This season, the Patterson Clippers swim team has shown that success isn’t just about speed–it’s about trust. From the first practice to the latest meet, the team has grown stronger by believing in one another and moving as one unit.
Every race, every workout, and every moment of doubt was met with encouragement and teamwork, proving that when we trust each other, we run harder and stronger. The coaches constantly remind players to stay locked in, even under pressure.
One of the most repeated reminders we hear is “Turn to the side. Breathe out of your mouth.” This more than just advice. It’s a symbol of staying calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. That mindset has helped us push through tough races and finish strong, no matter the challenge.
What truly sets the Clippers apart is our bond. We don’t just swim together; we support each other like family. Before every race, our team chant fills the air: “Family on 3, family on me… 1, 2, 3 FAMILY!” Those words remind us that no one competes alone. Every stride is backed by the trust and love of the entire team.
So far this season, the Patterson Clippers have proven that unity is our greatest strength. By trusting each other, listening to our coaches, and standing together as a family, we’ve built something bigger than wins; we’ve built a legacy.
Our women’s volleyball team played its first season since the retirement of Coach Leliani Jones, a coach who has mentored these women since 2019. After coaching volleyball at Patterson for six years, another goal-oriented leader by the name of Ms. Waker is attempting to fill Coach Jones’ shoes as Patterson’s new varsity volleyball coach.
Taking on the new role of a leader in these students lives both off and on the court, Coach Waker said, “I’ve always wanted to coach, so it was a perfect opportunity to challenge myself while doing what I enjoy, which is teaching kids to have fun and be confident in their abilities”. The returning volleyball athletes (three seniors, four juniors, two sophomores and a freshman) had to readjust to the new coach’s methods to be able to dominate.
A varsity coach who has never played volleyball and a JV coach with little to no coaching experience took charge and finished the season with five wins and seven losses. These coaches learned the rules of the game and each player’s personality within a few weeks, so the team could get back on the court.
A few weeks into September, the coaches tried introducing new rotations in the games so players felt more comfortable. “Lost games were often due to players set in the ways of their past coach and because players lacked stamina from choosing not to condition”, Coach Waker explained.
After a disappointing game against Reginald F. Lewis on September 18, the coaches came to the conclusion that their players lacked discipline and motivation. “I understand it was difficult for players to adapt from prior coaching but I wanted everyone to try their best to have fun and push through the discomfort.”, Coach Waker reflected.
The coaches were open to testing new ideas and learning from the team, and this growth mindset supported the players in their games. “Players were often asking to stay late after practice just to improve the team chemistry, drilling to keep their winning spirits up”, recounted varsity captain Alivia Wallece.
This is what made players realize that restarting doesn’t mean a world ending, it means a new world beginning. “Being more positive as a team will help us win instead of losing because we’re in our heads while playing“, said Sophomore varsity player Briel Gale.
After winning a few games towards the end of the season, the team tried their hardest to keep the winning streak up but found they were still frequently outmatched by the opposing team. The scores were relatively close after each set, but the Lady Clippers were often defeated by the end of the game.
However, the team refused to give up and the Lady Clippers persevered to win the final two games of the regular season, thereby qualifying for playoffs. Revitalized by this accomplishment, they were ready to face those county teams with Clipper pride. The team pushed through all distractions and fears and did their best.
Based on this outstanding late-season performance, the new coaching staff is confident that with more practice and time, the Lady Clippers have a bright future ahead of them. These individuals constantly bring light to the team about the circumstances they face instead of dwelling on them, even though they sometimes felt negative or frustrated themselves.
Even with all their disadvantages and sudden changes, the team still fought hard and made its mark. Our ladies are excited to come back next season, stronger than before, and show the world what being a Lady Clipper means!
The Patterson High School Varsity Football team has shown heart, hustle and hometown pride this season. Even with the doubts of others they kept pushing to be greater. Under the leadership of former coach Shauq, Coach Black and Coach Shonny, the team battled challenges and even won their first game against RFL. they kept the fans cheering from the first kickoff to the final whistle.
