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Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Major Melson

Major Melson, Staff Writer

All content by Major Melson
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

What Could Have Been

Major Melson, Staff Writer
May 5, 2020

No more NBA. No March Madness. No collegiate spring season sports. No sports.  Because of the COVID-19 shutdown, here’s a list of the top sports moments that could have been.  Legacy Baseball team’s road to state The varsity baseball team ranked sixth in the state this year and finished...

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Dr. Bri Rojas poses for picture. Rojas graduated from Legacy in 2013 and now works on Legacy's training staff.

Bri Rojas: Back on the Sidelines

Major Melson, Staff Writer
February 20, 2020

An unfamiliar face, to most people, joined the sideline. She waited for the next player to go down or come off of the field with an injury. Bri Rojas became the newest member of Legacy’s training staff this year. However, Rojas wasn’t new to everyone as she served as a student trainer for Legacy...

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Major Melson, explains why he believes athletes should be held to a higher standard.

Opinion: Athletes Should Be Held to a Higher Standard

Major Melson, Staff Writer
January 2, 2020

Sports and athletics, I believe, are two things separating America from other countries. There’s 153 professional sports teams in America and over 1,000 college institutions participate in sports. Which really is a lot of people. But should those people be held to a higher standard than the rest of...

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Ayo Adeyi, 11, runs in the JV boys 4 x 200 m relay race. (Ellie Brutsche photo)

Boys Track Prepares for Region Competition

Major Melson, Staff Writer
April 26, 2019

He sets his lips and moves his leg back and forth trying to further its grip on the track. Junior Jordan Watkins takes off from his stance and propels his hand back to receive the baton as he pushes forward. He runs as the second leg of the 4x100m relay at the Area Meet. The boy's track team ran in...

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Tru Edwards, 12, jumps over a hurdle on at the track meet on Feb. 16. The team hopes to make state like last year.

Track Prepares for State

Major Melson, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019

The bystanders’ eyes follow senior Tru Edwards’ arch through the air. He comes down to a sandpit and stretches his legs before he tries to pull the rest of his body to meet them. Edwards set his personal best in the long jump and awaits what this track season has to offer. “This season I want...

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David Abiara, 10 along with teammates stand during the school song after they won 42-6 against Woodrow Wilson.

Pushing to Play

Major Melson, Staff Writer
December 20, 2018

As she plants her foot in the ground, junior Brenna Scheffler grimaces at the pain that shoots through her leg during a sprint at practice. She experiences what feels like fireworks popping throughout her thigh but shrugs it off and catches back up with her soccer teammates. Scheffler tore her quad,...

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Maylasia Murdock, 12, and Keslyn King, 12, jumps into the air and block the ball

Volleyball Clinches Playoff Spot

Major Melson, Staff Writer
October 17, 2018

The ball seems stuck in the air, high above the net. Junior right-side hitter Trinity Mongare’s hand soon comes to greet the ball with a thunderous thump. The ball speeds down toward a Seguin volleyball player, bounces off her arm and flies into the bleachers. This spike gave the team the 16th point...

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Coach Bookman goes over plays with sophomore basketball players.

New Basketball Coach Joins Legacy

Major Melson, Staff Writer
September 12, 2018

Sporadic squeaks of shoes murmur up and down the court, the basketball finds its way to the top of the key and spirals into the basket. The whistle blows, an unfamiliar face calls for the ball and discusses with the players how to improve their play. It’s the new Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Head...

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Julia Plasket, 11, runs the bases

Softball Prepares for Regional Quarter-Final Round

Major Melson, Staff Writer
May 10, 2018

The ting of bat connecting with the ball sounds like a broken record echoing through the morning, but shortly afterwards comes to a stop. The Varsity Softball team finishes the game early after only four and a half innings, running the score up to a 23-1. Victory in the second round of the playoffs....

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Nathan Rooney, 11, throws the ball during the Broncos' match against Seguin on Feb. 16.

Baseball Begins Second Half of District Play

Major Melson, Staff Writer
April 5, 2018

Heading in to the top of the seventh inning, the Broncos have a three-run lead on the Waxahachie Indians. The Indians manage to score late and shrink our lead to two. On the mount of a comeback, adrenaline running high, the Broncos secure the last out and end the game. With a little over half the...

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Rachel Darden, 10, jumps at last season's Annual Bronco Relays. This season, the meet will be held on Feb. 15.

Girls’ Track Builds Again

Major Melson, Staff Writer
February 14, 2018

“27, 28, 29, 30, 31,” Head Girls Track Coach Lacy Beckler says as her girls are finish up a 200 meter sprint. The girls’ track team starts practice and trains for the beginning of the season. But, something doesn’t seem right, the program looks very short-handed. The program comes back from...

