Week Three

This past week was challenging and I learned a lot about sports reporting, as our sports reporter was on vacation and I was the fill-in.

It was a better mix of articles and photos, but I struggled with procrastination on the writing front and ended up with only a couple of hours of sleep last night to finish a few articles, one of which didn't even run.

I also had my most interesting day of shooting so far, with the World Chicken Dance Championships out at Blackfoot Crossing at Siksika Nation. The colours and regalia are so fantastic to see, plus I happened to meet a Calgary Herald photographer on her day off, who helped me out and just generally gave great encouragement. Special thanks to Leah Hennel on this first shot, she held the flash and gave me advice on how to position the young chicken dancer who was so willing to help out.

DeMarcus Pacheco, 10, of the Yakama Nation, came all the way from Spokane, Washington to compete in the 4th Annual World Chicken Dance Championship at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on Saturday, June 18. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY 

Two-year-old Hunter Deerfoot of the Blood Tribe near Lethbridge gets a helping hand in the grand entry of the 4th Annual World Chicken Dance Championship at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on Saturday, June 18. Dancers came from as far as California to compete in the traditional chicken dance. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Emma Wolper, a graduate of Holy Cross Collegiate, is off to North Idaho College on a two-year volleyball scholarship. Wolper finished school a semester early and is looking forward to playing volleyball at the college level. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Strathmore High School student Shelby Lausen is off to North Idaho College on a two-year volleyball scholarship. The 18 year old Carseland native is excited to play volleyball at the college level. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Russell Warrack (far right) and Brandon Freeman (centre) of the Junior B Tier 2 Venom chase after Tanner Rennich of the Cranbrook Elite at the Venom's last home game of the season on Sunday, June 19. The game ended in an 8-8 tie, putting the Venom's season at a 5-5-1 record. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY