Athletic and Extracurriculars

Softball

By Adalee Grason, March 24, 2025   

Softball, one of the most exciting and fast-paced sports, is a staple of high school athletics across the United States. Whether it’s the thrill of a game-winning hit, the intensity of a pitcher’s strikeout, or the camaraderie shared between teammates, high school softball offers something for everyone. This article explores what makes high school softball so special, the benefits it offers to students, and the way it brings communities together.

Softball is often compared to baseball, but there are some key differences. One of the most noticeable differences is that the ball used in softball is larger, and the game is typically played on a smaller field. In addition, players pitch underhand rather than overhand, and the bases are slightly closer together. The game follows similar rules to baseball: teams of nine players compete to score runs by hitting a pitched ball and running to a series of bases.

A softball game is divided into seven innings, with each team taking a turn to bat and a turn to field in each inning. The objective is simple: score more runs than the opposing team. Softball requires not only physical skills but also strategic thinking. Coaches and players must work together to make quick decisions based on the game’s flow, which adds to the excitement.

Participating in high school softball offers many benefits that go beyond simply learning how to play the sport. For many athletes, it provides a chance to build valuable life skills.

1. Physical Fitness: Softball is an active sport that helps players build endurance, strength, and agility. The fast-paced nature of the game requires constant movement, which helps players stay fit and healthy. From running the bases to diving for a catch, the sport keeps athletes engaged in physical activity.
2. Teamwork and Communication: Softball is a team sport, meaning players must work together to achieve success. Communication between teammates is key, especially during defensive plays. The trust and bonds that form between teammates help create a supportive environment that extends beyond the field.
3. Discipline and Focus: Softball requires players to stay focused throughout the entire game, as the action can shift quickly. Whether you’re waiting to bat or playing outfield, staying mentally sharp is essential. The sport also teaches athletes the value of discipline, as consistent practice and effort are required to improve and succeed.

Confidence and Leadership: High school softball helps students develop self-confidence. Whether it’s hitting a home run or making a game-winning play, athletes learn to believe in their abilities. Additionally, softball allows students to take on leadership roles, either as team captains or by leading through example.

Spring Sports 

By Makenna DeBusi, March 18, 2025

As winter says its goodbyes and temperatures get higher, spring sports are ready for a new and exciting season. From the field to the court, athletes from all schools are preparing for competition this year.

At Daniel Boone the spring season offers a variety of sports and activities, including baseball, softball, track and field, lacrosse, boys volleyball, and more. This time of year marks a fresh start for teams with new freshmen coming onto the team and seniors ready to play their last season. With lots of practice and conditioning, athletes are ready to push for a strong season.

Early in the season, spring sports are always known for their unpredictable weather. Coming out of the harsh winter means Monday being a high of 50 degrees and Tuesday being a high of 75 degrees. Practices can definitely be challenging, especially early in the morning, but the want to perform well keeps athletes motivated. 

For student athletes, learning how to balance school and sports becomes hard to adapt to. With games, meets, and practices scheduled throughout the school season, time management has become needed. However, the special moments with teammates and winning important games always makes it worth it. 

The Daniel Boone community can look forward to an exciting season, with many teams wanting to go far this year. Whether it’s a home run or an intense lacrosse match, spring sports offer something for everyone. As the season continues, eyes will be on all athletes as they push for success this year.

Boys Bowling Finishes with an Amazing Regular Season 

By Allen Goodman, February 19th , 2025 

After another outstanding season under coach and bowler John Arms, the boys bowling team finishes as a playoff team with a regular season record of 28 – 8. They finished the season with astonishing averages. In order, these are: Scotty Fine : 175. Matt Serrano: 186. Andrew Groller: 189. Johnny Hartline: 200 and lastly Blake Jeitles : 219. The boys will go on to the playoffs easily to breeze through and redeem after getting shut out by Wilson in the regular season. At the time of writing this article, the boys are looking to play in county’s this week and crush the competition and move on. In one match, the boys were playing so well that the opponent team was complaining about their celebrations and one bowler replied with, “Maybe don’t get steam rolled next time.” This team plays with so much heart for the game, it’s hard not to root for them especially with their silly antics during games and ability to stay serious at the same time.

Last Competition for DBHS Cheerleading 

By Daphne Chubb, January 10, 2025

     After some wins and losses through this eventful competition season for our high school cheer squad, their season comes to an end on February 3rd, 2025, at Schuylkill Valley High School. Our squad has worked so hard on their routine this year, and they put in so much work and dedication to come this far. 
     I’m interviewing Olivia Banniger, who is a freshman on the cheer squad. She’s been a cheerleader for 8 years, since she was in 2nd grade. She says she practices weekly, she’s done games for both football and basketball, and she’s also competed many times. She’s explained to me that the season has had its ups and downs, but she’s happy with the outcome. She says one helpful piece of advice she has received is that a positive mindset helps overcome things you might not want to do initially.

