Running With Purpose: Motivation Fuels a Season of Triumph

written by Kylor Plunk

edited by Joshua Banks

As the cross-country season drew to a close, Coach Sierra Boyd, who leads both the boys' and girls' teams, reflected on the significant growth she witnessed throughout the year. She explained that both teams gained confidence, from the veteran upperclassmen down to the promising underclassmen.

With a larger boys' roster of 12 runners, the athletes consistently pushed one another in practices and

races, continually striving for peak performance. The girls' team, competing with a smaller squad, often faced the challenge of feeling more individual at times, but they nonetheless displayed remarkable resilience and dedication.

Embracing the bigger picture in working towards the future. Coach Boyd shared a crucial part of her coaching philosophy: when an athlete hits a rough patch—whether because of an injury or a disappointing race—she encourages them to look at the bigger picture and focus on long-term goals. It’s easy to feel discouraged by a difficult moment, but she reminds her athletes that true improvement takes time. Keeping their eyes fixed on the season's ultimate goals helps them take the necessary steps forward, even on tough days.

She also acknowledged that coaches, like athletes, can experience fatigue during long weeks of practices and meets. However, she sees it as her fundamental responsibility to bring the right attitude and energy every day. This unwavering support helps guide the team through the exhausting parts of the season and uplifts them on their absolute toughest days.

The program is more than just running statistics and numbers. While many spectators and analysts focus heavily on an athlete's statistics. Coach Boyd asserts that true growth can't always be captured on paper. She values the persistence, positive attitude, and character her athletes develop—qualities that, in her view, stand out far more than any number on a stopwatch.

When asked to describe this year’s cross-country team in a single word, Coach Boyd didn't hesitate: "Motivated." The team set ambitious goals for themselves and consistently showed up to practices and meets with the intense drive and laser-focused mindset needed to reach them, making this season a true success story.

Ste. Genevieve Dragons Conclude Best Season in a Decade

written by Alex Basler

edited by Joshua Banks

The Ste. Genevieve Dragons Football Team concluded a tremendous season, finishing the year 9-2 with several impressive victories over tough opponents. The Dragons also demonstrated their strength on both sides of the ball, securing an impressive 5-1 home record and a 4-1 away record.

Looking ahead to the future next year will have its obstacles. With a senior-heavy roster this year, the Dragons will face significant challenges in the upcoming season. The team will only be returning two starters on each side of the ball, creating plenty of opportunities for younger players to step up and make an impact next year.

It was a battle for the ages. Despite high expectations going into the season, it’s safe to say the Dragons played with passion and intensity all year. This was exemplified in their dual against top-ranked Lift 4 Life in the Class 3 District 2 Semi-Final game. The Dragons jumped out to an impressive 21-0 start, but Lift 4 Life responded by scoring 34 points in the second quarter to take the lead at halftime. The Dragons battled back with moments that will forever be remembered in Ste. Genevieve football history. Lift 4 Life ultimately pulled away, winning the game 48-41. The Dragons showed tremendous heart, hustle, and effort that night, and it will be a game to remember regardless of the outcome.

This year capped a continual historical success for the Dragons. This single game, however, does not define the success the Dragons achieved. The 9-2 record is the best the Dragons have had since the 2015-2016 season, where they finished 10-2 before losing to Central Park Hills in the District Championship game. It will be interesting to see what Coach Jay Pope has in store for the team next year with so many key positions needing to be filled. Coach Jay Pope will prioritize the development of new, younger players to fill the numerous open starting spots. Overall, the Dragons had a very impressive and memorable season and have nothing to be disappointed about when they reflect on the year.

 

A Strong Showing: Lady Dragons Volleyball Wraps Up 2025 Season

written by Alex Basler

The Ste. Genevieve Lady Dragons volleyball season concluded last week after a tough match against the Potosi Trojans in the Class 3 District 2 tournament, falling in three sets. While the ending wasn't what the team hoped for, it doesn't overshadow what was truly a successful 2025 campaign.

