Central
Stampede
3
Friday, Oct. 6, 2006
Honoring
Portage Central High School 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002
Vol. 12 Issue 1
50 cents
friends
Students remember lives of crash victims BY MEREDITH GAGE
Editor-In-Chief
The heel flip. The hard flip. The “pop shove it.” In the past month, these skateboarding tricks have taken on greater meaning to families, friends and community members grieving the loss of three boys brought together by their love of skateboarding. The words bring to mind not just simple maneuvers but the memories of those who loved to execute them. On Aug. 14, 16-year-old Adam Sagara and 15-year-old John Phelps died in a car accident on their way home from the local skate park. A week later, 15-year-old Tyler Ballentine passed away a�er suffering fatal injuries resulting from the crash. As the initial shock and grief over the accident gives way to pending criminal investigations (the other driver, Alan Goodwin, faces three counts of manslaughter) friends of the deceased hope that the boys will be remembered for the funloving and talented individuals they were. “I had known Adam since I was two,” junior Bre� Pa�en said. “We played Li�le League together, rocket football, soccer—we started skateboarding at the same time.” Friends said while Sagara seemed quiet, he was actually quite a goo�all. “He [Sagara] would come to the skatepark with no coat on and it would be freezing,” Pa�en said. “Adam said he was warm because he had just drunk some hot sauce.” Senior Justin Swenson remembers Phelps as “Moped-J” because he was always riding his moped around town. “He taught me how to get more gas out of the pump by holding it up really high,” Swenson said. “We’d look ridiculous: a bunch of skateboard kids trying to get more gas into [Phelps’] moped.” The back of Phelps’ moped was a popu-
lar place for Ballentine to be, according to sophomore Eric Moorman. “He was always on the back of that moped,” Moorman said. “Tyler was pre�y quiet but a really serious skater.” Moorman will always remember one particular skating triumph of Ballentine’s. “We were at WMU and he finally landed a heel flip over a rail,” Moorman said. “That was his favorite trick.” Friends also remember Phelps as having a particular penchant for the “hard flip” and Sagara constantly perfecting his “pop shove it.” The skateboarding community has been especially hit hard with the loss. A candelight vigil and tree-planting ceremony was held at the South Westnedge Skatepark in mid-September. Local extreme sports store The Edge created memorial stickers for the boys that were handed out at the funerals. A “Li�ed” T shirt honoring Sagara, Phelps and Ballentine is available for sale. Swenson and senior Jon Depoian spray-painted their skateboards in memory of their friends. “The first time I went back to the skate park it felt weird,” Depoian said. “It felt empty somehow.” “I don’t skateboard as much as I used to. Tyler was who I always skated with,” Moorman said. Still, the bonds of friendship are perserved as Depoian, Moorman, Patten, Swenson and others continue to frequent their old hangouts. “We still go over to John’s house all the time,” Swenson said. “His dad always wants us to eat food there. He’s used to us being around.” As friends and family reconnect a�er the tragedy, Pa�en tries to find inspiration. “Adam’s dad told us to do something good for someone every day, because that’s something that Adam did,” Pa�en said. “I’m trying to do that now, too.”
SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE
BROKEN
BOARDS: A cross memorializing Adam Sagara, John Phelps and Tyler Ballentine is erected out of broken skateboards. The boys were involved in a fatal car accident on their way home from skateboarding on Aug. 14.
Adam
John
Sagara
Tyler
Phelps
Ballentine
Think you could be mayor for a day? 45,679
people living in Portage
7
council members serving the city of Portage (including the mayor)
2
length of term, in years
Vibe Editor
Those hoping to become Big Man on Campus may finally get their shot with Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas’ introduction of the “Mayor for a Day” activity. In order to get students more involved with local government, Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas has devised a plan to simulate the daily life of a mayor or city councilperson for a few lucky high school students. “I would like to get the two high schools more involved with local government to give them a be�er understanding of how it works.” Strazdas plans to invite seven Portage high school students to city hall and show them what it is like to run the city of Portage
Insider the
for a day. One student will be “mayor for the ules. Ideally, Strazdas would like to have the day”, and the other six will be members of students learn about local issues and study “city council”. the details. Although the plans are They would still in their early stages, then be asked Strazdas has contacted the to take the I would like faculty advisers for student seats of the to get the two high government at both high city council schools in hopes of ge�ing members durschools more involved ing a televised students involved with this activity. with local government. meeting and Qualifications for the hold a debate. city council and mayor poStrazdas PETE STRAZDAS sitions are yet to be deterhopes that mayor mined, and Strazdas said he the students plans on leaving the logistics participating up to the faculty advisers. in the activity will have a strong desire to The students’ agendas for the day have contribute to their community and possibly yet to be determined according to their sched- have aspirations to work with the local gov-
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page 2 Choking on new cafeteria prices • page 8 Horrifying horror flicks •
Herdin theHallways
“ That’s just a crappy paper
camera.”
---Tour de France champion Lance Armstong mocks teacher Chuck Schira’s choice of camera on p. 9
ernment. “Local government workers do not get paid much money, so it is important that they sincerely care about their communities.” Students have mixed feelings about the “Mayor for a Day” opportunity, but some are more optimistic than others. “I think it would be good for the mayor and City Council to see how we {teenagers} view things,” sophomore Alison Mowry said. Others, however, disagree. “That’s ridiculous,” junior Eric Higgins said, “I don’t think any kid is actually going to want to be mayor.” Mayor Strazdas hopes that the activity will be underway soon, and that it will generate more student involvement in our local government.
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BY LAURA PONE
ARE YOU IN? Poker parties are a royal flush among students
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page 10 Just keep swimming
How many times do you use or check your cell phone during school hours?
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GHI
time- 15%
2
times- 8%
5
times- 7% JKL
ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE
3
times- 7%
0
times- 41%
DEF
ABC
times or more- 22%
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News
Stampede
page two
hallways and city streets
Oct. 6, 2006
Price increases greet students Many surprised by new, higher food costs in cafeteria BY ADEL JOHNSON
News Editor
Mark Twain said it best when he wrote, “To eat is human. To digest is divine.” A�er years of undercooked fries, soybased cheeseburgers and overly greasy pizza, a large percentage of high schoolers today would agree that the cafeteria food seems less than appealing. However, this could all change with the unlikely event of actually raising the prices of the school cuisine. The Food Service Department is passing on price increases for the à la carte menu. For example, pizza has increased in price from $1.75 to $2.00, and soup has gone up from $1.00 to $1.75. Nevertheless, this sudden increase is surprisingly for the best, as it offers students a wider range of nutritious snacks. “We have made a concerted effort to offer healthier selections in the cafeteria,” said Lance Gerry, food service manager for Portage Public Schools, of the food quality. This initiative, while appearing ludicrous to some, is meant to improve the eating habits of everyone in the school. With the increase in the à la carte prices not only at Portage Central but at Northern as well, the schools will be able to purchase new equipment and bring in healthier, be�er meals. Some students, however, are feeling the pinch. “I honestly think it’s nonsensical,” senior Michelle Ridge said. “The prices have risen astronomically.” Ridge now goes out to lunch to escape the increased food prices. A big believer in McDonald’s dollar menu, she claims that a
meal at McDonald’s costs less, even if it is unhealthier. Junior Sarah Edwards still eats in the cafeteria for her meals because her parents pay for her food when she eats in the cafeteria, but she has to resort to paying for herself when she goes out. “It’s kind of amazing, how fast your money goes down,” Edwards said of eating out at lunch. Perhaps this system works out for the best for everyone, even if that means Edwards and those similarly situated are confined to the cafeteria. The cafeteria constantly changes and improves, not only with the food but with the new innovations the Food Service Department has put in place, Gerry said. Now, students will be able to see the nutrition information on all the food available, as well as pamphlets on wellness and nutrition issues. “We are always looking for ways to be�er inform kids,” Gerry said. The pamphlets may not be enough, though, according to Ridge. “I’d rather eat in, because I get to see all my friends,” she said, “but it costs too much.” If raising the price of cookies from 50 to 75 cents is too much to handle, or if the idea of paying extra for water wreaks havoc on that carefully implemented plan to optimize gas money, then it appears cheap, unhealthy food is the route to go. But if Burger King is too far away, or if staying in shape for that tournament is too important, then the slightly more expensive, actually nourishing cafeteria food makes way more sense.
