Dec 17, 2008 hi line

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Dec. 17, 2008

Volume 49 Issue 12 1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

CFHS to host first winter formal Arlene Freudenberg News Editor

On Saturday January 17, from 8-11 at Orchard Hill Church, Cedar Falls will host a winter formal. Tickets are $4 before and $5 at the door.

Ticket will be sold one week before the dance before school, after school and during lunch.

“People should definitely come because it’s our first one. So, if you ever want to have one in the future this [dance will] have to be successful. Plus, it’s going to be really fun. The theme is ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland,’ and it’ll be a good break after finals,” senior Lindsey Morris said.

Both students and faculty can agree that a winter formal is long overdue at Cedar Falls High School.

“This is the first Winter Formal at [Cedar Falls High School] that I am aware of; they used to have a tradition of having a Valentine’s Day dance, which would have been in February, but that dance hasn’t happened for a while,” school counselor Ryan Flaherty said.

When the idea was presented at a student senate meeting, the students unanimously agreed the school should have a winter formal.

“We wanted a winter formal because a lot of other schools have them, and we never have, so we thought it would be fun. Plus, we don’t have a dance between the Halloween dance and prom, so we thought sticking a winter formal in would be a good idea. Also, most of our dances are themed, where you don’t really get dressed up for it besides prom, so we thought it would be nice to have a dance where everyone could get semi-dressed up,” Morris said.

The senate members agree that this winter formal is not just another homecoming or an almost prom. The formal is its own dance with its own qualities that make it unique.

“For homecoming, not everybody dresses formal, so it’s a chance to dress formal, but not as formal as prom. We have a couple dances right at the beginning of the year, and then not one until Prom, so it gives students something to look forward to in the winter. Also, sophomores can’t go to prom unless they are asked, so this is a formal they can [all] go to,” senior Haley Patterson said.

“You don’t have to go as dates. You can go in a small or big group, but you can still have a date, too,” senior Else Jehle said.

“We were thinking the girls would wear short dresses—school appropriate, of course. Then the guys would wear nice pants such as dress pants

or khakis, a nice dress shirt (button up shirt) and then a tie, but the tie is optional if they really don’t want to wear it. We were thinking along the lines of 9th grade dance attire. [It’ll be] nothing too expensive, but still fun and cute,” Morris said.

However, a formal is a formal, and the outfits should reflect that.

“Well, it’s not as elegant and ‘all out’ as prom.

It’s more of a simple, yet formal dance. In the past years homecoming has been kind of ‘wear what you want’ and some people dress-up, some people make outfits, so this is an opportunity to have an all-around formal. It’s also different from prom because you don’t have to go out and get your hair done and do all the extra stuff,” Patterson said.

Profits from the formal will go to help future Student Senate projects, which will in turn help those who need a little extra help in our community and school.

“Some will go to help buy presents for flood victims in North Cedar, some will help buy winter clothes for children who can’t afford them and the rest of the money will fund other future Student Senate projects,” Flaherty said.

As the idea of a winter formal changes into reality, excitement stirs among the faculty as well

as the students.

“A Winter Formal gives students a chance to hang out with friends, meet new people and have fun in a healthy environment. In the past two schools I have worked at, the Winter Formal Dance is one of the best dances of the year. I am really looking forward to our first Winter Formal.

I am glad we have another dance where all high school students can attend,” Flaherty said.

Student Senate wants to encourage those who are still not convinced they want to come to the winter formal.

“I think people should come to winter formal because it’s another chance for everyone to have a good time together, and since we usually don’t get very many dances, we should really use this opportunity to make sure that a lot of people come. You get to dress up and have fun with your friends. Why wouldn’t you want to go? And for the seniors, we don’t have much more time together, so everyone, this is just something we can all be together at,” Jehle said.

Student Senate would also ask students to purchase “candy grams” to help support 2008 Flood Vicitms. Students can purchase the candy grams before, after and during lunch.

They will sell at one dollar and be distributed Friday.

Some planning early graduation Linden Terpstera Staff Writer

Many seniors are deciding to graduate early this year, breaking free of high school and pursuing their future beyond it.

Senior Hilary Leonard is such a case.

“I decided to graduate early because I wanted to start college and get on with my life,” Leonard said. “I felt it was time to become an adult and take that first step.”

Leonard already has her future planned out and is simply getting a head start. “I’m planning on going to community college to get my general education done, then transfer to UNI and get a degree in psychology,” she said.

