April

Chi Rhoan April 2013

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Inside Stories...

•Olympics approaches with sophomores in control - Page 3 •Athletes take advantage of sports supplements - Page 6 •Forensic team sends four to nationals - Page 8

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, 801 NW 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118

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Vol. 63, No. 7

SILVER LINING

Gabby Grubb, Staff Writer

Falling just short of the Gold Ball, the boys basketball season came to an end Mar. 9, after a 59-42 loss to the Tulsa Memorial Chargers in the State Championship game, ending the season with a 24-5 record.

Before making it to State, the team overcame adversity early in the playoffs when they lost in the Area Championship game 54-46 to the Lawton MacArthur Highlanders, Mar. 1.

“After the Lawton MacArthur game, I realized it was win or go home from there on out,” junior Stephen Amalong said, “I just wanted to keep going for the seniors since another loss would be their last game.”

The team overcame that obstacle and advanced to the State Tournament by winning the Area Consolation game 65-43 over the Del City Eagles, Mar. 2.

State play began with a nail-biting win over the Tulsa Edison Eagles. The team came back from the Eagles early third quarter lead to win the game 51-46.

Amalong went four for four from the free-throw line with 6.8 seconds left in the game advancing the boys to the semifinals.

“The game was really

2013 State Tourney Recap First Round Tulsa Memorial 72, Carl Albert 46

Lawton MacArthur 55, Noble 44 McGuinness 51, Tulsa Edison 46 Chickasha 52, Southeast 50 Semifinals Tulsa Memorial 51, Lawton MacArthur 43 McGuinness 50, Chickasha 40 Championship Tulsa Memorial 59, McGuinness 42 Driving to the basket, senior Greg Roberts blows by a Tulsa Memorial Charger defender in the 2013 Class 5A State Championship.

Photo by Joe Buettner

intense, and I had a lot of fun cheering at it,” junior Kate Byrne said, “Everyone went nuts after Stephen hit his free-throws!”

In the semi final game, the Irish trailed 19-13 at half and 34-30 at the end of the third quarter. They were able to make up the deficit and take the lead around the six-minute mark when senior Greg Roberts hit a 3-pointer. David Love was the game’s leading scorer

with 16 points.

“The atmosphere during the games was a huge factor for us this year,” sophomore Will Lienhard said, “The student body attendance was great and gave us momentum going into the championship game.”

Advancing to the championship game in an attempt to defend their title, the team faced the Tulsa Memorial Chargers.

Senior David Love and

junior Stephen Amalong led the team with 13 points each, and sophomore Will Lienhard had a game high 13 rebounds.

Both Love and Lienhard made the All-Tournament Team.

“We had awesome seniors who led the way and pointed our team in the right direction,” sophomore Cole Terlip said, “We had a great season, and I enjoyed every bit of it.”

The Oklahoman All-Tourney Team Demari Edwards, Tulsa Memorial Will Lienhard, Bishop McGuinness David Love, Bishop McGuinness Devin Perez, Tulsa Memorial Joey Sylvester, Chickasha

Editorial/Opinion

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Chi Rhoan April 2013

“Pillow grades” scam students AP foreign language Getting A’s on tests but still failing a class? You’re probably the victim of “pillow grades,” busy work with little to no class relevance but counts for a grade.

Pillow grades are devastating when used too often.

Unlike extra credit, avoiding small assignments drags the busy and forgetful student into failing territory, even if the student studies and performs well on tests and in-class discussions.

It’s often thought that these grades are beneficial to test-anxious students by giving them a “pillow” to land on when a harsh test score shows up. However, to make this work, teachers have to assign an excess of busywork, giving the test anxious students a leg up in the grade book.

Students who struggle with long-term projects and deadlines, such as tests or research papers, prefer

smaller assignments to be tackled one at a time. For them, any small assignment, related or not, is a comfort.

However, this isn’t everyone’s learning style.

People who prefer big, long term projects struggle keeping up with daily deadlines.

Little grades massacre their GPAs to the point that the test is a better pillow than the small assignments.

Test success demonstrates knowledge of the subject while minor grades lowering their average demonstrate nothing but forgetfulness or a busy schedule.

