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Unit 5 Art Show to showcase student talent
Unit 5 Art Show to showcase student talent
Community made up over 100 of the 1300 FBLA members who attended the State Leadership Conference April 5–6.
Standing on business: FBLA makes history at State Leadership Conference
Athletic department launches mobile app for enhanced fan experience
Athletic department launches mobile app for enhanced fan experience
Local companies’ donations enable Unit 5 students to view eclipse
Local companies’ donations enable Unit 5 students to view eclipse
Students will complete the PSAT and SAT using the Bluebook app which, according to the College Board, makes test day easier and faster for students and proctors. Screen Capture: College Board
Community transitions to digital SAT, end of pencil-and-paper testing era
Five members of Communitys journalism program qualified for the IHSA State Journalism competition. Each competitor finished in the top-three in the cateogy they participated in at Sectionals.
Inkspot sends 5 to IHSA State Journalism competition
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 22
Distance Running Animals
Distance Running Animals
Inkspotlight – Victor Rodas on his musical passion, process
Inkspotlight – Victor Rodas on his musical passion, process
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
The perfect Mother’s Day gift: Insights from Community’s staff moms
Fishing, Niekamp says, is about 25% luck, 75% skill. That skill Niekamp has worked to hone fishing a lake near his grandpas home in Wisconsin each summer. Photo Courtesy: Dexter Niekamp
Niekamp’s big catch
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
After five years in America, and Unit 5, Anna Fukomoto (second from the left) returned to Japan in January. She returned with more than her belongings, but a sense of belonging, something her time as a member of the cross country and track teams helped her discover.
Finding Fukomoto
The cast, crew of ‘The Dining Room’ on why audiences should see the winter play [video]
The cast, crew of ‘The Dining Room’ on why audiences should see the winter play [video]
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 25
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 24
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 23
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 22
Connections: May 21
Connections: May 21
Connections: May 20
Connections: May 20
Inkspot Madness contest
Inkspot Madness contest
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Halloween candy cross section quiz [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
Average Jonah? [quiz]
The Inkspots Cutest Canine Contest
The Inkspot’s Cutest Canine Contest
Prom dinner choice trivia
Prom dinner choice trivia
Quiz: Test your prom dress knowledge
Quiz: Test your prom dress knowledge
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, its what I love to do, Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned American Idol drop out wasnt so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
1988s Die Hard follows New York City police officer John McClane as he tries to save his estranged wife and several others after they are taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Film Still // 20th Century Fox
Yippee-Ki-Holiday: The enduring legacy of ‘Die Hard,’ a Christmas classic
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
Oscars under the lens: McWhorter, Krogmeier offer Academy Award predictions, perspectives
1988s Die Hard follows New York City police officer John McClane as he tries to save his estranged wife and several others after they are taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. Film Still // 20th Century Fox
Yippee-Ki-Holiday: The enduring legacy of ‘Die Hard,’ a Christmas classic
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Abby Ruebush takes a look at why Barbie will have a legacy that lasts beyond the films record breaking box office performance. Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk Promotional Images // Warner Bros. Pictures
Why ‘Barbie’ was more than ‘Kenough’ [review]
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
The ultimate romance movie marathon
The ultimate romance movie marathon
Writing music and inspiring people is my passion, its what I love to do, Benson Boone said in October 2023. Two years ago, the TikTok star turned American Idol drop out wasnt so sure. Photo Courtesy: WB Music
Benson Boone: ‘American Idol’ exit to excellent EP ‘PULSE’ [review]
From guilty pleasures to surprising obsessions, our team looks at their top song of the year, peeling back the curtain on why their most-listened-to artists and songs racked up so many plays. Screen Capture // NCHSinkspot Spotify
Behind the beats: The Inkspot staff’s 2023 Spotify Wrapped reveal
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
Analog audiophiles’ playlist picks [Spotify Playlists]
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
No mixed emotions: 20 picks for the perfect love song playlist
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
Sounds Off: Top 10 movie soundtrack songs
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort viewing: 3 reasons I love ‘The Good Place’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Comfort Viewing: 3 reasons Pranathi Ganti loves ‘One Tree Hill’
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Epic finales and epic failures: A tale of triumph, tragedy in TV shows finales
Promotional Image // Netflix
