Steeler fans in the Junior High

Sixth grader Micah Lowman shows off his Steelers pride

If you’re a Steelers fan, this is the spot for you! The Steelers have been working hard to achieve their goal of winning the NFL championship, and the students of the Junior High have been taking notice. The Pittsburgh Steelers won a total of 4 games and lost only a total of 1. Sixth grader Matthew Gawel said, “The Steelers are doing better than they used to!” Sixth grader Micah Lowman said,” They are doing amazing!” 

Students state their opinions and thoughts about the previous Steelers Game. It was the Steelers versus the Browns. “ The Steelers played well, the Browns suck!” said sixth grader Nolan Stitt. 

The Steelers football team contains many players. 25 in offense,25 for defense, and 3 on a special team. From all the students that were interviewed, these players were the ones said. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Some students like all of the players, like sixth grader Khloe Previte answered.  

The fans at the Indiana Junior High School have their opinions on who will win the next Steelers Game. Bengals vs Steelers. “ They’re gonna win,” said sixth grader Bryce Allen.

Other students fully agreed with this statement, like sixth grader Micah Lowman said,” We’re gonna win!” 

The students of the Junior High are filled with Steelers pride as they celebrate the football season. The kids have been keeping their hopes up about the games to come. 

“ Hopefully the Steelers keep it up!” Matthew Gawel said. 

School soccer wraps up another season

In the Indiana Junior High School soccer league, you will go to the fields behind the East Pike Elementary School to practice. We travel to different schools almost twice every week. In practice, we go through a series of drills such as half field jogs, lunges, karaoke, and around the field jogs, like Indian run.

According to the players, there are pros and cons to being on the team. “You never know how good you’ll truly be if you don’t try,“ said Preston Wolverton. “In my journey, I have experienced 2 concussions, one of which made me not be able to do soccer for a whole year! I have also made many friends, made some enemies, and I have learned so much through my coaches.”

The school soccer league is over, but it started three weeks before school. The league did not win half as many games as they played, but credit to Franklin Regional, because our school team said that they were really good. You can only sign up for soccer if you are in 7th or 8th grade. There is a different group for girls and boys. Though some teams have both because they do not have many people. 

The IJHS soccer team looks forward to another season in August 2026.

Fall softball swings into season

Indiana softball season is back and better than ever! Fall ball is now officially starting in early September and will continue until the end of October. All of these softball games are taking place in Indiana’s little- league fields. This will give girls the opportunity to learn about the sport and have fun while doing so.

Crimson Arrow interviewed several members of the girl’s fall softball team. The first person interviewed was Hannah Betz, a seventh grader who has been playing softball for over a year. Hannah’s Jersey number is seven, her favorite position is first base, and she plans to continue doing softball as long as possible. She quotes, “I would recommend softball to people who have fast running ability (super speed).” Hannah thinks that if you are a speedy runner then softball is a good choice for you. The next person interviewed was Olivia Miller (seventh grader). Olivia has been playing softball for five years, so she has a lot of experience. Her favorite position to play is catcher. Her jersey number is nine. Olivia says that she wants to continue doing softball for now, but is not planning on doing it forever. She exclaims, “I would suggest softball to people who want to try a sport that is unique and want to have a lot of fun!”

The third person questioned was Alexa Cribbs, sixth grader, who has been playing for five years. Her favorite position to play is catcher, and her jersey number is five. She shared, “I do plan to continue playing, who wouldn’t?!” She suggests softball to anyone, especially people who like to catch a ball. 

The fourth student queried was Lilian Fairman, a sixth grader. This season is her first time playing softball. Her jersey number is one. She states, “I plan to continue playing softball because I love it a lot.” She recommends softball to anyone who is looking for exercise and new opportunities to make friends. 

The final person we inquired was Aurora Miller (seventh grader), she has been playing softball for five years, and she plans to continue playing. Aurora’s favorite position is short-stop, and her jersey is number three. She notes, “I would suggest softball to people who like to be active, and are looking for a challenge.”

The girl’s softball team is a great way to get exercise and make new friends. Many students enjoy playing the sport and meeting new people. So, if you think that you possess any of the qualities some IJHS players think are important, then you should consider trying out softball!

