The Wildcat (#2 Dec. 2015)

Wildcat brea olinda high school brea, california

XC dominates at State meet

The boys’ cross country team wins a State Championship for the second year in a row, while the girls’ place seventh.

volume 85 issue 2 December 2015

NICK DRURY, senior, avoids a pair of El Dorado defenders on Oct. 23. On Dec. 4, against Canyon High School, the Wildcats played for their second ever Section Championship.

CIF-SS Division XII Championships

MAKING HISTORY “Other teams would have folded in tough times but not these guys.”

ROBB PERRANCE, head coach

2

index

8 Karen Elrayes

Moving to new a school is hard, but moving to a different country is even harder. Karen Elrayes, freshman, shares her experiences migrating to from Lebanon to America.

Mr. Brea

This year 10 seniors were nominated for the annual Mr. Brea competition. The show will take place on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the PAC. Read on for a Q&A with the nominees.

PGS 8-9

PGS 12-13

Ladycats

Phoebe Wang

The girls’ varsity basketball team is led by 13 underclassmen on a 15member team, the highest number of underclassmen in Ladycats history.

Phoebe Wang, senior, first started ice skating at the age of seven. Ever since, she has become a member of the Team USA and is nationally ranked.

PGS 18-19

PG 17

on the cover The Wildcats advanced to the CIF championships for the second time in team history behind the leadership of seniors Nick Drury and Zach Arnold. The game caps a season that improved with every contest.

Front cover photo by MONICA HIEMER

17

18

the Wildcat EDITORS-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

Anabel King, Astyr Ko, and Stacy Uhm Nicole Nam Matthew Moon

FEATURE EDITOR

Samantha Magpantay

OPINION EDITORS

Anabel King and Nicole Nam

NEWS EDITOR A&E EDITOR

Jacob Nam Astyr Ko and Stacy Uhm

HEALTH EDITOR

Anabel King

TRENDS EDITOR

Astyr Ko

FOODS EDITOR

Stacy Uhm

PHOTO EDITORS

Ethan Ahn, Harry Cho, Rachel Lin, and Brandon Yun

STAFF WRITERS

Erin Chung, Vivien Coop, Amos Heo, Juliet Isles, Diana Jarrah, Aisha Khawaja, Charlotte Kim, Ethan Pham, and Amber Tovar

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Monica Hiemer, Halie Nam, and Deval Patel

ILLUSTRATORS ADVISER

Deziree Cervantes and Halie Nam Alex Koers

mission statement The Wildcat is the voice for the student body of Brea Olinda High School. The purpose of our publication is to inform and educate the Brea community, as well as to highlight campus life and student achievement. Our energy is dedicated to the research of facts and opinions, and focusing on issues that concern the high school experience. Opinions stated in the Wildcat do not necessarily belong to Brea Olinda High School administration, faculty, and students. Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the staff. Bylines columns reflect the views of the writer.

the Wildcat

Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way Brea, CA 92821

bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: The BOHS Wildcat Newspaper

a&e DANCE PRO

Summer Wright, senior, dances on Dec. 2 at the dress rehearsal for the annual dance concert. The dance concert features Missy Burns’ Dance Production, Dance 3. Dance 2, and Dance 1 classes, and Brea Freestylerz.

photo by BRANDON YUN

3

4

feature

MORE THAN JUST A

STUDENT TEACHER

by STACY UHM

A

photos by BRANDON YUN

deployment to Iraq, dealing with the intense suspense of the sound of a detonated bomb, being accountable for 50 young Marines...and standing in front of a few dozen high school English students have all been a part of student teacher Travis Bui’s often chaotic 2015.

As a student teacher, a full-time student at Cal State Fullerton, and a reservist in the United States Marine Corps, Bui juggles countless responsibilities.

Along with assessing students, experimenting with different teaching strategies, preparing lesson and unit plans, and meeting one-on-one with his two Master Teachers, Bui also fulfills his duties as a Marine Staff Sergeant a weekend every month and three weeks over the summer, as well as occasional six-month deployments to faraway locales, including Iraq and the Republic of Georgia.

Hoping to start a chain reaction through “paying it forward”, Bui decided that serving his country in the Marine Corps and teaching teens would be the perfect pair of professions for him. Bui’s goal: To make a small difference in the world by making a positive impact on young adults..

“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Power Ranger, and I figured that there was no such thing and there’s no way for me to become anything like that,” Bui said.

“The closest thing that I could think of was joining the Marines. I just wanted to try to make a difference in the world by being a teacher. But before I could do that, I wanted to experience the world. I just want to continue to serve and contribute in helping in anyway I can. I want to teach [students] tools they can use in life.”

At 18, Bui took his first step towards fulfilling this wish by joining the Marine Corps. After boot camp, he was sent to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego. He started off in the communications field as a Private, but as he advanced to Lance Corporal he was able to the “fun dirty work,” according to Bui. He communicated with jets and helicopters and programmed radios while in a Combat Operations Center.

Due to “nothing ever [going] right in the Marines,” Bui acquired problem-solving skills and the capability

to think fast. His experience with the Marines has made him a “more flexible person.” “[The Marines] breaks you down so that it can build you back up to a Marine,” Bui said.

Despite the challenges, these experiences have enabled Bui to become a better teacher. “[Bui] is a very determined and proactive student teacher and person who is willing to progressively grow as an educator. He looks at adapting his teaching methods from others so that he could take these experiences and morph it into his own unique identity and authenticity as a teacher for his current and future students,” Jonathan Quiming, English teacher, and one of Bui’s Master Teachers, said.

For many, speaking in front of a few dozen teenagers can be a nerve-wracking experience.

However, Bui is comfortable with being in charge.

When he was promoted to Corporal, he taught younger Marines on the use of radios. In his current rank of Staff Sergeant, Bui leads and supervises a team of 50 communication Marines on radio, wire, data, and maintenance.

Francis Manjarres, math student teacher, also handles a dual responsibility -- student teaching and wedding planning.

As well as being a full-time Cal State Fullerton student and a math tutor, Manjarres makes time once a month to fully plan a couple’s big day by arranging and coordinating decorations, from table settings to small flower petals. This attention to seemingly minute details and leading a team of people to achieve a storybook wedding also correlate to teaching.

Manjarres recognizes that students have different interests as “math is not everyone’s favorite subject,” so she uses her experience of dealing with the varied personalities of her bride clients. Therefore, even if a student does not particularly enjoy math, she handles it by forming a healthy relationship with the students and creating a learning environment that promotes respect and enlightenment .

“You have to care about your students and let them know that you’re there for them. They have to know that you want them to be successful. You want someone who pushes you and encourages you,” Manjarres said.

Manjarres was first influenced to teach by her second grade teacher. Because Manjarres moved to America from Ecuador in second grade, the American school system was “very new” to her. She experienced “culture shock” as American culture was less formal than Ecuador’s. Ecuadorian people would “never” leave the house in sweats and sandals, and communication is typically very formal, especially when addressing elders. Although she was familiar with the English language, she struggled to pick up slang words such as “dude”. Yet, even in the midst of feeling excluded, a “new” Manjarres was encouraged and inspired by her teacher’s “sweet and caring” manner.

“My experience in second grade affected my life in a really big way. It ultimately decided what my career was going to be. I love teaching, and I love mathematics so I’m very excited that I will get to do that every day,” Manjarres said.

Her passion for teaching derives from the satisfaction she receives after allowing an individual to realize something new.

“I love it when people understand. Having the power to make someone see something [they did not before] is really one of a kind,” Manjarres said.