Money Matters:
A comparison of last year’s food prices against this year’s
PHILIP HAM/STAMPEDE
CHOW TIME: Sophomore Elliot Hall stands in the a la carte line in the cafeteria.
Salad
Fries/Tater Tots
Last year: $1.50 This year: $1.75
Last year: $.65 This year: $.75
Water
Pizza
Last year: $1.00 This year: $1.25
Last year: $1.75 This year: $2.00
3 new hires join teaching, guidance staff
In
Important upcoming yearbook dates for students to know
This week is Homecoming, and it also marks the start of pre-yearbook sales. Buy them today in Room 300 for $45. Beginning next week, the books will cost $50. Senior portrait pictures and quotes, along with the information sheet the yearbook staff sent out over the summer, are due on Nov. 3. On Dec. 8, senior memory ads are due for the yearbook. See adviser Sue Hoffman in Room 300 with any questions.
new fundraiser
yearbook dates
Brief
Carla Kelly
and Ceramics, Jewelry, and Child Development classes. She has taught middle school classes for the past 11 years but also began to teach high school soon a�er receiving her diploma from Western Michigan University. DeGroot said, “People tell me I’m an ‘approachable’ person. I truly care for each and every one of my students, [which is] an important aspect of their
Portage Education Foundation starts $1 million fundraiser The Portage Education Foundation (PEF) has just launched a $1 million fundraising effort for the Portage school district. Those involved in the PEF campaign say this recent effort has nothing to do with the Kalamazoo Promise, but is instead a proactive move to keep the district strong. The campaign will seek to increase PEF’s endowment and provide extra funding for current or new programs and services.
l e a r n i n g . ” staff members married over the summer And, as a long- and returned with new names. Mrs. Kat Meyers, formerly Ms. time teacher, this aspect of Grove, was recently married, over her personality the summer. Also, Mrs. Lisa Jepson married. In is vital previous to her It’s a great years, she likeability Corey McNeal feeling to be back was known a n d at PC, lots of as Ms. success as a teacher kids can easily familiar faces and MacDonald. relate to. Mr. Mandrick Students with inquiries great memories. is another about art classes or the Child COREY MCNEAL teacher who Development course should feel new teacher and coach married at comfortable going to DeGroot for the end of help. Another new arrival is Carla Kelly, last school year. Portage Central congratulates who replaces Paul Schonveld in the returning teachers and welcomes the guidance office this year. In addition to these new faces, two new additions to the teaching staff.
Portage custodian acquitted of ‘surveilling an unclothed person’ In August, custodian Ferris Darnell Coleman was aqcui�ed of two felony counts of surveilling an unclothed person. Coleman was originally on trial because several female athletes claimed that he was watching them change and being inappropriate in the girls’ locker room last year. Coleman’s a�orney maintained the janitor was returning his supply cart to a closet in the girls’ locker room. Coleman remains on administrative leave.
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fall play
Plunging into a new school, whether teaching or learning, throws the newcomer into a whirlwind of activity, but new staff members seem to be handling the transition effortlessly. This year, many new teachers have been hired to round out the teaching and counseling staff. Corey McNeal, an alumnus, returns to teach multiple classes including basketball class, health, Freshman Focus and peer mentoring. In addition to the full- time teaching, he’s the new men’s varsity basketball coach. He is no amateur, however. The past seven years, he has taught at East Kentwood High School and coached
their men’s and women’s basketball teams. He also coached for Kent City High School’s men’s Margie DeGroot J.V. basketball team and held the position of head coach for men’s basketball at Davenport University. “It’s a great feeling to be back at PC,” McNeal said, “lots of familiar faces and great memories. I hope I can impact students the way that some of my teachers impacted me.” Margie DeGroot, while not entirely new, is also a fresh teacher to the school this year. She teaches Sculpture
janitor acquitted
Focus Editor
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BY MARAH KLOSE
Drama department takes on “The Diary of Anne Frank” this fall This year, director Kathy Mulay has chosen to present “The Diary of Anne Frank” as the Portage Central fall play. This play is based upon the real diary entries of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who was forced into hiding during World War II. “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be performed on Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5. For tickets and information, call the Portage Central Box Office at 3235270. -Briefs compiled by Adel Johnson
News
3
Stampede
page three
hallways and city streets
Oct. 6, 2006
Pop bottling fizzes out Rise in soda prices frustrates students
Is the bottle...
Half Full
To Sutherland, the only downside to the new practice is that he no longer can Sports Editor use the pop machines as a means to teach the Student Council about inventory, A dollar borrowed from a friend is no product placement and sales pa�ern. longer enough to purchase a cool, refreshing The Student Council, however, sees other beverage. Now, an extra 25 cents needs to problems with the new arrangement. be hunted down to quench the thirst for “The new pop machine deal definitely refreshment. takes away a lot of the work of Student “It’s silly that they have to raise prices, Council,” Sara Skolasky, Student Council they were good at a dollar,” junior Kelli treasurer, said. “It hinders the ability Blowers said. “Twenty-five cents isn’t a lot of Student Council to help finance the but it adds up and is more inconvenient.” student body; we’ll need new ideas for Inconvenient though it may be, the different ways of fund-raising.” reasons for the extra quarter are mostly to Blowers shares many of the same help the district and the students. opinions as Skolasky about the new For more than a decade, the Student pop machine deal with Student Council has stocked the pop machines and Council. received approximately 30 cents per bo�le “I think it was nice the Student sold. That money then Council did it. went out to help fund It was cheaper certain student body It’s silly that and was really activities and clubs. nice that they they have to raise Starting this year, a single got money,” she prices. They were Coca-Cola Co. employee said. “They will stock the machines. need money good at a dollar. Also, Coke will anyway and begin to phase out KELLI BLOWERS it sucks junior carbonated, sugared that they beverages and sell only don’t get diet carbonated and non[as much] carbonated beverages. anymore.” This means that overall sales are expected Student Council President to drop, leaving less income for Student Louis Standiford agrees that Council. there will be difficulties in To help offset this, Coke raised the price the change but is confident so that Student Council now receives about that over time it will not be a 40 to 46 cents per bo�le depending on the problem. beverage. “It’s going to be a new The change came about a�er Coke experience,” Standiford said, expressed desire to take over stocking “but we’ll work through it.” machines, and the school district saw it as Another change that more a safe accounting practice. Now, only one overtly impacts students Coke employee is in charge of the machines is that Coke has now given and finances. Sutherland coupons for “I agree with the district for doing this,” students whose money is said Mark Sutherland, Student Council eaten by the machine. The adviser. “It will be nice to have these kids coupons can only be used in [who once stocked machines] in class more, the machine and will help Coke and it will be safer accounting, although determine which machines there had never been an incident.” malfunction the most.
BY LEVI BARRY
Safer accounting practices
2.
