Dragon's Tale - Winter 2014 Issue

On the Move to Improve Physical Therapy Assistant Program

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Recipe for Change Chef Jeff Henderson

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Raising the Bar Blue Dragon Basketball

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Meet The Staff Carolyn Durbin Wade Burlew Hannah Wallace Callie White Cristie Likins Derrick Stiles Courtney Carlton

Nate Weaver

Taylor Thimesch Staff

The Dragon’s Tale is published three times a year by the Magazine class of Hutchinson Community College, 1300 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501. When compiled, the three issues serve as an overview of the activities and the people of HCC during the school year.

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Table of Contents

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On the Move to Improve Callie White

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Harder Than it Looks Taylor Thimesch

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Many Faces of Duke the Dragon Carolyn Durbin

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Raising the Bar Courtney Carlton

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Recipe for Change Derrick Stiles

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Practicing the Play Hannah Wallace

Stepping Up the Service Cristie Likins

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Pumping Up the Team Carolyn Durbin

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Ads Staff

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We’re Not in the Dorms Anymore Wade Burlew

Table of Contents

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Callie White

The Physical Therapy Program strove to prepare students for changing lives.

Becoming a professional takes a lot of practice inside the classroom and outside.

During a typical class day, faux patients with various problems such as chronic low back pain, were treated by their acting counterparts, physical therapist assistant students, at the Bob and Lou Peel Allied Health Center at Hutchinson Community College.

After being remodeled, the health center was finished in September to create a modern, efficient, working environment.

“The new building is gorgeous. It’s almost hard to visualize what it was like before. I mean it was a functional space, but now it’s that and a whole lot more, yes, it’s beautiful.

No question, hands down way better,” Danna Douglas, PTA instructor, said.

The PTA program at HCC was established in 2009 and its goal was to prepare students to

become capable, certified PTAs and obtain solid jobs.

Travis Booe, program director, said that the students started out with the basics and were taught interventions and techniques which were used for patients with deficits and functional mobility issues. If a patient was hindered from doing what they once were able to do because of pain, inability to move, or other reasons, then PTA students were taught what techniques and equipment to use to improve the function of

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Brandi Agnew, Wichita, and Amanda Brewster, Clearwater, perform lumbar traction which draws apart the vertebrae of the spine. This practice was used to treat back and neck pain.

the patient.

“So first we teach them how to use everything, how different options are available, and then we do it on a case-by-case situation,” Booe said.

Ultimately, coming out of the program, students were able to take a patient that came in with limited function

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and reduced those limits so the patient could perform at a higher level again. If they had swelling, decrease the swelling, if they had pain, decrease the pain, and increase mobility.

The goal was to discover how to get the body functioning again.

Once students were a certified PTA they could obtain jobs in nursing homes, schools, outpatient facilities, home health, hospitals, and sports settings.

They work in collaboration with a physical therapist.

“A physical therapist is the top of the totem pole if you will, and they can do evaluations and all of the treatments.

A PTA by definition is the only extender of physical therapy services and really if you get

down to it clinically, they can’t do evaluations and research but they do everything else, all the treatments,” Douglas said.

“Physical therapists evaluate the patients and see what their limitations are and determine what would be a plan for them to move forward in their goals, what would be a success for each patient, and then the PTA can take those goals and the current situation and make a plan what would be best for meeting those goals,” Booe said.

PTAs performed much of the hands-on interaction with patients and used creative skills to plan treatments for patients.

Students who wanted to enter this program had to complete 26 hours of pre-

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requisites and then, apply for the program. Applications were accepted every spring and a new class began every August.

Students were chosen based on GPA, references, 50 hours of observation, and personal interviews. Each area had points attached to them and individuals with the most total points were accepted into the program. A total of 20 students were accepted each year and the program took one year to complete. At one point in the course work, students were required to perform between 15 and 16 weeks of clinicals which

averaged around 35-40 hours a week. The program partnered with several locations around Hutchinson and surrounding communities. This allowed students a place to get on-the-job experience. If a student wished for more of an adventure they could also travel to places such as Texas, Arkansas, New Jersey, and New Mexico.

Many students felt very content with their decision to enter HCC’s PTA program and though most tended to become interested in this occupation through different ways, they shared a common desire to

Sheri Espinosa, Great Bend, and Katie Gee, Hutchinson, practice modalities and set up for electrical stimulation.

This could be used for treatment of back pain.

Megan Carp and Brandi Agnew, both from Wichita, demonstrate dynamic balance exercises. PTA students learned how to teach patients these exercises.

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help people.