This year, the Clippers showcased grit both on offense and defense with standout performances from players like Devon Brown, an 11th grader who scored the first touchdown of the season for 33 yards. He played two positions–wide receiver and safety. Alongside Brown was Christian Jackson, an outstanding Quarterback who threw some amazing touchdowns. The Clippers football team has a lot to be proud of this school year and the coaches and players have aspirations for even greater things next Fall.
JV standout Sophomore Antonio Jones (Photo: Quaron Walker-Bey)
The Clipper basketball program looked to kick the season off in Patterson’s boys’ basketball home opener against Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly) on December 10, 2024. The team was coming off of a great season last year when a very talented point guard, Sincere Barfield, led the team to win the regional title.
The JV game started off quickly with the help of sophomore guard Antonio Jones pushing the tempo of the game, pushing the ball on fast breaks, running through sets. Zarion Steppe played a big role down bottom for the JV clippers. The JV game came down to the wire but in the end the JV offense couldn’t hit shots and they lost 44-48.
The varsity Clippers were there to set the tone for the school despite having a whole new roster and being without a 4 year returning senior Quaron Walker-Bey, but they looked to win the season opener. The game started off hot with threes from both teams, from the jump we all knew it was gonna be a good game. Going into halftime, our Clippers had the lead. It was back and forth all through the second half. Late in the fourth quarter, the Clippers had a 7 point lead but later blew it with a good late Poly run forcing overtime. Unfortunately, in overtime the Clippers couldn’t pull out the close win making them 0-1 to start the year.
After this upsetting loss to Poly, the Clippers bounced back and grabbed two wins against Friends and Carver before suffering a string of losses in early January. On January 16, Patterson pulled off another win, defeating Lake Clifton 63-51. However, the Clippers suffered another loss the next day when they fell to City College by a score of 71-40.
Despite these setbacks, Coach Baseline has very high hopes for this team. “We might have a rocky start due to us having a lot of new players and them not being used to our system but I’m looking forward to it”, he said. The coach is hopeful that the team can overcome the loss of many veteran players because he believes the group that he has now is very athletic and talented.
This year’s Patterson Indoor Track and Field team has been marked by records and milestones.
The boys’ team has set several school records. The 4 x 800 relay team of Joel Lukoo, Zawadi Dungi, Rancel Corporan Lagombra, and Vema Maneno set a school record. The 4 x 400 relay team of Zawadi Dungi, Joel Lukoo, Rancel Corporan Lagombra, and Marshall Mallory also set a school record and are 5 seconds away from making it to the high school indoor track national championships. Joel Lukoo set a school record in the 500 meters. Vema Maneno set a school record in the mile and a half mile and is 5 seconds away from making it to the high school indoor track national championships.
The girls’ team is very close to its first ever trophy for being in the top 3 teams in Baltimore City. They have the best distance runners in the city. Najah White AKA “Little Nae” and Nathalia Espino are the best 2 milers and milers in Baltimore City. Nyagarare Kuiy, Libni Colocho, and Annaelle Letono round out a very strong distance contingent. The relays are very strong. The 4 x 200 relay team of Dereon Taylor, Dayvia Weaver, Kamayah Daniels, and Indira Solomon is rapidly improving. The 4 x 800 relay team of Najah White, Nyagarare Kuiy, Dayvia Weaver, and Nathalia Espino are on the cusp of winning a medal in Baltimore City Championships. Mark January 22nd on your calendar for Baltimore City Indoor Track and Field Championships at the 5th Regiment Armory. It will be a historic occasion.
The Patterson Clippers varsity football team defeated the Douglass Eagles by a score of 42-0 at Patterson’s Homecoming game on Saturday, October 21.
Even before the game began, the team was excited and determined to win. “ It’s our homecoming we’re not losing, everybody is here, the crowd is live, and it’s a good day to play football!”, declared #5 QB/WR/S Te-lin Cabean. Cabean also stated that this was his first homecoming game as a Clipper so he was looking to make a good impression.
