MARCH MADNESS
LIAM MITCHELL
March is one of the greatest times of year for sports fans. From the excitement, anxiety, and all other emotions, it is always a great watch for all. Whether you’re watching your favorite team play, rooting for the underdogs, or praying for your bracket to stay perfect, this tournament never fails to provide entertainment. Almost every year there is a double-digit seed that shocks the world and goes further into the tournament than anyone expected. This year has been different as this tournament may have the best collection of 1 seeds ever. Houston has only lost one game since November 30th. Duke, who went 19-1 in the ACC, won the ACC Tournament without superstar freshman Cooper Flagg. Florida, who many have winning the tournament with one of the best players in America Walter Clayton Jr, and arguably the best backcourt in the country. Lastly, Auburn, who won 16 Quad 1 games and has the favorite to win the Naismith men’s player of the year award in Johni Broome.
1st Round games -
The tournament this year started slow with the higher seeds winning much of day 1, until #12 McNeese State upset #5 Clemson. McNeese, who had never won a tournament game before had Clemson on the ropes in the first half. They held the Tigers to the least amount of points in an NCAA tournament game by a 5 seed or higher since 1999 Wisconsin. Yet, at the
end of the 2nd half the Tigers went 6/6 from three to make it a 2-point game and McNeese pulled off the upset 69-67. Another upset in the 1st round was #11 Drake over #6 Missouri. Drake is a cool story with former DII coach Ben McCollum bringing many DII players to DI and having success. Standout player Bennett Strirtz had a tremendous game scoring 21 points and 4 assists. Drake controlled the game for almost all 40 minutes, playing their slow style of play and forcing Missouri to play a completely different game than the SEC. Drake has the most possessions in the last 5 seconds of the shot clock in the country and this was on display time and time again as Drake upset Missouri 67-57. Then there was #12 Colorado State who before the Mountain West Tournament had started, was on the bubble. If not for them winning the MWC tournament they would not have made the NCAA tournament. They kept their winning streak alive and were one of the hottest teams entering the tournament. They were a very popular upset pick, as I also picked them in my bracket to beat #5 Memphis. With their 10-game winning streak on the line, Colorado State was down five at the half. They rallied to outscore the Tigers by 13 in the 2nd half to beat Memphis 78-70 on the back of an outstanding performance by sophomore Kyan Evans, who hit 6 threes to help
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ATHLETICS: PAGE 1-3
COLLEGE ADVICE: PAGE 4-5
ENTERTAINMENT: PAGE 6-11
ADVICE: PAGE 12
PI DAY
Pi, a number I suppose every student is familiar with. Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) because the date represents the first three digits of π (pi) = 3.14. It is a fun, informal holiday dedicated to the mathematical constant π, which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.
Pi has fascinated mathematicians for centuries. It appears in countless equations in geometry, physics, and engineering. Pi is the representation of infinity and endless possibilities. Today, supercomputers continue to calculate pi to trillions of digits, though most calculations only require a few decimal places.
Pi day isn’t just about math. It’s also about fun. Schools, universities, and science enthusiasts mark the occasion with pieeating contests, pi recitation challenges, and even discussions about the significance of mathematics in daily life. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized Pi Day, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Moreover, it’s a celebration of human curiosity and the endless pursuit of knowledge. So, whether you’re memorizing digits, baking a pie, or simply appreciating the wonder of mathematics, March 14th is the perfect day to embrace the infinite nature of pi. •
PETER NIU
Continued from pg.1
close out the game. Then there was an all-time great coaching matchup between 2 hall of fame coaches John Calipari of #10 Arkansas and Bill Self from #7 Kansas. These two teams began the season on total opposite ends of the spectrum. Kansas was the preseason number #1 team and beat Duke to start the season, but they then stumbled at the end of the year. Arkansas began the year 0-5 in SEC play, and battled injuries, but towards the end of the season have looked a lot
THE HOWLER
better. With the return of Boogie Fland, Arkansas tried to eliminate Kansas making them only the 2nd team ever to begin the year as the number 1 team, and lose in the first round of the men’s tournament. Arkansas who had the lead after the first half, struggled to hit threes in the second half, but when it mattered most they came up clutch, especially Johnell Davis who hit multiple key free throws to help Arkansas pull off the upset in the battle of two legendary coaches.