Throughout the many perks of moving forward, there are many memories left behind. “[I will miss] just being around my friends every day. However, I know that we will all stay in touch,” Leonard said.

While many are looking towards postsecondary education, senior Laura Zeman plans

to venture off the general route. “I got the opportunity to work in the Iowa House of Representatives second semester, and to do it I had to graduate early,” she said. “[I plan] to work as a page and split my weekends between Des Moines and Cedar Falls.”

Zeman holds no regrets as she advances into her future. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Cedar Falls, but I am ready to move on.”

Other seniors that plan to graduate early include Stephanie Adolphs, Sara Ahlschwede, Derek Balm, Brandon Curtis, Hillary Gallagher, Wyatt Guthrie, April Hackman, Brandon Held, Sydney Jesse, Garett Johnson, Trenisha Jones, Austin Kaus, Katie Kelly, Sabrina Larson, Sarah Leedom, Matt Lumetta, Jalia Ravn, Zach Stow, Sara Thompson, Bryce Wirtz and Iva Zdiliar.

However, this list is tentative due to the fact that all students must meet the graduation requirements, and it will not be final until the end of the semester.

Honor Heindl Graphic Semi-formal dresses are suggested for girls to wear to the winter formal, while boys are suggested to wear a nice button up shirt with nice pants. Ties are optional.

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Stress Management Club,

counselors aid students Students are stressed. It’s a simple fact. With the activity-filled holiday season coming up and money from summer jobs starting to run out, students have to keep a lot of aspects of their life in check.

We at the Tiger HiLine have some helpful tips for you. We spoke briefly to Ryan Flaherty, Cedar Falls High School guidance counselor.

“High school can be a very stressful time of your life,” he said, “and we’re always glad to help. When dealing with stress, we do three things. First, we try to identify what’s causing the stress.”

“One of the best stress management tips is talking it out with others.”

This can be anything from a class at school to troubles in your home life. “Then we figure out what the student can change about that.

Obviously, if you’re having troubles with your mom, she’s going to be around, so we try to see what else we can change. Then we give the students tips to help them manage their stress.”

Tips we found range from making sure to get a good night’s sleep to eating healthy. One of the best stress management tips is talking it out with others.

That’s exactly what the new student-managed stress management club is trying to help with. Senior Amanda Wolf had the Stress Management Club’s first meeting on Thursday, December 4. We encourage students to attend the club and also to speak to their counselors if they’re having stress issues.

Contact the Tiger Hi-Line

The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Each edition is published on Wenesdays during the school year in The Insider and Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, 501 Commercial St., Waterloo, Iowa 50701.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Hi-Line or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View.

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 Thursday for publication the following Wednesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.

Editorial Staff

Editors-in-Chief: Honor Heindl, Kellie Petersen and Ellen Wrede Business Managers: Jill Dally and Alex Entz News Editors: Arlene Freudenberg and Sara Strever Opinion Editors: Maggie Devine and Vincent Stigliani Sports Editors: Nick Penticoff and Paul Strike Feature Editor: Honor Heindl On-Line Editors: Torie Jochims and Ellen Wrede Entertainment Editors: Maggie Devine and Torie Jochims Photo Editor: Honor Heindl Cartoonist: Katie Dexter Senior Writers: Jackie Jordan and Tasha Woods

Dec. 17, 2008

Auto bail-out only responsible choice Strong opinions have been raised disappear and instead will be bought over the past month on whether or by competitors. While this is true, it not to ‘bail-out’, or to provide federal would take a while – perhaps years – loans to the big three auto manufor all the jobs to come back. When facturers in the United States-Ford, they do, they will be from overseas Chrysler, and GM. automakers that are With all three comnot nearly as taxable panies in financial or profitable for the jeopardy and GM government, and the forecasting bankruptbenefits will be far cy before we ring in lower or nonexistent. the New Year, a clear Whilst bankruptcy course of action must protection is designed be decided immedito give failing compaately. I believe bailing nies a second chance out the Big Three is to restructure and the only responsible reorganize themselves choice. before they cease to The Big Three exist, it offers nothing Mike Droste and their suppliers for automakers.

