TheLittleHawk Iowa City High School - Iowa City, Iowa - Volume 71, Issue 3 - December 20, 2013 - www.thelittlehawk.com
A diabetic’s best friend Isaac Clough has been diabetic since December of 2008. He recently became the owner of a service dog that helps him monitor his blood sugar. The dog, Duke, stays with him throughout the school day and at his home. By Rachel Fischer and Madeleine Spivey rachelrischer@thelittlehawk.com madeleinespivey@thelittlehawk.com
Isaac Clough is one of 25.8 million people in the United States that have diabetes. However, his way of dealing with his disease is unique. Clough is the first student at City High ever to have a service dog that helps him regulate his blood sugar levels. “My blood sugar has been much better ever since I got Duke- much more even,” Isaac ‘14 said. There are three ways that diabetes occurs. Isaac has Type 1, which develops during childhood or early adolescence as a result of the pancreas not functioning properly. This means that the body can no longer process glucose, or the sugar in foods, correctly. In a normal person the pancreas will keep the levels of glucose in the blood normal using insulin, a hormone it secretes. When a person has Type 1 diabetes, insulin is not made. “Isaac has always impressed me with how independent he is with taking care of his diabetes,” Principal John Bacon said. The normal blood sugar level is about 100 mg/dl. Isaac’s blood sugar is normally around 80-150, with insulin. His service dog will help him remain on track by alerting him whenever his glucose goes up or down unexpectedly. Duke can also be trained to get Isaac his blood sugar checker. “The highest I’ve ever been is 600 and I just felt really sick to my stomach,” Isaac ‘14 said. A common misconception about Diabetic Alert Dogs is that they’re an alternative to testing blood sugar, but this is not what they’re used for. Primarily, they warn their owner when their blood sugar is either dropping or rising. “Some things in this world are crazy and some are beautiful and amazing,” Mr. Bacon said. “This is one of the beautiful and amazing things.” As Isaac is Diabetic, one can imagine the complications he might experience in college. His parents worry how will he take care of himself if he’s unresponsive when his blood sugar becomes too low or too high. “I’m concerned that he’ll get in a situation where he can’t help himself...if he’s low he can’t function and if he’s too high, he can go into a coma,” Sara Clough, Isaac’s mom, said. The Cloughs first found out about these service dogs when they were doing research on how to handle Isaac’s diabetes while he was away at college. They then filled out an application online. When accepted, Isaac had to do a saliva sample. The trainer, Lily Grace, then trained Duke with Isaac’s samples. The Cloughs put down a deposit. A year later they finally got Duke. Grace also came for a day to help teach Isaac the commands and how to get used to having a service dog. “I learned his commands but I still have to get used to having a dog jump on me at night being a *Continued on A3
“Isaac has always impressed me with how independent he is with taking care of his diabetes” -John Bacon
By Jacob Potash
jacobpotash@thelittlehawk.com
Cute and cool, or odd and surprising? The library’s inclusion of a “tree” – made out of books, and decorated with lights and a star – among their winter decorations has drawn the praise of many students but raised a few eyebrows, too. Discussion in classrooms and in private has centered on the most appropriate way – if there is one – to put up holiday decorations in a public school. “I like to get students to think about the role of government in their lives,” social studies teacher Carrie Watson, who used the tree to talk to her students about the First Amendment. “I think the book tree part is okay but by putting a star on top, I believe it becomes a symbol for a Christian holiday or tradition,” Watson explained. “It’s probably legal, but in the grey area of the law. If it was coupled with celebrations of other religious holidays, there would be no issue to discuss.” Watson talked about her concerns with the library staff, who she said were understanding. Librarian Jeff Morris wrote in an email that the intention behind the decoration was to “get people thinking.” “‘How about a tree made out of books which is very zenny because the books started out as trees and then became books only to end up as a tree?’” he recalls thinking. He defended the star as a “beacon inviting people to stop and look at it and to think,” Morris explained. “You see our book sculpture
represents nothing and everything.” Many students, like Emma Greenberg ‘14, have swallowed their skepticism and welcomed it as a festive addition to a popular hangout space. “I honestly think it’s really cute. It’s a really cool idea,” Greenberg said. “So I don’t really care if it changes, but I just thought it was strange that it was allowed at school.” In the divisive 1989 case Allegheny vs. ACLU, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the question of public holiday displays through nine separate opinions. The complex decision declared a county courthouse crèche unconstitutional but defended a separate display that included a menorah and a Christmas tree on the grounds that a reasonable observer would understand the coupled symbols to be a message of religious tolerance and diversity. Indeed, some City students thought the library’s real problem was too few religious symbols. “There should be a menorah for Hanukkah and a kinara for Kwanzaa, as well as a Christmas-esque tree,” said Joel Reynolds ‘14. One widely accepted legal standard for schools is that religious symbols “may be displayed only on a temporary basis as part of the academic program.” However, a report by Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation that champions the First Amendment, suggests that a majority of current Supreme Court justices no longer even regard Christmas trees as religious. Does the “book tree” reflect religious intolerance at City? “I don’t think that anyone’s blatantly endorsing one religion over another at City,” said Greenberg.
The library’s “book tree” has led to discussion about religious displays. KIERRA ZAPF/THE LITTLE HAWK
A2 PREVIEW
DECEMBER 20, 2013
Section A
The Little Hawk Feature Magazine
10 A&E: 4th Ave. Special Acts By Jonas Geerdes
3
NEWS: Hallway Mosaics
Generation Selfie
By Daniela Perret
Oxford Dictionaries named “selfies” their word of the year for 2013. Here’s a look at students’ use and abuse of apps like Instagram to share their lives online.
By Elena Foster
Over the past year there have been three new art editions to the hallways of City. Two are mosaics made by City students and one is a sculpture made by art teacher, Jill Harper.
4
NEWS: Bathroom Motivational Sayings
By Abby Dickson and Sabrina Rodgers
5
Two seniors have a little growing up to do, as they spend their final year on their own. Christian Kennedy and Lilly Reitz talk about the transition. ine ture Magaz Hawk Fea 20th, 2013 The Little December
E FEATUR
NEWS: Winter Farmer’s Market
Section B
4
By Leah Hoelscher
LH
By Will Barker The Winter Farmers market has relocated to the Sycamore Mall.
ON THE COVER: Home Alone
HOME
ALON
r, on their Senior yea
SPORTS: HOCKEY FEATURE
By Becca Meyer For Shelby Burden ‘16 playing hockey has always been a big part of life. Now playing on a boys and girls hockey team in Cedar Rapids, Burden hopes to fufill her dream of one day becoming an Olympian.
pg. 8-11
own.
STUDENT PROFILE: Erin Patterson By Elena Foster Patterson has inspired others by overcoming personal struggles. She opens up about Best Buddies and Spread the Word to End the Word.
From your editors... Jacob Potash & Ellen Carman The end of 2013 is near. When you’re a Little Hawk, the year really flies by, and we have officialy completed half of our issues as Executive Editors. So, with plenty of time left to improve, we have decided to create our list of resolutions for The Little Hawk. Our resolutions are not too different from what you would expect to hear from
the average American. We want to get fit, stress less, be well liked, and feel happy. Of course, for us that doesn’t mean dusting off the treadmill or buying ourselves a fancy new daily planner. Our resolutions are all aimed at becoming the best possible version of The Little Hawk, ‘the newspaper that leads.’ We tried to force every reporter to spend a minimum of one hour in the weight room to improve staff fitness, but most people threatened to quit. Instead, we will work to improve the fitness of our newspaper skills. Our newspaper is already pretty bulky. Or maybe just big-boned. In any case, we don’t want to lose that weight. We do, however, want to improve our BMI. We plan to cut the fat out of The Little Hawk’s diet. We want every story to be high quality, with a unique angle, solid sources, and award winning writing. These things will make up strong
muscles that when put together will create one Hulk of a paper. Our next plan was to have daily group yoga and meditation sessions. While it sounded great to everyon, we couldn’t find the time in our schedules. We settled for committing to find a way to use the time we do have more effectively. Our motto for 2014 will be ‘work smarter, not harder.’ That might mean taking the time to perfect our Photoshop and InDesign skills so we are not constantly struggling to finish designs the day before deadline. Reporters might need to read more professional news stories. Simply reading news will improve our writing skills with minimal effort or time wasted. Small changes throughout the month will make the days before deadline much less stressful. That means less yelling, less crying and a better product. We also lobbied for daily selfie competi-
tions to see who can get the most likes. After all, true fulfillment comes to those with lots of likes on Instagram. Unfortunatley we aren’t all exactly pageant queens. So, in order to squash our insecurities about how everyone probably thinks we are ugly and annoying we want you to like our paper. We want to write about things that you care about and be the Twitter and Instagram account you go to in order to find out what is going on today at ‘the school that leads.’ This will take your input. Tweet at us, Facebook us, flag us down in the hallways and let us know what you want covered. Basically with this new plan, when we come back from break, everything will be perfect. The newslab will be full of laughter and positivity. Well, maybe not, but we’ll be better for trying.
h b Potas o c a J Ellen C
arman
The Little Hawk
NEWS
A3
Hallway mosaics encourage school unity By Daniela Perret
Up Iowa City. The mosaic was compiled by the third trimester glass class at the end of last year. “I just think that doing mosaics in particular, As she walks up the main staircase to her sec- group project mosaics, is a big community buildond floor locker, Olivia Peterson ‘15, AP art stu- ing thing,” Harper said. “You just bond with peodent at City High, notices a new splash of color ple. I think people really let their guard down and among the dull tan walls. She stops to admire an just become less preoccupied with things that are artistically designed glass mosaic with the words outside of what’s happening in the moment, and I think that’s really good. I guess that’s why I kind “We Fly Together” spread across 20 tiles. “It’s what we need in school. I think the mosa- of make art, too.” After The School that Leads mosaic was put ics really add a lot of color and character to the hallways,” Peterson said. “It’s nice to see what up for display, a first trimester glass class began students have done in their art classes around the work on the We Fly Together mosaic which was made up completely of school.” recycled stained glass. Over the past year “I think the saying there have been three ‘We Fly Together’ is re“The saying ‘We Fly Togethnew art additions to the ally great because that’s hallways including two er’ is really great because what the whole project mosaics done by stained the whole project was about was about,” Harper said. glass classes and a bronze “I mean, our school’s that. Our school is about sculpture of a little hawk about promoting that perched on top of a creating unty. That kind of unity. That kind of famreplica of the City High family feeling breaks down ily feeling breaks down tower. The sculpture is barriers that would maybe those barriers between displayed in the main people that would mayfoyer, and was created by be there otherwise.” be be there otherwise.” art teacher Jill Harper. Along with art “I created a sculpture -Jill Harper being displayed around that was representational the school, a mural of of what we do at City the four seasons of the High. The Little Hawk, year was put up across almost full grown, about from Grant Wood Elementary school this fall. to take off into the world,” Harper said. “And the tower is the highest point in Iowa City so I wanted This project was also worked on by a group of to symbolize that as a theme, as kind of the high students taking a glass class. Pax Puran ‘14 was part of this group. point in Iowa City and the students taking off.” “The people who were working on it were To make the sculpture, money was donated by Kent A. Braverman to honor former princi- pretty cool so it was fun to work with them,” pal Howard Vernon. The first glass project that Puran said. “After a while it kind of got to be a was made for the school, The School that Leads little bit of a hassle because it was just a lot of mosaic, located in the staircase near Opstad, was work doing one mosaic for a long time but it was made of broken ceramic plates donated by Fired worth it in the end. It turned out really well.” danielaperret@thelittlehawk.com
ICCSD Board deliberates school on MLK Jr. Day
In November of 2012 the ICCSD Calendar Committee decided to hold school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Less than one month before MLK Jr. Day (Jan. 20, 2014) the board reconsidered whether school will be held as a response to community concern.
Go to thelittlehawk.com for a complete story on the December 17, 2013 board meeting.
Students work on glass projects during a fifth period Art class. KIERRA ZAPF/THE LITTLE HAWK
*Clough from A1 Before the Americans with Disabilities “unnecessary.” This case is still going on. Act, Diabetics and other people with disabili“There’s no way New York will win. It’s ties could even be denied against the law,” Sara from jobs purely because Clough said. “Simple they had a disability. The as that.” Americans with DisabiliThere have been ties Act went into effect many advancements “Isaac is allowed to take in September 2008. It in the technologithe dog anywhere. We call prevents people with discal field having to do the police and file a report abilities from being diswith Diabetes. One if they try to refuse him” criminated against in jobs is the experimentaand schools. tion with STEM cells. “It’s fantastic legisResearchers have not -Sara Clough lation, Isaac is allowed yet perfected it, but to take Duke anywhere,” they are well on the Sara Clough said. “We way to being able to call the police and file a grow new pancreases report if they try to refuse for Diabetics. Some him. ” aren’t convinced this is necessary because of In New York, another student was not so pancreas transplants but demand the demand fortunate to have such an accepting school. is through the roof. Madyson Siragusa, a 5th grader with Dia“I’ve thought about getting one,” Isaac betes, was not given permission to have her said. “but I think it would be better to wait for dog with her at school on the grounds that it the cure, which is predicted to be out in ten to would be a distraction to students and it was fifteen years.”
A4 NEWS
DECEMBER 20, 2013
Water bottle fillers help CHS go green By Olivia Parrott
oliviaparrott@thelittlehawk.com
Cards surround hand dryers and mirrors in Girls’ bathrooms around the school with motivational sayings like, “Stop wishing, start doing,” and “Always keep trying.” Abby Dickson & Cora Bern-Klug/THE LITTLE HAWK PHOTOS BY: Cora Bern-Klug & Abby Dickson
Motivational cards color bathrooms By Abby Dickson
abbydickson@thelittlehawk.com
This year at City, scribbles in ink and marker fill the girls bathrooms and locker rooms with inspirational messages. “When I walked in the bathroom and saw them, I thought they were really cute and that it was really nice of somebody,” Omnia Ali ‘15 said. “I think they justed wanted to make people happy.” The anonymous inspirational cards appeared early on during the first trimester, and were updated again on November 19 by Girl Scout Troop 1831 for their Naturally Beautiful Day the next day. “Some of the cards we were just being goofy and telling people that we liked their face or that they look good today,’’ Jordan Cronbaugh ‘15, a member of Troop 1831 said, “but we wanted to actually say good things like ‘You’re beautiful without makeup!’”
Natural Beauty Day was a day baugh said. dedicated to not wearing makeup. The cards include messages like It’s goal was to help girls understand “You’re beautiful just the way you that they don’t need makeup to be are” or “You don’t even need a mirtruly beautiful. ror.” Many girls around City enjoy “They are a the cards because really nice way they believe they for our girls help with bodyto remember image issues. “It’s very helpful for what’s impor“I like the girls around the tant in their cards a lot,” Starr lives,” Wendy Williams ‘15 said. school who have Jacobsen, “I think they’re insecurities.” the Dean of really adorable. It’s Students, said. very helpful for -Starr WIlliams ‘15 “It’s not about girls around the being pretty or school who have being someone insecurities.” else’s ideal, but Some girls ap[about] being preciate the cards, yourself.” but say the cards don’t have a large The Girl Scouts didn’t expect influence on them. Naturally Beautiful Day to be as “[The cards] are really cute, and popular as it was. I see how they would make some“Naturally Beautiful Day was one’s day better,” Brooke Tarvin ‘15 a much bigger success than we said, “but they don’t really affect thought it would have been,” Cronme.”
Others dislike the cards because to them, they seem exaggerated and unsophisticated. “I don’t really like them because I feel like it’s kind of cheesy,” Julietta Rangel ‘16 said. “If a person wants to be nice to somebody else, they should just say it upfront. In the real world, girls are [rude] and mean to each other.” Other girls dislike the cards because they seem too impersonal. “A message on a wall from someone I don’t know meant for everyone to read doesn’t compare to a random person complimenting you,” Ruth Grace ‘14 said. “It’s not nearly as personal.” Though no one knows who originally posted them, there are many theories. “I would have to say girls around the school are just nice people,” Jadyn Kyleigh-Carlson ‘15 said. “but I honestly don’t know.”
Iowa City Public Library takes steps to improve technology By Lilly Reitz
lillyreitz@thelittlehawk.com
In the age of Nooks, Kindles, iPads and computers, the original one-stop shop for books is at risk of being replaced by technological literary advancements. In order to avoid being lost in the wave of technological innovation, the Iowa City Public Library has made moves to update their technology. “We’re entering a big, new strategic plan, trying to figure out what people want in terms of technology,” Brent Palmer, the Information Technology coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library, said. So far, most of the advancements that have been implemented are for convenience and security, such as the updated self-check outs and new book security systems. However, the children’s section of the library is the center of the most recent advancements. “There’s a lot more kids coming
into the library to use technology now that it’s updated,” Abby Dickson ‘16, who has been a volunteer at the public library for the past year, said. Dickson spends most of her time volunteering in the Kids Corner, where there have been Early Childhood workstation implemented in the children’s section of the library. This includes new tablets, iPads, and six computers with pre-loaded games, all for children. “The new iPads and touch screens are really cool,” Dickson said. “All the kids can touch it and play.” In the Kids Corner, adults are not left to be bored watching their children play on all of the new gadgets. “The childrens room has more internet machines for the parents to use as well,” Palmer said. Not only is the children’s section being heavily updated, but the ICPL is also making forward efforts to
teach those who are not as adept with technology as they would like to be. “We have senior tech, and that’s pretty popular. People just want to know how to do the basics, how to navigate and get pictures off their phones,” Palmer said. At the public library, there is always a need for more bandwidth. The library is currently working on obtaining more bandwidth so as to meet the needs of the library’s Internet users. “There’s more and more streaming of music and video, and everyone is planning on doing it. We’re continuing to try to find more bandwidth,” Palmer said. Finding more bandwidth and updating computers is crucial, because of how many patrons so often use the computers. “People expect to be able to get online and expect a certain amount of connectivity,” Palmer said. Although lots of progress has
been made, there are still projects being worked on for the future of the library, such as a large, interactive table to be used for games and projects. The library is facing problems obtaining proper software for the table. “The software is not really for games, it’s more for exhibits and it’s very expensive,” Palmer said. The next few years will be crucial for the library’s technological advancements. Administrators are planning on implementing streaming options for Netflix and YouTube, along with refreshing all of the public computers in the next few years. “We’re trying to get steaming options here soon, with how many people use Netflix and YouTube,” Palmer said. There are still lots of plans to be made to completely update the library. “We are only just breaking ground,” Palmer said.
