Vol 14 issue #4

Central

Stampede Friday, Jan. 30, 2009

Luck of the draw

the

Failure is the new success

With parking in high demand, school faces tough decisions

One student’s plan to attend the new high school

BY SARAH ERDMAN Staff Writer

Page 5 Assignments in Style

Trendsetting with decorated assignment notebooks

Page 7

Help Wanted Assistant athletic trainers search for replacements

Page 13

Herd in the Hallways

For those who think ge�ing to school in the morning is difficult, it may be even worse next year.

As the construction plans become reality beginning in March of this year, parking lots for students may be compromised, resulting in a loss of parking privileges for some.

At this point, administrators say potential losses of parking spots range from none to a large amount.

It’s a possibility that there will be plenty of parking for the two years of construction, or there may be months at a time where there will be reduced parking.

Several alternatives are available for compensation of reduced parking. One option is a parking lottery, which would entail students submi�ing their names for a drawing for their right to drive to school.

“A parking lo�ery isn’t out of the question, but it isn’t one of our top options right now in our realm of possibilities,” Assistant Principal Jason Frink said.

Other options for additional parking include limiting the parking to juniors and seniors only, as well as extending the senior parking lot onto the soccer field parking lot.

The loss of parking would result in finding different means of transportation to school.

Carpooling, having parents drive or taking the bus are op-

MARAH KLOSE AND B

“I have my techie clothes hanging ready in my closet already.”

RYANT

tions for students. However, these options are unfavorable in most students’ eyes.

“I refuse to ride the bus,” junior Jenna Drenth said. “I already ride the bus six times a day because of EFA. It’s bad enough riding it as a junior, I would never do it as a senior.

I would rather walk to school.”

At the other end of the parking lot spectrum, sophomore Fatima Mirza shares how she would feel if she were one of the privileged students that could drive.

“If I were one of the few that could drive, I would feel really badly for others who can’t and for whom it’s a necessity to drive,” Mirza said, “like those who go to KAMSC or have EFA classes that they have to drive to.”

As time progresses, a better idea of the parking situation for the next two years will solidify. For right now, however, it’s still questionable. Frink urges students to keep in mind that parking is only part of the school experience.

“Our focus right now is ge�ing students to and from classes which is for our primary purpose of education,” Frink said. “A�er we figure that out, we’ll focus on the parking situation.”

GIRSCH/STAMPEDE

-junior Dillon Bailly said of his favorite extracurricular activity: tech crew page 9

?Pop Quiz ? ?

Q: How many seats are available in the cafeteria during the lunch period? a) 420 b) 730

Fast Fifty

c) 250 d) 500 For answer see page 3

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News......................................1-3 hallways and city streets

View........................................4-5 opinions and editorials

Focus.....................................6-8 features and lifestyles

Vibe.........................................9-11 entertainment and events

Sports...................................12-14

Staff Writer

With Portage’s recent history of drug issues, a program is rising from the shadows and dusting itself off. Although it has been present for quite some time, Silent Observer’s “Fast-Fi�y Program” is making a reappearance here.

The “Fast-Fi�y Program” is a way for students to express their concerns privately and confidentially to authority figures. If a student has a concern or information on drug, alcohol or weapons possession, they can notify any administrator. If the claim leads to the discovery of the item, the student can be rewarded with up to $50. That amount can be doubled for someone who leads authorities to the discovery of weapons. Officer Ray Sco�, the school’s police liaison, is a strong supporter of the program, and has seen its benefits.

“It’s about doing the right thing,” Sco� said. “The school has zero tolerance for many things, and many don’t make the right choice. The $50 is just an added incentive to do that right thing.”

Such a program can help authorities continue to address the drug problems in the community. However, many students are concerned about possible negative repercussions that could rise out of turning someone in. Students have expressed concerns over being labeled a “snitch,” and the prospect of turning in friends makes many sweat. Sco�,

343-2100

Silent Observer hotline for Kalamazoo

500

estimated number of parking passes issued this year

200

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360

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Student charged in graffiti threat

BY AMNA AZAM

Making a

BY NATHAN RANNS

athletics and leisure

Vol. 14 Issue 4

50 cents

Insider

PC

Portage Central High School 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002

however, emphasizes the confidentiality of the information.

“The only person who knows who told is me,” Sco� said. “In my police report, there are no names used. When providing the student the reward, I pick up the money from a provider and can mail it to their house.”

Another concern that arises from the program is that individuals could turn in random people without a true reason. For the school to act on a tip there must be probable cause present. Probable cause could be anything from smelling marijuana on a student or observing his or her behavior. Beyond that, rewards are only given to tippers a�er the suspected individual is caught.

With the safety precautions taken in order to ensure confidentiality, several students have taken advantage of the Fast Fi�y Program. Regardless, some students are still not convinced.

“I wouldn’t want to falsely accuse anyone,” junior Lauren Brown said. “I would feel so bad. Also, I wouldn’t want to be a snitch. I don’t think it’s your place to tell on someone for $50.”

Despite negative opinions toward the practice of turning in one’s peers, Scott emphasizes that the program has been very successful in the past.

Whatever the reason, students will continue to choose to utilize or ignore the Fast Fi�y Program. However, administrators realize how many benefits could emerge from the program.

Officer Scott’s school phone number

323-5340

Photo Editor

The person responsible for writing threatening graffiti on the boys’ bathroom wall in the 300 hallway prior to winter break has been expelled and is currently facing charges.

There were no actual threats declared against the school. The graffiti simply stated that a student named “Austin” was going to be hurt on Friday a�ernoon. “Austin’s” last name was also wri�en in the statement but it was scratched out and next to it was a quote from the culprit: “I’m not going to give you his last name, find out for yourself.”

That threat was taken quite seriously

by Principal Eric Alburtus and other administrators.

“When I first heard about it, my reaction was just pure anger,” Alburtus said.

“Portage Central has such high values and there is so much respect between everyone; to discover that a student from this school would do such a thing just made me extremely angry.”

Officer Ray Sco� was already present when three other police officers arrived and a thorough investigation took place throughout the day. Posters flew up in the halls, declaring rewards for students who had any information.

As the investigation continued, Assistant Principal Jason Frink, along with Alburtus, interviewed all 11 Austins in the school. Nine of them provided clues which led to answers. Approximately 20 students also came a�er school and provided further insight into the case.

By Wednesday a�ernoon, it was discovered that the graffiti was inspired by major tension between two students, one of them being the Austin in question. Although a threat was made against Austin, there were absolutely no references to a school shooting, no gang symbols and no bombing ultimatums.

The culprit cannot be named for confidentiality reasons; the student was expelled and is facing full consequences from both the school and the law.

2

News

Stampede

page two

hallways and city streets

Jan. 30, 2009

Surviving

OLD MAN WINTER BRYANT GIRSCH/STAMPEDE

Use your head — and your reflexes — to avoid driving disasters

BY KRISTINA KRAUTMANIS Staff Writer When junior Zoe Wietfeldt found out she had been assigned “B” lunch this year, she vowed never to be late to her 5th-hour class.

But one recent a�ernoon, everything changed. While backing out of a friend’s driveway a�er lunch, Wietfeldt ran right into a big pile of snow. She drove right into a snow bank and had to shovel her way out.

“My tires caught in the snow and I couldn’t get out. I missed the second half of 5th hour!” she said.

Wietfeldt will be the first to admit that winter is one of the most dangerous times to be out on the roads. Though one may feel prepared, there are several things that are necessary to survive the worst winter emergencies.

A car needs to be equipped with specific necessities to make one’s driving easier as well as to handle any problems that may arise.

First, make sure that the necessary tools are available. Keep an ice scraper to keep windows clean. A small shovel may also assist to shovel out of snow banks and mud, o�en hidden under the snow. Ge�ing stuck can happen at any time of day, so a small flashlight to see in the dark can be very helpful.

Sometimes tow trucks can be busy or far away. If an accident occurs and one must

wait for an hour or two, a blanket and some snacks in your car could be greatly appreciated.

Also, a spare coat will spare heat in some harsh conditions. Its be�er to be prepared than to be sorry.

For smaller cars, or cars with front wheel drive, keep a few large bags of salt in the trunk.

This will help keep cars from sliding on ice and balance out the weight.

To get your car unstuck from a snowbank, first, shovel away all the snow around your car.

Then, take some salt from the bags in the trunk and throw it in front and behind the tires. This will help build friction so the car will move.

Slowly, back-up a few feet and then move forward again a few feet. Make a rocking motion with the car to build up momentum.

Do not ever just floor the pedal because this will burn rubber, and in turn make ice under the wheels so it’s harder to get out.

Most importantly, drive slowly.

“Cautious does not always mean slow.

It’s the speed that kills,” said Sue Hoffman, a driver education teacher with many years of experience.

If any accidents can be prevented from happening, that would be best. Take extra time to go somewhere if the roads are bad, leave plenty of space between cars and take turns slowly.

You’ll feel safer driving if you know you are prepared.

“Be calm. Sometimes just backing up and pulling out is all you need,” junior Andris Grinvalds said.

Chilling

Stats

200

percentage increase of the likelihood of having an accident when having two passengers compared to one

5,500

deaths per year for 16- to 20-year-olds due to motor vehicle accidents

16

the age group that faces the highest risk for a road crash

Sources: State Farm Insurance, University Hospitals

Sweet!

Popular convenience store at Centre, Westnedge to stay

BY JORDAN PETERS

Staff Writer

The construction of the new Central High scheduled to begin this summer will cause some obvious chaos on campus, but the disorder will not touch a popular convenience store at the corner of Centre Street and Westnedge Avenue That chaos has students wondering what might happen to their beloved junk-food outlet at the corner – Sweet Convenience Store, a longtime favorite for students craving anything from Cool Ranch Doritos to YooHoo. Students, some under the assumption the store will move to make way for the new building, can rest easy, as Sweet plans on remaining at its location at 330 E. Centre Ave. For years, Sweet’s has provided everything from junk food to cheap meal options and beverages for those students who venture out at lunchtime.

“I see quite a few kids from the high school throughout the day,” clerk Laurie Bierenga said. “I’d estimate about 20 to 25 kids in the morning and at lunch, and about 15 to 20 kids a�er school. I’d say about 5 to 10 percent of our income comes from the students alone.”

Among the frequent customers is junior Krystal Ryskamp, who said she visits Sweet’s every day.

“I usually spend about $10 to $15 a day on things like chips, pop or tea,” she said. “It’s convenient since it’s right on the way home, and I can walk there easily.”

The building plans, set in motion when voters approved the idea in November 2007, will not only disrupt the school day for students returning for the 2009-10 school year, but it will affect local businesses located near Sweet’s.

