The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
Caleb Melville

Caleb Melville, staff reporter

Junior staffer Caleb Melville is a second year Knight and journalism student. At McCallum, Caleb participates in both The Shield and The Knight, along with choir. Caleb joined MacJournalism because of his love of photography, both nature and sports. Outside of school, Caleb enjoys fishing, rock climbing, and being outside in general. After he graduates, Caleb wants to pursue a career as a Texas Game Warden.

All content by Caleb Melville
The Blue Brigade performs at halftime of the McCallum-Seguin football game at Matador Stadium on Oct. 18, 2019.

Halftime horns and hoops (October 2019) by Caleb Melville

Caleb Melville
August 19, 2021

The Blue Brigade performs at halftime of the McCallum-Seguin football game at Matador Stadium on Oct. 18, 2019.

HYPE IN THE HOUSE: We continue our weekend series of #TacoShack encore galleries with one focusing on the pregame pageantry at House Park prior to kickoff. The golden hour surely helped our photographers get good shots, but the impossible-to-miss atmosphere of enthusiasm surrounding the annual rivalry game was the real star. Anderson went on the win the game, 29-7, for the Trojans' first victory since 2015.

Hype in the House (August 2019) by Caleb Melville

Caleb Melville
August 19, 2021

Shield reporter Kate Boyle chose this image of the Taco Shack Game in August 2019, taken by Caleb Melville. Taco Shack is the annual rivalry game of McCallum vs. Anderson. “I loved the joy that this...

STICKING WITH TRADITION: The McCallum Blue Brigade sticks the final pose during "Last Dance" to conclude their first Spring Show of 2021 on Friday April 16. “My favorite dance is ‘Last Dance’ because it's such a classic!” junior member Natalie Dean said. I think it’s so fun, happy and a great way to end spring show every year,” The routine is full of memories for members past and present as it has been performed at the end of every spring show since 1991. Speaking of traditions, Dean helped to keep another spring show tradition alive when she made a slide show that included photos from the season as well as a tribute to seniors that included current and baby pictures of each graduating dancer.  Reporting by Grace Nugent.

Blue Brigade ends tough year with triumphant show

Marley Angle, Carly Johnson, Lucy Marco, Anna McClellan, Caleb Melville, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Samantha Powers, Lindsey Plotkin, Lydia Reedy, Anna Schlett, Alice Scott, Alysa Spiro, Javier Vela, and Kennedy Weatherby
April 27, 2021

After not having a spring show in 2020 and after a 2020-2021 campaign that director Nancy Searle said was often characterized by frustrations, disappointments and cancellations, the Blue Brigade ended...

By following safety protocols, the girls soccer season has stayed on track, with the team poised to win a district title and then make a run in the state playoffs.

[Photo] Why high school athletes should be allowed to play

Anna McClellan, design and visuals editor
March 7, 2021

By following safety protocols, the girls soccer season has stayed on track, with the team poised to win a district title and then make a run in the state playoffs.

LEAPS AND DOWNS: Coach Chris Russell and junior safety Jake Hissey celebrate after Hissey’s tackle forced a turnover on downs in the second half of the Knights’ 14-0 victory over district opponent Marble Falls at House Park on Nov. 5. The Knight defense stifled the Mustang offense throughout the game and created three turnovers on downs in the second half alone.

[Photo] Photos of the week

November 11, 2014

LEAPS AND DOWNS: Coach Chris Russell and junior safety Jake Hissey celebrate after Hissey’s tackle forced a turnover on downs in the second half of the Knights’ 14-0 victory over district opponent...

Senior Blue Brigade co-captain Matthew Vargas leaps during the Dec. 11 halftime show, a field pom dance to “Edge of Glory.” The game turned out to be the end of the Knights’ season, and the last time the Blue Brigade seniors would perform at halftime of a high school football game. “I was really excited and optimistic,” Vargas said of his feelings before Friday’s game. “The sunset was so pretty and it just set the mood and I was happy.” By halftime, the Knights’ trailed by 21 points and the future looked bleak for the season, but Blue Brigade was still excited for its performance. “I knew it would be the last performance, so I just wanted to give it my all, and honestly I have never felt so happy during a performance. Hitting that ending pose gave me the chills, and I had such a big smile under my mask.”

