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Friday, April 13, 2018
Volume 58 Edition 23
KICKIN’ IT Womens soccer play La Porte City in a close 1-2 game/page 6 Follow us on Twitter at tigerhiline, Facebook at TigerHilineOnline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org
Growing course options force portable addition Due to expanded number Submitted Photo of course offerings, the high school will receive a second partable for the 2018-2018 school year. It will be placed on the north end of the school near the art room and student parking lot. The facility will hold two classrooms, each Principal equipped with two bathrooms, handicap accessibility, as well as heating and The portable currently sits in front of Southdale Elementary school. It holds two preschool classrooms, divided cooling. The portable will be trans- by two bathrooms. Moving and installation of the portable at the high school will begin June 4. ported from Southdale Elementary to the high school. portable on the backside, so ness Affairs and Board Secre- it is not manageable.” It has not yet been deterConstruction is planned to tary Doug Nefzger. However, with a growing mined what classes the porstart around June 4. Due to we don’t really have space for another one than to put it out The addition of the por- district and a school in a very table will hold, but Wedgbury Aldrich Elementary School table is a necessary for the landlocked location, it is hard sees the addition of more opening in the fall, Southdale front,” Wedgbury said. The high school’s other growing district, though the to determine how long these portables in the future for the Elementary will have a deportable located on the west high school still faces many portables will last and how high school if need be. crease in students, opening side of the building was once needs. many will be needed in the “I could see in the next up space in the building. “We have the heat go- future. few years needing another “We don’t have any other used for classrooms but now ing out. We are trying to “As we look at enroll- one. I see this portable beviable spots besides put- houses robotics equipment. The new portable will put patchwork on things. ment projections across the ing more permanent. I don’t ting it out front. It will defiSometimes the floors get district especially at the high think it will go away because nitely draw some attention, cost $161,878 for the contractor to put the tilings in the wet. Sometimes you see rain school building, the student our programming isn’t going no doubt. It is going to be ground and put the ramps to coming in on the backside enrollment is only predicted to change and the number of an eyesore,” Principal Jason of the windows in the math to grow. As of right now, the students in our building is not Wedgbury said, but student the building and hook all the utilities up. It was also cost an area. There is a lot that goes junior high schools are grow- going to go down.” parking is safe. additional $22,000 to have into the upkeep. It’s awful,” ing at a fairly rapid clip from “We can’t give up parking. Wedgbury said. “We are year to year, and that growth We cannot put it in the park- a different company physically move the building from spending a lot of money try- will then work though the juing lot because we already By Editor-in-Chief Rachel Southdale to the high school ing to keep this a manage- nior highs and into the high have enough trouble with able building, and sometimes school,” Nefzger said. parking. We already have one according to Director of BusiSCHMID
“We are spending a lot of money trying to keep this a manageable building, and sometimes it is not manageable.” —Jason Wedgbury
Jazz Wars Thursday, April 5th, Cedar Falls Jazz One performed in Ames at 9 AM for the 43rd annual Jazz Championships to win a trophy and title of best 4a jazz band in the state of Iowa at CY Stephens auditorium. After waking up early, loading their charter bus at 5:40, and performing at 9 in the morning, they waited for hours for their results as other bands performed later though the days. Having sent in a recording to the Iowa Bandmasters Association earlier in the year, they were rated the best jazz band in the state of Iowa, so winning jazz champs might be seen as redundant. By the end of the day, Cedar Falls took home 7th place out of 15 of the best jazz bands
in the state. Valley and Waukee were selected to go on to the finals and perform in front of the judges for a final time to decide which of the two great bands would go on to win 1st place. After a great set by both bands, the judges picked Waukee to get the first place rank out of all 15 4a jazz bands in the state. While the championship is competitive for the bands, ultimately the students are doing it for the fun of performing together. Sophomore 2nd trumpet, Emma Cryer said, “This is what we’ve been looking forward to all year, this is so much fun. The competition itself is fun but being able to be around great players and experience great music is the best part”.
