Phone Problems
McGuinness’ new cell phone policy has students confused and, in some cases, a cell phone in a teacher’s hands. See Page 3 November 2012
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Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, 801 NW 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118
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Vol. 63, No. 3
OBAMA WINS
Michaela Parker, News Editor
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012, voters across America watched the news late into the night for the results of what many, including author and journalist Bill O’Reilly, called “the most important election in American history.” Although Governor Romney won in Oklahoma, President Obama became the 44th president of the United States of America. Republican candidate Romney conceded the election to President Obama at 1 a.m. Eastern Time Wed., Nov 7, just as Alaska’s polls closed. In his acceptance speech, President Obama said, “I just spoke to Governor Rommey and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard fought campaign.We may have battled fiercely, but it’s only because we love this county deeply and we care so strongly about its future.” Earlier, in his concession speech, Governor Romney said, “I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction. But the nation chose another leader. And so Ann [his wife] and I join you to earnestly pray for him and this great nation.” First time voter senior Ransom Smith was pleased
Photo courtesy of Reuters with the result. “I was honored and excited to take an active role in our government,” Smith said. “I voted for Obama. I am happy about the outcome of the election.” With many states in play and a small margin separating the candidates, it’s possible that one would win the popular vote and one the electoral vote. President Obama won the popular vote with 50.1 percent and the electoral college with 303 electoral votes. Electoral College votes will not officially be accepted and tallied until Jan. 6, but the delegate count is likely to be settled at 331 electoral
votes for Obama. “I loved being able to participate in the election for the first time,” senior Anna Romano said. “My favorite part was being able to wear the “I Voted” sticker.” Obama had long been in the popular vote lead, but as debates occurred, Romney gained popularity, some weeks by 5 points. Florida’s 29 electorial votes went to Obama Nov.10 after the final vote was counted there. “It was really fun getting to vote,” senior Mallory Schmidt said. “I felt like a grown up. Although, the election did not turn out the way I wanted, it was still a good experience.”
McGuinness Election Poll: STUDENTS Obama: 35 % Romney: 65 % Faculty/Staff Obama: 57 % Romney: 43 %
News
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Chi Rhoan November 2012
Service project unites class; aids Sanctuary Bridget McGuire, Staff Writer Each year, the senior service project unites the class in Christian service. Continuing the tradition, the Social Justice summer class planned a year project benefitting Catholic Charities’ Women’s Sanctuary. “Not only does this build class unity, but it also gives them an opportunity to see how they are truly impacting the community,” project sponsor and Campus Minister Aimee Phillips said. The class visited the Catholic Charities’ Women’s Sanctuary prior to planning the project. “We decided that it would be a good idea to do our project there to not only help clean up, but also to give the women and children a better environment,” senior Shelby McMillin said. As they worked, students learned about the difficulties of planning a large-scale project. “Planning any big event can be both time consuming and difficult, but our class has done well handling the workload and getting things done
on time,” senior Samantha Kelly said. Students spent Oct. 22–23 gardening, performing yard work, and painting for the sanctuary. For the next two days, seniors built bookshelves, picnic tables, and benches to furnish the nursery. Finally, the students planned a Halloween Carnival for the sanctuary and neighborhood children. “It’s amazing to me when I see how huge an impact our students can have on others,” Phillips said. “These students have so many gifts and such big hearts!” Although the project is geared toward the senior class, underclassmen sometimes help, especially through donations. “[The Catholic Charities’ Women’s Sanctuary] is always in need of clothing, food, home starter kits, or volunteers,” Kelly said. “You name it; they probably need it.” The project is a way for the seniors to fulfill their role as leaders of the school and to set an ex-
Chi Rhoan