18,866, and counting, plastic water bottles have been saved by the new water bottle refilling stations at City High. They are proven to be much faster and a step toward being more environmentally aware. They are also encouraging students to drink more water. “The idea is to promote hydration and to save on plastic water bottles to be more environmentally friendly,” Principal John Bacon said. There is also evidence of the dispensers being a more efficient and accessible way to stay hydrated for students. When a person sets their bottle underneath the dispenser, an infrared sensor automatically turns on the flow. Pulling away the bottle stops the flow, but if an inattentive user forgets to pull the bottle away, the water automatically switches off after 20 seconds. “I have actually seen them used by other people a lot,” Ani Parandkar ‘16 said. The three stations, located on the third and first floors, and in the lunchroom, fill a 16 ounce water bottle in about five seconds. The traditional fountain needs at least 20 seconds. “It’s much quicker to fill up your water bottle, so if you’re doing it between classes it doesn’t take like a minute,” Sophie Schlesinger ‘16 said. “They’re convenient and they’re much easier to use than the drinking fountain themselves, where people have to wait for you to finish.” Parandkar agrees. “Even if you’re in class, you can just take it out and get a drink instead of asking the teacher to get out of class, and missing about five minutes,” Parandkar said. “It’s more convenient for school.” The water dispensers were installed to help mitigate the number of plastic water bottles used, but there are some factors that reduce the environmentally friendly benefits of this new way to stay hydrated. Parandkar believes the stations have been effective in being more environmentally friendly. “Having a refillable water bottle is better than its equivalent in disposable water bottles, which have a chance to not be recycled properly and could hurt the environment,” Parandkar said. Schlesinger disagrees in their influence on the environment at City High. “I’m not sure how effective they are within our school,” Schlesinger said. “I think that a lot of people carry water bottles that they fill throughout the day, but I know plenty of people who get the plastic water bottles at lunch. To be truly effective they should probably eliminate that as an option.” Despite having mixed reviews, the stations are more sanitary. The faucet is placed behind a plastic protector so a person won’t get sick from the possible spreading of germs. The smooth flow of the water makes it less likely to splash or pick up airborne bacteria. “For the person who drinks out of water bottles, it’s more comforting,” Schlesinger said. The installment of water dispensers at school is just one of the many ways City High is trying to improve our environment. There is also the plastic bottle recycling program in the school cafeteria and the white paper recycling program. Students have been using the stations according to the numbers. “They are very successful,” Bacon said. “I like looking at the counter on the machine that shows how many bottles have been filled. [That’s] quite a few!”
Your local news & sports any way you want it!
A6 NEWS
DECEMBER 20, 2013
Beasley to graduate early
Winter Farmer’s Market finds new home at Sycamore Mall
By Sarah Smith
sarahsmith@thelittlehawk.com
As each student crosses the stage to receive their diploma, what the audience sees is the class of 2014 taking their first steps toward adulthoodgraduating high school. But behind those caps and gowns, one girl is different than the rest. Julia Beasley is graduating as a junior. “I’m thinking of majoring in communications and minoring in theater,” Beasley said. “It’s scary, but I’m excited for college.” Julia is 1 of 3 juniors graduating early this year, a minority among the rest of the graduating population. “It was my choice. My parents did want to make sure I wasn’t going to be held back by it, but I just thought, why not start now?” Beasley said. Linda Hoel, City High counselor says that’s why many students decide to graduate early. “You get to move on sooner and get started quickly, whether that be work, family, or college.” Hoel said. Some problems do arise for early graduators. One problem that’s commonly overlooked is whether students are mature enough to leave home. This could cause difficulties when students begin living independently earlier than their peers. “You have to be pretty mature to go off to college,” Hoel said. “But, I would say it depends on the individual, and those who can finish high school in 3 years most likely are.” Academically, it can be grueling stuffing all of your classes into one less year. “I had to take 3 English classes. It was hard,” Beasley said, “but not as hard as you would think.” Among all of the problems, Hoel lists missing senior year as one the big cons of graduating early. “You would have to miss out. You can come back for prom or graduation, you just wouldn’t get to come every day.” Hoel said. As far as Beasley is concerned it’s not a problem. “I will miss my graduation, but most of my friends are seniors,” she said. “I thought I would miss it, but not really, no.” If students are curious about early graduation, they should consult their counselors. “It depends on the person, but if you are considering, you should start preparing now. You don’t want to be the person who says, ‘I wish I’d done that!’” Beasley said. Counselors suggest considering all of the consequences before making this decision. “I would recommend an early graduation if that’s what fits their situation.” Hoel said “There’s so much to offer, especially at a school like City High. Take advantage of that!”
Community members shop at the Winter Farmer’s Market in the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center on Saturday, December 14, 2013. All other Farmer’s markets through April 26, 2014 will be in the Sycamore Mall. WILL BARKER/THE LITTLE HAWK
By Will Barker
willbarker@theliitlehawk.com
Over the past few years the Iowa City Farmers Market has been growing in popularity and participation. During the warmer months the main site of the market, which is the parking ramp off of Washington Street, has been able to accommodate the growing population of vendors and customers. However, finding a large enough venue for winter markets has been difficult. That is why this winter, and if all goes well for many winters to come, the Farmers Market is being held in The Iowa City Marketplace (formerly the Sycamore Mall). For the past two winters the Farmers Market has been meeting in Grant Wood Elementary School. But this winter, Farmers Market officials felt it was time for a change. “For several years vendors and customers have been asking for a permanent winter location,” Cassidy Bell, Market Coordinator for the Farmers Market, said. In the past, the market had been held every other week and this created some confusion. This year the winter market is being held
every week in the same main galleria in the nections with local growers; you make conIowa City Marketplace. The weekly schedule nections face-to-face and learn more about has worked out well drawing in more and how things are grown.” more vendors and customers every week. Bell Eli Shepherd ‘14 a regular Farmers Market says now that a consistent winter location has buyer feels this change will help the commubeen established the market will get better nity and the farmers. and more varied every year. “I really like it. It makes things more ac“Many of our farmcessible to folks who ers did not grow winter live farther away from crops because they downtown,” Sheperd “The farmer’s market builds were not anticipating said. “It’s also great to the community and allows a winter market,” said be able to get fresh, loyou to make connections Bell. “We are hoping cal produce through the that next year we can winter months.” with local growers; you have more produce.” Bell adds her input make connections face to Many long time on the new location. face and learn more about Farmers Market at“This location will things that are grown.” tendees are happy with give us out to a new dethis change. mographic.The people -Lynne Ikach “I will definitely who shop at Sycamore start going again now Mall are not necessarily that I know they have the same people who a winter location,” come to the Farmers Lynne Ikach, a City High parent who has been Market downtown every week.” buying from the Farmers Market for twentyThe Farmers Market will set up shop at the one years, said. “The Farmers Market builds Iowa City Marketplace every Saturday from the community and allows you to make con10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 26, 2014.
Young Life brings charity and holds annual Christmas party By Becca Meyers
beccameyers@thelittlehawk.com
Students and leaders are all gathered in a circle, exchanging gifts, running after each other for the best items. Small talk is being passed between friends in the room. Pizza and holiday cookies sit in the stomachs of many. Students are jumping around as the leaders try to explain the next game. It’s a typical night at Young Life. “Young Life is a very unique ministry. It’s very relaxed, goofy, and a fun way for leaders to meet kids. We are all about relationships. Not religion, tradition or rules,” Treya Connell, a young life leader, said. “We are about teaching life lessons to kids and hopefully introducing or helping them grow with their
relationships with Christ along the way.” Young Life’s mission is to “help teens grow in their faith and help develop their skills, assets and attitudes to reach their full talent. Young Life accomplishes their missions by going where kids are, building personal relationships with them, providing experiences that are fun, adventurous, and life changing, and earning the right to be heard.” “In church I always zone out, but at Young Life I actually listen to what the leaders say,” Collin O’Meara said. “At Young Life they don’t try to tell you what the right religion is. They help you understand that it is okay to believe what you want to believe. They don’t try to convince you what to think, but they do help you understand it all.” Young Life meets at 8pm, every Tuesday, at
various locations. Leaders and kids participate in many crazy activities, including, singing, dancing, playing games, and building incredible relationships. Boys and girls also have separate meetings once a week where the leaders tell stories, teach life lessons, and continue to be mentors in teenager’s lives. “We love connecting with different groups and members of the city. Young Life is very involved in the community in many different ways.” Connell said. We do lots of service projects, and are present in many schools. The more people who know Young Life and love Young Life, the better.” Young Life was started in 1941 in Texas as a place where kids could go, meet new friends, learn about their faith and bond with the leaders of the club. In 1968, it came to Iowa
City and since then, it has become something many high school students look forward to each week. “Young Life is my favorite thing in the world,” Lillie Christophersen said. “It’s the best because you get to have a ton of fun with great people. No matter who you are or what you do, people are willing to accept you in Young Life.” The leaders encourage anyone and everyone, freshman year through senior year, to come to the club. “The Leaders are pretty great. They call me a lot, they tweet at me sometimes and they help me get through a lot of stuff. I learn a ton from them,” Lillie Christophersen said. “They teach me how to be a better person.”
A7
The Little Hawk
OPINION
Staff Editorial:
Resolutions for a NewYear
LH
The Little Hawks top three solutions for City High that will truly make us “The School That Leads” in years to come.
Executive Editors
ellen carman, jacob potash
News Editor ellen carman
Opinion Editors neil harte, lilly reitz
A&E Editor will barker
Feature Editors
daniela perret, jacob potash
Sports Editor annika wasson
Photo Editor kierra zapf
Copy Editor leah hoelscher
Online Editors
elijah jones, chris ohrt ar
Ad Managers
eil yN b t
rte Ha
abby dickson, emma mcnutt
Staff
maya bergman-corbet, dominic balestrieri-fox, marco barenghi, cora bernklug, jacob buatti, emilie burden, anton buri, will braverman, caroline brown, micah cabbage, sylvia dean, abigail dickson, keighley ehmsen, payton evans, rachel fischer, jonas geerdes, claire goodfellow, nathan goodman, lauren hudachek, nathan katalinich, schuyler libe, rebecca meyer, claire noack, braden offerman-mims, cody owen, jacob pajunen, olivia parrot, sabrina rodgers, sarah smith, madeleine spivey, edgar thorton, hailey verdick, christopher winegarden
Adviser
jonathan rogers
mission statement The Little Hawk, the student newspaper of City High School, aims to inform, educate and entertain readers; to provide an educational opportunity for the students who produce it; and to provide a medium for commercial advertising. Equity Statements English Version: It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact the Equity Director, Ross Wilburn, at 509 S. Dubuque Street, 319-688-1000. Spanish Version: Declaración de Equidad: Es la política de Iowa City Community School District no descriminar en base a raza, credo, color, género, origen, religión, edad, estado civil, orientación sexual, estado de veterano, incapacidad, =estado socio-económico en sus programas educacionales, actividades, o políticas de empleo. Si usted piensa que usted o su hijo (a) han sido descriminados o que han sido tratados injustamente en la escuela, por favor comuníquese con el Director de Equidad, Ross Wilburn, 509 S. Dubuque Street, teléfono: 319-688-1000.