Four earn outstanding solo at Jazz Champs in Ames
Going to championships for jazz is like making state for most sport teams, they compete with 15 of the best jazz bands in the state to take home the title of best band and to know their hard work, late nights, and early mornings were worth it. Other notable events of this years Jazz One ensemble include their performance at Noche, a jazz club in Des Moines where they performed in mid January. Students listened to professional jazz musicians and then performed for them and a crowd of paying customers who came to hear great music. Playing a quick set of tunes for the crowd, students were given a great atmosphere to perform in and an experience
of a lifetime that will travel with them. They were also slated to open for the UNI Jazz Panthers, directed by Dr. Bob Washut at Bengtson auditorium in Russell Hall last Thursday at 7:30 PM and performed wonderfully and stayed around for dinner with the UNI jazz bands. Dr. Washut also composed and arranged a song for Jazz One named River Road. The song features guitar player Eli Smith, and tenor saxophone player Johnny Hartleip. Their set for this years jazz champs competition included the Duke Ellington piece Sepia Panorama, the classic jazz standard Body and Soul, and a latin swing piece named Cape Verdean Blues with multiple soloists on every song.
The band consists of great players but it is nothing without their teacher, Mr. Engelhardt. Engelhardt has lead the Jazz One program for years and molded it into the prestigious and fun extracurricular environment that it is today. “Jazz One is like a family, everyone is supportive and everyone is here to play good music and have fun. Mr. Engelhardt makes jazz band a fun experience and I’ll remember being a part of this band forever. I’m glad to be a part of this band and that we have him to teach us and keep this band going, I think everyone really enjoys what’s going on here”, Eli Smith said, a freshman guitar player from Holmes. By Staff Writer Chase
KLINE
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FEATURE
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Friday, April 13, 2018
Annual event attracts growing number of comic fans in Iowa
Sabine Martin Photos
Sophomore Sam Thompson-Yezek pictured left wins first place at the RodCon costume contest. Pictured bottom right, University of Iowa Quidditch team plays a game dedicated to Harry Potter fans at RodCon.
Sydney Corson Photos Every year since 2014, the University of Northern Iowa’s Rod Library is transformed into a place of cosplay and comic-loving people. The fifth annual RodCon on Saturday, April 7, had a record-breaking crowd, with more than 3,000 in attendance. Senior Charles Potter has seen this small event blossom into a genuine minicon event over the years. “At first I liked it because it is really just the community getting together, and it was really small and had local artists, but now it is expanding and growing into its own minicon. Instead of it being an event where people get together and the Core just setting it up, it is a big thing with lots of people from all around the
state,” Potter said. RodCon brought 43 vendors from all across the state of Iowa and activities for anyone with an interest in the sci-fi genre of comics or movies. The University of Iowa Quidditch team played several games, and the UNI sword fighting club demonstrated medieval/ fantasy-style combat with foam-padded weaponry. Almost everyone at RodCon takes part in the cosplay costume contest. Potter, who every year usually dresses up in a complex Batman suit, decided to be an observer this year. “The cosplay is my favorite part, and although I did not do it this year, I love seeing everyone dressed up,” Potter
said. The cosplay costume contest is taken very seriously by participants. Sophomore Sam Thompson-Yezek took first place with his cosplay of a Dalek, a race of cyborg alien mutants from television’s Doctor Who. ThompsonYezek was unrecognizable inside his costume, which took over eight months to build. As a Dalek, Thompson-Yezek rolled around the Rod Library all day at RodCon and interacted with crowds of amazed spectators. “My first reaction was disbelief. I was so unbelievably excited to have won, but I had to keep my cool for the judges and my end performance. I’ve never won something like that before, so it
was really special to see that I won,” Thompson-Yezek said. Thompson-Yezek has also seen the popularity of RodCon expand each year. “I’m really happy that RodCon has grown as much as it has. It’s great to see more people attending the con,” he said. “My favorite thing about RodCon is connecting to other people who love comics and cosplay. It’s nice to meet a complete stranger but connect instantly because we both like Doctor Who, for example.”