Senior Coleman Van Sickle allows a young girl to paint his face at the senior servicce project for one of the activities. (Photo by Emily Watson.) Dance teacher Brandi Kelley and seniors Kelsey Ritz, Jillian Smythe, and Alex Dinges make signs for the carnival, taking place at the Catholic Charities’ Women’s Sanctuary. (Photo courtesy of Aimee Phillips.) ample for other students. “We’re already surrounded by a community of service,” McMillin said. “This project is an opportunity to continue doing service as a community and see the impact it has on people that need help.” In addition, The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) provided $2,000 toward the senior service project. The donation was generous and provided funds for the renovation and
Food drive fires up students Maddie O’Brien, Staff Writer
Cans of green beans, corn and pears filled the entryway as the school Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School wide Canned Food Drive kicked off 801 N.W. 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 www.bmchs.org Nov. 1. With a set goal of 80,000 pounds, Principal Editor-in-Chief senior chairman Addie Plank wanted David Morton Joe Buettner to challenge the student body to go above the limit. Layout/Ads Editor Adviser “We reached 80,005 pounds of Mary Mawdsley Betty Herman cans last year, but I know we can Our mission is to objectively and accurately break that record,” Plank said. News Editor Everyone in the school became inform and entertain. We strive to provide Michaela Parker involved. an open forum to the voices of the student “Participating students brought Feature Editor community. The views of the editorials do 85 pounds of cans during the week Lexie Wolfe of the food drive and also bought a not represent the opinions of the entire shirt because the money we raised staff. We welcome signed letters to the Sports Editor from the T-shirts sales went toward editor, but also reserve the right to edit or buying more cans,” co-chair junior Edward Wiewel not publish these letters. The Chi Rhoan Ben Patterson said. Staff Teachers brought cans or donated is printed by Greater Dallas Press. Ashley Billups money as well. Teachers needed to Jackie Gibson encourage their homerooms to get Gabby Grubb involved. Homerooms competed against each other with prizes to Olivia Karim be won for the target amount. Each Bridget McGuire homeroom wanted to bring the Maddie O’Brien highest amount of cans.
“McGuinness puts the whole school to work during the food drive which allows us to give the Regional Food Bank the highest donations they have all year. I love the passion our school has toward the Canned Food Drive,” Plank said. With the theme of “Hunger Games,” Plank planned events to help the homeroom competition. Two male and two female tributes were chosen for each class and participated in a water gun battle. Also students and faculty donated money to their favorite tribute. A few limits on what could be donated existed. “Anything that can be stored up to long periods of time without going bad,” Patterson said. “Also, Any thing in a glass jar or expired food was not accepted.” The Food Drive is a major part of Irish community service. “This is the most prestigious event McGuiness does all year and without students’ help, we cannot reach our goal,” Patterson said.
Opinion
Chi Rhoan November 2012
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Cell phone policy confuses students Generic comments not helpful Jackie Gibson, Staff Writer
Lexie Wolfe, Feature Editor Apparently originality is not allowed on Power School. Every six weeks students receive teacher comments on their grade report. These remarks are meant to show parents and students how they are or are not progressing in the classroom. However, the majority of these remarks are generic and fail to be the least bit personal in the content. Students realize that teachers have over one hundred people to write comments for and that it is time consuming, but do teachers realize how important a personal remark every once in a while may benefit the student? “Generic teacher comments give me an unyielding effect in my gut,” junior Mason Werth said. Personal remarks—even if written just once out of the four grading periods are confidence builders. “Teacher comments allow me to feel like I matter and make me feel like I am not just another face in the classroom,” senior Jacob Westhusin said. Some teachers fail to realize that students do pay attention to these comments. “If there are students that read them,” theology teacher Joseph Welch said, “then I believe it would leave students more motivated.” Students who integrate teacher comments into their academic life appreciate them. “Personalized teacher comments, especially in core classes such as English, have really helped me understand my progress in the class and how I can improve,” junior Ali Lane said Teacher comments have the power to work both good and bad. If they continue to be generic, the comments will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of students. “Teacher comments are useful,” Werth said. “But if they are generic then don’t write them at all.”