Healthier variety of drink choices
work 3. excess from Student Takes away Council
issued 4. Coupons by Coke to claim beverage that failed to vend
...or
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1.
Half Empty? 1.
Less income for Student Council
2.
Extra cost of 25 cents
3.
Less funding for student organizations
4.
Only option of purchasing diet carbonated and non-carbonated beverages
Kudos!
Youngest golfer to win tourney at Kalamazoo Country Club Congratulations to junior Alex Corbit for winning the golf tournament at the Kalamazoo Country Club invitational, along with his partner from Ohio State Kevin Grabeman. Corbit was the youngest golfer to ever be entered into the prestigious KCC invitational.
Vinny Keys raised revenue over their national summer tour Local band Vinny Keys went on a cross country tour this summer, staying overnight at hotels, motels and truck stops. They put together an awesome tour by themselves and had a great time doing what they love to do most, as well as making some profit along the way.
Men’s track team participates at the 4x100 in North Carolina Throughout June 15-18, track team members Tim Ferris, Doug Hamilton, Brendon Foster, Chris Wright and Deangelo Yurcek all worked hard to qualifiy at the 4x100 relays and 4x200 relays. This event took place in Greensboro, N.C. They placed 18th in the 4x100 and 20th in the 4x200.
Five seniors recognized as National Merit semifinalists Seniors Gifford Blaylock, Steven Crawford, Rahul Dalal, Sagar Deshpande and Emily Wagner were announced the semfinalists for the National Merit scholarship.
Central Stampede honored as Gold Medalist in competition The ‘05-’06 Central Stampede staff recently received notice it is a Gold Medalist in national competition through Columbia University’s student press association. The judge the staff for its strong writing and design: “The Stampede staff has an enormous amount of creativity and talent and should be -proud of its product. I hope your school appreciates what it has.” Now, all eight issues from last year move on in a final round of competition to determine the top 10 high school newspapers in the country.
School introduces new intruder drills Staff Writer
Starting this year, the state is requiring all Michigan school districts to hold intruder drills, in addition to fire and disaster drills already in place. The intruder drill is designed for a situation such as a shooting, dangerous person in the building or immediate danger around the school grounds, such as a fugitive or police situation around the school. Just last week, two schools, one in Denver and one in Lakeland, Fla., were placed on lockdown a�er intruders entered school grounds. In Denver, one student was killed and several more females were allegedly sexually assaulted. Officials locked down three area schools in Lakeland when a man who shot two deputies was on the run only a few miles from the school buildings. The new Michigan state law requires that all students stay in their rooms while teachers
Some students say they feel it is always check their assigned rooms, lock them and return to their own rooms and lock that room be�er to be prepared. “Be�er to be safe than sorry,” senior Jeremy Kooi said. until an “all-clear” is issued. While some students like junior Steve Teachers like English teacher Jeff Rehm Beyan think that feel the school is kind of situation “responsible for the is a “very rare students’ safety.” Two other scenario in Senior Chris Portage schools,” Higgins points out local districts were A s s i s t a n t that the practice forced into lockPrincipal Denny intruder alarm is Roehm said the simple and sees “no down last year. school must need to practice the abide by law. drill.” DENNY ROEHM “This drill While fire and Assistant Principal is a new state tornado warnings requirement,” have only existed in drill form over he said. “This covers the event of a stranger in the building the past several years, Roehm said the (or surrounding area) and also a hazardous possibility of an intruder entering the material spill. Two other local districts were building is enough to warrant the drill. “We hope the answer is no, but again, forced into lock-down for real last year, so yes, it is much be�er to be prepared,” he said. we think this is necessary.”
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BY STEVE HALLMAN
SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE
Student Council is off to a great start! We hope everyone had fun this week during Homecoming. Continue to show your spirit by going to the football game and dance afterwards!
Your 2006-07 Portage Central Student Council.
STUDENT COUNCIL Portage Central
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Stampede “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
page four
View opinions and editorials
Oct. 6, 2006
Our View Wearing a seat belt could mean life or death Every morning during announcements, Mr. Nedervelt reminds students to buckle up and drive safely. This daily reminder means a li�le more since we lost three of our own students in a car accident this summer. Although we constantly hear about the safety of seat belts, the Stampede reminds readers that seat belts are extremely important. Too o�en, young drivers are injured or worse, falling a victim to a casualty that may have been prevented. According to the USDOT, someone dies every hour in America simply because they do not buckle up. Failure to buckle up contributes to more fatalities than any other traffic accident. The cost of unbuckled drivers and passengers goes beyond those killed and the loss to their families. We all pay for those who don’t buckle up, in higher taxes, higher health care and higher insurance costs. Society, not the individual, is hit hardest when unbelted victims go to the hospital. Almost every American pays about $600 a year toward the cost of crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This price would drop if everyone just buckled up. If being injured or dying doesn’t make people want to buckle up, then remember it’s also the law. Michigan’s safety belt law allows police officers to stop motorists solely for not wearing a seat belt. Teens have the highest fatality rate in automobile accidents than any other age group. In the words of Mr. Nedervelt, “Seat belts on.” Don’t let history repeat itself. Wear a seat belt. It could save our lives and the lives of those dearest to us.
Stampede Staff Meredith Gage, Editor-in-Chief Adel Johnson ...............................................News Editor Ryan Ray ........................................................View Editor Marah Klose ................................................ Focus Editor Laura Pone......................................................Vibe Editor Levi Barry.................................................... Sports Editor Sean Cleary .................................................. Photo Editor Bjorn Grubelich...........................Art & Graphics Editor Jessica Atteberry......................................... Copy Editor Staff Writers .........................................Erin Lenczycki, Alex Ray, ............................................................Steve Hallman, Holli Smith ......................................................Irfan Syed, Perrin Vanderveen Graphic Artists ......................... Rashid Chapeyama, Philip Ham Photographers .....................................Romy Bond, Renee Patten Sarah Drabik ................................................... Business Manager Mary Claire Oppel .......................................... Business Manager Cheryl Braford .................................................................. Adviser
BJORN GRUBELICH/STAMPEDE
Are intruder drills intrusive? Intruder drills disrupt precious classroom learning time
Potentially silly drills are necessary for student safety
editorin-chief
staff writer
Every fall, students and teachers have had to put up with the yearly hullabaloo of interrupting class to file outside for fire drills or to crouch uncomfortably in case of a tornado. This year, students must learn to prepare themselves for a new terror: intruder drills. That’s right. The same thought process that takes place in “Children of the Corn” (“Interlopers!”) has entered our school system. While some believe that one can never be too careful, such a ridiculous exercise comes at the cost of our education and teaches students the wrong lesson. Taking five minutes out of every class hour to practice si�ing down and locking doors wastes valuable class time. In the 35 minutes the administration is hemorrhaging to repeating “intruder” over the loudspeaker on the drill days, students could be learning a new math concept, creating a new work of art, or at least catching up on what happened on “Grey’s Anatomy” last night. Pre�y much any activity sounds more productive than being arbitrarily locked silently inside a classroom. While fires and tornados are natural disasters that require at least a minimum of emergency planning (not all 1,500 students can run out of the same door or take cover in the boy’s locker room, for example), it seems that in case of a so-called “intruder” the situation can best be handled with common sense and on-the-spot decisions. Large-scale plans and drills cannot be easily adapted, and this is unacceptable when it comes to such a vague concept as “intruder.” The school needs to react differently to someone who is armed than to someone‘s overenthusiastic aunt who forgot to get a guest pass. Finally, by using the word “intruder” and by reacting in this manner, the administration sets the wrong tone. The word “intruder” carries dark and vague connotations simultaneously, as if the unknown is automatically to be feared. Furthermore, whisking students into classrooms and locking the door teaches kids to run away from this unknown and to give into fear, rather than to confront the situation with an open and adaptive mind. In this way, intruder drills continue the pervasive tradition of fear in this country and become more of a terror to education than the so-called “intruder” itself.