“I enjoy being able to help patients receive the care they deserve and need to get back out and about,” Jessica Hurst, Burrton, said, “The patients that I was able to bond with during my clinical rotations truly made me see that all of the hours of studying were worthwhile to be able to treat a patient and help make their life better.”

“I think I’ll most enjoy the interaction with people and being able to see them improve and just knowing that you were able to help do that,” Brandi Agnew, Wichita, said.

Agnew hoped to work in

nursing homes since she loved interacting with elderly people.

“I found out about Hutch’s program and it was close to home and it looked really interesting and I had heard good things about it so I decided to give it a shot,” Megan Carp, Wichita, said.

Many students found this program challenging and fast paced but they gave their instructors credit for encouraging them.

“The most challenging part about the program was

definitely the school work. We are required to take a national board exam, which was by far the most intimidating test I’ve ever taken. But the rewards of being in the program with my classmates and being able to see patients makes all the hard work and stress worth it,” Hurst said, “The instructors are fantastic!

Both Travis and Danna were so dedicated to helping my class succeed.”

“They do a really good job at giving us hands-on experience and letting us practice

Kathryn McNutt, Winfield, and Amanda Brewster, Clearwater, work on knee extensors using ankle weights and a bolster. This was used to treat leg impairments.

Corrissa Shaw and Kristi Brewer, both from McPherson, perform a treatment using a thera-band for strengthening. This technique improved ankle dorsiflexion.

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Travis Booe, PTA Instructor, lectures students in the PTA program. Afterward, students performed the different treatments they had learned.

Haley Martin, Lindsborg, and Cayleena Koehn, Enid, Okla., practice strengthening triceps and doing shoulder extensors. This improved arm and shoulder mobility.

things. They’re also good about reminding us to balance life with everything else too and not just completely burn ourselves out,” Carp said.

Some students chose to move on after the PTA to become a physical therapist.

However, the PTA program was completely separate from a PT program. Students who wanted to be a PT had to start over anew.

“I chose this route as a means to see if physical therapy was really for me before I spent eight years in school receiving my doctorate degree,” Hurst said.

Hurst graduated from the PTA program the spring of 2013 and had returned to HCC to obtain a Pre-Physical Therapy degree. Being a

PTA allowed Hurst to earn an income while working toward a PT degree. She also enjoyed meeting new people and developing relationships.

“My classmates were exceptional; I would consider us to be a family by the end of the program. When you are with the same people 6-8 hours a day, you realize how close you can really be,” Hurst said.

“I love the students. I love the interaction with the students; I love getting to know them in their life outside of wanting to be a PTA, I love their drive but yet their personal connection and getting to know them over the course of the year is my very favorite part,” Douglas said.

“At the end of the year, at the end of the day, I truly believe

in my profession and what we do and the fact that every year we have 20 students going out there that can make a difference in someone’s life,” Booe said.

In the PTA program, students and instructors practiced day after day and strove together to develop important social and personal skills and academic knowledge to prepare to change peoples’ lives for the better.

Jessica Nenneman, Clinton, Wisc.; Tyan Scott, Mulvane, and Trent Mazanec, Colby, practiced gait training using an obstacle course and cane. This treatment emphasized balance.

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Mascot Evolves Through the Years

story

Pumping up the crowd, Duke performs during a football game in 1999. HCC used this mascot uniform from 1990 to 2000.

Photo provided by HCC marketing

Carolyn Durbin

Duke the Dragon entertains kids at the Kansas State Fair balloon pop booth. HCC used this mascot uniform in the 1970’s.

Photo provided by HCC Marketing

Many Faces of

It all started with a student vote.

In 1930, Hutchinson Junior College students voted for the school’s mascot to be called the Blue Dragons. Konrad Rock was the first dragon mascot and recalled when they constructed the first uniform.

“We built, as members of the Dragon Club, a giant mascot dragon,” Rock said.

“We built it down in the basement area of Lockman Hall, where there were just concrete walls and a dirt floor.

The thing was about 20 feet long and had a large papermâché head with a jaw that would move, and a body and tail.

“It took about six guys and one inside the head to move it and we would carry this thing and wind our way across the floor before the game, building up excitement for our team, much like a mascot would today. We even had a fire extinguisher rigged up inside the mouth so it would look like it was breathing fire.”

Eighty-three years passed and the dragon was given a name, Duke the Dragon, along with many face lifts.

the

Duke Dragon Duke the Dragon

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The most current Duke mascot was introduced on Jan 11, 2012.

The athletic department worked with Street Characters Inc., based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to create the uniform.

Each year a student is selected by the cheerleader’s coach to take on the role of Duke. The student must be willing to be in front of game crowds and has to maintain good grades.

