November 2014 voice

HUNTLEY HIGH SCHOOL 13719 Harmony Rd.

Huntley, IL 60142 (847) 659-6600 @huntleyvoice huntleyvoice.com

the

VOICE Nov. 14, 2014 Volume 18, Issue 2

STRENGTH OUT OF A STRUGGLE

The survival story of young Teagan Haniszewski not only raises awareness of childhood cancer, but unites the Huntley community for a good cause. by danielle katz

(J. Claussen)

1. Download the Aurasma App 2. Search huntleyvoice with the search bar 3. Follow huntleyvoice 4. Hold app scanner over pictures with this logo ne

2

NEWS

november 14 2014

Project fieldhouse is currently underway Huntley High is currently undergoing major changes, including the addition of a fieldhouse

taylor o’donnell // staff writer

S

ophomore Lia McCloyn pushes her way through the sea of students in the hallway as she makes her way to her math class.

When she finally reaches the door, she has to push past a group of chatting students to enter the room.

“I feel like the school is too crowded, especially during passing periods,” said McCloyn.

The hallways are going to keep filling up until HHS reaches 3000 students.

Huntley High School has become very overcrowded with students, causing constant blockage of the hallways and overcrowded classrooms. This will become a major problem because it is estimated that by the 2018 - 2019 school year there will be over 3,050 students.

A special committee was created to deal with this problem: The Huntley 3000. A small group of architects, staff members, and the building company (Lamp Inc.) worked tirelessly to create a blueprint for new extensions to the

school grounds.

They managed to come up with many new ideas pertaining to the library, gyms, classrooms, and much more. However, they ran into a big problem. There was not enough space to go through with all of their plans.

So, this is where the fieldhouse comes in.

The fieldhouse’s main purpose is to serve as a new gym in replacement for the West Gym. By doing so, the fieldhouse helped to clear a lot of space in the school, opening up many new options such as the relocation of the library.

The West Gym will soon serve as the new library in replacement of the current library.

After many renovations to the gym, the library will be moved there, and it will contain new and improved computers, chairs, desks, tables, and more. A ceiling will be added above the renovated library to fit more classrooms.

This left yet another set of problems. What was needed in regard to new classrooms?

“Do they need to be traditional classrooms?” said Principal Scott Rowe. “Or science labs?” Rowe assisted in the planning of the new classrooms and helped to finalize the plan.

This was all possible thanks to a grant from the state for $39 million to help with construction and traffic control. $35 million was used for the construction of the school and road. The rest of the money went to paying off debts on the other buildings, such as Marlowe and Heineman. It also went to repairs and other such expenses.

Traffic will also be more fluid now thanks to the grant.

A new lane for cars will be built that leads from the stoplight to the new student parking lot. This allows for buses and

Construction of the new athletic fieldhouse (R. O’Sullivan).

visitors to get in and out of the school with ease.

Back to the effects of the fieldhouse. Due to the clearing of the West Gym and the relocation of the library, there is now a big, open space in the center of the school. What is to be done? It is simple. Give the students the room.

The wall, connected to the main hallway of the cafeteria, will be torn down. The cafeteria will be expanded and the library will be replaced by a new lounge. The lounge will be used for blended students and students before and after school. The lounge will contain new couches, tables, chairs and much more.

Regardless, many of the hallways are still overcrowded and the fieldhouse will not change that.

The freshmen wing, main staircase, w-wing, and health hallway are the most crowded sections of the school because there is one hall that connects all of them. However, there are plans to connect the freshmen wing and w-wing that can help to alleviate some of the congestion.

Thanks to all of the new renovations and construction, the school hallways will be less congested, the teachers will have more classrooms, and the students will receive a new library, cafeteria, and blended lounge.

This was all made possible thanks to the construction of the fieldhouse.

november 14, 2014

NEWS

Stopping child obesity one tray at a time

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Despite the generally negative responses from the students, the lunches are taking a healthier turn

trisha fritz // staff writer

F

reshman Jack Bell walks into the cafeteria with a stomach that is growling a little too loud for fourth period. Every morning Bell scans the long lines and loud tables for his friends during 4A lunch before making his way over to their usual hangout.

Tagging along with one of his friends, Tyler Fritz, in the lunch line, Bell picks up the main entree with chips, water, a rice crispy treat and a juice, which must be bought to complete the meal. For them, this is something exciting from the minimum choices they had in middle school.

But for junior Edward Parzygnat, lunch is completely different now.

“I went from buying anything I wanted to not finding my favorite snacks,” said Parzygnat.

Normally, milk, chips, the daily entree, and a chocolate muffin was all that was needed to last Parzygnat throughout the day. There are some changes in the routine.

“The meals are so small, and I need to get a lot more for lunch just to feel full, which costs a lot more money, said Parzygnat A meal is $2.69, a la carte would be the same cost, so it is just better to take the fruit and vegetable because it comes free with the meal.

Each day, 30.6 million children eat lunch through the National School Lunch Program according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that child obesity rates have tripled in the past decades. Cur-

rently, 19.6 percent of children aged from 6 to 11 are obese or overweight, as well as 18.1 percent of children 12 to 19. More and more foods like pizza, chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers end up on their trays-and have recently come under scrutiny.

In response, education leaders are taking a look into school lunches. More recently Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign that has taken effect this past July has focused attention on school nutrition, and many schools are adopting stricter standards in the lunch line as well as in the vending machines.

An “unhealthy” lunch tray according to the USDA (Pablo Alcala/LexingtonHerald-Leader/MCT).

In the past, USDA regulations only governed the reimbursable meals in the National School Lunch and Break- cent of the total calories from fat per item In general, vendors are cutting fats while fast Programs, but have taken on a new look increasing the grains, fruits, and vegetables. that follows these guidelines: Hence the two fruit or veggie packs you must ● Be a whole grain rich product (50 pick up to complete your meal. percent or more whole grain) “I just feel bad enforcing these new rules, ● Have the first ingredient be listed because I know it goes to waste,” said Debby as a fruit, vegetable, dairy product or protein McGowan, lunch lady. “Kids really do not want food a fruit or vegetable, it used to be a milk that ● Be a combination food with at least made it a meal, but now thats different.” ½ cup of fruit or vegetable Challenges from tight budgets to picky eat● Contain 10 percent of the Daily ers remain, and District 158 will continue to Value of one nutrient of public health concern hunt for a balance. (calcium, potassium, vitamin D) ● Total fat must be less than 35 per-

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NEWS

november 14 2014

School nurse adresses risks of Ebola virus Recent Ebola cases in the United States have caused many Americans to go in a state of panic

courtney thomas // features editor

T

he recent Ebola cases in the United States have sent citizens into a frenzy, terrified of contracting it. I know I was scared of Ebola because the first thing I heard about Ebola was that you bleed out of every pore in your body, but that was all I knew about it.

For people like myself, the state of Illinois has created an Ebola hotline (800-889-3931) that can be called to answer any questions at any time of day, seven days a week.

The first thing I learned from the hotline was how Ebola is contracted.

Despite what most high schoolers think, Ebola can not be contracted from someone coughing on you. It can only be contracted by coming in contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, similar to AIDS. The disease is highly infectious, meaning that it attacks the body quickly and does not take

“The important thing is learning about the diseases and learning how to identify them and stop it before it gets to be epidemic proportions.”

-Dona Kunz

time to develop, but it is extremely hard to contract.

High schoolers today have become extremely ignorant to what is going on in the world around them, and this is what can make an epidemic, such as Ebola, so scary.

“The important thing is learning about the diseases and learning how to identify them and stop it before it gets to be epidemic proportions,” said school nurse, Dona Kunz.

You can walk down the hallways at school and hear someone go “Ew don’t give Ebola to me” or “She has Ebola! Watch out.”

But do they even know what Ebola really is?

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847.854.4436

The Ebola virus There have been 10,141 Ebola cases in eight affected countries since the outbreak began, with 4,922 deaths. The Ebola virion is 80 nanometers in diameter and up to 1,400 nanometers long.

Lipid membrane taken from the human cell GP are bumpy transmembrane fusion proteins, on the virion surface, that mediate virus attachment to host cells VP35 and VP30 are Ebola proteins that form a layer beneath the mebrane and are crucial for virus budding Ebola RNA

Polymerase / Large Ebola protein

10 nm Source: WHO, VisualScience Graphic: Erik Rodriguez

Erik Rodriguez/WHO VisualScience./TNS.

© 2014 MCT

to the fifty percent fatality rate of Ebola.

Out of the four people that have contracted Ebola in the United States, only the first person died. He had traveled to Dallas from Liberia and did not experience any symptoms until four days after he arrived back home.

Two of the other cases of Ebola were the man’s nurses.

“The people that are most at risk to contract this are healthcare workers,” said Kunz.

“We are the first line of defense against it, but we are most in jeopardy.”

While there have been no reports of Ebola in Illinois at this time, it is still not something to brush aside.

Because Illinois has O’Hare National Airport, Chicago is predicted to be as one of the top five cities to have cases of Ebola by 2015.

So do you still think your best friend has Ebola?

november 14, 2014

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6

OPINION

november 14 2014 STAFF EDITORIAL

the

VOICE

STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF...... Adam Reckamp PRINT EDITOR...........Sarah Henderson ONLINE EDITOR.......... Ashley O’Brien NEWS EDITOR................... Mawa Iqbal OPINION EDITOR.......... Rachel Brands FEATURE EDITOR.... Courtney Thomas A/E EDITOR................... Devin Martin SPORTS EDITOR.................. Claire Filpi PHOTO EDITOR........... Abby Parzygnat DESIGN EDITOR...... Jessamine Clavero STAFF WRITERS

Cierra Felton, Zach Fleck, Trisha Fritz, Kat Gorospe, Danielle Katz, Kira Langkan, Haylie Larson, Tyler Lopez, Tess Miller, Ryan Mills, Nate Montoya, Taylor O’Donnell, Camille Paddock, Palak Patel, Joe Rizzo, Kanchan Sachchidanand, Chris Sawalski, Charlie Vavrick, Cullen Walsh, Tyler Watkins, Eric Weideman, Austin Zeis

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jack Claussen, Brandon Frey, Ryan O’Sullivan, Shravan Panchal, Jeremy Piske

ADVISER Dennis Brown

EDITORIAL H POLICY

Expansion of classes benefits students

I

n 2012, the Project Lead the Way Medical Academy came to Huntley and was a big success among students. The expanded curriculum allowed students to learn about a possible profession they might be interested in, instead of just wasting their time in randomly picked elective classes.

This year, Huntley introduced the STEM Engineering Academy, also part of Project Lead the Way. Although only currently offered to freshmen and sophomores, the program will expand to juniors and seniors in the coming years.

The program teaches students the basics of engineering in the first course Introduction to Engineering Design. The academy expects to expand its courses with a new course every year, starting next year with Principles of Engineering.

The introduction of Medical Spanish this year starts a trend of standard classes being blended with Project Lead the Way academies.

For example, the school is considering offering a Geometry and Construction course.

This would allow students interested in Engineering to apply Geometry to real world situations they might face in their future career, hopefully making the class more interesting for them.

This is a great trend for the district. Students often complain that their classes will not help them in their future, and classes like these are working to fix this problem.

The expanded curriculum at Huntley is nothing but beneficial to students. These expanded options are something the school was not close to putting in just five years ago. The options that students have now are plentiful, and they should be grateful for that.

Not only do these new courses give stu-

dents more options for their schedule, they give them more options for college. One of the teachers of the Introduction to Engineering Design class, Amanda Henk, talked about how colleges want to see students taking Project Lead the Way classes.

“They are looking for students who have completed a couple years of those classes because those students are coming in with engineering knowledge that not all students come in with,” said Henk. “Project Lead the Way students come in with technical skills that other students don’t have. Some schools offer tuition breaks or preferred admittance for these students.”

Students have so far enjoyed the new Engineering Academy and other Project Lead the Way classes.

“So far I feel that the engineering program is great,” said sophomore Adam Rewerts. “I had an expectation for the program and it is more than what I expected it to be and I feel it truly helps students prepare for a future in Engineering.”

Amanda Henk feels this is because of the successful implementation of Project Based Learning into the classes which allows students to be more hands on.

“It really is almost all project based learning. I think for the most part they have really enjoyed it,” said Henk. “I think they really like the hands on part of it, and the creativity it offers them.”

Moving forward, the student body at Huntley should appreciate and sample the new curriculum offered at the school. The opportunities these new courses offer to try something new and different to the typical school course load should not be overlooked.