Cell phone usage in school presents several problems. Some so big that teachers spend hours explaining when it is acceptable to use cell phones in class or throughout the school day. Ironically, the problem is one of lack of communication. The 2012 handbook policy reads, “Students may not use or display any electronic device, including cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, etc. in the school building between the start and end of the school day. All cell phones must be turned off during school hours. Teachers, administration or staff personnel will confiscate any cell phone.” A problem arises when some of those same people [teachers, administration, staff] choose to interpret the rule differently. “Cell phones interrupt the learning process,” assistant principal Robert Epps said. “It is rude to use them during class time. Students should have self
discipline and turn them off.” Several teachers allow students to use cell phones if use relates to subject matter being covered. In specific classes, the cell phone proves to be used in a positive ways such as a calendar, calculator, timer, etc. However, students are unsure of whether to use the phone or not. “Teachers have the latitude to decide whether cell phone use is appropriate use in the class,” principal David Morton said. Some problems exist in areas other than the classroom. May cell phones be used at 2:50 p.m. if one is in the building? May seniors use cell phones in the building during off-hour? Can a parent be called at 3 p.m? A refresher course on the rules is necessary. Rules need to be made clear to any and all [students, staff and administrators.] The explanation in the handbook needs to be updated and Breaking the rule as stated in the student handbook, senior stated clearly and then all staff Luis Lopez texts on his cell phone during school hours and administration need to en- while standing in the middle of senior hall. Photo by Emily Watson force the rules in the same way.
Shoppers go crazy; energized, ready for bumps, bruises, empty wallets Ashley Billups, Staff Writer
the refrigerator. The metallic clang of shopping carts slamming into shelves echo through the crowded space as people rush through the almost impassible isles. Toy aisles littered with discarded toys and
overflowing baskets, leave no walking space. Someone digs through a giant pile of winter sweaters searching for a medium, encountering only small and extra large. Cold coffee sloshes in cups while mile-long lines
Full of turkey and cranberry sauce, Americans spend Thanksgiving evening watching television or napping while the crazy side of America plans for late night shopping. Hours later, lines of people wrap around the local Target three hours before it is scheduled to open at 12:01 a.m., Black Friday. Thanksgiving, a day of gratitude for the blessings in one’s life, gives way to Black Friday, a day devoted to Americans’ obsession with purchasing material objects as cheaply as possible. Long lines form at retailers’ doors before the leftover turkey cools in Photo courtesy of timeanddate.com
form in front of registers, where a nervous trainee is having a meltdown. Trains of televisions pulled by customers who scream, “I only need one, but what a great price!” Baskets of overstuffed toys push into your back while you make small talk with random people who you will never see again. Black Friday reveals Americans’ love of possessions, the thrill of shopping, and the adoration of greed. While there is nothing wrong with purchasing gifts at incredible prices, one must be careful to not go overboard. When appreciation for blessings usurps greed and selfishness, consumerism will be irrelevant.
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Entertainment
Movie Review: Taken 2 Thumbs up
Mary Mawdsley, Layout Editor
Taken 2 is a spine tingling, yet heart warming, action filled movie. While Taken was a father/ daughter relationship story between Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) and Kim Mills (Maggie Grace), the sequel is a love story between reunited Bryan, Kim, and ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) while on vacation in Istanbul. However, after Bryan killed Murad’s (Rade Servedzija) son and other loved ones in Taken Murad seeks revenge, halting the reunion. Kim is no longer the immature, dense teenager she used to be; she is a grown up, independent, young woman. After both parents are kidnapped, Kim locates them. She finds her father’s weapons and uses them to her advantage. Kim saves Bryan, but Lenore is too weak
Chi Rhoan November 2012
ery of the scared father/daughter duo of Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) and Kim (Maggie Grace). The sequel, fails to have the suspense and gripping scenes of the first. Director Olivier Megaton brings few fresh ideas to the sequel. With a bland storyline, little intense action and a weak plot, it was like watching Taken again. The movie was okay, but the popcorn I had was better. Little thought went into the plot. It was just another foreign country, an angry man and someone with, “a special set of skills.” When reunited family Brian, Kim, and Lenore (Famke Janssen) travel to Istanbul, they are yet again kidnapped, leaving Mills to save a family in distress. It appeared that much of the dialogue and many of the scenes were repetitive of Taken, especially action scenes where Mills kills Lexie Wolfe, every ‘enemy’ in sight. Feature Editor Hollywood milked a great Taken’s first installment left movie and cash it in for all that it us wondering about the recov- was worth. to escape. A driving scene from the kidnapping to the US Embassy is ultra dramatic with jumps, 180’s, and other insane driving moves from Kim and Bryan. The ride takes one’s breath away. As in Taken, Bryan kills anyone in his way to save Lenore. Finally facing Murad, they reach an agreement. If Murad does not shoot at Bryan, then Bryan will kill no one else, and Murad will leave his family alone. Be that as it may, is the trigger pulled? Aside from the admitted warm, cheesy relationship, Taken 2’s action is heart stopping. Does the family become a family again? Does Lenore live? Does Bryan live? Is there a chance for a Taken 3? There are few hints as to how the movie will end.