Matthew Finnerty, math teacher and one of Manjarres’s Master Teachers, helps to achieve this by giving her advice on content and on the flow of her lessons. While Manjarres is still learning, Finnerty believes Manjarres is doing a “really good job” as a student teacher.

“She’s extremely well organized; she has a good understanding of the content material, and the [students] really like her,” Finnerty said. “Student Teachers [in general] try their best they can to be professional, to treat the students with respect, to try to become a part of the school as much as possible for their complete educational experience.”

Aside from the fact that student teachers have similar duties as teachers, all student teachers have their own unique backgrounds, which allows them to connect their personal lives to their careers -- whether from training a team of Marines or coordinating a celebration of the biggest day of a young couple’s lives -- and to their understanding of young adults.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS:

(from top left clockwise) Travis Bui teaches an ERWC4 class for Jonathan Quiming, Bui (center) trains with his buddies to manuever helicopters, Francis Fanjarres stands at a bridal show in June, Manjarres teaches a math class for Jennifer Collier.

feature

5

photos courtesy of FRANCIS MANJARRES and TRAVIS BUI

6

feature

Lunch with Summer Teal

by ANABEL KING

photo by DEVAL PATEL

W

ith a blue pen in one hand and a green apple slowly turning brown in the other, Summer Teal, English teacher, sighed as she scribbled “not enough support” through a student’s essay.

From underneath her desk, you could see her painted toes wiggle inside a pair of black flip flops. Her pen scratched the paper one last time, and she tossed the essay aside. Only 239 English papers to go.

A student walked in and greeted Teal, to which she replied, “What’s up, Buttercup?” But the cheeriness in Teal’s reply did not match the squinting of her eyes which had not left the words of the next essay. So immersed was Teal in the paper that she didn’t see the student set down her backpack and take out a Cup Noodles.

“Can I use your microwave?” the student asked.

Teal flipped to the next page, her brow furrowing deeper and deeper. “Go right ahead, sweetie!” she chirped.

It was lunchtime but Teal didn’t even realize it. The music from the quad entered her room, almost beckoning her to come outside and join the dancing students. But as she rested her cheek

on her hand and bit into the apple once more, the thesis in her hands seemed much more attractive than the beats from outside. Her pen again swept across a page and Teal tossed the essay into the pile. 238 to go.

Another student came in and offered Teal a cinnamon roll. Despite the obvious iffy quality of the roll, Teal excitedly accepted it and asked for another roll, this one for a student who had who had forgotten to bring lunch. The next essay was one and a half pages of illegible writing and ink stains. But Teal bit off a corner of the cinnamon roll and dove right into the paper. At times she nodded her head or tilted it slightly to the right as she marked up the margins with comment after comment. Then the pen scratched the paper one last time. 237 left to grade.

Teal worked through the essays quickly, but read through them as if she had all the time in the world -- as if she would never be interrupted. But then she was.

A student walked in asking about a missing assignment on Parent Portal. Immediately, Teal

Then the pen scratched the paper one last time. 237 left to grade.

feature

withdrew from her essay and tended to the student. She started a conversation with him (“What’s your hardest class this year?”), and they smiled and laughed and complained and sighed. Teal explained an assignment, then wrote a comment on the essay. She cracked a joke, then tossed the essay aside. Her ability to shift focus from student to essay, then student to essay, was like watching a tennis match, a sort of back-andforth that captivated the crowd every second.

The stacks of papers on her desk littered the surface from edge to edge. Her lunch -- the half-bitten cinnamon roll, the browning green apple, a cup of tea, and two bottles of water -- sat among the papers, creating a symmetry between food and work. The desk seemed both messy and organized at the same time.

Again she met with her essays. The two talked and frowned and smiled and sighed. It was either a very good essay or a very bad one. And as she worked through the papers, her expressions morphed, her toes wiggled, her brow furrowed.

236. 235. 234.

Then her phone went off. Teal glanced at the screen, then returned to the essay, but then glanced again and exclaimed a loud “Yes!” Pen in hand, she replied to the message which was from a customer who had ordered 70 handsewn ornaments from Teal and wanted to thank her. (Teal has been running a nonprofit sewing business since 2009.)

She smiled and claimed that this message made her whole day. Then she set the phone down and returned to the essay.

Lunch was almost over, but Teal didn’t even realize it. “I just start teaching whenever students come in and sit down,” she joked.

After a few more essays, she looked up at the clock and noted that it was ahead. She turned back to the essay in front of her, jotted down some comments, but then immediately stood up, intending to fix that clock. Soon she was standing on a chair, prying the clock off of the wall. Then she set it to the right time, made a joke about clockholes, and went back to her essays.

The student sitting behind her started talking

7

about an author and a book-signing and tattoos and Teal responded in between the comments she wrote on the essay. The tennis match never stopped. She tossed essay after essay into the pile, took a bite of the cinnamon roll--the apple completely abandoned now--and then heard the bell ring.

Teal looked up at the clock. “Talk about a boring lunch period.”

The “Lunch with...” series:

In this monthly series, editor-inchief Anabel King observes BOHS staff members at lunchtime. This month King sits with Summer Teal, English teacher. In upcoming issues, look forward to getting to know more teachers through their “Lunch with...” stories.

8

feature

A Life Left in Lebanon Three years ago, Karen Elrayes, freshman, left Lebanon and by doing so, she left her family, friends, and a familiar home. Elrayes shares her experience of transitioning to a new life in America.

A

by VIVIEN COOP

photo by RACHEL LIN

canvas of green hills dotted with homes, and Lebanese towns teeming with lively people are still etched into freshman Karen Elrayes’ mind. The familiar bends in the roads leading to family and friends in her hometown in Lebanon will never be forgotten.

For Elrayes, growing up in Aley, Lebanon, consisted of years of school and long days of bonding with family and friends. Elrayes and her family built an “inseparable” tight-knit social life with the local community. Aley, a small city of 85,000 people located 30 miles south of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, emphasized and enabled socializing with family and neighbors. Elrayes’ large family lived close together and frequently shared birthdays, holidays, and quality time with one another.

“I used to go to my grandparents’ house [which was nearby]. My cousins and I lived in a building where we all lived in one place. We would always be together and play every day together. And so when I came [to Brea] there was no one, and I miss them too much,” Elrayes said.

The transition from Aley, Lebanon, to Brea has been a challenging one for Elrayes.

In the eyes of many, the United States is a country of opportunity. Before Elrayes was even born, her parents had decided that they would move to the U.S. to open up more possibilities for a better life for the Elrayes family. America has more job opportunities than Lebanon and more means to provide the Elrayes children (Karen has an eight-year old brother, Ronnie) a better future.

But it took her parents twelve years to finalize the papers of the move, resulting in Elrayes and her younger brother spending a majority of their childhood in familiar Lebanon.

Elrayes had not even met her father until she was three years old because he was in the U.S. at the time sorting out the move while her mother remained with Elrayes and her brother. She wishes she could have spent more time with him when she was younger.

“There were two years in between every summer I saw [my dad] and he usually came for December for his birthday, my birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve,” Elrayes said.

However, the question was always, “When would we move?”

At the age of 11, all arrangements were made to accommodate her move to the United States when the realization struck her: she was leaving behind everything she grew up with and might never return to her home again.

The house she grew up in that held memories of her childhood best friends and family whom she had seen on a daily basis for all of her life; and all the comforts and her associations of home in Aley were being taken away from her. So she clung to the memories of her home country when she left.

In September of 2012, Elrayes arrived in the U.S. to begin a brand new life with her family.

