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The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
Namir Awan

Namir Awan, Sports Editor

Namir is a senior and the Sports Editor for The Sidekick. Namir loves to watch and play basketball and football. Namir enjoys learning about history because he likes learning about the past. He also loves to play video games with his friends; his favorite game is Rocket League. Namir also works at Kumon; he enjoys working there because he enjoys helping kids learn math and reading. Namir is excited for this upcoming year as he goes into his third year and becoming a leader on The Sidekick. You can contact him at [email protected].

All content by Namir Awan
Coppell senior guard Drew Wagner hustles back on defense after a successful bucket by Coppell on Tuesday against Richardson on Tuesday at CHS Arena. Wagner’s adaptability and leadership has aided him in overcoming adversity throughout his basketball career. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

Wagner energizing team with leadership

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
December 19, 2024
Coppell senior cornerback Zachary Durbin embraces his mother, Rachel Durbin, following a loss to North Crowley at Vernon Newsom Stadium on Saturday. The Panthers defeated the Cowboys, 35-24, in the Class 6A Division I Region I semifinals. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

State championship run screeches to halt

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
December 2, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin looks to throw against Lake Highlands on Nov. 22 at John Clark Stadium. Coppell plays North Crowley at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mansfield's Vernon Newsom Stadium in the Class 6A Division I Region I semifinals. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

State-ranked powerhouses clash in regional semifinal showdown

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 30, 2024
Coppell senior running back O’marion Mbakwe evades Lake Highlands sophomore defensive back Holden Layne on Friday at John Clark Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 38-10, in the Class 6A Division I Region I area playoffs. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

Domination in second round sets up biggest game of season

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 25, 2024
rosper junior linebacker Cade Smallwood tackles Coppell senior wide receiver Harry Hassmann on Nov. 15 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys play Lake Highlands on Friday in the Class 6A Division I Region I area playoffs. Photo by Kayla Nguyen.

State championship journey goes to Plano

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 21, 2024
Coppell senior running back Josh Lock evades the Prosper defense to score a touchdown at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles in the Class 6A Division I Region I bi-district Playoffs, 35-27.

Fishpaw ends a night of comebacks

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 18, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin evades Flower Mound Marcus junior linebacker Vincent Bui on Nov. 7 at Buddy Echols Field winning 47-28. The Cowboys play Prosper in the Class 6A Division II Region I bi-district playoffs on Friday at Buddy Echols Field.

December dreaming as playoff run begins on home turf

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 15, 2024
The Coppell football team celebrates its victory against Flower Mound Marcus, completing a 10-0 regular season and District 5-6A championship on Thursday at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys won 47-28, making program history with back-to-back undefeated regular seasons.

10-0: Cowboys make history by handling Marauders

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 9, 2024
CHS9 special education aide Deepa Appachetolanda, librarian Brenna Conway, math teacher Gunjan Jain and instructional aide Rasmita Pydisetti take pictures in the library on Friday to celebrate Diwali. Diwali is the Hindu festival of light. Photo by Nyah Rama

Diwali lighting up CHS9 community

Nyah Rama and Namir Awan
November 6, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin stiff arms Flower Mound junior safety Corbin Ridenour on Friday at Neal E. Wilson Jaguar Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Jaguars, 42-14. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

District champions reign again

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 4, 2024
Coppell senior Bryson Patten kicks off after a touchdown against Denton Braswell on Oct. 25 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys play Flower Mound on Friday as they look to secure the District 5-6A championship. Photo by Caitlyn Concepcion

District Championship in reach as Cowboys head to Flower Mound

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 1, 2024
The Coppell cross country team competed at the Lubbock Regional Championships on Monday and Tuesday at Mae Simmons Park. Sophomore Maya Easterwood placed second, qualifying for state. Photo illustration by Manasa Borra and Nyah Rama

State Bound

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 24, 2024
The Coppell defense tackles Lewisville senior tight end Gabriel Lewis as he fights for yardage at the 40-yard line. The Cowboys beat the Farmers, 55-28, at the Max Goldsmith stadium on Friday.

Griffin, Cowboys use second half to send Farmers out to pasture

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 20, 2024
The Coppell cross country team ran on Oct. 11 at the District 5-6A Meet with sophomore Maya Easterwood placing second and senior Pranav Vegiraju placing third at North Lakes Park in Denton. The boys placed third and advance to the Class 6A Region I Championship and the girls lost the tiebreaker.

Cowboys advance as dream stays alive

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 18, 2024
Coppell senior safety Alex Kraus and senior outside linebacker Matthew Neitzel celebrate a fumble recovery against Denton Guyer at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on Oct. 4. The Cowboys play Lewisville at Max Goldsmith Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.

The battle for No. 1

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 18, 2024
Coppell senior running back O’Marion Mbakwe breaks through the banner prior to kickoff against Waxahachie at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium on Sept. 6. Mbakwe plays a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense, showcasing his work ethic on and off the field.