HS Media are the official student-produced media of news and information published/produced

by HHS Media students. HHS Media have been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may – and should coach and discuss content – during the writing process. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of HHS Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

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OPINION

november 14 2014

Dress code limits student’s freedom Dress code constricts student’s freedom of expression

camille paddock // staff writer

I

t started in fifth grade when I was playing four square during recess. The weather was getting warm and I needed to cool off, so I took off my zip-up jacket and continued playing. Completely innocent, right? Not. Three minutes later a lunch supervisor came over to tell me that my tank top is utterly inappropriate and embarrass me in front of everyone. What does she even mean by “inappropriate?” This is a question I contemplated for years, but now I know the answer.

Dress code is a very controversial topic.

From the time a girl enters middle school, she is expected to dress a certain way to please the people around her. There is a long list of rules regarding to what girls cannot wear, but when it comes to boys the list is rather short.

According to the student handbook, boys are prohibited from wearing anything that may advertise, promote, or picture alcohol, drugs, and violent behavior. Also, hats and sunglasses are not allowed. This list is short and pretty basic. Boys are allowed to express themselves in any way they choose to do so. However, it is not the same when the gender is flipped and even some boys are sensing this.

“The dress code is objectifying women as sexual characters and not as individuals,” said junior Jon Fitt.

According to the student handbook, clothing which is considered to be revealing will not be allowed. That statement seems perfectly fair until you read the examples. Short skirts or shorts, ripped clothing, bare midriffs, backs, or halter tops, shirts that do not cover shoulders, and leggings are all deemed “too revealing.”

It is bad enough when a girl is called out in front of her entire class for breaking the dress code but there are other consequences. The first offense is a warning and the removal/ change of garment when appropriate; the item is to be picked up at the end of the day.

The second offense is that the student has to change, the parent is notified, and the

C.Walsh

item has to be picked up by the parent. The third offense is that the student has the same consequences as stated above and a one day ISS. The fourth offense is that the student has the same consequences as stated above and a one day OSS. Are these consequences really necessary?

Not only are these rules teaching girls from a young age to be self conscious about their bodies, but they are also reinforcing it with discipline. The most critical time for a girl to learn to be comfortable in her body is during her early teenage years, so by teaching her that she needs to be more modest because of the boys around her, she will grow up thinking that it’s her fault for being sexualized.

“I think it’s better than last year, but I don’t think we should have a dress code because it’s changing who we are,” said sophomore Becca Fishman.

Young girls are being over sexualized for parts of their bodies that aren’t even sexual.

Stomachs, shoulders, legs, and backs are considered “too revealing” to show at school because it’s distracting for the boys.

According to the handbook, students are not permitted to wear apparel that causes or may cause a substantial disruption in the school environment. Now, every sane person can agree that is ridiculous. Girls’ clothing is not and

should not be responsible for boys’ behavior.

Boys should be taught self control and respect for women.

Female bodies are not some kind of public art for boys to gawk at. They are not for viewing pleasure or displeasure. The school is teaching girls from a very young age that they are on display. Getting dressed in the morning turns from “Does this shirt match these pants?” to “Am I showing too much shoulder?

Can someone see down this shirt? What happens if I bend over?” While these thoughts are not necessarily a bad thing for girls to think while getting dressed, there is something obviously wrong with our society if teenage girls are adjusting their clothing because they think someone might try and peek up their skirt.

Honestly, girls should be able to wear what they want without being shunned for it. Everyone has a body and girls should not feel dirty for showing their skin.

After coming home that day in the fifth grade, I told my mom what happened. She told me this was only the beginning of the unnecessary sexualization, but that I would be able to decipher what is appropriate and what is not. Here it is: everyone has their own idea of appropriate and their own style, so wear what you want and ignore everything else.

november 14 2014

OPINION

Is late start the right start for Huntley?

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Short late starts may be a waste of time for Huntley’s students R. O’Sullivan

joe rizzo // staff writer

T

he alarm clock reaches six and you can’t believe you have to get up; it felt like midnight was five minutes ago.

If you have to get up at the same time, is it really a late start at all?

If you are a student that has to take the bus, then you really do not have a late start. The bus still picks you up at the same time which means you have to wake up at the same time.

You would arrive at the school no later than usual, which defeats the purpose of late start.

Some students try to use this time to get help from teachers and do extra work. However, this is not always the case when teachers are nowhere to be found.

“Most teachers are in meetings and are unavailable so I’m stuck doing nothing,’’ said sophomore Brad Model.

Students should be able to meet with their teachers and discuss work during late start.

This time could be used to increase grades and really help students understand what they are learning. Most students just show up ten minutes later and sit around to the bell rings.

“Honestly, late starts are a waste of time,” said junior Charlie Nugent. “They need to be longer. 25 minutes is not enough.”

Jacobs High School also has a late start that starts at 9:45. While we are sitting in first period, they are sound asleep in their beds.

Jacobs has late start every Monday.

“Everybody hates Mondays,” said Jacobs student sophomore Mike Adonte. “Starting it off right by sleeping in just makes the week so much easier.”

I see late start as a way to get a head start on the week. However, if this head start is only 25 minutes, I don’t see a point. Giving the students an hour every other week could really help them get back on track.

Even McHenry has a late start that is an hour long. This gives students the option of sleeping in or going to school and getting things done.

“I take the bus every morning,” said McHenry student sophomore Bobby Miller.

Students hang out during a Huntley High School late start.

“On late starts it comes 20 minutes later, and after a long night of baseball this really makes the morning easier.”

Playing sports late at night cuts into homework time. Having this opportunity to use this time as a study hall would really help athletes and students get work done.

“Honestly, late starts are a waste of time. They need to be longer. 25 minutes is not enough.”

-Junior Charlie Nugent According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens have biological sleep patterns which means it is natural to not be able to fall asleep till after 11 p.m. This causes students to not receive their maximum brain power during a school day.

Studies show that students tested better

during later hours of the day rather than early in the morning. Having a longer late start could mean a lot more learning ability for many students.

The National Education Association is woking to try to get schools to start later for this very reason. If the NEA is trying to make this movement wouldn’t it be smart to listen to them?

I don’t see why a half an hour more of late start could hurt the school.

All research shows that having a longer late start would make school better for our students and improve academic performance.

Making our late starts lengthier will result in better rested students, who will be more alert and engaged in class.

Most of our students say late start is a waste of time and almost all of them agree that it needs to be changed or made longer.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but for once Jacobs High School is doing something right.

Maybe we need to follow their lead.

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OPINION

november 14 2014

Physical education is pointless

Fitness days in physical education grade students unfairly

cierra felton // staff writer

T

he music starts playing, cueing the students to hurry to their next class in a timely manner. Students slowly branch off from their cliques and scurry to their second hour class. Junior Nour Abuomar makes her way toward the East Gym, maneuvering her way through the crowd. She slithers in between groups of people in an attempt to make it inside the locker room before the bell rings.

Physical Education is a required class in Illinois. However, if given the option, I personally would not want to take it. It takes me half an hour in the morning to perfect my makeup, only to last for one class period. Abuomar agrees that PE class is pointless.

“I don’t see the point of wasting a class period when I could be taking a different class I enjoy,” said Abuomar.

Every year, the first item on our agenda is fitness testing. Numerous students dread this time of year because they are graded on how physically fit they are. It is unjust that we are graded on how well we perform certain tasks, such as push-ups, curl-ups, a timed mile, pacer test, and sit and reach.

“We take two points off if they don’t hit the standard,” said Physical Education/Health/ Driver Education Department Team Leader Jennifer Heuck, “but they still get three for their participation and effort.”

You only receive three out of the possible five points if you do not meet standards? If you do the math, that is a 60 percent. It not only affects students’ grades, but it also makes those who do not meet standards feel inadequate and helpless.

Some people will give all of their effort and never be able to meet standards. In any other class, if you fail something initially, you study harder; but in PE class, it can be difficult to improve your fitness testing grade. If you are not already physically fit, it will take a lot of work to get there. It is not something that can just happen overnight.

“I just don’t like the fact that they grade us

C.Walsh

on it,” said Abuomar, “Their expectations are too high and they take it too seriously.”

At my previous school, we only had PE once a week and that usually consisted of playing a game of HORSE. My first day of PE at Conley Elementary School made me realize how much I hated fitness. PE should be an enjoyable class that allows people to use their energy in a positive way. “[PE] gives some of those kids time to break a sweat and have fun who can’t after school because of homework and other things,” said senior AJ Lim. I would actually enjoy PE if we could just walk around the gym every day. It is good exercise, and it gives us time to talk with our friends as well. During most fitness days, we run or perform other forms of exercise that leave us breathless and sweating, giving us little time to hold a conversation with one of our classmates. It would be acceptable if they gave us an option to walk or run, for those who

enjoy it.

There should be much more freedom when it comes to PE class because not everyone likes fitness. When I moved here in fifth grade, PE class whooped my ass. I arrived just in time for fitness testing in the spring. I remember thinking to myself; she wants me to run a mile in under twelve minutes? She’s crazy.

“I think Physical Education is part of your life,” said Heuck, “Being active, healthy, and aware of your personal being is a lifelong skill.

You move out and any career you go into, your healthy life has to be a priority and I hope that we teach that well.”

Yes, being active is an important element in our daily lives. However, we should be allowed to exercise at our own pace and comfort level.

Being graded on how well we exercise at their expectations is unjust because not everyone is physically fit according to national standards.

Come on teachers, make fitness days a little easier on us.

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OPINION

november 14 2014

Huntley needs to show its school spirit The lack of student support at sport events is noticed

claire filpi // sports editor

S

enior Margaret Miller walks up to the student section and watches the sophomore football team begin the fourth quarter. As she looks for the best spot in Raider Nation, she also looks for her friends so they can join her. As the sophomore game comes to a close, the heat radiating from the other students makes her sweat. As the varsity kick off approaches, Raider Nation begins the ‘I believe’ chant.

This crowd of students is our Raider Nation, and according to varsity football coach John Hart it is estimated about 500 students of Raider Nation attend the home football games.

Something I have not noticed until this year is that Raider Nation only goes to two sports: football and boys basketball.

“From Raider Nation, there is zero fans. They do not come to wrestling,” said varsity wrestling coach Ben Bertelsman. “We usually have 10-20 students. [It’s] sad since we are 40-7 over the last two seasons.”

Many teams have been doing well this season.

Varsity boys soccer, varsity girls cross country, and varsity girls volleyball are IHSA Regional

Champions, while varsity boys cross country got second place and boys and girls varsity golf got fourth place. When the girls volleyball team won the Regional Championship, there were maybe 20 students, and I guarantee that it was not any different for the other teams.

“Cross races are very fun and if the student body ever gave them a try they would find out for themselves,” said varsity girls cross country coach Brad Gallaugher. “Running three miles in less than 15 minutes is very hard. My runners have stated that vocal help and cheering helps them a lot. It’s too bad we can’t get more of it.”

Not only did Huntley have three sports place first in regionals, golfer senior Trent Craig and the varsity boys cross country team qualified for the IHSA State Tournament. Did any of these sports get special t-shirts and sweatshirts made for them? No. They just got their names in the announcements, which nobody listens to anyway.

I am 100 percent sure being cheered on by fellow classmates and friends helps everybody, no matter what sport. In between work, homework, and their own practices maybe people do not have the time to go to other events, but I am sure that they can make it to at least one event for each sport.

“We don’t really have a student following at our cross country meets,” said varsity boys cross country coach Matthew Kaplan. “Our fans are the parents, and fellow Red Raider runners.”

I also feel the reason that Raider Nation

C. Filpi

Raider Nation cheers on Huntley at a game. (C. Filpi)

does not go to other sports is because of the days that the games are on. Football games are convenient for students to go to because they have two extra days to work on their homework, unlike most other sports where the events are on weekdays.

With many students in afterschool clubs or sports, they usually stay after school until 3:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. for meetings or practices. I do not think that the students would want to stay an extra hour or two to watch an event, to then go home and do anywhere from 1 to 5 hours of homework.

“I go to soccer, boys and girls basketball, volleyball, football, and cheerleading,” said senior Michael Lyp. “I would love to go to the cross country meets, but it is so hard sometimes because they are usually far away.”

With that being said, I know that many people do not get homework every night, and many clubs or sports do not practice every day. I have noticed when other sports teams or students are at the events it is because there is usually something they can gain from it.

Many teachers who coach these ‘unpopular’ sports offer extra credit of some sort if you go say hello to them. Math teacher Sarah Bernaky offers up three to five math tickets, which later can be used for extra credit points, if you go to the girls volleyball games in the fall and the girls basketball games in the winter.