Staff Writer fuel just under three While bankruptcy million jobs in the United States alone. not bode well for auto sales (consumIf allowed to go into bankruptcy in ers are reluctant to buy from compaour current (poor) economic climate, nies in bankruptcy, because car warunemployment would skyrocket, ranties would be meaningless if the the stock market would take another company fell apart), the Big Three’s tumble, and the costs of government problem isn’t in their poor corporate assistance (via new unemployment structure. They’ve overproduced and beneficiaries) would actually exceed are stuck with cars that won’t sell, the cost of the bail-out itself. a problem not helped by going into Those against a bail-out often bring bankruptcy. up the idea that the factories and jobs I can say with just as much conpowered by the Big Three will not just fidence that although bailing them

out is the right thing to do, it isn’t the answer. Giving the automakers money will keep them afloat for a matter of months, and maybe years, but without a better solution they will inevitably come back in the same position.

The United States has had a bigger car problem for decades, and the elephant in the room is our trade agreements.

Japan, for example, has exported over 40 million cars to America since 1975. America has only exported 400,000 in the same period of time.

We have over a hundred trade agreements with other nations, the majority of which are much more profitable to the other nations involved.

Because recessions tend to occur across the globe when the United States enters one, other countries will share a joint interest in keeping our country from declining deeper into a recession to protect their own economic concerns, even if it means adjusting pre-existing trade deals.

I believe that a bail-out of the auto industry is necessary, especially in the midst of the worst recession in recent memory. Unless the new administration works to find the underlying cause, however, America will find itself in the same place in 2009.

Students struck by recession can find other resolutions to money problems Many seniors are heading into colrecession will last. The Auto Induslege next year without deciding what try is on the edge of collapse, and a career they want to pursue during the resolution to the financial crisis still in course of their life. the works.

Besides the few who The airlines, railhave their mind set, roads, subway system, the rest of us are all our ways of travel left to ponder all the are behind in the times options. and need great imYou want to provement. choose something With our country not just based on in trouble, this creates money, but somemany opportunities for thing you enjoy. us.

Something you can America is looking see yourself doing for new entrepreneurs twenty years down with new ideas to A.J. Miller the road and still be help fix this country.

Staff Writer enjoying it just as Also, most of the Baby much.

Boomer generation is facing retireWith the recession official now, ment. That again opens more jobs for many employers are cutting jobs. us.

No one knows just how long this I have had a taste of the reces-

sion myself. I was working at Steak N’ Shake in Waterloo up until they closed.

We were always busy it seemed.

But the CEO of Steak N’ Shake decided they needed to cut back, so they closed the bottom twenty stores that weren’t making enough profit. We were one of them. Now I am laid off and receiving unemployment.

Yes the recession is official, and is affecting many Americans. But if we open our eyes a little, we have so many opportunities in front of us.

Our countries major industries need help. They are looking at college graduates to hire and bring them new ideas and new innovations.

What a perfect opportunity for many students. An idea or innovation can make you millionaire and that’s what our major industries need.

Let’s help fix our country.

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Close-mindedness at root of local, national gay rights issues Dec. 17, 2008

Recently throughout the United States and even Ankeny, Iowa, parents have been protesting about a children’s book entitled And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson. It is based on a true story of two gay male penguins at a New York zoo adopting an abandoned baby named Tango.

Parents are saying that it is not right for young children to be exposed to the “gay undertones”.

As a Christian, I have personally been brought up very openly.

I’ve been exposed to different ideas and outlooks, and I have learned to not be prejudiced against anyone for the sole reason that we all are people.

We each have things that make us who we are as individuals, and there is not just one quality in my opinion that defines a person. For me, saying that you are gay is like

saying you have brown hair or say- dren over to witchcraft and magic, ing that you play soccer. Being gay I do not think it would have been does not consume wise to construct your whole being. another reason It’s a part of you, for parents to yes, but gay people ban the books. also have lives and In my feelings and hopes LAE class, and dreams. They we discussed are just like everywhy Rowling one else. may have not Last year, the auput that detail thor of Harry Potin her books ter, J.K. Rowling, until inklings announced that the in Harry Potter famous headmaster and the Deathly of Hogwarts, Albus Hallows. We Monica Clark Dumbledore, was discussed why Staff Writer indeed gay. Many we thought it wondered if this wasn’t an imwas a cry for more publicity for portant detail to the book. It didn’t her books, but I disagree. change the fact that Dumbledore Being the author of a book that was a brilliant, kind hearted man has been accused of bringing chiland a guiding teacher to all who

knew him.