If a student has already proven their intellect and comprehension in the subject, why should that student’s grade reflect otherwise? It’s unfair to students who should be performing above average in the class.

Many argue that pillow grades teach time management, but long term proj-

ects worth many points are better for learning time management than small, insignificant assignments.

Pillow grades only teach students to divert attention from the course to handle small insignificant tasks.

The best balance is to make pillow grades extra credit only. This means in the grade book a 10 point assignment would appear as 10/0, not 10/10. This way the assignment doesn’t weigh down the grade of students who don’t complete it but gives a nice pad for students who need the bumper. This also adds a greater percentage to the student’s grade, and fewer assignments are needed to fill in the gaps. This way neither student will be penalized, only rewarded.

It’s time to put an end to grade inflation. No more pillow grades, just personal success and achievement.

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

Principal David Morton Adviser Betty Herman

News Editor Michaela Parker

Our mission is to objectively and accurately

Feature Editor Lexie Wolfe

an open forum to the voices of the student

Sports Editor Edward Wiewel Illustrator Gabby Grubb Staff Ashley Billups Jackie Gibson Olivia Karim Bridget McGuire Maddie O’Brien

inform and entertain. We strive to provide 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.

benefits students Jackie Gibson, Staff Writer

Sophomore year is the year to make the big decision, should I take an AP language class or should I not? For some students the decision is evident but for others it is questioned up until the last possible day.

Graduates say that the extra time spent in the classroom is helpful in later years throughout college.

The ability to speak various languages opens job opportunities and provides a working knowledge of foreign countries and the way of life that a student learns in a foreign language classroom. Passing the AP exam gives a student college credit and looks better on a résumé.

College admission officers who look at how many AP courses a student takes may think differently

when they see that a student excelled in a foreign language in high school.

According to the 2000 US Census Bureau, 18 percent of the United States spoke a language other than English. This number shows that there are many opportunities for those who ‘bite the bullet’ and choose to take the extra years of a language.

The additional instruction gives students a more complete knowledge of the language which will help when looking for a future job.

Senior solves parking pressure Joe Buettner, Editor-in-Chief

Some would say the student section is the true “BMCHS Jungle,” but in reality, the BMCHS Jungle is outside of McCarthy Gymnasium— the school parking lot.

Yes, the parking lot is a jungle and a daily power struggle. The seniors flex their muscle often and let the underclassmen know when they have parked in the wrong section. However, should McGuinness take a different approach to its parking lot?

Flat tires and tagged windows are traditionally the consequence for parking in the senior section, but hit the underclassmen where it really hurts.

At other schools, and in the real world, if you park in the wrong area or spot, then you get fined. For

just a simple Catholic high school in Oklahoma, no one is looking to put down big tickets on high school students. However, a few bucks is a more impacting message than “not a senior.”

That’s one option, however, what about assigned parking? What if students had a spot they could call their own?

It is a potential fundraising idea, allowing students to pay a premium for a better spot. There would, also, be free general parking.

This plan may not sound fair to students who do not want to blow money on a parking spot, but a nice way to reward some of our academically and athleticallygifted students would be a premium spot at no charge.

The current system is not bad by any means; the problems have diminished, but it is something to consider.

Opinion/News

Chi Rhoan April 2013

Irish Short News Bridget McGuire, Staff Writer

Young Talent wins in Oklahoma Art Exhibit Art students senior Patrick Hawkins, junior Madeline Hoelscher, senior Sam Marino, and junior Angie Maidt were accepted from over 1,000 entries into the Young Talent in Oklahoma High School Art Exhibit.

They’re work will be displayed in the Lightwell Gallery at Oklahoma University’s School of Fine Arts.

Forensics team qualifies for Nationals The Irish Forensics Team had four members qualify for the National Forensics League National Championship after competing at the District Tournament at the University of Oklahoma Mar. 7-9.

In Duo Interpretation, freshman Erin Noble and sophomore Allison Hopfer received First Place; in Humorous Interpretation, junior Mitchell Burns received Second Place and freshman Erin Noble received Third; and in Dramatic Interpretation, Burns placed Third. In United States Extempora-

neous Speaking, senior Mi- lege freshmen and sophochaela Parker placed third. mores. He was one of the fiParker received Fifth Place nal twenty-five candidates. in Lincoln Douglas debate.

