity and teamwork. It brought parents and community members together for a joyous celebration of students' hard work and artistic growth.

This was a show that honored not only the achievements of these young artists but also how fostering creativity within education is important. The Elementary Art Show served as a nice reminder that art has the power to inspire and unite people of all ages.

By: Jennetta Barlow

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024 the Lady Eagles basketball team opened up their season at Bryce Valley. The Eagles started the game playing tough defense, and had an 8-7 lead early in the second quarter, but eventually fell 18-45. Despite the loss, the Lady Eagles are excited to start a new season with a lot of new faces. El Capitan is losing a talented senior class from last year's season, a team that tallied a school best 16-10 record. Last year’s departing seniors are Violet Barlow, Leta Hammon, Cynthia Hammon, Rachel Musser, Kamryn Crider, and Debbie Timpson. Taking the helm at point guard this season will be Junior Ruth Timpson. She will have big shoes to fill as she replaces last year’s Region Offensive Player of the Year, Violet Barlow, who has been a three-year starting point guard. The Eagles also have a new head coach with Derek Lange beginning his first season. “I have always loved basketball,” says Coach Lange. “I love coaching and teaching. I love to see new generations learn and grow in the game I love.” What is Coach Lange looking forward to the most this season? “I’m looking to see the girls learn and improve their game,” says Coach Lange,” I’m looking forward to seeing them have fun playing basketball, playing at a high pace, and experiencing some of the things I experienced as a player.”

The Eagles will be very young and inexperienced this year, and will be looking towards Pauline Timpson, the lone senior on the team, to be a leader and a mentor for the underclassmen. The Eagles should have help from returning juniors Ruth Timpson and Samantha Hammon who will provide quickness and leadership to El Capitan’s backcourt. Aiyana Hammon, Priscilla Black, and Ondriea Johnson round out a strong junior class. The Eagles have two talented sophomores on the team in Tammy Timpson and Quincie Hammon, and four freshmen in Loretta Hammon, Vanessa Timpson, Katie Keate, and Trinity Hammon.

What are the team’s biggest strengths? “Our team's biggest strength is our ability to work together and bounce back after mistakes,” says captain Samantha Hammon. “Every single girl on our team puts in 100% effort and never gives up.” What are the areas the team can improve? “I hope our team can grow on offense. We have a lot of girls that are new to basketball, so it would be awesome to see growth there,” says Hammon.

    How important is having fans cheer the team on? “It is very important to have fans come and cheer at any game because it creates an electric atmosphere that boosts our players’ morale and performance,” says senior Pauline Timpson. “The energy and support from the crowd inspires us athletes to push harder, stay focused, and perform at their best.”

The Eagles will next compete at Water Canyon the Friday, December 13th to defend “The Rock.”  Come and support your Lady Eagles!

By Riley Barlow

The Eagles have begun their basketball season, splitting their first two games with a 53-55 loss to Bryce Valley and a 64-49 win over cross-town rival Water Canyon, keeping the Border Battle Rock here at El Capitan. The Varsity Boys then brought some of this momentum into the Williams tournament where they played Ray and San Pasqual in their first two games. This year, the Eagles will be led by senior captains Shez Barlow, Bryant Hammon, and Jairus Hammon. They will be expected to bring experience and leadership to this year’s team. “I would like to see the leaders step up and take extreme ownership,” says second-year head coach Joey Timpson. “Delegation is a huge part of the success of a team” Other returning varsity players are juniors Kendall Hammon and Tallen Holm. 

New to the varsity team this year will be seniors Caleb Keate Aryck Hammon; Juniors Porter Holm and Moroni Musser; Sophomores Brayden Hammon, Marion Hammon, and Riley Barlow; and freshmen Brigham Barlow.

Who does Coach Joey feel will be the team’s biggest rival in the region this year? “We expect the best team in the region to be Basis Flagstaff but I anticipate that St Michaels will play us the hardest because they have so much grit.” 

What is the team most looking forward to this season? “A new tournament that we got invited to” said seniors Shez Barlow and Bryant Hammon. The team was invited to a huge tournament by rival North Valley Christian where they will have the opportunity to play against larger schools. “It’s going to be fun,” exclaimed the seniors.

The Eagles next play Basis in Flagstaff this weekend. Support your Eagles this year!