Knowing that someone is gay should not change the outlook you have on the person no matter what you believe. They are still live, breathing human beings.

Throughout the ages we have been prejudiced against certain races, ethnic groups, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations and nationalities. We judge by what we see and what we think we know and not by what we discover when we get to know them. In so many instances we fear what we don’t know.

So what is so wrong about having a book dealing with two gay penguins taking care of a baby? If by exposing children to this now makes them realize that everyone is equal no mater who they are, why not? For too long children and teenagers have been sheltered

to the happenings of the world, and I think we need to start learning about the world we live in as children. By letting us be exposed to this at a young age, we can come to realize that acceptance is a qualification in this world.

I don’t mean that we need to force someone to believe in something they don’t feel strongly about, but hating someone for who they are and what they chose isn’t right.

I can’t change the fact that I was born white or American or with brown hair. But what do we do? We change.

Just for the need to fit in. I admit that I’ve even fallen for this many times, and I can bet we all have, but by embracing who we are for what we are, and learning from each other, all of us together can make this world a better place.

Once upon a time, the word of a critic could make or break a film or show.

A film that was panned or received tepid reviews would bomb at the box office, sometimes to be revived as a cult film.

A Broadway play that received poor reviews would close shortly after opening, while a play with positive reviews would run for a while. The producers would hold their breath for the word from The New York Times, New York Post and Variety.

But today a film can receive scathing reviews and be number one at the box office. A Broadway show can get negative reviews from almost all of the critics, yet can be a huge success. A show with excellent reviews may not run for a long time.

Why are films and shows with poor reviews doing so well?

Back when a critic’s say mattered, we, the American people, read the paper more frequently than we do now. What we knew about the world around us came

from newspapers, radio, newsreels People also want to see stars in and either ABC, NBC or CBS. films. Brad Pitt is in a mediocre Now we have film? You have to the Internet, buy tickets for it. which in essence Broadway is makes everyone quite possibly the a critic. This can worst offender cause several with this, and problems with they don’t just how people get put films and TV their reviews. For stars in shows, but starters, we now they will also put use the Internet on the marquee to read news the name of an articles, but some actor familiar to people ignore the theater going the mainstream audience.

Monica Reida sources and go But above all, Staff Writer for the blogs for critics have lost their news. their respect. A reA problem with this is that view from Ebert and Roper is now you don’t know who is reviewing no more than a quote for an ad. something. While a review on the Manohla Dargis of The New York Los Angeles Times website has the Times gave Garfield a poor review name of the critic, a blog has just a and got a villain named after her username. in the sequel. While the view of a Another problem is that few critic as an enemy is nothing old, films are original now. They may this treatment borders on being just be based on books, plays, musicals flat out sad. or are a remake.

This is not just the case with

major critics. In my own personal experience, I can say that the opinion of the arts critics for The Courier and The Gazette is frequently scoffed at by actors of the productions they review and by the readers of the paper. It could be that people see that reviews from critics in general are poorly written, or some may feel that they are out of touch. A peer may be seen as a better source.

But people are also incredibly picky with their sources on reviews. This may be because they understand the reasoning of the critic or enjoy their writing. It may also be that they do not read a certain newspaper because of their own personal opinions of the publication. This can cause quite a bit of unevenness with opinion.

In all honest though, does the general public, the producers, really expect that the critics are going to like films that look horrible in just the trailers or TV ads?

It seems as though this is the case, yet the public and the industry retaliates and criticizes the

critics when they say the inevitable. Frequently, a critic’s opinion is well-founded and has good reasoning.

Yet they become the enemy because they don’t share your opinion. Yes, you can disagree with them, but frequently the disagreement of their opinion becomes an attack on the individual.

But will this continue into the future? It seems as though the recent trend in films and Broadway shows will continue.

There will probably be several negative reviews of the film version of New Moon, perhaps more than it’s predecessor due to the firing of the director. A panning of Spider-Man: The Musical, which is actually in the works, might not stop audiences from seeing it.

It sadly seems that as the industry of newspaper journalism dies, so has the opinion of the critic.

While ever truthful, straightforward and filled with both positive and negative emotions, it is a voice becoming unheeded in today’s world.