[Photo] MacJ ties for second in NSPA Clips and Clicks contest

January 30, 2021

Senior Blue Brigade co-captain Matthew Vargas leaps during the Dec. 11 halftime show, a field pom dance to “Edge of Glory.” The game turned out to be the end of the Knights’ season, and the last...

Senior lineman Charlie Pecina kneels, taking in his last few moments on the field at House Park as a McCallum football player. Pecina said the team was optimistic heading into Friday's bi-district playoff game. “Going into the game I knew we had to win or else it would be my last game in a McCallum jersey, but I felt confident because the coaches and the team felt like we had a good week of practice.” The game was a tough one as the Knights lost several players to injury or penalties. Despite the attrition, Pecina said he and his teammates left all they had on the field. Pecina made one of the game's best plays for the home team, a first-quarter interception the extinguished a Patriot scoring threat. “Things didn’t go our way with calls and injuries, but that doesn’t matter. We still played our game and still put the most effort we could into the game.” Although the game was a loss, Pecina focused on the progress he, and his teammates have made. “Even though we lost I was proud of how far we came from only winning one game our freshman year to having a winning season and making the playoffs.”

Seniors share their emotions as their high school football experience ends with Friday’s playoff loss

Caleb Melville, staff photographer
December 15, 2020

I’ve covered varsity football for Mac for three years now, and I’ve seen almost every outcome possible from a game. I’ve seen players at their best, and at their worst and I’ve gotten to experience...

Twins, Andrea and Valentina Paredes walk down the brightly lit football field during the pre-game ceremonies as they are recognized for their hard work as Senior Blue Brigade co-lieutenants. “I’ve been in Blue Brigade since my freshman year, and it’s been a lot of work trying to improve my skills to get to the point of being an officer, but I think it’s been a really great experience,” Andrea said.

[Photo] These twins have twice the talent

December 7, 2020

Twins, Andrea and Valentina Paredes walk down the brightly lit football field during the pre-game ceremonies as they are recognized for their hard work as Senior Blue Brigade co-lieutenants. “I’ve...

Seniors Andrea and Valentina Paredes are honored with their parents on senior night at the McCallum homecoming game on Friday.

Seniors Andrea and Valentina Paredes are honored with their parents on senior night at the McCallum homecoming game on Friday.

Coach Russell and the Knights celebrate after Jake Allison recovers a Marble Falls fumble. The Knight defense played a stout game, allowing no points and creating two fumble recoveries and one interception while holding the Mustangs' run-heavy offense to 281 total yards. “They had fumbled it earlier in the game, so the fact that we were able to get a forced fumble that we recovered set the tone for the game” Allison said. Photo by Caleb Melville.

Suffocating Knight defense wills Mac to signature win over new District 14-5A-2 rival, Marble Falls

Caleb Melville, staff reporter
November 10, 2020

In a game with significant playoff implications for both teams, the McCallum Knights defeated the Marble Falls Mustangs, 14-0, at House Park on Thursday night in what must be acknowledged as the Knights'...

Athletic teams such as the football team shown here are following safety protocols such as wearing facial masks and practicing social distancing during weight training and team exercises, but sports, especially football, volleyball and basketball, require contact and close proximity between athletes, which increases risk of exposure to COVID-19.

[Photo] Student athletes to be assigned to separate learning groups so they are only with teammates, coaches

Samantha Powers, news editor
October 5, 2020

Athletic teams such as the football team shown here are following safety protocols such as wearing facial masks and practicing social distancing during weight training and team exercises, but sports, especially...

While many Austinites fiddle their days away stuck at home, a sizable group of less fortunate souls must continue their struggle for survival on the streets. The irony in this picture speaks to me as the man on the right leans against a sign asking people to stay home and slow the spread, with all his worldly belongings in the suitcase to his left. The homeless population has felt the toll of this virus as much as, or more than any of us. Photo by Caleb Melville.

Austin streets silenced by COVID-19

Caleb Melville, staff photographer
May 22, 2020

MacJournalism photojournalist Caleb Melville went around Austin on Thursday May 21 looking for signs of how the pandemic has affected the local economy. For the most part, the pictures in this week's #TuesdayTop10...