Two stores in particular, Western Michigan TV Repair and its neighboring Pet business, will be torn down to allow a new road to be built, which will lead to the new school.

The construction has caused much worry among students concerning businesses such as Sweet’s and the equally-popular Taco Bob’s.

“I don’t know what I’d do if they closed. I probably wouldn’t be eating during the day,” Ryskamp said. “I go there every day, and they know who I am and ask how I’m doing.”

Years of frequent business and the many purchases made by students will not be in vain.

Sweet’s has no intentions of fading away when the construction commences.

“We’re not moving, and we will remain open,” Bierenga said. “So as far as Sweet’s is concerned, we will be at the corner of the new road.”

Rest assured that Sweet’s is going nowhere, and even though the area is going through an important and much-needed change, it appears the business that has provided so many people with good service and cheap prices will remain available to those in need for years to come.

(RED)ible chance to give

Buying products an inc

BY MARISSA MIARS

Staff Writer

When one thinks of a charitable person, someone who is giving with good intentions may come to mind. These are not the types of people (PRODUCT) RED is targeting with their products.

According to www.joinred.com, the organization’s website, “Giving isn’t the reason to buy a (PRODUCT) RED product.

(Giving) is simply built into the product and the act of purchasing these products.

In fact, we believe that some people will buy (PRODUCT) RED products without even knowing what (RED) is about.”

(PRODUCT) RED is a business-based cause, created by U2 frontman Bono and Bonny Shriver in order to help fight AIDS in Africa.

4,100 Africans die each day from AIDS. Each time a (PRODUCT) RED item is bought, 50 percent of profits go directly to buy medicine

for those in Africa fighting this deadly infection. As a result, over 2.5 million lives have been saved.

(PRODUCT) RED has a�racted some big named clientele in the past two years, partnering with American Express, Apple, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, Windows and Starbucks. Many of these companies have found their own creative ways of advertising this newly-founded cause.

Last year Converse began their 1HUND(RED) project, employing 100 musicians and artists from across the globe in order to create 100 original sneaker designs inspired by the efforts to eliminate this epidemic. These one-of-a-kind sneakers are available for sale in shoe stores and at www.converse.com/#100artistsred.

For coffee lovers, Starbucks poses a similar

Brief

offer with their Starbucks (RED) card. Each time a customer uses the card, five cents is sent to help save lives in Africa.

(RED) greeting cards are sold at Hallmarks across the country, including at the Crossroads Mall. “We used to sell (PRODUCT) RED bags, purses, cards, ornaments and wrapping paper but we had to move them for the holidays,” Stephanie Murray, senior and Hallmark employee said. “They’re pre�y cool and I like them.”

This Valentine’s Day, consider purchasing a card with the (RED) logo for that special someone and walk away with not just a plastic shopping bag, but a skip in your step.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for late February.

Feb. 25 is a full day of school, with evening conferences, while Feb. 26 is a half day for students.

Conferences will be held that day in the a�ernoon and evening. Friday, Feb. 27, is mid-winter break, with no school for students or staff, unless the district has used its allowable number of snow days for the school year.

Local organization offers chance for college money The Optimist International Essay Contest is under way, with students eligible for local, state, and national competition, in addition to valuable scholarship money for winners. The contest is open to all students under the age of 19. The deadline to submit essays is Feb. 15. For more information, contact Laurie Jefsen at ljefsen@kresa.org.

homecoming

Seniors a�ending college next year need to begin filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). On Sunday, Feb. 8, College Goal Sunday will be held at WMU’s Schneider Hall between 2 and 4 p.m. Experts will be there to help students and parents fill out the form. This is a free event. For more information, go to www.micollegegoal.org, or visit the Counseling Office.

Feb. 25-26 bring 2nd semester conferences

essay contest

WMU hosting free session on completing aid forms

conferences

financial aid

In

Winter Homecoming set for last week in February Time to dust up on those lip-synching skills — Winter Homecoming is scheduled for Feb. 16-20. Dress-up days have not been determined yet, but Student Council encourages students to keep an eye out for posters and an ear toward the announcements, as those days will be announced soon.

-Compiled by Stampede staff

News

3

Stampede

page three

hallways and city streets

Jan. 30, 2009

Revving into Renovation

As construction for the new moves along, what is being done for the old building?

BY RACHAEL L E FEVRE

Staff Writer

With the new school construction project on the verge of action, no one denies that school life is about to change significantly. By springtime, students’ classes will be li�ered with the sounds of bulldozers, drills and hammers.

While much of the concern falls upon the construction of the new school, possible changes in maintenance routines and the upkeep of the old school trouble many students and staff members.

The building, built in 1949, shows definite signs of deterioration. Stained and broken ceiling tiles and malfunctioning heaters are abundant across the school.

Although excitement about the new building is increasing, some are concerned about the condition of the current aging building.

Senior Blake Fillar thinks maintenance problems may not be addressed because the school will be torn down eventually.

“There are holes in the ceiling, especially down by [Mr.] Rayle’s room,” Fillar said. “Those probably won’t be fixed because it’s a waste.”

However, most seem to believe that maintenance will be kept up to current standards despite the beginning of construction. According to custodian

School

Chris Hastings, the building process will for teachers, students and custodians make maintenance more challenging, but alike. However, with the building of it will be taken care of in the same way it the new school maintenance measures always has been. Hastings speculates that are expected to remain well-kept. the school will follow similar janitorial procedures because “[there are] safety issues – [there are] certain laws [they] have to follow.”

While the school may not invest in any big projects, most small malfunctions and important necessities will be taken care of regardless of the changing environment. The custodians plan to patch the problems up as best as possible by utilizing the li�le funds available.

“Things will have to be repaired right up to the end,” Hastings said.

Most teachers also believe that maintenance will be well-kept. Economics teacher Eric Rayle agrees that the custodial staff will continue its maintenance job by a�ending to most ma�ers in order to preserve the safety of the students.

“I don’t think [we’ll] lose much [janitorial service]…” Rayle said. “But they won’t sink much into ALL PICTURE CREDITS TO NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE [new projects] because of the bulldozing.”

RENOVATION STATION: Clockwise from right: Mrs. LaVasseur’s room, Mrs. Kaakani’s room and Mr. Andrews’ room (two) all The next few years on have wear and tear needing to be fixed. campus will be challenging

GiRL

S gone

WILD

Female fights can be brutal, ruthless because it didn’t do anything besides make my grades drop from missing school and having everyone talk about it for weeks and picking The sight of hair-pulling, nail-scratching sides.” and estrogen-fueled farces capture students’ Girl fights can be dangerous for the a�ention in the hallway. The brutality of these bystanders, also. Kenny Cao, a sophomore, brawls take a whole new meaning to “cat experienced this first hand. fights.”

“I ran to get a front row watch at the fight “They are entertaining,” sophomore but then some blond chick was pushed into me Danielle Jimenez said. “Seeing something and I fell down. It was really scary,” Cao said. different amuses kids.”

“They scratch. I’d rather get punched than When a girl fight occurs, the act becomes scratched.” the talk of the school for hours, days and Staff members take special precautions sometimes weeks. when it comes to fighting “I think that girls and don’t take the ma�er definitely fight for lightly. Janet Dimmick, also a�ention and to give I think that girls known as “Grandma” in the people something to definitely fight for cafeteria, reveals how she talk about. I think it’s deals with such cafeteria attention and to give immature,” senior Jenny shananigans. people something to Crill said.

“If we hear a rumor, talk about. I think it’s A student who we try to cover the cafeteria immature. recently found herself a li�le bit more. I just call in a fight during lunch for help because I’m not JENNY CRILL disagrees.

Senior ge�ing in it. I’ll be lying on “I don’t believe the floor,” Dimmick said. “I fights are just a cry for don’t know if it makes a difference always, but a�ention,” sophomore Branda Campbell said, I think girls are more vicious being hair pullers a student who regrets being involved in the and scratching. Guys fight and get it over. I confrontation. “I believe violence is never the think girls keep their grudges longer too.” answer, but tensions run high and people don’t The staff and the large majority of students think of the consequences.” do not approve of girls fighting. However “If I could go back and do it over again,” students still choose not to turn away when an Campbell said, “I would not have fought argument is brewing. The school staff hopes the students won’t encourage such behavior, but some students believe the excitement outweighs the consequences. a) 420

BY CHLOE WESTLEY Special to the Stampede

PC

?Pop Quiz Answer ??

“

“

Portage pothole patrol Winter weather causes dangerous road conditions

BY JAMES PHILLIPS

“Potholes are addressed all year long as needed,” Johnson said. “We fill them with a material called ‘cold patch’ in the winter and Winter driving is hazardous, bothersome then with ‘hot patch’ in the summer.” and overall an unpleasant experience. The ‘Hot patch’ is a substance created from weather itself suggests against taking that trip tar and is used specifically during the warmer from home to Harding’s. On some days, such seasons because tar plants are in business. In trivial trips can result in extreme injury, or even the winter, when the plants are closed, the death. commission uses a cooler version of it called “I hate it,” senior Katie Martin said ‘cold patch’. about her winter driving When it comes experiences.

“Now I to the commission usually make other people finding potholes, any drive me.” information given is Other gripes are worthy information. “We more about the affects of don’t have a tracking driving on the vehicles device to know where themselves. “Defrosting (they are), and how many JENNY KILDUFF/STAMPEDE your car windows—now there are at a given time. that sucks,” senior David PROBLEMATIC POTHOLES: These dangerous We track service requests McKeown said. holes can pop tires and damage cars. from citizens on potholes However, a very and from our employees,” dangerous aspect of Johnson said. winter driving includes the infamous potholes With the need for road cleanup always populating Portage. prevalent in winter, the commission may seem There are many whose very occupation is like the last group of people to be in want of to combat the immobility winter weather—and work. However, the stagnant economy of the potholes—cause. Joanna Johnson, managing last few months has affected them as well. director of the Kalamazoo County Road “People are driving less, which means less Commission, oversees how the roads that are money spent on gas,” Johnson said. “We get vital for business and school are kept open. most of our revenue through the gas tax…the “There are 15 roads, or snow routes, that cost of our winter maintenance equipment has are top priority for us. For Portage, Sprinkle gone up 18% as well.”

Road is one of them,” Johnson said.

The future looks uncertain for commission, The commission’s main objectives are but as long as there is snow, there will be those the roads connecting the towns and villages who shovel it off the roads and salt them in Kalamazoo County. The Department of a�erwards. The Kalamazoo County Road Transportation takes care of the major highways, commission promises to be dependable no such as U.S. 131 and I-94. As for potholes, there ma�er how harsh this winter gets. is a different approach.

Staff Writer

4

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

Jan. 30, 2009

They’re watching you!

