Chi Rhoan October 2012
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18 and Published
Senior Jeff Green not only conquered summer reading, but also conquered writing his first book. See Page 3
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, 801 NW 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118
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Vol. 63, No. 2
New wing blessed, dedicated to former principal Bridget McGuire, Staff Writer
Thirty-two years after his first days as principal, Stephen P. Parsons returned to Bishop McGuinness to attend the dedication and blessing of the new Math and Science wing in his honor. “I am enthusiastic about all of the facilities and programs developed and initiated in the recent past,” Parsons said. “I am personally humbled and honored to be remembered. Thank you to the administration, faculty/staff, Archdiocese and patrons for this special recognition.” Accompanied by his wife Judy and two grown children Paul and Elena and families, Parsons celebrated the honor with returning faculty, alumni, patrons, friends, and members of the present faculty. During his time as principal, one of Parsons’ goals was to develop a better financial situation for the school. “He put the school on stable financial footing,” Principal David Morton said. “Over time [Parsons] helped to increase the school population. He created departments and positions that delegated the leadership to the staff while he focused on business and finance.” As its leader, Parsons set several goals for himself as well as for the development of the school. “One of my personal
goals was to challenge myself and others to recognize strengths and weaknesses,” Parsons said. “And one of my main goals was to revamp the academics, eventually creating a true college preparatory curriculum. Parsons accomplished his goals by strengthening the financial situation and hiring qualified and dedicated teachers. “He [Parsons] brought on a lot of new teachers who were concerned about education and really cared about the students,” art teacher Steve McConnell said. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and former student Father Stephen Hamilton led those in attendance in prayer and singing as the Archbishop blessed the new addition. “My 18 years here were challenging and fun! I received great support from faculty/ staff, parents and patrons, the Advisory Board and Archdiocese. We became a family. Our students welcomed the challenge to grow spiritually, academically, and through activities…the whole person,” Parsons said. “I remember the people the most…some no longer with us on earth, I remain so grateful to those many others who trusted me and were generous with their time, talent and gifts. Serving in Catholic education has always been a vocation and a blessing, but never a job!” Parsons, now retired, lives in Houston and does volunteer tutoring for students in their college math classes.
1 1. Approximately 150 people attended the blessing and dedication of the math and science wing Sept. 21. Patrons Judy and Tom Love, Judy Parsons and former Principal Stephen Parsons, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Father Stephen Hamilton and Principal David Morton stand at the front entrance to the new wing.
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2. At the entrance to the new wing, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, accompanied by Father Stephen Hamilton blesses the new addition.
3. After the blessing, patron Tom Love (grandfather of senior David Love, junior Liza Cameron, freshman Claire Cameron and graduates Thomas Love and Caroline Cameron), former Principal Stephen P. Parsons, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley chat about the evening’s events. Many guests then went to the football field to watch the Irish play the El Reno Indians.
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All photos by Sandy Cunningham, Director of Public Relations
News
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Chi Rhoan October 2012
West Nile threatens central area of state Olivia Karim, Staff Writer West Nile Virus (WNV) continues to sweep through Oklahoma with record-breaking tenacity. As of Sept. 26, 151 WNV cases were confirmed, surpassing the previous 2007 count of 107 cases. A total of nine deaths have occurred in the state. “After hearing about West Nile, I make sure to put on bug spray whenever I go outside now,” said senior Hayden Terlip. Junior Jack Livingston’s father is one of the few who developed the virus. “We think he got it in our backyard,” Livingston said. “There’s this pond in our backyard near the golf course. The health department confirmed there were disease carrying mosquitoes in it.” In the hospital since Aug. 1, Livingston’s father, Patrick, continues to get better. Contrary to belief, the likelihood of acquiring West Nile Virus is slim. Roughly one percent of mosquitoes actually carry the disease and 80 percent of people exposed to the virus never contract the disease. People over the age of 50 are the most at risk
West Nile Virus Symptoms Headache Fever Tiredness Body Aches Occasional Skin Rashes *Standing water such as ponds and swamp areas can serve as breeding ground for mosquitos for the West Nile Virus. With the spread of the virus, one organization changed its routine regarding testing. “The spread of West Nile depends on many factors including what percentage of birds can become multipliers, You may have a lot of cases in one area and none in a place a 100 miles away,” Dr. Lyle R. Peterson, director of Enters for Disease Control and Prevention, said.