We have fire drills. We have disaster drills. We have tornado drills. And now intruder drills. How many times have any of us actually had to use these drills for a real emergency? Slim to none. Although none of these drills have actually saved our lives, under state law, we must have them. In the a�ermath of violent crimes at schools, mandating intruder drills seems unavoidable. Disasters cannot be prevented completely. Schools must identify all of the potential risks – either natural or human-caused – and be prepared for all types of emergencies. We cannot predict what the future holds. This new drill is much more likely to be necessary than something like an earthquake. It gets students prepared for natural disasters, hazardous materials, radiological accidents, acts of violence and terrorism acts. We have all these drills to get students out, so of course we need this new one to know how to keep students inside. The point of the drill is not to scare students or suggest the idea that planes are going to crash into our English class. It’s about understanding all of the possibilities and taking the necessary precautions. This way we have more strength as a group instead of everyone fending for his or herself. There are drills for natural events and technological events, even though human-caused events are always the most difficult to predict. The U.S. Department of Education reports schools are one of the safest places for children, although increased rates of random outbursts in schools around the country have worried many people. The past is o�en a good predictor of the future. Looking back at all the types of emergencies public schools have faced tells us how much we must be prepared for emergencies. Whatever the possible crisis, this drill can potentially save lives, minimize injuries and lessen property damage. In today’s times, the state could not have made a be�er choice mandating intruder drills. The best we can do now is practice, hope for the best and admit that intruder drills are beneficial.
Meredith Gage is Editor-in-Chief for the Central Stampede.
Alex Ray is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
Meredith Gage Meredith Gage
AlexRay Ray Alex
Students
Speak Out Homecoming: Love it or hate it?
The Central Stampede publishes approximately one publication a month, primarily by the Journalism II class at Portage Central High School, 8135 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002. It also uses work from Journalism I students. Office: (269) 323-5218 Fax: (269) 323-5290 Room 306 The Central Stampede is a member of the Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association (GLIPA) and the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). The purpose of the Central Stampede is to act as an open forum for students of Portage Central. The staff will achieve a balance between
informing and entertaining our readers. Editorials Staff editorials are unsigned and represent consensus of the staff. The opinion of the staff is represented in the “Our View” column. The opinions of the editors, staff writers and guest writers will have bylines and will carry their own views. Letters As an open forum, the Stampede welcomes all members of the Portage community. However, the staff reserves the right to edit letters based on length and content.
“Love it. I’m excited for my first Homecoming ever.”
ZADA HARRIS Freshman
“Love it. I like it because a lot of people are happy around this time and it feels good to be around happy people. ”
DAVID HARSINI Sophomore
“Hate it. I think it is a total waste of time.”
HANNAH WHISTLER Junior
“Love it. I enjoy Homecoming because it brings out the flavor in the students. I like dressing up; that’s always fun.”
TED BURCHETTE Senior
View
5
Stampede
page five
opinions and editorials
Oct. 6, 2006
SQUEEZED OUT
From P.A. to T.V.
Students need better announcement source
staff writer Ryan Ray
ELYN GRANT/STAMPEDE
Retail growth stifles city’s character staff writer
Perrin VanderVeen
At the northwest corner of the Centre Street-Shaver Road intersection, cranes and bulldozers roam the empty lot, preparing the earth for building. This once wooded space is now a dirt plot, because Walgreen’s is coming. With this addition the city of Portage will have three Walgreen’s stores on this side of Westnedge Hill, not to mention Rite-Aid and pharmacies in Harding’s, Wal-Mart and Meijer stores. Walgreen’s website claims that the company helps communities and boasts that they are “commi�ed to improving our customers’ lives across America,” because every year they donate millions of dollars
to charities. Those are surely deserving and helpful charities, but it doesn’t address how the addition of two more stores, one each at the Centre and Romence intersections, will help the Portage community. Another business’ tax base will help provide money for schools and a new Walgreen’s might make Portage look like a city with booming new businesses, but more superfluous pharmacies will hurt the community. Centre Avenue is already swamped every day at 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. because of students coming to and leaving school. Local businesses have added to the chaos. Students love their Taco Bob’s and Cheesesteak Grille, but Walgreen’s? Walgreen’s will only add more traffic and driveways. A�er school, kids are just trying to go home as fast as they can, and they don’t always pay as much a�ention as they should to driving. Now they’ll have to pay more a�ention and drive more carefully, which will surely try drivers’ patience. Traffic is only a small part of the problem. Community identity is the bigger issue at
stake. The community is losing its identity to commercialized conglomerates that aren’t tied to the community, and Walgreen’s is one of the many impersonal, domineering businesses prevalent throughout the city. Large communities need pharmacies, and we have an ample supply of them in our community. Walgreens’ decision to build another store seems uncalled for. The new pharmacies will not be supplying any services that the community is lacking, and will instead be increasing the potential for accidents. In addition, Walgreen’s is contributing to the over-commercialization of Portage. Any areas with trees and grass are being torn apart to prepare for big businesses. This is becoming a major issue for our community as the green spots become rarer and the dominance of big business becomes more evident.
Perrin VanderVeen is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
The daily ritual of listening to morning announcements is a surefire way of delivering the school’s vital information. Except there’s one problem: I don’t actually listen. Undoubtedly, Mr. Nedervelt is a cheerful character to hear in the morning, but let’s face it: long P.A. announcements are a thing of the past. No ma�er how many times teachers tell students to be quiet, no one ever obliges. It’s hard to pay a�ention to a concept that is so uninspiring. With no zest or inspiration in the announcements, except for the occasional one-liner, students miss out on valuable dates, times and events. Entertainment is a must when massive amounts of information are dumped on students. It’s time the school digs out its rich resources and uses its technology to full benefit. The thing that would make me pay a�ention to an announcement lasting up to five torturous minutes would be one on the classroom television. I gather significant facts when my eyes have something appealing to look at and gathering from this “visual” generation, others do too because the TV is on and in front of their faces. There’s basically no choice but to watch. A�entively watching TV would relay necessary information to the student body. Cable Access, located next door in the Administration Building, would be a perfect outlet to channel this frustrating structure. On top of having a successful television network located in Portage, it also promises to save administrators on the cost of broadcasting equipment. Taking advantage of a well-equipped studio would give Central a chance to showcase its bright students. Information that’s meant to be given to pupils should be given by their peers. Just imagine the learning environment that could transpire. Morning announcements could then become a specific class offered at school. News anchors could come from clubs like forensics, Student Council or journalism, or administrators could create a separate broadcasting class. It’s time to get in touch with the future. A�ending such an intense school where so many obligations are required of students, there needs to be a system that demonstrates organization and encouragement to help students move out into the grown-up world.
Ryan Ray is the View Editor for the Central Stampede.