Takeaways -
Although the first round may have been disappointing from an upset standpoint, it should make for great games in the coming rounds. Some intriguing 2nd round matchups to watch include #8 Gonzaga trying to make its 9th straight sweet 16 facing off against #1 Houston, 2-time defending National Champions #8 UConn playing #1 Florida, and #4 Maryland and their incredible freshman Derrick Queen facing off a scorching hot #12 Colorado State. Additionally, watch for #2 St. John’s and legendary coach Rick Pitino vs another incredible coach of #10 Arkansas’s John Calipari, and lastly, arguably the best game in the 2nd round, #6 Wisconsin vs #3 BYU. This should be a great game between two great teams. BYU, whose shot selection is almost 40% threes vs a physically tough team in Wisconsin, who also plays great defense. This game should include a great contrast in styles and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Overall, I can’t wait to see how the next couple of rounds pan out and I am looking forward to crowing a champion in early April.•
◀NCAA Standings as of publish date, March 31 at 9:02 am
THE HOWLER
COACH HUNT RETIRES
JACK DIEHL
Mr. Hunt has been a coach and teacher for many years at AC, and we wanted to ask him about his experience as a coach at AC. Recently, in the 2024 season, he achieved his 300th win as a coach at HAC, which is a great accomplishment. Hopefully you can take something away from his responses to these questions, I think they are really beneficial for student athletes to read. Thank you, Coach Hunt!
What initially inspired you to become a coach at AC, and what has kept you passionate about it over the years?
At age 27, I was hired by AC as both a history teacher and soccer coach, which had been my immediate career goal when I had graduated from college five years earlier. Soccer had become my athletic “passion” when I was about 14 and was struggling hitting curveballs in baseball. I began coaching so that I could continue to participate in my favorite sport, but the more I thought about it, I realized that my coaching career was a decades-long attempt to pay back my own coaches by passing along the joy for the game that they loved, a love that they had given to me.
Can you share one of your most memorable moments or achievements from your time coaching at AC?
In terms of “official” accolades, nothing matched the 2005 season. Our HAC team won its second consecutive Sectionals title and I was awarded the New York State Private-Parochial Coach of the Year award. But what really sticks out have been the tremendous young men that I was able to work with for the last four decades. Some of my most memorable teams have been the ones who surpassed expectations, for instance, the 2001 team that I thought would struggle to win more than a couple of games but ended up with a .500 record, or the 2022 team that I thought would finish .500, but went 15-3 and lost in the Sectional Finals.
How has the athletic program evolved since you first started coaching, and what changes have stood out the most?
A few things have changed. For one, there are now elite travel teams that take athletes away from their school programs to, I believe, the detriment of both the individual athlete and our school programs. Secondly, it has become
an increasing struggle to get our students to participate in interscholastic athletics, especially in sports that are not their “favorite.” One thing that hasn’t changed is that high school athletes still love to be pushed to the edge of their limits. They might complain a little when they’re going through it, but when they’re finished, they’re proud of themselves.
What lessons do you hope your athletes take away from their time on your team, both on and off the field?
I hope that my soccer players took away the realization that hard work pays off, that very little can be achieved in life without the support of others, that success after recovering from disappointment is the sweetest feeling, and that playing soccer is just incredible fun.
What advice would you give to current and future AC athletes who want to leave their mark on the program?
I think that one thing that distinguishes the “great” athletes is how much time they spend on their own, working on their game when no one is watching them, and maybe no one even knows that they’re out there, by themselves, in the gym, on the track, on the kickboard. The great athletes set incredibly high standards and expectations for themselves and are not satisfied unless they achieve them. •
AUDRIANA WILLIAMS
THE HOWLER
College Advice
Are you a stressed out junior touring colleges and don’t know what questions to ask? Or even an underclassmen with your sights on college and don’t know where to start looking? Well, the Class of 2025 has been there, done that, and we can now give you some advice to help navigate your college search.
Here are some tips we’ve gathered from our journeys:
START EARLY
College can be an overwhelming process, with unexpected hurdles. It will help SO much to start your college process as soon as possible. (Even you Freshman.) Seriously.
You can start as simply as brainstorming a location or size of college you picture yourself at, and see if that changes by the time you’re a junior. It probably will, but this gets you thinking about it.
Go on Trips with Ms. Nevinger!
These trips are so beneficial, and you get to tour colleges with your friends while also getting a sense of what college trips are like.