Role, respect of critics greatly different from past

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1. Skiing 2. Sledding 3. Snowboarding 4. Snow ball fight 5. Vigorous exercise (shoveling) 6. Build a fort/castle/igloo 7. Cool down hot chocolate 8. Make snow cones/snow pop 9. Snow angels 10. Track animals by their footprints 11. Getting out of school 12. Cross Country Skiing/Snow Shoeing 13. Ice skating 14. Make a snowman or some other icy masterpiece 15. Sledding Ramps 16. Quench your thirst

Not a fan of the chill? Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, get comfy and dare to enter a world of vampires and werewolves, laugh out loud at Doyle’s dry humor, be moved by the raw emotion & thoughts of a teenage boy or smile at the utter cuteness of a fairytaletype love story. The six books above are just a few of the greatest escapes one can experience. So what are you waiting for? Go get lost in a book.

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Dec. 17, 2008

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If reading isn’t your forte, bring on the nostalgia of your favorite films. Dust off those Disney Classics you repeatedly watched when you were a kid. Sit back, relax, and enjoy one of those feel-good, magical masterpieces.

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Music:

•Fear the State Against the Ropes •Stephanie Smith Not Afraid

Movies:

•Seven Pounds •The Tale of Despereaux •Yes Man •The Curious Case of Benjamin Button • The Spirit •Valkyrie • Bedtime Stories •Marley & Me

F eature Pod cast This week’s feature podcast as well as eight others that are updated every other week can be found on The Tiger Hi-Line Online (http://www.cedar-falls.k12.ia.us/ buildings/cfhs/journalism/index. html) by following the podcast links. Internet Explorer does not work for viewing this site. Use Safari, Firefox or Opera for best results. The website is also linked off the high school’s website.

Just Do It with host Jarek Bakken

This show finds students who won’t settle for watching life pass them by. They find another world of creativity after the three o’clock bell at the end of the school day.

Nov. 25/Episode Six This week sophomore KC Groomes takes us into the real world of competitive wrestling.

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Season’s hottest video games boast

great graphics, exciting game play Will Zey Staff Writer

Santa is coming to town, so here are some sports video games to add to your list.

Shaun White Snowboarding is available for the Xbox360, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, WII and the NDS. One of the good things about this game is that the mountains that you snowboard down have no set path. You can go pretty much anywhere you want. You can also do more than snowboarding.

You can hike to access secret spots, throw snowballs, and videotape your friends doing tricks. These videos can be uploaded onto the Internet. Some of the bad things are that there are only four mountains that you can snowboard down. Also the crashes are very unrealistic. In other games you would actually fall, but in this one you just bounce right back up. It costs $49.99 Skate It is available for Wii. Skate was released for the Xbox360 and the PS3, and now they have a version for Wii. There is a unique set of controls for this game. You can use just the Wii remote alone, the remote and the nunchuk, or the remote and the balance board. The remote and the nunchuk are the most precise, while the remote and balance board are the least. This game lacks the open world that you were able to explore at your leisure in Skate. The sound effects are great on this game, as well as the graphics. This is probably the best skateboarding game on the Wii. This costs $49.99 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 has been released for the Xbox360, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS and the Wii. This game has improved its single-player career mode. In the career mode, you choose a character, one made up or one that already exists, and you enter a bracket to win the title belt. The other single player mode features six unique stories where you play as WWE superstars like The Undertaker or John Cena and defeat numerous foes on you way to Wrestlemania glory.

Some of the down sides to this game

photos taken from ign.com

Top left: Shaun White Snowboarding tears up the mountains. Bottom Left: Need For Speed Undercover rips through the city. Top Right: The cover of NPPL Championship Paintball Breakout 2009. Middle Right: In Skate It, an avatar pulls a trick. Bottom Right: The NCAA Basketball ‘09 Cover. are that there are weak sound effects, and lag hampers online matches. Also the characters maneuver somewhat clumsily. Some of the good things about this game are that there is an impressive array of different moves.

There are lots of different match types.

The superstars and the arenas look good and the single-player modes are very good. The price for this game is $59.99 NCAA Basketball 09 is available for the Xbox360, PS3 and the PS2. EA has improved several of the game play issues making this the best college basketball effort to date. The most significant change they made is they used the same game engine they used in EA’s NBA Live series. This leads to improved player and ball physics.

Some of the downsides are that the response time during game play is often slow. There is no online team play mode. Most other EA Sports titles have this except for this one. Also dribble moves rarely work. The game costs $29.99 for the PS2 and $59.99 for the PS3 and Xbox360.