The current Duke said, “I had past experience in being a mascot so the cheer coach asked me to come give it a shot. I ended up accepting the offer and now I’m having a blast with it.

“Being able to act a fool and nobody knows who is doing all the Duke-nasty dance moves is the best part about being Duke.”

An outgoing personality is a must for the mascot. The person must also be able to endure the heat of the costume.

“You have to be a certain type of goofy to be Duke, because if you’re shy then it shows in the costume. Plus you better be able to deal with how hot it gets in the suit,” Duke said.

Duke has evolved over his 83 years of existence, from paper-mâché to the up-dated dragon seen in front of crowds now.

Duke was walks to center court for the pledge to the flag. Pumped up the crowd at the girls basketball game on Nov. 15, 2013.

Photo by Carolyn Durbin Street Characters Inc. came up with a concept drawing of the Duke costume. Upon approval by the athletic department, the company created the new Duke that is seen today.

Photo courtesy of Street Characters Inc.

Duke was poses for a photo. HCC used this mascot uniform in the 1990’s.

Photo provided by HCC marketing

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Chef Jeff Henderson entertained the crowd with his inspirational story and words of wisdom

Speaking in front of students and patrons proved to be another whirlwind day in what had been a whirlwind life for Chef Jeff Henderson. A typical day for the Food Network star is action packed, but one thing separates Henderson from others. His past includes the struggles of growing up poor without his father in the ghettoes of Los Angeles with his alcoholic mother, going on to be a crack cocaine kingpin making $35,000 per week, and to his subsequent conviction for cocaine distribution and nineyear sentence to Meadowbrook Federal Penitentiary.

Prison for many is indoctrination into the criminal lifestyle that results in a constant cycle of repeat incarcerations. For Chef Jeff Henderson it was the

place where he experienced an intellectual enlightenment and discovered his calling in life.

“I discovered my gift while I was in prison. I learned a lot in prison. I read my first book in prison. I learned how to shave while in prison. I grew up in prison. Personally, prison worked for me. It saved my life. It got me off the streets.

It doesn’t work for everyone. I want young folks to know that they don’t have to go to prison to change your life,” Henderson said.

The discovery of his gift happened under unlikely circumstances. Chef Henderson was fired from his job in prison and was put on pot and pan detail. He started helping the cooks in the kitchen and found that he had a natural talent for

Chef Jeff Henderson speaks to the crowd during the Dillon Lecture Series on Nov. 5, 2013. Each side of the stage showed images of his past and illustrated his rise to fame.

cooking.

“That is how I fell into cooking. I never had a dream of becoming a chef,” Henderson said.

It wasn’t bright lights and movie cameras after his stint in the penitentiary. The path of achieving success in the kitchen was filled with many long hours, stressful situations, and low pay. Chef Henderson faced these obstacles with a sense of determination.

“I have always been a guy that never gave up and when I set my mind to do something, I

Childhood

Grows up in poverty in the ghettoes of South Central Los Angeles.

After being stabbed at age 16, family moves to San Diego.

Crack Kingpin

Henderson goes on to manage a crack cocaine empire that was making $35,000 per week.

Prison

In 1987, Henderson is arrested and spends over nine years at Meadowbrook Federal Penitentiary. It is there that he discovers his ability to cook.

Rise to Chef

Henderson spends the next decade working his way up in kitchens and becomes the first African American chef at the prestigous Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Superstar

Henderson goes on to write four books, appear on Oprah, star on Food Network, and have his story featured in an upcoming movie.

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kitchen before he was promoted to those levels and mastered his job responsibilities so he would have extra time to assist others and learn their job as well. This same strategy proved successful in commercial kitchens as Henderson proceeded to become Chef Jeff Henderson, the first

African American chef of the prestigious Cafe Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Henderson continued to seize opportunity after opportunity. After becoming executive chef he went on to release his first book, “Cooked, from the Streets to the Stove.” He then

Key Phrases Used During the Speech

Ghetto

Slang’n Rocks

Cocaine

Teamwork

Fed University

Hustlin

Excess

Trafficking

Collaboration

Power of Change Determination

Discover Your Self-Discipline Gift Communication

Knowledge

Exposure To Culture Be Humble

Become the You You Can Be Recipe for Change

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Freedom

Crack

Execution

Big Pimp’n

Winner

Miseducated

Focus

Wicked American Dream Federal Prison

Alcoholism

Confidence

Poor

Absent Father

Sacrafice

Hitting Rock Bottom

a Master Have Vision Become Make the Right Choice Relentless

Mental Imprisonment

don’t stop I just go for it,” Henderson said. “Coming out of prison, I really understood the importance of freedom. Your freedom is the most powerful gift from god. I would never do anything to get myself put back in there. I didn’t care if I was homeless in the park making $2.00 per hour. I made $0.17 per hour when I was incarcerated. Being free was most important to me. I discovered that I had a gift and it was up to me to parlay that into the American Dream.”