By Editor-in-Chief Sabine
MARTIN
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Friday, April 13, 2018
ENTERTAINMENT
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‘You will be mine’ pulls readers in for thrill “You Will Be Mine” by Natasha Preston This story is listed in the thriller and horror category, but is also full of mystery. With 281 pages, this story is sure to help you pass the time in silent excitement and awe. Lylah, who is a college student, hates Valentine’s Day. The reason being, her parents passed away on said day. When Valentine’s Day rolls around once again, her friends are excited and she just wants to get it over with. When her friend Sonny disappears after a series of strange notes from an unknown person, she and her friends must find him, and fast. Not too long after his disappearance, another note arrives at the door: Your turn. Not only does the plot grab onto you and not let go, the cover of the book draws your eyes to it. The cover consisting of a tin box, a flower and an envelope with blood on it, it is sure to peak your interest. Although people say not to judge a book by it’s cover, but I think we can all agree that this cover is unusual and eye catching. By Staff Writer Skylar
PROMMER
Skylar Prommer Photo
Love turns deadly in a new heart-pounding thriller from the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Cellar’ and ‘The Cabin’.
‘Love Simon’ is a movie for all Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it’s a little more complicated. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Love Simon is a modern coming of age story that this generation needs. Carpooling to school every day, getting iced coffee from a drive through every morning, and finding a parking spot in the front of school is definitely not at reality for most, but the story is. The cast itself is not something to bat an eye at. It is an ethnically diverse group who range from the top jock to the drama club to the weird Vice Principal. You will find yourself encaptured in their lives, each telling a different story. Coming out as gay or any sexuality rather than straight
Submitted Photo
“Love Simon” magically captures the struggles of everyday high schoolers while encapturing you in the characters lives. The movie will have you laughing, crying and leaving with a better understanding of the struggles Simon faces coming out as gay. is a reality that many people face, and it is not an easy one for many. This movie sheds light on a hush hush topic that is very common in today’s society. However, many do not ever experience a coming
out. Even if you do not directly relate to Simon’s struggles, it can give you a better idea of what people go through when coming out. If you may not directly relate to Simon’s story, you will be drawn in by the great
music, comedy, and the other characters storylines. The soundtrack includes artists such as The Bleachers, Khalid, The 1975, and Troye Sivan. You will find yourself bobbing your head to the tunes soon after the movie,
another piece that makes Love Simon so powerful. The story itself is based off of Simon and his struggles, but it also tells the story of his closest friends and how his secret has affected them as well. Love Simon is such a feelgood movie. When walking out of the theatre you will feel many emotions, along with a feeling of understanding. This movie is so impactful and will help so many people understand and build up the courage to come out to families and friends. It has a power to influence many people, and we need to embrace that. Wracking up $43 million in the box office this past month, Love Simon is a must see for all genders, ages, and sexualities.
By Editor in Cheif Rachel
SCHMID
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OPINION
Our View
Understanding your First Amendment rights Sabine Martin Photo
Students and members of the community used their First Amendment rights to protest gun laws on Saturday March 31. As students who spend most months of the year in a school building, it is important to understand and recognize your rights as a student, especially given recent protests and action by students around the country. It is necessary to note that the First Amendment only protects against government censorship, and because public schools are operated by the government, students at public schools have First Amendment speech rights. Free speech in schools is not a new issue. In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia vs Barnett that students could not be forced to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In our own state, 1969’s Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District tackled the issue of student’s rights in schools and defined them for generations to come. The case began when some students at a public junior high in Des Moines decided to protest the Vietnam War by wearing a black armband and were suspended for doing so. The case went to the Supreme Court where it was ruled with a 7-2 majority that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” According to the ruling, as long as a student does not “materially disrupt classwork or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others,” students of public schools have the right to speak what they believe, organize and sign petitions, hand out flyers, express themselves through clothing and speak out on social media as long as it does not threaten or disrupt yourself or others within the school. However, because a walkout can be seen as a disruption of classwork, students can be punished according to school policy. While taking action on things you believe in is a great way to participate as an active member of society, it is necessary to know the limits of what can be enforced so that you may raise your voice while steering clear of disciplinary action.