During this time of year, snow is falling, folks are spreading holiday cheer to all, and with the end of 2013 peeking around the corner, plans for 2014 are being made. Personal resolutions are being made by individuals. The Little Hawk has some resolutions for City High. We want to see more technological innovations, dress code equality and opportunities for teachers and students to convene. * Keep up with the times * For the past 25 years, technology has been progressing at a rate never seen before. Since 1988, mobile phones, computers and so many other things have risen, transforming the end of the 20th century into what many call the technological age. In this age, one of the most striking advancements is the way we read. Libraries everywhere have been implementing more technology, like refreshed computers, more digital books, electronic check outs, increased bandwidth and spaces for mobile electronic devices. There have been many innovations here at City High in the past few years, and we applaud our community and school district for raising money, bringing in SmartBoards and over 1,000 tablets to experiment with this spring. As time goes on, it
is likely that there will be more necessary changes, such as a technological update for the library. The changes that have been implemented by other libraries have the potential to be great models for possible changes to the library here at City High School. Students would thrive if given the opportunity to access similar technology to what has been recently implemented in other libraries. The City High library is already taking the initiative of technological advancements by having ordered new tables with charging outlets for students’ computers, phones, tablets or whatever device they may be using. In the future, we hope even more advancements will be made. * An open hour for all * Open hours and study halls tend to be a good release for students during their busy days of hard work and classes. Students can talk to teachers, get work done and relax. However, for those who are caught in the whirlwind of Early Bird PE, athletics, activities and classes, open hours are not necessarily an option. For students who have a lot going on, it is nearly impossible for them to find a time to talk to their teachers, ask questions and connect in such a way that they can further understanding of their classes and,
ultimately, do better. One possible solution to this problem would be to have an extra period put into each day. This period would not be assigned to a class, but instead would be an open hour for all, where students could convene with teachers, get extra work done, and have their lunch period. In order to avoid the hustle and bustle of the lunchroom, where students wait for 15 minutes in the lunch line only to have to scarf down their food in what feels like seconds, this extra hour will give students the leisure of being able to eat at their convenience and comfort, instead of leaving with grumbling stomachs that have been filled much too quickly. Students would not be the only ones who would benefit from this added free period of the day, but teachers would potentially benefit from this as well. If teachers were more in touch with their students, which this added open hour would provide, it could make for a better classroom dynamic where everyone communicates more and better understands what is being taught. * Dress to Impress * Skirts are tighter, dresses are shorter, and sweaters are donned now that the winter season is here. As the years come and go, hemlines
are creeping shorter and v-necks are plunging deeper in attempts to dress sexier, cuter or have the newest look. The administration sets guidelines to keep stylistic choices appropriate, but in turn students feel that their rights are being oppressed. Can I wear my bandana this way or could it be interpreted as a gang sign? It’s okay to wear my body-con dress and sprint up the stairs as long as I’m wearing tights, right? Many students don’t even know what the dress code is because it isn’t enforced so nobody cares. When students are asked to change their clothes, they ask why and aren’t given an answer other than, “It makes me uncomfortable.” Students try to dress according to the dress code, but how are they supposed to know that a flat bill and a backless shirt fall in the same category? Fashion is a way that many little hawks express themselves, so with the new year in stride reasonable boundaries should be set. Nobody wants to see the girl next door’s bra or the basketball team’s underwear hanging out. However, there’s nothing wrong with a beanie strolling down the halls. If the administration asks students to put a scarf on or remove a hat, they should be able to justify their actions.
DECEMBER 20, 2013
OPINION
A8 asas
THUMBS
Holiday Blues
by CHRIS WINEGARDEN
Second trimester is supposedly a magical time of breaks, holidays, and snow; a time where kids run free, happy, and without worry. What this trimester really consists of is long drawn out tests that really put stress on the body, and shoveling; finally the snow has arrived, time to miss school because of it. Second trimester is most definitely the longest and maybe even the toughest of all three trimesters. Going into this tri with the mindset of, ‘hey I made it through first trimester, I can totally blow through these next two!’, may be a big mistake. I’m here to say; buckle up and get ready, because this is just the beginning. Quiz after quiz, test after test, all of this made worse by the fact of most of them are given after the breaks from school,’ which really are time away from school to focus on all the impending tests for when we get back. Although it is nice to get up one day and learn that the school year is being extended by one day because a couple feet of snow fell during the night. Another big part of second tri are the illnesses circling around the school. But I fear that something else is going around. I’m not talking about a cold, something that can’t really be prevented, I’m talking about the winter blues. That feeling of stress and anxiety from tests, quizzes, and just having too much to do with not enough time. The
art by Neil Harte
name for this is “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or, ironically, SAD. This are repeated symptoms caused by the lack of sunlight from fall until spring; of being sad, tired, anxious, irritable, unable to concentrate, and avoiding to be with people, along with overeating and excessive sleep. I know I suffer from the last two. A little stress can actually be a good thing. It can help someone stay motivated to keep working on what needs to get done; but too much activates the fight-or-flight reflexes. That really starts to get the body working, but it doesn’t really know what to work on. That’s when it is time to step back, take a breather, and do something that is enjoyable; to try and relieve some of that stress. The scary thing about stress is that it is fairly sneaky, and piles on fast. It is difficult to realize how much stress is actually present until it is gone. Unfortunately this can lead to depression, and while depression isn’t actually uncommon, it needs to be addressed. Severe depression can be treated if acknowledged, which it should be. Second trimester can be a happy, loving, great time; but to achieve that, one needs to try and avoid getting caught up in the winter blues or get out of it as quick as possible. Whenever I feel like this I try to do things that are enjoyable or I try to be with my friends as much as possible.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas Jennifer Lawrence 4th Ave. Show Choir Browsing Reddit instead of studying Snow tires American Horror Story: Coven Yotopia Hot Chocolate Holiday Movies
If the Crown Fits by ELENA FOSTER
False eyelashes, flippers, and sequins fill TV commercials with advertisements for “Toddlers in Tiaras” and “Dance Moms.” Children screaming and crying behind the scenes but standing with plastered smiles on stage give the false impression that all girls who compete in pageants are spoiled, selfish, and narcissistic. As they grow older, their vacant expressions stare into the camera, making it impossible to see what they are really thinking. Sandra Bullock captivates the audience’s attention in Miss Congeniality when she asserts her female dominance by demonstrating self defense on an attractive male. Honey Boo Boo reminds parents that they’re probably not screwing their kids up as much as they could be. But what about Little Miss Sunshine’s Abigail Breslin? The pudgy seven-year-old rehearses over and over with her father telling her she can’t eat ice cream, her suicidal uncle cheering her on, and her grandfather coaching her how to strip tease for her talent in the final show. America
sees her as the outcast in the pageant cess sees something shiny that their world, but she represents the out- mother tells them that they want, casts in the real world. they will do anything for it. HowPageants are filled with girls beg- ever, as girls get older they gain their ging for approval, but that’s what own views. They obtain their own being a human is. Humans are con- social skills and realize that a crown, stantly waiting for someone to tell a medal, or an amount of money them they’ve done a good job, so doesn’t amount to who they are and there isn’t any what othroom for peoers think ple to judge the of them. beauty queens Successful walking across participants “Pageants are filled with the stage. Misare beautigirls begging for approval, conceptions ful inside are constantly and out. but that’s what being a thrown around Amer i human is.” about pageant ca sits and participants like watches they are always girls walk catty, self-cenacross the tered, unintelstage in ligent, and above all, perfectionists. skimpy swimsuits. The audience TLC pins five year olds against judges contestants when every single eight year olds to win a crown, one of them say that they want world therefore all beauty queens must be peace. The immediate thought is that terrible to each other because tod- participants are empty headed, aldlers pull each other’s hair on a re- most robotic, but when they say that ality television show. If a little prin- they want the troops to come home,
audience members don’t think about how fake or rehearsed the answer must be. They think about the reason behind the answer. They think about the person behind the answer. As soon as the audience puts aside their pre-assessments of the girls, they find that the girls are relatable. Life is one big beauty pageant. Life is finding one person after another to judge how to walk, what to think, and the motive behind the actions. It is one big analogy blown out of proportion to put others down to make the average person feel better. The pageant girls are the product that is torn apart, but it is the consumer’s fault. Those girls could be competing for scholarships to pay for college, or they could be competing for another addition to their golden collection, but viewers will never know. Everyone is trying to find their high and mighty corner of the sky for judgement day, but in reality everyone is an Abigail Breslin dying to bust a move.
2014 FIFA World Cup “Bracket of Death” Snow without snow days Long lunch lines Paul Walker’s tragic and ironic death Driving in snow Rob Ford (mayor of Toronto)
DECEMBER 20, 2013
OPINION
A False Sense of Beauty
A9
RIGHT TOREMAIN
SILENT
by LILLY REITZ
“
“How much physics is involved in sex? I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been touched by a man.” -Mrs. Wilson
“It has dark chocolate and whiskey, which are my two favorite things.” -Mr. Rogers (on his favorite holiday treat, Bourbon Balls) art by Neil Harte
it’ll always get you the right ones.” These quotes that focus on doing the right thing, putting yourself first, and being honest and accomplishing great things definitely have the potential to make a difference on someone’s day, and perhaps even inspire them to take the extra step and do something they wouldn’t have done otherwise. But what does “you’re beautiful” give to a person? At most, a swing in their step. Maybe. However, people nowadays have lower self esteem than ever before, so a tacky, nondescript compliment would most likely not make any difference whatsoever. If a compliment is directed at everyone who reads it, there is literally no value to the compliment. It means nothing. The thing that makes me the most irritated, however, is not the overused phrase, not that they’re plastered all over City High and the internet, but the amount of importance that we, as a society, put on aesthetics. Despite aesthetic beauty actu-
ally meaning nothing, not everyone sees it that way. Many people, mostly insecure young ladies, put far too much elbow grease in trying to look beautiful, because they do believe it is important to who they are. In order to accomplish great feats and make something of yourself, beauty is the most irrelevant thing. There is no relation between beauty and good grades, beauty and good deeds, or beauty and personal worth. Over-focus on aesthetics has always been a problem, but what people need to realize is that great things can be accomplished by anyone, even those who don’t necessarily fall into the category of “beautiful.” I mean, look at Eleanor Roosevelt: one of the least attractive and, simultaneously, most progressive women of the 20th century. Anyone can do great things, regardless of whether they fall into that category or not. People just need to realize it.