The qualifiers will attend the Talent Show held; teens National Tournament June reveal winning talents 16-21 in Birmingham, AL. Students revealed their talent in the annual TalAcademic team members ent Show Mar. 13. With a receive scholarships performance of “American Competing twice in KS- Pie”, senior Sam Marino BI’s prime time academic and senior Kevin Gaffney quiz program ‘Mind Games: received First Place. SophoHigh School Edition’, soph- mores Jack Vesper, Keaton omore Hayden Bartlett, ju- Klepper, Mason Woodward, nior Ian Patterson, seniors and Sam Shields’ band Ethan Carter, Sabrina “Crossroads” took Second Waugh, and James LaPorte Place and senior Joe Buettreceived scholarships based ner tied for Third Place on the team’s performance. with freshmen Emilie Box and Hannah Northcutt.

Seniors receive special Tennis teams take it all recognition Two seniors Sabrina Waugh and Kevin Gaffney were recently recognized for their academic achievements.

Waugh was recognized as one of the top one hundred seniors in the state and was named as an Academic All Stater.

Gaffney was chosen to be an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Fleming Scholar. Applicants were high school seniors and col-

Boys and Girls Tennis teams swept the Moore Invitational Tennis tournament Mar. 26. For the boys senior Riley Hale won #1 singles while junior Jay Fletcher received the #2 singles title.

For the girls, senior Morgan Schick won #1 singles and sophomore Laura Lorenzo won #2 singles. Senior Madison Schick and freshman Katie Conrad received the #2 doubles title.

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Plans made for Olympics Olivia Karim, Staff Writer

As Olympics Week approaches, sponsors Andrew Worthington, Anne Bleything and Aimee Myers, as well as Olympics vice president senior Emily Watson and future vice president sophomore Coley Lee plan a week of special events and activities.

“I am excited about the upcoming Olympics.

I have wanted to be the vice president in charge since my freshman year,” Watson said. “I’m anxious for it to begin, and I hope we have great weather.”

The events will be Apr. 22-26.

Instead of the traditional three days for dressup, five are planned— Pajama Day, Class Theme, Dream Team,

Neon, and Class Colors are the assigned themes in clothing for the week.

The MORP dance (prom, spelled backwards, the symbolic “anti-prom” casual dance for grades 9-12) will be Apr. 25. Senior Coleman Van Sickle will be the DJ for the event.

“I enjoy all of the events and dress days of Olympics, but Field Day is my favorite,” junior Anna Bahm said. “The whole day is fun because you get to be with your friends.”

As class scores stand now, the sophomores lead with 4,000 points. Behind them in order are the freshmen, seniors and juniors.

Students can stay upto-date with all the latest Olympic information by following @olympics2K13 on Twitter.

Olympics Score Update Sophomores: 4,000 Freshman: 3,825 Seniors: 3,650 Juniors: 2,775

Choose college major for passion, practicality Olivia Karim, Staff Writer

As college approaches, the time for seniors to choose a major is drawing nearer.

“A student’s interests and passions should come first in choosing a major,” counselor Ann Bleything said.

Factors to consider when deciding what to major in include a level of passion for a particular subject field and what career options follow the degree.

“I look at what interests me, what I want to do for

the rest of my life and what best prepares me for being successful after college,” senior Kevin Gaffney said.

Having a variety of career options to choose from is essential for being successful with a degree. Choosing a career solely based one’s hobby or interest is not a practical decision because it often leads to unemployment or a low income.

Forbes Magazine’s lists the top paying degrees as computer science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical en-

gineering and finance.

However, the number of people choosing these majors is low due to their high level of difficulty, making the demand for them high.

Since Oklahoma is known for its oil and gas industries, students wishing to stay in the state and enjoy math and science should consider a degree in petroleum engineering.

Companies like Chesapeake and Devon often hire recent college graduates with petroleum engineering degrees. The average

beginning salary for that career is roughly $98,000.

The degree best known for its practicality is a business degree. With companies getting larger, the need for employees with a business education rises.