On the morning of the 2019 Taco Shack Bowl, Blue Brigade Coach Nancy Honeycutt-Searle observes as the McCallum Blue Brigade and Band rehearses its kick routine to “Hey Baby” by Bruce Channell, that they will be performing at the halftime show. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] ‘I could not have asked for a better second mom’

Lindsey Plotkin, staff reporter
May 10, 2020

On the morning of the 2019 Taco Shack Bowl, Blue Brigade Coach Nancy Honeycutt-Searle observes as the McCallum Blue Brigade and Band rehearses its kick routine to “Hey Baby” by Bruce Channell, that...

Caleb Melville won first place in the yearbook sport feature photo category of the 2020 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award competition. In the photo, Coach G gets a Gatorade shower following the Knights decisive win over Crockett in a game that all but punched the Knights' ticket to the 2018 playoffs. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] MacJournalists earn 19 CSPA Gold Circle Awards

MacJournalism news team
April 9, 2020

Caleb Melville won first place in the yearbook sport feature photo category of the 2020 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award competition. In the photo, Coach G gets a Gatorade shower...

EZ-STEND. During the Friday takedown of the Lehman Lobos at Shelton Stadium, the McCallum defense stifled the Lobo O in serving Lehman a shutout. The Lobos may have escaped containment on this second-half play, but the all-out effort shown by sophomore Ez Gunther ultimately won the day for the visiting Knights. The Knight defense held the Lobos to only seven first downs and 16 minutes of possession compared to the Knight offense’s with 12 first downs and 31 minutes of possession. Caption by Grace Nugent. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Shield wins Quill and Scroll’s Blue and Gold Award

March 14, 2020

EZ-STEND. During the Friday takedown of the Lehman Lobos at Shelton Stadium, the McCallum defense stifled the Lobo O in serving Lehman a shutout. The Lobos may have escaped containment on this second-half...

Sophomore Daisy Elizondo locks in on an incoming pitch during the Knights preseason scrimmage against Anderson on Feb. 4. Photo by Bella Russo.

Softball pins hope on new additions, team chemistry

Caleb Melville, staff reporter
March 7, 2020

Spring is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for softball and baseball seasons to start. The Lady Knights softball team has held tryouts and is ready to start their...

The varsity defies the wet weather by firing up before taking the pitch at Cedar Creek High School. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Soaring past the Eagles

Lindsey Plotkin, Knight staff reporter
January 19, 2020

Freshman center midfielder Chloe Anderson greets sophomore stopper and center midfielder Grace Nugent after Anderson scored to give the Knights a 3-0 lead in the second half of their non-district game...

ON TO THE NEXT ONE: Sophomore Jaxon Rosales doubles back to get around LBJ defender in the last quarter of the game Thursday night, Sept. 19. at House Park Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Jags rout Knights, send message to all district foes

MacJournalism sports team
September 19, 2019

ON TO THE NEXT ONE: Sophomore Jaxon Rosales doubles back to get around LBJ defender in the last quarter of the game Thursday night, Sept. 19. at House Park Photo by Caleb Melville.

Blue Brigade members Harper Cummings and Lily Brown perform at the football game against Travis at House Park. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Primary events, puzzle style.

Madelynn Niles, staff reporter
December 27, 2019

Blue Brigade members Harper Cummings and Lily Brown perform at the football game against Travis at House Park. Photo by Caleb Melville.

On the morning of the 2019 Taco Shack Bowl, Blue Brigade Coach Nancy Honeycutt-Searl observes as the McCallum Blue Brigade and Band rehearses their kick routiine to “Hey Baby” by Bruce Channell, that they will be performing at the halftime show. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Knights before nine

Anna McClellan, staff reporter
October 10, 2019

The McCallum Blue Brigade rehearses with the band for their performance that night at the 2019 Taco Shack Bowl. Once a week, usually on game days, the Blue Brigade will go out and practice with the band...

Collins strikes a pose as part of the 2019 marching show, “Forever in Stone,” at the LBJ football game on Sept. 19 . Both girls get “no down time” at the games, as Crist puts it, because of the quick switches between cheer and band performances.

[Photo] Pom poms and pep tunes

Madelynn Niles, staff reporter
October 1, 2019

Collins strikes a pose as part of the 2019 marching show, “Forever in Stone,” at the LBJ football game on Sept. 19 . Both girls get “no down time” at the games, as Crist puts it, because of the...