Chi Rhoan Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
801 N.W. 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 www.bmchs.org
Editor-in-Chief Joe Buettner Layout/Ads Editor Mary Mawdsley News Editor Michaela Parker Feature Editor Lexie Wolfe Sports Editor Edward Wiewel Staff Ashley Billups Jackie Gibson Gabby Grubb Olivia Karim Bridget McGuire Maddie O’Brien
Principal David Morton Adviser Betty Herman Our mission is to objectively and accurately inform and entertain. We strive to provide an open forum to the voices of the student community. The views of the editorials do not represent the opinions of the entire staff. We welcome signed letters to the editor, but also reserve the right to edit or not publish these letters. The Chi Rhoan is printed by Greater Dallas Press.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute now tests possible donors for WNV. Those who test positive will not necessarily develop the disease, but most likely carry it, so their blood cannot be accepted. “In June, July and August, each day we had an average of one or two people test positive. But in the past few weeks, we have had none,” Blood Institute worker Cindy Prince said.
News - Notes
Maddie O’Brien, Staff Writer
gressman Paul Ryan are the Republican nominees. The Democratic Convention was Sept. 3 through Sept. 6 in Charlotte, NC. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden received the delegates nomination.
US Libyan Ambassador killed The US Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens and three others were killed in Benghazi by Muslim protestors, Sept. 11. Channel 4 canceled the documentary, Islam: The Untold Story that sparked the attack, after 1,200 Isaac slams coastline Hurricane Isaac marked the hurricomplaints. cane season that officially opened from Jun. 1 through Nov. 30, Isaac thrashed American hero dies Neil Armstrong, the first man the Gulf Coast area, causing roughly to walk on the moon, died Aug. 25 $2 billion dollars of damage, and seven at age 82 of heart surgery com- deaths.
plications due to coronary artery disease. Armstrong led the first Two named National AP Scholars Two 2013 graduates Molly Kalk and trip to the moon in 1966, on the Nate Yokell received the highest AP Apollo 11. honor given - National AP Scholars. This honor is awarded to students Delegates nominate candiwho meet the following criteria: Grantdates Delegates attended the Re- ed to students who receive an average publican Convention in Tampa, score of at least 4 on all AP exams takAug. 27-30. Governor Mary Fallin en and a score of 4 or higher on eight and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick or more of these exams. Kalk and Yokell were the first to reCornett spoke to the delegates. ceive this honor in recent history. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Wisconsin con-
News
Chi Rhoan October 2012
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McGuinness senior publishes first novel
Jeff Green’s Hollow has hit Amazon following months of work Mary Mawdsley, Advertising/Layout Editor The Irish community has a published writer walking the halls. For most teenagers, writing or doing school-related activities is not an option during the summer. However, senior Jeff Green used his summer break to write his first novel, Hollow. “You know how when you’re bored, people tell you to go write a book?” Jeff Green said. “Well I did.” For six months, beginning in the spring, Green committed to writing 2000 words every day. When he finished writing, Green sent in manuscripts and worked with publishers for a long time through interviews. “It involves writing many query letters to agents and publishers, waiting for responses, and keep going until you get a request to see the work,” Green said. After much work, the first publication date was set for Sept. 1 for Kindle use through Amazon’s online store. “I was and still am in disbelief about the
Irish Notes National Merit SemiFinalists named
Seniors Kevin Gaffney, Kathryn Kearns, James LaPorte, and Sabrina Waugh earned a score in the top half of one percent in the state based on the scores of last year’s Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. This allows them a chance of becoming National Merit Finalists in the spring. Teens chosen for board The Oklahoma Heritage Association selected the following students for a teen board based on community service: juniors Gabrielle Jacobi, Bridget McGuire, Lexy Neira, and Stephanie Trautmann, and sophomores Andrea Browning and Blair Morgan. “I’ve met so many great people from across the state, and I’ve learned how to be a leader.” McGuire said.