People who enter in a business career have more opportunities for promotions.

“I want to go into business because it keeps my future open,” senior Austin Hopfer said.

According to Forbes Magazine, photography, anthropology, fine arts

and philosophy are the least successful degrees to have because of their higher unemployment rates.

“It is important for students to research the job skills and promotion opportunities in their interested field,” assistant principal Anne Hathcoat said.

Society puts emphasis on pursuing a degree that is a passion, rather than for practical reasons.

However, for success in the world, choosing a degree should tie together passion with practicality.

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Feature

Chi Rhoan April 2013

Creative student leads, inspires, succeeds Mary Mawdsley, Layout Editor As busy as she is senior Shelby McMillin remains active with hobbies and volunteering.

As a freshman and through senior year McMillin has participated in Clancy Club, National Honor Society (NHS), and Big Sis/Lil Sis. She was also an ambassador and enjoyed her candidacy on the senior homecoming court. “[McMillin] has really made my freshman year easy,” freshman Kathleen Joyce (Lil’ Sis) said. “She has made me feel welcome, and it is always great to see a friendly face in the hallway.”

McMillin also participates in the French Club and French NHS. “This is actually the first year for French NHS,” McMillin said, “I ran for president so it’s been fun helping Madame Podzemny with the inductions and elections. We made them the way we wanted to since there was no precedent.

We shaped the society as we established it.”

Not only has McMillin been active in the academic part of school, but she has also been a part of sports activities. McMillin enjoyed playing school soccer as a freshman and sophomore.

“I got to know a lot of girls in my grade, younger ones and upperclass-

men,” McMillin said, “I made a lot of close friends that I still have today even though they’ve graduated by now.”

Another favorite sport activity for McMilln is her volunteer work at PlaySmart Academy.

“It’s a sports camp for underprivileged kids who wouldn’t have the opportunity other than this week long camp to participate in various sports like tennis, rock climbing, etc.,” McMillin said. “I’m going to volunteer to work that again this summer!”

McMillin also participates in a weekly Bible study lead by a friend in her twenties that she and four other girls have been in since their sixth grade year. “[McMillin]’s responses are always intelligent and inspiring,” fellow bible study attendee and senior Olivia Karim said.

Reading is another of McMillin’s interests as well as drawing and painting Pinterest crafts.

“I probably have around fifteen things I’ve made/drawn hanging up in my room,” McMillin said.

McMillin plans to attend OU and although not sure what her major will be she does know she wants to minor in French.

“I plan on applying for OU’s Medical School,” McMillin said.

“There isn’t a required major for that, though I’ll probably choose something in the science field.

Senior Katie Kearns, Program Coordinator Renee Vincent and senior Shelby McMillin give donations at Infant Crisis from French Club and French NHS. Seniors Shelby McMillin, Ivy Dolf, Mary Mawdsley and Hannah Speziale work the station at Heritage Lanes for the 2013 Junior Homecoming scavenger hunt.

Photos courtesy of Shelby McMIllin

First year senior an instant impact with varsity baseball Joe Buettner, Editor in Chief

Senior Thorn Cowley, junior Reid Mettenbrink and senior Ian Kipgen watch as the Irish bat against the Guthrie Bluejays Apr. 1, 2013 at Joe Cook Field.

Photo by: Emily Watson

Roughly 451 miles separate Bishop McGuinness and St. Thomas High School in Houston. St. Thomas is where senior Thorn Cowley was supposed to finish high school.

Though, as fate would have it, Cowley found his way to Oklahoma City his last year before college.

Born Mar. 10, 1995, Cowley, in his first and last year at McGuinness, found a new home with a new baseball team.

“I’ve been playing [baseball] for 14 years,” Cowley said. “It’s been an awesome experience. [McGuinness] is a fantastic team with big aspirations.”

Cowley assisted the team to a 9-2 record in the month of March, which landed the Irish as the fifth-ranked team in Class 5A to begin April.

“It’s a definitely a bonus having him on the team,” senior pitcher Jordan Drullinger said. “He’s an incredible hitter and fielder. It’s definitely

made a big impact on the team.

I’m not sure we would have won some of our games without some of his plays and hits.”