Running through hardships

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 15, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Ethan Schuy breaks past Denton Guyer junior safety Jaylon Sterling for a touchdown at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 31-24.

Kraus, Cowboys take Homecoming from Wildcats

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 5, 2024
Coppell senior running back Josh Lock approaches the end zone as Hebron junior defensive back Kylan Smart tails him during the homecoming game at Buddy Echols Field on Sept. 27. The Cowboys defeated the Hawks, 49-14, in their first district game of the 2024-25 season.

Rematch: Cowboys, Wildcats ready to run it back in 5-6A showdown

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 4, 2024
A blessing in disguise for Wiley, a challenge for Noonan, thankfulness for Wren and a young test for Ross. As fall sports are in season, Coppell coaches are making their mark on their programs.

Fall sports bringing lessons to coaches

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 25, 2024
On Saturday, the Coppell cross country team went into the Lovejoy XC Fall Festival at Myers Park in McKinney, resting and getting ready for this week’s meet in Round Rock. The race was close for sophomore Maya Easterwood as she was seven seconds off catching the state champion.

Rest and recover

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 20, 2024
Coppell senior cross country runner Pranav Vegiraju has emerged as a source of reliance and leadership for the cross country team. Vegiraju has been running for three years and recently posted his fastest 5K time of 14:59.9 at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational on Aug. 17 at Lake View Camp.

Vegiraju vies for victory

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 19, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Tucker Cusano evades Waxahachie senior cornerback Elijah Thompson as he catches a touchdown at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium in Waxahachie on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Indians, 28-27, in their first overtime game since October 2021.

Cowboys down Indians in first OT game in three years

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 7, 2024
Sachse junior quarterback Dirk Williams Jr. is tripped by Coppell senior linebacker Weston Polk in last week’s 31-10 Cowboys victory at Buddy Echols Field. Coppell plays at Waxahachie on Friday at 7 p.m.

Indians to host Cowboys in first showdown

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 5, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin evades the defense as the pocket is starting to collapse. Coppell played Sachse on Friday with Sachse losing 31-10.

Cowboys honor seniors with season-opening win against Mustangs

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
August 31, 2024
Coppell practices at Buddy Echols Field on Thursday in preparation for its first game. Coppell hosts Sachse at 7 p.m. on Friday at Buddy Echols Field.

Every game 1-0

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
August 29, 2024
Coppell cross country ran at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational on Aug. 17 at Lake View Camp. Coppell senior Pranav Vegiraju placed 1st in the boy’s race while sophomore Maya Easterwood placed 1st in the girl’s division, beating out 2nd by 49 seconds.

Cross country impresses as season begins with highlights

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
August 22, 2024
Coppell opens the 2024 cross country season on Saturday at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational. Coppell is opening the season off with the intent to win after losing their two fastest runners last year.

Victory on their minds

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
August 16, 2024
Coppell girls basketball coach Ryan Murphy has been named new head coach of the Coppell boys basketball team, replacing Clint Schnell who resigned following the 2023-24 season. Murphy led the Cowgirls to the 2023 Class 6A state semifinals.

Murphy takes over Cowboys as new head basketball coach

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
May 22, 2024
Coppell sophomore Duncan Ross looks to pass against McKinney sophomore Hagen Land on May 4 at Lesley Field for the Class A Super Regionals. Coppell defeated Mckinney, 8-7.

Cowboys comeback in first round

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
May 6, 2024
Coppell senior Brodie Scott dives to make it back to first base as Prosper first place Jordan Fernandez makes the tag on a pickoff attempt on Friday night during Game 2 of the Class 6A Region I bi-district best-of-three series. Prosper won Games 2, 10-0, and Game 3, 13-1, on Saturday at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex to take the series.

Eagles’ bats soar to series win to end Coppell’s baseball season

Nyah Rama and Namir Awan
May 5, 2024
AP United States History teacher Kevin Casey is retiring after spending 28 of his 30 years teaching at Coppell. Casey leaves CHS as the National Honor Society sponsor as he plans to golf, tend to his garden and travel with his wife.

Endless summer awaits for veteran Casey

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
May 3, 2024
Coppell sophomore Ian Nichols makes a save against Lovejoy on Feb. 29. The Coppell boys lacrosse team hosts McKinney at 10:00 a.m. at Lesley Field in the Class A Super Regionals.

Looking to build their streak

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
May 3, 2024
In the Class 6A Region I Track and Field Meet at UT Arlington on April 12, Coppell had a total of eight state qualifiers and 12 area champions. Along with the numerous qualifiers, many school records were broken.

Coppell races into the record books

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
April 30, 2024
Coppell senior goalkeeper Jacob Campbell misses a save on a free kick by Prosper senior forward Caden Berg at Prosper Children’s Health Stadium on Tuesday. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 2-0, in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs.