It’s time to take back our reputation
CHS
by the
numbers
62+
number of clubs and organizations offered to students
46%
of current students are involved in athletics
16
students working toward the IB diploma
staff writer Jessica Atteberry There’s no doubt: our reputation has taken a beating over the past six months. Various local news outlets have repeatedly reported Portage Central as a school with a heavy drug problem. Portage Central’s “drug school” reputation is an inaccurate one in many ways. Central is an amazing school by public standards. It excels in the fields of academics, drama, forensics, athletics and so much more. It has an active and enthusiastic Student Council. True, we have an aging building, but it’s a friendly and open campus where all can feel welcome. Teachers and faculty are highly qualified and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that all students’ needs are met. Our students are an exceptional group of individuals who are dedicated to academics, extra-curricular activities and giving back to the community. Students involved in Environmental Club and the National Honors Society
volunteer to clean up our school and the surrounding areas. Central students have shown massive amounts of support in various community services such as drives for everything from food to toys to blood. Central provides endless opportunities to those who wish to work for them. Our MEAP and ACT scores can compare with anyone’s and more than 90 percent of PCHS alumni go on to college. Central has extra-curricular activities for every student ranging from Rock Appreciation Club to the Math Society. It’s is a place where any student can belong. Like all schools, Central has its faults. There are, of course, some students who engage in less-than-outstanding activities, but take the bad with the good. Our positive qualities far outweigh the negatives. It’s unfair that because a very small number of students made a poor choice that it is reflected upon the entire student body, giving us a false reputation. What we do outside of school is a reflection of the quality of services provided to us in school. It’s up to all students to redeem Central’s name in the community, and I encourage you to get out there and do it.
Jessica Atteberry is the Copy Editor for the Central Stampede.
I
When each class leaves, it has given want to comment on the four years of its lives to this school. They frustrated comments I have have changed it in some way, as it has heard and know changed them. Life is always a ma�er exist when students of transition and certainly high school realize that the years are extremely so. What they graduated seniors’ handprints are have accomplished is le� to those who painted over to make space for will follow them and who will build the incoming freshmen. I believe they feel somehow cheated, that further upon what has been done. by painting over the handprints, Having one’s handprints still a part of these former students are now the fabric of the walls or structure, even forgo�en and unimportant, and if invisible, is symbolically re-creating that this will happen to them once the powerful truth of this legacy. Art Teacher they graduate. The connection Instead of worrying about that one has to his or her high Jill Waskowsky whether one’s own hand remains, school years is dearly important I encourage you to think more and to feel this slighted hurts. of what real legacy you will leave the community of the school; what But this is hardly the intent of the act. For actual “handprint” of improvement have one, I think all can recognize that we cannot you given to those who follow you? continue to place the colorful handprints on Then when you return, you can feel pride the wall of each succeeding class without in the deepest and most fulfilling of ways. quickly becoming overwhelmed by the cacophony of color and pa�ern. There is also not enough wall space to continue to do this for long and still have room for the accomplishment photos that departments rightfully put up. More importantly, Jill Waskowsky however, I think symbolically that the Originator of the handprint wall layers of hands built upon each other, even Art teacher if out of sight, is a more powerful legacy.
6
Stampede
page six
Focus
Super Siblings features and lifestyles
Oct. 6, 2006
Teen pregnancy encourages responsibility BY ERIN LENCZYCKI
Staff Writer
To many students, even the idea of taking care of another human being is unimaginable. But for some the idea is not a faraway possibility, it’s a due date. Senior Chelsea Stewart’s life is among several that will be changed this school year by li�le additions to the family tree. Due in early November, her expected child has already changed her life in many ways. Not surprisingly, Stewart’s main concern at the moment, along with her growing belly, is her academic prospects. “It [the pregnancy] cleaned up my life,” Stewart said. “I’m responsible and I do be�er in school. Something happened and I forgot along the way.” Among her top priorities for the coming months will be taking her diploma home in May with the rest of her graduating class. “I want my degree from Central, not PCEC,” Stewart said, “It’s important that I graduate from a good school so doors are open for the future.” However, Stewart has noticed a few snide looks and comments in the halls and the community regarding her visible pregnancy. “Younger people have had a negative reaction, but people that I know are really positive,” Stewart said. Among the positive reactions was junior Amy Marvin, who has known Stewart since sixth grade. “I was nervous for her when she first told me,” Marvin said. “I know she’s going to be a great mom, she really loves this kid.” Marvin has also seen some of the more negative responses while spending time with Stewart.
Costs of Parenthood $984
$504
price of one year’s worth of baby food
$336
yearly cost of baby clothes
cost of one year of child care
$3,888
average annual income for a 16- to 17-year-old Source: msnmoney.com
“If we go out to eat there are a lot of stares and some people say ‘Isn’t she too young to have a kid?’” Marvin said. Even with some negative reactions from members of the community, Stewart hasn’t let it bring her happiness of becoming a mother down, despite the fact that the looming expenses for a child has been on her mind. “My Mom is helping financially, but it’s not all on her. My boyfriend my Mom and I are all contributing.” said Stewart, “My boyfriend and I have been together for four and a half years. It didn’t just happen from a one-night-stand. Abortion wasn’t going to be an option because of our strong relationship.” A�er graduating this May she plans on working and pu�ing her child in Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center.
BY HOLLI SMITH
Staff Writer
The freshman down the hallway looks strangely familiar. Or perhaps a classmate’s last name rings a bell. It’s not déjà vu: the truth is Portage Central is full of brothers and sisters, and with the incoming freshmen, the number of pairs has only increased. Most people know these sets as family, but who’s really the super sibling of these dynamic duos?
Kent and Rachel
White
Cleaner room: Kent’s Mom and Dad’s favorite: Rachel Who gets better grades? Rachel Bathroom Hog: Kent Who gets in trouble more? Kent What are some things you have in common? Both hate to lose The one thing that one of you hates and the other one loves:
Kent: “Rachel loves the Gilmore Girls.”
Vannessa and Melissa
Forero
Cleaner room: Vannessa’s Mom and Dad’s favorite: Melissa
is Dad’s favorite and Vannessa is Mom’s favorite. What is a fear you both have?
“Wearing the same outfit, and the wrath of Mom and Dad.”
FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS
DRIVE DRUNK
Kyle and Kendrick
Hotte
Cleaner room: Kendrick’s Who gets in trouble more? Kyle Favorite celebrity siblings: The
Olsen twins
What are some things you have in common? Looks and golf. What’s something that one of you loves and the other hates?
Kyle: Kendrick likes eating healthy Kendrick: Kyle likes Long John Silvers
Kelsey and Taylor
Luginbill
Cleaner room: Kelsey’s Mom and Dad’s favorite: Kelsey Bathroom Hog: Kelsey Who gets in trouble more? Taylor Favorite celebrity siblings: The Olsen
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-CONCERNED CLASSMATES News About Your School District Stay informed... ● Page
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Twins
Who gets better grades? Kelsey What do you have in common? Horses What fear do you share? Scary movies
Focus
7
Stampede
page seven
features and lifestyles
Deal
BY LAURA PONE
with it
Student gambling gains in popularity
Are you
in?