Is this really what it takes to get people to go to the games?

november 14 2014

OPINION

Time management manages HHS

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Managing time wisely is a struggle for Huntley students

devin martin // a&e editor

T

he clocks around Huntley High School tick away the seconds. Whether you are sitting in your least favorite class or your favorite, you hear tick-tock, tick-tock. Not only in classes, but in life as well.You rush down the halls to your next class (tick-tock), your mom tells you to do the chores (tick-tock), you have to go to practice (tick-tock), and either going to work, doing homework, or relaxing (ticktock).

We as a student body all have jobs, schoolwork, or even sports to all manage. We all have to experience time and it goes by fast. If we use that time well we succeed, but if we dwell then time gets the better of us. Will time manage you or you will manage time?

The definition of time management is the point in which time occurs because there are 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, and 365 days a year.

I do struggle with time management and always seem to go off task, but I manage to pull through and work my hardest.

However, here at HHS we are all very diverse. There are football players and students enrolled in AP classes. We all have different activities going on throughout the day that we have to manage and succeed in.

No matter who you are, we all have to deal with time management. The point is you can manage what you create.

“I think you have to have a bit of self-discipline,” said junior Gabriella Veljkovic.

You have to know how much you can take.

For instance, this is my first year taking any Honors and AP classes. Right at the start of my junior year, I got hit with a ton of work. I set goals, broke them down, and reviewed my progress as I went on.

I learned to obtain success.You can do the same.

Coming from success, schoolwork has to be a priority. However, school work includes essays, projects, homework, and managing all of these can be stressful.

K. Langkan

“I learned from health to take five minutes to breathe and calm your system,” said freshman Rasheed Ahmad. “If I have a lot of stuff to do, I stop, take a break for five minutes, and get back to it.”

Some people only study and do homework for a short time. Make sure to have study blocks and breaks, even if it is five or ten minutes. Get to work and reward yourself after.

Sometimes people reward themselves too much, either by going on their phone for hours as doing homework or scrolling through Twitter. This is a bad habit and leads to procrastination.

“I know I am going to procrastinate, but now I have a system. I can balance my activities and my schoolwork,” said junior Isaac Reiter.

How do people balance their homework?

Simply create what works for you. For example, I use my agenda. I fill out the days and the calendar section, checking things ahead of time, such as important tests, quizzes, and projects.

Look down deep inside of you and search for how you do things. Do not hesitate, only do.

How can you avoid procrastination and stress? The two biggest things of time management are monsters that sometimes you cannot get away from. Here is how: “Lessen your worries while presenting your project. Everybody is going to be nervous,” said Reiter “I practice before I do it. Once you get up there, you will be fine.”

Another bump in time management is who to go to when you are struggling. Either it may be a coach, a teacher, or even the Haiku website. Maximize your education.

“I usually ask my friends for help, then I go to my teacher,” said Reiter.

When people ask for help, some things click that did not the first time.You can use your available resources to help shape your success in high school.

Balance your time to make it fit for you, whether it is in school, or a sport. Avoid distractions, procrastination, and stress. This may take time to get used to, but take more breaks, get more help, and manage the tick-tock.You can do it.

12

OPINION

november 14 2014

Science of the friend zone: boys vs. girls

The perspective on the Friend Zone is different for different genders

chris sawalski // staff writer

A

guy’s perspective is very different than a girl’s on any topic, and the Friend Zone is no exception.

Simply put, the Friend Zone is when people put each other in a place where they are not to be anything more than friends, so they do not jeopardize their friendship.

This can happen for multiple reasons, the most common being that one person is not attracted to the other. Another is mixed signals being sent from the other person, creating the feeling that they want a deeper relationship. “[I would Friend Zone someone] by not being flirty, or blocking them out and ignoring them,” said junior Jamieson Allare.

It is hard to find somebody to stay in your life who is always there for you and willing to talk through all your problems. Most people

trisha fritz // staff writer

W

e have all been there: majorly crushing on the guy that we are hanging out with, thinking it will go somewhere. The more we hang out with and talk to them, the more we realize how much we like him. We never make a move because, what if he is not cool with it? Then, all the sudden, he is talking to you about other girls and calling you “dude.”

Welcome to the Friend Zone.

I would like to further define the Friend Zone for you, or the mismatch in romantic feelings between two individuals. For example, one person is interested in a romance while the other wants to be “just friends.”

Some of the best TV shows like “Friends” or shows that we grew up with like “Lizzie McGuire” have long told us the amazing story of girls finding true love with their best guy

believe that a significant other is enough to talk about everything with. As we all know, that is just impossible.

Even though you may trust someone and care about them with all your heart, you are going to go through hardships with that person. If you do not have anybody else in your life that you can trust, how are you supposed to get through hard times?

I know most guys will say they do not need anybody to talk to, but everyone needs someone they can trust with their problems.

Unfortunately, most of the Friend Zone relationships are implemented because the female wants to be “just friends.”

Women are so confusing at times. If they feel comfortable with a guy, a lot of times, that guy will think there is something more than a friendship starting. Mixed signals are such a hard thing to deal with because guys are always told, ‘If you want something, go get it.’

Due to the Friend Zone, there are so many less go getters because guys are worried about being shut down by the one they are pursuing.

It wrecks the confidence of guys and tears us down. It is hard to work up the courage to keep going out and trying.

However, being in the Friend Zone is nothing to be upset about. If you really care about somebody that much, you should be happy that you are still in their life and that you can be there for them in their time of need.

“It pays to be persistent,” said junior Dylan Parshall. “You keep the same feelings for the person whether you’re in the Friend Zone or not.”

I personally think that the Friend Zone is just something people used to make fun at their friends, and it is not a real thing. If it is meant to be, then it will, and if its not, then it won’t. We can’t waste our time wondering what could have been or what might have been and just move on. If you really love somebody, or think you can love them, don’t give up on them, and they won’t give up on you.

Sometimes it is hard for guys to see girls they like talk about other guys or their boyfriends, but it is something every guy has to deal with.

The Friend Zone should not be viewed as a bad thing. It should be viewed as an opportunity to show each other that you always will be there, no matter what.

friend. We all knew Rachel belonged with Ross, even before Rachel knew. Too bad they never broadcast what goes on behind the scenes. A lot of the time there are girls who have guy friends who crush on them, and she does not return said feelings (and vice versa). Sometimes Lizzie just does not like Gordo back.

“Girls are so complicated.” Yes, humans are complicated and so is human attraction. Half of the time girls want the same thing guys want.

What is so complicated about wanting to be in a relationship with someone who puts forth effort and generally cares about you? We have the right to be selective about who we find attractive and sometimes we cannot help it.

However, the Friend Zone gives everyone an alternate theory: She put you there because girls are obviously shallow and only want to date jerks, and you are a “nice guy.”

Girls put boys in the Friend Zone because they are evil and like playing with boys’ emotions because we are bored with our own lives.

Or not.

“I think the notion about girls liking bad boys has been around for so long,” said senior Sydney Branch. “I would date a genuinally nice guy. That would actually be really nice.”

Let’s be real here. Teenagers have been whining about the opposite gender since way before the internet gave an anonymous space to be annoying about it.

I’m pretty sure everyone here at least knows one “nice guy.” You know, the guy who tells you in a bitter, resentful tone that you do not like him because he is too much of a nice guy and you only date rude guys. Let’s not forget the fact that said nice guy is also arrogant, egotistical, and selfish. Trust me, buddy, if girls really did only like jerks, we would be dating you.

“If you are playing a girl, and then are flirty, and ditch us all the time, then we are not going to want to date you,” said senior, Meagan Melaniphy.

Rejection sucks, and we have all been through it. Learn from it, pick up and move on.

No one should be put under fire just because you do not like someone back. The entire idea that you owe more to someone just because they want to date you is completely ridiculous.You should not feel like you need to accept anything anyone says to you, and saying no does not in fact make you a bad person.

The “Friend Zone” is a myth, and a funny one at that.

november 14, 2014

OPINION

13

IL Senate Bill 16 threatens D158 funding Bill could cut $2.2 million from budget if it passes the IL House

maddy moffett // staff writer

W

e sit on the couch, watching the television haphazardly as anchors with too much makeup drone on monotonously about atrocities happening half way around the world.

We open our Internet browsers, only to be assaulted with even more stories about kidnappings and murders.

We avert our gaze and half-heartedly think, “Wow, that must really suck,” and go on with our lives, not giving it another thought.

But we could be those people you read about every morning.

The reason why we should care isn’t as dramatic, but has repercussions that could rock the community of Huntley to the core.

Illinois Senate Bill 16 is the proposed referendum on state school funding. It has the potential to devastate all financial stability and is facing deep criticism from the local scholastic administrators and legislators.

Schools are primarily funded by local property taxes, and McHenry County is known for its extremely high property taxes.

Public schools receive the remaining amount of their funding from the state of Illinois. Currently 44 percent of funding for a district is based upon property value.

In recent years, many politicians and elected officials have called for a reform of education funding. A bipartisan committee was created to come up with a solution.

After only seven meetings, the Democratic participants drafted Senate Bill 16 with little input from the Republican members.

As the bill is written, districts with higher assessed property values will receive less state funding. Approximately 95 percent of state aid will be based on the local ability to pay.

State Senator Pamela Althoff believes this shift in funds is a slippery slope.

“This bill makes extraordinary and poor assumptions about people living in collared counties,” said Althoff.

Assumptions, according to Althoff, that misguide bystanders into believing that property owners with higher property values have more

ability to independently support local schools.

As a former elementary school teacher, Althoff is vehemently opposed to the bill.

In McHenry County districts alone, $18.4 million worth of state funding would be lost.

School District 158 could be forced to take a $2.2 million budget cut.

“We’re not wealthy,” said District 158 Superintendent John Burkey.

“We don’t have fluff.”

According to Burkey, the average The Illinois House of Representatives will soon vote on Senate Bill 16, which, if it passes, will cut $2.2 million from District 158’s budget. cost per student in District 158 is about $8,600. The state average per (Photo by Daniel Schwen/CC BY 2.0) experience. student is approximately $12,000.

Taxpayers will not be so lucky. To support So why would the state take money away the reduction in state funding, more than likely from a district already operating below the residents will be forced to reach deeper into state average? their pockets; property taxes are expected Many local representatives and political to rise, and there are rumblings of another figures believe much of the money taken from temporary income tax. the collar county districts will be sent to the The McHenry County real estate market Chicago Public Schools. could also take a hit.

Numerous local legislators, including RepreFor many homebuyers, the first things they sentative Michael Tryon, state senator Karen look at are taxes and the school district. If McConnaughay, and Althoff, say this is comproperty taxes skyrocket and schools plummet pletely unfair. due to a lack of funding, the community will Only 18 percent of all students in Illinois are just scare people away instead of inviting them enrolled in the CPS system, yet 37 percent of in. all state aid finds its way into Chicago.

Local growth will come to a screeching halt.

Additionally, 17 percent of all special educaThe bill is awaiting a call to vote at the tion enrollees attend Chicago schools, yet CPS House of Representatives, as it already passed receives 30 percent of the total amount of through the Senate by a vote of 33-22. money allotted for the entire state.

It could be called tomorrow; it could be CPS was also found, according to Althoff, to called next spring. But the sooner the word be unable to account for $226 million of their gets out, the better. budget; the money seemed to have disapSchool officials and local representatives are peared. in the community asking for help.

And yet, Senate Bill 16 would be granting Petitions are posted on School District 158’s CPS with even more money. website, Senator Althoff’s website, Senator Mc“It’s a terrible bill,” said Burkey. “There are Connaughay’s website. a lot of problems with school funding…it just For Burkey, Senate Bill 16 is a lot like the makes things worse.”

Titanic.

“Anything cut, it would affect students. It’s “The ship is still sinking. The bill only rearnot going to be painless.”

Burkey did not disclose where potential cuts ranges the deck chairs,” said Burkey. “We need to fix the Titanic so it sails again.” could occur and he and the school board have So get involved. been working tirelessley to make sure the bill Tell your parents and family, or neighbors. does not pass.

Anybody.

The only thing he could divulge was his This bill affects you and your education. support of athletics and fine arts. Burkey says Don’t sit back and hope someone else will extracurricular activities such as sports and talk for you. theater should not be considered extra; they are an integral part of a student’s learning

14 ER

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november 14 2014

FEATURES

Cancer survivor still sparkles

15

Teagan is Huntley’s youngest cancer survivor danielle katz // staff writer

H

elpless.”

Pacing. Constant pacing.

“Empty.”

Pacing back and forth in a hospital waiting room is something that a parent does not want to experience.

“Why?” Time moves so slowly when waiting for something important to happen. Or in this case, for something to finish.

Huntley resident, Carly Haniszewski spent 11 hours in the waiting room of the hospital where her little girl, Teagan, was being operated on.