Playoff journey ends in defeat to Prosper

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Senior Noah Hoenig steps up to the plate on Friday against Flower Mound Marcus at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Saturday. The Marauders defeated the Cowboys 7-4.

Cowboys slip up late against Marcus

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Coppell junior forward Caden Naef and Plano East senior midfielder Toby Nouanesengsy rush for possession at Buddy Echols Field on March 1. Coppell plays Prosper at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the Class 6A Division Region I bi-district playoffs at Children’s Health Stadium at PISD.

Coppell set to clash with Prosper in playoff opener

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 25, 2024
Coppell swim senior Sean Li leads Coppell swim as team captain. Li takes on New York University as a business major and looks to continue swimming in college.

Making waves at state

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 21, 2024
Valley Ranch Elementary School’s playground equipment is rusted and showing wear and tear. Proposition A of the Coppell ISD Bond Package allows for playground renovations for all district elementary schools aside from Canyon Ranch Elementary School.

Playground pioneers

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 4, 2024
Coppell tennis coach Alyssa Noonan is a recipient of the Kim Enocksen Integrity Award from the Texas Tennis Coach Association. The 2023-24 school year is Noonan’s first year coaching tennis in Coppell.

[Photo] State tennis organization recognizes Noonan for leading by example

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
Coppell JV Bronze-Green Hockey team listen to coach DJ Graham detail instructions for practice. Coppell hockey has won consecutive state championships, but this year a smaller roster has resulted in a growing JV team.

Rebuild mode for Coppell hockey is in session

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
February 1, 2024
Coppell sophomore Emery Darrow attempts a reverse pike dive at Coppell YMCA on Jan. 24. As Coppell dive team captain, Darrow has broken several school records and consistently places in competition.

Diving for greatness

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
February 1, 2024
Coppell senior guard Gabe Pehl dribbles around with Hebron senior Jalen Hayes defending on Tuesday. Coppell won against Hebron at the CHS Arena, 48 - 46, on Tuesday.

Survive and advance is the name of the game

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
January 31, 2024
Coppell freshman guard Tre Watson drives against Flower Mound junior shooting guard Evan Leyman on Friday. Coppell plays Hebron on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at CHS Arena.

Seniors look for memories against Hawks on Senior Night

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
January 30, 2024
Coppell senior Cooper Johnson has elevated his game this year and is vying for a state wrestling championship. Johnson is currently the Coppell boys wrestling captain and is motivated by his desire to inspire others to reach their goals.

[Photo] Johnson prevails as hammering force in wrestling

Neha Nathwani, Staff Writer
January 23, 2024
Coppell freshman wrestler Josh Perez wrestles a Lewisville player in the Coppell Round-Up at the Coppell High School Fieldhouse on Nov 17. The Cowboys placed third in this meet as they look forward to another good year of wrestling.

Time to step up

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
December 7, 2023
Coppell senior guard Ella Spiller attempts to cross up a defender from Frisco Memorial at CHS Arena on Nov. 28. Having played basketball for 13 years, Spiller serves as a leader to the Cowgirls both in and out of the court.

Injuries no match for Spiller’s drive

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
December 7, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton rises over senior safety Ashton Williams for a touchdown reception on Saturday at Choctaw Stadium. The Cowboys season ended with a 52-45 loss to the Bobcats in the Class 6A Division II Region I semifinals.

Column: From underlooked to the team to beat

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 29, 2023
Senior wide receiver Baron Tipton brings in one of his three touchdown receptions on Thursday against Dallas Jesuit at Ford Center in Frisco. Coppell defeated Jesuit, 42-23, in the Division II Region I Area playoffs as a comeback effort in the third quarter fell short by Jesuit.

Tipton’s hat trick surges offense in crucial win

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 17, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin scrambles for a first down during the first quarter against Denton Guyer at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 35-21, to make it to the second round of playoffs.

Coppell fights through comeback efforts by Wildcats

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 13, 2023
The Coppell football team holds the Class 6-6A district championship trophy at John Clark Stadium on Friday. Coppell defeated Plano 44-0, to finish the regular season 10-0.

Guyer awaits district champions as dream of state title begins

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 4, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Luca Grosoli rushes against the Flower Mound defense at Buddy Echols Field on Oct. 27. Coppell plays Plano at John Clark Stadium at 7 p.m. tonight for the final game of the regular season.

Striving for regular season perfection

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 3, 2023

Rangers spirit takes over Coppell with first World Series win (video)

Sukirtha Muthiah, Nrithya Mahesh, and Namir Awan
November 2, 2023
Coppell High School senior Jackson Cusano rushes to get back to Buddy Echols Field for halftime at the Coppell football game against Plano East on Oct. 13. Cusano fills the role of team manager with kindness and attention to support the team.