‘Fear Street’ trilogy on the cutting-edge of slasher tropes
Based on Japans highest-selling manga series in history, One Piece is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other.
Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ live-action adaptation sets sail: A treasure for anime fans [review]
In honor of the anniversary of Gilmore Girls premiere, Zach Knox-Doyle ranks Rorys romances. Photo Illustration: Brad Bovenkerk Promotional Images // Warner Bros., Netflix
Starry-eyed in Stars Hollow: Ranking Rory Gilmore’s romances
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Epic Games rewinds time with Season OG, reignites Fortnite fervor
Connections, the newest of New York Times game offerings, is the best game you arent playing, according to the Inkspots B.J. Dumas. Screenshot // New York Times
Finding ‘Connections’: the best game you aren’t playing
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
Top 10 Super Mario power-ups
10 Skyrim Secrets
10 Skyrim Secrets
The Game Grumps: Whos who?
The Game Grumps: Who’s who?
The titular monster hunter along side his two cat companions on a hunt in Capcoms Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate: review
Image Courtesy: New York Giants Twitter // @Giants
From Normal to New York: Marcellus Johnson’s journey to the Giants
Jonah Roper has been a standout on a senior-heavy pitching rotation this season. The junior is second on the team in innings-pitched and strikeouts. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen look to set all-time season win record, go undefeated in Big 12
BN Lacrosse was outscored 147-56 in the regular season with opponents outshooting the co-op 391-225.
Bloomington Normal Boys Lacrosse ends regular season winless; Seek 1st win in sectional showdown
The girls track and field team are looking for a second sectional title after they clinched a third straight conference title last weekend. Last season at sectionals, the Iron sent 11 athletes on to the state meet. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field clinches 3rd straight Big 12 Conference title, head to sectionals
Abigail Ziemer is looking for a fourth trip to state in the 1600-meter relay, winning the event in 2021 and 2023, and finishing third in 2022. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field eye state podium return
Owen Cavanaugh had three hits and five RBIs in the Irons last two contests. Cavanaugh is batting .300 on the season and has driven in 12.
Ironmen baseball restart win-streak, win two over Normal West Wildcats
While over 100 teams are set to participate in the inaugural season of flag football, Community isnt likely to field a team until the 2025-26 school year. Community is one of over 35 teams that looks to participate in the IHSAs sophomore flag football season, along with other Big 12 schools Bloomington and Urbana. The 25-26 season would see six Big 12 schools offering the sport. Image Courtesy: IHSA
Community weighs participation as IHSA introduces Girls Flag Football; Financial, interest hurdles remain
Screen Capture: IHSA Swimming and Diving Digital Program // IHSA.org
Girls swim season concludes at IHSA State prelims
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Coach Drengwitz recaps the IHSA Semifinals game, looks back at the 2023 season [video]
The Ironmen are back in the IHSA Semifinals for the first time in over 15 seasons after a stunning comeback win over Glenbard East. They take on the 10-2 Downers Grove North Trojans on the road Saturday. Photo Courtesy of: Steph Mazanowski // MazPix Photography // Mazpix.com
Undefeated Ironmen gear up for IHSA Football Semifinals showdown with Downers Grove North Trojans
The Normal Community Ironmen head back to the IHSA Semifinals for the first time since 2007, facing the Downers Grove North Trojans. Hear what Ironmen head coach Mr. Jason Drengwitz said ahead of the game. Digital Illustration // Brad Bovenkerk
Coach Drengwitz previews the IHSA Semifinals, recaps win over Glenbard [video]
The Ironmen football team make their first Semifinal appearance since 2007 Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. when they face the Downers Grove Trojans. In 2007, Community went 12-1 in Class 6A under head coach Mr. Hud Venerable.
Ironmen secure IHSA Class 7A Semifinal spot with stunning comeback overcoming Glenbard East 45-28
Jaheem Webber received offers from Bradley, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, Cal Poly and Loyola Maryland, but announced his commitment to Wright State University in October 2023. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Jaheem Webber de-commits from Wright State, commits to Southern Illinois
Over the past three seasons, the Irons varsity team compiled an 89-15 overall record, making three trips to the Sectional Title game. Image Courtesy: Charles Green
Trailblazing success: Community’s girls basketball program marks milestones over three-year run
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
Jackson Soney won 10 consecutive matches via pin to claim his second IWCOA title. Image Courtesty: Iron Wrestling X account
IWCOA State Championships: Soney claims second consecutive wrestling title, Mayes takes Second at 2nd
Community ran into a formidable Homewood-Flossmoor team in the 4A State Title contest. The Vikings took home the program’s first State title on a strong defensive performance and sharpshooter-like accuracy from behind the arc. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen runners-up in 4A IHSA State Championship
