9/14/13
SURPRISE: The National Guard and the AGA Rise Above BMX team came to Poly to entertain students at lunch.
By Jared Kanouse and
Kate Weggeland, Staff Writers.
On Thursday, September 12, 2013 the AGA Rise Above BMX team performed during lunch. The Rise Above BMX team, sponsored by the National Guard, replaced Club Rush for the day. Students were informed of the event over the announcements in their fourth period classes.
Three large BMX ramps were set up in the 800’s quad by the time fourth period ended. This “special event” was intended to promote the involvement of students with the National Guard. Three members of the Rise Above BMX team, Corey Yarbrough, Eric Trombley and Ron Thomas began the show by performing freestyle tricks on the newly constructed ramps. Thomas, the leader of the BMX team, chose four students to participate in one of his tricks. The four students, along with Yarbrough, lay down side-by-side as Trombley completed a jump over them.
“The tricks were really impressive. I was surprised that they were able to do the tricks so well. They seemed difficult and I was worried for the students chosen to participate,” Lauren Bywater (10) said.
The National Guard and the AGA Rise Above BMX teams educated people while providing entertainment. The National Guard presented information about joining the force. Thomas then talked about bike safety and the importance of protecting your body while performing in extreme sports like BMX.
Principal Roe also participated in the activity as lunch time came to a close. Thomas performed a full backflip directly over Roe, who was sitting in a chair on the ramp. “I thought the backflip over Dr. Roe was really exciting,” Sarina Briseno (11) said.
“You don’t see BMX ramps in the quads of our school often. The show provided more entertainment than I would usually have at lunch. I hope to see Poly become more involved with fun and exciting activities like BMX,” Helen Krieger (10) stated.