Our View Parking shortage may cause inconvenience during construction Later this year, students will need to adjust their routines to accommodate for the beginning of construction for the new school.

Several observant students and teachers have come to realize parking space may be in short supply at the beginning of the next school year as the ragged old parking lots are torn up to be replaced by shiny new classrooms.

The solution to the potential lack of parking space is still being debated. As of yet, the best ideas include holding a lo�ery for parking spaces, allowing parking on a “first-come, first served” basis, renting out parking from the businesses surrounding the schools, or only giving seniors parking privileges.

Obviously, all these proposed solutions would require some students to give up their parking spot. The possibility that there will be no parking shortage is still plausible, however, as building schedules are not concrete and are subject to change over the course of construction over the next few years.

In the event the possible parking shortage becomes a reality, the most inclusive and the fairest solution to the problem would be the rumored and dreaded lo�ery. Despite the fact that some very deserving students may be forced to find other means of transportation during the years of construction, a lo�ery would mean every eligible student would have an equal chance at a parking place.

However, this system for choosing who parks where would give an unfair advantage to students who have driver’s licenses at the beginning of the school year, and would leave younger students with nowhere to park by the middle of the year.

In the end, if this possible parking shortage occurs, students who insist on driving to school will have to get creative in their transportation strategies. Some may have to carpool with friends or parents, others may choose to park in lots farther away from the school and walk the rest of the ways, and still others may chose to just ride the bus.

That is the small sacrifice we will have to make in order for the new school to be built, and it is undoubtedly worth the potential inconvenience.

Stampede Staff Andrew Krietz and Marah Klose Editors-in-Chief Nicole Chrusciel.............................................News Editor Christianna Gluys...........................................View Editor Jenny Kilduff..................................................Focus Editor Alaina Dely........................................................Vibe Editor Nate Frisbie...................................................Sports Editor Amna Azam.....................................................Photo Editor Keenan Cronyn.............................................Design Editor Assistant Editors/Staff Writers....................Zach Anderson ......................................Kelsey Benedict, Laurel Bowersock, .........................................Morgan Clothier, Sarah Erdman, .................................James Ketelaar, Kristina Krautmanis, .......................Rachel LeFevre, Amber Lester, Sarah Manis, ......................Alex McCarthy, Marissa Miars, Katie Moffit, ..........................................Lauren Moon, Carly Nagengast, .........................Omo Ogbomo, Emma Page, Jordan Peters, ......................James Phillips, Nathan Ranns, Megan Scott, .....................................Hanna Seelman, Shannon Sullivan, ..........................Tucker Webb, Sarah Wilsey, Irene Yearry Artists................................Bryant Girsch, Sarah Thompson Business Manager..............................................Regis Partee Adviser...........................................................Cheryl Braford 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 bal-

BRYANT GIRSCH/STAMPEDE

Google is a useful travel tool

Street View is an invasion of privacy

editorin-chief

staff writer

MARAH KLOSE

JAMES PHILLIPS

The ability to see your destination before you even depart is yet another reflection of how far our technology has evolved and where it will go.

I never cease to be amazed by the sheer gall of so�ware developers and engineers whose projects pass from “farfetched” futuristic ideas to “old school” technology basics within months. Google Street View is a marvelous feature recently introduced into the family of Google applications available to the public. It launched on May 25, 2007 with streets available for browsing in Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Denver.

The whole thing is made possible by a fleet of SUVs and cars equipped with 360 degree cameras that capture the world around them allowing the Google Maps so�ware to interface with real-world images to make the world even more accessible and interactive.

It’s a fairly easy tool to master. A�er only a few minutes of tinkering, anyone can pick up just how to go about changing angles or moving around the streets of whatever city they so choose. It’s invaluably useful for the visual learner in any of us.

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve go�en completely lost on my way to a party because I had no idea what house or street to look for. Google Street View allows me to familiarize myself with the landmarks or even the destination itself, the only limit being the far-flung streets in the world that the fleet of cars has not yet canvassed.

Anyone citing this as a “privacy violation” should understand the full facts. First of all: why would anyone do something intended to be private in view of a street, which is about as public as it gets. Secondly, the idea of using it to stalk someone is laughable. The picture quality is so poor that zooming in only yields negligible results in the search for faces, license plates, or addresses. In fact, the pictures and addresses from the interfaced Google Maps are notorious for being off by a few houses anyway, as is usually evidenced when trying to find one’s own address on Google Maps’ satellite view.

Above all, it’s Google’s option to blur faces and any other potentially private information that keeps it from being quite so exposing. If someone sees information about him or herself that is undesired, said person need only use the “report image” option to inform Google and the site will blur or alter as necessary.

All the same, Google Street View has become an incredible innovation and will probably play an integral role future GPS and satellite development.

My only advice for those still harping on about privacy violations is to watch out for the li�le black cars with the big round cameras next time they’re on the road.

The Internet search engine Google is many things— innovative, notorious, worth billions of dollars, and extremely useful to name a few, but who would have thought ‘creepy’ would be added to that list? Google Earth, the amazing Google application that has allowed users to stalk their prospective lovers for years, recently received an odd add-on: Google Earth: Street View So here’s how the thing works: like any Google service, one can type in whatever one is looking for (in this case, locations, street addresses, etc.) and not only will Street View find the location, but, as its name suggests, it will find a curbside view of your destination/point of interest. The result is astounding and somewhat terrifying.

It’s easy to see the creativity and charm behind such a thing, but at the same time it seems wrong. The average user, a�er ge�ing over the initial burst of pride at becoming a minor Web celebrity, may have this sense of accomplishment replaced by a sense of worry.

‘Why is my house viewable to at least 6.5 billion other people?’ they may ask, along with ‘Shouldn’t that violate some kind of international law? How did it even get on there?’

It’s almost like the movies. In any thriller you see, an evil, dystopian government oppresses the huddled masses, not only taking away basic freedoms but also possessing the ability to view them at any place at any time. In Google Street View’s case, it’s not a future form of communism that manages to be an ever-present peeping tom, but corporations, ordinary people, and in severely rare and chilling cases, criminals. It may not be as extreme as all that, but the cause for worry is there.

Due to the fact that anyone can use this new tool, Google itself should take some sort of stand and make at least a rudimentary form of rules for its use. To some, this may seem to be a huge drag, but it should really be seen as a precautionary step in case any of the more dreadful events that could stem from the use of Google Street View, and to keep them from happening.

With the way things are going on the Internet these days, privacy is an important factor. The funny thing is, the new Google apparatus just sha�ered that for everybody.

Marah Klose is Editor-in-Chief for the Central Stampede.

James Phillips is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.

Students

Speak Out

Is Google Street Viewer a helpful resource or an invasion of privacy?

ance 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.

“Helpful. It helps me find houses when I get directions somewhere.”

NINA COMPARONI Freshman

“Helpful. It’s not live, so you can’t see people walking around.”

MICAH ANDERS Sophomore

“Helpful, because if “Helpful. Anyone someone gives poor who drives by would directions you can see the same thing, see what the house so they can’t see in looks like.” your house.”

ASHLEY FUHRMAN SUTTON WILSON Junior

Senior

page five

opinions and editorials

Defining the gray area in detention rules staff writer

Jan. 30, 2009 AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE

View

5

Stampede

LAUREL BOWERSOCK

As I venture down the hall toward my next class, I come to the morning rush hour in the 300 hall. Moving painfully slowly, I finally get through the crowd and run up the stairs. I pass by my locker which holds the books I need for my next class. But I have a first priority, ge�ing to class and avoiding a tardy.

I make it to the door just as the bell rings; my teacher loudly points out my obvious tardiness to the class. Just a second late, and I’m considered tardy. What gives?

The point of coming to school is to be well-educated and leave ready for the real world.

A discipline system is required and is absolutely appropriate for a school.

It’s almost like a simulated government; there are laws to abide by, and if anyone fails to do so they pay the consequences.

We have rules, and we need to follow them; that’s understandable. But just like some of our national laws, there are some “laws” in our school that should be modified.

For example, the hats rule. I am not a huge hat-wearer

myself, but I know some students are. A group of researchers at the University of Oregon conducted a study to find a link between a kind of dress and disruptive behavior; there was none. Wearing hats is a part of our generation’s sub-cultural fashion, and not gang-related.

The big question is whether hats are disruptive to the learning environment to wear during school. The reason I question this rule is because pajama pants and sweats are deemed OK, and hats should receive equal treatment.

Sleeping in class is disrespectful, no doubt. But is it not necessarily always detention worthy. Sometimes students are incredibly tired, and it’s hard to stay awake during a class. If a student is missing a vital part of the class, he’s only punishing himself, and it will show in his grade. Unless it’s a recurring problem, a teacher should pull the student and see what’s up.

Another

dance?

staff writer

LAUREN MOON

Choosing the right costume, overcoming potential embarrassment to ask the right guy and several more hours of time spent in front of the mirror.

And all of this for another school function where there is bound to be fighting, yelling, crying and a li�le bit of dancing in between: another school dance.

A Sadie Hawkins dance has shimmied its way into the PCHS gymnasium. The point of this dance is to have the girl ask the guy to the dance. It is a very cute idea, if you put aside the stress and embarrassment that goes along with every other dance.

The semi-formal dance is a timehonored tradition here. This dance is always memorable from one reason or another. The girls enjoy a night out in a fancy dress they will never wear again and they guys like to tag along with their date.

However, the semi-formal has taken place for several years, the Sadie Hawkins

dance is newer and has many relations to the semi-formal.

The theme for Sadie Hawkins is “match bash” where you and your date or groups of friends match their costumes (i.e. the Pink Ladies from ‘Grease’, salt and pepper shaker, Romeo and Juliet, etc.). This could be easy to several students by looking in their basements; however, most couples and friends will go out and try to buy the flashiest costume to outshine everyone else there.

Not only does this add to the inevitable drama that will take place at the dance, but it also can beli�le other students. Some students are not able to go out and get a new outfit due to severe money issues that several families are facing right now.

The Sadie Hawkins dance is just too much for our school to handle. We have so many social activities already; there is no point for another dance. We have a dress-up dance and several other dances a�er the home football and basketball games. Those dances are suitable for several students.

I am not trying to say that the dance will not be enjoyable for some students (if you put aside the unavoidable drama), but there is no need to have another dance that has its own “dress code”.

A Sadie Hawkins dance is just another excuse for girls to show off, boys to follow their date until they dance and to put down students that are not able to afford an over the top costume. This dance is a set up for disaster.

MARAH KLOSE/STAMPEDE

Previous opinion column disrespects teachers Dear Editor, While I understand the prevalence of cell phones, I do not understand the need to use one during the school day.