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Members of the Legacy Musical Theatre class perform songs from their play "Elf Jr." at the MISD Toys for Tots event on Dec. 6. A record crowd of students, parents, faculty. and children came out to celebrate the giving of 3,583 toys donated by MISD schools.

Toys For Tots Event Excites Mansfield

Major Melson and Brooke Johnson
December 12, 2017

[Update] Cool air. The laughter and the joy. Families from all around gathered at The Center for a special event: Toys for Tots. All the schools participated in this event collected a sum of 3,583 toys to deliver to children and families who, unfortunately, can’t afford them. “Marching forward,...

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Senior Justin O'shields (#20)  runs out of the tunnel prior to varsity football's match against Lake Ridge on Oct. 27.  The first round of playoffs will be on Nov. 17.

Broncos Head to the First Round of Playoffs

Kendra Washington and Major Melson
November 15, 2017

The last few seconds run out quickly, but for senior football players like Isaiah Jones, they pass in slow motion. Fans let out dominant screams into the cool fall air as the announcer declares that the game has concluded. The Broncos have defeated Red Oak and Jones has just played his last district...

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Brayden Hodgest, 10, high fives crowd members during a football game.

Brayden Hodgest: A Motivated Mindset

Major Melson, Staff Writer
September 27, 2017

A three-pound disk floats through the air and lands in the grass with a thud. Last year, Sophomore Brayden Hodgest shocked the crowd by out-throwing his opponents and qualifying for the UIL Region 2 5A Regional Track Meet in discus as a freshman. Hodgest moved from Martin High School in late October...

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Powerlifting team member lifts weights during practice.

Powerlifting

Major Melson, Staff Writer
February 19, 2016

Club/Sport Powerlifting Where/ How Often They Meet Once a week after school during the season. What People Think We Do “They think we just lift heavy weights.” Landon Hawkins, 10. What We Think We Do “Just a bunch of weightlifting and competition.” Brayden Hodgest, 10. What Our...

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Rachel Darden, 12, jumps into the pit during long jump at the Bronco Relays on Feb. 22.

UIL Suspends All Athletic Events Until May 4

Major Melson, Staff Writer
April 2, 2020

The buzzer ends. The team huddles around their coach and begins the celebration. The boys’ soccer team just became district champions and defeated Crowley 2-1 in the last regular-season game of the year. That happened nearly a month ago, most likely the last time those players would ever play together.  Due...

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President Donald Trump poses for a headshot.

Rebuttal: President Trump’s Iran Decision Is Justified

Major Melson, Staff Writer
February 10, 2020

In late December, Qasem Soleimani green-lighted an attack on the U.S. embassy in Iraq. He also had plans to attack three other embassies and told militias to step up and execute these plans. Also, Soleimani Iran’s leading terrorist, the leader of their military’s terrorist wing Quds Force. He was...

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The new Multi-Purpose Athletic Center will include offices, locker rooms, a weight room and more. Construction began on the facility at the start of the spring 2019 semester.

Inside New Multi-Purpose Athletic Center

Major Melson and Jorden Melson
May 2, 2019

The big, huge thing in the school’s backyard is coming to life. Mansfield ISD finally got their plans for “Multi-purpose Athletic Centers (M.A.C.)” at each high school campus into the construction phase at the beginning of this semester. Contrary to popular belief, no indoor football field comes...

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Brandon Oldham, 12, practices his bowling.

Bowling Advances to State

Major Melson, Staff Writer
March 21, 2019

The ball takes a smooth travel down the lane. It glides toward the pins as they wait for their ominous fate. The ball bounces through the pins knocking all of them out of the way and senior Ty Flores delivered a strike as he prepares for state. The team played against ten other teams at Regionals...

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Kaylee Murray, 12, kicks the ball to her teammate.

Girls Soccer: Shooting for Success

Major Melson, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019

Senior MB Kamryn  Blevins watches her teammates shoot and make goal after goal until the team was up 7-0 before halftime. Starting out hot seems to be a recurring theme as they have yet to lose a game going 8-0-1. Blevins believes this team has a new groove different from previous teams. “The...

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Harmoni Turner, 11, defends the point guard against Red Oak

Basketball Preview

Major Melson, Staff Writer
November 30, 2018

No one makes a sound. The people throughout the gym stop what they are doing, even the players stop and stare. The ball rips into the bottom of the net as the buzzer drums in the background. While players fall to the ground, Head Girls Basketball Coach Michelle Morris shutters down for a quick breathe....

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Marchie Murdock, 2013 Alumnus, runs out of the tunnel before a game. He is now a free agent in the NFL.

Broncos in the NFL

Major Melson, Staff Writer
October 2, 2018

Marchie Murdock Jr. / WR / Free Agent During his career at Legacy, Murdock had 82 catches for 1,235 yards and 18 touchdowns. He received offers from Illinois, Colorado State, the Navy and San Diego State. But after graduation in 2013, Murdock went to Illinois University on a full athletic scholarship...