After being released from prison, Henderson was denied many positions in Los Angeles restaurants. He remained determined and eventually landed a dishwasher position at Gadsby’s. In the kitchens of the pentitary, Henderson rose up the ranks by carefully studying the positions in the

Derrick Stiles

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took his book to the Oprah show and from there the success and opportunities began to snowball. The book went on to become a New York Times bestseller, Food Network gave him his own show, “The Chef Jeff Project,” he went on to release three more books, and become a national keynote speaker. On Nov. 4, 2013, Henderson released his fourth book, “If You Can See It, You Can Be It,” which is based on his 12 street-smart recipes for success.

Henderson sums up the book this way, “This is the lessons, the rules, the formula, to becoming the best you and discovering what your strengths, what is your gift. We all are born with a gift and how do we discover that gift. Once you discover what you do at a high level with the least amount of effort

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Henderson exhibits his cooking skills at the luncheon that followed the lecture.

The crowd was comprised of patrons of the Dillon Lecture Series.

Henderson addresses the local media at a press conference that occured before the lecture. Henderson answered questions that give insight into his story.

Henderson and a patron engage in a high five. After he tried the Pad Thai dish that Henderson cooked, he exclaimed that it was excellent.

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is something that I believe that you were born to do.”

On Nov. 5, Chef Henderson brought his inspirational words to Hutchinson Community College as the keynote speaker in the Dillon Lecture Series at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. His day on campus included transportation into Hutchinson, a press conference with local media, the keynote speech, a cooking exhibition, and finally a visit with inmates of a correctional facility. Every city that Henderson visits he finds time to speak at prisons, detention facilities, or juvenile facilities.

Henderson realizes that people are not going to change overnight. His goal is just to reach out to people and get them to change their perception and believe that change is possible.

“There is not big ‘Ah Ha’ moments where you are just going to wake up and say I am going to change my life or a situation where another person says some magical words to you. I believe that there is many experiences and small ‘Ah Ha’ moments that finally get you to see yourself and your circumstances different,” Henderson said. “I didn’t realize that the drugs I was selling was impacting people that way. Those are one of those moments. The media has said kitchen and food was what turned my life around but before then I had to have some self-identification and purpose.

So it was really education first.

Not necessary book smarts. It was me learning about society, learning about myself, learning about the importance of education, learning about different

cultures and different people from all walks of life that really got me to take the blinders off and really start to see myself different.”

Tracey Gould, instructional designer, said, “I found that his story inspires me to believe that anyone can succeed regardless of their background, if they have a passion for what they are doing.”

Students who attended the lecture also took a message from listening to Henderson. Matt Soba, Andale, said, “That even though life throws obstacles at you and knocks you down, you can still work your way to the top.”

“My goal here today is to get young folks and people to just start thinking. You can’t change your life overnight but it really is to just to get people to open their ears and listen and understand the choices that we make in our life dictate the outcomes in the future,” Henderson said.

Henderson has a new show on Food Network called “Family Style with Chef Jeff ” that focuses on shopping healthier, cooking healthier, and eating healthier. He has another book in the pipeline that is geared towards incarcerated individuals. To top it all off, “Cooked, from the Streets to the Stove,” is being written into a movie script with Will Smith and Sony Columbia. Henderson returned back to his cooking roots and planned to open a new restaurant in Los Angeles.

From behind bars to being up on stage, Henderson inspired many to think about their gift in life and the value of determination in achieving their American dream.

Chef Jeff’s 12 Recipes for Success from his book “If You Can See It You Can Be It” - The Self-Controller - The Chamelon Applying Strategic Self-Discipline

Ability to Instantly Adapt

-The Sacrificer

-The Crew-Master

-The Knowledge Jacker

-The Winner

Ability to Delay Gratification

Anytime, Anywhere Education

-The ESP-er

Having a Razor Sharp Intutition

-The Gambler

Taking Calculated Risks

-The Gab Master Using Positive Persausion

Using Purposeful Collaboration

Maintaining a Competitive Edge

-The Last-In-Liner

Being Humble in Spirit

-The No-Strings Giver Selfless Service

-The Shot-Caller

Having Effective Communication Skills and Visionary Leadership

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Cristie Likins

Shannon Wilson, Maize, looks on as Kristina Bunn, Wichita, opens her gift during the Circle K International Christmas party. CKI was reestablished on campus in 1999.

stepping UP

SERVICE

THE

Circle K International works to provide service to our campus and community “CKI members are changing the world one child and one community at a time,” Dana Hinshaw, director of residence life and student activities and Circle K International sponsor, said.