Your editorial was offensive to me as a teacher here at Portage Central High School (“Hands off the inbox,” Dec. 12). Teachers are described as “snatching up cell phones like it’s the last iPod Touch on the shelves the day before Christmas.” I can only speak for myself, however, as I have taken many hours to plan a lesson to facilitate learning, when I am teaching that lesson, I am upset when my students are texting instead of listening, taking notes, completing the activity, etc. You do

Lauren Moon is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.

The same goes for tardies. Our halls are crowded and five minutes seems like plenty of time but sometimes we’re just running late. Between going to our lockers and ge�ing through crowds, we may be late and get a tardy we don’t need. The three tardy policy is great, but some leniency about whether a detention should be issued or not is nice.

Really, some students really don’t care; they come to school and have no respect for anyone at all, not their peers, and not their teachers. Going to detention will not change them.

Courtesy and manners are a trait that every person should leave high school with. It may be a li�le much to ask but it’s great that our school strives toward that sort of goal, (along with many others, of course). Rules are necessary, but some of these old rules need a new twist.

Laurel Bowersock is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.

‘Epic fail’ open campus for lunch. Junior Melissa Forero also agrees that the junior class should be able to enjoy the new building.

“They say that we are leaving a legacy that will be passed on for generations, but I thought that’s what the hand wall was for. I think that we deserve to go to the new school,” Forero said.

Certainly, I am not suggesting that the school shouldn’t be built; I am very pleased that the millage was passed, but whatever happened to seniority? How about showing a li�le respect for the elder statesmen of the school? The new school is costing each person of Portage roughly $2,630, which will ACK NDERSON be paid over the course of many years, and I plan on a�ending it.

Flunking high school, in its most basic Michael Borre even went as far to say form, is an art that is generally frowned that he’s willing to flunk with me. upon, but I am a�empting to bring it “I’m behind Zack 100 percent. I want to back in style. With the new building set go to the school too, and the way we want to to be complete in the fall of 2011, and my do it, we’ll keep our class and style. We don’t graduation in the spring of 2010, I have want to be failures, just flunks. There is a decided that I am not going to take this difference.” injustice; I am going to completely flunk my The strategy involves turning senior year. everything in one day late, and receiving 50 With more than $119 million going percent credit on the assignment, toward two elementary schools and but the teachers still know our remodeled high schools from the recently capabilities. This will give us passed millage, I am taking a stand. We our dignity, knowing that we are the ones that went door-to-door are just as capable as the other ge�ing people to vote on the bill, so we students, but still achieving the deserve to be the ones that graduate ultimate goal of a�ending the from the school first. new facility.

Jake Al-Kharusy fell in love with This is going to be a tough the idea of having even more respect task.

The kind of undertaking in the school. that no man alive has ever “If we flunk our senior had the brains to a�empt year, we become second year pu�ing together. The stakes seniors, and become even that are high, but the reward is evermuch more powerful. So, so-sweet.

If we are able to yeah, I’m definitely in,” Alcome together as one, and Kharusy said. put forth all of our efforts, The construction is set to this will undoubtedly begin next year, meaning that be the pinnacle of our we are going to have to put up illustrious high school with the inconveniences of the careers.

MARAH KLOSE/STAMPEDE new building. We will have to

Failing school for admittance to the new high school

staff writer Z

A

deal with a new bus drop off area, having to park further away from the school and the possibility of not having an

send a mixed message when you say teachers should not read the text messages but “[t]he one and only time that this would be considered allowable was if the student was involved in a bomb threat or something serious that could put other students in danger.” How would a teacher know unless he or she read the text in the first place?

However, what offends me the most about your editorial is that you claim there is a “double-standard of teachers who talk or text on their phones during class or in the hallways during passing time.” Perhaps I am too naive but I have never witnessed such an action. For myself, occasionally I do forget to turn my phone off during school and have had the phone ring during class. It is embarrassing, of course. That is not a “double-standard.” I also understand that emergencies do arise and communication is necessary. The teachers’ classroom phones cannot make long distance phone calls. An individual

Zack Anderson is a staff writer who does indeed plan to graduate on time.

might need to use the cell phone in that emergency.

As I checked my handbook, I do not see the mention of “snoop through texts” anywhere. I realize you may have been on the receiving end of a 2:50 due to the unacceptable behavior of using your cell phone in class. Teachers do not relish in reading through text messages or whatever else is on the phone. Teachers are frustrated that students choose not to actively participate in the classroom instruction. Back in the day, students wrote notes to their friends in class. Teachers would take that distraction away from students as well.

Kate Hazen History/English Teacher

6

Stampede

Focus

‘Yes We Did’

page six

features and lifestyles

Jan. 30, 2009

Obama inauguration ushers in hope, challenges for the future Every adjective synonymous with gigantic, vast and enormous describes the crowd on Inauguration Day. Two million people, stretching from the nation’s capital to the steps of the Lincoln Monument, all had gathered for a common purpose.

“Oh my God,” a woman in the center of the crowd yelled. “This is it! Change has come to America!”

For some, it was a reflection of the past and how far we have come. The very idea of the nation’s first African-American president becoming a reality in this lifetime was difficult to fathom. Before the tear-filled eyes of the world, the results of a powerful grassroots movement and years of work finally bore fruit at noon of January 20, 2009 with the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama.

Kara Kubarych, 18, from San Diego, CA, traveled to D.C. with the Smithsonian Student Travel program to be a part of history and take in the sights and sounds of the event.

“We flew in on Sunday night on a [red-eye flight],” Kubarych said. “We were on the national mall … it was just amazing to see all of the people.”

As an avid supporter of Obama, she believes that the past eight years under the Bush Administration had squandered any advancement that the country had seen in the past.

“[We’ve] been in this stale political climate and it’s time for us to move forward,” Kubarych said. “[There’s] an opportunity to do be�er.”

Throughout the morning people were crammed together, shoulder-to-shoulder (and then some), to celebrate. Local police reports around 5 p.m. that day reported “zero arrests,” considered amazing given the circumstance.

Candace Hamilton, 25 from the San Francisco Bay Area, had tickets to the events at the capital, but wishes she could have been with the mass of people leading up to the capital itself to feel the energy. Even so, a certain “something” had swept the D.C. area and the nation as a whole on that day.

“The air of just optimism and hope and camaraderie between people have seemed so apparent and on display,” Hamilton said.

“I’ve had so many conversations with people from all over [asking] ‘How are you? What are you here for? Where’d you come from?

How’d you get here?’ It’s just been so nice.”

Rising above all issues, the economy was the primary topic on the crowd’s mind for President Obama to address, especially concerning the young people in D.C. With an unemployment rate above 10 percent in Michigan alone, the economy is the issue Kubarych wants brought to the front.

“That has affected most people, and my family,” Kubarych said. “I expect to see a stimulus package or something put into action, because we clearly need something to happen [with a more] responsible system [in place].”

For those not in town during the ceremony, people like Michael Bodner, 16, of Highland Park, NJ, felt that it was time to make good on the promises of the Obama campaign and work together toward that common goal.

“A new president, a younger president, makes me a lot more optimistic,” Bodner said.

In the first 100 days of the Obama Administration, his message of hope over fear and volunteerism trumping greed will be carefully monitored for success. In his speech to the country, Obama pressed the individual for personal effort and involvement in the community to rebuild America.

“Our challenges may be new,” Obama said. “The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old.

These things are true.”

As for Hamilton, she’s taking his words to heart and following through with the American Spirit.

“I’m taking ‘be the change’ as my mo�o for the year.”

-Andrew Krietz

The sights and sounds of Washington D.C. via

editorin-chief

ANDREW KRIETZ

•(Over)packing for D.C. 11:51 a.m. Jan. 16 •In the great state of Ohio... should make it to the hotel in 115 mi. (says Garmin) 5:52 p.m. Jan. 16 •Enjoying a latte in the mountains of Pennsylvania, are we there yet? 12:15 p.m. Jan. 17 •Kind of jealous of all of the people at the inauguration concert. Planning on a dry-run to the city before the big day. 6:20 p.m. Jan. 18 •Just the pictures from the inaugural [opening] events are thrilling... one day left. 11:06 p.m. Jan. 18 •Lines for just putting money on the Metro card wraps around the station in Springfield, VA. 12:38 p.m. Jan. 19 •Been in line for a half hour now. 12:46 p.m. Jan. 19 •The DC area is under a Winter Weather Advisory for an inch of snow. Hilarious. 4:13 p.m. Jan. 19 •I’m fired up and ready to go. Bed first. 7:26 p.m.

Jan. 19 •Good morning! Heading to the Metro now. It’s only 3 a.m. 3:01 a.m. Jan. 20 •Nice to know that all of these cars in front of us will be taking the very last exit before car restrictions are enforced. 3:31 a.m. Jan. 20 •About to ruin many people’s day by cutting in line.

3:33 a.m. Jan. 20 •Well that worked. 3:41 a.m. Jan. 20 •Oh my God, line [to the train] goes up and down the parking ramp. Going fast, though. 4:56 a.m. Jan. 20 •Amazing day. Sorry for the lack of tweets, limited [cell] service! 6:20 p.m. Jan. 20 For more observations, follow the twitter feed @twitter.com/atak47

&

Thoughts Reflections Reflections

Inauguration Snapshots Parade Finish

Kara

Michael

Candace

Kara Kubarych, San Diego, CA; 18-

“It was really funny; my government teacher was standing right next to me and the second [Obama] finished the oath, he was like, ‘We’re free!’”

Parade Start

Michael Bodner, Highland Park, NJ; 16-

“I’m not exactly sure [about] Obama, but yeah, I’m hopeful for the future.”

Candace Hamilton, San Francisco, CA; 25-

Public Viewing Swearing-in Ceremony

MOMENT: (From left to right) Obama’s Oath of Office; a crowd of an estimated two million; poster at the official inagural store; 7 a.m. view of the Washington Monument; a quick pose with the CNN Express; Union Station, one of many D.C. Metro/train stations.

“It’s just been so nice … I’m taking ‘be the change’ as my mo�o for the year.”

A HISTORIC

PHOTOS AND MAP BY: ANDREW KRIETZ/STAMPEDE

Focus

7

Stampede

page seven Jan. 30, 2009

Operation Detox

MARAH

KLOSE/ STAMP

EDE

Finals Week:

features and lifestyles

As finals come to an end, it’s time to move on and snap back to reality

BY CARLY NAGENGAST

1

Staff Writer

It is a series of dates that looms on every student’s calendar. Some take every spare moment to ready themselves.

Some do absolutely nothing and wait for the torrent to begin.

Junior Rosalea Pedrolini plans to build a fallout shelter.

There is no question that finals week is a stressful time for every student, some more than others. While the most terrible part is usually the threat of failing, as senior Chris Sandmeyer admits, the more devout student can find the studying and preparation to be half the ba�le.