The Knight running game showed up against Glenn in a big way as Caleb Brown logged 194 yards and two scores. He gave the credit to his offensive line in making his big day possible.

Brown enjoys career-best day against Glenn

Grace Nugent, Caleb Melville, and Dave Winter
September 13, 2019

The Knight running game showed up against Glenn in a big way as Caleb Brown logged 194 yards and two scores. He gave the credit to his offensive line in making his big day possible.

A MAJOR BLOCK . In addition to missing senior quarterback Cole Davis, the Knights were also without another of their key senior leaders during the first half of the varsity football showdown against Lehman Friday night at House Park. After being ejected from Taco Shack following two personal foul calls, senior offensive and defensive lineman Alvino Carbajal had to sit out the first half of the next game, which in this case was the game against the Lehman Lobos. Carbajal's return to the field was widely celebrated by the rest of the team especially sophomore receiver Major Faught. Carbajal not only searches for the sack on defense but is also a key player in the offensive line making hole-opening blocks to provide running backs and receivers the space they need to gain the yards that sustain drives. Caption by Grace Nugent. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Mac gets back on track with Week 2 win over Lehman

Grace Nugent and friends
September 10, 2019

A MAJOR BLOCK . In addition to missing senior quarterback Cole Davis, the Knights were also without another of their key senior leaders during the first half of the varsity football showdown against Lehman...

The Blue Brigade performs at halftime of the 2019 Taco Shack Bowl at House Park on Thursday.

[Photo] A Taco Shack Tuesday Top 10

the MacJournalism Sports Team
September 3, 2019

The Blue Brigade performs at halftime of the 2019 Taco Shack Bowl at House Park on Thursday.

Sophomore Jaxon Rosales was pressed into duty as quarterback after senior Cole Davis was injured early in the first quarter of the Taco Shack Bowl. He threw his first varsity touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to Takai Satberry for the Knights' first points of the young season.

[Photo] No days off until Saturday

MacJournalism Sports Team
September 2, 2019

Sophomore Jaxon Rosales was pressed into duty as quarterback after senior Cole Davis was injured early in the first quarter of the Taco Shack Bowl. He threw his first varsity touchdown pass in the fourth...

Along with fellow Blue Brigade seniors Jane Addison lle and Chanyn James, Sophia Salo proudly displayed her college intentions during a special seniors performance at the spring dance show on Aug. 13.

[Photo] Hoping her number was up (in a good way)

MacJournalism summer staff
July 25, 2019

Along with fellow Blue Brigade seniors Jane Addison lle and Chanyn James, Sophia Salo proudly displayed her college intentions during a special seniors performance at the spring dance show on Aug. 13.

John Moore’s latest accomplishment in the photojournalism world, was winning the 2018 World Press Photo of the Year. His winning picture was part of a series of work on the undocumented crossings at the southern border and showed a young girl crying while her mother is detained by border patrol agents. Recounting the events that transpired, Moore said: “She [the border patrol agent] said ‘Look, you gotta set her down.’ and so when she set her daughter down, she immediately started to cry.” Moore has had some challenges with this photo being taken out of context, even Time Magazine cut out and used part of the photo in a misleading way. The actual story behind the photo is that the family was being taken, together, to a processing center and if they were to be separated was unknown. In his talk, Moore stressed how important it is to have the full story behind a photograph before making assumptions. Photo by Caleb Melville.

So much Moore than meets the eye

Caleb Melville, Stella Shenkman, Gabby Sherwood, and Dave Winter
May 7, 2019

With three Saturday sessions and a Sunday key note address, acclaimed photojournalist John Moore was the STAR attraction at this year's Interscholastic League Press Conference Spring Convention at the...

Adviser Dave Winter, co-editor in chief Sophie Ryland and staff reporter Alex Dowd pose with the staff's STAR awards and Ryland's Dewitt C. Reddick Memorial Scholarship, all received at the ILPC final awards ceremony on Sunday at the LBJ Auditorium. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] MacJournalism captures three Star Awards, including online Gold, plus six Tops in Texas honors

MacJournalism news team
May 5, 2019

Adviser Dave Winter, co-editor in chief Sophie Ryland and staff reporter Alex Dowd pose with the staff's STAR awards and Ryland's Dewitt C. Reddick Memorial Scholarship, all received at the ILPC final...