Also new: Fanning Elementary School and language barriers. Although in Lebanon she learned Arabic, English, and French, her English was heavily accented which made it harder to “fit in” and communicate with the other kids, many of whom already belonged to clusters of close friends.

According to Rola Elrayes, Elrayes’ mother,

“the main obstacle was making new friends. [In Lebanon] she had a lot of friends, and all of a sudden she couldn’t find anyone here. I had to make things as easy as possible for her by talking to her everyday and trying to make things [easier on her].”

Elrayes started off the year sitting at various tables, day by day. She strived throughout the year to meet new people and make friends like the ones she dearly missed back in Aley. She accounts the transition as almost impossible because of how hard it was for her to leave behind “an awesome social life and everyone in my neighborhood.”

Being physically near most everyone in her neighborhood, Elrayes built up close bonds with people.

The life of a teen is school and home, but how do you create another home apart from cousins, grandparents, and friends?

Elrayes returned to visit Lebanon a year after she arrived in the U.S. Despite how much she is missed in her hometown and the troubles she’s had adjusting to a new life in the States, she has served as an inspiration for others who have moved from far away as she did.

As a student who surpassed standards in junior high school and was a member of National Junior Honors Society, she tutors peers, and she currently performs for the Wildcat band.

Elrayes enjoys the California lifestyle and the day-to-day events that occur in Brea that are absent from her old life in Aley. For example, Elrayes dresses up for Halloween (something not commonly practiced in Lebanon); she has more choices for classes at school; she appreciates the diversity of the U.S.; and she is grateful for living in a country with far more job opportunities in the fields of science and mathematics.

“Here, all the teachers stress [the importance] of reading and books, but in Lebanon I used to not read at all and it was as if they didn’t care. So my English speaking started to improve when I got here because I started reading and writing more,” Elrayes said.

And although the move was difficult for her, especially the initial culture shock, Elrayes loves living in Brea alongside dozens of close friends and her tight-knit family.

In this proud country of immigrants, there are people like Karen Elrayes who witness differences in the world around them. She has lived a life halfway across the world, grown up speaking different languages, and left behind much more than beloved family and friends -- Elrayes left behind a home and a childhood, but against the odds, she continues to share a love for both of her countries, a love for both of her homes.

feature

9

10

foods

MARSHMALLOW POPS

HOLLY JOLLY TREATS FOR THE SEASON

level of difficulty:

Sweeten this year’s time of festivity through these three simple treats.

HOW TO MAKE:

INGREDIENTS: - large marshmallows - mini candy canes - melted chocolate

Take a mini candy cane and stick it through a marshmallow. Then, dip the marshmallow in the melted chocolate and roll over crushed candy canes. Finally, set it on wax paper and allow it to settle.

compiled by JULIET ISLES

SNOWFLAKE PEPPERMINT BARK level of difficulty:

INGREDIENTS: - 4 oz milk or dark chocolate - 4 oz white chocolate - ¼ tsp peppermint extract, divided - crushed candy canes or peppermint candies - snowflake mold

CHRISTMAS TREE CUPCAKES

source: livlifetoo.yummly.com

HOW TO MAKE: Add milk, chocolate, and ½ a tsp of vegetable oil into a small to medium size bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30 second intervals on 50 percent power and stir between each 30 seconds. Once fully melted, add half of ¼ tsp peppermint extract into the mix and stir well. Use a spoon to distribute the melted chocolate in the snowflake mold. Sprinkle peppermint candy on top and chill for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Repeat the process with the white chocolate and sprinkle peppermint on top. Finally chill the bark for thirty minutes or until the chocolate is set. source: bakedbyrachel.com

level of difficulty:

INGREDIENTS: - 1 box (18 to 21 oz box brownie mix - additional required ingredients specified in mix package (typically Water, Eggs And Oil) - 24 whole small to medium size strawberries - ½ cup butter, softened - 8 oz, weight cream cheese - 1 lb confectioners sugar - ½ tsp vanilla extract - green food coloring - sprinkles or candies for decoration source: tastykitchen.com

HOW TO MAKE: Follow the directions on the brownie mix to bake the brownies, but fill the mini muffin tin only ¾ of the way. The bake time will have to be shortened because of this so keep an eye on the brownies while they are baking. While the brownies are baking and cooling, prepare the frosting by combining butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and sugar, and add in green food coloring. Once the brownies are cool secure strawberries onto them using a small amount of frosting. Once this is done, start covering the strawberry with green frosting. Finally decorate as desired.

sports

Fall Wrap-up

FOOTBALL

by MATTHEW MOON, ERIN CHUNG, & ETHAN PHAM, photos by MONICA HIEMER & HARRY CHO

QUALIFIED FOR CIF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Varsity football advanced to the CIF Championships for the second time in school history following their victory against Garden Grove 17-7 in semifinals Nov. 27. (Results of the game were not available at presstime.) Prior to the qualification,

Girls’

VOLLEYBALL

THIRD IN LEAGUE

Girls’ varsity volleyball will be ending their season with a third place finish in the North Hills League with a league record of 2-4 in contrast to last year’s record of 10-0.

Even though the team was led by Jensen Allen, senior and varsity co-captain, the athlete with the most kills at 140 and most serves successfully received at 205, and setter Sydney

Girls’

TENNIS

11

QUALIFIED FOR CIF

For the second year in a row, girls’ varsity tennis advanced to the CIF playoffs following their second-place finish in the North Hills League with a record of 4-2.

Although they failed to meet their original goal of achieving a league title due to a disappointing loss to rival Yorba Linda,

the Wildcats overcame Godinez 49-28 on Nov. 22 for the quarterfinals, and Anaheim 40-11 on Nov. 13 in the first round of playoffs.

The team started the season with difficult losses to Sonora, 52-35, and Valencia, 34-7. But, the “rough start” only helped the team become “so much stronger” according to Robb Perrance, head coach. The Wildcats were able to conclude league play with an overall record of 5-5 and a league record of 2-1. “[The rough start] has made us a lot better performance-wise since the only way to get experience is to play games. I’m proud of the improvements they made,” Perrance said.

Standout athletes include senior Nick Drury, quarterback, who scored 13 touchdowns this season; junior Michael Martinson, running back, who scored eight touchdowns; and senior Zach Arnold, linebacker, who led the team in tackles with 101.

“I knew we had a very special group and they have proven to be every bit of that. A lot of teams would have folded going through the tough times earlier in the season, but not these guys,” Perrance said. “They stayed on course and as a result [ended up] right where we wanted to be.”

Tripp, sophomore, who had the most serving points at 85, the team was unable to qualify for CIF. In addition, the team was unable to beat Esperanza, this season’s league champion with a record of 6-1, a team that they “easily” beat last year. The girls also had a three game losing streak. According to Allen, the rapid change from “undefeated league champs” to a third place finish in league is attributed to “position inexperience.”

“A lot of the returning and new girls [had] new roles on the team. Figuring out how to work together is crucial,” Allen said.

The team also wants to improve on “finishing games with a positive attitude” for the next season.

“I want to become closer as a team because it’s tough to improve everybody’s mechanical skills, but one thing we can improve is our spirit --thinking and talking positive,” Allen said.

Despite a “disappointing season,” Allen is “proud” of the improvements the athletes made.

“We all worked hard all year, and even though the season didn’t end how we wanted it to, I feel like a lot of the girls got better. I think we will do really well next season because we have a lot of returning girls,” Allen said. their “biggest competitor”, they achieved their “goal of making it to CIF,” according to Bob Walton, head coach.