NPPL Championship Paintball Breakout 2009 is available for Xbox360, PS2, PS3 and Wii. The 3-D was modeled using the same technology used for Call of Duty weaponry.

This game is also the most authentic and realistic paintball game out so far.

The game costs $49.99 and $29.99 for the PS2 Need For Speed Undercover is available for the PS3, PS2, PSP, DS, Wii, Xbox360 and the PC. Of all the

Need for Speed games, this one is most like Most Wanted. In this game you are an undercover cop that is trying to take down a group of street racers that are somehow involved in an international smuggling ring. Some of the good things about this game are that there are plenty of cop chases.

There are many challenges where you have to ram and take out a certain amount of cops. One of the bad things about this is that mostly the cops don’t do much more that bang the side of you car and yell at you. Another bad thing about this game is that the game frame rate goes so slow that it makes the game nearly unplayable at times.

The price is $59.99 for the PS3 and the Xbox360. $49.99 for the Wii. And $39.99 for the PC, PS2 and the PSP.

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A Saturday at the races

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Tiger swimmers rule at Marcussen Invite

Athlete Week of the

Brian Verink Men’s Swimming Senior Senior Brian Verink has been a competitive swimmer for 10-13 years. He won State last year and plans to win this year.

The Tigers defended their home turf at the Marcussen Invite Saturday. Top left: Foreign exchange student Max Herre exerts himself in a breaststroke event. Bottom left: Junior Garret Moses surges on as he does the front crawl. Right: Sophomore Austin Abbas comes up for a breath in the butterfly.

Bystanders beware

Intramural dodgeball back in full force

By Andy McDermott Staff Writer

Cedar Falls High School and PE teacher Jamie Smith will be holding a 6-on-6 co-ed dodgeball tournament in the CFHS gym with the start of the season beginning on Jan. 15.

Now, it’s time for some rules and guidelines for the dodgeball tournament. Teams need to have at least six players, with a 15-person maximum roster. There will have to always be six players on the court at a time, and each team is responsible for subbing and making sure that all players participate.

Each team is required to have four players present at the start of the game to be able to compete. If players arrive late, they may join the game. If there are not four players present at the start of the game, the team will be forced

to forfeit. If Smith is not notified of all forfeits by noon of game day, the team will forfeit its next game.

The games will be best of seven, with each game being five minutes long. The winning team is the team with the most players left standing.

The court boundaries are the volleyball court, which will be marked by cones, with the dividing line between the teams being the half court line.

Players may also step out of the boundaries to retrieve a ball on their side, but may not throw unless they are inside the court. The game is played with four foam gator skin balls that are placed even distance away from each other and 10 feet away from the half court line. The game begins with each team at its end line. The team will need to designate two people to retrieve the balls. At the sound of the whistle, those two people will run

up to the balls, and they cannot throw the ball from within the 10-foot line.

Players are out when they are hit with a ball off of a throw (bounces do not count), when a ball they threw is caught or when a ball deflects off of a ball and still hits them. All players that get out will be required to stand off to the side away from the playing area.

If a player catches a ball, one person on their team is allowed to come back in. The player that comes back in will have to be the first player they got out.

If a player catches a ball and they are the last person in, everyone on their team will be allowed to come back in.

The last player in may also try to shoot a basket into the other teams hoop to try to get all of their team members back in.

“I think it is awesome. It is always fun to see how many kids go out and play, whether they are in sports or

not. I also love to see the kids get active, and most of them leave dripping sweat. Last year there were about six teams, and this year I am expecting around five-eight, but we will have to see about those sophomores,” Smith said.

Dodgeball is a way to get involved and interact with other kids around the school, outside of school, so Smith encourages all to sign up, work with their teams, have fun and go for the CFHS Dodgeball Championship.

The deadline to register teams is Wednesday, Jan. 7. The fee to register a team is $1 per person, and the money needs to be turned in before any team is accepted. The league season will begin on Jan. 15, with the next dates as follows: Jan. 20, Feb. 5, 7, 23 and March 9. The games times for the dates already mentioned will be 7:30, 8, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m.

1. What do you like about swimming?

I’ve always been a good swimmer, I think it’s fun, and I enjoy the hard work that I have to put into it.

2. How long have you been swimming?

We are going to try to qualify as many people as we can. We are also going to try to make it to State and score as high as we can.

3. What’ s your overall goal?

To win State again and swim as fast as I can at State 4. Since it is your last season swimming is there anything that you would like to happen?