Preparing for final exams can change your whole style of life. Recuperation from this mode of existence and textbook addiction can be a large and difficult step in a young adult’s life.

Some common methods include a general relaxation period or social interaction.

“My friends and I…just do something to blow off steam,” junior Karina Pone said.

It is crucial to be ready for this transitional shi� in the academic year. Here we provide some suggested steps to help you assimilate back into normal society.

It is important to take ma�ers into your own hands and reintroduce yourself back into the community as a productive member of society. Remember: detox is the first step of recovery.

2

3

Realize you haven’t seen the sun since november.

Go Outside Start opening your Christmas or Hanukkah presents

Greet your family.

Exchange pleasantries. Ask what they’ve been up to the past several weeks. Attempt to remember their names.

4 5 6

7 Go out to dinner.

Eat something besides caffeine and pre- packaged carbohydrates.

8

Remember the joy of using single syllable words again.

Check your cat/dog for a second. If one is found clear cobwebs from food bowl and fill

Reacquaint yourself with your friends.

How are they doing?

Who would like to hang out later? Who has survived finals?

Who requires a coffin fitting?

10

Take a shower. Use soap. Repeat.

9

Sleep.

Take a day off.

Go to the spa. Make a special request for them to attempt to exfoliate-away the monstrous bags under your eyes.

The most creative assignment notebooks Staff Write

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“I was inspired by the pre-design to make it look different. I was bored with the colors and purple and black are two of my favorite colors.”

8

Stampede

page eight

Focus features and lifestyles

Jan. 30, 2009

Tardiness can’t be blamed on long distances anymore with longest routes timed

BY KATIE MOFFIT AND LAUREN MOON Staff Writer

Mrs. Sykes’ room (102)

For those students who constantly complain about the amount of time between classes being insufficient, understand that you do not have a plausible reason for being late to class anymore. Take note of the following: by timing the distance between the furthest classes (without locker or bathroom stops), one can conclude that there is no longer any excuse for tardiness. No more ‘my dog ate my homework’ reasons for being late to class, even from the complete opposite ends of

Mr. Schira’s room (412)

4:14 Mr. Rayle’s room (413) Mrs. Pence’s room (2011)

4:00

the building.

Mrs. Rearick’s room (2004) Band Room (414)

Mrs. Moss’s room (2023) Art Room (401)

4:05

4:15

The best and worst of drinking fountains

BY KEENAN CRONYN

Design Editor

Like vultures to a watering hole they flock from all areas and the furthest reaches of the hallway. Looking to satiate their thirst and maybe skip a li�le class time.

More specifically, Portage Central is inhabited by hundreds of students everyday who can’t go without finding a drinking fountain to wet their pale�e, but for the student on the go, with a real thirst to quench, some fountain flows just aren’t fast or cold enough.

In Portage Central there are exactly nine drinking fountains that are casually used by students throughout the day. Most stop for a quick drink passing by, others to fill up a water bo�le, and some as an excuse to dip out of class.

Whether your options are wide open with a signed hall pass and nowhere to be or whether your confined to a quick

Sarah Erdman’s

get to school without driving

drink from a fountain nearby, there’s plenty to choose from. And with some simply be�er than others, being confined to the drinking fountain across the hall might be a prison sentence.

Senior Tyler Champion has been drinking from the fountains for four years and has developed a personal favorite.

“The drinking fountains in the forensics hall, specifically the one on the le�; it has a strong flow and is always cold.”

If you’re looking for a similar experience with a flow that’s strong and as cold as ice there’s Champion’s gem and a few other fountains that hold their own.

Unfortunately, throughout the school there are also a handful of duds. For instance it’s not even worth your time to stop by the lone drinking fountain in the 300 hall: the water is warm and with a push bar instead of the convenient bu�on it’s not even worth your taste buds.

Likewise, sophomore Ryan Krill

agrees. “The drinking fountain across from Mr. Mandrick’s room is always warm are there’s always someone filling up a water bo�le,” Krill said, “I’d rather drink from any of them besides that.”

True, there are faulty drinking fountains lurking in the halls, especially any that are original to the school.

In the white porcelain drinking fountains, water either dribbles out like the fountain is on its last pipe, is filled with trash or it has become a graveyard for chewed gum.

Poor plumbing aside, it’s imperative to note that there are three main drinking fountains to satisfy any fountain-goer.

The first drinking fountain and the favorite among many is the 400 hall’s prize possession (yes, the one on the le�).

The 300 hall comes next with the upstairs drinking fountain by Mr. Rehm’s room just a few drops behind.

With so many to choose from it’s easy to be hoodwinked by a goodlooking drinking fountain but when heading toward a hall pass destination detour or thinking about taking a swig

out of the fountain on the way to your next class: make the right choice and think before you guzzle.

MARAH KLOSE/STAMPEDE

Getting personal with

With gas prices changing constantly and the construction of the new school coming up, driving is a questionable privilege for students. However, there are other options for transportation to school.

Carpooling is already done by many students, and is one of the easiest ways to save gas. People who live on the same street or friends are good contenders for carpooling. The more people that are involved in a carpool, the less money a single student has to contribute to the gas pool, so the more students the be�er.

The bus is not the most favorable option, but it’s free and it gets everyone from home to school on time. Riding the bus isn’t the most pleasant or fun experience for many students, but it’s free and a convenient method of transportation.

Having parents drive to school is a bonus in that unlike the bus, they most likely won’t leave their kids at home. Depending on where they work, they may also leave later than the bus, which means more shut eye for students.

A final mean of transportation to school is walking or riding bicycles. This is free and environmentally sound, but faces problems in bad weather and traffic.

Nothing is as convenient as driving to school, but these options are cheaper and may be a necessity once next school year arrives, or maybe as soon as when gas prices increase again.

Dontrelle Morris

BY OMO OGBOMO

Staff Writer

Ask any adult and they will say that the average teenager is more concerned with looking good and sharing gossip than showing any kindness to fellow students. But freshman Dontrelle Morris takes it upon himself to hold doors for fellow students between passing periods, even when it means having li�le time to make it to class himself.

Almost every day, Morris perches himself by the doors next to Bonnie Moss and Janice Mazei’s rooms before his fi�h hour and in the side hallway upstairs before sixth. Most people don’t know why he’s there, but they do take the time to say ‘thank you’ and continue on

their way.

“It doesn’t really bother me when people don’t say thank you,” Morris said. “Once they see me they usually say something.”

During the bustling school day people can barely make it to class on time, let alone stopping to share a common courtesy with others. Morris became annoyed with the lack of hallway fellowship, and decided to take ma�ers into his own hands.

“I got tired of one person opening the door and not holding it for everyone else so I decided to do it myself,” Morris said.

Several students within the building have nothing but good things to say about this chivalrous freshman.

“He’s really nice and I think it’s cool that he holds the door [for everyone],” sophomore Tracy Broomell said.

“It’s a nice way to be greeted on the way to lunch,” sophomore Tess Johnson said.

Even though it may seem like this nice gesture would become detrimental for Morris, he assures everyone that it doesn’t conflict with his own classes.

“Before fi�h hour I have a lot of time to get there, but before sixth hour I only have a minute,” Morris said.

Before people jump to conclusions and generalize today’s youth as a group of self-centered teenagers, they should take a peek around the halls of Portage Central and see that students like Morris are being the change.

Vibe

9

Stampede

page nine

entertainment and events

with

Christianna Gluys

My Dear Disco: Dancethink (My Dear Disco, Jan. 13) This eccentric band, hailing from Ann Arbor, has produced an exciting debut album that is capable of igniting an urge to dance in even the most somber of listeners.

Tracks are a bright fusion of dance, rock, and pop, and though composed of basic melodies and relatively innocent lyrics, each brings a uniquely energetic vibe to the album. This band is bound to become a hit across the state, and is worth a listen, especially a�er a long, dull week.

Download now: “Amsterdam” Fever Ray: Fever Ray (Rabid Records, Jan. 13) Thoroughly creepy yet intriguing, this album sounds like the soundtrack to a Martian tropical vacation: mechanical backbeats and deep metallic vocals are melded with the organic sounds of steel drums and humble strings. This Swedish ambient group has certainly set itself a standard by producing this incredibly strange first album, and further proves the next generation of electronic music will be based in Scandinavia.

Download Now: “I’m Not Done”

A

‘frienemy’

wedding

BY JENNY KILDUFF

Focus Editor

Cheesy, predictable, but adorable as all good chick flicks are. From the title, Bride Wars, and actresses, Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, most can tell immediately this movie probably isn’t for action lovers. However, if a fan of the cute heartwarming stories this movie is perfect.

Anne Hathaway plays nice, people pleasing, middle school teacher, Emma, while Kate Hudson is the toughened, hardened a�orney, Liv. Who is the best at everything and likes to be number one. The two girls have been best friends since childhood, and have been dreaming of June weddings at the Plaza since about the same time. When both get engaged at the same time, it seems like a blessing. They both get dates at the plaza in June and both will be each others maids of honor. That is until there is a secretarial error and their weddings are on the same day at the same time.

Emma realizes she’s tired of always being second and never in the spotlight. Tired of being walked on not just in the friendship but in her everyday life. She tries to become more like Liv and has to work to find a balance. Liv realizes she’s not as tough as she thought, and she needs Emma.

Throughout their fight she realizes its okay not to have it together all the time. They miss each other dearly, and know their weddings will never be how they imagined without their best friend by their side. Will they be able to go through it without the other?

Both want the other to change their venue, and it soon turns into war, each trying to ruin the other’s wedding. By the end they realize they miss each other, and things just aren’t all that great without your best friend by your side. A movie about friendships strength it’s a perfect movie for a girl’s night out.

Jan. 30, 2009

L A L O K O SH UP

Portage Central drama presents the hits of Elvis in the musical ‘All Shook Up’

BY AMNA AZAM

Photo Editor

It’s that wonderful time of year again; where the stage lights up and the vibrant voices of performers echo throughout the auditorium; yes, the musical is approaching. This year the drama department is presenting the classic jukebox musical “All Shook Up” which features music from Elvis Presley.

Although there is still a month before the musical takes stage in front of a live audience; there is still plenty of commotion surrounding the cast and crew.

Junior Chase Maser plays the lead, Chad, who is a rebellious motorcycle musical enthusiast and enters a small and mundane town in the Midwest. Throughout his journey, Chad encounters plenty of mischief as well as some great musical numbers which are sure to leave audiences in awe.

AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE

BURNIN’ LOVE: Chase Maser and the cast of “All Shook Up”

reherse one of the many dance numbers in the show.

“I’m sure people are going to be on their feet dancing as soon as everyone comes on stage” said Maser.