Revealing his first novel, “Hollow” senior Jeff Green sits in the Bishop McGuinness library with one of few hard copies of the book. Photo Credit: Emily Watson whole thing,” Green said. According to the book description provided by Amazon.com, “Hollow - is the story of four teenagers (Zach, Jack, Sara, and Allison) on the brink of adulthood pulled from their own time and thrust into a post-apocolayptic world brought on by the work of a mysterious narrator
Students achieve AP recognition After the 2012 AP national exams, the following students received recognition as AP Scholars with Distinction: seniors Amanda Duvall and Kathryn Kearns; AP Scholars With Honor, Allison Bordy, Cindy Do, Jack Downs, Kevin Gaffney, Samantha Kelly, Sina Khosravani, James LaPorte, Elizabeth Low, Kaitlin Lutz, Sarah Vaughan and Sabrina Waugh. Students who finished with a 3 or higher, on 3 or more AP exams, qualify as AP Scholars are Grace Amundsen, Ashley Billups, Regan Bolding, Kevin Daly, Rochelle Garcia, Brent Gawey, Jeffrey Green, Audrey Harris, Taylor Hayes, Darby Heard, Eric Hughes, Elizabeth Kornfeld, Allyson McFadden, Shelby McMillin, Jacqueline Nighbor, Anna O’Hare, Carlee Reeser, Jillian Smythe and Laurabelle Vaughan.
known only as the hollow man.” “I was really impressed by the imagery and writing style of the novel,” senior James LaPorte said. Fellow students who read the novel were intrigued by the story. “The apocalyptic plot line isn’t necessarily new,” senior Samantha Kelly said. “But, he was able to make it a page turner.” Green has received positive feedback and shock from readers who are not aware of his young age. “People who do not know who I am say they thought I was about 50 years old,” Green said. Hollow is exclusively on Amazon until Dec. 1, but will be available to readers on Apple’s iBooks app, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords Dec. 1. Green’s writing journey is not over yet, though. “I hope to be able to publish many more books, poems, stories, and if possible, help pay for my college,” Green said.
Catholic schools proactive in suicide prevention gave a presentation to the faculty on signs of depres sion in adolescence. She In the past few years, the also provided information Catholic community has on what teachers can do to experienced the impact of help. suicide. Searching for the best “The Catholic communi- curriculum, Kelly attended ty has gone through deep conventions and other remourning together,” cam- sources such as the Youth pus minister Aimee Phillips Suicide Prevention Symsaid, “We realized that we posium at Mount St. Mary need to increase prevention Sept. 18. Senior Field Repstudies on suicide.” resentative for Suicide PreRecently, speakers who vention Julie Geddes, who promote bully and suicide works for Oklahoma Deprevention visited local partment of Mental Health schools. However, the sui- and Substance Abuse Sercide rate seems to be in- vices (ODMHSAS,) presentcreasing. ed the workshop for school “The suicide rate for peo- administrators, faculty, ple ages 15 to 24 has more and staff. than doubled since the mid“We definitely want to be 1950s,” The Oklahoman. proactive [in suicide preAll counselors, principals, vention],” Kelly said. and the campus minister of Awareness is also eviBishop McGuinness work dent outside of the Catholic together to incorporate edu- school community. Oklacation of suicide prevention homa promoted Suicide in to the curriculum. Prevention Week from Sept. Health and Wellness Coun- 7-15. selor Jennifer Kelly recently The American Founda-
Mary Mawdsley, Staff
tion for Suicide Prevention held the Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention Sept. 8 at 7 a.m. Inspired, senior Megan Schwarz attended the walk with people from her youth group at St. Charles and others on the Suicide Awareness Board. “One of my best friends committed suicide; then another friend,” Schwarz said. “It’s not only that I want to spread the awareness of teen suicide, but I also want people to know that I/we aren’t ashamed of their deaths. They were in bad places in their lives.” Active suicide prevention opportunities continue to arise and volunteers are welcome. Young people should know that help is available. Our school provides counselors willing to listen and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Opinion
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Chi Rhoan October 2012
Jeanless spirit days: cause debate among students Ashley Dawn Billups, Staff up days, students also participate in extracurricular The bell chimes at 9:55 activities that should be a.m., and the morning an- rewarded. These activities nouncements begin. Mr. should be granted a spirit Swink reads, “Tomorrow day with jeans instead of will be a Spirit Day.” As stu- simply uniform bottoms. dents begin planning outWhile there are students fits, a sentence disrupts the that participate in spirit excitement: “If you donate a days with uniform bottoms, dollar, you may wear a spirit others refuse on principle. top with uniform bottoms.” “I think if we are still What happened to Spirit wearing our uniform botDays where wearing jeans toms, we shouldn’t pay. with spirit shirts was nat- It’s stupid! I would pay for ural? Why do spirit days jeans but not for my skirt,” now require uniform bot- senior Hope Powers said. toms instead of jeans? Students schoolwide agree Why do we now need to with Powers’ sentiment. pay for a spirit day – espeWhile allowing students cially one without jeans? to dress up may create a Am I the only one who distraction, the same dishas noticed this change? traction is created by a “The spirit bottoms are spirit day with uniform bota way to allow students to toms! The money does go get spirited while limiting to a good cause, but as a distractions,” campus min- Catholic school, we donate ister Aimee Phillips said. to different charities withWhile it is true that teens out paying for spirit days. have a fair amount of dress The school assures that
Arts play their part Dancers Dru Chilson and Nancy Keara perform “Zero to Hero,” Aug. 11, at the Mean Green Fling
Using her shoes as an artistic outlet, senior Anna O’Hare expresses colorful creativity. Actors Chris Allen and Kelsey Trivitt rehearse a scene for the fall play.