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Coach Beckler speaks with her runners before a meet

Cross Country Sets Sights on Regionals

Major Melson, Staff Writer
August 30, 2018

Right after sunrise, senior Clyde Davis, junior Landrie Lewallen, and packs of other fatigued runners meet at the school with short, frantic breaths as they finish their five-mile practice run. The Cross Country season officially begins with their first meet Aug. 31 at Waxahachie. Lewallen said it’s...

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Jackson Powers, 11, practices his short game

Junior Golfer Pushes Fore-Ward to State

Major Melson, Staff Writer
May 8, 2018

The club rears back slowly, then swooshes quickly forward and starts the ball on a path towards the cup. Drains it. Junior Jackson Powers putts in on hole 18 to finish off the day four strokes under par, and finishing off the tournament as Second Place Overall Medalist. The boys golf team competed...

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Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Pro: Armed and Vigilant

Jake Stacks and Major Melson
April 4, 2018

Absolutely. Specifically and strenuously trained educators who care more about the lives of their students than their own, who are willing to face the possibility of putting themselves in harm’s way to protect America’s future, can answer almost any threat. An armed presence on campuses maintains...

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Camryn Aguilar, 12, and Courtney Taylor, 11, laugh together last season at the Broncos' match on Mar. 3.

Softball Hopes to Continue Their Legacy

Major Melson, Staff Writer
February 7, 2018

Silence sweeps through the stands. The pitcher windmills her arm before flinging the ball towards the batter. The ting of the bat echoes as the ball flies up and falls into The Colony’s first baseman's glove, which eliminates the softball team from the Texas 5A High School Softball Playoffs. But,...

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Jillian LaVoie, 12, swims during the swim and vie meet on Oct. 5.

Swim and Dive Begins Regular Season

Major Melson, Staff Writer
December 4, 2017

The Legacy Swim and Dive Team has been partially overlooked the last few years despite making it to state in 10 events. Senior diver Dalton Mix was one of the few members that participated in the trip to state last year, but he also managed to make it to state as a sophomore. “It’s different,...

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Junior Michael Simmons takes the ball down the court followed by teammate Jalen Catalon, 11 during last year's varsity match against Ennis on Dec. 12.

Boys’ Basketball Starts Again

Major Melson, Staff Writer
November 13, 2017

Senior John Rivera and Junior Michael Simmons run toward opposing players and break down with the squeaking sound of their shoes as they hit the court. They huddle around the ball carrier and force him to turn the ball over. Head Coach Cornelius Mitchell blows the whistle and claps his hands, seemingly...

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Cross Country participated in the Mansfield Invitational on Sept. 22. Sophomore Harmoni Turner finishes 4th in varsity women, and is the only Legacy runner moving on to UIL Regional Cross Country Meet.

Turner Runs Through the Competition

Major Melson, Staff Writer
October 23, 2017

Legacy’s Girls Cross Country Team competed in the District 10-5A Cross Country Meet. The only runner that qualified, sophomore Harmoni Turner, will compete in the UIL Regional Cross Country Meet. “I feel honored to represent Legacy High School in [Cross Country],” said Turner. “Making it to...

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Senior Katelyn Allen cheers on her teammate before the start of the Varsity Volleyball match against Richland.

Volleyball Begins District Play

Major Melson and Boone Gilbreath
September 19, 2017

The ball slams to the ground and the whistle blows. Half  the gym stands up and roars as the opposing team jumps up and down with smiles from ear-to-ear. Varsity volleyball team members hang their heads as they suffer a close loss to Red Oak in the second game of district play. They huddle up as the...

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2019-2020 Sports Commitments

2019-2020 Sports Commitments

Major Melson, Staff Writer
April 1, 2020

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Justin Crawford, 12, prepares to shoot a layup at the game against Timberview on Jan. 17.

Justin Crawford: Head in the Game

Major Melson, Staff Writer
March 2, 2020

He steps toward the line of scrimmage methodically. The other team snaps the ball and he shoots right through the linemen with his eyes set on Lancaster’s quarterback. His legs are clipped and his right knee snaps with pain. Senior Justin Crawford tore his meniscus. Crawford played his last down...

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Mia Retnam, 12, gives a high five to Abby Carpenter, 11, during a fall match. The team hopes to capitalize on their success from the fall in the upcoming spring season.

Tennis Prepares For Spring Season

Major Melson, Staff Writer
January 21, 2020

The slight scrape of shoes on the court slice through the air. Hands slap the floor, rise up and slide forward. In push-up position, Head Tennis Coach Chad Redwine coordinates a drill as every player must move the ball cross-court using only their noses. He uses this drill to institute mental toughness...

