With summer’s heat subsiding and the traditional homecoming game coming up, school athletics are in full swing for the Corona del Sol Aztecs.
Girls badminton has a new coach, and a fresh group of talent heading into one of their most difficult out of region schedules ever. 

Early games included the talented Horizon High team as well as attending the prestigious North Canyon Badminton tournament. Senior Rachal Bowden led the way for the Aztecs with a second place finish overall in the singles division. 
"There was a lot of good competition out there," Bowden said. 
Bowden, along with seniors Kelsey Starr, Danah Ramirez and Jennie Barcelona, must provide experience for a squad that contains 14 freshman players as well as newcomer Coach Sheffield.
"I think it's fun having new players on the team," Bowden said.  "I get to really help out a lot and it's a good opportunity for me to learn how to coach, because that is something I'd like to do later in life."
Although Bowden has been a member of the badminton team since her freshman year, it was in eighth grade that she started to develop the talent that makes her one of the top players in state.
"In eighth grade at Aprende I was champion in doubles badminton with my friend Kortney Smith," Bowden said. 

"When I found out that (badminton) was at Corona, I thought it was a good opportunity."
Although she has had numerous coaches during her time at Corona, one helped her to reach her potential, she says
"Coach Pom was my technique coach my junior year.  She was the first one to really take me aside and get really in-depth into technique with me," Bowden said.
The inclusion of 14 freshman and a new coach has not always been the perfect transition.
"It is a little difficult.  It has to be for the better," Bowden said.  "I'm glad she has seniors to help her explain the game to the new players."
Although they may be inexperienced, these Aztecs have already started to bond as a team.
"We get along, normally some teams have problems but we don't," Bowden said.  "I love not having drama."

Football prospects
Varsity football continued to show promise, especially on the defensive end, by holding on to defeat Desert Mountain 7-3. 
"The entire defense played well," Senior Andy Stitt said. "We had some big stops during the game."
Senior Matt Saba helped preserve the victory by intercepting a pass in the end zone to ensure the Aztecs victory.
"After he intercepted the ball we just took a knee after that," Stitt said. "The defense stopped them all night."
This win lifts the Aztecs to 2-1 on the season. Next week’s opponent is the Highland Hawks, followed by the all-important homecoming game.  Rather than pick an opponent to blowout, the Aztecs will be playing the always dangerous Saint Mary's Knights.
"Were trying to remain focused," Stitt said.  "In practice on offense were going full speed. We have got more of a sense of urgency now."

Katrina fundraiser
The Corona del Sol pom squad aided the victims of Hurricane Katrina by holding a fundraiser at the Coldstone Creamery Sept. 14.
"We raised $471 for the hurricane victims, and this was matched by GAP for a total of 942 dollars," Senior Rebecca Hasulak said.
The pom team was in charge of the store from 6 to 9 p.m. Many teachers at Corona offered extra credit to students who visited the store and purchased some ice cream from the pommies.
"We took orders and made ice cream for the people in line," Junior Briana Wagner said. 

"It felt good to do this and give the money off to a good cause."
This was a pretty sweet deal for all those involved.
"My favorite ice cream to get there is french vanilla with cookie dough and raspberries," Wagner said.