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Jonah Roper has been a standout on a senior-heavy pitching rotation this season. The junior is second on the team in innings-pitched and strikeouts. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Ironmen look to set all-time season win record, go undefeated in Big 12
BN Lacrosse was outscored 147-56 in the regular season with opponents outshooting the co-op 391-225.
Bloomington Normal Boys Lacrosse ends regular season winless; Seek 1st win in sectional showdown
The girls track and field team are looking for a second sectional title after they clinched a third straight conference title last weekend. Last season at sectionals, the Iron sent 11 athletes on to the state meet. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field clinches 3rd straight Big 12 Conference title, head to sectionals
Abigail Ziemer is looking for a fourth trip to state in the 1600-meter relay, winning the event in 2021 and 2023, and finishing third in 2022. Photo Courtesy: Mr. Jeff Christopherson
Girls track & field eye state podium return
Owen Cavanaugh had three hits and five RBIs in the Irons last two contests. Cavanaugh is batting .300 on the season and has driven in 12.
Ironmen baseball restart win-streak, win two over Normal West Wildcats
Junior Jonah Roper has struckout 30 of the 55 batters he has faced this season. Roper has has allowed seven hits and two runs in 14 1/3 innings of worth this season.
Undefeated Iron baseball aims for 15th straight win
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Mascot Madness: Round one
Mascot Madness: Round one
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Iconic teen films
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Going to the mat for pro wrestling
Head 2 Head: Wrigley Field vs. Busch Stadium
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Pancakes vs. Waffles
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
Head 2 Head: Meatheads vs. SmashBurger
[Photos courtesy of Disney & Studio Ghibli]
Head 2 Head: Studio Ghibli vs Disney
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Head 2 Head: Cherry Berry vs. Chill Out
Top 5: Godzilla films
Top 5: Godzilla films
Photo Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Fast food fails
Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Top 5: Iconic teen films
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5: Twitch streamers
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Top 5 Disney sidekicks
Top 5 UDA College Nationals Performances
Top 5 UDA College Nationals Performances
Inkspotlight – Victor Rodas on his musical passion, process
Inkspotlight – Victor Rodas on his musical passion, process
Inkspotlight – T-Dot talks his beginnings and ‘New Beginnings’
Inkspotlight – T-Dot talks his beginnings and ‘New Beginnings’
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
By the Numbers: 2024 Ironmen boys basketball season
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
The Up-Beat – Ep. 5 – Daylight Saving time, Gordon Ramsay, snacks and Studio Ghibli
Inside the Paint is a roundtable discussion where the Inkspots basketball beat reporters dive deep into the Ironmen boys and girls basketball seasons. Zachary Knox-Doyle, B.J. Dumas, Bella Green and Ben Kerber offer a courtside pass to all things Ironmen basketball, breaking down the season so far. Digital Illustration: Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
Inside the Paint: Talking March Madness, post-season Ironmen basketball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 3 – GAMES! from video, the NBA All-Star Game, Red Racoon to Ironmen girls bball
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
The Up-Beat – Ep. 2 – Lumber, leprechauns and the lottery
The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls
The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Bird brained: The Inkspot puts Mr. Kevin Suess’ bird knowledge to the test [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Normal Ironmen advance to 4A State Title contest- Semi-final win press conference [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Curtain closes on Mrs. Kevin Vernon’s career as theatre director [video]
Post-game interview: Iron win 4th straight Regional Title over Rock Island [video]
Post-game interview: Iron win 4th straight Regional Title over Rock Island [video]
Dance team’s annual guy/girl dance set to ‘Barbie’ medley [video]
Dance team’s annual guy/girl dance set to ‘Barbie’ medley [video]
The cast, crew of ‘The Dining Room’ on why audiences should see the winter play [video]
The cast, crew of ‘The Dining Room’ on why audiences should see the winter play [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
On the Spot – Teachers tested on 2023’s hottest words [video]
Image Courtesy of: Spotify // Spotify Press Release
On the Spot: Unwrapped – Students, staff share their top Spotify streams of 2023
Digital Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk
On the Spot: This or That Thanksgiving
On the Spot: Luck or Lore [video]
On the Spot: Luck or Lore [video]
On the Spot: Barbie Brainiacs? [video]
On the Spot: Barbie Brainiacs? [video]
On the Spot: Ep. 6 – ‘Winter Break plans’ [video]
On the Spot: Ep. 6 – ‘Winter Break plans’ [video]
February 2023
February 2023
December 2022
December 2022
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
February 2022
February 2022
January 2019 Inkspot Print Edition_Page_01
January 2019
March 2018
March 2018
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot
Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot
Bayli Ferris

