Drumline Poster 2012

The Woodward Academy drumline was recreated this fall semester after taking the summer off. Pictured is the official poster of the musicians who are rocking the drums in 2012. Drumline instructor, Christine Sherrod, has placed an emphasis on students acquiring the fundamentals of drumming. When that takes place, she believes it can then be put together as a tight unit. Starting from scratch at the beginning of the semester, the crew already sounds better than they did a year ago. They played at a couple football games this season with more events getting lined up. Preparations are already being made for high school competition after the new year with the more hectic drumline season arriving next spring and summer.

State Bound // Fall Sports

In what has been a remarkable fall sports season at Woodward Academy, both fall sports teams (football and cross country) are extending their season after qualifying for their respective state events. The cross country team has had their best season to date after recently winning their conference title and being ranked 10th in the state.  After inclement weather postponed the district state qualifying meet, the Knights ran yesterday and finished second as a team and have qualified for the State Meet that will be run this Saturday in Fort Dodge.  This marks the third time that a WA team has qualified for State with the last time being in 2007.

After a win this past Friday against Martensdale St. Marys, the WA football team is playing their first round state playoff game this Wednesday at Griswold.  After a shaky start to the season, the Knights finished 4-3 in the District, which qualified them for the playoffs.  This marks the first time that a WA football team has played in the tournament.

WCAC Coach of the Year

Congratulations to head cross country coach Jason Anderson on his being honored as the WCAC Cross Country Coach of the Year. This honor continues a season of accolades for the XC team that has included being ranked in the top 10 in the state in Class 1A, earning a record number of 2nd place finishes in very difficult races, and just last week winning the West Central Activities Conference meet both as a team and where Juanito Hernandez was crowned individual champion. The 2012 season continues later this week at the State qualifying meet in Ottumwa. Learn more about Coach Anderson and the cross country program after the break.

WCAC Conference Champs!

On Thursday, the WA Knights were crowned the West Central Activities Conference cross country team champions. Juanito Hernandez, a team captain and top runner, led a team where 5 runners placed in the top 20. Running a 17:30, he earned 1st place to become the individual conference champion and beat the second place runner by 36 seconds. This conference victory continued a very successful team season that has seen the Knights be ranked 10th in Class 1A in the state. You can read more on that here.  See more stats from the conference championship after the break.

The Next Crew of College Bound Students

Every week, Woodward Academy's Educational Liaison, Jon Shelness, works toward transitioning students away from WA.  He makes contacts with home high schools and helps make arrangements for when the students return.  Beyond that, he is one of the leaders in a recent push to engage students in higher educational opportunities.  Between college visits and taking students to Job Corps campuses, many prospective college bound students are receiving opportunities to make knowledgable choices on their post-secondary options.  Pictured is a recent trip that Shelness took to Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa where three WA students spent some time with three WA alumni who are currently attending ICCC.  These types of contacts are important as they demonstrate that it is possible to succeed regardless of any indiscretions made in a student's past.

Homecoming Week!

It's Homecoming Week at Woodward Academy and that means themed days and crazy attire.  This year to prepare for the Friday night football game against Audubon, the student body did their best to celebrate each day as decided by the homecoming committee.  The days were as followed: Monday - Mismatch Day, Tuesday - Jersey Day, Wednesday - Nerd Day, Thursday - Dress to Impress, Friday - Knights Pride.  Both students and staff participated widely in the week's activities that also included dorm skits and tailgating on Friday in preparation for the football game. To see more images from the week, visit our Knights Pics website by clicking here.

XC Team Ranked in State

This week, Woodward Academy's cross country team rose to be ranked 10th in Class 1A in the state as a team. Being ridiculously consistent this year, the Knights are led by team captains Juanito Hernandez and Tim Audet and to date have scored six 2nd place finishes in their meets this year. That number includes this past Monday's second place team finish behind the 2nd ranked team in 2A, North Polk. Head Coach Jason Anderson was instilled a strong team mentality in the runners and the captains have not let the coach down.

Later this month, the team will compete in the Conference meet and hopes to participate at some level in the State Meet. To see more images from the North Polk Cross Country meet, visit our Knight Pics website by clicking here.