Freshman Nate Connelly plays trombone in the student band at the first pep assembly of the year. Photo credits: Emily Watson
the benefits of a spirit day with uniform bottoms, however, can be numerous. “The money goes to different charities, depending on what charities need our help that month,” Phillips said. The purposes of spirit days with uniform bottoms are impactful because students As payment for T-shirt Spirit Day, juniors Bailey Otto and and Kate Byrne pay freshman and sophomore p a r t i c i p a t e . PreAP English teacher Marie Engel a $1 for the chance to be out of uniform. The first spir- Photo Credit: Bridget McGuire it day raised $324 for the on the charity’s goal. Last Jeans Days in the future, Suicide Prevention Asso- year, dress up days costs Phillips assures that “there ciation, which equates to ranged from $1 for small will be a balance between roughly half of the school charities to $3 for the Wa- Jeans Days and Spirit dressed in spirit tops. ter Well in Peru (the goal Days”, but it will “depend The price for dress- of which was $2,500). on the schedule of events.” ing up varies depending For those concerned with
Fine Arts necessity to create
well-rounded resumè Bridget McGuire, Staff Before a big football game, the school buzzes with spirit. However that same excitement is absent when it comes to a fine arts performance. Compared to academic or athletic activities, participation is low. However, the students involved are enthusiastic about the arts. “Art is a way for me to relax, and I love the feeling of creating something,” historian of Fine Arts Club junior Joe Rohleder said. Although opportunities are offered, many students don’t get involved with fine arts. “Our society has created an image that certain
activities are more popular or important than others,” speech and debate teacher Ryan Swartz said. “Unfortunately fine arts are not at the top of that list.” Exposure to fine arts is much less common than exposure to sports or academics. Because of this, artistic activities can feel uncomfortable to students. “As a teenager, there are already so many feelings in your life, you don’t want to do something where you might be asked to feel more,” dance teacher Brandi Kelley said. Fine arts aren’t necessarily an alternative to sports or academics. Rather, they can offer skills to a student to make him or her
a well rounded person. “Art teaches you to start forming opinions and forces you to have a higher level of thinking,” Kelley said. In addition to life skills, fine arts can offer scholarships and college opportunities to students. “Many individuals receive scholarships for participation in Competitive Speech,” Swartz said. Because of all the arts opportunities offered, students can find an activity that suits them best. “We are lucky enough to have a school that equally supports academics, sports, and arts,” Kelley said. “Students should be taking advantage of that.”