“You can’t walk in when she’s saying she wants the butt!” - Mrs. Green “Get to God the gay way!” -Mrs. Fettweis
“
Inspirational quotes and messages have been running rampant on City High in the past month or two. It all started with a few inspirational note cards in the girls bathrooms before spreading to all of the girls bathrooms, then the boys bathroom, and now the NewsLab where I write this very article. These notecards initially had surprisingly motivational quotes that actually made me stop and think. Wow, maybe I CAN do it. After the notecards started to spread, an overused, tacky message that I was dreading to see eventually reared its ugly head: “YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL.” Once I saw the first one, I think my annoyance took over and I may or may not have screamed with anger about the false importance we put on looking “beautiful.” This tacky message sticks out like a sore thumb amongst actually important motivational quotes, such as “Do more of what makes YOU happy,” or “Don’t count the days, make the days count,” or “Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but
“Guys, this benefit concert isn’t about malaria... it’s about me.” -Mr. Thompson
Musics’ New Normal by CODY OWEN
The feedback of the amps dies slowly. The crowd is silent for several long seconds, standing still in the cold mud and damp from the icy New York drizzle. As the performers file off the stage, the crowd erupts in applause and slowly dies away. Woodstock is over. 40 years later, the hippies are old history, along with all the other groups and movements that have come and gone. So, with the crusades of music culture over, what have we been left with? The demand for more music and the increasingly shortening attention span of today’s music-listeners has pushed modern artists to focus more on quantity rather than quality when producing their music, meaning that the priority is no longer to
write with the intention to provoke Sadly enough, these fads are the thought, but to create a multitude of key to fame in today’s music world shallow, catchy radio hits. And why (Just look at South Korean artist shouldn’t they? Psy’s fifteen They aren’t obminutes of ligated to push fame with “Popular music is no some issue or be Gangam a part of anything Style). longer the medium of larger than themNot to expression for this genselves. say that toeration. It instead has This lack of day’s times become an purpose has defiare without nitely affected intelligent amalgamation of the complexity of or thoughtone-hit wonders.” popular modern ful music music. Instead of or musimovements and cians, but ideas, the closest thing we have to- these people exist largely out of the day are fads and acronyms, which limelight with smaller, devoted folnever last more than a few weeks. lowings within the wide umbrella
of Indie music. These artists hold a wide appeal to many music listeners who have become disenchanted with the simplicity and shallowness of modern music, which has given rise to a large increase in a plague of the American music industry for decades: materialism. Materialism is rampant among musicians and artists. It’s understandable considering the increasingly massive amounts of money running through the music business every year, rap artist Kanye West has an estimated net-worth of over $100-million. This may not be a completely new occurrence, there has always been money in entertainment, but now there is more than there ever has been. To a new and
promising musician, this opportunity for such vast wealth is enticement enough to take their music in the direction of modern pop, rather than staying true to what originally made them special. The end result of this new mentality among popular musicians is that what made music so special in previous generation is gone: popular music is no longer the medium of expression for this generation. It instead has become an amalgamation of one-hit wonders and careers peaking in their respective fifteen minutes of fame, filled with music hastily written and containing no desire to invoke or fulfill inquisitivity or intelligence, but promoting impulsiveness and materialism.
A10 A&E
DECEMBER 20, 2013
4th Avenue Winter Show Shines
The program featured performances from 4th Ave. Jazz and City Lights choirs, special acts by City High Students performed in between each of 4th Ave. Jazz’s songs.
New York State of Mind
4th Ave. Jazz Company performs Strange Attraction at their Winter Show. The choir will perform at numerous competitions around the state throughout their season. Photos by Cora Bern-Klug
Teach Your Children Well A group of three tenors, Will Barker ‘15, Calvin Windschitl ‘14, and assistant choir director James Thompson, will be performing “Teach Your Children,” by Crosby, Stills, and Nash, a folk rock group formed in the 1970s. “Its a good song,” Barker said, “ its about how kids see older people.” The song is written for three tenors who sing while also playing the guitar. “It will be a good time,” Windschitl said, who has never played guitar in front of a crowd before. When asked about never having played guitar in front of a crowd before, Windschitl voiced no concerns. “The only thing I am worried about in the the performance is if I forget the words to the song. I am not nervous about playing.” Thompson knows both boys will be fine during the performance. “They’re both great singers.” Thompson said, “ I’m sure they will both have fun.” Both students have taken voice lessons from Thompson in the past and agree that he is a great teacher. “ He’s a great musician and guitarist.” Barker said. “It’s really fun to perform with him.” The song focuses on three part harmony between the group. “The song seems complicated”, Barker said. “Its actually really simple and that’s why it will be great to perform.”
Elena Foster ‘14 belts out the intro to Remember the Charleston
(Above) Dancers hop and jump during a transiton piece
(Above) Katrina Scandrett ‘15 dances during Remember the Charleston.
Elena Foster ‘14, and Micah Cabbage ‘14 are taking a break from the usual Christmas carols this year by singing “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel for Saturday night. “We like it,” Elena Foster said. “Everyone else is doing Christmas carols so it should be a break for the audience.” The song is about how Billy Joel is heading to New York for vacation and to get away from everyday life. “Its more about taking a break from reality than just vacations”, Micah Cabbage, said about her opinion on the song. The duo have practiced the song for the past two weeks and were able to impress choir director Jim Berry. The girls know the audience will also find the song entertaining. “We’ve put our own spin on the song,” Cabbage said. “ It will be very different than your average Billy Joel song. “ When asked what they needed to focus on Foster said, “Its a very soulful song, we need to know what’s going on. We’ve got to get into it.”
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Amy Ostrem ‘14 will be singing the jazzy Christmas carol “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” with piano in the background played by Jarrett Purdy ‘14. “After not doing something more holiday themed last year, I wanted to try something new this year,” Ostrem said. “I also wanted to do something that both Jarrett and I can do.” Ostrem states that she thinks the Winter Show will go well this year, with many people singing season-themed songs. “ I think its nice that people are performing holiday songs,” Ostrem said. “ I think the audience wants to hear more of those songs.” Amy says the Winter Show is going to be very big this year saying that everyone has stepped up. “Its on track to be a great year, starting with this show.” Amy says she is confident for her performance especially with Jarrett on the piano. “ I could care less about myself because I have Jared, he’s a fantastic pianist.” Ostrem thinks her performance will appeal to the audience. “ I just want them to have the best time of year.”
DECEMBER 20, 2013
A&E
Students revive Yes Shame
A11
LEFT: Sam English ‘14 acts suprised as two fellow Yes Shame members perform a skit. RIGHT: English ‘14 and Greiman ‘14 sit on the floor of the Little Theater and chat. WILL BARKER/THE LITTLE HAWK By Elena Foster elenafoster@thelittlehawk.com
Doors close and lights dim as the crowd settles into their seats. It’s October of 2010, and Phil Buatti ‘11 and Zach Greimann ‘11 rule the stage. “Hello, and welcome to Yes Shame. Here are the five rules of Yes Shame,” Greimann said. 1. Be Original 2. Be Under 5 Minutes 3. Don’t Hurt Anyone 4. Be School Appropriate 5. No Bananas Posters were plastered on every wall and above every drinking fountain. Parched students would look up and read, “Quench your thirst with Yes Shame,” in bright flashy letters. Students shouted across hallways, passed
notes, folded airplanes, and did anything they could to talk about what they wanted to perform that night. Yes Shame thrived with astonishing dedication from the 2011 graduating class. Their passion for improvisation and theater shined through impromptu ideas put into action by this club. The University of Iowa improvisation club is No Shame where there are no rules and anything goes. City High’s Yes Shame was based on the university group, but alterations had to be made according to the administration policies and guidelines. Years passed and Yes Shame grew less frequent to the point of nonexistence. The club floundered when no skits were performed. Sam English ‘14 is determined to bring this club back to life.
“I have big shoes to fill, but I’m determined to bring this group back to life. This club changed my life as a freshman. It made me feel like I had somewhere I belonged,” English said. There were speculations of reviving Yes Shame, but no action had been taken. Promotion discussions came to a halt when members chose to take responsibility for the club. Drama board members Elijah Jones ‘14 and Sam Rahn ‘14 were big advocators for Yes Shame returning. “I feel like I have an obligation to make this club happen for students because of my brother’s legacy,” board member Jacob Buatti ‘14 said. Many City High graduates were upset when they heard that Yes Shame was not happening because it had such a great impact on their high school careers as well as their lives after
high school. “I auditioned for a sketch comedy group as a freshman and I never would have thought to try it if it hadn’t been for Yes Shame,” Mike Sobaski ‘11 said. “It’s a great place to just get out and share your writing with your friends.” Sobaski is now a speech coach and career advisor at Carleton College. City High students have found themselves through performing as well as observing theater. Students are not required to bring performance pieces but it is strongly encouraged. Pieces have ranged anywhere from original songs to the long lost tale of the origin of eggnog. Yes Shame is on various Thursday nights at 7:30 pm in the Little Theater of City High. “Yes shame is a place where no one will judge you, and it’s a place to be yourself,” English said.
DECEMBER 20, 2013
A&E
ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES
TELEVISION
This is the End
The Walking Dead
Seth Rogen presents a unique yet simple comedy that keeps the ball rolling in this judgement day action comedy. Each actor is portraying themselves as they fight for survival, and it’s hilarious.