Vibe Editor
Royal flush. Full house. Four of a kind. Although these terms are common in a Las Vegas casino, they have recently become more popular as teenagers at PC join the poker-playing craze. Contrary to popular belief, for one group of juniors who have been playing together since middle school, the game is not about the money. “I do it for being with my friends, I don’t do it to win money,” says one junior. The group of about 8-10 people usually meets once a week to play poker. The games have a five-dollar buy in, therefore the profits are not huge, usually between $25 and $40. “It’s a good way to keep in touch with my friends from Northern,” he says, “it’s an easy way to hang out, it’s really not about the money.” The group keeps the games lighthearted and fun, o�en goofing off together and just having a good time. As far as the questionable legality of the games, the group of friends seems generally unconcerned. Their parents are aware of them playing the game, so they see no reason to worry. “My parents know,” says one junior. The juniors are not concerned about any troubles they may have with the police, most of them laugh off the idea of any problems. “If the cops are going to bust me for playing $5 games of poker, then the Portage
Royal Flush 1 in 649,739 hands dealt
SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE
Police Department must have nothing be�er to do with their time,” says one junior. Another has a bolder way of stating his opinion “It’s only illegal if you get caught.” One major concern of starting gambling so early is the increased possibility of a gambling addiction, which can lead to not only financial but also emotional troubles. “I know some people who I think have some bad addictions to gambling, but we all have our addictions, so who cares?” says one junior. Another comments, “I’m sure some of my friends are at risk, but for once-a-week
$5 games, it’s not really a big deal.” Even with the risk of ge�ing caught and the risk of developing a gambling addiction, one junior doesn’t plan on the poker games stopping, “I have no plans to stop. With poker games it’s really more about hanging out with your friends than it is just poker.” “You all want to play, and you all want to hang out, and poker presents a great way to do both. You might be at risk for a gambling addiction, but that’s the same as saying you’re at risk of a serious injury if you play football with your friends. It’s an inherent risk you take,” the junior concluded.
Full House 1 in 693 hands dealt
One Pair 1 in 4 hands dealt
Source: Anne Guerdrum, “Poker Particulars”
Does Homecoming zap school spirit? Annual spirit week raises mixed emotions among students BY ALEX RAY
Staff Writer
Fall Homecoming stirs up many mixed emotions among all the different types of students. Seniors are all about winning the pep jug. Juniors are ready to compete. Sophomores are excited for another chance. And freshmen don’t know what’s going on. “Homecoming is exciting because it’s the first big school dance,” freshmen Johnna Hazel said. Some students are hardcore Homecoming lovers, taking the dress-up day to new heights. Senior Lauren Ahle is one of these fanatics. “I wore an old prom dress, a tiara and a sash for costume day. It made homecoming much more interesting. I’m a senior and I plan on dressing up every day. I look forward to homecoming every year,” Ahle
said. She’s not alone. Senior Adam VanSweeden said, “I sported some floaties and a speedo on beach day.” Some students could care less. “When Homecoming comes around, everyone makes a big deal, but when it comes time, they don’t do anything. It’s pointless,” junior Tim Olsen said. And for others, it just depends on their moods. Junior Vanessa Forero said, “I don’t dress up for basketball day; I dress up for the stupid stuff like 80’s flashback.” Ariana Pucke�, who is in charge of planning homecoming events, works very hard with her commi�ee to make it special. “It’s a great chance to get involved and get to know new people while having a lot of fun,” she said. Junior Sara Garna� agrees. “I hope to meet new people because I am a junior that
transferred from Ma�awan,” Garna� said. There is no need for any underclassmen to believe they have no chances in winning the pep jug. Those who are seniors now won it as sophomores. Senior Stephanie March comments, “It was so cool. It was the highlight of my high school years. Megan Vanbuskirk describes the event as “indescribable.” This is also the second year students have had the chance to vote on different themes for Homecoming. A few fun choices were fast food restaurants, video games, elements and careers. “I voted for the trilogies one because Yoda is my role model,” Vansweeden said. Fall Homecoming may divide us into classes through our competition. Yet it unites us as a school all going for the same goal while dressing up. So whether you love it or you hate it, it’s here to stay.
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8
Vibe
Stampede
page eight
Thegoodthebad and theugly
entertainment and events
Oct. 6, 2006
The Stampede reviews the best and worst of scary movies BY IRFAN SYED ∙ STAFF WRITER
BJ
OR N
GR
UB
EL
IC
H/
ST
AM PE
DE
“Sixth Sense”- M. Night Shymalan’s first hit that led to his fame and national recognition. This movie was huge at its release and gained a lot of a�ention. Although the development takes a while to commence, the direction and spectacular camera work definitely keeps it going.
Good movies
“The Others”- Extremely creepy movie that reinforces the huge empty haunted mansion se�ing that won’t fail to impress even the most critical audience. The twists in this movie are well planned and laid out. With Nicole Kidman starring in this movie, you can be sure that it is going to be a huge hit.
Bad movies
“Candyman 3”- This movie is a 90-minutes of pure waste of your life, and you’ll never understand why you even let yourself watch such a perverse movie. A ditsy yet a�ractive girl is constantly pursued by bad visions and her extremely fake and loud screaming is what’s really frightening about this movie.
“Wrong Turn”Another crazy, cheaply made flick that combines “Jeepers Creepers” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” with a group of terrible teenage actors. This movie is more of a comedy. Watching the deformed, slothlike humans driving around in Fords and communicating in caveman-like language makes it very hard not to crack up. “Wrong Turn” is definitely a wrong choice.
“The Grudge”- This movie simply sends chills down your spine. The story does seem confusing to start with, but as it progresses the horror keeps building. It’s certainly haunting, and similar to “The Ring,” but the movement of the discontent ghosts is what brings the most terror to the screen. This movie is ideal for a quick scare.
“The Hills Have Eyes”- Another recently made Hollywood horror movie that went down the drain just like other 2006 releases. This re-make of the 1977 classic is more of a torture than a good scare. Not much more than pathetic mummylooking creatures and senseless butchering of many characters, which is the only part that makes sense to this movie to compensate for the poor acting.
Truly scary movies “Psycho”- This is truly one of the timeless, classic horror movies that will survive for many more decades and continue to scare the pants of many horror movie lovers. The original Alfred Hitchcock movie produced in 1960 has never been outdone. Being extremely shocking and dynamic, it constantly makes your brain tick in suspense. All of us seem to recall the disturbing scene of the woman in the shower who is a�acked, which has always made people to be uneasy alone in the shower.
RAVE THE
SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE
“The Ring”- Many people thought this movie lacked a decent plot, which is a legitimate argument. However, this movie did have nailbitingly scary scenes that linger with you long a�er the movie ends. Definitely mysterious and paranormal which gets your imagination running wild, a great movie to bust out at Halloween parties.
“The Shining”- A well-made classic movie that never fails to scare over and over again. The scenes are very disturbing, haunting and unexpected. This movie can drag on but is definitely worth to wait for the exciting climax, which is extremely tense and satisfactory. The orchestration of the movie soundtrack makes each scene very climactic and goose-bump inducing.