Photo taken by Tyler Betz. Alexa Cribbs (bottom, left), Lillian Fairman (bottom, center), Aurora Miller (middle, right), Olivia Miller (middle, left), and Hannah Betz (top, second from left) lined up for a team picture

IJHS football moves towards playoffs

Indiana Junior High School’s football team has enjoyed a winning season, standing at 4-1 . This Thursday, they will play Derry. If Indiana wins, they will be in the playoffs. The only team Indiana has lost to this season is Greensburg, a home game. 

Despite the loss, The IJHS football team is back and ready for more. The team is practicing harder than ever, and hopes to defeat Derry. According to Anakan Powell, an 8th-grader, said there’s a “pretty good” chance of winning. Dean Hart, a 7th-grade player, said, “I think we have a good chance of winning by the way we’re practising.”

If they win, the playoff game will be held on October 16th. This will determine if the team goes to the championship and ultimately win the 2025 football championship.

IJHS football players

IJHS marching band brings excitement to fall events

In honor of the Indiana Area Senior High’s homecoming game, Crimson Arrow interviewed the IHS Marching Band. Thanks to Mr. Olear, he has given the chance for non-band members to see what goes on behind the halftime shows and Cherokee playing.

Our news takes us to the Senior High School, after school. Marching Band students, from grades 8-12, go to practice usually 3 days a week. They are performing in the IUP Homecoming Parade, yet only the day before they will travel to Hampton High School to support the IHS Football team. 

At IHS we interviewed many different people one of which includes Audrey Yang, a twelfth grader, Amelia Rives, Lauren Watkins, and MJ Nelson as 11th graders, Addyson Phillips, a ninth grader, Rositsa Bessetti, Nora Rives, Amelia Nelson as eighth graders, and Mr. Olear as their teacher. 

We asked how long these kids were in marching band, their fondest memory, their favorite song to play/hear, how they felt about playing in the IUP Homecoming Parade, and if they were excited for next year! Starting with Ms. Amelia Rives, she responded, “I’ve been in the Marching Band for three years, I loved going to Dollywood last year, and I adore hearing the band play Pirates of the Caribbean! I felt great about performing in the IUP Homecoming Parade, and I feel amazing about next year!” 

Indiana High School Marching Band during their parade route

Cheerleading program brought to attention by Miss Cassidy

This year, the cheerleading program is up and running more than ever before. However, some students haven’t had time to check it out, or haven’t heard of it. Crimson Arrow has managed to get an interview with Miss Cassidy, the teacher who has brought attention to the program. The following is what she responded to. 

Crimson Arrow: Why did you decide to start back up the cheerleading program again?

Miss Cassidy: I’m not restarting the program, since it never went away— more like I’m trying to revamp it. Cheerleading was a huge, positive part of my life for over 13 years, and I want our cheerleaders to experience the same thing. I hope that our school will know and respect our team just like every other sport, and I hope anyone can join in on our fun.

Crimson Arrow: How is the team so far going for you?

Miss Cassidy: I’m so insanely proud of our team so far! The cheerleaders are amazing humans and are very talented. I cried after their performance at the County Fair EXPO.

Crimson Arrow: Would you want anything to change within the next year? If so, what?

Miss Cassidy: I would love for our cheerleaders to be involved in more events in our school, such as assemblies and spirit days. The word “leader” is in our name, after all. I also would like to build up our skills for competitions and let the school know about our wins just like other sports.

Crimson Arrow: What made you think of starting up the cheerleading program again?

Miss Cassidy: I cherish my memories from my years as a cheerleader, and it’s always been my dream to coach teams that are special for other youngsters. 

Crimson Arrow: What are you excited about with the new cheer program?

Miss Cassidy: I am excited that the revamped program is already planning a performance for our school! Stay tuned.

Crimson Arrow: Do you have any last words for the students?

Miss Cassidy: If you hear our cheers, please join us from the sidelines. Or better yet, if you’d like to join our team this school year, come see me in room 227. 

The cheerleading team would be very enthusiastic for you to come support them sometime.