“I felt so helpless. I felt so empty,” said Haniszewski. “We kept asking ‘Why her? Why us?

Why now?”

Haniszewski was near tears talking about that long night in the waiting room of Children’s Memorial Hospital. “We kept praying and praying, but eventually, my father told us to stop and let God do what He has to do. To let Him take over,” Haniszewski said.

All Haniszewski wanted was for Teagan to open her eyes. “I just kept saying to Teagan ‘You need to open your eyes.’ All she needed to do was open her eyes.”

Teagan did open her eyes, after months of keeping them closed.

When Teagan’s eyes opened she said to Haniszewski that she had seen a really bright light. “I talked to Him,” she told Haniszewski.

Haniszewski couldn’t believe what she had heard.

Teagan had talked to God. Teagan’s initial brain surgery was supposed to last 8-9 hours, but it ended up taking 11. Everytime the doctor would go to close the incision, an overwhelming feeling came over him to go back and keep looking. He kept going back until that feeling went away.

If he had not gone back so many times, not all of Teagan’s tumor would have been removed from her brain, and she might not have lived to see her ninth birthday.

She might not have lived to be a cheerleader.

She might not have lived to be an advocate of childhood cancer survivors.

Teagan’s overall prognosis changed throughout her battle.

The initial prognosis was very poor. But it got better because the cancerous cells did not spread to her spinal cord. If it had spread, it would have been terminal.

When Teagan was 21 months old, she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor, most common in children.

Teagan’s long journey consisted

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Teagan Haniszewski finally gets her walker, donated to her by Girl Scout Daisy Troop 244 (Courtesy of Opening Doors With Teagan).

of 19 months of chemotherapy and six weeks of proton radiation. Proton radiation is when a ray of protons is used to destroy diseased tissue.

For six months Teagan was in the hospital. Three of those months were spent on life support. Most of the time when she was in the hospital, Teagan was in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

She was then in the Reduced Intensity Conditioning for eight weeks after her surgery. She had lost the ability to walk and talk.

Teagan got so sick that her parents were told to take her home and let her live as long as she could. “We said no, absolutely not.

We are going to do everything to ensure she survives this,” said Haniszewski.

Due to the chemotherapy Teagan went through, she lost most of her hair and people tended to stare at her in public.

Haniszewski knew that people wanted to ask questions but did not want to be rude. She appreciates it when people ask questions straight out instead of hearing all the whispers and seeing all the stares.

Opening Doors with Teagan has given the Haniszewski family some comfort going out in public with

Teagan.

Opening Doors with Teagan was first thought of when Haniszewski was trying to find a walker for Teagan. The family did not have enough money to pay for one and were looking for charities to help out financially.

Certain csharities would have helped had Teagan still been in the hospital, but since she was not, they would not help fund her.

“There’s not a lot [of charities] out there for children who come home and survive,” said Haniszewski.

Opening Doors with Teagan is a large part of the schooling community as well as the regular community.

The 24 Hour Walk for Teagan is something that middle schoolers in the community look forward to in order to help raise money and awareness for Teagan.

Although Teagan is just 9 years old, she will be coming to Huntley High School in a handful of years.

Haniszewski is always worried about how people will treat Teagan.

“There’s always a bully in the group,” said Haniszewski.

Teagan’s story has inspired many and will continue to help raise awareness of childhood cancer.

16

FEATURES

november 14 2014

Life lessons over math lessons

Psychology teacher shares his stories to help his students kat gorospe // staff writer

T

here were just tears streaming down his face,” Jay Teagle said.

Room 239 was ill-lighted, with only a few rays of sunlight coming through the windows. It was just dark enough to see the 6-foot-10 psychology teacher leaning against his desk. The clock ticked past 1 p.m. as he told his seventh hour class a story.

A story about how he made an impact on a stranger’s life.

“And the father said to me: ‘You have no idea what impact you have on this community’,” Teagle said with a shaky breath.

It was at a drugstore in Indiana when Teagle learned about the 8-year-old boy who idolized him.

The 8-year-old boy who, every Friday night, watched him play

“I think the students need to see that the teacher in front of the classroom is a real person.”

-Jay Teagle basketball for his high school. He would watch him through warm ups, during the game, and then would wait to see him one more time, as he left the locker room.

Basketball was, and still is, a way of life for Teagle. From his sophomore to senior year in high school, playing in front of 7,700 people was nothing out of the ordinary.

“The whole next week, he told me that his son imitates, at home, what I’ve done in that game, and what he’s read in the newspaper.

The father, as he’s still crying, just wanted to thank me for that type of influence I’ve had on his son,” said Teagle. “He said his son is a better person, and a better student, and conducts himself a little

bit better at home. “ Teagle never found out the names of the father and son, but that moment never left him.

It was then, in the silence of the classroom, that it was clear. This is not like other classes where you are fed information just to regurgitate it on a test.

This is a class about real-life.

This is a class about you.

“I think it’s the only class that really, I should say, is the one class that really benefits everybody who walks through our school,” said Teagle. “You use it everyday. It’s a part of who you are, and it’s a part of your life.You try to figure out who you are, and your position in society. I think it’s really important, and it is the one class that you can really walk out of a high school saying ‘I use this...every single day of my life.’”

Since 1996, Teagle has used his personal experiences to inspire, and to help students at Huntley High School understand more about themselves and others around them.

“I think the students need to see that the teacher in front of the classroom is a real person,” said Teagle. “They need to see and understand that we’re not up here being robots, just dictating information. Therefore, the experiences that I use in my classroom, and that I talk about in my class are very personal.”

Outside of the classroom, Teagle coaches the basketball team at Wheaton Academy. However, in 2013, he decided it was time for a break. Feeling burned out, he asked himself “Is this something I want to do again?”

After 24 years of coaching, the answer is always a yes.

“I think it [coaching] was just kind of a by product. I can’t get basketball out of my system and It’s just a part of who I am,” said Teagle. “I have a saying when I coach: ‘What you do off the court

Jay Teagle teaching his seventh hour psychology class (B Frey).w

is a direct reflection of what you do on the court.’ I think that if you’re not going to go out and conduct yourselves the way that is right, and respectful off the floor, that is going to have a direct reflection of what kind of player you are on the floor. The same vise versa.”

If Teagle is coaching basketball outside of the classroom, what is he doing when he is off the court?

At home, he is a father. Allison, Amanda, and Jayson are at college and Wheaton Academy; busy with music, theater, other hobbies involving the arts, and basketball.

As for Kibbi, Jasmine, Grace, and Holly, their stories are a bit different.

They are 7,000 miles away from home.

They are busy learning the American culture. They are busy adjusting to a new life in Illinois, and living under a roof with people other than their birth parents.

They are 7,000 miles away from China.

For four years, the Teagle family has been involved with the HomeStay Boarding Program that Wheaton Academy has to offer.

The program has over 50 international students that stay with a

“host family” during the school year. During the holidays such as Christmas and Spring Break, the students go on trips planned by the organization; and then they head home during the summer.

“We felt that this was a way for us to be able to share and open up, and really be the missionaries,” said Teagle. “We see this as an opportunity for us to share our faith and beliefs in Christ; and to be able to do that in a way that allows these kids to have that support.”

However, Teagle and his wife, Donna, declined the offer the first time they were asked to be a host family. At that point in time, the timing was not right; but a couple months later the opportunity came up again.

“My wife and I looked at each other and wonder if this is a message that we’re supposed to do this,” said Teagle.

Although they agreed to become a host family, there was the concern of whether or not the student would be able to adapt to their family life.

“Our fears were, obviously, bringing in someone who we don’t know, and have no contact

see LIFE page 22

november 14 2014

FEATURES

A family of horseback riders

17

Anna Skala and her passion for horses and riding them

rachel brands // opinion editor

A

nna Skala began to show interest in horseback riding at the astonishing age of four. Her older sister, Charlotte, rode, as did their mother, so it was not much of a surprise when Anna followed suit. Anna had grown up around horses and has never been a stranger to the hobby.

Charlotte’s interest in riding was a large part of what sparked Skala’s curiosity. As younger siblings often do, she thought it unfair that Charlotte got to ride and she did not. Anna quickly adopted the “if you can do it, I can do it better” mentality.

“I actually tend to follow in my sister’s footsteps,” said Skala. “She got me into a lot of the hobbies I have now.”

Despite Skala’s early interest, most stables do not teach riding that young. At the time, she was content with just petting the horses and admiring them from afar.

According to Skala’s mother, Carol, she and her sister both

went through phases where they were more interested in playing with the other animals at the barn, such as the dog or chickens, rather than helping out with the horses.

“As they got bigger and taller and stronger, they got more interested in riding lessons and less in petting,” said Carol.

As Skala grew older, she and her sister began riding at Valley View Acres, a stable owned by an old friend and student teacher of Carol’s.

Skala can fleetingly remember passing by the stable on her way to church with her family as a young girl, but not really noticing it. Now that she rides there she does take time to look at the stable and its horses as she passes it.

Skala’s horseback riding experience quickly evolved from simply riding when her family decided to take on a project horse, Lenora.

According to Carol, project horses are good horses that have a little something that needs to be worked on. Lenora was abandoned at Valley View Acres

Anna Skala securing the saddle on her beloved horse, Lenora. (R O’Sullivan).

by her owner who decided she wasn’t up for the task of training her. The Skala family decided to take on Lenora as a project, but soon found her to be much more than that. “‘I’ll take her.’ I can’t believe I said those words,” said Carol.

“This won’t be a project, this will be a purchase.”

Skala especially bonded with Lenora the more time she spent



time with her new horse. She embraced her horse’s quirky personality.

Lenora is a younger horse, which means that personality includes jumpiness and getting easily distracted by other horses.

She loves to play with the other horses and often gets sidetracked by this desire during riding time with Skala.

see HORSES page 22 

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18

FEATURES

november 14 2014

Meet Harry: Twitter god

Tweeting is more than just 140 characters to Twitter god mawa iqbal // news editor

H

is pencil shades in the last bubble on the answer sheet. He had just completed the dreaded ACT exam, but he was feeling pretty confident in himself.

A few minutes later, he is in his car on his way to grab a quick bite with his fellow tennis teammates at Red Robin. As he was driving a light bulb went off, a stroke of genius for his next tweet.

“I got a 35 on my last ACT because I used the writing section to threaten the family of my test grader #guessitworked.”

This is just one of his many comedic tweets that are posted daily on his Twitter account. According

to Harry Hochwarter, after he (supposedly) sat on a mountain alone for many months he had an epiphany.

“I came up with a strategic plan for when to post tweet,” said Hochwarter. “The peak times are five minutes before school ends, 9 p.m. because people are getting bored with their homework, or directly before school.”

And after conducting a carefully thought out process of trial and error, he has come to another conclusion: situational comedy works the best for a site structured like twitter. According to Harry, tweeting about situations or current events is what gets the most viewership.

“When the power went out at

Harry Hochwarter tweeting before school, one of the prime times to tweet to the student body of Huntley High School (S. Panchal).

the high school last year, people immediately went on twitter,” said Hochwarter. “I posted a tweet that said ‘Sorry about the power outage guys, I’ll try to tone down my super powers.”

Whenever his name is mentioned in a conversation, most students would react with “Oh I love Harry, he’s so cool!” or at least something along those lines.

This may be because he’s well known for his friendliness and approachability.

“I try to be as non-offensive and friendly as possible,” said Hochwarter. “The reason why I don’t wear sports jerseys is because I don’t want to offend somebody who likes the rival team.”

While most people identify Harry as captain of the Math Team or a freshman by accident, there’s another side to him that isn’t very well known to others beside his close friends. Underneath that retainer lisp and those bushy eyebrows, there’s a comedic genius.

But even the greatest comedians have to get their inspiration from somewhere. For Harry, it’s comedic TV sitcoms and a group of funny people on twitter who go by the usernames @ bromanconsul, @thenatewolf, @ fred_delicious, @chetprtr, and @ shutupmikeginn.

“I only watch comedy TV shows like Arrested Development and Scrubs,” said Harry. “There’s also this group of really funny friends who post tweets about Bruce Willis and Charlie Brown.”

They also look up to other great comedians that have come before them as inspiration for their work. For Goerge Lopez, it was Freddie Prinze. For Kevin Hart, it was Bill Cosby. And for Harry, it’s the Pink Panther.

“Steve Martin is one of the greatest comedians,” said Ho-

“The reason why I don’t wear sports jerseys is because I don’t want to offend somebody who likes the rival team.”

-Harry Hochwarter chwarter. “If Steve Martin liked one of my tweets, I would hide in a cave for months and cry.”