It bombs
Dearly Departed deserves standing ovation Olivia Karim, Staff Writer
With performances Nov. 1-4, Dearly Departed was an overall success. Taking place in a hillbilly town in the south, the play features a family undergoing the death of a father, husband or uncle. While each actor succeeded in mastering the redneck accent, the performance of Kelsey Trivitt as Marguerite and Christopher Allen as Royce in their unforgettable mother-son act, won the audiences’ laughter and hearts. In her double cast, Erin Noble gave a spectacular act as both Veda (an elderly woman who cares for her husband, Norval, in all that he needs) and Jaunita (a former Yam-Queen who reveals that Junior cheated on his wife, Suzanne.) Dylan Mobley and Molly Ross played the main char-
acters Ray-Bud (the somewhat normal and reserved son of the deceased) and his wife Lucille (the calm and levelheaded daughterin-law of the deceased who is eager to have a child). While the supporting roles were the loud, stereotypical rednecks, Mobley and Ross’ characters called for a calmer and normal act. Members of the stagecraft class spent weeks building an intricate set and it showed. “It had several layers and the crew and players were still furnishing it the night before the opening,” Suzanne (senior Ashley Billups) said. A surprise occurred during the Friday showing of Dearly Departed, where fire alarms went off during the show. Senior Ethan Carter was onstage when the alarms began blaring.
“When [the alarm] went off, we were planning on continuing, but then a voice came over the speakers, telling us all to leave,” Carter said. The fire alarm was caused by repairmen fixing the wires in Theology Hall. The climax of the play occurred during the funeral scene where Junior and Suzanne reunite. Junior brought a grape slush from Dairy Queen that convinced Suzanne of his love, and they sealed it with a kiss. “They went at it right there on the stage”, senior Jessica Pozo said. “I did not expect them to just start making out in front of everyone –and during a funeral too!” The stars of Dearly Departed included Chris Allen, Ashley Billups, Ethan Carter, Margaret Codospoti, Dylan Mobley, Erin Noble,
In preparation for the show, senior Ashley Billups puts stage make-up on sophomore Luke Ray. “Putting make-up on the boys was interesting. They complained at least twice a day about it,” Billups said. Photo by Jillian Smythe
During a touching scene, Dylan Mobley, Molly Ross and Margret Codospoti prepare for the funeral. Photo by Bridget McGuire
Michaela Parker, Luke Ray, Molly Ross, Kelsey Trivitt, and Katelyn Widell.
In the finale, the long awaited funeral is interrupted by Luke Ray as Junior. Photo by Bridget McGuire
Feature
Chi Rhoan November 2012
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COKHS parade raises awareness of animal welfare Ashley Billups, Staff Writer put in at least three hours, preferably more, if they Instead of touring wanted to go to the parade. Haunted Houses or watchA few people were unable to ing horror movies with attend because they didn’t friends, the members of the do what they were supCentral Oklahoma Humane posed to” Teen Board presiSociety (COKHS) Teen dent Amanda Duvall said. Board spent Halloween The COKHS Teen Board weekend raising awareness consists of 24 members for animal shelters. who must pass a rigorous “We’ve done the parade application process and infor the past four years and terview. we have gotten pretty great McGuinness members responses from it. People of the COKHS include coeither come to our adoption presidents Amanda Duvall center to find a new friend and Liz Kornfeld, treasurer or stick money in our hands Ashley Billups, secretary as we are walking the paKatie Kearns, and members rade,” Teen Board CoordiAllie Byrum, Annie Coffee, nator Lacey Syverson said. Taylor Franks, Rachel JorThe giant float consisted dan, Cara Kelly, Kate Morof chicken wire and tissue rissey, Bridget Novak, Anna paper, a technique named O’Hare, Tori Romano, and “pomping”. Creating the Katherine Wolf. float and constructing the Parades are the Teen form from chicken wire as Board’s main method of well as gluing tissue paper spreading awareness. Past on it, took over 30 hours. parades range from the “Each person on the Ghouls Gone Wild Gazette teen board was required to Parade to a St. Patrick’s
McGuinness members of the team board wait in front of thier float- a large dog- during the Ghouls Gone Wild Parade. Amanda Duvall and Caroline McKinnis the moment in front of a Jack ‘O’ Lantern float. Photos courtesy of Amanda Duvall
Day Parade. “Honestly, the purpose of the parade is just to raise money and awareness for the cause. People are excited to see all of us with the puppies and want to have one of their own. At the very least, we have people who will remember us when they decide that they want their own animal,” Lacey
Syverson said. The Ghouls Gone Wild Gazette Parade was Oct 27 at 7p.m. with setup beginning as early as 1 p.m. Over 1,000 people attended the parade, watching the 100 group participants. “It was an experience that I enjoyed! I’m sad that this is my last year to do the parade,” Duvall said.