His coaches have not had much time working with Cowley, but with his ability to swing for the fences, there should not be too many complaints from his coaches.

While baseball is one thing he was able to enjoy at both St. Thomas and McGuinness, Cowley noted one huge difference in the two schools.

“The biggest difference between McGuinness and [St. Thomas] is that McGuinness has girls,” Cowley said.

St. Thomas boasts around the same amount of students as McGuinness, however, it is an all-boys school.

Despite St. Thomas’ lack of females, it was not easy to leave his home in Texas.

“I had never been more upset in my life,” Cowley said. “It’s gotten better throughout the year. I couldn’t be more thankful for everything Mr. Morton has done to make it an easy and enjoyable transition.”

Cowley does plan on staying in the Sooner State for the foreseeable future, choosing to go to the University of Oklahoma. His major is undecided, though, other than baseball, Cowley has another passion.

“I watch tons and tons of movies,” Cowley said. “I love anything that has to do with movies.”

Between baseball, school, and movies, Cowley has a bright future and had a few words for the freshman.

“Before you know it, you’ll be graduating and going to college,” Cowley said. “Don’t waste a moment.”

Entertainment

Chi Rhoan April 2013

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Summer opportunities help to get ahead Submerging in McGuinness academic, athletic programs Gabby Grubb, Staff Writer From athletics to academics, a myriad of summer activities are available at McGuinness.

Athletic activities begin June 3 with Varsity Irish Pride for boys, where athletes receive the opportunity to improve speed, flexibility and strength. This is available for varsity male athletes freshman–seniors for $150, and it lasts through Aug. 8.

“Irish Pride really helps us to improve as a team physically; we’re stronger by the end of the summer,” sophomore Gray Gochenour said, “It also helps us to build team chemistry.”

Also beginning June 3 is the Youth Volleyball Camp led by coach Teddi Roy and assistant coaches, as well as the varsity and junior varsity teams. It will be held June 3-6; and is available to seventh through ninth graders from 9-noon and fifth and sixth graders from 1-4. Specialty camps are also available. These are June 3-6 from 1-4 offered to seventh, eighth and ninth graders.

June 10 is the start of the Boys Basketball Camp which is offered to grades 4-9 from 9-noon, and to grades 1-3 from 1-4 and costs $70.

Following that, June 15-18, is the Youth Football Camp. This is offered to

grades 3-6 and 10:30a.m.12:30 p.m. and costs $100.

The Yo u t h Girls Basketball Camp, available to girls entering grades 4-9, will be June 17-21 from 8:30am-noon.

“The basketball camp is a lot of fun! I always went in middle school. It was a good way for me to meet girls that I’d go to high school with,” junior Logan Lawton said, “Now I get to run it which is still a lot of fun!”

Ending the athletic camps held in the summer is the Youth Soccer Camp.

This is offered to grades kindergarten through sixth grade and held from 5-7 p.m. The total Cost is $50.

For additional information on any of the

athletic programs, check the Bishop McGuinness website.

Athletics are not the only summer programs that happen at McGuinness.

Also available are programs in math, science, and technology for students in grades 8-12.

There is also a science camp led by Science Department Chair man Ms. Angela Reap. This is available to incoming freshman who will be taking the Pre-AP Biology class.

For additional information, contact Ms. Reap at areap@ bmchs.org.

“I went to Mrs. Reap’s camp. It really helped to prepare me,” freshman Julia Nguyen said

Summer Camp Rundown Irish Pride

Youth Volleyball Camps

June 3.

Youth Football June 15–18 Youth Girls Basketball June 17–21

Think ahead; avoid stress; plan prom catering early Lexie Wolfe, Staff Writer Prom, one of the biggest social events of a high school career, is a time to enjoy with friends.

To make sure everything goes smoothly, plan in advance, especially for the dinner experience.

If catering is the choice, choose the restaurant and location first.

Make a head count and extend the invitation to friends. Make sure that all RSVPs are received in enough time to communicate with the restaurant people.

“Catering was beneficial because we wanted to take pictures beforehand,” senior Brady Ghaniabadi said, “It saved time and money as people did not have to travel so many extra places.”