Although it’s not a burning passion or a lifelong ambition, he hopes to one day have an infinite number of followers. With a steady number of 319 followers,

see HARRY page 22

november 14 2014

FEATURES

19

Job opening turns into career

English teacher found her calling in France palak patel // staff writer

D

rive to Cumberland Station. Park the car. Get on the ‘L’ system. Go all the way to the Thompson Center. Get on Wacker Drive. Stay on Upper Wacker, because Lower Wacker is where you’ll get jumped or peed on, so stay on Upper. Take Wacker to Michigan Avenue. Turn left. Walk four blocks. Walk fifteen minutes from the train station to the Public Relations firm. Buzz yourself in to the 25th floor. Go work.

These were the directions that English teacher Kate Mennenoh had on a sticky-note, written by her older brother. These were the directions that she followed to the PR firm in downtown Chicago where she had an internship for the summer of 2000. These were the directions that led her into a new chapter of her life.

Mennenoh was finishing up her senior year of college and started to think about her life after she had obtained her English major.

“I’d heard about the PR firm and I knew I was going to fill out an application as a paid intern for them,” she said. “Within a week of making that decision, I applied for grad school and I also found out about the amazing opportunity to teach English as a foreign language in France.”

Although she did not have any teaching experience when she heard about the opportunity, Mennenoh applied for the position and was accepted. She had her entire year planned out. Mennenoh thought that she would work her summer as an intern, take a week vacation, and then launch into her teaching position in France for nine months. She would then return to Chicago and apply for a job at the PR firm. If she decided to change her mind about a permanent position at the firm, she would go to grad school

to pursue a different path.

However, after France, Mennenoh’s entire future changed.

She arrived in the foreign country with false confidence. Although she had been studying French since she was 8 years old, being in France was much harder than she had anticipated.

“I was pretty arrogant,” she said. “I thought I’d be able to get off the plane and understand everything. I got knocked off that pedestal pretty quickly.”

Mennenoh initially struggled with the transition into France.

She lived on the outskirts of Chicago, so she was used to the crowd that comes with the city.

However, whilst in France, Mennenoh lived in a rural town called Angers (pronounced awn-jay). The area was mostly farmland, much like Huntley, which was a stark contrast to what Mennenoh was used to seeing.

“There weren’t trains, there weren't buses, there just wasn’t the same amount of convenience that I was used to,” she said.

“Almost everything shut down for two hours, from noon to two, so people could eat lunch.”

Mennenoh taught English as a foreign language at the elementary and middle-school level. However, she believed that the students saw her as a cultural experience rather than an educational opportunity. According to Mennenoh, when students found out that she had lived in Chicago, they thought that she was related to Al Capone and Michael Jordan lived next door to her.

Clearly, there was plenty to teach about America.

During the weekdays, she kept herself busy with her work, but the weekends were when she was supposed to relax. On Sundays, according to Mennenoh, only one pharmacy and one bakery would

Mennenoh with her class during the 2000-2001 school year (Courtesy of Kate Mennenoh).

be open. The entire town would be resting up for the coming week.

Mennenoh regarded Sundays as her hardest days while she was in France. Sundays were when she wasn’t busy and could acknowledge the fact that she was alone in a completely foreign country with little to no memorabilia that reminded her of her life back in America. She was not completely closed off from the rest of her family and friends but she could only call home once a month and send emails home maybe once a week.

However, she didn’t mind the loneliness as much as she thought she would.

“On a Sunday, I had one of those moments,” she said. “Where all of a sudden you know you’re where you’re supposed to be.You know this is it. Everything just clicked and I thought, ‘Oh my God, I should be a teacher. And I should teach Language.’”

It didn’t matter that she was living in a bad apartment. It didn’t matter that she didn’t have any family coming. It didn’t matter that she hadn’t heard from 90 percent of her friends whilst she was in

France. It was her lowest moment and her highest moment at the same time.

“I’d never been so poor and so hungry in my life, but I didn’t care because I was in France,” she said.

“And in those nine months that I was there, I went to the Netherlands, to Scotland, to Germany, to Amsterdam, and to London. I got to experience so many different things that I wouldn’t be able to experience here.”

The plan that Mennenoh had created before she went to France had been swept away. She would no longer apply for a job at the PR firm, but she would go to grad school to pursue the path of a teacher, the very path that would lead her to today, where she teaches AP Language and Composition, ESL, and English III Honors at HHS. “It was very eye-opening for my parents because, to them, they sent off their little girl and that little girl never came home,” she said. “But France was it for me.

It was where I needed to be and I’m grateful that I went. I am so grateful.”

20

CENTERSPREAD

(C. Filpi)

november 14, 2014

physical education/health department

CASEY POPENFOOSE |CLASS OF 2008| A basketball echoes in the locker room.

A muted roar sounds beyond the doors that open to a sea of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. This is Huntley High School, the former school of Casey Popenfoose. A school that houses the roots of the Popenfoose family.

Casey Popenfoose, Class of 2008, now a health and physical education teacher, remembers his HHS experience very fondly.

“Everyone says their senior year is the best, but my junior year was the best”, said Popenfoose. “I had a lot of friends in the senior class and I felt that they led a great example of what kind of student I wanted to be and what kind of person I wanted to be after I graduated. I loved that I had the chance to follow the 2007 class. It was a great feeling.”

Graduating in 2008, Popenfoose felt that his experience at HHS prepared him greatly for his college career and what he wanted to do after he graduated from college.

“I felt that HHS really prepared me for

college” said popenfoose “and I love that I, as a teacher, have the chance to give back the same level of preparedness that I received when I attended the school.”

Given his family’s history with Huntley and the community, Popenfoose had always wanted to teach and be involved with any community, but he did not know where.

“I had always wanted to teach, but not here in particular.” said Popenfoose. “I began teaching here because there was an opening, but having the chance to teach where I went to school was a unique opportunity that I’m glad I took.’

Popenfoose could hardly hold in his excitement as he thinks about how much he enjoys his job.

“There is not a single day that goes by where I do not like my job.” said Popenfoose.

“I am doing exactly what I did in high school and I love it. Being here again is great”

Teachers who were once student experiences and compare the cu it was when they were in

tyler lopez // staff writer

foreign language department

AMANDA ROBLES |CLASS OF 2006|

The air conditioning hums as it warms up for the day.

The lights flicker on as they turn on for the first time. It is 6:30 a.m., and the sky still is a dark shade of blue. Most teachers, let alone students would get up and go to school at such a time. However, Spanish teacher Amanda Robles does not mind it at all as she sorts out her work and plans for the classes ahead.

Robles spends a great deal of time planning, staying on weekends and bringing her work home in addition to the early time she gets to school. However, she believes it is worth it, especially to teach at such a great school with great students.

She teaches Spanish II, Spanish III, and Medical Spanish.

Despite Medical Spanish being new to her, she still enjoys teaching it in addition to her other classes.

“The thing that takes up the most time is planning for the lesson because it doesn’t seem like it takes a long time,” states Robles, “but it really does.”

Much has changed from when she went to Huntley High School. The school is bigger, the classes are more

diverse, and the kids seem more interested and enthusiastic.

Even though the school has changed from when she was a student, it has always had supportive and friendly teachers and students.

One of the many things Robles enjoys at Huntley is working with other teachers from the school. Some are the same teachers that taught her when she went to school.

She finds it funny teaching alongside old teachers and finds them great to be around. Even though she is now a teacher at Huntley, Robles is still learning from her former teacher.

“Spanish with Mrs. Goss was my favorite.” said Robles.

“I mean she taught me everything. She taught me almost everything I know about Spanish and now she’s continuing to teach me how to be a better teacher so I really owe her a lot.”

Robles enjoys every part of teaching at HHS, she enjoys spending time with students and teaching them new things, and she loves doing funny theater-esque activities to teach students new Spanish words.

kira langkan // staff writer

november 14, 2014

CENTERSPREAD

21

physical education/health department

JAMIE MEINDL

|CLASS OF 2002|

ts at HHS share their urrent school to how n high school

“First thoughts were towards going into culinary arts It is 5th period gym class, and the freshmen walk and being a pastry chef, but I realized I didn’t want to be through the doors to the gym dressed in their black and grey uniforms. Meindl walks out of the locker room, indoors,” said Meindl.

Teacher Michael Slattery was one of the teachers who stands at the center of the gym and begins to take influenced Meindl to become a Physical Education teacher. attendance while the freshmen do warms ups.

Meindl graduated from Huntley High School in 2002, She had him as a gym teacher from first grade to senior year. which had a graduating class of 103 students.

After graduating from Huntley, Meindl went to the Meindl was very active in Huntley High School activities.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and earned a She was involved with Future Farmers of America, ran Bachelor’s Degree and her teaching certification in cross country, and played basketball and softball.

Physical Education, Health, and Adapted Physical Meindl’s father grew up on a farm, which influenced Education. She came back home to Huntley to find a job. her to decision to become involved with FFA. “I went where there was a job. I was very intrigued by Her favorite class at Huntley was science with teacher everything that was new at Huntley,” said Meindl.

Chet Nelson.

Principal Dave Johnson, who was also her principal “Mr. Nelson was a very enthusiastic teacher and when she was a student at Huntley, hired Meindl. everything was hands on,” said Meindl. “We would take field trips to Mr. Nelson’s house where we would go duck “I enjoy a lot of aspects of my job, but I really enjoy calling and take soil samples from his pond in his backyard. seeing a student, not as athletic as other students, We would also go to Deicke Park and identify trees using accomplish goals that they did not think they could,” said Meindl. leaves.”

During her senior year, Meindl did not know quite tess miller // staff writer what she wanted to do.

It is 2003, a typical Monday morning at Huntley High School, and Samantha Conover is sitting in teacher Dennis Brown’s English IV Honors class writing a research paper for college. She sits there and thinks to herself, “What am I going to do when I graduate college?”

Now, in 2014, teacher Samantha Schaefer recalls how she has always been interested in History since high school.

As she sits in her own classroom in Huntley High School, where she now teaches Global Studies and AP European History, Schaefer describes how she graduated in 2003 with a graduating class of 175 students.

According to Schaefer, Huntley High School has changed dramatically since she was a student. She explains that Huntley High School is totally different.

“There was a middle school upstairs, and the west wing did not exist,” said Schaefer. “No PAC or East Gym either. It was definitely a lot smaller.”

Schaefer was very involved in school activities at Huntley High School. She was in the marching band for four years and speech team for two years. Also, during her sophomore year, she went out for tennis and then continued with the tennis team during her junior and senior years.

When Schaefer was at Huntley, the rival team was Marengo, not Jacobs.

After high school, Schaefer decided to continue her education at the University of Illinois.

“I actually went to college wanting to do something in

graphic design,” said Schaefer.

She knew she had a love for History so she took many history classes and eventually found her niche.

“I didn’t know until sophomore year of college what I wanted to do, and from there I applied to the education program and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in History,” said Schaefer.

After graduating from The University of Illinois, Schaefer did what every college graduate does. She began looking for a teaching job. She liked the idea of working at Huntley High School because it was a growing school district with a lot of opportunities.

“I liked the school environment and wanted to come back to that,” said Schaefer.

Also Schaefer’s brother, Ben Conover, whose picture can still be seen in the freshmen wing, was a senior at Huntley during Schaefer’s first year of teaching.

“It was funny. Ben would come and visit me in my room, and occasionally ask for lunch money,” said Schaefer.

Today Schafer is still very involved at the high school; she is the varsity coach for Scholastic Bowl and is the sophomore class sponsor for Student Council.

“I like discussions and building relationships with students that are meaningful. Also, I enjoy teaching skills that will be important, and that will benefit students outside of school too,” said Schaefer.

tess miller // staff writer

social studies department

SAMANTHA SCHAEFER

|CLASS OF 2003|

22

FEATURES

november 14 2014

HORSES page 17

Despite Lenora’s friskiness, Skala has become incredibly fond of her horse.

“She’s really sweet, especially when you’re on the ground with her and you can just chill with her,” said Skala. “It’s kind of weird to non-horse people.”

Lenora, also dubbed Eleanor by the family, has benefitted a lot from her time with the Skala family. The girls have done a remarkable job putting their skills to the test and training Lenora. “[I love] knowing that she’s becoming a better horse,” said Skala.

Lenora has become just as much a part of the family as Anna and Charlotte, and the family enjoys training her as a way to bond.

Non-horse people wouldn’t understand, but it makes perfect sense to them.

HARRY page 18 achieve that goal.

“I don’t think I really have any haters,” said Hochwarter. “I’m pretty sure there’s 600 more people out there who are just too shy to follow me.”