Choose your own path
Selecting a college is a time when you realize you and your closest friends could be moving apart. Don’t let this affect the school you want. Pick your own path! We promise everything works out.
COMMUNICATE!!!
This process has so many deadlines, and it is important to write it down, or share it with your parents. They should be involved in this process too! Talk to your parents, meet REGULARLY with Ms. Nevinger. She is THE BEST. If you are asking for a rec letter, try to give the teacher a heads up at the end of junior year, or the VERY beginning of senior year. Do not wait until the last minute!
Take Junior College Workshop
In this Mayterm you start (anfd almost finish) the Common App in a WEEK! And it sets your summer off to an amazing start. As seniors, we think this is one of the best ways to minimize stress in the fall of senior year.
Enjoy your time in high school while it lasts
One day you are a Freshman, the next, the test you stressed over is done, and the months start to fly by, and you realize you are a senior. Enjoy every day. The good, the bad, and all of the experiences Allendale Columbia has. Join a sport, club, go on trips, or events! Enjoy those moments while they last!
It will all work out
Trust us, we know how stressful the next nine months will be. We know everyone says, you will end up where you’re meant to be, but YOU WILL. TRUST. YOU GOT THIS! •
THE HOWLER
How to choose a college
After applying to 30 colleges and getting accepted to 27, I was thrilled but quickly realized I now had a huge decision to make. At first, the options felt overwhelming, so I decided to take a step back and give myself time to think. I focused on what truly mattered to me: the academic strength of each program, the campus culture, the location, and the financial aid packages. I was drawn to schools with strong programs in my field and environments that felt like a good fit, where I could thrive both academically and socially. I visited as many campuses as I could,
either in person or through virtual tours, to get a real feel for each school. I also reached out to current students to hear about their experiences, which helped me gain a more realistic understanding of daily life on campus. After weighing all the factors, everything from the campus vibe to cost and location, I followed my gut and chose the school that felt like the perfect balance of what I wanted academically, socially, and financially. It wasn’t an easy choice, in the end, I knew I was making the right decision for my future. •
FOLLOW @acseniors25 on instagram
JUNIOR COLLEGE WORKSHOP
If you are a junior you might be thinking you have time before you need to start thinking about college, because you have a whole other year of high school to complete before you go. Well newsflash, you don’t. Just kidding, of course you have time. But you should use that time wisely. The sooner you start thinking about college, the less stress you will have later on when those application deadlines are fast approaching.
My first bit of advice is to actively research colleges. Don’t put in minimal effort to find out what you need to know about these colleges, instead you should dive deep. Where is the college? Location is important, as well as its surroundings. What is there to do in and around this college? Think about the pricing: is it affordable for you? Think about things you might initially overlook, like what the dorms are like, how the food is, what is the situation with the bathroom. You don’t need to make any decisions yet, but think about what type of college would be best for you, and research which colleges best fit you. Don’t just rely on Scoir or other college finding sites. Do some of your own research too.
My second piece of advice is to try your best during the Junior College Workshop May Term. I know it might feel exhausting; it’s the end of the school year and you can’t wait for summer break to just start already. But really put in the effort during this class, so you don’t have to spend your summer doing what you could have done in school. If you really put in the work in this class, and take advantage of the help of the several adults and teachers there to help you with your college journey, the less stress about college you will have later on. •
MEREDITH WELCH
JACK BOGUE
THE HOWLER
INVISIBLE PART 2
ELLE DILORETO
Night, October 14, 2016, Hospital
That night Calley went home to find her aunt and uncle crying and talking to each other, saying that they want her to come back and wondering why she left, but Calley was confused as to why everyone was acting like she was… invisible.
Calley sat in her bedroom, as questions spiraled in her head.
Why could no one see her? Why is the doctor who’s supposed to help her trying to kill her? Why does Calley now have some powers?
“Ughhh!” Calley sighs loudly, taking advantage of no one being able to hear her. “This is impossible!” she groans, when suddenly, Calley gets up, an idea coming to mind.
Calley grabs her car keys and rushes out of the house.
Calley has never been one to snoop. She doesn’t have to. She gets what she wants when she needs it.
When Calley gets to the hospital, she walks through the doors of the entrance, literally walking through.
Then Calley runs up the stairs of the hospital to the floor Dr. Craig’s office is on.