Along with Maser, other lead and supporting roles are played by Charity Tarn, Celia Larson, Lucas Beachler, Liz Perry and Tyler Champion. Although not too much can be revealed about the roles the cast play, it can be stated that there will be some hilarious situations mixed in with spectacular musical numbers.

Kathy Mulay is once again directing the musical and states that energy and excitement play a prominent role throughout the show.

“Everyone is literally going to be all shook up once they see this musical” said Mulay.

“All Shook Up” is expected to be released on February sixth, vouchers are already on sale and tickets will also be on sale during the night of the performance as well as before the show.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain

BY MARAH KLOSE

Editor-in-Chief

When students take their seats at the opening show of “All Shook Up” this coming month, the actors won’t be the only ones making last-minute preparations behind those big blue curtains.

The tech crew, the lesser-known but no less important team of students involved in the show, has come to be a driving force in the school’s productions.

“By the cast we are respected, as they know how hard it is to do tech and how important,” junior Treva Wyman said. “As we o�en tell them, if they are rude, they can act in the dark.”

Wyman has been on tech crew for all the musicals dating back to Miss Saigon her freshman year. She balances school, a job and tech offstage and much more when backstage.

“On tech I am stationed stage right (le� if you are si�ing in the audience),” Wyman said. “I open and close the main drape, pull sliders/traveling curtains, and flys, which are bars with different signs or some sort of set a�ached. I also do any

moving of set pieces and keep my side of the backstage orderly while watching over props the actors use.”

Wyman’s hands are rather full with performances, and the same can be said for junior Dillon Bailly.

“I pull sliders on and off stage to change scenes,” Bailly said. “The ropes actually give you calluses.”

Bailly has only been a regular member of the tech crew since last year with “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” but has fully melded into his role. He also has come to appreciate fully the crew’s sacred tool, affectionately known as the “Techie Bible.”

“The Techie Bible is a packet of cues that we have to memorize,” Bailly said. “It’s like the script for the tech crew.

You have it with you during performances but there’s really no time to look at it. You have to have it commi�ed to memory.”

Bailly and Wyman agree in their love for tech, continuing to devote time to it year a�er year.

Amidst the chaos of the last dress rehearsal and the premiere performance, one thing is certain for this year’s musical: the wholehearted devotion of its tech crew.

Dinner and a

MOVIE With Alaina Dely ‘We’re living in a material world, and I am a material girl’ Don’t put a price on your valentine date; instead make it priceless by ge�ing cozy while watching “The Wedding Singer.”

With its awesome cast, including Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, as well as its hilarious plot, there is no need to worry about watching another sappy “chick flick.” Robbie Hart (Sandler), a wedding singer has recently been “stood up” at the alter, meets a waitress at one of his “gigs,” named Julia (Barrymore). Instantly becoming friends, Julia asks Robbie to help her plan her own wedding, to help him get his mind off of his heartbreak. As they plan her wedding, Robbie begins to have feelings for Julia, while also realizing how much of a womanizing jerk Julia’s soon-to-be husband really is.

The plot may seem somewhat like a “chick flick,” A favorite recipe from the Central Stampede but the exaggerated 80’s getups, Boy George impersonations and old woman who pays Robbie 1. Insert a couple toothpicks into the top of each straw- an in meatballs for singing lessons, berry makes this simple love story 2. Melt 16 ounc of chocolate chips and 2 tablpoons of absolutely hilarious. Not only are shortening over heat (preferably in a double boiler) there odd ball characters, but also 3. Stir melted chocolate occasionally a few guest celebrities, including Billy Idol.

4. Dip strawberri in the melter chocolate and Instead of wasting your refrigerate mind and money on Valentines Day, face the music, solve a Rubik’s cube and have a meatball.

Chocolate Covered Strawberri

10

Vibe

Stampede

page ten

entertainment and events

Jan. 30, 2009

GL I T T E

N

a i n a M

Fuzzy hand-warmers take school by storm

BY CHRISTIANNA GLUYS View Editor In this absurdly chilly weather, it’s no wonder wooly scarves, cozy sweaters and fuzzy boots have become common fashion accessories. But a new sensation is sweeping the hallways, a perfect marriage of warmth and convenience: gli�ens.

Half-mi�en, half-glove, all-awesome, gli�ens are a unique breed of winter-wear.

Essentially a fingerless glove with a mi�en top sewn onto the back of the hand, gli�ens can be worn as mi�ens, with the top pulled over frosty fingers, or can be worn as stylish fingerless gloves when it’s just not cold enough for mi�ens.

“There’s a science behind it,” junior Nathan Karnamaat said. He explained that, when wearing gloves, fingers

can’t stay as warm by themselves, but in mi�ens, “your fingers are all together with your body heat keeping them warm.”

Gli�ens are rapidly becoming the handwarmer of choice this winter, especially for those who need to keep their abnormally cold hands warm during the school day.

“They keep your hands warm, but unrestricted, so you can still write,” said junior and gli�en-wearer Jessica Pollins.

Her two brightly-colored pairs of gli�ens have go�en a lot of wear-and-tear since the beginning of the cold weather earlier this year. Pollins said she wears one pair almost all the time, but it’s probably time to get a new pair.

“My old ones are kind of falling apart,” she said.

Others have found gli�ens to not only be well-situated for keeping fingers cozy in frigid classrooms, but are great for outdoor wearing as well.

“You can take the mi�en part off and grip the steering wheel in this fierce winter weather. But if your fingers get cold, you can always put the mi�en part back on,” Karnamaat said.

Gli�ens are a fantastic addition to anyone’s arsenal of winter clothes. Many retailers sell them in a multitude of colors, pa�erns and materials, from alpaca wool to nylon knits, and depending on the type one buys, the degree of warmth can vary between

LAUREN MOON/STAMPEDE

pleasantly warm and monstrously toasty.

Nevertheless, with the vast array of gli�ens available, everyone is bound to find a pair that suits them best. Some students have actually become a�ached to their gli�ens.

“They’re just beautiful,” Pollins said.

“Where would I be without my gli�ens?”

Unfortunately, the popularity of these marvelous hand-covers is so great, a few individuals can’t seem to keep their hands off of them.

“I lost my gli�ens!” Karnamaat exclaimed. “The bell rang, and I was halfway to my next class when I realized, ‘Oh, my gosh, I forgot my gli�ens!’”

Le� on a windowsill upstairs on a pleasant winter day, Karnamaat’s precious pair was nabbed by an overexcited gli�enenthusiast. He has since not been able to locate them, in spite of his efforts.

“Later in the day, I went back to check, but they still weren’t there,” he said. “I even looked out the window for them!”

Gli�ens truly are an incredible garment, loved by so many. Though the concept for a hybrid mi�en-glove has been around for decades, the infectious popularity has only recently skyrocketed, and is predicted to be a trend for years to come.

“Gli�ens came straight from heaven onto my hands,” Pollins said, a sentiment no doubt shared by gli�en-wearers worldwide.

A Girl’s Guide to Romance Novels

The top books every lovestruck teenage girl should read

BY ALAINA DELY

Vibe Editor

The Christy Miller Series By: Robin Jones Gunn

Nights in Rodanthe

This series is perfect for any teenaged girl. With numerous books to choose from, the “Christy Miller” series includes a summer vacation (Summer Promise), moving to California (A Whisper and a Wish) and a beach romance (Yours Forever), and much more.

“They’re really good! I read them all in like a week and a half,” said Senior, Shannon Benne�. “The series is really cute, and adorable.”

By: Nicholas Sparks

Though this novel is not a typical “teen” read it is one love story that has just the right amount of romance and emotion, especially around the Valentines Day Holiday. When two middleaged divorcees meet in the town of Rodanthe, the romance begins.

When storms from the outer banks cause them to hunker down in the house ‘til the bad weather has ended, they begin to fall in love.

This is quick read, especially if you love a good romance now and then.

Other suggestions: The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks; and Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer

Internet Girl Series This is a 21 century romance read. In this day and age almost all of the English language has been shortened to allow teens to type or text faster, yet still get their point across. The Internet Girl series involves three girls, their friendship, and their perception of certain boys. The book maybe a li�le tricky to read, based on the text being completely in “IM” (instant messenger) form, but any girl will love it.

“I read all of them,” said Junior, Erica Feister. “It’s kind of hard ge�ing used to reading the text because it’s in “IM” form, but the first book (�yl) was my favorite.” st

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Vibe 11 Cute Couple Recitation Cinema Stampede

page eleven

entertainment and events

Jan. 30, 2009

Young poets say ‘Poetry out Loud’

BY KELSEY BENEDICT Staff Writer What does combining the Poetry Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) add up to? Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, a country-wide high school-level competition.

Poetry Out Loud had its beginning as pilot programs in Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

In the spring of 2006, the program was launched nationwide. The competition’s purpose is to help students “learn about great poetry through memorization and performance,” educate students on their literary heritage, build self-confidence and improve public speaking skills.

“I don’t want it to be an overwhelming, or forced [performance],” said English teacher Janet Lavasseur. A�er the students have had their chance in front of their individual class, Lavasseur plans on le�ing democracy pick: the top three students as voted by their peers in each class will have the opportunity to perform at the school competition level on Feb. 12. If they decline, it continues through the line.

Each piece is recited from memory.

Finalists from each participating English class will compete in a school-wide event that will show off their recitation skills on stage, in front of judges who will evaluate them on their physical presence, voice and articulation, appropriateness of dramatization, level of difficulty [of the pieces], evidence of understanding, the accuracy of their recitation and their overall performance.

“People don’t like to memorize, but are excited to recite,” junior Robin Luo said. While poetry pieces for the classroom competitions

Nation Great date movies for couples on a budget

AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE

BY MEGAN SCOTT Staff Writer February is the month surrounded around love and relationships. However, not everyone has the money to go on a romantic outing, let alone pay high ticket prices at the theater.

There are plenty of movies that are

great for cozying up to a significant other and spending the evening indoors. Junior Taylor Luginbill loves to watch Forrest Gump with her boyfriend when they don’t feel like going out. “It’s funny and sad.

Just cute all around,” Luginbill said.

Whether it’s a romantic comedy or a love story, there’s a perfect movie for every couple.

Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff ) returns to his hometown to a�end the funeral a�er the death of his mother. Making the decision to end his medication he has been taking most of his life, Largeman is forced to face the pain in his life that he has otherwise been numb to. While in town, he meets a girl named Sam (Natalie Portman) who helps him face his demons, as he does the same for her. The deep conversations and funny situations give this movie every element to an outstanding film: laughter, sadness and love.

PASSION FOR POETRY: Junior Robin Luo recites Robert Frost’s “Birches.” vary with the teacher’s choice, two popular choices this year are “Alone” by Edgar Allen Poe and “Birches” by Robert Frost.