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Follow these 5 steps for organization As the school year is slowly coming to a close and the pull of summer distracts students with the promise of fun, it gets harder and harder to stay organized. Here are some tips you could use to help you keep track of those papers, stay organized and focused for the rest of the school year. Keep a planner. Though it is close to the end of the school year and you might not want to spend money on getting an actual planner, just writing down your assignments on a scratch piece of paper can help you stay up to date with your homework assignments. Keep your writing utensils at hand and organized. Do you have trouble finding the write pencil or pen to write with? Try separating them into ziplock bags and put them all in the same pocket of your backpack. You don’t have to spend tons of money on a new pencil case, especially if it’s just for the end of the year. A ziplock bag is a good way to
go about organizing your pencils. If you’re always leaving your pencil at home or losing it, try leaving a reminder to put it back in your backpack before doing anything. You can help yourself remember by putting a piece of colored string around the end of the pencil, making the pencil stand out, which might help you remember better. Fix up that folder. There is no way you are going to safely store those papers away if your folder looks like you’ve thrown it through the shredder. If you’ve tried with the simple “cover the tears in tape trick,” then you should try a new version of that tip. Grab a roll of duct tape and get to work. Wrap the tape all the way around the entire folder to get a stronger barrier and to avoid more rips and tears. Leave small snacks in your bag for later. Do you have a teacher that doesn’t care if you eat in class or not? Then this tip is for you. If you always find yourself hungry at a
certain point in the day, then try packing a small snack for yourself in your backpack. You cannot focus in class if you’re hungry, and you need all the help you can get to focus at the end of the year. Eating a small snack, such as fruit snacks, Goldfish or any other pocket food would help you stay focused on class. Set times for certain activities. The human brain is the body’s natural clock, and humans have been shown to work better with a schedule. If you’re finding it hard to finish your homework or even just to go to sleep on time, try setting an alarm to remind you to get those things done at the same time every day. Not only will this help you stay focused and organized, but it will also help your body to run better. Especially getting to bed and waking up at the same time will help tremendously.
PROMER
The average American teenager
Contact Us The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Fridays to read during their third period classes. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majority of the editors listed below. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to The Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Monday for publication in the following Friday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification. Editors-in-Chief: Elise Leasure, Rachel Schmid, Sabine Martin Lead Writer: Tehya Tournier Opinion Editor: Benjamin Boezinger Staff: Saba Aydiner, Noah Forker, Chase Kline, Kendall Maslak, Sierra Miller, Skylar Promer, Sophia Schillinger, Matthew Walsh
By Staff Writer Skylar
Sierra Miller Graphic
What is your opinion of the new portable? By Staff Writer Kendall
MASLAK
“Build a new school instead of portables”
—Cayden Foust Sophomore
“Invest in a new high school not portables”
— Makenna Carroll Senior
“We should spend the money on a school building”
—Caleb Burjes Senior
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OPINION
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Hijabs represent freedom of choice On January of 2017, as I was entering the United States after living in Turkey throughout middle school, I was wearing a hijab. After handing my passport to the officer, she looked me up and down and said, “Is that religious?”pointing at my hijab. I was surprised because although I knew that as a youngMuslim woman who wears the hijab, I was going to receive a lot of questions regarding my faith and the hijab in particular, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be this soon. I responded by simply saying, “Yes,” thinking it would be enough, but she slowly leaned back on her chair, tapping on the table with a pen which she obviously spent most of her time chewing on and said, “Really?” implying she didn’t believe what I just said. I nervously repeated my answer because I was confused by her tone. She then said something that I probably will not forget for the rest of my life, something that will always make me smile when I think about it. “Then why is your mom not wearing one?” she asked. I told the officer that she wasn’t because she didn’t want to, but it was so hard for her to believe that my mom was an independent woman that can make decisions about her own body. The hijab, is an Arabic word that means “to cover” in English, and it isn’t just used to describe the head-covering, but it is also a regular verb that is used on a daily basis in Arabic speaking communities. When thinking about the hijab, we start seeing Iranian women, with scarves at the edge of their sticks who are fighting against their oppression and forcefully thrown in jails. Or, we think of Saudi women who are covered all the way up to their eyes and were recently honored the right to drive. Or maybe we think of the Taliban beating up women who go outside without covering their hair and bodies. These awful actions toward women that are constantly shown in the media paints a very clear picture in our heads: Muslim women are oppressed. However, that simply isn’t the case. Though the hijab is directly affiliated with Islam, the covering of hair is in Christianity and Judaism, as well as many other religions in different levels. In the Bible it says, “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered, dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head
Sophomore Aisa Rasidagic shows her beliefs through wearing her hijab daily. Her along with many other Muslim women choose to wear hijabs for many different resaons; however, it all comes down to a personal choice.