According to Hinshaw, CKI was started in 1936 at Washington State University as a Kiwanis club service project to provide an opportunity for capable, ambitious, and worthy young men to acquire a college education by assisting them, where necessary with their

financial problems, by means of a scholarship fund, if available or securing part-time employment. Soon after the concept of CKI was recognized and accepted, the element of community service was introduced.

In the fall of 1999, the downtown Hutchinson Kiwanis Club came onto campus and worked to get the group reestablished. The current CKI group received their charter in 2000.

They have a partner program that meets once a month.

In the program they invite spe-

cial needs individuals from the community to HCC for a night of fun through games, karaoke, and crafts. Each year the group trick or treats for Unicef, this year they raised $400.

CKI also provided the set up and tear down at the Reno County Cancer Council’s annual fund raising auction and planted flowers downtown.

They have done a Kansas Day Activity with an after-school group and also collected books at the end-of-semester buyback that students could not sell back,

and sold them to Better World Books.

Dakota Fisher, Sharon, said, “It’s a good character builder and a good social builder. It shows that this generation can be grown up and not be childish.”

CKI blends community service and leadership training with the opportunity to meet other college students around the world. They do numerous projects each year and currently have 65 active members. Any HCC student could become a member and participate in the community service, fellowship, and meetings “As a co-sponsor of HCC CKI, I have enjoyed seeing our members grow in their service and leadership,” Hinshaw said.

“When the light bulb goes on and a member sees that he or she can make a real difference in our world, it is a great feeling to be a part of that.”

CKI provided service hours to our campus, sharpened

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CKI Works With Community Organizations

As Trevor Musgrove, Salina, opens a luffa and soap as Lorrin Ochs, Emporia, laughs at the unwrapped gift. The Partners Program held their gift exchange on Dec. 1.

Hutchinson Kiwanis Club Hutchinson Boys & Girls Club Builders Club The Volunteer Center Hutchinson Recreation Commission The Cancer Council UNICEF Neonatal Tetanus Better World Books

leadership skills and helped create a culture of caring.

They did community service to help people that can’t do it for themselves.

One of the several offcampus activities included a trip to Wichita State University in November for a district workshop. While there, the students mulched flowers, raked leaves, and cleaned up yards for three transitional living homes.

“I like helping people and the community and to let people know that there are people that will help out for free that it’s not all about the money,” Fisher said.

As the largest collegiate service organization, CKI boasts a membership of more than 12,600 collegians on more then 500 campuses worldwide.

As a college student, there proved to be more than just the traditional academic learning on campus. Students also grew as individuals while participating in service learning projects.

Unwrapping presents at the Partner’s Program Christmas party, Kaci Nuss, Russell, helps with the gift. She was excited to receive a stuffed animal and some candy.

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We’re Not in the Dorms Anymore...

A gazebo serves as a gathering point in the center of the front lawn at the Dragon’s Landing. Many students appreciated the independent lifestyle of living in the on-campus apartments.

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F

or most new students, living arrangements are usually at the top of the list when it comes to concerns about going to college. For most, it’s usually dorms that first come to mind.

Hutchinson Community College provided students the option of more than just a traditional dorm. Dragon’s Landing is an on-campus apartment complex available to student residents. It featured more of an at-home feeling when living on campus.

Dana Hinshaw, director of residence life and student activities, said, “Students are required to bring their own furniture for everything but the bedrooms which is fully provided for. They also get an average size refrigerator and a microwave.”

Getting moved into Dragon’s Landing wasn’t that much different than moving into the dorms. Students still had to fill out an application and contract along with the personality survey.

The apartments have up to two stories and can hold up to four students. Each apartment

came with a kitchen that was equipped with an average-sized refrigerator and microwave but no stove. Students living in the apartments were still required to get a meal plan if they didn’t want to buy their own food.

“These students still go through fire drills and the apartments are taken care of by custodians,” Hinshaw said.

“If my staff sees anything that needs inspection or finds that rules are being broken, we are sent in to take a further look.”

Social interaction was a large part of going to any college.

The college also recognized this issue.

“Compared to the dorms, Dragon’s Landing is a little different when it comes to having the ability to meet people and being social. Usually when in the dorms, you can go out in the halls or lobbies and find someone to talk to or meet.

Not so much at the apartments,” Hinshaw said. “This subject also helps us choose who to put in the apartments.