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how big his band of followers is or how many likes his tweets get. For him, it’s the fact that people

LIFE page 16 background information on the student,” said Teagle. “It was an adjustment, and we had take in all of the criteria before we actually said yes.”

After a few weeks of interviews and planning by the administrators of HomeStay, the Teagles welcomed Kibbi Peng into their home.

Peng, who is currently studying at Biola University in La Mirada, California, was the first of the four international students the Teagles would be hosting throughout the years.

Although her home is in Beijing, she found her place in Illinois.

“She was a very bright and studious girl. She really seemed to work well in terms of our family. She stayed with us for her all three years of being in the program in high school,” said Teagle.

Peng shared a room with Teagle’s eldest daughter, Allison, and has a special bond with Donna

Skala getting Lenora’s feeting prepared for writing (R O’Sullivan).

are enjoying his tweets that matters, even if they do go misunderstood by some.

“I tweeted a picture of my ‘snakes on a plane’ costume for Halloween. I basically taped a bunch of rubber snakes on a coordinate plane” said Hochwarter. “Like some of my other tweets, it just flew over some people’s heads but I dont really care. If one person gets it, then I’m happy.”

Not only does he see twitter as a place to

release his inner comedic stylings and to see people’s reactions to them, he also sees the site as an opportunity to tell any kind of story he wants to in a unique way.

“I love twitter because it has a structured format to it,” said Hochwarter. “It’s like a test for yourself. What kind of story can you tell with just 140 characters?”

Teagle. When her graduation came around, many tears were shed.

“We really like her, and we try to stay in touch with her; my wife stays in touch with her the most,” said Teagle. “We still talk to her all the time, my kids Instagram her so we kind of stay up on that.”

After Peng, their second “child”, Jasmine stayed with them for one year. After each students’ first year in the program, they have the option to switch homes; and Jasmine did not

and Holly, the family has learned a lot when it comes to being involved with people from other countries.

“Grace is from a little province outside of Shanghai, and then Holly is from Beijing. There’s differences, even in the country itself; how they speak, languages, and so forth,” said Teagle.

“That’s one of the things that was always our goal; we wanted to be able to bring those outside influences into our house.”

For the Teagle family, being a part of the HomeStay Boarding Program is more than just setting another place at the table. It is about faith, and bringing in another person to be a part of their family.

Room 239 is where stories are told. Stories about people around us, stories about life, stories about how Teagle made an impact on an 8-year-old boys life.

And 7,000 miles away, four students in China will be able to tell the story of how the Teagles made an impact on their lives.

“We felt that this was a way for us to be able to share and open up, and really be the missionaries.”

-Jay Teagle really connect with Teagle and his family.

Now that they are onto hosting Grace

october 17 2014

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

23

The Flash speeds into television with many episodes

The Flash aired on The CW on Oct.7, and continues to be watched by many fans of the show eric weideman // staff writer

B

arry Allen was just a regular crime scene investigator in Central City, living his life as a rushed clumsy dork.

But little did Barry know, a particle accelerator accident would send him into a coma, and turn him into the fastest man alive.

When it was announced in July 2013 that the co-creators of the CW show “Arrow” would produce a TV pilot for a Flash show, fans were ecstatic. To add to their excitement, it was revealed that DC Comics Chief Creative Officer, and legendary comic book writer, Geoff Johns would be writing for the show. Geoff Johns is responsible for some of DC Comics’ most popular stories, and has written for countless DC books.

“The Flash” does not have a big roster like other popular shows, because of its lower budget. It stars Grant Gustin as The Flash/ Barry Allen, Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost, Candice Patton as Iris West, Jesse L. Martin as Detective Joe West, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes as Cisco Ramon, and most interestingly John Wesley Shipp as Barry’s Father, Henry Allen, who non-coincidentally played Barry Allen in 1990 TV series by the same name.

The Flash is produced by the same studio as “Arrow”, which narrates the adventures of

Grant Gustin in his role as The Flash (Courtesy of www.facebook.com/CWTheFlash)

The Flash (Grant Gustin) saves Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) in The Flash (Courtesy by www.facebook.com/CWTheFlash) Oliver Queen, better known as The Green Arrow, and both shows are filmed in the so called “Hollywood North” Vancouver B.C. This is no coincidence, as Barry Allen was introduced to television in “Arrow”, and The Green Arrow appeared in the pilot episode of “The Flash. It has also been announced that the two shows will be doing a crossover episode in the future.

“I think it’ll only get better as the season goes on,” said comic book reader Nicholas Wier “since it’s the same team as Arrow they know what works and what doesn’t work.”

But enough about the production, lets get to the show. “The Flash” brings viewers into the DC Comics universe, and into the life of a young Barry Allen.

Barry is your typical nerd. He is bullied, picked on, chased, and beaten up. Barry’s parents love him, they encourage him, and think highly of his gentle personality, but this will change.

One night Barry is awoken to the sound of lightning in his living room. There he sees red and yellow streaky lightning circling his hysterical mother, who moments later is killed. With no other witnesses, Barry’s father is considered the only suspect and is wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife.

Fast forward to current day, Barry Allen is in his twenties living in the busy Central City, where he is a crime scene investigator for the Central City Police Department, and a good one at that. Barry works closely with his surrogate father detective Joe West, who is father of Iris West, Barry’s closest friend. To make things more interesting Barry loves Iris, and she does not know. Barry is also one of those people who struggles with responsibility, he’s always in a hurry or late to something.

As a result he is seen as a joke by most of his

colleagues.

Barry Allen is also a science geek, and is dying to see the opening of the particle accelerator at S.T.A.R. Labs. Long story short, Barry makes his way home early that night, and a malfunction causes the accelerator to explode, causing a giant shockwave that rings through the city giving Barry, and many others superhuman powers, making him the fastest man alive.

Barry wakes nine months later under the observation of scientists at S.T.A.R. Labs who try to explain Barry’s situation. After a series of events Barry finds himself fighting villains, saving civilians, and trying to prove his father’s innocence.

“It’s definitely not staying true to the comics, which is good because they’re creating their own DC Universe for TV,” said Bipolar Comics employee Bob Ward.

Many Characters from “The Flash” are far from new, most of which make appearances in the comics, but are being portrayed in a different way. For example, in “The Flash” Cisco Ramon is a scientist, while in the comics Ramon is a kid from Detroit who becomes the superhero “Vibe”.

The acting and special effects can be a bit hit or miss at times, but that does not take away from the quality and storytelling of this series.

With a new minor villain just about every episode and a looming major villain, “The Flash” feels like it is in midseason form.

Even though it may be on a lower budget than other popular shows, that does not seem to stop “The Flash” from competing on the same level as network show. “The Flash” airs Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on the CW network. Do not miss it, it might get away from you.

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

november 14, 2014

2k15 shocks and makes people excited for the release 2k15 has many improvements to the game, and many flaws that shape the game as a whole chris sawalski // staff writer There are so many changes in the basketball world. They range from differences, and people wish they were a part of the NBA. Now you can be in it with ease.

NBA 2K15 is the number one professional basketball video game and is in the top 10 video games of this year.

Although the game was only given a rating of 3.9/10 by GameStop.com, GameSpot gave it 9/10, and Metacritic gave it a 4/5. It is much better than any other professional basketball game on the shelves. These scores come together for an overall experience for the game.

Some of the least noticeable improvements in the game are the gameplay improvements that just make it more realistic. Actions like faking right, and being able to shift momentum towards the post, and being able to float passes over defenders heads, subtle changes, but enable much more realistic game play.

NBA 2K15 has a great sense of putting people in the game, and allowing people to put themselves in the place of their favorite players with the “My Career” feature. My Career is the most popular portion of the NBA 2k series, and the creators of 2k tried to improve on it more this year.

EA Sports has tried to put “Game Face” into My Career, where you upload a picture to the website and download it to the video game. It is supposed to make your face on the player and make it look as real as possible. Now you can be a real part of the game.

Some of the faces put onto the players were demented and missing body parts, a few even had parts of “Alien” for the “Alien vs. Predator” series. One person even tried to make an avatar for his dog, and it looked more like a person than his picture.

The game added a new way to shoot which makes the game much more realistic. It has a release timer that helps make each shot makeable. If you release it in the red, it will miss for sure, in the yellow, it might make it, and if its in the green, it will go in.

Other than some minor glitches the game is really a great game. The game play is quick, and the announcers are always correct.

“2K Share” is back and better than ever. The online portion of the game has been upgraded to allow everybody to share at anytime, and

allow anybody to download at anytime.

With Live Rosters, players overall will fluxuate with how they perform in the regular season and change from week to week. Also roster changes will be updated by the makers of 2K once a week to ensure the game is as real as possible.

The soundtrack is very up to date and has some great songs for the style of the game. It has artists like Lorde, No Doubt, Pharrell Williams, Public Enemy, and Busta Rhymes.

Though I have bias towards the music because I enjoy all of it, the songs on the soundtrack are all chart-toppers at some point in their respective radio-life.

I enjoyed the game, and believe it is a good buy for the winter months. I think people can really get into the game and play the online franchise modes with ease and the My Player is enough to keep people busy for months.

Game cover for NBA 2K15 (Courtesy of 2k.com)

Gameplay options for NBA 2k15 (Courtesy of 2k.com)

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november 14 2014

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

25

A unique fight for the fantasy football league

Enter a new comedy about a group of friends fighting for The Shiva austin zeis // staff writer

A

nother year of hilarious fantasy football that includes Taco, football, and comedy.

That is all you need to know about “The League.” Creators Jeff and Jackie Schaffer are close to completing their sixth season of tear jerking jokes and and fantasy football advice.

The previous five seasons have been just as funny, all with a different twist to it. Each new football season brings on a new chance to win the league championship, called, “The Shiva.”

Pete Eckhart, Rodney Ruxin, Kevin MacArthur, Taco MacArthur, Jenny MacArthur, and Andre Nowzick are all competing for the The Shiva.

In the first few episodes of season six, Kevin has a difficult time dealing with his wife, Jenny,

Jon Lajoie plays Taco in “The League.” (Courtesy by fxnetworks.com)

winning The Shiva. The audience learns secrets about Rafi and Randy and why they have been friends ever since.While most of the cast competes to win their game this week, Ruxin’s cousin-in-law, Rafi has his own fun in life with his friend Randy. The possibilities are endless with the character development.

Why do people continue to tune into each season? It might be Taco’s never ending comedy or how Rafi continues to confuse the other guys with his ideas and thoughts.

“The humor it presents, just fits me. I continuously am cracking up and end up crying because I am laughing so hard,” said sophomore Nash Boatwright. “Each season has its own spark to it and different jokes.”

All the seasons seem to revolve around a specific idea or the jokes are focused on one or two of the characters. For example, season two is revolved around everyone trying to get Rafi out of their fantasy league because he does not pay attention to his fantasy team.

Throughout season three, Pete and Kevin try to convince Taco that his fake business, Taco corp., has closed down. Pete and Kevin are sharing humor but Taco is getting frustrated because he does not know how to fix his business.

Season four began with a bang at Cowboy’s training camp. “I loved season four because they have some good cameos throughout it, like Jason Witten, Desean Jackson, and Jerry Jones” said Boatwright. Some other cameos to appear in season four is Hall of Fame wide receiver Deion Sanders, Texan’s defensive end JJ Watt, and Snoop Dogg. Throughout season four Taco is obsessed with the up-and-coming sport of paintball. Ruxin does not fancy paintball, but he has his own problems with getting

his marriage locked back down.

One of the big ideas the writer Dan O’Keefe strives for is that fantasy football players can relate themselves to a character. Whether you relate to Jenny, a football genius, or Andre, who just continues to struggle each season since he won The Shiva in season one.

Most fans of the show can agree that Rafi is a favorite because of a simple line he always says, “RAFI BOMB.” Rafi will say this when he is about to do something crazy to someone.

Throughout the six seasons Rafi is easily the most hated by the other characters because of his ignorance for football. He suggested that he should be able to play a kicker for every position. Rafi is hilarious, but nobody can be worse at fantasy football.

“I can’t get enough of Taco. Whatever he does just makes me laugh to the point where I want to cry,” said sophomore Nick Laughlin.

“Taco absolutely knows nothing about football and his obsession with wanting his whole team to be full of kickers and defenses is awesome.”

Season five kicks off with Andre hosting a party in Los Angeles to kick off the new football season. During the party, Pete is the first to meet Andre’s fiance Trixie.

In the middle of the season Rafi finds out that his good friend had died and he was mad to a point that it was hysterical. Once Rafi told Randy, Randy wanted to get revenge on the guy who killed their friend.