With the best ratings in basic cable television history, this show will turn you into a zombie after one episode.
Monsters University
Arrested Development
The prequel that took twelve years: Mike and Sully come together to be the unlikely team at Monster’s University in order to win the respect of their peers. A fun film that doesn’t try to outdo what the first did.
The Bluth family is back after seven years since the network cancellation. Series creator Mitch Hurwitz had been teasing fans since the series finale that there would be a continuation of the critically acclaimed show, and in June, it returned as a spark to Netflix’s original batch of shows. Told in a non-linear plot-line, you can watch each of the new Arrested Development episodes in any order you want, and find different connections with the episodes. Also, each episode (controversially) is focused on one particular character and where they are now. While it may not hit the same stride the original series found, it’s a lot of fun, and hopefully just the first chapter in the new future of Arrested Development.
Side Effects The most recent effort by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh went by almost unnoticed with its release in February of this year. The film follows psychiatrist Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) as it seems he may have wrongly invested in a new antidepressant that causes extreme side-effects. Easily one of the best films of the year, Side Effects will stick with you. (Just not the academy.)
All Is Lost It’s Robert Redford v. The Sea. The majority of the film is silent as Rob battles large, life threatening storms on both his small yacht and for the latter half, his life raft. There is no context other than a brief voice-over at the front of the film, and there doesn’t need to be. This is an exciting journey that will leave you in wonder by the film’s finish.
Breaking Bad This thrilling dark show about a family man chemistry teacher turned meth lord came to its conclusion this year in its 6th season.
Dallas Buyers Club Matthew McConaughey strikes yet again in this AIDS drama. Homophobic rustler Ron Woodruff (McConaughey) is diagnosed with HIV and is given 30 days to live. With help from fellow AIDS victim and transsexual Rayon, Woodruff finds alternative ways for treating the illness.
Capital City
In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery. The promising band’s debut hit big with I Sold My Bed But Not My Stereo and most recently Safe And Sound. The album takes a great multi-instrumental approach, and stays incredibly entertaining, and just plain fun.
A12
Paramore
by Will Barker
ALBUMS
Self Titled. They are loud, they are angry, and they are presenting some of the best music of 2013. Every track has an experimental quality while maintaining a very strong collective feel. This self-titled album is everything that needs to return to the radio.
Naked Famous
In Rolling Waves. Their dark sophomore effort finds the best moments in this year’s album selection. As a whole it avoids treading the same ground as their debut Passive Me, Aggressive You, and expands immensely on their unique sound.
Kisses
Aloe Blacc
Kids In L.A. Kisses’ sophomore album makes the trend of second albums being a slump, and rips it to pieces. This release is considerably deeper in production than their debut, and every song that goes by has you gripped by it’s hook. Honestly, it does take a few listens to get the essence of some tracks, but once it hits, it hits big. Kisses makes the list.
Wake Me Up EP. No, it’s not an album, and if anything, is a prologue to his 2014 release Release Your Spirit. But from “The Man” all the way to “Ticking Bomb,” it captures your attention, and gives you a much deeper sound than Aloe has given us thus far.
The Little Hawk
SPORTS
B1
The Last Shot Seniors lead the Little Hawks to a No. 2 ranking and an undefeated record after their first eight games, in hopes of making one last mark on the City High girls basketball program. SEE SENIORS LEAD TEAM TO EARLY SUCCESS, B4 CORA BERN-KLUG/ THELITTLEHAWK
B2 SPORTS
DECEMBER 20, 2013
Boys Basketball
Team rebounds after loss
After an overtime loss in the first regular season game of the season, the boys basketball team has won two games in a row and hopes to continue the streak.
A family affair: The Wieland Brothers By Marco Barenghi marcobarenghi@thelittlehawk.com
By Jonas Greedes jonasgreedes@thelittlehawk.com
New player Austin Withrow ‘14 drives down the court and makes an easy layup for the City High Little Hawks, scoring two points for his team. Withrow is one of the new players helping the team get back on their feet after an 8-14 season last year. Withrow transferred from West High to City High for the 2013-14 school year. “It wasn’t an awkward transition,” Withrow said about the move to City High. “Everyone invited me in.” Currently Withrow leads the team with 37 points and 15 rebounds for the two games in season, but Withrow says he couldn’t do it alone. “Of course I’m proud,” Withrow said. “But it’s a majority of my team doing the work. It’s not individual.” Other new additions to the varsity rotation include starting point guard Emmanuel Hooper ‘15 and small forward Logan LaFauce ‘15. “It’s a good feeling to start,” LaFauce said. “I just want to fill my role on the squad. Help the team win.” LaFauce has scored 26 points so far, with 15 points being made from three point shots. “It’s what my team looks for me to do,” he said. LaFauce’s skill at making three’s helped turn the tide in the Mt. Pleasant game on December 7th, making an important shot that helped decide the game. Although they are pleased with the start of their season, the team has had their share of troubles this season. “I took an injury to my head during Saturday’s game,” Hooper said. Hooper voiced no concerns about the injury. “I’ve still got to practice,” Hooper said, “ I’ll get through it.” The team lost their first game of the season to Davenport Central to a buzzer beater three. “We had a tough road game,” Withrow said. “We don’t want want to feel that again.” Luke Posivio ‘15, the starting post, believes they will be able to get past the loss. “You can’t get hung up on wins and loses,” Posivio said. Posivio credits that the new season’s successes will be due to the team’s chemistry. “All twenty guys we have on the team, I can’t find one I don’t like,” he said. LaFauce agrees with Posivio.
TOP: Emmanuel Hooper ‘15 drives past a defender in the season opener. BOTTOM: Ladarius Taylor ‘14 shoots over a Williamsburg defender in the Little Hawk’s Hall of Pride Scrimmage. KIERRA ZAPF/ THELITTLEHAWK
“We’re like a big family,” LaFauce said. “They’re all my brothers, we help each other out.” Showalter sees that the team chemistry will help them both on, and off the court. “We’re trying to not only make great players, but great people as well. The teamwork we have seen this far proves that,” Showalter said about the Little Hawks. Posivio also recognizes the talent the team gained for the new year. “Since we all get along, we all understand what we can do on the court,” Posivio said. “We
try to put each other in positions to succeed.” The team also realizes they need to work harder to achieve their goals. “Our skills could improve more,” Joe Britton ‘15, a small forward, said. “We need to work more on our offense.” With the Little Hawk’s current streak of a positive 2-1 record, the team is confident they will see more success this season. “To lose the first game in overtime is a heart-breaker,” Showalter said. “For our kids to bounce back from that loss is great.”
To bond with a teammate is not an uncommon occurrence in the world of sports. For Mitch ‘14 and Nate ‘17 Wieland, the relationship is beyond just teammates; they are brothers. The pair often tease each other over who is the better athlete, but in the end they appreciate the opportunity they have to learn from each other. “Nate better than me in sports? Is this really a question? Not a chance,” Mitch said. Mitch and Nate both played on the varsity and freshman football teams respectively last fall. Both quarterbacks and both MVC champions. “It’s always nice playing with your brother. Not everybody has this opportunity. We’re very lucky,” Mitch said. Now they are playing basketball, but Nate plays on the sophomore team. Both boys stand at 6’1” and both play the same position once again, at point guard. “We’re both built in the same way and we have the same natural abilities to play quarterback and guard,” Mitch said. At the end of the freshman football season some of the younger players came up to help the varsity team during playoffs. Nate and Mitch practiced and played together on the same team for a couple weeks at that time. “It was great spend my last game at high school seeing my brother playing in the final game. I felt very fortunate,” Mitch said. The pair also crossed paths during early in the basketball season. Nate had some extrapractice with the varsity team in the pre-season preparation in the morning. “It’s always great score against Mitch, because I show I can play with him and his class. When I play with him I have get to show him how good I am,” Nate said. Between brothers the competition is always high. For the Wielands, this is no different. They both poke fun at each other, and are always competing to be better than the other. “He has got nothing on me. I have got to score against him. I can’t let my little brother beat me in anything,” Mitch said. In their first two basketball games, Mitch scored a total of 13 points, while Nate reached a total of 30 points. “Both Mitch and Nate are very competitive which makes them outstanding athletes. Their skill level allows them to play the same position in basketball. They have very good leadership qualities which suits them for basketball and football,” head basketball coach Don Showalter said. Skill level along with their coachability made these two young men a very important base in City High football and basketball programs. Head football coach Dan Sabers says the brothers have benefitted from working with each other throughout the years. “I think Nate has a little more of athletic abilities. We have to see if Nate will put all the effort and all the commitment Mitch put before him. I’m confident in it. Nate has the opportunity to be a little better than Mitch just because he can watch and learn from his brother.” Nate grew up watching Mitch, learning from him and his experiences. That’s why he plays the same positions as Mitch in both of the sports they are involved in. “It’s great having a brother who plays your same sport or better your same position. Those guys can go home and talk, it’s perfect because the both play quarterback. It’s kind of special, especially for Nate. He gets suggestions from Mitch who is a senior. This is really going to help Nate in the future. He has a perfect figure to follow,” Sabers said.
DECEMBER 20, 2013
SPORTS
B3
Girls Basketball
Seniors lead team to early success After last year’s season was ended in the Regional Final, seniors Haley Lorenzen and Kiera Washpun have led the Little Hawks to an undefeated start after the first eight games, in hopes of getting another chance to go to the State tournament.
ABOVE: Haley Lorenzen ‘14 looks to shoot over a CR Washington defender. BOTTOM: Kiera Washpun ‘14 poses for a picture before practice. ANNIKA WASSON AND CORA BERN-KLUG/ THELITTLEHAWK
By Annika Wasson annikawasson@thelittlehawk.com
It’s the fourth quarter of their high school careers and girls basketball senior captains Haley Lorenzen and Kiera Washpun know the clock is ticking down on their time as Little Hawks. As the two four year varsity members start this season they can look back on a career that has included one trip to the State tournament in their sophomore year but also remember the sting of disappointment in not reaching the big stage after a semi-final regional loss in 2011 and an upset loss to cross-town rival Iowa City West in last year’s regional final.