One thing that makes the task easier is when kids come to us in groups knowing they want to live together. This takes away

Mikhail Barancik, Ozawkie, sits and waits patiently to go meet friends. The apartment living room space proved to be a favorite in students.

Cessalie Wood, Salina, and roommate Shelby Smith, Sand Springs, Okla., hang out in their room. Their apartment featured two bedrooms that housed two students in each.

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the anxiety of rooming with someone you don’t know.”

Cessalie Wood, Salina, said, “I kind of enjoy how I get my own little space. I don’t have to worry about dealing with sharing everything with a few suite mates all the time. Not having to use a community bathroom is a huge plus and we even get our own little kitchen space.”

Wood did agree that being away from the rest of the students was missed from living in the dorms last year. She said the activities that are posted around the dorms aren’t seen in the Dragon’s Landing “You don’t meet as many people as you would in the dorms. We also don’t know what’s going on around the college as much as dorm kids,”

Wood said.

Just like anything else life brings there are both advantages and disadvantages.

“It’s like you’re living on your own already, almost, which is kind of nice. It kind of gets you ready for the future with all of the responsibilities it comes with living here,” Wood said.

Mikhail Barancik, a HCC football player from Ozawkie, said, “It’s a little better being closer to the field and the rest of the facilities we use. Makes it a little bit less of a hassle getting there.”

Dragon’s Landing provided an alternative for when students wanted a non-traditional living experience while in college but weren’t fully ready to be on their own.

Housing Prices o Dorm Suits: $2885

Traditional Dorms: $ Ramada: $2585

Dragon’s Landing: $2 *Approximate prices for one semester with meal plan B

On a cool day during finals, Wood took the time to make coffee in the apartment kitchenette. The kitchen featured a refrigerator and microwave.

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s on Campus

$$

115

NO

35

YES

5

How many students know about Dragon’s Landing?

Where students currently live Other

s: $2585

Parents Apartment Ramada Dragon's Landing Dorm Suites

: $2935

Traditional Dorms 150 students surveyed

Barancik preps his barbecue grill for dinner. Students brought their own grills and sometimes used them as an alternative to eating in the cafeteria.

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Dragon Doll Captains and Coach Bonnie Neville share what must be done before a performance.

Tatia Jasso, Hutchinson; Ashley Kayl, Wichita; and Devyn Brisbin, Abilene, perform during halftime at a basketball. The dancers practiced routines three times each week.

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Ta y l o r T h i m e s c h

To anyone in the bleachers it may just look like a group of girls just having fun in the middle of the basketball court but to these athletes, it is so much more. Blood, sweat, and tears don’t even begin to cover it. Finding a unique song, counting its beats and clipping it with other tracks can be a job of its own. However, this role is taken on by Coach Bonnie Neville, captains Bethany Smith, Harper, and Brenna Skinner, Hutchinson; and lieutenants, Courtney McGarvey, Hutchinson; Lorrin Ochs, Emporia; and Ellen Zirkle, Meriden.

To become a part of this team, the girls had to perform a self-choreographed number for Neville and a panel of judges as well as fill out a questionnaire to earn their positions.

“Captains teach the technique, make uniform and team decisions with Bonnie and lieutenants back us up and help us see things we could’ve overlooked,” Skinner said.

Scholarship money earned by becoming an officer comes with the responsibility of choreographing. Captains were required to choreograph two dances; one for football games and one for basketball. Because of the difference in scholarship money, lieutenants only have to put together one dance.

Because of style changes in

Captain Bethany Smith, Hutchinson, leads the dance as the rest of the Dragon Dolls follow her steps. Smith choreographed the routine to the Brittany Spears song Circus.

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HARDER LOOKS than it

dance, Neville left it up to the girls.

“The style has just changed so much with the hip-hop and everything that to be honest the girls are really better at it than I am,”Neville said.

Unlike other college teams, the Dragon Dolls do not hire an outside choreographer.

Instead, they rely on their own skill. Occasionally, Neville will bring back past Dragon Dolls for some extra help.

“The ex-dragon dolls, we don’t pay them that awful much but we pay them a little bit but they really pretty much do it because they love to do it and they’ve been a dragon doll and they love coming back and doing it, and not only that but they’re good so everybody benefits from that,” Neville said.

But before they can display themselves to the world, the choreographer must find a song, score it by counting out the introduction which are usually two-eight counts and fol-

lowed by four-eight counts until the end of the song. Advances in technology made splicing music easier for this step.

“I learned from my dance teacher Glenda,” Skinner said.

“I do it on my laptop, its just a program called WavePad.” The team met three class periods each week, adding up to being seven hours total.