When Calley makes it to the door of Dr. Craig’s office, she walks through the door of it, and gasps when she takes in the mess of what seems to be a scientist’s lab around her.
“Weird,” Calley whispers as she examines the room.
She walks over to a table with a half-open book that reads ‘Cyanide.’ Next to the book, is an empty syringe that reads, Calley, on a white sticker.
“That’s what Dr. Craig put in my arm,” Calley whispers.
Then, Calley walks over to a brown wooden desk with locked drawers.
“Crap,” Calley says.
Calley looks around the room, banging her fists against the desk until her knuckles begin to bleed.
Without thinking, Calley moves her fingers onto the keyboard of Dr. Craig’s computer.
“What would a mad scientist doctor have as a password?” Calley asks herself, when she sees a green sheet of paper hanging on the back of the computer.
She grabs the green paper, which turns out to be a sticky note, and on the sticky note, reads a password.
“Mr.Squiggles!29.” Calley reads off, and types it in the password bar. When it opens, Calley mutters, “Idiot.”
Calley searches through files of Dr. Craigs on the computer, but only finds medical information of other patients. Then Calley moves to searching through Dr. Craig’s inbox, when she sees an email that’s starred.
Calley clicks on the email, and sees the date that it was written was on, October 7, 2003.
“That’s the year I was born,” Calley whispers,
but then she sees who it’s from. Amanda Bailey.
“Mom,” Calley’s voice reads. Calley reads the email:
To Craig,
I know this may come as a surprise to you, but I’m going to Toronto. I’m getting married in a few days. We can’t see each other anymore. It was an accident to begin with, so stop writing to me.
From Amanda
“My mom and Craig were in a relationship?”
Calley gets up slowly, and knocks the computer off the desk as it shatters.
Calley walks over to a shelf, slamming her fists into it as they begin to bleed again.
When she lifts her fists up, a tape falls off of the shelf.
“A tape? What the hell is a tape doing here?”
Calley runs out of the hospital with the tape in hand, and runs to her car, driving back home.
Calley knows what she has to do. Her answer could be on this tape.
When Calley gets home, she runs up to her bedroom.
Her aunt and uncle still can’t see her, so Calley has all the time she needs, though she knows she should be quick with this video.
As Calley places the tape in her desktop, she takes a deep breath in and prepares for what she’s about to see.
As Calley starts the video, her mouth drops and she gasps.
Calley’s whole body shakes and the only words she can manage to choke out are, “Dr. Craig poisoned my parents…”
Final Part of Invisible coming out in the next Howler! Stay tuned!
HOWLARIOUs
SPREAD CREATED BY SIENA ARDIZZONE
THE HOWLER HOWLARIOUs
SPREAD CREATED BY CAITLIN SWARTZ
HOWLARIOUs
Womens History Month Word Search
trailblazer determined influential beautiful empowered equality inquisitive feminism choice strength fierce power worthy strong driven
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WORST OF CRUMBL
Editors note: This month Mackenzie reviewed Crumbl cookie flavors. If you haven’t been Crumbl is located in the plaza by Starbucks and is regularly visited by many of our students for a “little sweet treat.”
March 3-8, 2025
The worst cookie out of this lineup to me looks like the churro toffee white chip. The churro part sounds enticing but the white chip is the part that’s grossing me out.
March 10-15, 2025
The worst cookie out of this lineup to me looks like the Kentucky butter cake. I’m not sure what that flavor entails or what I’d be tasting if I ate it.
March 17-22, 2025 – St Patrick’s Day week
This week’s worst cookie is a toss up for me, between the confetti cake batter, wildberry sugar and milk glaze. I don’t like fruity pebbles and wildberry sugar. It’s giving me the impression that I’d bite into an artificial berry and it would ruin the whole experience.
March 24-29, 2025
To be completely honest the strawberry crumb cake looks the worst to me out of this lineup. It looks like the same fake berry situation and overall like it would be too sweet. •
SPRING BREAK PLAYLIST
Happy Spring! I made a playlist for any weather. Whether you’re staying home and enjoying the nice weather or going on a trip, here’s some music you can listen to to heighten your mood. I included songs like “Sweet Escape”, “Pocket Full of Sunshine”, and “Springsteen” that embrace the warm weather.