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Katie Shoemaker, 12, hits the softball in their game against Centennial

Softball: Survive and Advance

Major Melson, Staff Writer
May 2, 2019

Slowly, the tear travels down the carved path of the one before it. Junior Haylee Gutierrez feels solemn knowing her time with her senior teammates is diminishing and this is the last time they will ever play on the home field. The Legacy Softball team beat Carter Riverside in the first round of...

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Nate Rombach, 12, posed with his bat in the studio for a picture. Romach chose his number because it comforted him during the game.

Beyond the Numbers: Why Athletes Chose their Number

Major Melson, Staff Writer
March 19, 2019

No matter what the sport, every player has a number to represent them, and no one really knows where they came from or why people have one. But for most, it contains a deeper meaning than just self-representation. Junior football player Ayo Adeyi, sported the number two to remind him who he believes...

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Legacy football players run onto the field before the start of the homecoming game against Bryan Adams on Oct. 26. (Ellie Brutsche photo)

All-District Fall Athletes Announced

Major Melson, Staff Writer
January 16, 2019

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Eric Stelmar, 11, competes at a swimming meet

Eric Stelmar Receives National Award

Major Melson, Staff Writer
October 25, 2018

Gripping his hands on the bars below him, junior Eric Stelmar powers down into a relaxed starting position, after a few seconds, he rises back up. Then, Stelmar launches out parallel to the water as the race starts. Stelmar competed at the Texas High School State Swim Meet in Austin last February along...

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Major Melson's staff picture

Major Melson’s Hall of Fame

Major Melson, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018

Since the beginning of sports, people have argued about which player they believe holds the title as the best of their sport. And these heated discussions, I believe, make sports, sports. I am aware that most of these athletes played before I came into the world, but I have seen sports documentaries,...

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Kelby Robbins, 9, throws a pass on the softball field. Robbins already verbally committed to play softball at the University of Stephen F. Austin.

Kelby Robbins: Defining the Sport

Major Melson, Staff Writer
May 18, 2018

Her foot slowly rises off the ground. And it returns back towards the ground with a punch. Her arms swing the long, metal bat around towards a bright yellow ball. The two make contact sending the ball flying through the air. Third baseman Kelby Robbins air-mails her seventh homer over the wall. Although...

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Cameron Clark, 11, hands off the football to his teammate in spring practice.

Spring Football Holds High Expectations

Major Melson, Staff Writer
May 1, 2018

The school day ends and almost everyone goes home. But the sound of familiar clacking rings through the parking lot. The pads are back on and the helmets are strapped back up. Spring ball has just begun, and sophomore Malachi Mitchell hopes to seize the opportunity to learn his new role at Sam Linebacker. “I’ve...

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Coach Chad Dozier talks to his athletes on their Sept. 12 match.

Tennis Begins Tournament Play

Major Melson, Staff Writer
March 8, 2018

Sweat and dirt reams through her face after a long-fought match. A bright red lanyard attached to a chiseled medal dangles around sophomore Mia Retnam as she completes the first tournament of the spring. Varsity tennis began their spring tournament season after traveling to regionals last fall. Head...

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Head Coach Michelle Morris discusses plays with the girls varsity basketball team during their game against Summit.

Girls Basketball Capitalizes on Rebuilding Year

Major Melson, Staff Writer
January 18, 2018

The buzzer sounds. The game is over. The girls varsity basketball team hang their heads after losing to Summit. Frustration in the air, but no words to express it. The team eats another loss and are walking on thin ice for a spot in the playoffs. With a little over half of the season in the books,...

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Junior Nathan Rooney receives a pass during the game against Wichita Falls on Friday, Sept. 1.

Anything But Uniform

Major Melson, Staff Writer
November 16, 2017

The team begins to fill the tunnel. The smoke begins to roll out. The fans stand and shout for the home team as the excitement of the game begins to hit a fever pitch. The football team prepares to play their first game. But something’s different. They wear bright red uniforms with a new symbol...

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Major Melson lists some of the greatest sports movies.

8 Classic Sports Movies

Major Melson, Staff Writer
October 31, 2017

There are two things Americans love, movies and sports. When people can put both of these into one, the films speak for themselves. Even with the attribution of sports to the movies, they still manage to toy with our emotions and have us cheering on for the underdog. These are the top sports movies...

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Every MISD High School will get a new Multi-Purpose Athletic Building to be finished in August of 2019.

MISD Approves Plans for New Training Facility

Major Melson, Staff Writer
September 20, 2017

The saying “Everything's bigger in Texas” happens to be true in Mansfield. The school district’s new bond holds promise big things. And now after 10 years, it’s out with the old and in with the new. The new bond passed for an athletic facility on campus five times the size of what athletes...

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