Equipping for success

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
October 24, 2023
Coppell junior wide receiver Tucker Cusano makes a catch in traffic against Lewisville at Buddy Echols Field on Sept. 29. The Cowboys are on a roll defeating the reigning district champions and are 4–0 with huge aspirations to go further for the state championship.

Playoff hopeful

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
October 5, 2023
Coppell freshman cross country runners Lucas Ortigoza and Henry Hayden run through the CHS parking lot as a part of early morning practice. The Coppell cross country team has been focusing on improving their endurance and stamina as the District 6-6A Championship on Oct. 13 approaches.

Time for district championship

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
October 5, 2023
Cowboys running back Omarion Mbakwe makes a diving catch against Lewisville at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. Coppell won, 49-28, against the district champions.

Cowboys upset district champion Farmers in style

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
October 2, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton catches a pass from junior quarterback Edward Griffin during the third quarter against South Grand Prairie at Gopher-Warrior Bowl on Friday 9/1. Coppell defeated the Warriors, 44-34. The Cowboys face Lewisville tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field in their second District 6-6A game of the season against the reigning district champions.

Proving their status

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
September 28, 2023
The Coppell girls cross country team stretches at Buddy Echols Field after completing their morning run on Sep. 14. Tomorrow morning, the top 32 runners in the program will run at the Hoka/McNeil Invitational in Round Rock.

Two meets away

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
September 24, 2023
Coppell High School senior Ansh Lala serves as vice president for Coppell Band. Lala traveled more than 10,000 miles this summer, marching for the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps and performing in more than 40 competitions.

Lala takes on Boston as youngest member of prestigious marching band

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
September 21, 2023
The Coppell High School Band practices in the CHS parking lot on Sept. 7 with temperatures hitting 104 degrees. High temperatures have hit Coppell throughout the summer.

[Photo] Campus adjusts to adapt to extreme heat

Ishana Sharma, Staff Writer
September 13, 2023
Coppell High School has eliminated C days for the 2023-24 school year. The campus returns to an A/B schedule, reminiscent of the 2021-22 school year.

Nothing to C Here

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
September 8, 2023
A bird sits on a tree at Coppell High School grounds. With spring in full motion, birds and squirrels have started to appear around CHS. (Photo by Paarth Dutta)

Animals come out as spring is in motion

Namir Awan and Paarth Dutta
May 19, 2023

Outside the classroom: Michelle Hauske shares why art is important

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
May 19, 2023
Pluggin in... Sports Update

Pluggin in… Sports Update

Namir Awan
April 21, 2023
Spring arrives in Coppell

Spring arrives in Coppell

Namir Awan and Paarth Dutta
March 27, 2023

Asking Educators… advice with Mrs. Webb

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
March 6, 2023
Coppell junior forward Luca Grosoli carries past the defense on Friday at Buddy Echols Field. Coppell plays Plano West tonight at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.

[Photo] An ode to Taco Bell

Shreya Ravi, Staff Photographer
February 16, 2023
Coppell junior forward Luca Grisoli dribbles past the defense on a fast break on Friday at Buddy Echols Field. The Coppell boys soccer team was defeated, 2-1, by Lewisville.

[Photo] Cowboys suffer loss in a close match against Lewisville

Nashad Mohamed, Staff Writer
January 30, 2023
Plugging in... Sports Update

Plugging in… Sports Update

Paarth Dutta and Namir Awan
January 19, 2023
Coppell senior point guard Caleb Soto penetrates the defense to score a contested layup on Friday at CHS Arena. Plano defeated Coppell, 58-40.

[Photo] Cowboys run into stone wall defense in 58-40 defeat

Nyah Rama, Staff Writer
January 17, 2023
Coppell High School special education teacher Laura Hynson decorated the inside of her classroom with a small tree. CHS teachers are putting up holiday decorations for the holidays to show Christmas spirit. (Photo by Paarth Dutta)

Coppell celebrates Christmas with decorations

Namir Awan and Paarth Dutta
December 14, 2022
Sibusiso Ncube-Socks is a freshman on varsity basketball and strengthens his playing skills by applying academic principles. Ncube-Socks has an extensive basketball background which has helped him adjust to playing at the varsity level.

[Photo] A perfect formula for basketball

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist
November 22, 2022
Coppell senior quarterback Jack Fishpaw drops back for a pass as senior defensive tackle Mavari McDonald holds a tight block on Monday at Buddy Echols Field. The Coppell football team is preparing for its first playoff game in two years against McKinney on Friday at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.

Cowboys prepping for playoff matchup with McKinney

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 7, 2022
Coppell senior wide receiver Zach Darkoch throws a pass down field on a trick play on Oct. 21 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys defeated Hebron, 43-35.

Cowboys hang on as Hawks late comeback falls short

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 4, 2022
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