Feature
Chi Rhoan October 2012
Summer workshops allow teens to develop, enrich career choices Michaela Parker, News Editor
Some teenagers spend summers lounging by the pool. Others rigorously prepare for college, exploring career fields and perfecting talents. Junior Maddy Hill is one such student. Hill and 29 other applicants were selected for the University of Oklahoma’s summer precollegiate architecture program. The “Going Green: Partnering Five Architecture Disciplines” is one of four OU pre collegiate summer study programs. . “Each day was a different principal about architecture. We woke up, had breakfast, went to class, lunch, another class, then in the evening did an activity related to the subject of the day,” Hill said. “The highlight was being in a college surrounding and learning more about the profession of my interest.” Senior James LaPorte went a little further for his experience. LaPorte spent a week in July attending American Legion’s Boys Nation after his election as a senator at Boys State. Oklahoma’s Boys State is a week long program teaching soon to be seniors about local government and the
democratic process. LaPorte, elected as the Nationalist delegate of Boy State, was given an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for a week packed with national government activities. Senior Darby Heard also did a bit of traveling over the break as a member of the National Catholic Youth Choir (NCYC). Heard auditioned twice for NCYC and was selected on her second try and fundraisers paid for her trip fees. NCYC takes talented singers from around the country to attend the choir camp, performing concerts in different areas. Heard performed twice in Wisconsin, three times in Michigan, and once in St. Paul Minnesota. “The most memorable appearance was definitely the last concert. It was emotional because it was our last goodbye,” Heard said. “Many of us wouldn’t be able to come back next year. I made a lot of lasting friends.” Chi Rhoan’s own Michaela Parker attended the Free Spirit Journalism Conference in Washington DC. One delegate from every state is selected and sent on the expense free trip for
one week in addition to a $1,000 scholarship. The week was full of connection making and inspiring stories from big name journalists working directly with the attendees. Sophomore and junior counselor Ann K. Bleything is among the first to promote summer programs like these. “It’s a great way to meet kids, who you will probably be going to school with in the near future, ahead of time,” Bleything said. “When you’re surrounded by people with similar interests, you’re likely to develop long lasting friendships.” Bleything notes that other programs and workshops are available to help students get the most out of their summer. These includ the Fleming Scholar program at OU; the Latin in Rome Program at the University of Dallas; the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain and other basic leadership workshops held locally. “Most of these programs are announced around March. Come ask us about them! We [counselors] are always happy to help students prepare themselves for what they want to do,” Bleything says.
Retreat spiritually enhances participants Lexie Wolfe, Feature Editor
Kairos, a word meaning “in God’s time” is a nationwide retreat for high school and college students. This retreat highlights what it means to put faith into action and is now an annual event at Bishop McGuinness. Kairos Retreat began here in 1995. Juniors and seniors attended with students from Mount St.
Mary’s High School, offering a larger fellowship to other Catholic high schools. “The one benefit of pairing up with Mount St. Mary’s is logistics. This makes for less retreats planned and joined leadership,” campus minster Aimee Phillips said, “Looking deeper though, since our schools are so similar, it has allowed us to unify young men and women.” “Kairos benefitted me as
I was able to grow not only as a person but also in my school community,” senior J.J. Kelly said. Kairos is offered once per semester for boys and girls at two different locations, Camp OLOG and SaintGrove both located near Oklahoma City. Registration fee is $150. If one encounters financial issues, Kairos offers scholarships to those students in need.
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Drama department to offer Dearly Departed Ashley Dawn Billups, Staff
other and the community for comfort. A huddle of jumping “There’s nothing fungirls squealing and boys nier than a redneck white exchanging proud smiles trash family trying to put gathered to look at the some guy named Bud in posted Dearly Departed cast list posted Sept. 14. the ground,” director of “I was really nervous to the fall production Ryan see the cast list because I Swartz said. In addition to an enterdidn’t think I would get a tainment experience, the part, but when I did I was fall production presents excited,” sophomore Molly an opportunity to stuRoss said. dents for service hours Auditions, both in the and extra credit. form of cold reading, for Dearly Departed were Sept. Building and working a set for Dearly Departed 12, with call backs Sept. 13. After the auditions,the requires much effort; therefore Matt Avra, cast list was posted and stagecraft teacher and students discovered the news. Twenty-five students theatrical support, will auditioned and eleven re- need help backstage. Swartz is in need of stuceived parts. dents to help with props “It’s a fantastic feeling and costumes, also for to be chosen to perform in a production alongside service hours. Swartz also my friends and to entertain needs students to help backstage and in the tech the McGuinness student body,” senior Dylan Mobley booth to keep the show running smoothly. said. Students interested Dearly Departed involves in backstage help can one family in the South as they attempt to bury their see Swartz or Avra after father and personal issues school Dearly Departed preovershadow the solemn mieres Nov 1-3 at 7:30 occasion. p.m. Matinee Sunday at Through the mishaps, 3 p.m. the family turns to each