Next, whoever is to host the dinner should set-up time to meet and check RSVPs again.

Then, make sure that the proper utensils are gathered including plates, silverware, and serving platters.

Another idea is to incorporate the events theme with arranging

centerpieces or the dinner space. This year’s prom theme is The Great Gatsby.

Keep in continuous contact with the guests. It is important that the host informs guest on what they need to bring and what the total cost will be.

“While eating out is convenient for splitting up tickets easier, it was easier having food catered and it was more peaceful eating at a friends’ house than in a chaotic, loud restaurant,” senior Vivian Villar said, “Catering costs roughly the same price as eating in a restaurant.”

Lastly it is important that the host remains in contact with both the guests and the restaurant to inform them of any changes. Just like planning any other event, the key to success is time management. Allot enough time for not only the host to make decisions, but also the guests and restaurant involved.

“My friends gave plenty of advanced notice last year,” senior Joe Buettner said. “We had a group text message that kept us in the loop. So, there wasn’t any miscommunication. Flexibility is huge; because it isn’t just your night; it is everyones.”

Health

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Chi Rhoan April 2013

Students turn to hot Be happier, become healthier yoga for daily exercise Maddie O’Brien, Staff Writer

During a hot yoga session at Yoga at Tiffany’s, people touch their toes in the hazy yoga room.

Photo provided by Yoga at Tiffany’s Bridget McGuire, Staff Writer

In order to get 30 minutes of daily exercise in, students turn to “Hot Yoga”.

“I do hot yoga because it works muscles that you don’t normally use in different ways,” junior Larkin Dykstra said.

These classes are a regular yoga practice that is taken to the next level with rooms heated to 88-101 degrees.

Although temperatures are high, hot yoga is a safe way for teenagers to slim down and stay in shape.

“Hot yoga is perfectly safe for teenagers,” Yoga at Tiffany’s Instructor Abbey Payne said. “I always advise teens to take it slow and start with a mildly heated class to become accustom to the heat.”

Yoga is known to be a relaxing, yet challenging experience. In addition to the calming effects of a yoga practice, there are many physical benefits.

“Hot yoga helps me to stay flexible and strong for soccer,” junior Evie Mitchell said. “The poses are challenging but fun.”

Yoga at Tiffany’s of-

fers three class levels to ensure that beginners are not overwhelmed and more experienced students will not get bored.

“If you jump into the advanced levels too quickly without knowing the basics, you can get lost and don’t receive as much benefit,” senior Liz Kornfeld said. “The basic classes are the best way to start out.”

In order to combat the heat, hydration before and after class is vital. Adding electrolytes after class can help replenish one’s system also.

“I suggest drinking as much water as you would lose during class,” Payne said. “It is possible to lose up to 10 lbs. of sweat in a class, so hydrate according to your own body.”

Hot yoga combines cardiovascular and muscular training into a compact, relaxing workout.

“It burns a large amount of calories, tones muscles, works the cardiovascular system, increases metabolism and you feel amazing after you’re done,” Payne said. “It’s a great way to get your daily exercise.”

People of all ages are now involved in daily activities, but, just being active does not necessarily mean participating in healthy exercise.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adults ages 18 and up need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise and muscle strengthening exercises twice or more a week.

“I am active in dance and kayaking. We do lots of cardio, vigorous and moderate, and I lift weights in kayaking,” sophomore Genna Ille said.

All of this is a bare minimum for health reasons. Children, ages 6 to 17, should have 60 minutes of aerobic exercise a day and do vigorous activity at least three times a

week. Bone strengthening activities should also be a part of the daily 60 minutes of exercise, or during the three vigorous workouts.

“I think that being healthy and exercising is a great way to be happier,” sophomore Maddie Jeffreys said.

Sometimes finding time to work out and be healthy can be a drag, but it’s an important way to stay healthy.

Being healthy can make you feel more confident and happier.

“I go workout about three hours daily. I lift focusing on upper then lower body, and I alternate with a cardio workout of ladders, cones, and similar things. I also have one to two hours of basketball after that,” sophomore Hattie Msuya said.

It’s not like there will be an extra hour a day that will pop up out of nowhere

to schedule a workout.