In the middle season five, Rafi is all for the idea and while they are hunting for their friend’s killer, they find a suprise at the end of the road.

Tune into FX every Tuesday night to watch a new episode of season six.

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october 17 2014

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

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Entering an improved dimesion The release of the new Sims 4 game pleases many who play the game ashley o’brien // online editor

B

ella and Mortimer Goth are two familiar faces of a world unlike any other. They have existed in a variety of different ages, worlds, and personalities throughout the past fourteen years.

Creativity options in the past Sims games always seem endless as newer content has come out. When The Sims 4 released in the United States on Sept. 4, this year. Simmers were amazed with what they had discovered with the new and improved game.

The Sims 4 runs through Origin and was created by Electronic Arts and Maxis who work at The Sims Studios. Internet is not needed to play; however, Origin client is required to be installed in order to play the game, which you need internet for.

As for the sims themselves, they are advancing, taking storytelling and gameplay to a whole new level.

“I like how they added emotions to the game,” said sophomore Austin Krause.

The current emotion a sim could be feeling through many gameplay options. With emotions added, the stories become richer and the possibilities are endless.

Sims can also now mult-itask and have different walks to fit their individual personality.

Customization is a major improvement in the game. For The Sims 4, customizing your sims can take just a few minutes, saving more time to be able to go through the game play.

Many sims you can create in the Sims 4 (Coutesy of thesims.com) When creating a family the possibilities are endless. Use your mouse and drag different facial and body features to how you want your sim to look. There is no need to go through multiple steps to create a real looking sim.

Building a lot from your own taste is relatable to the past ways of “Build Mode.” A new feature in the Build Mode is being able to easily move a room from one place to another with a click of a button.

An even more use exciting addition to the game is the Gallery. The Gallery is very similar to Mod the Sims, or anything else you used in the past for downloadable sims content for the last three versions. There is no need to download playable content through your computer and internet browser. As long as you are online

while playing the Sims 4, it is already good to go for you.

Within the Gallery there are three different main pages to navigate through: Home, Community, and My Library.

Once your sims have a home to your liking, it is time to go into gameplay mode. But afterwards, Sims emotions run wild in many ways.

Just like the past, there are multiple aspirations and personality traits to choose from; however, each aspiration unlocks a specific personality trait with it.

In comparison to The Sims 3 franchise, The Sims 4 has brought back the classy feel to the game.

“I like less realism; they added more realism and its less like my style of gaming [for sims],” said Krause.

Krause owns The Sims 2 along with all the expansion packs, The Sims 3, and now The Sims 4.

“I love Sims 2, [it] has that classy feeling in the game.”

Krause gives The Sims 4 a rating of a nine out of ten, giving the creators credit to better graphics, sounds, customization, decorations, building features, and music.

“I would add face recognition, so it can take a picture of your face and make a sim off that [and also] record your voice and it makes your sims talk like how you talk; but in sims language of course” said Krause.

The Sims are changing, aging, advancing, and experiencing stories unlike anything from the past. The Goth family has been with The Sims franchise since day one and the families you can create are just waiting to begin.

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

november 14 2014

New Call of Duty revolutionizes the popular franchise

Sledgehammer Games produces Call of Duty 4 adam reckamp // editor-in-chief

O

ne of the largest complaints about the Call of Duty franchise is that Call of Duty is the same game reskinned every year. This year with Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, that won’t be a problem.

The new movement in Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, developed by first time Call of Duty developer Sledgehammer Games, is the biggest change to the Call of Duty series since the introduction of create-a-class in Call of Duty Modern Warfare. The implementation of the Exosuit allows players to boost jump, dash, and strafe around the map in a way never before seen in the franchise.

The Exo movement, while different than anything ever before seen in Call of Duty, still feels natural and retains the typical Call of Duty feeling. This allows series veterans to feel familiar with the game, even though it is so different.

This new movement rewards skilled players, and severely punishes those who do not have the new movement mastered. It also rewards players who move around the map, getting rid of camping.

The large learning curve that comes with the Exo suit keeps the game fresh and gives experienced players something to work towards.

Another thing players can work towards is earning loot, a part of the new supply drop system in Advanced Warfare. Similar to the battlepack system in Battlefield, supply drops reward players with character customizations and weapon variants. This addition just adds to the incredible amount of challenges and customization options in Advanced Warfare.

Players can show off their custom armor and gear in the new virtual lobbies in the game.

Exo suits are an integral part of Call of Duty Advanced Warfare (Courtesy by callofduty.com/advancedwarfare)

Besides just being a place to show off customized armor, virtual lobbies contain a virtual firing range. No longer will players have to sit in boring pre game lobbies or wait until the match starts to try out a new gun; the virtual firing range allows players to try out their classes in a virtual pre game shooting range.

This addition may seem small, but it adds a lot to the game and should be implemented into every other FPS game on the market.

The wildly popular pick 10 create-a-class system from Black Ops 2 returns, but it has been improved. Now a pick 13 system, players can remove killstreaks from their classes if they want and use those points to equip extra perks, attachments or grenades. This is great for players who can’t earn higher scores streaks or just want more points for their classes.

The maps in Advanced Warfare return back to the classic three lane style that was common in all past CoD’s except for Call of Duty Ghosts. This is a welcome return and the increased verticality of these maps really stands out. Overall, the maps are above average for a CoD game and almost all of them are impressive from a gameplay and aesthetic standpoint.

The maps work well with the multitude of game types offered in Advanced Warfare.

Players can choose to play campaign in Call of Duty Advanced Warfare (Courtesy of callofduty.com/advancedwarfare)

Hardpoint and Capture the Flag return, as well as War from Call of Duty World at War, renamed as Momentum. These game modes are also joined by new modes such as Uplink, a game type resembling Halo’s Oddball. Uplink is a blast to play and really shows off the abilities of the Exosuit.

These game types allow the return of Ranked Play in Advanced Warfare. Ranked play, while better than Ghosts’ Clan vs Clan mode, is worse than Black Ops 2’s League Play. Ranked play allows players to compete in ladders where they will advance upwards for every win and fall in the ladder for every loss.

This mode caters to the most competitive players in the game, and work well to promote Call of Duty’s expanding eSports scene. While Ranked Play is good, the ability to join matches in progress and the lack of lobby breaking after games will hurt the mode until those issues are patched.

Speaking of patches, the guns definitely need a patch. The assault rifles in Advanced Warfare dominate the game, and the popular submachine gun class is considerably weaker than in past games. While the quality of all guns might be a problem, the quantity is definitely not.

With the weapon variants in the game, there are over 350 different weapons players can use.

This gives the game more replay value; ensuring players have more options than ever before.

While the multiplayer may be revolutionary, the other two modes in the game are not. The campaign takes place in 2054 in a world run

by PMCs, of private military corporations.You play as Mitchell, a soldier for Atlas, the largest military corporation in the world. The head of Atlas, Jonathan Irons, is a realistically rendered Kevin Spacey and is one of the best villains of a Call of Duty campaign to date. The campaign is largely predictable though, and while the graphics are stunning, is not very different from past campaigns.

The other mode in Advanced Warfare is Exo Survival. This game type is extremely similar to Survival mode from Modern Warfare 3. It is fun to play cooperatively with friends, but doesn’t have the depth or excitement of zombies.

Overall, Call of Duty Advanced Warfare is one of the best CoDs to date. The game feels polished, a result of the new three year development cycle of the franchise. If you had experienced fatigue for Call of Duty games or are a fan of FPS games in general, Call of Duty Advanced Warfare is the perfect game to make you fall back in love with the franchise.

october 17 2014

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Enroll in a one-of-a-kind high school

29

Take classes at Video Game High School this season, and prepare to be amazed. ryan mills // staff writer

A

mericans play video games with a whopping $21.53 billion with hardware, and accessories in 2013. $15.39 billion being spent in the United States alone.

Imagine going to a high school where there are no classes, but only video games. There are

Poster for Video Game High School (Courtesy of facebook.com/VideoGameHighSchool)

CONTACT US

mornings before school, playing the DS on the bus and not wanting to turn it off. Not wanting to leave this other dimension for the mind to wander.

VGHS(Video Game High School) is an online series which premiered May 11, 2012.

It is co-created by well known film maker and YouTuber freddiew(Freddie Wong). This series instantly gained interest soon after its premier, which is not surprising because Wong’s YouTube channel “RocketJump” has over 7 million subscribers.

This series takes place in the near future where video gaming is center stage in society.

VGHS is a prestigious gaming school that teaches all genres of gaming, but to only the best of gamers.

The show’s protagonist, Brian Doheny, gets into VGHS by defeating international first-person shooting star “The Law”, who is is a gaming celebrity icon and joins a random server on a live television show to show off his skills, which ever so happens to be the server Brian is on.

Brian gets extremely lucky and “kills” The Law, humiliating him in front of the whole world, and Brian becomes a gaming superstar, although he is just an amateur.

Brian soon gets an invitation to VGHS and quickly obtains one of the biggest egos on campus. Defeating The Law gives him a giant target on his back throughout his first year.

The Law also attends VGHS and is the varsity

FPS(First Person Shooter) captain. Law envies Brian because he ruined his reputation of being one of the best FPS gamers in the world. The Law, to no surprise, is not only Brian’s rival when it comes to gaming, but also when it comes to girls.

The Law is dating Brian’s love interest Jenny Matrixm. Jenny and Law are almost like the classic quarterback, cheerleader couple, in which they are both fairly popular. Brian instantly develops a crush on Jenny and attempts to impress her.

Despite all the problems Brian may face, he always finds a way to overcome them, with the help of his friends Ki and Ted. VGHS is as unique as Harry Potter when it first came out. It may not have a superstar cast or the greatest script, but it has many comedic game references and stunning special effects.

“I really like VGHS because it shows how the entertainment medium is changing,” said senior Noah Richardson. “The writing on VGHS brings a much more casual feel and connects a lot more with our generation than mainstream television shows.”

VGHS is currently finishing up its third and final season. New episodes get posted on Freddie’s channel every Monday. Previous seasons are also available on Redbox and Netflix.

Take yourself into that other dimension and get lost in your imagination.

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november 14 2014

The fight and the struggle

Senior Josh Esikiel explains how football has changed his life nate montoya // staff writer

H

is palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, there’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti, -Eminem.

As he walks onto the field he opens his eyes. This field holds stories of blood, sweat, and tears. He sees a new family and a new beginning.

Senior Josh Esikiel, a starting varsity wide receiver, has not gotten to the top without enduring many battles. It was his sophomore year when two-time state championship head coach John Hart arrived at Huntley High School.

“I was super excited, I knew we had a lot of potential, I was ready and I knew what I could do,” said Esikiel.

He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks

Senior Josh Esikiel runs the ball during the playoff game (C.Filpi).

calm and ready to drop bombs.

With summer training beginning Esikiel was ready to go. He then got the news that he had to attend summer school due to his poor performance freshman year. This made him ineligible to play football, and the news was devastating considering football was his escape.

Freshman year was the time it all fell apart because Esikiel’s father passed away, and it crushed him. His grades started to slip, he began to make bad decisions, and it all started to slowly slide downhill.

Snap back to reality, oh there goes gravity.

After finally returning from passing summer school, Hart gave Josh the news that he still needed to take another class in order to play.

Things looked like they were never going to turn around.

The questions began, “what are you going to do, are you going to quit now,” his teammates asked.

The answer became clear. He was not going to opt out of the battle so soon. He decided to stick with football and the team.

He’s so mad, but he wont give up that easy, no.

“When coach Hart got here everything changed, the team was closer, the tempo changed, how we practiced, it was all so up and I loved that, I could not let that go,” said Esikiel.

During the 2012, season he did not play a single game nor did he participate in any

Junior quarterback Anthony Binetti hugs senior Josh Esikiel after the round one playoff game (C. Filpi).

practices, but he stayed for the team because he knew that they needed him.

After Huntley’s crushing first round play off loss to Fenwick and a let down the following year it all began.

He better go capture this moment, and hope it doesn’t pass him.

Hart took a priority in ensuring his players put school first. Esikiel started getting all of his work done and his grades quickly shot up.

“Without football my grades and life would still be going downhill. Football got my head in it, and got me jump started,” said Esikiel.

You own it, you better never let it go.

When he found out he got to play, he thought that it was the craziest thing ever.

