Merrillville High School (MHS) football team unfortunately wrapped up the season with the loss at semi-state, but the team was able to overcome challenges, beat records, and go home with a sense of accomplishment.
Head Coach Brad Seiss feels that his team accomplished more than he could even imagine with the way they played this year.
“For us to have our first undefeated regular season since 1992, that’s a big deal,” Seiss said. “It shows that you're one of the elite teams in Northern Indiana. Just looking at the season overall I think we have a lot to be proud of. It was the first time in our school's history [to accomplish] two regionals last year and making it three in a row was something that was special.”
Another highlight that MHS football team was able to achieve this year was Lavarion Logan breaking the school record for the most points in a season previously held by assistant coach Denzel Pierce. Scoring 247 points for this season.
“That’s a blessing. Honestly I talked to him (Denzel Pierce) about it and looked it up myself, but when I broke it, seeing his face I could see he was proud of me,” Logan said. “He was a great coach and honestly he taught me everything so I really give props to him.”
Seniors on the football team this year feel thankful for the opportunities and windows that have opened because of the shaping and experiences they have gained from being a player at MHS.
Kenneth Grant, a senior on the team, received opportunities that put him in a whirlwind and made him ready for the next journey in college football. Grant received multiple college offers because of football and recently committed to Michigan University.
Kanye Wright, another player leaving the field this year, has his own reasons as to why he believes his team has had success this season.
“We played together as one which a lot of teams didn’t,” Wright said. “I think that’s why we had such a success this season.”
As seniors leave for college the next generation of football players are now excited for the possibility of being the next leader on the field next year.
Roshaun McGee, a sophomore on the team who played along besides varsity players is prepared for endless possibilities.
“As well as I prepare during the off season, I feel like if I work hard enough and push myself to be better than this season then my next season will be great,” McGee said.
Staff spotlight
Emily Quiles-Reyes a science teacher at MHS is often described as one of the most loved staff members by students. Quiles-Reyes has been teaching at MHS for the past two years and despite her career starting during the pandemic; she has strived to still have one-on-one connections with her students.
“One of my favorite memories I have with my students is when they come to me for advice,” Quiles-Reyes said. “Whether it's about school, their personal lives, etc., it shows that I've made a positive impact on their lives, and they value my opinion. It's heartwarming to know that they have other people to confide in but chose me instead.”
While teaching as a science teacher Quiles-Reyes has also decided to take on the task of becoming Color Guard coach for this school year. During the first football game Color Guard performed at, she expresses a large feeling of pride and joy watching them perform.
She continues to make a positive impact on students' lives in any way possible, wanting to always be a person students can go to. She has always wanted to be there for future generations.
“I hope to provide a positive classroom atmosphere so that even students who I have not had before know it is a safe space,” Quiles-Reyes said. “I want students to be able to express themselves comfortably.”
Student spotlight
MHS wrestling team broke history this month having the very first female wrestler on varsity level compete. Joy Cantu is the female who holds this title. Cantu who might be small in stature competing in weight group 106/113 and is also five foot one doesn’t fail to leave a big impact on the mat. Cantu, who has been wrestling since the age of seven, often reflects on what it was like in the beginning.
“When I first started it was more like I had to prove myself every time because the boys weren’t just going to let me do it,” Cantu said. “So, it feels powerful, and it probably does intimidate them [male players], but nobody knows how it feels unless you're in the sport.”
David Maldonado Jr., a junior on the wrestling team, feels that having a female wrestler this year is something new, but ultimately, she’s treated the same way regardless of her gender. David feels like the team tries their best to help her in any way they can.
“I think we welcomed her pretty well, she's new to the school,” David said. “I think she's made some pretty good friends. We make an environment where if she has any questions about anything she can ask [whether it’s] about her diet, her weight, working out, [or even] about positions; I think we all come together to help.”
Head coach David Maldonado feels like having a female player to compete was inevitably coming with the rapid growth of female wrestling within the past years.
“I think it's a long time coming,” Maldonado said. “I think it's something that girl wrestling has developed quite a bit. I mean it's been in the last few Olympics so it's something that's growing. I kind of had a pretty good idea that eventually it was going to happen. It just happened to be that this year we have a girl and she’s doing well.”
What’s coming up
Little Free Libraries have been popping up all over the world, so people and their communities can have the gift of reading. MHS has decided to take on the challenge of building, painting, and donating books to make the little free libraries possible. Janelle Bowen, director of library and media services, indicates that she feels the little free libraries will be beneficial to the community.
“I believe that the Little Free Libraries will make a positive impact in the Merrillville community because they will provide free books to families, so they will always have access to books to read,” Bowen said. “Any resident that walks by our buildings will be able to borrow or donate a book for lending.”
Joshua Haynes, one of the construction and building trades teachers, assisting on the project feels his students are having a positive experience being a part of the process. The students are having hands-on experience with building the little libraries from scrap wood.
“We are starting with a base design of the little libraries, similar concepts to what you would do to construct a house and the walls of the house,” Haynes said. “Then we are closing it up with treated lumber, creating a roof system, and eventually after it's painted placing a sheet metal roof on it to prevent water from getting into it.”
Janet Anderson, who is the sponsor of the art club, has been having the students paint and decorate the Little Free Libraries. Anderson wants the students to have creative freedom and allow them to design based on their own creativity.
Meghan Erickson, a librarian in the media center, feels like the Free Little Libraries are a wonderful addition that MHS has decided to add this year.
“I love the Little Free Library initiative,” Erickson said. “I think it is a wonderful idea to give access to books all over the community. Sharing the books you read with people is a great thing to do. I utilize the LFL in any community that we go to.”