Who to watch this fall: Ike athlete spotlight

Aug. 25 By Elleigh Tarpley

Senior Jackson Reed finishes scrimmaging at Night at the Ike on Friday.

Behind every touchdown, spike, goal, or point this fall is an athlete who has trained through the summer heat, ready to prove that their hard work won’t go unnoticed. From the football field to the volleyball court, the golf course to the tennis courts, and out on the soccer pitch, fall sports are underway — and athletes across the board are stepping up to make this season one to remember.

For the football team, senior running back Brayden Pappas hopes to bring speed, agility, and quickness to the offense. Describing his playing style as “fast, elusive, and shifty,” Pappas believes his biggest strength is not only what he can do on the field but also how the team works together.

“Our biggest strength is our chemistry, how we get along with each other, and our work ethic,” he said. Under the pressure of Friday night lights, his strategy is simple: “Don’t make anything bigger than it is.”

That same sense of chemistry is just as important for the volleyball team. Senior Sydney Nance has worked to become a leader through confidence, both in herself and in her teammates.

“If you want to be a leader, you have to have a lot of confidence in yourself and your team,” Nance said.

She believes trust will give them an edge this season, knowing that each player can rely on the others to fulfill their roles. Nance is especially looking forward to the preseason tournament at home against Kapaun and Maize South. Being named a player to watch is an honor, but she sees it as recognition for the whole squad.

“I feel honored, but I also think there will be a lot of eyes on every single player we have on varsity.”

On the tennis courts, sophomore Quinn Scheideman is focused on composure. She keeps her nerves in check by listening to calming music and taking deep breaths between points.

“Eventually, the nerves go away once you get into it,” she said. Her career has already included both heartbreak and triumph: missing out on state her freshman year in a tough regional match but also defeating McPherson’s top player in a long, intense battle. A lifelong singles competitor, Scheideman enjoys the independence of playing alone but also finds joy in doubles practice with her friends.

Golf demands its own kind of mental toughness, and junior Aubrey Hardtarfer embraces the challenge.

“I kind of just try not to worry about it,” she said. “It’s not that serious—it’s mostly for fun, and just getting to know the girls you’re playing with makes it a lot better, too.”

Though golf is often seen as an individual sport, she emphasizes the closeness of this year’s team, especially how the upperclassmen are working to include younger players. Personally, Hardtarfer has been focused on improving her chipping and maintaining consistency in her scores. She didn’t expect to become a standout so quickly, especially since last year was her first on the team after switching from volleyball due to injuries.

“Golf was kind of new for me, so it was a shock to be recognized,” she admitted. Even so, she’s ready to embrace her role and help lead the team.

For boys soccer, junior Jackson McCoy describes the fall season as the perfect balance of competition and camaraderie.

“It’s just fun to go out and hang with people,” he said, reflecting on the bond built during summer conditioning and carried into the school year. On the field, McCoy tries to lead through positivity.

“I try to always have a good attitude. Other people reflect off that.”

The match he’s most excited for is against rival Maize South, a game he’s motivated to win for both himself and his team. “I’m just trying to win it for my team,” he said.

As the fall season unfolds, one thing connects all of these athletes: a mix of dedication, chemistry, and determination. Whether it’s breaking tackles on the football field, earning key points in a match, or sinking a clutch putt, these players are proving that the effort they put in over the summer has prepared them for the spotlight. With talent, teamwork, and the drive to succeed, this fall promises to deliver a season worth remembering.