Annual Halloween assembly spooks audience Gabby Grubb, Staff Writer
Theology teacher Joseph Welch accompanies Dance Visions in their performance of Thriller/Heads Will Roll at the Halloween assembly. Photo by Emily Watson
From a disco dancer to Honey Boo Boo and a party rocker to The Bush, students and faculty members dressed in Halloween spirit for the assembly Oct. 31. After primary judging in homeroom contests, winners participated in the afternoon Halloween Assembly. It began with a performance from Dance 3 dancing to Trouble. Following that, Dance 2, danced to Voodoo. Then, changing it up from the traditional Thriller by Michael Jackson, was Dance 1, dancing from Glee’s version of Thriller. The excitement continued when senior Addie Plank, student council vice president and chairman of the Canned Food Drive, announced the tributes from each class to participate in a water fight raising money for the drive. The drive’s theme was based on the bestselling book series and box office hit, The Hunger Games. Each representative acted as a tribute receiving sponsorships from classmates to gain an advantage in the water fight, mirroring the
plot of The Hunger Games. Representing the senior class was Matt Grover, Cody Chancellor, Kelsey Ritz, and Mary Mawdsley. The junior class represented by Chi Chi Nwanebu, Laura Gavula, Jack Livingston, and Brian Canfield. Blake Fabian, Tim Rosencras, Hattie Msuya, and Lisset Manzano represented the sophomore class. For the freshmen class, Amanda Lewis, Lauren Olay, Nathan Cramer, and Ben Watson competed in the water fight. The day ended with the Annual Costume Contest, judged by faculty members Chris Braun and Tony Pennington. The Individual First Place Award went to sophomore Hayden Bartlett, who was dressed as the Greek god Osiris. Coming in first for the Group Contest were seniors Olivia Karim, Katie Kearns, Preston Coleman, Wesley Garoutte, Randy Moore, Matt Grover, and Kevin Gaffney, who came as Pokemon characters. Clyde Grover came in first in the Teachers’ Contest dressed as Phil, the hero trainer from Hercules.