“Last year we performed twenty times and we repeated from football to basketball I believe two routines, so out of those twenty times, eighteen were brand new,” Neville said.

“We can teach it in one class period, perfect it on the second, and set the formations and do the entry exit and have it ready to go on the third.”

A dancer’s job is to entertain the crowd. The amount of time devoted to the performances proved these athletes took this task seriously. Next time, when sitting in the bleachers, the audience can appreciate the effort put in to it all.

2013-2014 Dragon Doll Team Brooke Aquilar Mickaela Briggs Kylee Dellett Devyn Brisbin Tatia Jasso Ashley Kayl Madison Key

Carly Knoblauch Maggie Matteson Courtney McGarvey Haley McGinn Lorrin Ochs Sydney Phillips Chasity Pinckney

Coach Bonnie Neville greets fans before a basketball game. Neville started coaching the Dragon Dolls in 1970.

Krysta Post Kelsey Shea Chaunsa Strand Jazzmyn Tolbert Jessica Wenner Ellen Zirkle

CAPTAINS - BRENNA SKINNER & BETHANY SMITH

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RAISING T

Kadeem Allen HCC ð Arizona

Tafari Wittingham HCC ð Alabama

Coreontae DeBerry HCC ð Cincinnati

HCC Players Continue to Universities With Th photos&story

Cour tney Carlton

Signing on with four-year universities for next year gave sophomores Coreontae DeBerry, Holland, Mich.; Tafari Wittingham, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Kadeem Allen, Wilmington, N.C., a chance to take this year to focus on basketball and sharpening their skills on the court.

Making a decision on which university to choose could be a difficult task, but for these athletes everything fell into place.

DeBerry chose to sign to the University of Cincinnati.

“I chose to go there because I always wanted to go there when I was younger, I love the people and they showed me love on my visit. It is the right fit for me,” DeBerry said.

Allen made the decision to sign to the University of Arizona.

“I chose there because I felt comfortable when I went on my visit and that’s my style of play and how they play. I also like the coaching staff. They’re

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a great group of men who are going to push you to be the best you could be in life and as a player,” Allen said.

The University of South Alabama recruited Wittingham.

“The decision of where to go next year is taken care of, now I can just play, and focus on this season,” Wittingham said.

Playing for HCC has been a positive experience in helping them all make the transition to becoming a division one player. DeBerry has only had

one year of playing for HCC before transferring but has still learned a lot to help him with his future basketball career.

“Playing for Hutch has helped me a lot to get a taste of how it will be next year and also Hutch’s gym’s atmosphere,” DeBerry said.

Allen played both his freshman and sophomore year for the Blue Dragons.

“Playing for HCC has helped me a lot. Over the past year I have matured on and off the court. I became a better

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G THE BAR

Testing their defense skills became the key to the home game against Central Nebraska . After a hard fought game, the Dragons fell to their opponents in a 79-91 loss making their record 7-2.

th Their Skills and Dedication to the Sport team leader and a student athlete of the game,” Allen said.

Whether they were on the roster for a short time, or they have spent their entire community college career here, they can not walk away from a team and family like HCC without taking something with them.

DeBerry said, “The most important thing I will never forget is that no matter how tough games get, to keep fighting until the end.”

2013-2014 BLUE DRAGON SCOREBOARD DATE OPPONENT 11-1 Trinidad State 11-2 Labette 11-9 Butler 11-12 Johnson County 11-15 Redlands 11-16 NEO 11-18 Butler 11-22 Western Texas 11-23 Central Nebraska 11-26 Allen 11-29 Frank Phillips 11-30 Murray State

RESULT W, 93-75 W, 87-79 W, 96-85 W, 87-81 OT W, 102-91 W, 108-105 2OT L, 78-80 W, 81-80 OT L, 79-91 W, 90-69 W, 75-70 W, 84-63

DATE OPPONENT 12-7 Independence 12-13 NE Nebraska 12-14 Hill College 1-11 Colby 1-15 Garden City 1-18 Seward County 1-22 Cloud County 1-25 Pratt 1-29 Barton 2-1 Dodge 2-5 Garden City

RESULT W, 71-67 W, 109-88 W, 84-83 W, 92-80 W, 82-77 L, 98-76 W, 102-82 W, 88-85 OT W, 98-85 W, 106-77 Postponed

(results as of 2-7-14)

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ALUMNI: Where Are They Now?

A.J. Spencer

HCC ð Long Beach State (Alumni 2012) Years of dedication, hard work, and many miles traveled have all paid off for A.J. Spencer, Hutchinson Community College Alumni, Shawnee.