Walton attributes the team’s success this season to the senior leadership of co-captains Evelynn Burt and Sarah Saleeb, as well as the performances of returners Alyssa Phelps and Susanna Lung, seniors. Phelps achieved a 10-5 record in singles, and Burt achieved a record of 8-5. Doubles players Allie Segat, junior, and Amber Reynoso, freshman, achieved a record of 9-6 also contributing to the team’s advance to the post-season.

Burt believes that the team’s improvement in consistency, which started off as a weakness at the beginning of the season, but has become one of the team’s strengths. “[The team] started off a little shaky, but we quickly got a rhythm, and worked really hard [with it]. We all came together and fought,” Burt said.

Although the team lost to Orcutt Academy 3-15 at the first round of playoffs on Nov. 4, Walton still believes the season was a successful one.

“Everybody worked really hard. No matter what the score was, even if we were behind in matches, we always fought until the end of it,” Walton said. “I think that’s one of the reasons we were so successful.”

CROSS COUNTRY BOYS’ XC: FIRST IN STATE GIRLS’ XC: SEVENTH IN STATE

Varsity cross country successfully surpassed last season’s success as the boys are again ranked first in CIF-SS Division III and as the girls qualified for the state championships for the first time since 2006. “[This year] we’re running some of the fastest times on both [boys’ and girls’ teams] than we’ve ever had in school history,” Matt Rainwater, head varsity coach, said.

At the Mt. SAC Invitational, the biggest cross country meet in the nation, according to mtsac.edu, the boys’ varsity team placed first overall and girls’ varsity placed fifth. Sophy Tsabadze, senior, was the first finisher for the girls’ team, placing seventeenth in the race. Austin Tamagno, senior, led the boys’ team to victory, placing first for the second year in a row with a time of 14:36.

Both the girls’ and boys’ teams also won league titles in the North Hills League Finals and the Crestview League Finals on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, respectively.

Meredith Lehman, girls’ cross country co-captain, describes these successes as “huge leaps for the program.”

CIF-SS Finals took place at Mt. SAC on Nov. 21. The boys’ team placed first while the girls’ team placed seventh.

Both teams also qualified for state championships, which will was held on Nov. 28 in Woodward Park, Fresno.

Out of 23 teams, the girls’ team placed seventh, and the boys’ team placed first, identical to their playoffs results.

Boys’ co-captain Joe Tobin attributes both of the team’s success to the way the runners keep raising the bar for each other.

“I’m proud of mainly the camaraderie and teamwork we have on this team,” said Tobin. “No matter what they’re always able to pick each other up and keep each other working harder. I think that we will have great results for the rest of the season,” including, they hope, a pair of state championships.

12

centerspread

MEET YOUR

GAVIN ARMSTRONG

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I am excited and so humbled and flattered that I was voted in.

Q:What will you be doing for the show?

That is confidential.

Q: Any preparations?

I’m gonna wing it.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

It will be fun doing things in front of large crowds.

Q: Anything else to say?

I am excited. It will be a lot of fun because all the guys are awesome guys, and the show with them is going to be such a great experience.

THE GAME of

BR E A START

M R . BRE A

ERICK FLORES

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

At first being nominated was shocking-- there was another guy that was also nominated in my class, so I was freaking out.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I will be pleasing the audience.

Q: Any preparations?

I’m still thinking about what I should do, so I’ve been rehearsing a lot.

Just for crowd approval.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

My expectations are through the roof. I think participating in Mr. Brea is one of the greatest things ever.

Q: Anything else to say?

Thank you for nominating me, Senior Class of 2016.

BRENT GUTOWSKI

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I am really honored and excited to be part of the show.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I will be doing an anthem to the greatest country in the world-- America.

Q: Any preparations?

I’ve been reading the Constitution, consulting the President on what he thinks I should do, and I’m just trying to enjoy the freedom I have right now.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

There’s a lot of talented people, but I believe I’m the most American out of all. So I think that sets me apart from them.

Q: Anything else to say?

Everyone should be thankful that they live in the greatest country in the world.

JOSIAH HATCH

NOMINEES

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I’m really grateful that my peers nominated me.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I will be a stay-at-home dad.

Q: Any preparations?

We have a lot of dance practices, and I will be learning a couple songs.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

I want to have a lot of fun and hang out with the other nominees. Being in Mr. Brea is probably going to be the highlight of my senior year.

Q: Anything else to say?

Buy your tickets!

Dress up for Senior Toga Day

KYLE KIRK

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I feel incredibly honored to be selected. This is truly a compliment and I’m humbled that the senior class chose me.

Q: Any preparations?

I will be preparing my acting, dancing, and singing skills to give the audience a show they will always remember.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

It is just to have some fun with my nine amazing friends. I’m so glad to be a part of Mr. Brea this year and I’m ready to savor every moment.

Q: Anything else to say?

Thank you again for everyone who voted for me, I can’t wait to see you at the show! I’m ready to put on a show. Let’s go, Mr. Brea 2016!

. Brea Win Mr ion tit compe

centerspread

13

This year, ten seniors were nominated for the annual Mr. Brea competition. Hosted by ASB, the show will take place on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the PAC. compiled by ERIN CHUNG, VIVIEN COOP, DIANA JARRAH, NICOLE NAM

JEREMY MUEHLHOFF

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I’m very excited to be nominated. I’ve seen the show before and it seems like a blast.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I don’t really have any talents, so I’ll have to figure something out. But for most of the show I’ll be looking goofy.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

It’s going to be really fun and nerve-wracking. I’m just glad that the other nominees are really fun to be around.

Q: Anything else to say?

Shout out to Lena Pham for planning this!

However, might as well have only me in the show because I will take first place.

STEPHEN OTTO

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I’m not surprised that people want to see me embarrass myself.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

That’s classified information.

Q: Any preparations?

It’s all about preparing mentally.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

I expect to blow people’s minds.

Q: Anything else to say?

I do it for my fans.

Go to Senior Prom

photos by BRANDON YUN

JORDAN PARAGAS

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I’m really surprised and humbled. It made me happy to know that I mean this much among my peers.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I’m going to be doing me. Entertaining the audience.

Q: Any preparations?

I’m just getting comfortable being in front of a ton of people and training my bladder.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

I expect the show to be fun with my boys. There’s going to be a lot of fun and talent showcased.

Q: Anything else to say?

Let’s all have fun with this; it’s our senior year!

RISHI PATEL

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I am excited to be in a school-wide event.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I don’t know what I will be doing for the show.

Q: Any preparations?

As of now, I am dancing with Dance Production and working with my friends on the dance choreography.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

It should be very fun. I am excited to enjoy some time with my friends and be with them on stage.

Q: Anything else to say?

Not really.

Attend Senior Breakfa st

JEFFREY ZORDANI

Q: How do you feel about being nominated?

I feel ridiculously honored because ever since I was 76 months old, I have wanted to be in Mr. Brea.

Q: What will you be doing for the show?

I’m going to show my unique and stylish dance moves.

Q: Any preparations?

I’m going to eat my daily bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and then stretch and listen to Pitch Perfect, because Pitch Perfect gets me hyped.

Q: What are your expectations for the show?

I’m just going to have fun, three hunna bang bang Sosa.

Q: Anything else to say?

Best of luck to my other competitors, just remember xSeaBear is coming for you.

Gradu a high sc te hool!

sports

14

Fall Season in Review

INFOGRAPHIC

BY THE NUMBERS

stories by ERIN CHUNG, ETHAN PHAM, JULIET ISLES, STACY UHM & DIANA JARRAH

Winter Sports 2015 Edition

Varsity Wrestling

Girls’ Water Polo

U

nder the leadership of head coach Stan Sprague, girls’ water polo believes that they have a “strong chance” of qualifying for CIF this season.