People have to start making being healthy an important part of their lives.

“To stay in shape I make sure to eat as healthily as possible. I exercise by dancing, kickboxing, and going to the gym,” junior Bailey Butler said.

Butler is correct; eating right is an important part of being healthy.

“Andrea Browning, Katy Brooks, and I normally run somewhere between 2.5 and 4 miles really slowly four or five times a week on the track after school, and I try and do yoga on most Sundays,” junior Larkin Dykstra said.

If you don’t play a sport or have a gym membership, running is a great exercise. There is no equipment necessary, so it is a hassle free way to be healthier.

Athletes reap benefits of supplements Eddie Wiewel, Sports Editor

Protein! Creatine! BCAA’s!

When it comes to sports supplements, it can be difficult to decide on one. Hundreds of different brands exist and all claim to be “the greatest ever.” Before choosing a supplement, athletes need to educate themselves on them.

“From a high school perspective, young people should seek the proper education on sports supplements. Some are not FDA approved, creating an unsafe product,” former Iowa State quarterback Houston Jones said.

Supplementation began at the bodybuilding level decades ago. Today however, they are popular with high school athletes. Brands such as Gaspari, GNC and Optimum Nutrition evolved their supplements to fit the needs of athletes of all sports.

“I have been using sports

supplements since my freshman year. Whey protein, creatine and BCAAs have all been in my diet for the past two years.

They have helped me to evolve physically both on the football field and in the weight room,” junior Bobby Sweeney said.

Addressing what supplement is best for high school athletes can be tricky. Performance, nutritional value and safety are all elements to take into consideration.

Creatine is a supplement that has been debated for many years. The debate focused on the safety of the sports supplement. There were claims of kidney damage that may have been the result of creatine supplementation. Yet it has not stopped high school athletes from using it.

“Creatine monohydrate has been shown to be not

only effective, but safe for high school athletes. The energy creatine provides is directly correlated with performance on the field,” PerformancEdge founderowner Ryan Crain said.

According to OrthoInfo. com, forty-four percent of senior high school athletes admitted to creatine use.

Though it is not seen as an issue, as most myths about Creatine being “unsafe” have been dispelled.

The benefits an athlete can reap from using quality sports supplementation is immeasurable. Yet proper education and research must first be achieved before choosing a quality supplement. If the correct supplementation is achieved, the athlete will see gains in muscle development.

Improvement both in the weight-room and on the field also will be the result.

Sports

Chi Rhoan April 2013

7

Take me out to the park...

Looking to get the runner out at third, senior third baseman Thorn Cowley puts one foot on the bag, awaiting the decision of the third base umpire during a district game against the Guthrie Blue Jays Apr. 1, at Joe Cook Field.

Hoping to get a strike, senior pitcher Ross Jacobs throws a pitch against the Guthrie Blue Jays during a district game Apr. 1, at Joe Cook Field.

Photos by Emily Watson

Spring sports taste success; keep sight on state play Eddie Wiewel, Sports Editor

With over a month remaining in the school year, spring sports gear up for a hopeful title run.

The baseball squad has taken the season by storm, capturing dominating wins over the Deer Creek Antlers, Guymon Tigers and PC West Patriots. With a 9–3 record, players plan to continue on the plus side.

“When we played Guymon, pitcher junior Mitch Malherbe threw a no-hitter.

That was really impressive. It showed the team what we are capable of doing,” junior shortstop Cameron Branum said.

Another sport in the plus column is boys and girls golf. Both teams have faired well this season.

The boys finished eighth

in the Tulsa Tournament.

“We have a lot of skill and potential on this team.

When freshman David Trimble won the freshman tournament outright, we got the feeling we were going to be a good team,” junior Sam McDonald said.

The girls squad have also tasted success under the leadership of junior Lexi Sadeghy who has tied for third and tied for second in the last two tournaments.

“Lexi and senior Katie Vaughn are fierce competitors. They both have provided stability for our team and have been great leaders. Lexi scores well on numerous course designs, and it has lead to success as a team.” Head coach Mark Veneklasen said.

On the tennis courts,

the boys hope to capture a state championship. Juniors Jay Fletcher and Will Milam and sophomore Joseph Romano lead the way.