Important Senior Dates Oct. 17 - Senior College Visit Day Oct. 23 - Senior Quotes Due Nov. 6 - Early Bird Senior Salutes Due Nov. 13 - On Time Senior Salutes Due
Feature
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Chi Rhoan October 2012
Cup of Joe: Football’s new rule stirs controversy A new rule involving player’s helmets forces them off the field, but give it a chance Joe Buettner, Editor-in-Chief The game is on the line; it is fourth and long, a few seconds remain in the contest, and the end zone seems miles away. Who is trotting on to the field to attempt a game-winning Hail Mary pass? None other than the back-up quarterback, because the starter’s helmet came off in the previous play. Why would a coach send in the second string when the game matters most? Well, a new rule introduced in high school football, as well as college, is forces players to sit out a down if their helmet comes off during a play. This new element to the game of football may seem to be a disadvantage, but head injuries are a major concern. This precaution allows for the player to be examined immediately, rather than waiting for the end of a drive. A few helmets come off every game, because of the violent nature of football. The rule sends a message that player safety should have precedence over everything, and if players want to avoid the sideline, then strap up the helmet as tight as possible. While many coaches probably see this as a disadvantage, this rule is not taking player safety to the extreme. It is actually commendable. Understand teams are going to abuse this rule. Watch one football game, and count how many times a dog pile occurs. No one can see
advantage on the other team. However, look at the big picture. Referees will catch on to players who are intentionally removing other player’s helmets. Also, one play out is better than an entire game, season, or worse, a career. If a player can get the necessary medical attention immediately and avoid the risk of further injury, this rule could save a lot of athletes from head injuries which have plagued football players for decades. An adjustment to the rule may take time, but in the long run, this new helmet rule will be a great thing for the next generation of football players and athletes in general. Give it a chance, because it is there for a reason. It makes sense to have it in place, and is a tame enforcement compared to new rules pushing up kickoffs, because of the off chance somebody might get hurt on special teams. The fact player safety is getting this kind of attention deserves respect. Football is a violent sport, and is not for everyone. The new helmet rule will hopefully catch the attention of players to keep working hard and doing everything Rushing down field, senior running back Danny Krenger heads for the possible to avoid injury. end zone against the Bishop Kelley Comets Sept. 7. Photo Credit: Emily Watson Players need to remember this rule is to protect them. Unless a permanent head injury what goes on at the bottom, but the idea of sounds good, strap up the helmets and give ripping an opponent’s helmet off might spring in this rule a chance before complaining football is to someone’s mind. becoming too soft. This rule may be seen as a way to gain an
Cafeteria gets head start on new federal regulations Michaela Parker, News Editor Due to a change in federal regulations, several changes now exist in the lunch menu. “I didn’t know about the changes, but now that I do, it’s good for everyone, especially since we go to a sports oriented school,” junior Carly Collins said. The Nutrition Standards in the National School and Programs (NSNSP) released January 2012 was part of a movement spearheaded by Michelle Obama intending to “take nutrition beyond the lunch line for the first time ever.” NSNSP requires daily fruit and vegetable options, increased whole grain food selection, a calorie limit and designated portion size, a reduction in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and limits milk products to low fat and fat free varieties. Cafeteria staffer Eva Stevenson notes that the federal changes will not actually be enforced until 2013, but McGuinness, along with most Oklahoma schools, has a head start on healthy eating. However, eating healthier has a financial consequence. “The food ingredients are more expensive,
fruit, vegetables, and fresh meats. The problem is we can’t get these freshman boys to buy anything but hamburgers.” The cafeteria staff unanimously agreed that the community reception is positive, although Stevenson noted that other schools in the area are less receptive to the change. “They had to remove some of the student’s favorite dishes, and they’ve had a lot of problems about that,” Stevenson said. McGuinness has gone in the opposite direction by adding new options to the menu, such as smoothies, granola bars, and whole-wheat Geraldine Rice serves up breakfast to McGuinness students. sandwiches. Photo Credit: Emily Watson In part due to a safety concern for students leaving campus after school to buy snacks at and gas is going up. When gas goes up, the nearby CVS, a snack bar is now open after everything goes up,” cafeteria worker Nora school, as well. There was a concern that this Quezada said. feature would impede sports performances, but Despite the price leap and the stricter the coaches deny any change, positive or negative, regulations, nothing has been removed from in the athletes. the menu entirely. The effects of the NSNSP may take awhile to “We’ll serve less chocolate pudding, and see, but healthy eating, as assistant principal that’s the only cutback,” cafeteria staffer Robert Epps says “is always a good thing to try.” Geraldine Rice said. “We’re serving more