Ryan Ray and Rashid Chapeyama review Lady Sovereign’s new CD Each month, Stampede staffers Ryan Ray and Rashid Chapeyama will talk about what’s hot and what’s not in today’s music scene. This month, they listen to British rapper Lady Sovereign and discuss side ponytails, video game beats and hoodies. Rashid: I really like Lady Sovereign’s style. Ryan: The side ponytail? She’s just fly. Rashid: Her style is fresh musically though, too. She has some really hot beats. Pharrell (a producer from the Neptunes) worked on a few of
MUSTARD PLUG PUBLICITY PHOTO
Mustard Plug: Local ska band rocks out Club Soda
BY JESSICA ATTEBERRY
Copy Editor
With blazing horn lines, reggaepunk guitar and a two-tone beat, Mustard Plug proved on Sept. 15 that ska might not be popular, but it’s definitely still alive. “If you’re a ska band and you like playing music, why change what you’re doing to make money?” said Mustard Plug bassist Rick Johnson. “If it got to the point where it wasn’t exciting, we wouldn’t do it anymore.” Mustard Plug wowed their fans at a Sept. 15 Club Soda show and has a dedicated group of followers packing clubs wherever they play, including senior Cassie Meyers and Taylor Whisman. “They’re [Mustard Plug] super hyper, and not afraid to stand out,” senior Cassie Meyers said. “They are extremely crazy and require an open-mind to be listened to,” Junior Whisman added. They played their last show at the current Club Soda building on Sept. 15th, and it was a night to remember. “I guess Club Soda’s moving, this will be the last time a�er playing here [the current Club Soda building] her tracks. Her beats have that techno-video game feel to them. Ryan: Sometimes I feel like I’m in a video game when I’m listening to her music, like in “Love Me or Hate Me.” Rashid: In the next year, she’s going to be huge. Jay-Z thinks she’s tight and signed her to his record label. Ryan: And Jay-Z knows what is hot. Rashid: I’ve never seen anyone else pull off what she has. Ryan: She’s bringing back old hip-hop. Rashid: Exactly. At the same time, she’s definitely opened the door for white female rappers. Ryan: You have to be strong to be a female
for 15 years so it’s kind of sad, but kind of exciting.” Johnson said. When Mustard Plug hit the stage, Fans ba�led the heat, humidity and body odor with Red Bull and profound enthusiasm for their favorite “rude boys.” It was the opening line of “Yesterday” that caused a blast of excitement, opening circle pits and skanking. Fans screamed at the stage with vocalist Dave Kirchgessner pointing the microphone at his dedicated followers. Oddly enough, the high peak of energy and enthusiasm from the crowd came when the band played a ska cover of the Verve Pipe song “The Freshman,” a popular 90s ballad made Mustard Plug’s own by raising the key and tempo while throwing in a horn line. The highlight of the set was the last song played before the encore. Everyone jumped on stage and sang the chorus of “Beer Song” with Kirchgessner and gave high fives to their favorite band members. Mustard Plug has truly mastered the art of blending intimacy with the crowd, being talented musicians and rocking out.
rapper. But she has the perfect a�itude. When it comes down to it she can rap. Ghe�ofabulous British rap. Rashid: She’s had a hard time in Britain because people didn’t dig her style; they thought she was being disrespectful. Ryan: Some of her lyrics are kind of corny. She has a song called “Hoodie” that’s about her wearing hoodies (hooded sweatshirts.) Rashid: Yeah, and there’s a song called “Let’s Get Random.” I mean come on. The lyrics are no Jay-Z. But the beat was hot. Ryan: One of her songs goes: “Love me or hate me/ I’m still an obsession.” And that’s what it’s all about. -Compiled by Meredith Gage
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Sports
9
Stampede
page nine
athletics and leisure
Oct. 6, 2006
Water polo revs up for season BY LAURA PONE
Vibe Editor
“The li�le team that could” is perhaps the best slogan for this year’s Portage men’s water polo team. Although they may not have strength in numbers, the team managed to a�ain a 4-4 record early in the season. Coach Eric Lancaster acknowledges the fact that the team is small and admits that is one of its weaknesses. “Our weaknesses right now are our lack of strength and depth,” Lancaster said. “We have a couple of strong kids, but we have a lot of li�le, quick kids.” The team, led by captains Levi Barry from Portage Central and Greg Pezzoli from Portage Northern, is fairly young this year, but that has proved to be an advantage. “Although we are a young team, we have a good core group that has been playing together for about two to three years,” Lancaster said. One member of this group is junior Evann Po�s, who agrees with Lancaster.
“Everyone on the varsity team has been playing together for two years or more, which creates a positive atmosphere,” Po�s said. The team also has several shooters this year, as well as a few le�-handed shooters, which have contributed to the success of the team. “I think one reason the team is stronger this year is that we have more knowledge, we understand the game be�er than we did last year,” Po�s said. Leadership has also played a large part in the team’s success this season. “Levi Barry has stepped up not only as a player, but also to show others how to play,” Po�s said. “Also, Bjorn Grubelich has so much knowledge, he really understands how the game is meant to be played.” The team has started off the season with a very aggressive approach, but Lancaster said he has also been impressed by the team’s dedication. Po�s agrees that their dedication and teamwork have greatly furthered their successes. “It is teamwork that has led us to our success so far this year — we are currently 9th in the
MAKING
A SPLASH:
Senior Aaron Wheatley prepares to pass the ball during a water polo match. ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE
state,” Po�s said. The team gets along well, helping to keep the atmosphere positive during games and practices.
“Everyone is family, I think, despite minor arguments we would all stand up for one another,” Po�s said.
Teacher meets up with famed bicyclist BY MARAH KLOSE
Focus Editor
Coasting down a street, coming into a sleepy li�le town in the middle of Iowa, psychology teacher Chuck Schira never expected to be riding next to the world’s most renowned cycling superstar, Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion, definitely would not be anticipated to ride through a rural American town, rubbing elbows with a group of rag-tag Midwestern bicyclists. Each year in the last week of July, a mass exodus of bicyclists heads to the western border of Iowa in the town
where the Register’s Annual Great each year to reach their goal, their Bicycle Ride Across front tires rolling Iowa, affectionately triumphantly into the known as “Ragbrai,” Mississippi River. begins. Schira annually Along the way, a�ends the week-long Schira and one of his ride with the Lenox friends were cruising Bike Club. into a town, the They travel in standard audience style to the starting of middle-America line in their renovated families in lawn school bus. PHILLIP HAM/STAMPEDE chairs watching their Racers begin with progress. Suddenly, their back tire in the Missouri River on cameras whipped out everywhere, the west side of the state. Each year, clicking madly. Schira, perplexed, bikers follow a different zigzagging turned to his right and saw Armstrong path between towns. About 10,000 riding alongside him. participants traverse the open road “I’m used to seeing him on TV,”
Schira said, “but to have him riding next to me was kind of a thrill.” Schira conversed with Armstrong for a bit, then asked to take a picture of the celebrity. He agreed, and Schira snapped a few shots with the disposable camera he brought along. Then, Armstrong consented to having a picture with Schira’s friend. This time, Armstrong took a be�er look at the device in Schira’s hand. “That’s just a crappy paper camera,” Armstrong said, and, seeming somewhat offended, rode off. According to Schira, it was common knowledge that Lance Armstrong was coming that week to speak to the Iowa state legislature
about spending more on cancer research, but no one thought he would go part of the way with the riders. Schira said, “[Armstrong’s] message is so clear about raising money for cancer research and what he’s overcome in his life.” So Schira has decided to send the proceeds of the teacher talent show this coming spring to the LiveStrong foundation. LiveStrong officials have even been contacted and asked if they would like to provide Armstrong memorabilia to auction off. And about recording the teacher talent show? “I promise I won’t use a ‘crappy’ paper camera,” Schira said.
Minis
The women’s tennis team is bouncing back quickly, despite the loss of six seniors last year. According to the new tennis team captain, Stephanie Johnson, the team is “doing really well this year.” They boast a varsity record of 5-2 (with losses to Ma�awan and East Kentwood). So far, ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE the team has gone undefeated in its district and hopes to continue this in the Greater Kalamazoo regionals. “We’ll do well, hoping to place first through third,” senior Laura Kuda said. The team suffered the loss of six seniors but still seems very confident in themselves. It’s the first year the team has had its picture placed on the school’s sports wall. “It’s [the picture] a big accomplishment and we’re very excited,” Kuda said.