The Eagles Fall Short to Mogollon in the State Quarter-finals

By: Jennetta Barlow

On Friday, November 1, the Eagles faced off with Mogollon for a chance to return to the State Final Four. Unfortunately, El Capitan was unable to overcome a slow start, losing 46-0. 

This is their third time in four years making it to the quarter-finals and their fourth consecutive year making the playoffs. They have had a great season with an overall record of 7-4. Their highest scoring game this season was against Mayer, when the Eagles put up 66 points. They also defeated Joseph City soundly, winning 62-0. The team’s best victory this season came against Williams when they pulled away late in the game to win 28-14, securing a 6-seed in the State Tournament. Next year, the Eagles will look to replace four departing seniors: Aryck Hammon, Nate Williams, Nemo Tapoof, and Kanyn Nez. “It’s always hard to see someone take off the pads for the last time in their high school career,” said Coach Cole, “but I very much appreciate our seniors and everything they brought to us this year.” Congratulations to the football boys for making it this far!

Varsity Volleyball Reaches State Finals!
By Julia Bishop

The varsity volleyball team made history on November 9 by making it to the state championship game. After a long 6 hour drive to Phoenix, the girls played in a gritty quarter quarterfinal match against Northern Phoenix Prep where they prevailed 3-2. Aiyana Hammon solidified the middle of the court, getting many of the kills and blocks. Next, the Eagles advanced to their first ever Final Four, facing off against top-ranked Mogollon. With Mogollon being number one all year, the team was nervous but determined. “We can do it, we have nothing to lose,” said junior Priscilla Black before the match. Their determination proved decisive as they swept the favorites 3-0. The Eagles' amazing communication and unbelievable saves helped them on their way to the school’s first ever state championship game. After the match, Aiyana Hammon expressed her excitement about what the next day would bring, saying how she “couldn't imagine winning state or how that would feel.”

The next day would bring plenty of challenges as the Eagles would face off against defending state champion Cicero Prep. In the championship game, the Eagles started off slow by losing their first two sets 25-21 and 25-15. The Eagles came storming back in the third set winning by a decisive 25-12 score. In the end, El Capitan could not overcome their slow start, losing a competitive final set 25-21. 

The Eagles had a tremendous season, finishing with an incredible 28-3 record. This is the third consecutive year that El Capitan has sent a team to at least the State Semifinals (Boys basketball in the 2022/2023 season, Football in 2023, and volleyball in 2024) and the first time a team has reached a state championship game.

Ashlyn Hammon, team captain, senior and setter on the court states “making the quarterfinals, semifinals, and playing in the championship game is the biggest accomplishment in the four years I’ve been here.” Standout senior captain and outside hitter Adison Musser added “I am most proud of us believing in ourselves and that we can win the games that we thought we could never win.”

The Eagles are sending off a host of talented seniors, including Sarita Timpson, Allyssa Hammon, Ashlyn Hammon, Adison Musser, and Marissa Williams. The departing seniors will leave a legacy for the future program because of their volleyball IQ and the enthusiasm that they brought to the team.

By Jonathan Richter

On Thursday, November 7th, El Capitan hosted a recognition for the veterans of our community. Anyone who had served, or is currently serving, was invited to come to an early morning breakfast at 7:30 A.M accompanied by their relatives.

The veteran’s breakfast was followed by a flag raising ceremony. The veterans lined up in many different formations and songs played as the flag was raised. A cannon shot went off as two veterans played the national anthem.

After the flag raising,
El Capitan held an assembly in the auditorium. All of the veterans stood up and shared their many different experiences and stories with the students. The common theme amongst them was how proud they were to serve for their country, but most importantly, how thankful they were to be home with their families and community. Towards the end of the assembly, songs of the branches of the military were played. Anybody who had relatives that had served in that particular branch stood up while it played. To end the ceremony, students lined up and shook each of the veterans hands, showing their respect and thanking them for their service. We would like to thank all veterans for their service to our country!

Our Lady Eagles Varsity Volleyball Team won first three rounds of the state tournament to make the 1A State Championship Game.  They gave a good fight in the final game and finished in 2nd place making history for El Capitan. This is the first team to reach the state championship game and we are very proud of our lady eagles.  We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented set of students.  Go Eagles!