The Clippers came into the game hot and rolling for their Homecoming game against Douglass High school. Everyone was there: fans, students, the band, and alumni. It was just a great experience. From the jump, Patterson had the momentum. The first two plays were head top catches by Cabean–1 being for about 40 yards, and the other for a 30 yard touchdown. Normally Cabean would be the Quarterback, but the Clippers made a big change to their offensive lineup, bringing in Sophomore #22Donnell Richardson and moving Cabean to Wide Receiver.
The Clippers began to pour it on, adding more touchdowns by Richardson and #1 Kevin Evans, and also big plays by #84 E’Montae Austin and #52 Machi Thompson. They kept adding points to the scoreboard with back to back fumbles and touchdowns. Finally, the beating was over with Patterson taking the 42-0 Homecoming win.
After the game it was a good scene: the fans were hyped, the players were hyped, and it was just a great day to be a Clipper. It was also Senior Night, so all of the seniors were congratulated with a poster and pictures with the team and family. After the game, the new quarterback, Donnell Richardson, said, “ We just looked to have fun and play hard for our Homecoming and come out with a win, and that’s what we did. And we look to prepare for a great Mervo team at home next week”.
Spirit Week is held every year, once a year. It is a Patterson tradition where we can express ourselves, having fun by dressing up and being silly. This year Spirit Week happened on the week of October 7-11.
Usually Spirit Week is held on the week of Homecoming. However, this year was an exception. According to Ed Associate and Senior Class Advisor Mrs. Blankenfeld, Spirit Week was scheduled for the week before Homecoming week because there were SATs and PSATs during the week of Homecoming.
Each day during Sprit Week students and staff dressed according to different themes; Monday’s theme was “Dynamic Duos”, Tuesday’s was “Student/Teacher”, Wednesday’s was “Holiday Spirit”, Thursday’s was “Anything But a Backpack”, and Friday was “Cohort Colors”.
Mrs. Blankenfeld helped with Spirit Week but she wasn’t the one who came up with the idea. “Ms. Myrick, Mr. Sankofa, Jazzy [Blessett] and Coach Blum made Spirit Week”, Mrs. Blankenfeld explained. These were four of the people who were in the meeting that came up with the themes and Spirit Week itself. Since she wasn’t in the meeting she only knew a little about the planning process.
The fun on Friday didn’t end with wearing cohort colors; there was a pep rally in the afternoon followed immediately by a soccer game. Then there was a Homecoming dance on October 17th and a parade and Homecoming football game on Saturday, the19th.
Patterson High School Assistant Principal Mr. Sankofa has been running to raise money for Cohort 2025 senior activities.
Mr. Sankofa traveled to Richmond, Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to participate in running events. At “Run Richmond”, he ran 16.19K, clocking in at 1 hour and 39 seconds with a pace of 9.53 per mile. In “The Great Race” in Pittsburgh, Mr. Sankofa ran 10K, clocking in at 52 minutes with a pace of 8.25 per mile. So far, he has raised approximately $400.00 from families, Patterson colleagues, and friends who pledged to donate if he ran.
Mr. Sankofa began running in middle school and has been an avid runner ever since. He enjoys running for our school because he gets to work on his fitness and raise money for our school at the same time. His main supporters are his brothers because they also enjoy running together.
In my opinion, everything Mr. Sankofa is doing for us seniors is amazing. He’s doing something he enjoys and also rising money. It takes a lot to decide to take on a big role like that but he did it and he is definitely succeeding. This will help pay for senior events, prom, dances, etc.–anything we need money for.
“Running for Patterson was a great way for me to reach my fitness goals and also raise money for Patterson”, said Mr. Sankofa.
I appreciate it and I know many other seniors and teachers in our school appreciate and are very thankful for what Mr. Sankofa is doing for Patterson High School.
The Clippers varsity football team looked to get their first win at on September 26 against their crosstown school rival, Edmondson-Westside High School. The game took place at Patterson.
