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The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
Taking it all in on the ice, senior Eli Simard skates around the ice during warmups. Simard received the call on the morning of Nov. 2 that he had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream that same night. “It was special for me because I’ve always wanted to play for the Lancers or the Stars as a little kid,” Simard said. “It made me so happy to see that dream come true. Stepping on to the ice, I had so much adrenaline pumping and I was genuinely so happy and enjoyed every second of it.” Photo courtesy of Eli Simard

Shooting for the Stars

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief and Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2024
Awaiting the puck to drop, senior defenseman Cole Grandgenett positions himself to receive the puck. Grandgenett’s goal helped lift the Cats past Elkhorn North along with his great defensive play and leadership. “I am expecting a good run this year,” Grandgenett said. “I think after we get things together and our feet under us, we can figure it all out from there.”

Wildcats blank Elkhorn North

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief and Catalyst Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2024
Senior Chance Roberts was able to record one interception in the shutout win against Lincoln North Star. Roberts and company kept the Navigators off the scoreboard multiple times late to seal the low scoring game on senior night. “As a defense we are all really close, so it is easy to play with and for each other,” Roberts said. “ Our coaches do a great job of keeping us focused on the goal. As a unit we understand what we have to do to win.” Photo By Chloe Vaughn

Playoffs still in sight for the Cats

Trey Jochims, Managing Editor
October 28, 2024
Senior Ximena Galarza prepares to start a match with her opponent during a tournament. She has been wrestling for Millard West for a year now and has no plans to leave the team. “I think that's the best part for me. If I don’t get hurt during a match it wasn’t a good match,” senior Ximena Galarza said.“If I get hurt, I know it was a good fight.” Photo courtesy of Ximena Galarza

On the mat

Lexi Vore, Staff Reporter
October 17, 2024
Senior Hayden Hart helps the Wildcats build momentum in key moments against Lincoln Southwest. The Cats win their second top five matchup this season at home. “The gameplay for the team was to trust one another and enjoy every given moment we have with each other on the court,” Hart said. “The season is slowly coming to an end so the opportunity to play with this team is also wrapping up so winning gives us the ability to play a few more games together.” Photo By: Lilly Stoops

Wildcats dominate the defending state champions

Trey Jochims, Staff Reporter
October 16, 2024
Speeding past defenders, senior wide receiver Michael Coleman eyes the endzone. Coleman picked up two first half touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to a 42-14 thrashing of Grand Island. “It felt great being a part of the team’s success after having the first four games not go the way we wanted,” Coleman said. “This win for the team was important so we could have a chance to make the playoffs. We keep getting better each week and want to make a run.”

Conquered the Island

Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2024
During the round, sophomore Jaelynn Moody takes a swing toward the golf ball. The team warmed up at the range and met to talk about their daily goals for the tournament ahead. ”My favorite thing about golf is my teammates for sure,” Moody said. “ I also love being able to meet a couple people from different schools and then getting to play against them.”

Teeing up for victory

Lillian Tinker, Staff Reporter
September 30, 2024
Following a kill, senior Hayden Hart celebrates with her teammates. Hart played a crucial role and racked up several kills en route to the Wildcats sweep of the Titans. “We need to leverage the confidence and momentum we gained from that win,” Hart said. “Continuing to refine our skills on the court and focus on consistency by maintaining strong team culture and staying dedicated during practices will help us continue to grow as a team.”

Wildcats stun top-ranked Titans

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporters
September 20, 2024
Senior David James Schiemann started in his third game of the season and looked for his first win of the season. The Wildcats were coming off a shutout loss to rival Millard South. “When we played Westside this week we were confident going into the game even though they were ranked first in the state," Schiemann said. “I thought that we played much better than we did against Millard South. It was a good bounce back week against a good Westside team and we are excited to play Creighton Prep after knowing what we can do.” Photo Taken By Chloe Vaughn

Wildcats fall to the Warriors

Trey Jochims, Staff Reporter
September 20, 2024
Senior Sierra Pokharel plays her third season on varsity. This year she was named as one of the team captains making it her 2nd straight year as a captain for the team. “One big thing that helps me deal with the pressure and expectations is to enjoy and experience it,” Pokharel said. “I know after the season is over I will give anything to go back to high school and play this kind of volleyball so although a lot of pressure is on me, it’s also a privilege and I would not want it any other way.” Photo By: Kaelyn Kozol

Wildcats fall short to the Warriors

Trey Jochims, Staff Reporter
September 11, 2024
Escaping the pocket, senior quarterback DJ Schiemann evades a Mustang near the endzone in the final seconds. Schiemann and the Wildcats found their groove within the final quarter, but were unable to complete the comeback, falling just short and the one-yard line. “During that last drive, I was thinking to myself that we had a shot to win this thing,” Schiemann said. “On that last play, I wanted to hit a slant or Breck on his route which would’ve been a touchdown. Unfortunately, the pocket collapsed beside me, making me go up the middle and get just short of the endzone." PHOTO BY: CHLOE VAUGHN

Mustangs gallop past Wildcats

Sam Whittaker, Staff Reporter
September 10, 2024
In the first match of the season, sophomore Aubrey Pinkston passes the ball the sophomore Evie Laferla to spike it over the net. All the players competed in a scrimmage starting with the reserve team against the freshman team, and Pinkston played as a setter to try to win the victory. “Volleyball brings me excitement during the games or when we score,” Pinkston said. “On the downside, I may feel pressured and nervous.”

Volleyball on the horizon

Lillian Tinker, Staff Reporter
August 28, 2024
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