No, not really. I just want to go to State and win it again.

Tigers in Action

Men’s Basketball (2-1) Lost to Ames 77-40 Next: Waterloo East 12/19 (6 p.m. @ CFHS) Women’s Basketball (1-5) Lost to Decorah 69-53 Next: Waterloo East 12/19 (6 p.m. @ Waterloo East) Men’s Bowling Lost to Dubuque Wahlert Next: Waterloo West 12/19 (3:45 p.m. @ Maple Lanes) Women’s Bowling Beat Dubuque Wahlert Next: Waterloo West 12/19 (3:45 p.m. @ Maple Lanes) Men’s Swimming Won Marcussen Invitational Next: Newton 12/13 (5:30 p.m. @ Newton) Wrestling Lost to CR Prairie Next: CR Jefferson 12/18 (6:15 p.m. @ CR Jefferson)

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Nov. 19, 2008

Swimmers finish as runners up at State • Bethany Olson’s state diving title repeat and two runner-ups for Bailey Pons lift Tiger women up 16 places from last year.

Ben Olson Staff Writer

The women’s state swimming and diving meet, held on Nov. 7-8 at the Marshalltown YMCA, proved to be another tough battle for Cedar Falls, who ultimately took runner-up behind West Des Moines Valley.

Cedar Falls splashed right into the lead when senior Bethany Olson repeated her last year’s performance,

winning the state diving title. Sophomore Lauren Halloran finished seventh place in the diving competition.

Going into the swimming portion, Cedar Falls led by 12 points over Johnston. The early lead still couldn’t prevent Valley from taking control, though.

The meet started with the 200 medley relay, where Valley won in a time of 1:47.55, an all-American time. The CF squad of freshman Kelsey Abbas, senior Erica Scullin, junior Ashlee Graham and senior Sarah Hedeen finished in fifth place with a time of 1:51.5.

Next in the 200 free, junior Bailey Pons lost a tight battle to Ames swimmer Stephanie Koch, finishing second in 1:53.39.

The 200 IM was a strong race for the Valley Tigers. Danielle Harris of West Des Moines blew the field away and won in state record time of

2:04.24. Freshman Montana Clasby of Cedar Falls made it to the podium in sixth place with a time of 2:14.79.

Next up for the Tigers was the 100 fly, where Graham narrowly missed the podium in seventh place with a time of 1:00.73. Scullin was 18th in 1:02.51.

The biggest upset of the day came in the 500 free. Senior Allison Harding of Valley dropped 16 seconds from her seed time to win in 5:00.33. Pons was a close second with a time of 5:01.8.

Freshman Alesha Rettenmeier was 20th in 5:33.23.

“The second place will definitely give me a goal in the future. It gives me something to think about every day, so I can push myself harder at practices,” Pons said.

Afterwards in the 200 free relay, the CF team of Pons, Graham, Hedeen and Abbas was eighth in 1:40.67.

The 100 back saw Abbas again

with a top placing. She ended up third with a solid time of 59.55.

Next in the 100 breast, Cedar Falls was a strong force, with Hedeen ninth in a time of 1:08.52, Scullin 11th in 1:09.91 and Clasby 13th in 1:10.62.

In the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, Valley won in 3:35.61. The CF team of Pons, Graham, Clasby and Hedeen was ninth in 3:43.29.

After the points were tallied up, Valley claimed the state championship with 316 points. Cedar Falls was runner-up with 201 points, a huge improvement from 18th place last year.

“I would say our team is happy with second. We performed our best, and to be able to take something home is an accomplishment,” Pons said.

Coach Richard Marcussen also said he felt the day had a good outcome.

“That was definitely quite a jump in one year. I was happy with the efforts, and there were some improvements.

We had a lot of first-timers dealing with the stress and pressure. They swam a little tight,” Marcussen said.

New swimsuit technology played a role at the meet as well. Aside from the usual Fastskin suits meant for end-of-season meets, many girls were wearing Speedo’s new LZR Racer suit, which runs near $600. Dozens of world records have been set in this suit, which raises questions as to whether it should be worn at a local high school meet.

“It probably wasn’t the best, or fair thing, but you can’t exactly ban them from state because parents could afford an expensive suit,” Pons said.

The debate on suits will continue, but it doesn’t override one of Cedar Falls’ strongest comebacks in the past few years.

