As a result of the slumping American economy, schools across the country have been forced to make deep budget cuts and hike fees. South is no exception. South athletes will have to pay an increased fee in order to compete in next year’s sports seasons. High school athletics fees are slated to rise from $210 to $300 per sport with a $900 family cap. Some sports, like hockey, will also rise from $260 to $400 and football will see a 95 percent increase from $210 to $400.

An Olympic runner fitting running shoes sounds unrealistic. Yet Mike Roche is the owner of Boston Running Company in Newton Centre, and has been designing shoes for 25 years. He is a former Olympic runner as well.

Seniors Brandon Caldwell and Alex Karys have been throwing shot put since last year and have enjoyed playing the sport.

When he was 15 years old, he could dunk: on a full-size basketball hoop When he was at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst he played under legendary National Collegiate Athletic Association coach John Calipari.

Most successful teams have one thing in common: a strong fanbase. South’s track team, however, finds success on the field without much support from the bleachers.

Injuries of all kinds have affected student athletes at South throughout this academic year.

The spring season has arrived. For some, sports become another item to add to their already full plate of schoolwork, extracurricular, SAT tutoring, and some form of instrumental practice. For others, they become a sense of organization and relief.