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(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Taylor Lauster clears the ball to the Lubbock Liberty Patriots side of the field during their match up on Tuesday March, 25. Lauster accounted for seven defensive stops in the first half against Lubbock while also being a stabilizing force during the teams first round matchup against Borger.

Lauster, Garcia named Athletes of the Week

It’s been a busy week for Graham athletics. The Lady Blues closed their schedule for soccer while the Steers held their annual senior day over the weekend. 

One team’s season came to an end this week while the other is just around the midpoint of their schedule. Both teams also have fine crops of talent with two particular athletes flying high and having great performances. 

The Graham Leader is recognizing Taylor Lauster of the Lady Blues and Mike Garcia of the Steers as this week's athletes of the week.

Taylor Lauster, Lady Blues soccer

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Leighton Gowens participates in the 3200m run to start the day at the Newcastle Relays.

Newcastle hosts first high school track meet in school history

The Newcastle Bobcats and Ladycats broke new ground last Friday by hosting their first ever track and field meet in school history. 

The Newcastle Relays were held Friday, March 21 and had Saint Jo, Woodson, Throckmorton and Wichita Christian School participating.

Ladycats

100 Meter Dash: 1. Catherine Youngblood, 12.90; 6. Kourtney Whitfield, 15.06

200 Meter Dash: 1. Catherine Youngblood, 27.76; 5. Sophie Terrell, 31.37; 7. Kourtney Whitfield, 35.07; 9. Paisley Bullock, 36.67

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ryder Taylor takes the mound in the top of the first for the Steers. The Steers beat the Iowa Parks Hawks in their senior day game held Saturday, March 22.

Steers cap off senior day with win

The Graham Steers capped off their senior day in style, with a 8-7 win over the Iowa Park Hawks in their matchup Saturday. 

On a bright sunny day in Graham, the game began with a special ceremony honoring all of the student athletes who will be moving on this year to the next chapters of their life stories. 

One by one, each senior was called up to get an ovation from the crowd as the press box read what the next steps in their journeys would be. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Jensen Pettus fields the ball in the first half for the Lady Blues game Thursday, March 20 against the Borger Lady Bulldogs. The team came home with a big 3-1 win and will move on to the next round of the playoffs.

Lady Blues pick up massive 3-1 win in bi-district play

The Lady Blues secured a huge bi-district playoff win over the Borger Lady Bulldogs Thursday. 

Lady Blues Head Coach Casey Weil expressed pride in his team after the victory. 

“It was 3-1 but it was a pretty dominating win,” Weil said. “It was an extremely physical game. We took some punches and gave them back as well.”

The Lady Blues entered Bull Dog Stadium in Burkburnett on what was a perfect day for spring soccer. The team was looking at a bright sunny day with clear skies and a large crowd chanting “Let’s go Lady Blues.”

(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Victor Pardo gets past a defender down the field in a game earlier in the season. The Steers beat the Perryton Rangers in their bi-district matchup held Friday, March 21.

Steers take down Rangers in bi-district

The Steers came back home with a win after beating the Perryton Rangers in their bi-district matchup Friday. 

The Steers made the long drive up to Perryton, determined to make their hometown community proud. In the first half, both teams struggled to find the inside of the net. It certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort, however. 

Both teams had several scoring opportunities, but both teams’ defenses held strong in the first half, ending things with a 0-0 tie. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) One of the pillars of the Lady Blues softball team is Jansyn Louder and Tuesday, March 18, she made a play that secured the win for the team. Louder sent the ball flying at the left field with the bases loaded and got the team three points and their first lead of the game.

Louder, Alexander named Athletes of the Week

The district schedule for softball kicked off this week while athletes from around the state met in Graham for the annual PK Relays last weekend. 

Steers and Lady Blues’ athletes have been busy as the school year winds down and seasons hit the midway point. Both varsity teams had standouts this week in both track and field and softball.

The Graham Leader is recognizing Jansyn Louder of the Lady Blues and Jordan Alexander of the Steers for their recent performances.

Jansyn Louder, Lady Blues softball

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ruby Shaffer slides into home after a wild pitch in the sixth inning Tuesday, March 19 against Stephenville. The Lady Blues opened district with a 5-4 at home.

Lady Blues open district with 5-4 win over Honeybees

The Graham Lady Blues varsity softball team picked up a huge come from behind win to open up district play Tuesday. After struggling for much of the game at the plate, the Lady Blues erupted in the sixth inning to capture the victory. 

Lady Blues head coach Adam Arrington believed the teams coaching and practice for situations like these is what led to the explosion of runs. 

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