“I think a lot of coaches would like to be in the position I’m in now with the team,” Marcussen said.

Basketball teams warming up for winter New faces lead men’s team Women aim for return to State Marissa King Staff Writer

The men’s varsity basketball team will start off the season ranked No. 21 after completing last season with a 13-10 overall record, but short of returning veterans, the men are in for a challenge.

“Darion Howard and Kyle Bernard are the only returning starters. I believe the leading scorer and top rebounder from last year’s team were Mike Shindel and Austin Pehl. At this point I’m not sure who will replace those guys. I’m sure we’ll need everybody to step up and improve to be successful,” assistant coach Tom Bardal said.

The men will face tough opponents from Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Iowa City schools.

“The entire league is very good as it is every year. I would guess most people would say Linn-Mar and Iowa City are probably considered the favorites,” Bardal said.

“We’ve got some tough competition this year, and we lost some really great players from last year. Everybody will have to step up in order for this to be a successful season,” senior Shane Fuller said.

As it is with all sports, the seniors are

responsible for leadership roles. This year is no exception.

“I expect our seniors to step up and provide the leadership needed to be successful. They’ve done a great job in football. I’m confident it will continue,” Bardal said.

“All season long, we’ve been striving for a state championship. We’ve been working hard every day, and I’m sure our work ethic will carry on into the basketball season,” Fuller said.

All the players are ready to step up to their coaches’ and their own expectations of themselves. They are ready to put in the extra effort.

“My philosophy is dictated by what type of team I have. I think you can teach certain principles each year, but you have to be able to change your style to be successful. Our main goal for this season is to have all our players improve in all areas both offensively and defensively,” but Bardal has one area specifically in mind for the team to work on this year.

“I think one area that we really need to focus on for us to be successful is rebounding.

How will we do? Time will tell,” Bardal said.

The men’s first game is on Friday, Dec. 5 against Ballard Huxley.

Marissa King Staff Writer

With eight returning seniors and becoming state qualifiers last season, the women’s basketball team is eager to return to the court.

“Well, I am really excited for basketball to start and to start playing games. I think our season will go good; we have a tough schedule, but it’ll be fun. We all really want to make it to State again,” senior Lindsey Morris said.

One of the most important qualities any team should have is teamwork, and the Tigers have plenty of it.

“I’m excited to start playing games again and spending time with the girls on the team. I’m also excited for chapel, which is dinner and a message from a speaker before a game. All the pre-game stuff is great,” senior Haley Patterson said.

“Our main goal as a team is to improve each week and obtain the team chemistry is takes to be successful. It will be difficult to improve on last year’s squad, but we will work hard to match it,” coach Dan List said.

“I am looking forward to this season a lot because all of us get along, and I think that we can be very successful. If we put it all together then we should be very successful. I just think it will be a very fun season; everyone is very excited,” junior Courtney Dreyer said.

The Tigers will have to compete with No. 1 Iowa City High, and their third game is against No. 3 Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Their fourth game is against No. 2 Linn-Mar. “My coaching philosophy is play hard and come ready to play every day. Maximize your effort; that is the only thing you can control each day,” List said.

The team will have one lone returning starter, Laura Johnson. Two seasons ago she broke the season record of best three-point percentage with 47.5 percent, but the role of team leader won’t be just up to her.

“It is the senior’s team each year because it is their last season of high school basketball, yet we need the entire squad to work hard to push the players in front of them and for the team to maximize their talent,” List said.

“This group of players had a good summer together. They are very inexperienced and do not have a lot of size, but they work hard and have good team chemistry on and off the court. They will play hard,” List said.

The women’s first game is against Columbus High School on Monday, Nov. 24 during the Metro Jamboree.

“It will be difficult to improve on last year’s squad, but we will work hard to match it. We want to go as far as we can. Every team begins with a trip to State as its goal, and we are no different,” List said.

Tuesday, Dec. 9 - Band Concert Thursday, Dec. 11 - Orchestra Concert

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Dec. 17, 2008

Francisco Villavicencio (’09)

Hanley Coyle (’09)

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The Music of the Night

B ethany Olson (’09)

Monica Reida (’09) & Sarah Kline (’10)

Caribbean Tan and SPa

Honor Heindl & Tyler Schaub Photographs

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Visit: www.caribbeantanandspa.com 1704 W 1st st. Suite e Cedar Falls (319)277-1110