The Lady Dragons finished the year with an impressive overall record of 19-12-1. They also secured a second-place finish in the Class 3 District 2 tournament and earned 4th place in the competitive MAAA Conference Tournament.

Young Talent Stepped Up: After graduating a large senior class last year, the Dragons had significant roles to fill. A talented mix of young players quickly rose to the challenge, setting the stage for success. Key new contributors included freshmen Ally Gegg, Emma Jokerest, and Molly Grass, along with sophomores Lilah Nix and Aleiah Filer, and junior Emmerson Browne. Their integration, coupled with the vital leadership of returning senior Emma Gegg, ensured the young squad was primed for a great year.

Season Momentum: The team started the season on fire, jumping out to an 8-1-1 record and going 2-1-1 at their first tournament in Hillsboro. Entering conference play, the Dragons were feeling confident about their early momentum. They maintained strong play through the end of the season, delivering solid performances at the Perryville Varsity Tournament and the MAAA Conference Tournament.

While the District tournament loss was a difficult finish, Coach and the team should be proud of the progress made by such a young roster. Looking ahead, the future is bright: the team will be ready for more success next year, as they are only losing two seniors from this year's squad.

Accomplishments and Individual Honors: The team celebrated several accomplishments this season, including significant individual accolades:

• All-Tournament Team (Hillsboro): Emma Gegg and Emmerson Browne

• First Team All-District: Emma Gegg and Aleiah Filer

• Second Team All-District: Lilah Nix and Emmerson Browne

Despite the natural "ups and downs" that come with any season, 2025 proved to be a great success for the Ste. Genevieve Lady Dragons volleyball program.

 

Girls Golf Finishes Strong with 8th Place at State

The season concluded for our Girls Golf team as they secured an 8th-place finish at the State Championship. The Lady Dragons displayed tremendous effort across both days of competition.

State Tournament Highlights: The team had a strong start on the first day, spearheaded by Allison Loudenback (Senior), Eleanor McKlin (Senior), Gracie Ladd (Sophomore), and Bri Pfaff (Senior). Coach McDaniel shared that the goal for day two was "to play smart golf" and aim for a lower team score. Here's how the individuals performed:

• Allison Loudenback fired two consistently solid rounds, shooting 109 on both days.

• Eleanor McKlin had a long stretch of excellent golf on day two, despite hitting the course's toughest holes during the windiest part of the day. She finished only two shots worse than her first round (98 on day one; 100 on day two), leading the team in scoring at State.

• Gracie Ladd showed the most improvement, dropping her score from 106 in the first round to an impressive 99 in the second. Gracie made pivotal adjustments to her chipping and pitching around the greens.

• Bri Pfaff also improved her score by two shots on the second day (shooting 127 compared to 129 on day one).

Season Recap and Key Players: Coach McDaniel reflected on a season defined by a "singular focus" in every round, practice, and drill. The team's numerous achievements include:

• 1st Place at the Farmington Stroke/Scramble Combination match.

• 1st Place at the St. Pius Invitational.

• 1st Place at the Sikeston Three Lady Scramble.

• The crucial District Runner-Up finish that qualified the team for State.

McDaniel emphasized the program's family approach: "While I am very proud of our achievements on the golf course, I'm most proud of the manner in which the girls represent themselves, the program, and the high school."

Key Contributors on the Road to State:

• Gracie Ladd (Sophomore): Stepped up in a big way all season, often leading the team in scoring, placing in the top five in matches, and medaling at tournaments. Gracie was a consistent force all year long.

• Eleanor McKlin (Senior): A major contributor to the team's victories. Her score of 38 was pivotal in the win at Farmington, and her two rounds led the team at the State tournament.

• Allison Loudenback (Senior): A consistent contributor who fulfilled her goal of making it to the State Championship and delivered two consistently strong rounds there.