This year, water polo has eight returning players -- some of whom are juniors Alison Gracia and Nicole Weyant, and Nicole Stefun, sophomore. Sprague highlights two freshmen, Megan Lopez and Rachel Spadt, as potential team leaders.

According to Sprague, the team’s size is a major weakness.

“Our biggest weakness currently is our size if we don’t [already] make up for it with speed. If I’m small, I’m faster than if I’m bigger, but when we’re going against some of the teams in our league it can be difficult because their athletes possess both [size and speed],” Sprague said.

Despite this obstacle, and the lack of experienced returners, the players are very “close-knit,” according to Weyant.

“We are all really close, and we are used to playing with each other

Has been coaching the sport since

1972 Stan Sprague

6

10 4

varsity athletes on the team this year

seniors on the team this year

because most of us on the varsity team have been playing together for a [while], which really helps our communication,” Weyant said.

League-wise, Gracia identifies Esperanza, last year’s league champion, as their primary competitor. However, the Wildcats lost to Esperanza by two goals, 3028, and are confident that they can “redeem themselves.”

Gracia hopes that the team’s camaraderie will help to fuel the “drive” the team had last season in order to reach their goal of qualifying for CIF playoffs, but “this time make it.” The team placed last in their league with a record of 0-3.

“This team definitely has the potential to [qualify for CIF]. We have a well balanced skillset. I look forward to this season and am confident that we can make playoffs,” Gracia said.

The Wildcats had their first game against La Quinta on Dec. 8. Results of the game were not available at presstime.

0.545 78

0-3

last year’s North Hills League record.

12/3

0

100 14 Goals allowed last season

first water polo game of the season

League titles for girls’ waterpolo last year’s overall record

and won a 3rd place medal at the Masters Meet.

Peterson placed fourth in league despite having appendicitis prior to league finals.

The team ended last year’s season with a 0-3 league record.

This year, the Wildcats expect their competitors to be El Dorado and Canyon, as they have “sturdy and skilled wrestlers,” according to Peterson. The team lost both league meets against them last season.

Despite this, Schlueter is “confident” the athletes will improve even more so than last year because of their “great work ethic and teamwork. They have a lot of potential.” “[We’re] going to put in all our effort in order to do just as great, and even better than last year,” Schlueter said. “I look forward to the [what the] team accomplishes this year.”

The Wildcats had their first meet, Rim of the World, at Arrowhead, Calif. on Dec. 4. Results of the meet were not available at presstime.

over

62

10-17

F

rom having live matches during training to going to optional Saturday tournaments for additional practice, the varsity wrestling team is constantly preparing themselves to succeed this season.

Instead of conditioning by running and lifting weights, the athletes are now focusing on “tuning their wrestling techniques” for their competitions with head coach Feargus Mcteggart and assistant coach Brian Schlueter.

“We used to rely heavily on conditioning skills during practice, but now the coaches trust us with our skill level. So that’s why we mostly focus on becoming ‘studs’ on the wrestling mats for the season these days,” Nikita Peterson, senior, said.

The success of this year primarily depends on the performances of seniors Ryan Gutierrez, co-captain, and Peterson.

Last season, Gutierrez placed first in the Century Conference, emerged as the CIF-SS champion,

last year’s winning percentage

Goals scored last season

years coaching BOHS girls’ waterpolo

**coach figures are not an accurate depiction of the actual coaches

Feargus McTeggart

34 30 4

years spent coaching the BOHS team.

athletes that have placed in CIF individually since

4 1980 5

varsity athletes on the team this year

seniors on the team this year

0-3

last year’s North Hills League record.

the number of athletes that can participate in league and CIF competitions out of the 30 athlete team.

wrestlers placed in the top of their weight classes at the Centential High School Wrestling Tournament

12/5 0 1st

first wrestling game of the season

League titles for varsity wrestling Ryan Gutierrez, senior, placed first in league and CIF last year

October 23, 2015

October 16/17, 2015

Girls’ varsity tennis places second in the North Hills League Finals with a league record of 4-2. Sophomore Alisa Fang and senior Alyssa Phelps move on to CIF individual competitions.

depth at every position. However, the team still has to improve in getting the defensive players to come together and play as a unit.

This season, the team will need to “watch out for” El Dorado, last year’s North Hills League champions who finished league play at 5-1. El Dorado’s only loss was to the Wildcats, 3-0.

With senior leadership, past success against the other top team’s in league, and a chance for redemption against El Segundo, Teal believes the Wildcats will win league and advance to CIF this season.

“The team is working hard and is as focused as I have seen a team be in quite some time. We have the right combination of talent, experience and commitment. The guys really do hold the whole thing in their hands.

They will determine their success this season,” Teal said.

The team hosted the annual Wildcat Cup from Dec. 7 to Dec. 11.

Results of the tournament were not available at presstime.

303 0.563

12 23 6

years spent coaching the BOHS team.

seniors on the team this year

Goals scored last season

Goals allowed last season

12/4 19 3-3-0 13-10-1

varsity athletes on the team this year

last year’s North Hills League record.

A

79

26

968 37

high schools in the state

Varsity football qualifies for the CIF-SS championships for the first time in school history, following their victory against Garden Grove 17-7

fter placing second in the North Hills League and making it to the Division III semifinals at CIF last year, girls’ varsity soccer is “eager to compete and [seize] their opportunity [to win]” this season, according to Mike Knaus, head coach.

The team will be led by girls’ varsity captain and fullback, Molly Melanson, junior, as well as returning senior midfielders Kellie Murphy and Madison Yourstone.

According to Knaus, Yourstone is a “great communicator and has the ability to score set plays” while Murphy is a “skilled player that is a force around the goal.”

With the loss of 16 seniors from last year’s team, the biggest adversity this year is on “figuring out their teamwork [in order] to play successfully on the field.”

Currently, the team is emphasizing on conditioning in practice.

“We’re running a lot, we’re doing footwork, and we’re mainly

last year’s winning percentage

the team’s Calfornia State rank out of

Stephen Teal

November 27, 2015

Girls’ Soccer

Boys’ Soccer

F

15

Varsity cross country runs in the CIF Finals at Mt. SAC. The boys’ team won first, while the girls’ placed 7th.

Varsity football places second in the North Hills League with an overall record of 2-1.

Girls’ varsity volleyball places third in the North Hills League with a league record of 1-6. Boys’ varsity water polo places second in the North Hills League with a record of 3-1. Girls’ varsity cross country achieves a North Hills League Title.

ollowing a “disappointing” CIF playoffs loss last season, boys’ varsity soccer is determined “to make this year special,” according to Stephen Teal, head coach.

Last year, boys’ varsity soccer placed second in the North Hills League and had an overall record of 13-10-1. They made it to the second round of CIF, but lost 1-0 to El Segundo. Although it was their “best season” since 2009, the players believed they should have won league and gone further in CIF. “I think that feeling of not quite achieving what we should have will be a driving force for this year. We have a real incentive to not end the season feeling like it could have been better than our result,” Teal said.

The team will be led by seniors Jalani Ambrose, Fernando Resendiz, and Danny Abrego, who was named MVP of the OC Summer League, and Josh Lee, junior.

According to Teal, the team’s strength this season is talent and

November 21, 2015

November 6, 2015

November 3, 2015

Boys’ varsity cross country wins the OC Championships. Girls’ varsity cross country places ninth overall.

sports

October 28/29, 2015

Boys’ varsity cross country wins first place for Division 3 at the Mt. SAC Invitational.