From playing basketball at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School to HCC and on to pursuing his career at Long Beach State in Long Beach, Calif., Spencer made many memories along the way. Being a Blue Dragon helped Spencer with his basketball career in many different ways.

“Playing at HCC was a great way to polish my game for divi-

sion one basketball and going to LBSU,” Spencer said.

At HCC, he experienced playing many different types of players with many different levels of experience.

“My team had five sophomores, D1 and D2 and we had freshmen that were division one players right out of high school.

Basically saying I played against division one players everyday and the conference that we played in was the best in the nation,” Spencer said.

The support from the Blue Dragon family and community

was incredible for Spencer.

“My teammates at HCC helped give me this opportunity to play D1, plus the countless people and fans that supported me, I’ll never forget that,” Spencer said.

As a Long Beach State player, AJ Spencer, Shawnee, tries to keep the ball in bounds. Spencer played 29 minutes and scored a total of 13 points but his team fell against Kansas State University 71-58 on Nov. ?.

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Austin Budke Beloit

Andre Sands

Freeport, Bahamas

B.J. Watson

Nathan Jackson

Bonner Springs

Wichita

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photos

H a n n a h Wa l l a ce Jamie Patrick, Hutchinson, takes the ball in an effort to score. Patrick led the Lady Dragon’s with highest free throw average at 79.7%.

Practicing the

Play

Aaliyah Block, Monticello, Ariz., attempts a jump shot in the game against San Jacinto on Nov. 22.

Block played the position of guard for the Lady Dragons.

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2013-2014 Women’s Basketball Scoreboard Date Opponent

Nov. 1 Nov. 2 Nov. 8 Nov. 9 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov. 22 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Nov. 30 Dec. 6 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

Kansas Wesleyan Labette Coffeyville Allen Fort Carson Military South Plains College San Jacinto College C. Methodist College Iowa Lakes NW Kansas Tech SW Christian Neosho County Independence Scottsdale Mesa Colby Garden City Seward County Cloud County Pratt Barton Dodge Garden City

Result

W, 72-30 W, 81-32 W, 74-49 W, 79-57 W, 79-72 W, 64-47 W, 87-46 W, 108-37 W, 86-47 W, 106-38 Canceled W, 100-47 W, 79-49 W, 80-51 W, 65-46 W, 87-40 W, 87-40 W, 77-43 W, 81-58 W, 83-63 W, 78-52 W, 100-37 Postponed

Briana Starks, Hutchinson, takes a jump shot in the game against San Jacinto on Nov. 22. Starks played the position of forward for the Lady Dragons.

Results as of Feb. 7, 2014

Kalani Purcell, Hamilton, New Zealand, jumps to block a shot from the San Jacinto player. Purcell broke the single-game record with 22 rebounds on Jan. 29 against Barton County Community College.

The Lady Dragons huddle as a team before the game against San Jacinto on Nov. 22. They started every game this same way.

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Marshall Moore, Burlington, runs the HCC flag on to the court at the women’s basketball game on Nov. 15, 2013. The Lady Dragons followed behind him at the beginning of the game.

Macie Rotha, Wichita, show of her scorpion move as Bryant Patry, Salina, holds her up. They practiced in the small gym at the Sports Arena before each basketball game.

Let’s go Dragons, let’s go!

This was a familiar phrase heard at football and basketball games at Hutchinson Community College. The cheerleaders were responsible for pumping up the HCC athletes as well as getting the crowd started.

When it comes to Marshall Moore, Burlington, getting ready to cheer for a game is a good thing.

Marshall said, “Throwing a few stunts in the air and messing around before a game pumps me up.”

The team included cheerleaders as well as male athletes called yell leaders. These athletes were in attendance close to court or field, rain or shine.

Macie Rotha, Wichita, said, “I have been a cheerleader for 12 years so I wanted to continue because I love cheer.”

Becoming a part of a team like the cheerleaders is similar to joining another family.

Kayla Meitter, Hutchinson, said, “The best part about being on the squad is the close and trusting relationships you build. You put all of your time into making yourself and the squad better, follow your heart and never give up. I had to work really hard to be where I am today, you don’t have to be naturally talented just got for it.”

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UP

Pumping the photos&story

Carolyn Durbin

Team

Cheer Squad Works to Encourage Players and Fans The cheerleaders and yell leaders perform a linking pyramid on the court.

Along with the pyramid, additional cheerleaders pumped up the crowd on the floor on Nov. 15, 2013.

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Come see what’s going on in South Hutch. Catch us online at:

www.southhutch.com @SouthHutch www.facebook.com/southhutch

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Good Luck to SkillsUSA students at the state contests in April!

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