Girls Volleyball Season Recap

By Paige Link, October 23, 2024

This season has definitely been one to remember for the girls volleyball team, with all the inconveniences that arose throughout the season. In total there were seven injuries varying from ankle sprains to concussions. With the rise of injuries it caused a few freshmen to step up to the varsity level. Even though the injuries were unfortunate it did provide a unique opportunity for players to play positions they are not used to. The girls have been successful at being 10th in their conference with a record of 5-11. One of the best moments shared was the girls’ bus ride home after their first win against Wyomissing, with the score of 3-2. Another fun and memorable moment was the snack, music, and laughs shared on the bus ride home from the last game of the season against Pottsgrove. This year they are losing the majority of the varsity team; Emily Creswell, Lauren Goldschmidt, Jaeda Andino, Olivia Darrohn, and Maddison Fenyus. Many girls plan on participating in club teams during the off season to hopefully make the team stronger for the 2025 year. Next year the team strives towards making the playoffs.

Powderpuff

By Daphne Chubb, October 9, 2024

     Powderpuff is a yearly flag football game where girls during their senior year can battle and play against each other . Flag football is a sport that’s very similar to football, but instead of tackling, the opposing team must pull a flag off of the other player’s belt. There are usually two teams, a pink team and a purple team. Senior boys get to cheer on the teams from the sidelines and do fun dances and chants to get the crowd engaged and excited to watch the game. Powderpuff at Daniel Boone is always a big event, with a bonfire, music, performances, and lots more where everyone can have fun and enjoy themselves. Students, parents, and staff get dressed up in either pink or purple to support the team they pick and come watch the game. Powderpuff this year was October 5th.

     Some powderpuff games started as early back as 1931, but they became popular around the time of World War 2. A lot of young men got drafted so the girls in school stepped in to play football. It would also help the men who were drafted into the military to stay fit, but prevent the risk of any injuries. A lot of college campuses and high schools had to cancel sports games, dances, school events, and many other things. So to bring school spirit back, they had these fun powderpuff games. 

     This year the powderpuff first started with an exciting tailgate including a band, food, and games where lots of people could enjoy themselves. Then the bonfire began, where all sports and the band each did a speech and tossed something that meant something to them into the fire. After that, the crowd filed into the stadium and bleachers, where the game started. By the end of the game, pink and purple both had 6 points, so they went into an exciting overtime. After a couple of plays, purple won the game.

Daniel Boone Fall Sports

By Olivia Hollowell, October 10, 2024 

     Sports are a world wide enjoyment. Whether it’s football, soccer, baseball, etc. people always enjoy watching sports. When we watch them they give us joy, excitement, and also sadness sometimes. Sports are a part of our everyday lives, even if you don’t watch them you have either heard about them or take part in them. Well, at Daniel Boone Area High School we love sports.

Football

     Football is a larger part of our high school experience. Whether you take part on the football team, or you go to the friday night light games “FNL”, it’s a big part of high school. Our football team is currently 0-5, with close game scores such as 27-31 against Schuylkill Valley, and 8-10 against Octorara. That is our football team and some of the reasons why we take pride during this time of year.

Girls and Boys Soccer

     Another big part of our high school is our girls and boys soccer team. Our girls soccer team has been very successful the past 15 years. Making district semifinals, counties, and division 3 champions. Currently the girls soccer team is 4-11 with close games. Boys soccer has also been very successful for qualifying in districts, counties, and almost winning their division. Their record is 1-12-1 with playing in overtime in almost every game, but sadly losing in the last couple of minutes. Girls and boys soccer has been our best sports team record at Daniel Boone for a while. That is our girls and boys soccer team.

Field hockey

     Another sport our school has to offer is field hockey. Not many people watch field hockey but do take part in it. Our field hockey team is currently 4-8. They have played some hard teams but also have been able to see a win through those games. Field hockey we still like to support and encourage them.

Volleyball

     Lastly for our fall sports is volleyball. Our school loves going to the volleyball games and we love all the fun events that they do and put on. Currently they are 3-10 playing some very tough teams. Our volleyball team had qualified for counties almost every year, almost making it to the semi finals. That is our volleyball team.

Overall

     Overall it has been a very difficult year for Boone sports due to many injuries. Either way though we still love to support each other and the community still does. Those are our Daniel Boone Fall sports.

Candy and Class Council