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer

Bayli Ferris is a senior at Normal Community High School where she's involved in clubs such as Generations Connect and Younglife. This is her first year as an Inkspot staff writer. 

I like Phoebe Bridgers, ice cream and warm weather.

On the weekend I like to get coffee with my dad and hang out with friends.

My favorite movie is “The Edge of Seventeen.”

All content by Bayli Ferris
Community opened the softball season with a 10-1 win over the Pekin Dragons on Monday. The Iron wont fact conference action until April 6, when they take on Champaign Central in a double-header. Photo Courtesty: Mr. Jeff Christopherson

Softball opens season 1-1, Eyes Big 12 redemption

2024 season preview
Bayli Ferris, Leonor Rivas and Brody Roberts • Mar 15, 2024

Community opened the softball season 1-1 in non-conference action, following Monday’s 10-1 victory over the Lincoln Railsplitters with a 15-5 loss to the Pekin Dragons.  Under third-year head coach Mr. Steve Hassel, the team is looking to improve on last season’s second-place Big 12 Conference...

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Midwest Technical Institute, Illinois Central Colleges Agriculture and IT programs and Saint Francis Medical Centers College of Nursing were among the programs represented at the far.

College and Career Center’s annual college fair showcases post-graduation pathways

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer • Mar 12, 2024

The College and Career Center hosted its annual College Fair for the junior class on March 12 in the auditorium, with representatives from nearly 45 schools attending. With representatives from trade schools, community colleges, four-year universities and the armed forces, College and Career Counselor...

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Photo Illustration // Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

Top 5: Iconic teen films

Bayli Ferris, Staff Writer • Feb 28, 2024

There is a reason that page-to-screen adaptations of book’s like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and modernized, musicified reimaginings of “Mean Girls” are all the rage in Hollywood. There is no question why: adolescent angst, first loves and unforgettable coming-of-age moments make...

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The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls

The Up-Beat – Ep. 1 – Spotify discoveries, a daily dose of Dr. Zbrozek, Pizza Olympics & bowling balls

Brantley Dumas II, Lyra Townsend, Bayli Ferris and Terrion Darnell • Feb 9, 2024

Welcome to "The Up-Beat," where each week a group of Inkspot reporters take a break from breaking news to share what's been making them smile this week. B.J. Dumas, Lyra Townsend, Terrion Darnell and Bayli Ferris share what is making them happy this week.  

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The Normal Fire Department was at Community Wednesday, Dec. 6. investigating a small fire set by a student in the boys locker room in the Athletic hallway. School Resource Officer Mr. Jeremy Flood said the investigation is still ongoing.

Locker room fire investigation nearing resolution

Bayli Ferris, Ali Ince and Abigail Ziemer • Dec 13, 2023

The investigation into a small fire that occurred in the boys locker room on Dec. 6 remains open, according to Community’s School Resource Officer Mr. Jeremy Flood. Flood declined to provide specific details about the ongoing investigation, stating, "It's an open investigation... so I don't want...

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Content creator Matthew Dominick earned YouTubes Silver Creator award at the end of September recognizing his channels 100,000 subscribers milestone. Screenshot // Instagram @Yucking

Yucking it up: One YouTube content creator’s taste of triumph

Bayli Ferris, Ali Ince and Abigail Ziemer • Nov 28, 2023

When content creator Matthew Dominick earned YouTube's Silver Creator award at the end of September, the coveted silver play button plaque recognizing 100,000 subscribers marked a milestone on a journey the 36-year-old foodie was almost too afraid to begin.  Early doubts kept Dominick from kickstarting...

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In honor of Croctober the Inkspot investigates the Croc fashion phenomenon. Promotional Image // Crocs Inc.

Sole searching: Exploring the Crocs craze

The Inkspot investigates the footwear frenzy
Inkspot Staff • Oct 27, 2023

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News Briefs for Sept. 22

News Briefs for Sept. 22

Inkspot Staff • Sep 25, 2023
Want to know what's going on at Community? Check out this week's Spot shorts, as the Inkspot's Journalism I students publish their first news briefs.
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Boys soccer takes second in 2023 Intercity tournament after narrow loss to U-High

Boys soccer takes second in 2023 Intercity tournament after narrow loss to U-High

Lucas Drengwitz, Charles (Charlie) Faulkner, Bayli Ferris, Pranathi Ganti, Bella Green, Ali Ince, Lyra Townsend and Abigail Ziemer • Sep 7, 2023

The boys soccer team finished second in the 2023 Intercity tournament, their lone loss coming in the tournament’s opening round to eventual Intercity champions U-High. Community fell 1-0 to the Pioneers in Aug. 30’s match at U-High. Despite the Ironmen recording a 10-9 advantage in shots on...

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