“[Last year’s loss] obviously leaves a really sour taste in our mouth,” Lorenzen said. “It’s one of those things that you can’t forget. When you get that taste of going to state and possibly winning a state championship, how many people get to say they got to do that? It’s just something that we strive for.” In the first eight games of the season, the Lorenzen-Washpun duo has combined for 310 total points. Additional support has come from fellow senior and captain Peyton Koenig ‘14 has come off the bench and proven to be an outside threat in the Little Hawks’ early match-ups. McTaggart says he is pleased with how the three
captains have stepped up as leaders on and of the court so far this year. “I think all three of our captains have been excellent leaders,” McTaggart said. “The team has listened to them and they’ve been great role models.” Lorenzen says she wants to be a leader for her teammates in any way she can, and takes it upon herself to make sure that happens. “What we do as leaders goes beyond the basketball floor,” she said. “You help them out when they need it and you lead by example.” On the court Lorenzen is making her leadership clear. The 6’3” center is averaging 24.4 points and 8.3 re-
bounds per game and has 27 blocks so far this season. Her offensive and defensive presence has led the team to an undefeated start after eight games. “I’m very pleased with how we’ve started our season,” McTaggart said. “Hopefully we can keep up our momentum.” The Little Hawks have earned four victories against top 10 teams so far this season. The first of which came against then No. 10 Class 4A North Scott by a score of 76-41, followed by a 73-27 win over then No. 10 Class 5A Cedar Rapids Washington. The following week victories over No. 2 Class 4A Cedar Rapids Xavier and
No. 10 Class 5A Southeast Polk secured their current No. 2 Class 5A ranking. In the coming weeks, the team will be preparing to face off with West in the teams’ first meeting of the 20132014 season. The game will be held at City High at 7 PM on January 7th. The Little Hawks know they need to continue to progress so they can continue their early success throughout the rest of their season. “We need to improve on making better decisions like smarter passes and moving the ball around more,” Lorenzen said. “I’m pleased with how we’ve started off, but everyone has room for improvements.”
Wrestling
Young team starts season undefeated On a team comprised of mostly underclassmen, experienced seniors Ryan Maas and Dallas Slater hope to lead the Little Hawks to the team duels at the state meet in February as well as help their teammates become individual state qualifiers. By Nate Katalinich natekatalinich@thelittlehawk.com
City High wrestling is a off to an undefeated start this season, winning all of their meets with a young team. They have high expectations for the season. Leading the team is captain Ryan Maas ’14 pinning his opponent at the last meet in just twenty three seconds. “Its nice and really fun I’ve been looking forward to this since freshman year,” Maas said. With most of the varsity team members being underclassmen the Little Hawks hope to see big performances from freshman and sophomores. “The team looks really good, we have a young team and they’re stepping up and winning matches,” Maas said. The two seniors Maas and Dallas Slater ’14 would like to help the team to state and win state titles in their weight classes.
“I look to have a good season then place or win at state,” Slater said. Ryan Maas who placed fourth at last year’s state meet is poised to compete for the state title in the heavyweight category. “I want to go undefeated in season and win the state title,” Maas said. The team hopes to have more state qualifiers in the individual category and also compete in team duels at the state meet in February. They also hope to beat crosstown rival West High after losing the duel to them last year. “We need to have lots of state qualifiers and get people into the team duels if we want to place well at state and beat West,” Maas said. The team still has a few technical aspects to work on like endurance and being more aggressive. “I think we look good as a whole for the beginning of the season but can be more aggressive with our shots and combos,” Coach Cory Connell said.
ABOVE: Dallas Slater ‘14 wrestles a Prairie athlete in the team’s first home meet of the season. The team beat both CR Prairie and Waterloo East in that meet. MICAH CABBAGE AND NATE KATALINICH/ THELITTLEHAWK
B4 SPORTS
Breaking the ice: Burden holds her own on boys hockey team
DECEMBER 20, 2013
Galstad pursues childhood passion
ABOVE AND BELOW: Shelby Burden ‘16 poses for a photo. She plays for two Rough Riders high school hockey teams in Cedar Rapids. KIERRA ZAPF/ THELITTLEHAWK
By Becca Meyer beccameyer@thelittlehawk.com
Shelby Burden ‘16 flies down the ice, plows down two defenders, shoots the puck, and scores. Her team roars, the crowd applauds, and her coach smiles, catching a glimpse of the score board. “Before games I feel all kind of emotions. I get happy, nervous, anxious, and pumped up,” Burden said. “Once I get on the ice I am ready to play the game and defend my team. If someone messes with my teammate we are going to have a problem.” Burden isn’t just a girl who plays hockey. She’s a girl who plays hockey on a boy’s high school team. Three times a week Burden is committed to driving to Cedar Rapids for practice. Her team, the High School Rough Riders, is a squad of 32 members of which she’s the only girl. “I get a lot out of playing with the guys team, more than playing with girls. I’m always learning and playing with the guys really pushes me,” Burden said. Nine years of blood, sweat, and tears have gotten Burden to where she is today. She’s gone through it all; stress, anxiety, and anger, among other emotions. Burden has also had incredible moments of glorification, pride, joy and utter completion. The ups and downs are all a part of being an athlete. “My favorite part is the competitiveness of the sport,” Burden said. “Being on the ice, and skating as fast as you can. You can feel the wind on your face and it gives you a rush. Knowing that you did something good out there just makes you feel great.” Ever since second grade Burden has been extremely involved in the sport. Her older brother motivated her to get started as a child and she has never given it up. “I want to play hockey as much as I
can and keep getting better. The more experience I get when I’m younger, the better I will be when I’m older. It’s definitely my favorite sport and I really enjoy playing,” Burden said. Shelby is 5’1” and just 120 pounds. She competes with boys who tower over her and weigh twice as much. “When I play with the boys, I have to be really aggressive. The boys are all a lot bigger than me and so it’s easy for them to knock me over. Being able to body check them and being able to get them off the puck is really important,” Burden said. Shelby is often the target for the bigger players. Before the game even starts, she is picked out by the other teams because of her gender. “The guys on the other team sometimes try to target me. It makes me want to fight harder and show them up. I’m good enough to be on a boy’s team, so I’m going to prove it,” Burden said. Behind the pads and the mask, Burden is just a kid with a dream of becoming an Olympian. In the next few years she sees herself playing at a small college with the feeling of a close team. She hopes her college years will prepare her even more to make it big. Hockey may grant Shelby a full ride to college but it has taught her more than just being able to slam another body into the wall with all her strength or fight to the death over a small puck. Hockey has taught her life lessons that she will carry with her long after her hockey days are over. “Hockey has helped me to become a really good leader. It has also taught me all about what it means to be mentally tough. When I’m out there and I do something wrong, yeah, I get mad at myself, but messing up teaches me courage,” Burden said. “You have to be strong minded to play the game because everyone makes mistakes but if you let it get to you, you are going to lose focus.”
By Elena Foster elenafoster@thelittlehawk.com
The chilled air creeps through Eddy Galstad’s ‘16 house until it finds her and whispers, wake up. Shivers run down her spine as she groggily opens her eyes and smells breakfast waiting for her downstairs. She sits up, looks out the window, and eyes the fresh blanket of snow calling her name. As a toddler, Galstad made snowmen while her ten year old brother slid from corner to corner of the yard. She watched in awe and was determined to partake in the family tradition: cross country skiing. “I saw him on his skis and it started out as a ‘I want to be just like Leif,’ but it changed into so much more than that,” Galstad said. Galstad’s Norwegian heritage inspires the family to travel to Hayward, Wisconsin every February for the American Birkebeiner. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to “promoting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages,” according to the official Birkebeiner website. As soon as she could walk, Galstad became involved in the first steps with the foundation by entering the Birkebeiner’s childrens race, the Barnebirkie at age three. “I remember when I was nine years old, my friend and I finished the barnebirkie and were greeted with clowns and medals,” Galstad said. “The actors asked me if I wanted to hold the baby because I raced so well. It just makes you feel special.” Now Galstad trains for anything beCORA BERN-KLUG/ THELITTLEHAWK
tween 17k to 27k races, but she doesn’t do it for glory or to impress others. The waxed skis, the gleaming snow, and the bumpy terrain remind her that she is proud of where she comes from, and she finds the sport fun. “I really like the support everyone gives each other. One time, I saw a man have a heart attack thirty feet away from the finish line but everyone was cheering him on. It’s not a popular sport, but if you decide to participate, you’re in it together.” With the lack of snow, she is currently cross training for the 17k Birkebeiner race. This February will be her fourteenth time competing in Wisconsin. Over 100,000 skiers enter the Birkebeiner, so she feels it is not a sport she needs to be exceedingly competitive in. “One time, someone convinced me to try downhill skiing but I find it too scary. Cross country skiing is a lot easier, and it’s less of a show off sport. It’s more like you’re competing to be your best.” The memories Galstad’s collected over the years stand in her brain as a large portion of why she commits to the things she does. “People ask me how I do it all, and I’ve just grown up that way. I’ve always been running from one thing to another. It’s how I like to live my life.” Galstad competes in many sports year round including volleyball, basketball, and softball. Somehow, she manages to balance schoolwork, extra-curriculars, and social activities as well. “I get a lot of ‘You cross country ski? That’s really weird’ from a lot of people, but I don’t care what others think about it. It’s a part of who I am,” Galstad said.