Austin Tamagno, senior, wins the race.

first boys’ soccer game of the season

Number of times boys’ soccer achieved a league title since the beginning of the sport in 1980. last year’s overall record

the team’s Calfornia State rank out of

Mike Knaus

27 23 6

years spent coaching the BOHS team.

0.617

last year’s winning percentage

24

943 39

high schools in the state

Goals scored last season

Goals allowed last season

12/1 15 3-2-1 17-10-3

varsity athletes on the team this year

seniors on the team this year

doing sprints and [other exercises] in order to improve our staminas [and] to build our strength,” Melanson said.

Knaus believes that the effort that the girl’s varsity soccer team puts into their training will produce “good results this season.”

Competition wise, Knaus highlights Yorba Linda, last year’s North Hills League champion, as the team to “watch out” for. Yorba Linda finished league play with a record of 6-1.

Despite a lack of veteran leadership, Knaus remains optimistic that the girls can still achieve a league title.

“Each team, each year, is different. The successes that we’re going to find are [a result of] every girl working hard. We’re young and trying to figure things out, but we’re very talented and excited for this year,” Knaus said.

The Wildcats played their first game against La Habra on Dec. 1.

The team won 2-0.

last year’s North Hills League record.

first girls’ soccer game of the season

Number of times boys’ soccer achieved a league title since the beginning of the sport in 1980. last year’s overall record

w

16

sports

JUMP SHOTS: Brandon Black, senior, attempts a lay up while avoiding senior co-captain Andrew Soby’s block.

Boys’ Basketball

Senior leadership holds key to success Despite a last place in the North Hills League last season, boys’ varsity basketball strives to comeback from last year’s “disappointments” and achieve a very attainable league title, according to Darryl Hilliard, head coach.

Last year, the team concluded their season with a 64-44 loss to to El Modena dropping their league record to 1-5 and a last place finish.

According to Hilliard, this year’s stiffest competition will be undefeated league champion Yorba Linda and El Dorado, whom the Wildcats narrowly lost to, 53-50 in February. “[Placing last in league] was a tremendous disappointment from the record standpoint, but I had a group of seniors that worked very, very hard and we just could not win games in the last quarter. Although the record was bad, the effort was great,” Hilliard said.

Compared to last year’s senior-packed roster, this season’s team has a plethora of youth with the addition of ten new players, six of them underclassmen, according to Hilliard. Andrew Soby, senior and co-captain, expects that the influx of new players will bring optimistic energy to team, which in turn, will help better team chemistry both on the court and off the court.

“Last season, we didn’t have that good of a team. We didn’t have as good leaders, but now that we have seniors coming up, we know what to do and we’re telling the younger [players] what to do,” said Soby. “[This year] we have a lot of different people, a lot of younger players, and I think we’ll do a lot better in that aspect. We’re more focused, we’re stronger, and more willing to work hard.”

In order to succeed on the court, an improvement in teamwork is a must as the biggest issue on last year’s team, according to this year’s returners, was the lack of unity, both on and off the court. To strengthen their bonds, the team is looking to veteran leaders such as senior co-captains Brett Lumsden and Soby to guide them to victory.

This year, there are no returning players with major varsity experience

other than the two co-captains. Hilliard expects that this will be the main struggle during the season as the majority of the team has little experience playing on the varsity level.

“Everyone else has not played major ‘minutes’ on the varsity level, or is coming up from junior varsity, so [Lumsden and Soby] are the only two guys we have [with varsity experience],” Hilliard said. “What’s going to hurt us would be [having such an inexperienced varsity team] play at this competition level for the first time.”

Despite the inexperience of many of the players, Hilliard believes that boys’ varsity basketball has a chance of attaining the league title if the senior leadership successfully guides the underclassmen.

“We have a group of great seniors who have done a tremendous job leading our juniors and our inexperienced sophomores,” said Hilliard. “If they continue to do that leadership-wise and if the juniors and sophomores continue to listen to those seniors then I think we could have a very good season.”

The boys’ varsity basketball team’s first game of the season was on November 28 against Whittier Christian High School. Results were not available at presstime.

by ETHAN PHAM I photo by DEVAL PATEL

“Our team is prepared for the season mentally and physically.

I believe we will go far this season and hopefully win league.

Our team chemistry will be an advantage for us.”

Andrew Soby

boys’ varsity captain

sports

17

FAKE IT ’TIL YOU MAKE IT: Reili Richardson, senior and co-captain, fakes and then passes at a varsity practice.

Ladycats

Expectations high despite young roster After making it to the California State Division III finals last year, girls’ varsity basketball hopes to repeat that success this season while striving to overcome the obstacles of having only two upperclassmen and the graduation of last year’s co-captains Sierra Bononi and Shaylissa Jarrett. With an addition of six freshmen (joining seven sophomores), the team has “high expectations for the season”, according to Jeff Sink, head coach.

Recently, the team competed in the Ladycats Classic and achieved a three win streak, The tournament started on Nov. 30 with the Ladycat’s first win against Sierra Vista 98-13. On Dec. 1 and Dec. 3, the team prevailed against Oak Hills 77-42 and Norco 69-59. The results of the championship game, held on Dec. 5, were not available at presstime.

During the tournament, the Ladycats were led by Arizona State-bound Reili Richardson, senior, and Tyiona Watkins, sophomore. Richardson and Watkins are both “skilled” players that led the team in scoring in last year’s regional finals against El Dorado -- Watkins with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Richardson contributed 14 points and six assists. Other top returning players include sophomores Iyree Jarrett, and post player Krislyn Marsh.

by ETHAN PHAM I photo by MONICA HIEMER

“I think our team will go far this year because we are all close and familiar with each others’ skills.

We are a fast break team and I believe nobody can guard us on the offensive end.”

Reili Richardson

girls’ varsity captain

But while veteran leadership may be strong, both Sink and co-captains Richardson and Watkins agree that the team must work on defense.

“Our offense [is] quite proficient because we have good scorers. But, can we defend quick guards on other teams? We play the best teams in the state -- teams that are incredibly talented. We’re going to need to defend better this year in order to succeed,” Sink said.

Of their unprecedented youth, Sink believes that this year’s freshmen are talented, but lack experience.

“We have 15 kids on varsity, of which 13 of the 15 are freshmen or sophomores. That bodes well for the future, but it also means that we’re a bit inexperienced this year,” Sink said. “We will do really well if our young kids can step up emotionally and psychologically. They have the talent but let’s see if they have the experience and motivation.”

Last year, the Ladycats started out the season strong, winning a Nike Tournament of Champions title and a Crestview League title with a league record of 8-1. Though the Ladycats lost to Mater Dei, 77-50, in the quarterfinals of the CIF Playoffs, they were able to continue their dominance in the CIF State Championships, beating El Dorado 50-46 in the regionals, and advancing to the finals against Bishop O’Dowd. However, the team lost in the state title game to Oakland’s private Bishop O’Dowd High School, 55-40, to conclude their season with an overall record of 26-5.

Sink voices “little concern” with competition league-wise, but the team hopes to “learn from their mistakes” in order to improve on last years’ performance against their biggest competitors, Mater Dei and Bishop O’Dowd.

Despite facing the adversity of having so many young players, the Ladycats aiming to add another championship banner to the gym.

“Our team’s strength is that we all get along with each other and are comfortable with each other on the court. [Because] we are so close, we can quickly identify each other’s strengths and weaknesses. No one hates each other. On the court we’re like family,” Watkins said.