Sports
Chi Rhoan October 2012
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Freshmen student-athletes adjust to the demand of high school athletics
Irish stay perfect through week five
Edward Wiewel, Sports Editor Several transitions occur for incoming freshman to be successful in high school. Add athletics to the agenda and high school may feel like a full time job for young people. In grade school, athletics appear more of a hobby then a commitment. The move to high school involves an increase in preparation, time and off-season training. “Transition to high school sports is hard for athletes,” AAU basketball coach Richard Cornelison said. “That is why many end up quitting. In high school, there is a pre-season, in-season, post-season and off-season. It doesn’t stop when the season is over.” Cornelison, who coaches the Oklahoma City Hawks AAU basketball team, works in the development of basketball players transitioning to the high school level. “The key for young athletes is to remember academics come first,” Cornelison said. “Time management and commitment follow in priorities they must focus on.” Freshmen athletes clearly see a difference in preparation and competition. “I play football and basketball,” freshmen Jacob Mullins said. “I have seen a difference in the work for high school sports.” Although the regular season is beginning for sports, some freshman have their sights set on the offseason. “I love football. I am grateful to be on such a talented team,” freshman Jack Sullivan said. “But I realize I must use the off-season to my
FACES IN THE CROWD
On senior night for Irish softball, freshman Trinity Almaraz takes first against Crescent High School. Photo Credit: Emily Watson
advantage. In order to play at the high school level, I must get bigger, faster, and stronger.” As freshmen, the focus for athletes is simple. Work hard and focus on the mental aspect of the game. Keep academics first and stay focused on the task at hand. The coaches, off-season programs, and perseverance will take care of the rest.
Joe Buettner, Editor-in-Chief Despite a move to Class 5A and change in district, Irish football is 5-0 for the first time since the Irish’s 2007 state championship season. Head coach Justin Jones’ squad capped off September with a 42-32 victory over district foe Carl Albert, and only five games remain on McGuinness’ schedule. The last half of the Irish’s 2012 slate includes games with the Guthrie Blue Jays and Deer Creek Antlers, who are both undefeated and ranked one and three respectively in 5A by The Oklahoman. McGuinness is ranked fourth by The Oklahoman, thanks to an Irish offense averaging 40.4 points per game, and allowing 12.4 points per game on defense. Junior quarterback Jacob Lewis has been a big contributing factor to McGuinness’ scoring. Lewis threw for 981 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and only two interceptions in September. A majority of his passing yards came from senior receiver Cody Chancellor, who leads the entire state in receiving yards with 742 and 12 receiving touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Nick Jeffreys has the fourth-most tackles in 5A with 67. Also, senior David Love and junior Bobby Sweeney combined accumulated 15 sacks. Fans can follow Irish football this season by tuning in to KZLS 99.7 FM every game.
Adele Edmonds Cross Country
Larry Ressler Cross Country
David Love Football
Addie Plank Softball
Hannah Speziale Volleyball
Favorite Pregame Food
Something chocolate
Protein bars
Pasta, banana
Clif bar
Chick-Fil-A Nuggets
Preferred sports drink
Water
Water and Gatorade
Gatorade
Water
Water
Specific Superstition
Tie my shoes a certain a way
I’ll have a good race if I see buck tracks on the course
Wear the same gloves
Pregame rituals
Pray and talk about our plan for the race
Listen to music
Listen to 2000s hip hop station
Favore thing to do after a game
Relax and watch everyone else run
Go muddin’
Eat and sleep
Before serving, I Hit before I play and my jersey must go on bounce and spin the ball twice before anything else Listen to music, pray, and touch the shamrock
Stretch and ice my shoulder
Eat with the other Hang out with family and friends to seniors celebrate the win
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Fight Irish, Fight! 4
1. At the Guthrie Invitational Meet, the boys cross country team begin
the race where they placed third overall. 2. Full of enthusiasm, the competitive cheer team performs at State where they earned the Academic State Title and placed ninth overall. 3. Ready to pitch, senior Taylor Hayes plays against Crescent Tigers during softball’s Senior NIght. 4. Keeping their eyes on the Edmond North Huskies’ server, junior Bailey Otto and senior Brianna McAuley wait to return the ball. 5. Surrounded by seniors, the football team charges onto the field with hopes of a victory over the Bishop Kelley Comets, Sept. 7. Photos by Emily Watson
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