B5
B6 SPORTS
DECEMBER 20, 2013
Opinion
Riding the bench isn’t always a bad thing By Annika Wasson annikawasson@thelittlehawk.com
ABOVE: Mike Beaumont rolls a ball down the lane in the bowling teams’ first home meet at Colonial Lanes in Iowa City. CLAIRE GOODFELLOW/ THELITTLEHAWK
Bowlers learn from experience
The boys and girls bowling teams return several experienced bowlers as key players this season. The teams hope to keep improving as each week progresses. By Rachel Gralnek and Jacob Buatti
rachelgralnek@thelittlehawk.com jacobbuatti@thelittlehawk.com
Girls Bowling In their first home meet of the season, the girls bowling team gained momentum with a key win over Linn-Mar. Elizabeth Goss ‘16 led the City High girls bowling team to a win during their second game of the season. Goss scored a combined 342 series from both frames against Linn-Mar on December 6, leading the team to their victory with a score of 1,502 to Linn-Mar’s score of 1,384.
“[Me getting first] makes people want to work harder,” Goss said. “Since I did good, they are going to want to do good [also].” Goss typically scores an average of 150 to 160 series per frame. Although she had the best score on the team, her favorite part was hearing people cheer her teammates on. “Getting a good game when everybody on your team gets a good game [is my favorite part],” Goss said. “When you all work together and you get a good score it’s just like ‘yes’ [for example] everybody cheers you on and you are like ‘yay me.’ It’s like they are with you.” Miranda Reyes ‘14 agrees that the team atmosphere is a large part of bowling. “I would have to say bowling with the team [is my favorite part of bowling],” Reyes said.
“[My team] is really cool and it’s like team bonding.” Goss and Reyes both think this year’s team is close. “Everyone knows everyone and there is no huge drama so far,” Reyes said. The team has been improving consistently according to head bowling coach, Jerry Maye. “I feel our girls are doing well this year they seem to be improving every week,” Maye said. Goss thinks that the team is doing much better than last year. “I expect us to be really good,” Goss said. “We are actually not that bad. Last year they told me ‘we’re not that good’ but, this year we have a really good team.” Reyes was uncertain in the beginning of the of the season, but is feeling more confident after the win against Linn-Mar. “To be honest I had my doubts, then after that win I was like ‘whoa’,” Reyes said “So I don’t know, we could possibly do well this year, at least better than last year. [I’m hoping] we could win most of our games, [bring up our level to] state and win those bowling pins from West.”
Boys Bowling
ABOVE: Mike Beaumont ‘14 watches as his ball heads for the pins during practice. JACOB BUATTI/ THELITTLEHAWK
Although the boys bowling team began with a slow start, the varsity boys are looking forward to one of their best seasons in a long time. With many long time bowlers, the team looks like they may have a shot at getting the entire varsity team into state. Wes Kirchner ‘14, one of City High’s top bowlers, has been bowling most of his life, and the time and effort have really paid off. “I’ve been bowling since second grade,” Kirchner said. “By the end of my senior year, I really hope that I can shoot a 300 game and go to state with the guys.” Aside from personal goals, the Little Hawks hope to get key team wins as well. “I really love bowling because of the competition,” Mike Beaumont ‘14 said. “Bowling is really exciting, and we’ll probably beat West High and get the King Pin back this year.” The King Pin is a trophy for the City vs. West match, the most exciting and important meet of the season. Though the team started off the season with two losses in a row, they hope that their small team can fight back and end the season with success at state.
Let’s face it. We’re seniors. The fall sports seasons are over, 2013 is ending and for me my time as a Little Hawk volleyball player is through. In the past three and a half years I’ve been a member of City High’s varsity volleyball and soccer teams. I didn’t get substantial playing time in varsity games for either team. Some of the teams didn’t win many games. Because of this, people have asked me “Is it really worth it?” For me, the answer is easy: Yes. The experiences I’ve had and people I’ve met while being a part of the athletic teams are things I wouldn’t trade for the world. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t always been easy. After a hard practice, running a lot of sprints, or getting home late from a game and having to stay up half the night to finish homework, I’ve questioned why I do it. I’ve felt like the hard work I put in in practice wasn’t noticed. But in the end I know I do it for the love of the game. Sports have always been important to me, so I’m willing to do what it takes to participate. My junior year, I was lucky enough to be part of two teams making trips to the state tournament. We went to the state championship in volleyball and even though I didn’t even dress varsity for those games, I still felt like I was a part of something special. For soccer we made it to the state tournament even though no one expected us to. Being a part of groups of such talented girls on both teams was an honor and reason enough to make years of hard work worth it. Even though I didn’t play a lot of varsity on either team, I still played a lot of junior varsity games. Being a JV player is never the most glorious or spot lighted position on any team. However, JV gave me an opportunity to play a lot, and the competitions meant just as much to me as the varsity competitions. Playing sports in high school has given me some of the best times of my life. The way I see it, I got to play the sports I love and I get the best seat in the house at our games. I’ve made a lot of friends and we’ve shared some great (and not so great) experiences along the way. My coaches have taught me about not only sports, but also how to never give up. So if you are an underclassman or a future Little Hawk to be and wonder, “Is it really worth it?” The answer is still “yes, absolutely.” I wouldn’t change a thing about any of my experiences and we all only have four years to pack those experiences into. I’ll always remember getting to put on a City High jersey, and for that, I’m grateful.
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DECEMBER 20, 2013
SPORTS
B7
Cavanaugh leads young team By Micah Cabbage micahcabbage@thelittlehawk.com
Conditioning from 6:00-7:15 am. Go to school and then more conditioning and weights from 3:30-4:30 pm then swimming from 4:30-6:30 pm. Four hours and fifteen minutes of practice. That’s a normal Monday for the average City High boys swim team member. “I think it’s difficult but it’s necessary,” Captain Abe Eyman-Casey ‘15 said. “Swimming is one of the hardest sports. All of the swimmers have to go through it so it isn’t something I can sit and complain about.” After the practice schedule became more rigorous, there was a significant drop in participation. The team returns only one senior, Captain Sam Cavanaugh, after five other seniors quit and several others graduated, bringing the team total to only 11 members. Despite this setback, the team doesn’t let their size get in the way of their goals. “We’re small but we’ve got the talent in there to be competitive with other teams. We have to work with what we have, make the best out of it,” Coach Ivan Sanchez said. So far, the team is pleased with the work of the newcomers, especially Leo Xiao ‘17 who Sanchez says is the team’s top freshman. Xiao won the 100 breaststroke and was a part of the winning 200 medley relay in the team’s first home meet of the season at Mercer Aquatic Center on December 3rd. Other underclassmen who have stepped up in practice and have been performing well in meets are Donald Hill ‘17, Ryan Van Daale ‘17 and An-
ABOVE: Sam Cavanaugh ‘14 competes in a breast stroke race at the Little Hawk’s home meet against Cedar Rapids Kennedy. JACOB BUATTI/ THELITTLEHAWK
drew Parr ‘16. Parr broke the school record in the 100 backstroke last year and is looking to improve his time even more this year. I would say Leo Xiao is our top freshman. And then Ryan Van Daele and Donald Hill will get better,” Sanchez said, “They’re good but we still have to work on some technical aspects of where they need to be.” At the team’s first home meet of the season, the Little Hawks won 9 out of 11 events but due to the limited amount of members were unable
to have the depth to pull away with a win over Kennedy. The swimmers posted a lot of best times and almost all of the swimmers even swam the best times of their careers in their respective races, but that wasn’t enough. The following week the team fell 41-119 to Cedar Rapids Washington who are ranked in the top 8 in the state, but the team managed to be competitive against them and made it difficult for them to win individual events. Sanchez was content with how his team competed.
Sanchez identified that the team needs to work on technique such as flip turns and finishing the race in order to improve for the rest of the season. “We just need to keep working hard on some technical aspects so our boys can reach their highest potential. It is a slow process but we are seeing considerable progress week after week with all of our athletes,” Sanchez said, “We will also continue to improve technique which translates into fast swimming.” In regards to state, the team
hopes to qualify at least three relays, including their 200 medley relay consisting of Parr, Xiao, EymanCasey, and Cavanaugh, which they consider to be one of their strongest events, in addition to at least five individual qualifiers, depending on how successful their season is. “The training is there and they will have everything they need to be able to swim their best,” Sanchez said, “It’s just how mentally tough they can be when it’s time to swim fast.”
B8 SPORTS
DECEMBER 20, 2013
PLAYMAKER PROFILE: HALEY LORENZEN
By Emilie Burden emilieburden@thelittlehawk.com
As the season begins, Haley Lorenzen ‘14 shows her veteran skills on the court. The four-year starting varsity player has a total of 195 points after the first eight games of the season and scored her 1,000th point in the game against Linn-Mar Saturday the 14th. The 2012-2013 season, Lorenzen had a total of 429 points. The team is currently number two in the state of Iowa but the team is keeping high
hopes for the rest of the season. “When we beat Cedar Rapids Washington, it gave me a lot of hope and a lot of confidence in what we do as a team,” Lorenzen said. Lorenzen has had a total of 27 blocks, 23 steals, and 14 assists. She’s leading the team with a total of 66 rebounds, 22 offensive and 44 defensive. “She does a good job when she gets double teamed,” Coach Bill McTaggart said. “She does a good job passing and shooting over double teams. We’re very pleased with Haley’s effort.” Lorenzen stands at 6’3” making her the tallest and giving her the position of post.
“Haley is the tallest girl on our team,” Sarah Plock ‘15 said. “When you pass her the ball, she has a good chance of making a basket.” Before the season began, Lorenzen signed her letter of intent with the University of Florida. “I’m really excited to go back to Florida,” Lorenzen said. “and to meet more girls who love to play as much as I do.” Plock believes Lorenzen will be a great player for Florida. “She’s already a really good athlete, but at the college level you get that much better,”
Plock said. Lorenzen has a passion for the game and for her teammates. “Honestly, there’s just no better feeling than playing and getting that really big win,” Lorenzen said. “Sometimes you go through really hard losses but because of the relationships you build with your teammates, you go through it together.” Lorenzen is not only a solid player, but she is looked upon highly by her teammates. “Haley has a great attitude and is positive all the time,” Plock said. “She’s always pushing everyone to play their best.”