18

sports

the SKATING PRODIGY Phoebe Wang, senior, started skating at the age of seven just because she was drawn to the beauty of the sport. Ten years later, she is nationally ranked and is part of the Team USA synchro team.

by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY photos by RACHEL LIN

T

he sun was barely breaking into dawn when 19 girls embraced the morning chill of Anaheim Ice. One of them, Phoebe Wang, senior, leisurely put on her skates, still too lethargic to feel the early morning buzz. A teammate, already gliding in slow circles on the rink, called out for Wang to skate over. Wang quickly laced up her white skates and rushed to join her family on the glistening ice.

Wang’s interest in the sport was piqued when she was three years old from watching her older sister, Lydia Wang (‘12), who is now the captain of the Team USA synchronized skating team, compete on the rink.

“When I was younger, skating appealed to me because it was so graceful and pretty. The mix of

both athleticism and elegance made skating seem like a dance on ice. So that’s why I thought skating would be a cool sport to try out,” Wang said.

Instead of competing in the more high profile singles figure skating, Wang decided to primarily focus on synchronized skating. Synchronized skating, originally known as precision skating and commonly referred to as synchro, is a team sport that consists of eight to 16 skaters moving as one unit at high speeds while completing difficult footwork.

The idea of competing on the ice with a team appealed to Wang more than skating by herself because it “[seemed] much more fun and less nerve wracking.” This led her to join Anaheim Ice’s and Glacier Falls Figure Skating Club’s Ice’Kateers when she was seven years old.

Wang was one of the youngest athletes on the team, which was comprised mostly of 20 year olds. Skating with girls who were older and much

more experienced proved to be a challenge. But with the help of her coaches and teammates who continually encouraged Wang to work harder and always try her best, this struggle was like a blade’s brush of the ice -- quick and light.

Growing from this experience helped her fully enjoy the triumphs that followed with the Ice’Kateers who she now describes as “one big family” and “a huge part of her life.”

These achievements include a back to back Pacific Coast Champion title in 2012 and 2013 and a fifth place finish at National Championships in 2014.

In addition, just last month, the Ice’Kateers seized the Team USA synchronized skating title, which makes Wang an honorary member of Team USA. The Team USA representative is determined through an International Selection Pool (ISP). The ISP for the Senior level consists of eight teams, the Ice’Kateers being one of them. These eight teams are chosen by their rankings at nationals from previous years. The Synchronized Management Subcommittee (SMS) then monitors each Senior team and using their results, picks out the best synchronized skating team to represent the United States. The Ice’Kateers, after being monitored last month, were chosen as Team USA’s synchronized skating representative.

“After making Team USA, I felt accomplished and really excited. It is an honor to be able to represent my country with the sport that I love,” Wang said.

The first national scale competition that they will participate in as Team USA is Trophy D’Ecosse at Scotland in February.

However, to reach this level of skill, much dedication and time is required. Wang practices at 4:30 a.m. at Anaheim Ice four times a week. On the days when there is no scheduled practice, she practices individually.

“Being a Team USA skater is a dream and goal for most synchronized skaters, but not one they can all achieve. Phoebe has worked hard to achieve this goal. Over time, she has changed a lot as a skater as she has grown and matured, so has her skating. She is much more aggressive and more focused on what her goals are and wants to put in the time and effort it will take to achieve her goals,” Kathi Pargee, Ice’Kateers head coach, said.

Aside from her success with synchro, Wang has also established herself as a formidable singles skater. In June, won a gold medal in Moves-InThe-Field, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a figure skater.

Ice skating has not only added awards to her growing collection but it has also helped her develop emotionally.

“Phoebe has become more focused and

sports

19

COLD COMMITMENT Wang, senior, practices her solo skating routine at the Anaheim Skating Rink. Phoebe practices four times a week before school from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.

Wang is going to compete with the Ice’Kateers, who are currently crowned Team USA, in Tropy D’Ecosse at Scotland in February.

motivated from skating. While growing in her skills as a skater, she has also grown as an individual. In the future, I expect her to do something she loves, even if it is ice skating or it is not,” Luth Wang, Wang’s mother, said.

Yet in spite of her success in both singles and synchro, Wang currently has no plans to follow in her sister’s footsteps as Team USA synchronized skating team captain or even continue to compete with the Ice’Kateers. She has ultimately chosen to stop ice skating professionally altogether after high school in order to focus on her college education at, she hopes, University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder.

“There are some schools who have synchro teams, but I feel like Team USA was my goal and I made it. Once it is college, it will be a new chapter for my life, but skating will always be with me,” Wang said.

20

sports

SHOOTING FOR SUCCESS Patrick Kim, senior, practices his shooting form at Wildcatter’s Park.

ONE SHOT TO VICTORY After Patrick Kim, senior, placed first in the Junior Olympic Archery State Indoor in January. He now aims to be a Resident Athlete at the Olympic Training Center.

by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY photo by BRANDON YUN

sports

21

“I don’t often see a person like him who has such a high level of dedication and love for [the sport]. He is more passionate than any other person I’ve ever seen. I feel like he was born for archery.”

Kisik Lee Head USA Archery Team Coach

W

ith a firm grip on the black, sleek bow and with a hawk-eyed gaze, Patrick Kim, senior, shifts himself into the correct form. Bringing the bow up steadily to eye level, he pulls back the string until it is taut.

He breathes in, deeply, then exhales. He lets go and the arrow swiftly flies towards the center of the target.

Seemingly “born for archery,” Kim is one of the top archers in the country, according to Kisik Lee, head coach of both the U.S. Olympic Archery Team and Joy Lee Archery Academy. Last season, Kim acquired a 20th overall Junior United States Archery Team (USAT) National Rank. This year, he won fourth place at the 2015 State Indoor Competition, third place at the Cotton Boll, and earned a 21st USAT National Rank for 2016.

However, unlike many of his competitors, Kim didn’t begin archery at a young age.

Instead, he dabbled in different sports such as tennis, swimming, and soccer. It wasn’t until the beginning of sophomore year that Kim tried his hand at archery.

What started as recreational shooting at HiTech Archery, a local shooting range in Fullerton, Calif., developed into a full-scale passion after meeting his now close friend and fellow athlete, Valencia HS student, Kevin Kim. After watching a club practice of Kim’s, Patrick was introduced to Lee and Joy Lee Archery Academy. From there, Patrick joined the club team under Lee’s encouragement. Kim recalls that this was the moment when archery became “the most

important part of [his] life.”

From the very start of his club stint, Kim was exposed to Joy Lee’s distinct training style, the National Training System (NTS). NTS is an official USA archery method created by Lee that coaches are required to learn ion order to be certified. In the system, the archer is required to have basic knowledge of biomechanics as well as immense mental concentration to execute a good shot. Although in unfamiliar territory, Kim found himself adjusting quickly to the new training form, simply because of his pure enjoyment of archery.

“When I first started archery, it was not that difficult because I was having so much fun. But as I learned more, it became harder because learning to be consistent is the most difficult [part about the sport] since archery requires focus, concentration, consistency, and a lot of self-refinement,” Kim said.

A couple of months into his club experience, Kim decided he was ready to compete in his first competition, the 2014 State Indoor Archery Competition, held every January in Tulare, Calif.

Despite not placing in the top 10, he took his loss as a “learning experience” and challenged himself to improve.

Kim refined his training style so that he shot around 200 arrows a day at practice--20 short distance shots at 30 meters away and more than 150 long distance shots at 70 meters away for about two hours. During practice, Kim also coached himself on each individual shot, working

out the biomechanics of his shot in true NTS fashion. Kim trained every day, except for the days where he worked with his coach.