Techniques for memorization differ.

“To get ready,” said freshman Eric Larson, “we read the end of the poem, then go back to the beginning.”

Popular methods include simply repeating the poem out loud, dividing the poem into sections and learning each part out of order for a clearer understanding and writing the poem out from memory.

Students have motivation

to practice, too: prize money.

The winner at state level wins $200, an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national competition and the school receives $500 for the purchase of poetry books. The winner of the national competition receives a $20,000 college scholarship.

“The students are quite enthusiastic,” English teacher Lindsay Steenbergen said.

Lavasseur agrees: “The competition’s ge�ing a good response. Recitation’s always been on the curriculum. We’d still be reciting [poems], even without ‘Poetry Out Loud.’”

When Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) finds out his girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet) has had a new procedure done to erase any memories of Joel from her mind, Joel is heartbroken and decides to undergo the same process. As the memories begin to fade away, Joel realizes his love for Clementine and races to save any memory of his love he can. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is a bizarre and movie that holds constant a�ention. It’s a movie perfect for couples looking for a good, complex love story.

Years a�er high school, Ted Stroehmann (Ben Stiller) realizes he is still in love with classmate Mary Jenson (Cameron Diaz). He ventures out with private investigator, Pat Healy (Ma� Dillon), to track her down. Along the way, Stroehmann sees he isn’t the only man falling for Mary. Sophomore Carly Burgess prefers comedies like “There’s Something About Mary” for dates. “When you laugh, it brings people closer,” Burgess said.

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                                                                                                                   

12

Stampede

page twelve

athletics and leisure

Jan. 30, 2009

Canoe feels right at home

Record: 5-4 Past: 45-40 win vs. KC, 47-36 loss vs. BCL Next: Tonight home vs. KC- 7:30 Players to watch: Sabrina Pettis, Bri Russell Coach: Matt Tabor

Mustangs keep famed hockey trophies

BY NATE FRISBIE

“

We’ve had good games, but we haven’t been playing to our full potential.

“

SABRINA PETTIS Junior

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

wrestling Record: 12-4 overall, 3-0 conference duals Past: 59-15 win vs. BCC, 6th @ Vicksburg team tournament with wins over Vicksburg, St. Joe Next: PC invite on Saturday, Jan. 31 Players to watch: Levi Stace, Angelo Latora, Adam Fahs, and Nick Price Coaches: Eric VerHey and Ken Haughn

We hit a couple bumps but got back to where we were from earlier.

Sophomore

“

NICK PRICE

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

men’s swim & dive Past: 105-77 win vs. BC Central, 107-77 loss vs. Marshall Next: @ St. Joe on Feb. 5, home vs.

Mattawan on Feb. 12 Players to watch: Ryan Umberger, Steven Zhang, Dustin Kirkendall Coaches: Jim Schafer, Ollie Barnes

“

We’re a lot younger of a group but I think we can progess really well through our training.

Senior

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RYAN UMBERGER

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

-minis compiled by Nate Frisbie -all records and stats current as of Jan. 26

NATE FRISBIET/STAMPEDE

women’s basketball

Sports Editor

Most great rivalries have a trophy going to the winner. For example, the U of M vs. MSU football game winner receives the “Paul Bunyan Trophy” or to the victor of the WMU vs. CMU football game the “WMU-CMU Rivalry Trophy” is awarded.

For the hockey program, their rivalries mean more than most other games and they ba�le for a trophy as well. Against the Ma�awan Wildcats, the fight for the Renbarger Cup is the focus of that ba�le. The cross-town rivalry trophy, the Canoe, resides in the halls of either Central or Portage Northern.

This year the Canoe is staying right where it belongs, within the halls of Portage Central thanks to a 5-2 win over the Huskies on Dec. 15.

The Canoe Trophy came about because both Central and Northern wanted to create a trophy for the rivalry and the name Portage comes from portaging one’s canoe from river to river.

“It’s become a real focus for us, even without it, there’s incredible significance to the [Portage Central-Portage Northern game],” Head Coach Jim Murray said. “I think the Canoe is something we want to show in our school. We don’t want it to go to Northern. One of our goals every year is to win the Canoe.”

Ironically, Ma�awan started the Renbarger cup but won the cup for the first time this year, with this year’s game ending 3-1. And as for Northern, they have never taken home the Canoe.

For some team members, a tradition of winning the trophies has become just as important as the trophy itself.

“It’s pre�y important,” junior forward Max Taylor said. “We haven’t

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR CANOE?: Seniors (left to right) Brett Bergy, Marc Lassiter, Cody Vanderveen and Chris Sandmeyer raise the canoe after defeating the huskies 5-2. understand the importance of the game lost [the Portage Canoe] yet, so it’s kind but now I do and it’s becoming more of a tradition to win it.” evident that I need to do everything I can For others, the trophies symbolize to make sure we win.” something more.

The rivalries with Northern and “The trophies show that our coach Ma�awan have made the biggest rival a knows what he’s doing and we have hard choice. the trophies to “Northern’s prove it,” senior our rival but I hate defenseman Chris Our coach Ma�awan,” Sandmeyer Sandmeyer said. knows what he’s said. “Ma�awan is way While both be�er than Northern trophies are doing and we have but we have a school relatively young the trophies to rivalry with Northern, in age, each class prove it. but I hate Ma�awan. I doesn’t want to can’t stand them.” be the first to lose CHRIS SANDMEYER “I don’t think you’ll either especially senior ever have a bigger the Canoe. rival than your cross“Nobody town rival,” Murray said. “Ma�awan wants to be the first team not to win the is really close but Ma�awan is just a Canoe,” Murray said. “So it’s really an different kind of rivalry. Certainly, we incentive, especially to the seniors. It have respect for both teams but it’s like adds just a li�le bit extra to it.”

Especially for the Canoe, Taylor Michigan-Michigan State and Michiganand Sandmeyer have seen a change in Ohio State. If you were to ask which their views of the trohpy since they were is the bigger rivalry, I don’t know how to answer that because they’re both freshmen on the team. incredible rivalries.”

“When I was a freshman, I was But for at least one more year, the nervous the first time we played Canoe will stay at home, within Portage Northern,” Taylor said. “There’s a leadership responsibility now and I have Central. But in regards to the cup, Murray wants it back next season. to set a good example.”

“We have to try and get it back next “When I was a freshman,” year,” Murray said.

Sandmeyer said, “I really didn’t

“

“

Minis

ustang

“

Sports

PUMP IT OUT

Staying fit during the winter is simple

BY NICKI CHRUSCIEL & AMNA AZAM News Editor & Photo Editor

place for taking aerobics classes and taking a leisurely lap around the pool.

Create a Home Gym: While this may sound like trying to create a replica of the YMCA in When the weather outside is your basement, it’s actually much easier and frightful, staying fit can become not to mention cheaper. Start with the stairs. problematic; when lethargy meets Jogging up and down a flight of stairs for 20 boredom, pant sizes tend to increase. minutes is equivalent to running up a steep Gaining a few pounds can become hill, along with providing cardiovascular stressful, and the initiated binging of benefits; jogging up the stairs also stress eating may result in more and develops muscles in the quads and the more rolls and cellulite. Winter is calves. Although cardio is suitable for the season of cookies and ill-kept almost anyone, many people are looking resolutions to not eat such cookies.

BRYANT GIRSCH/STAMPEDE to bulk up on the muscle mass. One effective Have no fear, working out needn’t way to approach this goal is by purchasing a be a dreaded chore if one knows ways to set of free weights. An adequate set can cost around $50, while tone and tighten in interesting and motivating ways. individual dumbbells are also much cheaper.

One possible solution is Sangha Yoga residing in the Kalamazoo Mall District downtown Kalamazoo, haven for Use your Body: Perhaps the simplest way to maintain a strong those seeking new and interesting ways to work. healthy body is by using no equipment at all. Doing and “It’s fun and relaxing to do yoga,” senior Lisa Justen said. before bed and push-ups in the morning are a golden crunches “I always got a good vibe from the teachers and the building.” ticket to excellent upper body strength. Crunches, push-ups Sangha Yoga is a studio offering a wide variety of classes: and intense stretching increase flexibility in the muscles beginner yoga, restorative yoga, advanced yoga, belly dance, and tendons, making you less prone to injury and more and meditation classes. Justen took the beginner’s yoga class concentrated on a strong body. last winter.

“I always felt healthier a�er yoga,” Justen said, “more calm and less stressful.”

The goal at Sangha Yoga is to, “support the health and well-being of our local community with affordable yoga classes taught by qualified teachers, and to support our global community with regular fundraising events for charitable causes,” according to the establishment’s mission statement.

So here are some simple but helpful tips to keep in mind during the winter, as the workouts can start becoming rare.

Layer Up: Although it is recommended that people stay inside during the winter for illness sake, some people just cannot stand the bland workout environment their homes provide.

In that case, the best solution to the dullness is to layer up as efficiently as possible and hit the roads running. Layering provides an excellent amount of insulation for those below zero days and when it starts to get toasty in those thermals, a simple zipper can solve the problem.

Go to the Gym: Going to the gym everyday is quite possibly the easiest and most practical solution to staying fit during the winter. Along with an endless amount of equipment that is sure to keep your physique toned, the gym is also a great

All these tips are sure to provide you with a fun winter workout experience and they will also keep you in shape. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be biceps and calves ahead of the game.

Sports

13

Stampede

page thirteen

athletics and leisure

Jan. 30, 2009

HELP WANTED: Assistant Trainers

M inis

ustang

hockey

Record: 7-7 overall, and 6-1 in league play Past: 8-3 win over PN, 8-3 loss vs. Mona Shores Next: K. Eagles tomorrow-4:00 @ the Annex Players to watch: Chris Sandmeyer, Brett Bergy, Cody Vanderveen, Tony Zimmerman Coach: Jim Murray

“

In the league we’ve played pretty well, but we definitely have a ways to go.

Junior

“

MATT HEIMONEN

COURTESY OF MANDY ELZINGA

WRAP ARTIST: Senior Kati Rogers tends to the wrist of senior Mark Blankers as part of her responsibilities as an assistant trainer.

“

Cold weather can’t slow spring sports

BY IRENE YEARRY

Staff Writer

Winter gives some athletes a break from their sport. It gives them time to shake off all the bad incidents, more time for homework, friends, etc. But for some athletes, winter won’t be an off season.

The Portage Central Track and Field team members have been given a chance to practice even during their off season.

Even though indoor track in not officially sponsored by our district; it is still available to any member on the track team.

“It’s a voluntary season for those that want to train in the winter and have an opportunity to try and compete in a few indoor meets,” track team coach, Dan Wytko, said.

There are only a select few who choose to participate in this opportunity. Those who do participate must pay $5 for each meet they want to partake in.