AQDays_BW_8.47x5
9/11/06
4:51 PM
Men’s golf team undergoes rigorous training in hopes of winning conference The men’s golf team started the season strong and has every intention to finish it in the same manner. This year, the team only has one senior, Isaac Stein, but several key freshmen and new faces are stepping up to fill the void. “They are all mature,” Stein said. “Everyone has done really well, I don’t even think about it [age].” PHILL HAM These younger team members, /STAMPEDE such as juniors Brad Ferris and Alex Corbit will help as the team continues their season. Both Stein and Corbit hope to make it to state competition in two weeks and finish well. The team has beaten the school record with a score of 295, about 20 points be�er than the previous record, at the Zeeland Invite on Aug 24. They also won the conference match on Sept 18. Regional competition takes place next weekend at the Moors Golf Club.
Page 1 -Rashid Chapeyama
women’s basketball
Confidence helps women’s tennis team earn undefeated title in district
men’s golf
women’s tennis
ustang
Women’s basketball off to a great start depite young team members Short on height but tall on talent, the women’s basketball team is taking advantage of its speed and youth in racking up some early season key victories. Just last week, they almost knocked off a tough Loy Norrix team, but fell 40-38. On Sept. 19, the team’s four seniors led the team to a big win over Portage Northern, with a final score of 33-28, but suffered a 33-19 loss to PHILL HAM/ Ma�awan two days later. STAMPEDE “We are off to a really good start,” said senior captain Lizzie Ulmer. “We are not expected to do well, so it’s always good when we do.” Their dedication doesn’t end on the court, however. On Oct. 21, the team will be taking part in the Making Strides charity walk to raise money for fighting breast cancer.
-Renee Patten
Aquinas hosts AQDays for everyone: General AQDays Fridays, November 3, 2006; November 17, 2006, April 20, 2007
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Science/Nursing/Math, Friday, November 10, 2006 Leadership Day, Friday, December 1, 2006 Athletic Day, Saturday, January 27, 2007 Fine Arts Day, Friday, March 23, 2007
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Stampede
10
Sports
Stampede
page ten
athletics and leisure
Oct. 6, 2006
Season
going
Swimmingly Women’s swim team emphasizes hard work in its hopes for conference title Sports Editor
Six thousand yards. That’s over three-and-a-half miles. Some would cower away from running that much, let alone swimming it, but every day, from 5:30 to 7:00 in the morning and 3:15 to 5:30 a�er school, that is exactly what the women’s swim team does. For nearly a decade, the team has dominated the swimming scene in the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference, with an unmatched nine conference titles and 94 dual meet wins in the last 10 years. It has accomplished this impressive feat aided by a long string of extremely talented swimmers. This year, however, is a li�le different. They still have some of the talent and depth in the 39 girls on the team, but with new struggles and difficulties to overcome if the team hopes to maintain its powerhouse status. One of these early struggles, Coach Jim Schafer said, was that the team needed to figure out its identity. “Were we going to be the hard-
working team that doesn’t have as much Hopefully, it’ll all pay off in the end, talent and has to make up for it with remarks senior Ashley Schmidt. hard work?” Schafer said. “Or were “I think we have a lot of depth and we just going to show up to meets and good freshmen,” she said, “but we’ll swim?” still need to work together as a team to According to Schafer, they decided accomplish our goals.” on the former: to train hard, swim fast, Already more than halfway and have fun. Underlying that is the through the season, the team is starting mentality that no to look to the conference ma�er how tired championship as the light at Anything that they are or how the end of the tunnel. this team gets they’re sore they are, “I would say they going to get it the they’re going to have a good chance at old-fashioned way. compete. being conference champs,” Don’t think Schafer said, “but they’ll They’re going to earn that anything have to work hard for that, it. will come easy and at the same time we JIM SCHAFER for them, though, have girls who want to do Coach Schafer warns. well at the state level and we have to account for The team likely does not have as much talent as past them, too.” teams, but its work ethic and team The pressure is on, too, with the chemistry would rival any squad before. team winning the last five conference “They’re working for two hours, 15 championships. minutes every a�ernoon, not including “It puts pressure on the team, but morning practices,” he said. “Anything each year is different and you’ve got that this team gets, they’re going to get it to work with what you have,” junior the old-fashioned way. They’re going to Marine Tempels said. “If everyone puts enough effort into it, conference earn it.”
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BY LEVI BARRY
ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE
TAKE YOUR MARK: Junior Annaliese McGavin steps up to the blocks at a recent swim meet against Okemos.
Keep your eyes on these two top swimmers Ashley Akiyama
Grete Grubelich
Innumerable laps. Endless hours of practice. For junior Ashley Akiyama, it has always been about hard work. Since she started swimming five years ago, she’s always given her best at every practice, no ma�er the difficulty. “The practices are hard and sometimes you don’t think you’ll make it through the set,” she said, “but they’re worth it because you know it’ll help you the ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE next time you compete.” This season emphasizes the need for hard work even more than others. A�er placing 18th in the 100-yard breaststroke last season at the state championship, Akiyama is more determined than ever to make it to the finals at the state meet this year. There’s still the remainder of the season and the all-important conference meet to get through, and, Akiyama said, it will take work for all the team if they wish to uphold the years-long tradition of conference titles.
Grete Grubelich was forced into it. Sure she had swum a li�le earlier in her life, but that was years ago. Grubelich, a sophomore, hadn’t planned on swimming until everyone around her started to pressure her into it. “Freshman year, someone just told me they were going to pick me up for practice,” she said, “and I just decided to give it a try.” Since that time, Grubelich has found nothing but success in the pool. Last season, as a freshman, she ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE placed third in the 100-yard and second in the 50-yard freestyle events at conference and this season has already earned a state qualifying time in the 50-yard freestyle. Even with all of her accomplishments in the pool, her favorite part of swimming is just being on the team, Grubelich said. “I have a lot of friends on the team that make it fun,” she said. “It’s great being part of such a good team.” -Levi Barry
-Levi Barry
BJORN GRUBELICH/STAMPEDE
Minis
Both cross country teams are in a rebuilding mode this season, but they are overcoming obstacles to deliver results. “On the guy’s side, we lost one of our top runners, juniors are expected to step up to varsity level,” Coach Dan Wytko said. The team also lost five of their top female runners to graduation. With no seniors RENEE PATTEN on the team, it will take a lot for /STAMPEDE them to recover, but they are confident they will make up for the missing runners. “Right now we’re doing the best we can, but there’s always room for improvement,” sophomore Katie Martin said. Martin has proved herself able of stepping up, earning first place in the Greater Kalamazoo Championship while fighting bronchitis. -Jessica Atteberry
Mustangs stun sixth-ranked Mattawan to go undefeated in conference play The football team has roared back a�er an 0-3 start, taking down Ma�awan last week in an impressive display that leaves them tied with Northern at the top of the SMAC Central. Coach Bre� Foerster said it appears the team’s tough early-season SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE schedule seems to be paying off. The defense stepped up against Ma�awan, picking off two passes and running them back for touchdown. Seniors Jeremy Trinkle and Jaron DeShazor ignited the ground a�ack. “We have a good shot at beating Northern this year,” Trinkle said. But first is tonight’s Homecoming game against K-Central at 7:30. -Perrin VanderVeen
men’s soccer
Young team expects leadership from juniors and return to victory
football
cross country
ustang
Men’s soccer team remains confident despite young players and new coach With a new coach and half of its starters from last year gone, the soccer team is wasting no time ge�ing used to the new look. The team has a lot of new faces, but according to senior Nick Wester, things seem to be going fine. “It’s going well especially with such a huge turnover of all the new kids,” Wester said. As of last Friday their record is 8-4, including a PHILL HAM/STAMPEDE devastating loss to Portage Northern on Sept. 14. “We lost in overtime, but the team still did its best,” Wester said. The team has a lot of confidence; it feels it can go as far as last year’s 19-4-2 team, if not further. -Rashid Chapeyama