Saba Aydiner photo
“I am sick of being labeled as a Muslim before as a human being.”
—Sophomore Saba
AYDINER
shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off, but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.” (Corinthians 11:5, 11:6). For some Christians, the covering of the head refers to long hair, but when the scripts are translated to Greek, the words that are used for long hair (peribolaion) and covering with an artificial material (katakalupto) are different. Where in Judaism, the covering (hijab) is referred to as tzinuit, which means modesty. Tzinuit is mostly advised to married women.
“Young girls who are betrothed (the first part of the marriage has happened) are forbidden to go with their heads uncovered” (Mishna Berura 75:2). Although it is mostly practiced among married women, some rabbis rule unmarried girls as well. “The daughters of Israel, whether unmarried or married, should not go out in the marketplace with their head uncovered” (Issurei Biah 21:17). What about Islam? What does Islam say about the hijab? In Islam, both men and women are told “to cover.” In fact, in the Quran, before the hijab of the
body, the hijab of the ear and eyes are advised. “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts, that is purer for them; surely Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and do not display their ornaments (wrap their shawls around their breast lines) except what appears thereof; Allah is the most forgiving and merciful” (Quran 24:30-31). Although some women choose to wear it, or, some are forced because of cultural, political reasons, Islamic scholars do not all agree on veils. There are millions of Muslim women who don’t accept restrictions to their clothes and don’t wear the hijab. As we can understand from this verse of the Quran, there is no religious forcement, or, a threat that strictly tells women to cover from head-to-toe. For most scholars, the hijab is considered as a preference, and countries where women are forced to wear the hijab are condemned by the majority of Muslims all around the world. There are many different reasons to why a Muslim woman chooses to wear the hijab; for some, it is a feminist statement; in a world where women are valued by their sexuality, what can be greater than to reject this notion? Some wear it because they want to wear it, and for some, it is as simple as looking good in it. The problem is the people who assume women are oppressed, seeing those wearing a hijab as poor Muslim women who can’t stand up for their rights and who just obey what their husbands or fathers tell them to do. I feel the oppression in those pitiful eyes that I have never felt from my father, who tells me that I don’t have to wear the hijab if I don’t want to. I am sick of being labeled as a Muslim before as a human being. This is the reason why that little story I told in the beginning always makes me smile. Because at the end, she asked me why. She asked me. If you don’t know why people do stuff, instead of assuming, the solution is as simple as asking them; and, no, it isn’t offensive. Even if you ask me if I keep my headscarf on when I shower, which I do not, it is never going to be as offensive as hearing, “Honey, you don’t have to wear that thing anymore; you’re in the United States now.”
By Staff Writer Saba
AYDINER
8 Masters live up to expecatations SPORTS
Time stands still at Augusta. That’s what happened during the final round of the Masters on Sunday afternoon, April 8. Rickie Fowler, in his bright orange pants and matching hat, strode down to the 18 green to thunderous cheering and applause. The massive members of the crowd were on all their feet, hoping just to get a glance of what could be an historic moment at the Masters. Fowler sank the birdie putt to go within one stroke of the lead, but Patrick Reed, the leader, was able to drop the par putt to remain atop the leaderboard, and Reed was awarded the coveted green jacket, but the atmosphere of one small chance putt to force a playoff round was all any new golf fan needed to know to get hooked on the Master’s aura. The most prominent tournament in golf was nothing short of spectacular; here’s why. Tiger Woods was the headliner coming into the tournament and the reason many ex-fans were flocking back to the sport. Perhaps the greatest of all time, people were excited to see Tiger’s magic in action ahead of the most magnificent tournament in golf. The headline of “Tiger’s Back” was plastered all over the Internet. He’s golf’s most exciting performer, the Michael Jordan of golf and ESPN’s most dominant athlete