“I don’t often see a person like him who has such a high level of dedication and love for archery. He is more passionate than any other person I’ve ever seen. I feel like he was born for archery,” Lee said.

Through repetition and “practice, practice, and practice,” Kim honed his skills, especially his consistency. Most importantly, Kim strengthened his bow arm control and learned to better analyze his own shot.

As a result, Kim went on to win third place in the 2014 State Outdoor Competition and placed second in the California Duel in the Desert to secure a 20th overall Junior USAT National Rank in 2014.

Although Kim has won a plethora of awards since his archery debut, the highlight of his rising career is “undoubtedly” winning first place in the Junior Olympic Archery Development for State Indoor this year. Kim describes his first place victory as “the best feeling ever.”

As for the future, Kim is working hard to be a Resident Athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.

“After Patrick started archery, he became more focused with his goal and I am proud to watch him work so hard. Even though he competes solo, we are a team working together and I [will] always support him [so that he can] reach his dream,” Jennifer Kim, Kim’s mother, said.

22

opinion

A serious case of feminism

by ANABEL KING image source: aflcionc.org

Breaking news:

If you believe women should have the same political, social, and economic rights as men, you may be coming down with a case of Feminism.

In its early stages, symptoms of Feminism include the alarming ideas of equal wages, reproductive rights, paid maternity leave, domestic violence protection, and equal gender representation in the workplace. Often the most distinguishing symptom is the startling realization that in the 21st century, women are still not treated equally compared to men.

“When I was first diagnosed with Feminism, I was scared,” Brenna Hallman, junior, said. “Never in my wildest dreams would I consider myself worthy of being equal to a man. It’s a truly terrifying concept.”

If left untreated, Feminism can result in serious cases of Radical Feminism, in which patients believe that women are better than men; White Feminism, in which white, middleclass, educated women are entitled to more equality than others; and/or Reverse Sexism, in which men should be subjected to the same demeaning social standards that women are held to.

Anti-feminists typically try to distance themselves from the term mainly due to the rise of Radical Feminism in pop culture. Because of its spread, many patients that exhibit normal Feminist symptoms refuse to call themselves Feminists because “that’s too strong,” according to singer Kelly Clarkson, despite telling Time magazine that she “strongly believes in female equal rights.” Even singer Carrie Underwood told Cosmopolitan magazine that she “wouldn’t go so far as to say [she’s] a feminist,” even though she describes herself as a “strong female.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to believe that us women have the right to think or speak our minds without a man’s approval first,” Hallman said. “But sometimes you just have to face the truth, no matter how embarrassing or dreadful it may be.”

Throughout her life, Hallman struggled with her diagnosis, often protesting at activist rallies that men should make more than just one dollar to every woman’s 77 cents. She even started a petition to abolish women’s suffrage, believing that “a woman’s place does not belong in politics--it belongs in the locked cage of her master’s basement.”

But then Hallman began to notice things: wearing clothing that revealed your ankles was not going to make you infertile; Hillary Clinton’s sexual history will not affect her ability to run for office (as claimed by Republican front-runner Donald Trump); and Feminism, basically, is simply believing women should be equal to men. And from there, “it all just clicked.”

“If you think you show any of these Feminist symptoms, please seek help,” Hallman said. “You are not alone--I mean, you will be alone, because let’s face it, no one’s going to side with you. But you know, in terms of like, Feminism and supporting women, yeah, you’re not alone.”

opinion

J

23

oseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, but lack the ideals that separate them from one and Fidel Castro are among another since both are moderates (a person some of the names who is not extreme or radical). According that come to mind to Government in America People, whenever the word “socialist” is Politics, and Policy, mass media tends uttered. As the leading democratic to focus on the “horse-race” aspects and capitalist country — any of a Presidential Election—and not allusions to Communist and the issues or policies of the candidates Socialist regimes (such as the themselves. “The media has a pattern Soviet Union or Communist of focusing more on poll numbers and China) scare us. Therefore, less on candidate positions—it has been it is natural that 50 percent proven that when people see a candidate of Americans claim that they who is leading, they will support that person would never elect a self-proclaimed without necessarily agreeing with that “socialist” to become the President candidate and his/her policies,” Morlan said. If of the United States, according to Sanders received more media coverage, there is the Washington Post. “Socialism” is a no doubt that he would surpass Hillary Clinton word today that is misconstrued due to as the Democratic frontrunner. During the first its negative connotations, but Presidential Democratic debate in October, newspapers and candidate Bernie Sanders, is running to media rooms called Hillary Clinton the overall change our perceptions of socialism. winner; however, Bernie Sanders was actually Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders claims to the most Googled name during the debate, and be a “democratic socialist,” which means that gained the most supporters from it. During the he is an advocate 150 minute Democratic for democracy, but debate Sanders gained wants to eliminate 35,163 new twitter the inequality gap followers, compared to the between the social 23,219 followers gained by classes—according to the rest of the Democratic Sanders the top one candidates combined,

by DEVAL PATEL percent of wealthy according to Forbes. illustration by HALIE NAM billionaires have On top of his Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has gained significant seen an exponential grassroots-based increase in their campaign, Sanders refuses support among voters, even topping fellow Democratic candidate annual incomes, Hillary Clinton in the first Democratic Debate. However, large news to take money from any while the middle Super PACs (Super PACs corporations refuse to take his campaign seriously. Photographer class’ wages have Deval Patel writes why Sanders is the most qualified candidate and donate large amounts remained stagnant. of campaign funds to how his ‘political revolution’ will bring the media to their knees.

Sanders has gathered candidates)—not that widespread support he needs it. Through from the grassroots level, which has taken this of his policies with a Republican dominated donations from average citizens, Sanders has political election, and the Democratic party, by congress; however, Sanders calls for a political raised $26.2 million dollars, coming only about surprise. revolution which will bring a higher voter $3 million behind Hillary Clinton, according to As a democratic socialist, Sanders pledges turnout. Sanders believes that with a higher the New York Times. to demolish the capitalist system that favors voter turnout, he, and the Democratic party, will It is refreshing to have a presidential the top one percent billionaires in the country. get a boost in supporters — and he’s not wrong. candidate that refuses to run a negative By raising the taxes for the top one percent, According to Washington Monthly, with higher campaign and address trivial matters such Sanders vows to take money out of politics and voter turnouts worldwide, people tended to vote as Donald Trump’s hair or Hillary Clinton’s make public college tuition free. Sanders also for the party more to the left — in our case, the emails, as seen during the debate when Sanders promises to raise the minimum wage to $15 and Democratic party. interjected, “Enough about your damn emails!” plans to tackle social issues such as women’s Sanders needs to be acknowledged as a Our country is in dire need of a politician rights and LGBT equality. serious contender for this upcoming presidential who has a different direction and plan for “Sanders’ is definitely more idealistic than election. The media overlooks Senator Sanders, Americans. If we keep electing people to office the average candidate,” Bruno Morlan, history and instead focuses on mainstream candidates who are moderates, then there will be no real teacher, said. such as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. change—forcing the most democratic country Sanders will be unable to implement any These candidates make for great headlines, yes, in the world to remain in a perpetual gridlock.

THE UNDERDOG

24

Back-to-Back State Champs!

Jon Tobin, sophomore (right), Daniel Perez, junior (middle), and John Dempsey (left), run in the Crestview League Finals. Mirroring last season’s success, boys’ varsity cross country achieved consecutive league, CIF and Division III State championships. And for the second year in a row, the boys qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals which took place from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6 (results not available at presstime).

photo by MONICA HIEMER