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Health
Chi Rhoan November 2012
Flu season here; attendance shot, work increases Maddie O’Brien, Staff Writer Sick days can wreak havoc on a student’s schedule. Making up homework and missed assignments after having a virus makes for a few more rough days. Flu season is here. “Emerging in early fall, it normally diminishes in March,” Walgreens pharmacist Luke Haley said. “People, especially students have seven months in which they need to protect themselves from the flu.” Per year, it is common to have hundreds of thousands of flu cases, according to Haley. So unless you plan on being another statistic, get your shot now as Haley stresses to vaccinate as soon as they become available. Influenza virus is spread through the air. Students sitting in small compact classrooms may be easily exposed. “It is mostly spread by aerosol, fluids coughed or sneezed into the air,” Haley said. Another example of easy contact is Recovering from being sick, freshman Benjamin Watson lays in bed missing a day of school. through hands. Photo by Emily Watson “Germs are common and are in classes, on desks and keyboards,” sophomore Baylee Henry said. “That’s why it’s so important to clean them a cure, but can shorten the duration and and wash our hands.” severity of the flu, if taken early enough. It works If you have the flu, there is some treatment. by inhibiting the virus from spreading cell to “By prescription: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is not cell,” Haley said. “To avoid missing several days
of school: drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest- sleep. Wash hands often and avoid people who have been exposed.” It is common for colds and flu to be confused. “Both are viruses that infect the tissue of the respiratory tract. The influenza virus is much more severe, symptoms include fever, body ache, chills, cough and congestion,” Haley said, “The cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, fever is very rare, and the symptoms are less severe and generally do not last as long.” According to Haley, school students’ risks are lower than the elderly and the young, who are at the greatest risk, especially from suffering secondary infections such as pneumonia. Even though we are at a lower risk, it’s important to keep a healthy immune system year along. “A good diet, exercise, managing stress positively,” Haley said. To avoid the virus it’s beneficial to “wash your hands, and avoid individuals who have been exposed,” Haley said. “Medications like Vitamin C and AirBorn are rumored to boost the immune system, but studies show this to be a myth,” Haley said. “Avoid days of makeup work by healthy eating and exercise leading to a robust immune system.”
Vitamins, supplements benefit winter health Edward Wiewel, Sports Editor Winter is here and so is flu season. People race to get last-second flu shots and “cold” medicine. Health outlets such as GNC stocked both supplements and vitamins for the shopping spree. It is said that adding supplements to a daily diet will help to create a healthy lifestyle. One supplement that promotes both a healthy lifestyle and strengthens the body’s immune system is L-Glutamine. This newly discovered supplement is one of 20 amino acids within the genetic code. “It is an essential amino acid to include in your everyday life,” a GNC manager said. The essentials that L-Glutamine provide to the body vary. For example, people with anxiety, Crohn’s disease and even depression supplement with the amino acid for medical purposes. However if someone simply looks to use Glutamine to promote a healthier lifestyle, taking it and exercising can lead to a strengthened immune-system and even prevent the body from minor muscular tears. Vitamin-D is another vitamin to take to stay healthy in the winter. Often overshadowed by Vitamin-C, Vitamin D provides the body with the
On his kitchen room counter, Wiewel lays out his vitamins to help prepare him for the day. Photo by Edward Wiewel
perfect ingredients to fight winter colds. According to WebMD.com, a website used for profiling vitamins and supplements, Vitamin-D is easily accessed and obtained during the summer because sunlight provides people with an adequate amount of the vitamin. But when winter approaches and people are outside less and obtain less sunlight, the human body is in dire need of the vitamin.
Vitamin-D is typically used to prevent obesity, diabetes and promote healthy blood flow. “Vitamins B, C and D are all key for the winter months. I personally believe they are more of a focus than amino acids for the common person,” strength coach Kurt Baldwin said. “Athletes are a different story.” Vitamin B, C and D can all be found in a good multivitamin. “Typically when choosing a vitamin to supplement nutrition needs lacking in your diet, it’s best to choose a multivitamin,” Livestrong. com writer Pam Murphy said. Choosing the best multivitamin can be easily identified at any pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens. Sports supplement and nutrition stores such as GNC carry the latest researched vitamins and supplements. Regardless of the reason for purchasing a supplement or vitamin, whether trying to stay healthy or trying to make changes in everyday diet, the choice to turn to a multivitamin or supplement is a decision that will pay dividends health-wise. Avoid sickness and health–deterring ailments this winter.