Friday, April 13, 2018
over the past 20 years. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a fairytale ending to Tiger’s Master’s hopes. Tiger never had the stuff to contend with the stellar play of Reed, Fowler, Spieth and McIlroy. He didn’t play terribly, but he made one crucial mistake: he succumbed to the terrors of the course. The course played Tiger, not vice versa. Tiger would’ve probably contended if it hadn’t have been for the hazards laid all around the most difficult course in golf. However, it wasn’t all bad. I’m one you would call a Tiger believer. I know he’ll never be the Tiger of old, but I do know he could return to captivate the golf world once again. The rest of the weekend was filled with excellent golf and the new guard. Reed, an arrogant personality in a sport with too few personalities, played other-worldly from day one. He drove the ball far; he landed on the greens every time he needed to and sank his putts. Whether they were from two feet or 20, Reed was consistent all weekend on the greens. His best performance was when he needed it most. Rory McIlroy had a rough Sunday, unlike Reed. He came in with the lead but fell off early in the round. He wasn’t hitting every shot, but Reed was. And so was Spieth. He was one
stroke away from tying the course record for lowest single round score. To make matters worse, he also was one shot away from taking the first spot on the leaderboard. Then there was Rickie Fowler. My personal favorite, Fowler made a massive charge against Reed in the final round. While Reed was holding his own, Fowler was racing Spieth for the position to fight Reed for the top spot. Fowler would eventually win the initial battle against Spieth, but not the war against the leader. Fowler led a charge on the back nine but finally ran out of time. The front nine was filled with too little birdies and too many pars. One or two fewer strokes would’ve made for an even more incredible finish to the tournament. The walk to the 18th green was one of the most captivating things to take place in 2018 sports, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Reed’s ability to hold the lead was the difference in the end, forcing the hands of Fowler and Spieth. The greatest tournament in golf was no disappointment this year. Hopefully, it will continue the streak for years to come. By Opinion Editor Ben
BOEZINGER
The
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HI-LINE Athlete of The Week
Chimzim Ogbondah Soccer How long have you been bowling?
I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old.
What has been your biggest accomplishment from this season so far?
Starting off 3-0, and having Waterloo west start the season 0-1. What are some personal goals?
To leave every game knowing i gave it my all. What are some team goals?
To go farther than any [Cedar Falls] soccer team post season. Best memory from this or previous seasons?
Jessica and Maria Avino photos
Women’s tennis faces off at home against Cedar Rapids Washington on April 10 with a loss of 3-6. 2
Giving Waterloo West a sour start to their season. Are you planing on playing soccer after this season?
Not competitive but maybe club.
Tigers in
Action
Boys Tennis April 14 @ UNI 9:00 a.m. Track April 14 @ Kingston 10:30 a.m. Band Monday, April 16 All City @ Cedar Falls 6:00 p.m.
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Friday, Arpil 13, 2018
HI-LINE
CFHS Soccer teams beat the cold
Shae Stoster Photos
Maddie Posekany Photos
Cedar Falls Men’s and Women’s soccer teams start their seasons off despite the cold weather with Men’s team beating West High School 2-0. Women’s soccer loses with a close game fo 2-1 against Union of La Porte City Thursday at Cedar Valley Soccer Complex.