SUN’S OUT, YOU’RE OUT: Before the sun goes down during the Knights' March 29 rematch against LBJ, Julia Crofut makes a throw while warming up before the game. In an instant classic between the arch-rival teams, the Knights and Jags went toe to toe for nine innings before the Jags prevailed, 10-9, on a walkoff ground ball with the bases loaded. Melany Reese hit a two-out, two-run single to make the score 9-4 Knights in the top of the sixth. Crofut had an RBI, a run scored and three walks in the game. Photo by Caleb Melville

[Photo] Answering the call of college athletics

Alex Dowd, staff reporter
April 26, 2019

SUN’S OUT, YOU’RE OUT: Before the sun goes down during the Knights' March 29 rematch against LBJ, Julia Crofut makes a throw while warming up before the game. In an instant classic between the arch-rival...

UP AND COMING. Officers for the 2019-20 season perform their first dance together. The dance was to the tune “Dreamgirls” and was the same dance as they performed at officer tryouts. The 2019-2020 officers consist of Juniors, Addie Secker-Martinez, Matthew Vargas, Valentina Paredes, Andrea Paredes, and seniors, Lilly Brown and Amelia Paul. “I am so excited to lead the team next year as an officer because I have always loved Blue Brigade and I’m thrilled to get to share my love with the team as well as lead us to success as one big family,” sophomore Addie Secker-Martinez said. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] A Knight at the MAC

April 16, 2019

UP AND COMING. Officers for the 2019-20 season perform their first dance together. The dance was to the tune “Dreamgirls” and was the same dance as they performed at officer tryouts. The 2019-2020...

Coach G got a Gatorade shower following the Knights decisive win over Crockett in a game that all but punched the Knights' ticket to the playoffs. Photo by Caleb Melville..

[Photo] Shield repeats as national Blue and Gold champion

Caley Griebenow, Quill and Scroll
March 15, 2019

Coach G got a Gatorade shower following the Knights decisive win over Crockett in a game that all but punched the Knights' ticket to the playoffs. Photo by Caleb Melville..

IN PREPARATION: Seniors Persephone Harris, Georgia Boutot, Zoe Hocker and junior Stella Shenkman paint a series of set pieces for the upcoming spring musical 42nd Street. The tech crew has been putting in long hours and hard work since late October. The production is one of the most challenging and tech-heavy shows MacTheatre has ever endeavored to stage. 42nd Street premieres on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. and runs through Feb. 10. Tickets and alternate show times can be found at mccallum.ludus.com. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] The show can’t go on without them

Bela Tapperson, guest reporter
January 24, 2019

Junior Zoe Griffith looks over the lighting plots for the show in the booth of the MAC. Griffith is co-designing the lighting for 42nd Street with junior Graham Protzmann. This is Griffith’s second show...

Model: Nicholas Heinen. Designer: Olivia Salmon and Clara Stein. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] A Paradigm postscript in 400-plus photos

Stella Shenkman, staff reporter
January 23, 2019

Model: Nicholas Heinen. Designer: Olivia Salmon and Clara Stein. Photo by Caleb Melville.

Sophomore Charlie Pecina and junior Caleb Brown wheel the bell towards the team bus after the Knight 63-0 win over the Travis Rebels on Friday. The win marks the 19th time the Knights have taken home the bell in the past 20 years. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Knights defeat Rebels in one-sided Battle of the Bell

November 13, 2018

Sophomore Charlie Pecina and junior Caleb Brown wheel the bell towards the team bus after the Knight 63-0 win over the Travis Rebels on Friday. The win marks the 19th time the Knights have taken home the...

Coach G got a Gatorade shower following the Knights decisive win over Crockett in a game that all but punched the Knights' ticket to the playoffs.

[Photo] Cruising past Crockett

November 7, 2018

Coach G got a Gatorade shower following the Knights decisive win over Crockett in a game that all but punched the Knights' ticket to the playoffs.

Ryan Bonesteel, Gabe Williams and the Knight defense had trouble stopping the LBJ offense led by quarterback Brian Batts. Photo by Caleb Melville.

[Photo] Tough night in the trenches

Gregory James, photo editor
September 27, 2018

Ryan Bonesteel, Gabe Williams and the Knight defense had trouble stopping the LBJ offense led by quarterback Brian Batts. Photo by Caleb Melville.

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Caleb Melville