“Our team has done well this year. We have a lot of new leadership, but it has not hurt the team.

Fletcher has really led the way in our tournaments.

He has played unbelievably good, and it is giving the team momentum,” junior Will Milam said.

Meanwhile, the girls’ team, led by new coach David Gilpin, look to have another successful season as well. They are coming off a victory in their last tournament held in Mustang.

“This team has done well so far. They are a talented group but work very hard as well. They play well as a

team, and I expect them to be in the top five at the end of the season, competing for a state championship,” head coach David Gilpin said.

Jackie Gibson, Staff Writer

As spring sports begin, athletes and coaches look forward to the spring weather.

The track team had the first outdoor meet Mar. 9 in Piedmont. The girls placed First and the boys placed Fourth overall in A teams.

“In the relays we did well, but I expect us to get better throughout the season,” sophomore Jill Hagan said.

In girls and boys soccer, teams began preparations early for the season. After six games, the girls are 5-1. On the boys side, their record is 4-2.

“Going into the season I

don’t think anyone knew what to expect with the new coach, but so far we have adjusted well,” sophomore, Adele Edmonds said.

“Our best game was probably against Edmond Santa Fe when we beat them 6-0.”

The next game will be today at home against the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs.

The girls play at 6 p.m. followed by the boys at 8 p.m.

With the return of slowpitch softball, the girls are 0–4 so far. Their next game will be at PC North Apr. 11.

“This season has been rough, but I think we have gotten better each game.

We were late to enter in the season, and we have played some interesting teams, but regardless it has been a fun season so far,” senior Olivia Karim said.

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News

Chi Rhoan April 2013

Forensic team has multiple students qualify for Nationals at NFL District Tournament Ashley Billups, Staff Writer months.

“We rehearsed after Students who wake school for hours every day up before dawn Saturday and went to an out of state morning, dress in suits and tournament to compare talk to walls are considered ourselves. When districts one of two types; insane or came, we were finally a speech competitor. ready,” Noble said.

Competitive speech Performing their duo, students use valuable a humorous piece about weekend time, not to sleep a science fair and crazy or catch up on homework, siblings, roughly ten times, but to voluntarily submit the girls were at ease with themselves to harsh judging their piece. Finally, when by peers and adults based they made event finals, they on a theatrical performance. were ecstatic.

This is required of members “Seeing our number of the National Forensic on the finals list made me League (NFL). really excited. I honestly On such a morning, couldn’t believe it. But when freshman Erin Noble began we actually won and were her trek to NFL Nationals. announced for nationals, She and her partner Allison I started crying. It was Hopfer, sophomore, had such an amazing moment,” prepared for this day for

Hopfer said.

In addition to Noble and Hopfer, junior Mitchell Burns and senior Michaela Parker also qualified for the National Tournament in separate events.

Qualifying for the second year, junior Mitchell Burns was no stranger to the district-level tournament.

Still, when he discovered he was in finals for both of his events, Humorous Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation, he was overjoyed. Due to national rules, students are allowed to take two events to districts and one event to nationals. This rule forced Burns to choose one event to take to nationals. Burns allowed his coach Ryan

Swartz to make this difficult decision for him.

“I didn’t actually know which event I had preferred [preferred if qualifying in both] for Nationals, which allowed me to put equal effort into each of them” Burns said.

Qualifying for Nationals in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, senior Michaela Parker made McGuinness history.

“Two years ago the this program was nonexistent and now Michaela is going to Nationals. It shows that you don’t have to have a long running program or tradition, you just have to have heart, dedication and a little bit of talent,” senior Kelsey Trivitt said.

Upon hearing her name called for Nationals, senior Michaela Parker burst into tears.

“A weekend of Kairos and I couldn’t cry, but this reduces me to tears. Shut up”, Parker muttered.

Having four national qualifiers on a small, relatively new team is an honor.

“Qualifying four students and in events to the NFL National Speech and Debate Championship is a true testament to how disciplined and talented our competitors are. The Irish Forensic team has certainly grown in skill and in reputation, and we plan to continue heading ‘Toward the Top’,” Swartz said.