Varsity squad with crowd in backfield

By John Loop Staff Writer Even with the departure of heralded running back Cam McDaniel to Notre Dame, the Coppell Cowboys varsity football team is having no trouble finding a replacement to fill the shoes of a very talented player. With McDaniel now a member of the Fighting Irish, coaches began to look for a candidate to replace him. They finally settled on junior Luke Jenner, who is a first-year varsity starter. “I was really nervous at the start of the season, worried that I wasn’t going to be able to produce. I also have some really big shoes to fill stepping into Cam’s place this year,” Jenner said. Through three games, Jenner has run…

CHS academics soar above other local high schools

By Mary Whitfill Features Editor While new students tentatively walk the halls of unfamiliar schools and new policies are implemented into the interworking of administration, Pulitzer Prize winning public records website ProPublica released a school search database allowing community members to compare their school to others in the area. According to ProPublica, Coppell High School soars above local high schools in some areas, and falls below the bar in others. Coppell High School is currently home to around 2,680 students, more than any of the four closest high schools in surrounding areas. The ProPublica search engine allows users to compare things such as the percentage of Inexperienced Teachers, number of AP courses offered, and the…

New football season brings new opportunities, challenges for Cowboys

Thomas Hair Staff Writer Until the final second of the final game, last year’s Coppell Cowboys football season was a glorious one. Characterized by colossal victories and a District 7-5A title, last season cemented Coppell’s place as one of the elite football programs in the state. Saying that there is pressure for this year’s team to succeed would be a massive understatement. “The expectations are really high since the guys from last year really put us on the map,” sophomore defensive back Troy Parker said. “So everyone’s really looking up to that for us to keep our record up.” But this year’s team is not the same as its predecessors. The Cowboys lost many starters…

Cowboys topple Jesuit in close game, 35-28

By John Loop Staff Writer With just under three seconds to go in the game, senior safety David Busby leapt to snag the game-saving interception that allowed the Coppell Cowboys to rope the Rangers, 35-28. The first half was very uneventful, as both teams struggled to a stalemate in offensive production. After Cowboy quarterback Jake Larson committed three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble on three potential scoring drives, Jesuit capitalized on opportunity to score 21 points and tie the score at the half. Larson went 12-of-16 for 157 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions that ultimately kept the game close. The Jesuit defense also received a heavy dose of Coppell junior running back Luke…

New Kid Country design to be unveiled with help from community

Thomas Hair Staff Writer Over two months ago, the people of Coppell were shocked to hear that Kid Country would be torn down as part of the Kid Country 2012 reconstruction plan. Although many were excited at the prospect of a brand new Kid Country, the announcement was laced with sadness for those who had grown up with the wooden landmark and its secrets. Indeed, the iconic playground at Andy Brown East has a rich history, as it was constructed with contributions from the entire community almost twenty years ago. Now, the Kid Country Planning Committee is seeking to do the exact same thing for Kid Country 2.0. Last week, flyers were sent out to CISD schools inviting students and families to…

ACL tears becoming a common hindrance to CHS athletes

Thomas Hair Staff Writer Sports have always been a sacred aspect of America’s culture, and that is true to an even greater extent in this day and age. Almost every American is involved in some sort of sport during their youth, and by high school many teens are devoted to sports and put in countless arduous hours to improve. As a result, high school sports are extremely competitive and often become the primary focus of many American communities. As any Coppell High School student can attest, the arrival of football season invigorates the entire campus like nothing else as hundreds of students flock to Buddy Echols Field every Friday night. Practically everybody enjoys watching a…

Students taste budget crunch in cafeteria line

Kimberly Del Angel Staff Writer The United States has felt the impact of the Recession, whether it is through rising prices in gas or ketchup. Educational funding in result has suffered severely across America. Like school districts across the state, Coppell Independent School District finds itself facing budget issues, fighting to manage educational funds and restrain the effects of money cuts on teachers and students. During a budget press conference in Austin on April 6, Texas school districts were held out to speak to legislators responsible for making public education funding recommendations and proceeded to emphasize that budget cuts were unwanted, but necessary. CISD officials returned with a plan to cut back on several items…

Students pursue interests at National High School Journalism Convention sessions

Thomas Hair Staff Writer Journalism is an incredibly diverse field, with numerous specialities ranging from television broadcasting to web page designing. At the 2011 JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention from Thursday April 14 to Saturday April, journalism students from all over the nation have the opportunity to attend a wide range of sessions covering every possible branch of journalism. The convention is being held at the Marriot Hotel in Anaheim, California. Today, hundreds of students checked into the hotel in preparation for the initiation of the sessions on Friday. Among this throng of aspiring journalists are the students from Coppell High School. Members of The Sidekick Newspaper, KCBY, and the Round Up Yearbook…

April Fools Day a laughing matter for students

Thomas Hair Staff Writer For only one day every year, April 1, practical jokes and general tomfoolery are widespread and even encouraged. On April 1, ridiculously fake stories grace the front page of newspapers, websites announce absurd new features and even schools and workplaces are victim to the pranks and lighthearted fun, all justified by simply saying ‘April Fools’. If there is one age group that particularly enjoys this day of inane foolishness, it is children and teens. April Fools Day has always been popular among students, and that concept holds true at Coppell High School. In the hallways here at CHS, one does not have to search long to witness friends laughing and jesting…

Turkey drive tomorrow aims to make a difference

This Friday, November 19, Coppell ISD is once again participating in the annual Kids 4 Turkeys turkey drive. Students or parents can drop frozen turkeys off at any CISD school from 7:30-9:00 tomorrow morning.