“There is no better feeling than being on

see ESIKIEL page 35

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Freshman phenomenon

SPORTS

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Freshman Chloe Smith adjusts to cross in high school tyler watkins // staff writer

“Chloe’s potential really shined through during her first two races. She was able to run at untley freshman Chloe Smith navigates the junior varsity level and win handily at both the sharp turns and rocky hills of Hick- meets,” said Gallaugher. ory Nut Grove in Cary, Illinois. She During Smith’s short tenure as a varsity powers herself up a steep hill and sharply cuts runner, Huntley has earned some impressive to the left around the final flag of the race. She results. Smith has helped lead Huntley to mulexhausts herself as she spends the rest of her tiple dual meet victories, a fifth place finish at energy on the final 40 meters of the race. As the Fox Valley Conference meet, and top-five she crosses the line, her time of 19:57.9 flashes finishes at multiple invitationals. A highlight of on the electronic timer that has been set up the season was Huntley’s regional championnext to the finish. That time is good enough to ship at the Rockford Guilford Regional. earn Smith 14th place, All-Conference honors Coaching Smith and seeing her become sucat the varsity level, and it helps to get Huntley cessful so quickly has been a special time for a fifth place finish at the Fox Valley Conference Gallaugher. meet.

“It’s been a treat,” said Gallaugher. “It’s always Smith’s family was a major influence in her great to have a freshman who is able to make deciding to begin running cross country in an impact, especially one like Chloe who has The Official been our number two runner.”  Self - Defense sixth grade.

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Freshman Chloe Smith runs with senior Kelly Meehleib and sophomore Sarah Roberts (J. Piske).

teammates help push me during races. Kelly Meehleib has helped to influence me before races because she would give everyone a pep talk so having her has helped me a lot this season.”

Both Gallaugher and Smith believe that the biggest challenge in adapting to the high school level from the middle school level is the extra mileage the runners face at practice and during races.

“You’re running an extra mile during the races so that’s an extra challenge,” said Smith.

“The training is a lot different as well. In middle school we only ran one or two miles a day but in high school we do around five to seven miles a day.”

Even though Smith is an incredibly talented runner and has quickly proven herself at the varsity level, she has made improvements to her running throughout the season.

“She’s really improved her continuous pacing,” said Gallaugher. “She’s been able to keep her mile splits within one minute of each other during meets.”

Smith still has goals she would like to achieve this year and throughout the rest of her high school career.

“My goal is to break my personal record of 18:38. I’d like to get under 18:30 for the three mile,” said Smith. “I want to continue running throughout the winter in order to prepare for the track season.”

With such a remarkable debut season, it is assured that Smith will be a crucial member of Huntley cross country for the rest of high

32

SPORTS

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november 14 2014

SPORTS

The new kid on the court

33

Freshman Aleah Amelio plays a big roll on varsity team jessamine clavero // design editor

T

he air filling the hallway that leads to the East Gym, thick and sticky from humidity, feels like a microwave in the summer heat. The poor air conditioning makes Huntley athletes attending pre-season training uncomfortable and they dread the hours of heat and sweat dripping from their bodies. However, even though the temperature and condition of her surroundings may be unfavorable, freshman Aleah Amelio has something else making her feel uneasy.

At her first day of high school volleyball summer camp, Amelio’s stomach can not stop turning. She had been training all club season specifically for her shot at a spot on the varsity team and now, about to face reality, she does not know exactly what to expect. Entering the gym, she observes the older girls flaunting their exceptional skill while revealing their close knit dynamic. She knows she has the skill and drive to make the varsity roster, but Amelio can not help but feel a bit intimidated by the change she was going to have to get used to.

Nonetheless, Amelio not only made the varsity team, but already served as one of its respected starters in her first year of high school. She makes hitting, passing, and blocking look effortless, but it was not always so simple.

To start off her volleyball career, Amelio first played seven years ago through a camp she

attended with a friend.

“I remember I was one of the only girls that didn’t know any of the rotations or positions,” said Amelio. “I was kind of standing in the middle not knowing what to do.”

Little did Amelio know that what she thought was just a game played for fun would turn into a sport and lifestyle she would dedicate the majority of her effort to. As time progressed, she started to play teams at Sky High, a volleyball club based in Crystal Lake. This past year, she made it her club season goal to get on the varsity team right away.

Fortunately, the hours of practice and game play paid off when she came in for volleyball summer camp. Coach Karen Naymola observed her skill attentively, especially her impressive arm swing. Naymola remained almost as impressed as the first time she saw Amelio play at the Heineman versus Marlowe game the year before.

“Stepping in as a freshman is never an easy position, but she’s a very confident player and works extremely hard,” said Naymola. “She’s earned the respect of her teammates just by her work ethic alone.”

Despite her uncertainty about fitting in with the upperclassmen of the team, every girl accepted her into their bonded team right away.

Junior Erin Erb especially empathized with Amelio, familiar with the initial discomfort of

Freshman Aleah Amelio jumps up to spike the ball (J. Clavero).

being one of the only underclassmen on the team because she also started on the varsity team as a freshman. As a role model figure for Amelio, Erb guides her through any struggle she encounters while still taking pride in the determination she sees in her.

“She always tries to push herself because she always gets frustrated at mistakes she knows she can work on and make better,” said Erb. “I like to see that in her.”

On top of adjusting to the new high school environment, Amelio developed shin splints for the first time. She had no idea how to treat them and struggled with the pain. Luckily, Erb was also recovering from a shoulder injury and provided guidance on what to do and how to get past and injury.

“I told her some ways she could fix it, but I basically told her, ‘Do what you have to do, but just push through it. Push through it for the team,’” said Erb. With great struggle comes great success and Amelio demonstrated this perfectly throughout the season with her prominent work ethic and leadership on the court. Even as a freshman, she shows traits of veteran players

see AMELIO page 35

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SPORTS

november 14 2014

Out with the old, in with the new Varsity coach Benson is grateful for his new position

charlie vavrick // staff writer

P

laying football, basketball, and baseball at Crystal Lake South High School, William Benson grew up around sports.

In college, Benson played Division III college basketball for two years at Dubuque College and looks to carry that experience over into the head coaching position for the 2014-2015 Huntley High School varsity boys basketball team.

After the coaching position at Dubuque College was vacated a second time in his sophomore year, Benson transferred to NIU where he “started coaching all-year round, as he went to school, in various feeder programs as well as some AAU programs, and made some friends in coaching.”

Realizing his passion, Benson then “just did it [coaching] as much as he could because he realized teaching and coaching kids was what he wanted to get involved with.”

After college, Benson got a job at Harvard High School where he taught for six years.

There, he coached football for five years and basketball for three. Last year, Benson coached varsity basketball at Marengo High School while still teaching at Harvard.

Benson moved to Lake in the Hills from Crystal Lake three years ago. His home is in the Huntley School District, so his six-year-old daughter, Grace, is in the first grade at Chesak Elementary School.

“We are in a place that we all really like and wish to stay at. I always thought that Huntley would be a good place to coach if a position ever opened,” said Benson, who was hired as the new varsity boys basketball coach over the summer.

Benson takes over the head coaching position from Marty Manning, who led the Red Raiders to a 162-68 record over his coaching span eight years.

“Coach Manning did such a great job building up the program and had a lot of success during his tenure,” said Benson. “It was kind of a no-brainer when I heard he was taking over at Schaumburg, and the spot would be open.

There were a lot of good candidates for the job, and I was thankful to get an interview with Huntley and even more thankful to get hired.”

Benson also admires other aspects of the Huntley School District along with the teachers and students inside of it.

“The one thing I have admired about Huntley as a district, is that it is so proactive in trying

to improve itself,” said Benson. “They show that through the innovative things they are a part of academically.”

Benson is using the experiences of coaching football and teaching his classes “to get to know a lot more kids.”

“The high school has a lot of people in its Physical Education Driver’s Ed, and Weights classes on the basketball team,” said Benson. “I met the team at a meeting in May. It has been a great fit, and something I want to be a part of for a long time.”

The sentiment is continued by Benson’s players, who feel the same about him. Benson brings an enthusiasm and a work ethic to the team and his players have already taken notice.

“Benson really brings a new sense of energy and enthusiasm to the team,” said junior point guard Jason Zobott. “He really knows how to relate to all the players and get the best out of them.”

Benson also brings a profound knowledge and experience to coaching, from his years as a player and coach, which he has used to quickly

“Benson really brings a news sense of energy and enthusiasm to the team. He really knows how to relate to all the players and get the best out of them.”

- junior point guard Jason Zobott teach the team.

“Even though I have only spent the summer and this fall with him, I have been able to learn a lot from him,” said sophomore shooting guard Jack Bessey. “I think he fits in well here at Huntley and I think we will have a great chance to win our fifth straight conference title with him as coach. I cannot wait for the season to start.”

Trying to get to know the team more proactively, Benson involved himself in the threeweek basketball summer camp, where the team competed in a few tournaments. Along with the summer camps, the team is having weekly open gym sessions, so he can see how the team interacts with each other on the court.

“We got a lot of guys playing time for all of our levels. It was good to get to know a lot of the kids,” said Benson. “Summer is a different animal, we were trying to teach them stuff and build relationships with the guys. When the season starts, the intensity obviously raises and I think everyone will be more excited and

Varsity boys basketball coach William Benson coaches the players at tryouts (S. Panchal).

ready to go.”

Having lost three FVC All-Conference players this year Amanze Egekeze, Zach Gorney, and Riley Wicks, Benson looks forward to the challenge of crafting an entirely new lineup.

“We have an idea of where some of our kids are going to fit from the summer. I think guys like Jack Bessey, Jason Zobott, DJ Cruz, and Connor Boesch, who saw some time last year, will probably continue to see time, but other than that the lineup is open,” said Benson. “I think it is kind of fun to have these guys compete every day in practice and see how those things play out.”

Benson asks for guys that are going to compete everyday “At practice because when you compete every day, play hard, play tough, and play together, the end results take care of themselves.”

“Every year, you try to get kids to fit into roles that are going to make them and our team as successful as it can be,” said Benson.

“That is not different from year to year. Coach Manning and I are very similar in our principles of playing hard and giving all your effort.”

Benson is trying not to get hung up on the starting lineup. Instead, Benson prefers to get all his players involved in the game. Last year at Marengo, Benson played nine guys every game.

“I know that people like to say that they start, but to me starting is important, but whoever finishes the game is equally or more important.

My coaching philosophy is whoever has been hot is going to play,” said Benson. “I like to get everyone involved in the game, I like to play a lot of kids.”

Like any coach, the Xs and Os might be different, but the results the team is aiming for are the same. Other than that, it is like any other year. The hard part will be getting kids in the right spots. At that point, things should fall

november 14 2014 AMELIO page 1 whether it is through her own skills or the dynamic between her and her teammates.

“I love the fact that as a freshman, she’ll come in and not be afraid to swing away,” said Naymola. “We have juniors and seniors that can’t handle that sort of pressure. She listens to what you tell her. She’s probably one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever had.”

Throughout her first season, there have been games that Amelio would consider highlights of her career, but none are held in higher regard than the Huntley Invite, which the team placed first at. Amelio started the season strong and

ESIKIEL page 1 “There is no better feeling than being on that field, seeing the stands packed, and hearing all of Raider Nation scream your name, said Esikiel. “It is something that is just unexplainable.”

“You only got one shot, do not miss your chance to blow.”

Huntley football being lead by ‘Brotherhood’ finished their regular season off with a 8-1 record. They had finally proven everyone wrong

SPORTS “It’s nice to know that you have improved and to think about how you were in the beginning and how you are now.”

-Freshman Aleah Amelio has done nothing but better herself as a player.

“It’s nice to know that you have improved and to think about how you were in the beginning and how you are now,” said Amelio.

As for her future in volleyball, her teammates and were now paying back Hart for what he had been giving them.

Despite another heartbreaking first round playoff loss to the Palatine Pirates the Red Raiders will never hang their head in shame, the program will never stop fighting, and the fans will never stop supporting them.

The season has come to an end, and the echoing chant of “we still love you” by Raider Nation runs through players heads.

“The number one things I love most about

35

and coaches have positive predictions.

“I would be shocked if she didn’t go on somewhere big to play in college,” said Naymola. “I’m sure she’ll go far here and after high school.”

For younger athletes aspiring to play at the varsity level, Amelio has simple guidelines to follow in order to be successful.

“Just work your butt off,” said Amelio. “If you take the coach’s advice and work as hard as you can, you will make improvements and become a better player in general.”

football is the family, these guys are a whole new family for me, they were a whole fresh start, I love these guys,” Said Esikiel.

The legacy will always live on.

“This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”

“In football the result is an impostor.You can do things really well but just not win. There’s something greater than the result, more lasting- a legacy.” -Unknown.

Follow

@Huntleysports on Twitter for live tweets and score updates

SPORTS

33

Playing with the big girls

As the only freshman starter on the varsity volleyball team, Aleah Amelio adjusts to the mature team and intense environment

(J. Clavero)