It’s worth paying; the task of keeping in shape and keeping one’s agility up is rough during the winter season. Being able to practice when others SARAH THOMPSON/STAMPEDE

don’t will certainly help the team become be�er and have more skills to bring to their upcoming season.

One of the few that has been participating in these voluntary opportunities is senior Dewey Sinclair. He has been going to these indoor meets since his freshman year. He has noticed a big difference in his skills ever since using these meets as practice.

“My times dropped every year. My confidence in myself and my team has gone up. The meets are also a good place to see your competition,” Sinclair said.

Ge�ing to spend more time with your team members is a good way to bond together. Even Sinclair thinks it’s “good for team building.” The closer a team is, the be�er chances they have at succeeding.

The only down side to these “extra” meets is having to put in more hard work. The harder one works, the closer they are going to get to their goals as individuals and as a team.

“It’s a whole lot of work but a whole lot of fun,” Sinclair said.

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

bowling Past: SWMHSC week 7: Boys: 1st place Girls: 5th place vs. Paw Paw on Jan. 24 Boys: 21-9 Girls: 18-12 Next: Against Niles-Brandywine tomorrow9:00 @ Sunset Lanes, Allegan Players to watch: Ryan Powers, Ryan Shinevare, Tori Ferris Coaches: Men - Dwain Toma Women - Karen Fawley

“

We’re not as strong as we used to be, but we’re still pretty strong.

RYAN POWERS Senior

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

men’s basketball Record: 1-7 Past: 54-48 loss to PN, 69-36 win vs. BCHC Next: @ Stugis tonight, home vs. KC on Feb. 6 Players to watch: Casey Pratt, Nate Schutter, Kyle Clark, Brian Massey Coach: Corey McNeal

“

I don’t think we’re playing to our potential, but we’re making strides to having a winning record.

“

Like Barack Obama’s senate seat in Illinois, important positions need filling for next year at Portage Central.

Unlike the President’s seat, these positions certainly do not involve corruption or a foul-mouthed governor with a horrible haircut. Instead, to fill one of these spots, one needs to have an upli�ing and loquacious personality, mixed with a strong work ethic. An affinity for wrapping ankles and wrists would be helpful, too.

In case that last point didn’t give it away easily enough, these positions are assistant trainers. This past fall, three senior girls, Mandy Elzinga, Courtney Havens, and Kati Rogers toiled on and off the field, as the football players did.

They aided trainer Adam Ploeg in all things from taped ankles to pu�ing a stitch in the sides of players with their cheerful jokes. “(Adam) knew when to joke and when to be serious,” Elzinga said.

The serious side of the job, of course, requires hard work and concentration.

When nagging injuries are mistreated, conditions can worsen and seasons can be ruined, so (although the head trainer oversees everything) these girls have a massive responsibility in their hands, not merely a sprained ankle or twisted knee.

“You have to have an upli�ing personality and be prepared,” Rogers said.

The commi�ee of Elzinga, Havens, Rogers, and Head Coach Bre� Foerster would like to begin the process of choosing new assistants as soon as possible. They want upperclassmen

care of the major injuries, the assistants boys or girls “who don’t mind being dominate the world of wrapping ankles surrounded by guys,” Havens said. and taping up wrists. In the fortunate “The biggest things,” Foerster said, case of an injury-free game, the girls “are personality and work ethic.” hustle to get players water and whatever All who would like to apply to be else they may need. one of the morale boosters of the football Another aspect that some may find team next year can get involved in a dreamy is the prospect of meeting the number of ways. Obviously, the easiest football team. If one has always admired way is to talk directly to the trio of assistant trainers themselves. However, if the football team but hasn’t found the opportunity to talk to one of the players, one doesn’t know these three girls, there this is a great opportunity. Maybe, if is an alternative that almost everybody a girl has always had her eye on one can relate to: Facebook. of the players, At this very volunteering to be second, there is a trainer could be a group called a perfect chance to “PC Athletic The biggest talk to them.

Trainers” on things (to be A be�er Facebook reason to be a where one can a trainer) are trainer would be basically set up to gain valuable an interview personality and experience, with the ladies. work ethic. especially if one Information really wants to about interview BRETT FOERSTER become an athletic dates can be football coach trainer. Even if found here. that goal isn’t to Once everyone be an athletic trainer, this will provide has had a chance to sign up, interviews a great deal of valuable experience. will commence and the girls will choose Rogers found the experience extremely their worthy replacements. beneficial for her desired career of “It’s (going to be) a tough decision,” sports marketing and urges anybody Havens said. at all interested to contact them or the Being a trainer for the SMAC Facebook group soon.

Central champion Mustangs definitely For anybody who wants to have has a number of perks. Obviously, the a good time, work hard, and gain job comes with a great sideline view of valuable experience for a wide variety the games. of careers, the trio of seniors promises A�er enjoying the close-up action of the games, the assistant trainers get up that the decision to become a trainer will undoubtedly be a wise one. close and personal with painful injuries.

Even though the head trainer takes

“

Staff Writer

“

BY ALEX McCARTHY

RUSSELL SMITH Junior

ALEX MCCARTHY/STAMPEDE

-minis compiled by Nate Frisbie -all records and stats current as of Jan. 26

4 1

Stampede

page fourteen

Sports athletics and leisure

Jan. 30, 2009

DUNK IT& GO NUTS

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

‘DUNK YOU VERY MUCH’: Seniors Kyle Clark (left) NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

and Brian Massey (above) demonstrate their unique talents on the court

Two varsity basketball players possess an unique ability

BY NICKI CHRUSCIEL

News Editor

Peering down from a baffling 6-foot5-inches and 6-foot-4-inches, seniors Kyle Clark and Brian Massey flaunt a talent the remainder of the varsity basketball team lack: the ability to dunk a basketball.

Since his first successful dunk in his eighth grade, Massey became the only freshman in Portage Central Basketball history ever to dunk during a game. “[My first dunk was] sophomore year,” Clark said. “I was a late bloomer…but I didn’t start playing [basketball] until my sophomore year.”

While both Massey and Clark are able to

accomplish such a daunting basketball feat, neither have successfully performed the act during a game yet this season.

Though basketball is neither Clark nor Massey’s dominant sport, the ability to accomplish a deed undoable by other teammates sparks powerful emotions.

“Dunking makes me feel like a man,” Massey said.

His dunking colleague Clark conveys a different emotion when successfully accomplishing such a task.

“It makes me feel like a big grizzly bear,” Clark said, “or a sasquatch.”

According to Massey, the ability to dunk is not solely beneficial.

“Dunking brings motivation to players

at practice,” Massey said. “It gives me a high boost of energy,” Such ability requires a certain physique though specific athletic abilities may assist in execution.

“Brian’s orangutan-like limbs help further increase his ‘dunkability,’” Clark said.

According to Clark, limbs like a primate, a grand stature and ‘flexible hips’ help enable a human body to dunk a basketball.

“We’re tall and we can jump,” Clark said, “and throw down some authority.”

Despite the glory Clark and Massey receive, the varsity team also holds the potential of two future dunking phenomenons: sophomore Zach Alkhamis

and junior Brandon Wall.

Standing at six-foot-three-inches, Alkhamis believes the basketball spectacle will draw in a larger crowds.

“It’s very intimidating,” Alkhamis said.

“It gets the crowd into the game.”

His potential-dunking counterpart junior Brandon Wall, standing at six-foottwo-inches, shares a similar conviction.

“Dunking is a momentum changer,” Wall said, “because it gets the crowd fired up and the team pumped up.”

Though such a task may seem a bit lackluster, those with the ability believe it brings a certain level of spirit and exhilaration to crowds and players alike.

“We are the dunk squad,” Clark said.

This year’s Super Bowl commercials better be good sports editor

N AT E F R I S B I E

I’m taking Budweiser, but I would be surprised if Pepsi or Coke takes that first spot in the line up on February 1st right a�er kick off of the biggest football game of the year.

The Super Bowl provides new waves of entertainment will once again provide—the commercials.

Of course, a competitive game would be nice, but commercials are still the best part. At hal�ime, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s performance will be an excellent time to run to the store and grab some more munchies for the second half. The hal�ime shows have few commercials and none are of the upper echelon of advertisement. The commercials are the only thing le� to catch my a�ention.

Many of the usual companies will not be advertising this Super Bowl due to the current economic dilemma. Smaller

companies and car manufacturers have cut back on the number of slots or cu�ing back altogether and not producing commercials. This year, one 30 second commercial will cost roughly $3 million, the highest it has ever been. For companies with multiple commercials, advertising be�er pay off.

Past Super Bowls have been headlined by Budweiser with other companies like Pepsi or Doritos sneaking into the mix of top commercials. Before last year’s game, Budweiser came out with winners like the streaking sheep, and the rock-paperscissors, “I threw a rock.”

But last year Budweiser introduced Clydesdale’s training to the Rocky Theme. Staying with the same company, different brand, Bud Light won most polls for best commercial last year.

Classics like fire-breathing ability, flying-ability, and “caveman invents wheel,” all were amongst the top commercials.

According to Yahoo.com, this year Anheuser-Busch has bought over $12 million in Super Bowl ads. They ahve bought a total of seven commercials, two of which are 60 second commercials. Other surprises to this year’s line up are companies like GM and Fedex won’t have any commercials.

Finally, Go Daddy Group Inc. has two “some what racy” ads and NBC approved of them and is allowing them to air.

The Pepsi Company came out last year with two commercials that were hits. The regular Pepsi brand produced a commercial with Justin Timberlake being dragged by what

seemed like nothing to a girl drinking a Pepsi. How this commercial scored well with viewers is a wonder. Diet Pepsi Max propelled their “Wake Up People” campaign with their now usual song, “What is Love.”

Matching some of those commercials will undoubtedly be difficult but I expect some good ones from companies not normally in the Top 10 because with the poor economy smaller companies that create a humorous 30 second clip could see a giant leap in sales. If that product can be used by most people, even be�er. Beer, Doritos, and Pepsi only appeal to so many.

I can’t wait for Super Bowl Sunday. Kicking back and watching the greatest sporting event in the world will be the best part of the upcoming weekend.

On that Sunday, the best part will be the commercials.

Humor sells. However, I find it hard to believe that for the most part, only beer companies can produce good humor. I doubt they have the best comic genius stored in dungeon work on Super Bowl ads all year but it seems like they do. Why can’t any other products step up their game and meet Bud’s standard?

So relax, kick out the recliner and enjoy the game. I know I will, with Cooler Ranch Doritos in one hand and a beer in the other…root beer that is.

Nate Frisbie is Sports Editor for the Central Stampede.

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Friday, November 7, 2008 Friday, November 21, 2008 Friday, April 17, 2009

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