The Fielder has just placed second at a conference for the first time ever.  

“I am beyond proud of this team – every single one of them who came out and did their best,” journalism advisor Renee Nieckula said.

The Fielder is a smaller team than most other schools, as the conference is ranked on total points with no regard to population. The Fielder has rarely placed higher than fourth. This is a historical occasion as this has never happened in the 70 years of The Fielder’s existence. 

The Fielder claimed a total of 16 places in the conference, and they are confident in their ability to do well in sectionals. 

“It was so exciting to be with everyone and to see the team succeed. I know we have tons of talent in this group and we can push to win Sectionals,” Tyler Ibarra, entertainment editor who won first place in review writing and second in sports writing, said.

Four other first places were claimed by Lee Hoffee for headline writing, Alexis Listermann for newspaper design, Hailey Fay for editorial writing, and Sara Stoztak for copy editing. 

Sara Stozak had only two weeks of practice before the competition. 

“I’m pleasantly surprised that I won. I didn’t have a goal except to try my best and have fun with it,” Stozak said.

Holly Winiars claimed second in both feature writing and copy editing. She was one of the two people, including Ibarra, to claim multiple medals.

Maya Gutierrez was the only third-place qualifier, taking home a medal for feature writing.

In addition to the 8 medalists, the Fielder has several other All-Conference placers. 

Natalie Adelman, Nick Rees, and Sean Dorsey worked together to receive fourth place in video news.

Jonny VanHam received fourth in review writing alongside Fay who received fourth in advertising.

Riley Listermann received sixth place in sports writing, Diana Salinas received sixth place in yearbook copywriting, and Alexis Listermann received sixth in editorial writing.