Sports
Chi Rhoan November 2012
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November marks end for Moving indoors, athletes summer, fall sports season prepare for winter sports Michaela Parker, News Editor
Gabby Grubb, Staff Writer
As the weather gets colder, summer sports draw to a close. Volleyball ended the season with few wins and no championship; cross country finished with multiple regional qualifiers and state finalists, and softball closed with a balanced season of victory and defeat. New volleyball coach Teddi Roy said the season “wasn’t spectacular.” Finishing with one victory, the team plans to work more on technique and less on conditioning in coming seasons. Although also new to coaching here, softball coach Maura Hobbs had a better season. “Our girls were dedicated, and that’s all I could have asked of them,” Hobbs said. Hobbs’ squad ended its season with 11 wins and 13 losses. Boys cross country, led by junior Larry Ressler and senior Patrick Hawkins, qualified for the State meet for the 30th consecutive year. The girls team, led by junior Maddy Hill and sophomore Adele Edmonds, ran at State for the 27th consecutive year. “The season went as good as it could possibly go. We moved to 6A, which was difficult, but the
As the weather changes, so does the sports season. Basketball, swimming and wrestling athletes prepare to compete for state titles. For both the boys basketball team, the defending Class 5A State Champions, and the girls team, who made it to State Quarter Finals last season, high standards are set. “Our team had a very good summer,” boys coach Tondrell Durham said. “If we play well and with consistency, we will be good.” However, both teams have young squads. “Youth and inexperience on the varsity level best describe the team at this point. We have no returning starters,” girls coach Shawn Clark said. “The returning players had a strong showing during the summer and continue to work and get better everyday.” For both, it will be a home opener Nov. 30 against the Shawnee Wolves. The rivalry game against Bishop Kelley Comets comes in Jan. at Mount St. Mary’s, during the Catholic Schools Show Case. Swimmers are ready to take the plunge. With plenty of new faces in the pool, coach Mark Veneklasen
FACES IN THE CROWD
Running through the course at Mitch Park in Edmond, OK, senior Patrick Hawkins competes in the 2012 Class 6A State Cross Country Meet. Photo by Emily Watson
girls competed harder and we won our first meet,” coach Trevor Swink said. “We had a good team, but we need more girls.” Both teams finished in the top 7 at state. After 4 years of competition, 20 seniors said goodbye to Irish cross country, including senior Ryan Jones. “It’s been a good run,” Ryan Jones said. “No pun intended.”
sees potential. “Both boys and girls teams should be better than last year,” Veneklasen said. “The boys will have to swim faster to fill in the openings from the graduates. The girls team will have more depth, but they will need to work on speed.” Girls will compete in 6A and boys in 5A due to their results in previous years. The season starts at the Jaguar Invitational held at Oklahoma City Community College Nov. 10. With wrestling season beginning Dec. 14 at the Anadarko Tournament, coach Ray Copeland is excited for his group. “We have some traditionally tough opponents and we have some new 6A competition in teams like PC West Patriots and Edmond Santa Fe Wolves,” Copeland said. “We look forward to the challenges.” Currently, the wrestling team is healthy. Returning lettermen, include senior David Dube, juniors Tim Roy and Trei Staggs, and sophomores Ben Gresham, Nathan Karim, Jackson Law, and Coleman Moody. Also returning is state qualifier, sophomore Brent Wilson. The home opener is Jan. 15, versus the Patriots.
Braden Roy Football
Liz Kornfield Cheer
Jack Downs Boys Swimming
Ivy Dolf Girls Swimming
Brent Wilson Wrestling
Favorite Pregame Food
City Bites and candy
Red apple
Apple or banana with peanut butter
Pasta
Clif bar
Preferred sports drink
Blue Gatorade
Red Gatorade
Yellow Gatorade or water
Blue Powerade
Gatorade
Specific Superstition
Adele Edmonds has to be at the game
Right socks
Wear goggles underneath my cap. Pray.
The “hand” musn’t be Wear the same green held by a non-swimmer shirt to every or touch the ground tournament
Pregame rituals
Walk the football field
Pray
Warmup, stretch. Read or listen to music
Listen to my State CD
Drilling all my moves in specific order
Favorite thing to do after a game
Eat with the team
Hang out with friends
Go home and sleep
Sleep or go to Sonic
Sleep
Sandy Strikes Seven years ago, Hurricane Katrina devasted the southeastern part of the country. Fast forward to these past few weeks, the United States suffered another tropical storm just as tragic, if not worse. Hurricane Sandy came in from the Atlantic Ocean, and took at least 106 lives as of Nov. 5 and 8.5 million homes were left without power. States that suffered from Sandy include: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Maryland, New Hamsphire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the storm.
Photos Courtesy of Pat Murphy and Anne Riley