All of these songs are very upbeat and increase your mood. With the break approaching and vacations coming up, here’s some music to listen to whether you’re in your house or at the beach to get you in the summer mindset! •
HOWLARIOUs
THE NOISE GAME
ARI HAGELBERG, RYAN D’ARDUINI, JACK DIEHL
Introducing The Noise Game, a hilarious and lighthearted game created by our very own Jack D. Ryan D, and Ari H. The goal of this game is simple: have fun, be goofy, and enjoy a good laugh with friends. Perfect for a group of friends who are feeling a little silly and want to pass the time, The Noise Game will keep everyone entertained.
Here’s how it works: choose someone to start, and they have to make any noise they want. The objective is to make the rest of the group laugh! Everyone tries to hold in their giggles, but if you’re the first to crack and laugh, you’re the next one to take a turn. The game creates a contagious atmosphere of laughter, where the more ridiculous the noises, the better!
A great way to break the boredom and add some laughter to your day, just make sure to keep it school-appropriate and lighthearted. Enjoy, and let the laughs begin! •
Editor’s Note: We recommend you play this outdoors especially with the weather improving all week!
THE HOWLER
AMORA ASKS!: Women’s History
AMORA THONGJANG
Happy Women’s History Month! In this edition of the Howler, the advice comes from the female faculty members instead of me. The following will include interviews with Ms. Maguire, Mrs. Interlicchia, and Ms. Henninger. The questions I asked them were:
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Mrs.Interlicchia: To me, Women’s History Month is a time for us to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women who were and are trailblazers
Ms.Henninger: It is a time for everyone to remember, honor and celebrate all of the sacrifices and accomplishments so many women have had, and continue to have, all around the world.
Ms.Maguire: Women’s History Month means we pay a little more attention to women’s contributions for 31 days.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
Mrs.Interlicchia: So many women have inspired me throughout my life in a plethora of different ways. I have always admired women who are unafraid to say and do what they know in their hearts to be correct.
Ms.Henninger: My best friend. Professionally, she is an incredible social worker who has endless patience and compassion. However, what stands out the most is all she has done as a mom, wife and daughter for her family. She has created an extended family system that is built on love, respect, humor, authenticity, hard work, and nurturing each person to become their best selves. Despite any major challenges, she is
able to remain grounded and still hold space to support her family and friends.
Ms.Maguire: Ani DiFranco, who avoided corporate record labels by creating her own: Righteous Babe Records
What is one story about a woman in history that you think every young woman should know?
Mrs.Interlicchia: I wish everybody knew the story of Malala Yousafzai. She was only 11 when the Taliban took control of her town in Pakistan and forbade girls from attending school. Malala, however, refused to comply. Although she knew that it would put her at great personal risk, she continued to pursue her education and publicly spoke out on behalf of girls and their rights to education. Even after the Taliban’s attempt to end her life, she refused to be silent and has dedicated her life to promoting education for girls. I find her tenacity, bravery, and selflessness to be so inspiring, and she reminds us not to take our opportunities for granted.
Ms.Henninger: The story about J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. She went through many family, financial, and mental health struggles. When she introduced her manuscript of the first Harry Potter book to twelve different publishers, she got rejected by them all. Her inner drive and resilience helped her to not give up, and finally her book was accepted by the 13th publisher, and she has become one of the most famous authors of all time.
Ms. Maguire: Rosalind Franklin
What do you wish you had known as a young woman in high school?
Mrs.Interlicchia: One thing I wish I had
understood when I was much younger is how important it is for each of us to intentionally build ourselves into the people we wish to become. I think that a lot of teenagers, myself included, get so caught up in day-to-day activities that we passively go with the flow and forget to step back and reflect. The big picture will always change, but if we build ourselves around our values, the rest will fall into place.
Ms.Henninger: To not care so much about what other people thought about me, and to speak up if I needed something instead of holding back.
Ms.Maguire: That I could do math. What advice would you give to young women navigating high school today?
Mrs.Interlicchia: I would remind high school students to remember that growth is uncomfortable. If we are to grow, we need to practice being uncomfortable.
Ms.Henninger: If you need to have a serious or in-depth conversation with someone, it should be done in person, or at least on a video call, instead of any form of texting or social media posts. There is a lot that can get misinterpreted without having body language, facial expressions and tone of voice to help fill in the gaps. I would also encourage you to try not to compare yourself to others who you see on social media -- be true to who you are, and follow your own path in life no matter what other people’s opinions are.
Ms.Maguire: Don’t apologize for having opinions. •