“We just look to be physical today, and play our game of football the way we know how to and go out and get a win”, said DL/OL Machi Thompson before the game.
The game started a bit slow, with both teams’ running and passing games failing to rack up points. In the second half, both teams picked up the pace, with the Clippers scoring two passing touchdowns and Edmondson rushing for a touchdown.
Photo: Quaron Walker-Bey
The game almost got a little ugly when the referees and coaches didn’t agree on certain calls on the sideline, while on the field the tension between the players started to rise as the stakes of the game had gotten higher and higher as the game went on.
At this point, in the 2nd half of the game, the Clippers and the Red Storm traded blow after blow. There was a span of plays on the drives where the Clippers made a big play then turned the ball over to the Red Storm, and then the Red Storm made a big play and fumbled the ball. The game was so competitive that it went into overtime. Edmondson started with the ball in overtime until the Clippers received the ball back. The Clippers ended the overtime with a touchdown, giving them their first win of the season.
“We just played our game the way we know how, trusted our coaches and each other, and listened to our coaches, and we came out with our first win today”, said Thompson after the game.
The final score was 20-14 as the Clippers claimed their first victory of the season.
Patterson scores against the Douglass Mighty Ducks (Photo: Vema Maneno)
by Vema Maneno — with files from Yastelin Sanchez Turcios and Dasha Peraza Sandoval
The Patterson boys soccer team has been defending their City Championship from last year, and so far they have done so without a loss. The Clippers have started their season with seven wins, no losses, and one hard fought tie against City.
Last year the team had an incredible season but fell short in the Regional Final, losing in the final minutes to Poly. However, despite losing nine seniors last season, the team has picked up where they left off.
“We have tried to build a culture of family and teamwork,” Coach Ober said. “The results usually follow once we have connected on a personal level with each other and built chemistry.”
Patterson is the most diverse school in Baltimore City Public Schools, and the soccer team is no different. The starting 11 players in the first game of the season had players representing seven different countries, including South Sudan, Honduras, El Salvador, United States, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania.
When you have players from so many backgrounds and experiences, who speak different languages, it is a challenge to build communication and a team identity, but it is something Coach Ober loves.
“The diversity of the team is truly beautiful,” he said. “Getting to know people from all over the world and seeing them connect and build friendships is far more valuable than anything we do on the field. Soccer is the most powerful sport to connect people and I see it year after year. It is their common language.”
The team has to put a lot of effort into preparing for the games.
“I try to build their confidence and help them learn their positioning. We work a lot with positioning drills so they can learn it easier. I also get them to operate as a team so that they can help each other.”
Photos: Vema Maneno, Mabondo Biribuza, Yastelin Sanchez Turcios, Dasha Peraza Sandoval, and Mr. Frederick
Coach Ober believes that it’s important for his players to be successful both on the field and in the classroom.
“Every day we practice and we have study hall once a week. We watch films at times as well during study hall.”
Communication is also important for the team.
“The only errors we ever have are communication errors, like communicating with the coach when you are going to miss practice. Other than that we do not have many issues or errors.”, said Coach Ober.
Coach Ober shouted out the best players that did exceptionally well so far this season.
“Tim has scored the most for us so far most likely. Offensively, Daniel and Joseph have been doing a great job, and Joel, Victor, Yeyson, Martin, and Vema are doing great on defense. Everyone on the team plays an important role and helps the team win.”
On October 15, the Varsity team clinched back-to-back City Championships with a 3-2 double overtime win over Poly. After being down 2-0 with 15 minutes to go, the team rallied behind goals from Tiem Kuiy and Daniel Gutierrez to send the game into overtime.
With only 31 seconds to go in double overtime (which would have ended the game in a tie and made Poly the champions), Daniel Gutierrez hit an incredible goal to end the game and win the title.
On Friday, October 25, the Clippers will face off against Bel Air at Patterson for the Regional Semi-Final playoff. The game starts at 3:45 PM and is free to attend.
Patterson scores the winning goal against Poly to seize the City Championship (Video: Mr. Martin)
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