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Friday, April 13, 2018
SPORTS
After years of service, changes arrive to Activites Director position In the fall of 2018, Cedar Falls High School will be without one beloved, awardwinning administrator and also see one caring coach hang his clipboard and switch to fill that administrator’s position. At the end of this year, Activity Director and Associate Principal Gary Konen is retiring. After 28 years of hard work, Koenen has left big shoes to fill. He plans to spend more time with family and and take part in activities he loves to do. “I’ve been at Cedar Falls High for 25 years, and I have been athletic director/assistant principal for 28 years. It was time to go,” Koenen said. “I plan to spend a lot more time with family. I love to golf, so this summer, if we ever get summer, I will be doing that a lot more.” After 23 years as men’s cross country coach, Troy Becker will be taking the position of athletic director. Unfortunately this means that the 2018 cross country men will lose a coach that “makes everyone feel involved with the team and inspires everyone to be the best version of themselves,”cross country member, sophomore Hollis Wilson said. Accepting the position of athletics director was a bittersweet one for Becker, for if he accepted the position, he would no longer be able to coach men’s cross country, but to Becker, the position has always been on the horizon and has been a long time coming. “We all have professional goals. The athletic director position was one of my professional goals that I have had for 20 years,” Becker said. “Because it’s a passion area of mine, it’s something that I would enjoy doing. Specifically doing it at Cedar Falls is important to me because I love Cedar Falls High School and the people at Cedar Falls schools and this community.” Despite the athletics director position being one Becker has sought for for many years, there was a trade off by taking the position that he had to consider. “I thought about it a lot. Cross country is something I am very passionate about. Something I really love,” he said. “But, my main job in Cedar Falls Community Schools is working as an associate principal, or in this case, would be
Submitted photo
Maddie Posekany Photos
Troy Becker offers advice to junior Jens Jorgensen before a cross country meet. Becker has been praised for his ability to coach effectively and connect with athletes. athletic director. I need to be able to put 100 percent of my effort into that position to make sure I am doing it successfully. Although I had to give up cross country, the reason I am doing that is to fulfill something that I ultimately want to do.” Cross country is not just another sport for Becker, it’s a lifestyle. Former assistant coach of the men’s cross country team, Jeff Hartman, who worked with Becker for 25 years can attest to this. “Troy Becker is one of the most competitive people I know while also being one of the most caring. He wants to win every race but more importantly he cares about every runner on the team, regardless of ability,” he said. “He doesn’t just coach the 10 best runners on the team. He wants all 60 members of the team to work hard and be the best they can be. He celebrates when an athlete works hard and sets a new personal best, whether that PR is 23 minutes or 16 minutes.” The cross country team that Becker has been with for 23 years is also experiencing bittersweet feelings at the loss of their coach. “I’m going to miss being around him every day at practice. Seeing coach Becker was always a bright spot in my day,” junior men’s cross coun-
try team member Jens Jorgensen said. Along with the feelings of sadness the men’s cross country team is experiencing over the loss of a “mentor and motivator,” the members are also excited for the new opportunity that Becker has dreamed of taking for many years.“My advice for him is to enjoy his new job. Athletic director has been a dream of his for so long, and I want him to enjoy every moment of this new experience. We’re gonna miss having around next year, but I wish him the best of luck at his new job,” Jorgensen said. Although the leap from a coach of an activity pursued by a large number of guys to multiple activities pursued by students all over the school is rather massive, Koenen and Hartman are confident that Becker can handle the added workload. Hartman said Becker “doesn’t say no to people and always jumps at the chance to help others out even though I know he has work of his own to do.” Koenen said, “He has been helping me for years, kind of my assistant athletic director, so he knows the program. He knows what I do, my responsibilities. We have worked side
by side, and we have done that for years, so it will be very seamless when he steps into the role next year. It will be great.” Becker is also confident that as he steps into this new position he will have Koenen by his side, helping him out. “I feel very fortunate that he is still going to be in the community, and I’m hoping that I can meet with him frequently and ask questions, and he can continue to be a mentor for me. He’s been a good friend, a good mentor and a good leader of our activities. I have learned a lot from him,” Becker said. Becker plans on adding to the ‘tremendous’ work that Koenen has already done at the high school as he steps into the position of athletic director. “Mr. Koenen has done a tremendous job, obviously. One of the first things I want to do is to get in and just try to do a good as job as he has done,” Becker said. “Over time I think changes will come about by working with my coaches and taking suggestions from them because what I want to do is help them be successful in their programs. If there are changes, those will be driven by advice, input I get by coaches.”
Leaving the high school and all the joy it will bring will be tough for Koenen as he has spent his days working for almost three decades. “I’ll miss the students the most,” Koenen said. “I’m honored to work with our students every day, and I’m amazed at how talented our students are in so many areas—whether it be athletics, music, drama, student government, etc. I’ve been privileged to witness our students achieve success over the years.” Becker is confident that all this evolution will be for the best. “Change is hard. We all have changes in life. Sometimes you have to do those things in life, and it’s all a matter of what you make of it, so, I am going to try to be positive with it,” he said. Koenen also embraces his changes ahead, as well as Becker’s. “I’m sure he will have new ideas on ways to make the programs even better, and I have confidence he will do that, and I’m sure I will be helping out a lot more around here too with the activities and with Mr. Becker when he takes over too,” he said. By Staff Writer Sophia
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