2024 Rivalry Issue

R The Budget I V A L R Y Lawrence High School Lawrence, KS Volume 131

Issue 1.5

October 2024

Quarterbacks final face off

Lawrence High and Free State quarterbacks talk about their lifetime friendship.

Pages 4-5

LHS pride runs deep

The Silvers family has a deep connection with LHS and they talk about their memories.

Pages 8-9

Graphic by Harper Jay

The Budget Features

A look at Lawrence High School’s

HALL OF HONOR

REPORTING BY ZANA KENNEDY

Corrine Brinkerhoff Television writer/producer

Corinne Brinkerhoff has lived out the dream of video producers and writers alike — working in television. Brinkerhoff, who graduated in 1998, is living out the career of a TV writer and producer, having worked on prominent television series including Boston Legal, Elementary, Jane the Virgin, American Gothic and The Good Wife. She received the Writers Guild of America Award for Best New Series in 2010, as well as an Emmie nomination for her work writing and producing The Good Wife in 2011. Her most recent project was Miss Farah, the Arabic translation of Jane the Virgin in 2020. However, she connects her career back to LHS, where she first submitted and published her writing professionally, which would eventually lead her down the path of success.

Dr. Larry Kwak

Physician and Scientist

Dr. Larry Kwak’s work in science has contributed to one of the most important fields of health research — a cure for cancer. Graduating from LHS in 1977, he committed 20 years of research on a vaccine for follicular lymphoma. His research is in the third phase of its trial and is waiting to get approved by the FDA, but is looking optimistic. His commitment has earned him recognition among the top 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine. Through all of his accomplishments, he remembers LHS as a high school that set him up for success in the real world, especially in the English department. “I felt I got a great education going through LHS,” Kwak said. “I even tell my kids about my English teacher and how painful it was, but how well she prepared me for the rest of my life. She really taught me to write.” He now holds the title of Professor and Chairman of the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

SPEAKING OUT 2021

LHS frequently exercises its right to protest.

Here are a few from the past four years.

REPORTING BY ZANA KENNEDY 2 OCTOBER 2024

Designed by Arabella Gipp

JULY — Protest over sexual assaults in schools

DECEMBER — Sit-in over proposed cut of girls gymnastics team

2022 MAY — Walkout over overturning of Roe v. Wade

The Budget Features

LHS has a long list of alumni. While all graduates have impacted the school in their own ways, many have made an impact on the world. From Olympic athlete to musician, to TV director, Lawrence High has helped this little corner in Kansas find a voice in the sea of national recognition. This is why we created our Hall of Honor, with the first member being inducted in 1994 to celebrate the contributions and memories of notable LHS graduates. In honor of our recent October 6 Hall of Honor Induction, here are some of the most notable Lawrence High Alumni .

Robby Steinhardt Musician

Always proud of his Kansas roots, Robert Steinhardt made sure to honor his home state with his band name.

A proud LHS and KU graduate, Steinhardt and his bandmates founded the rock band KANSAS in 1973, but with a twist: the incorperation of a violin melody performed by Steinhardt. The band was active 1973-1988 and 1997-2006. His passion for music was showcased at Lawrence High as well, serving as the LHS orchestra concertmaster and sitting as first chair. He died a proud Kansan and LHS graduate through and through and was buried with his parents in Pioneer Cemetery, KU.

Brady Tanner

World Special Olympic Gold Medalist Brady Tanner, who graduated in 2001, started his athletic career as a football manager in high school. However, he quickly rose to powerlifting Olympic gold medalist only five years after graduation. Despite being born with a condition known as Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome which affects his fine motor skills and his ability to learn and speak, he was supported by the environment of LHS, inspiring him to push himself. He found his passion for powerlifting soon after high school, training in Haskell University gyms and earning recognition on a national level. In 2011, Tanner was chosen as one of 16 powerlifters to represent the United States in the Athens World Special Olympics which he left with three gold and one silver Olympic medals. He continues to compete nationally and his story has inspired many.

2023

2024

MARCH — Walkout over anti-transgender bills in the Kansas Legislature

MARCH — Students wear black armbands over concerns about Gaggle MAY — Walkout over Palestine and Israel conflict Designed by Arabella Gipp

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The Budget Sports

Quarterbacks face off

B.B. VS B.B.

Football brings more than wins

BY BRYNDAL HOOVER CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE BUDGET

Both players have heard people talk about this year’s City Showdown even before the season started.

“It’s been brought up a lot, being the big city rivalry showdown,” Bowen said. “It’s more about the game than me and Boston. It’s not riday Night Lights brings back memories of good times and only about us playing: people focus more on the whole school, which is fading friendships, reminding many of late bus rides home good.” after thrilling wins and tough losses. For two long-time friends, With the focus on school pride, concerns about sportsmanship arise Boston Baker and Banks Bowen, these words carry a different each year. meaning as they prepare to compete on opposite sides of the 50-yard “We need to keep it classy and avoid any disrespectful behavior,” line.

Bowen said. “Things can get heated after the game, but Boston Baker and Bowen have been friends since elementary school, “The and I won’t have any issues maintaining sportsmanship on the forming what they considered an unstoppable duo. rivalry and field.”

“We played football together until seventh grade. We were atmosphere The power of this game has been felt throughout both on the same basketball team some years and played baseball together, too,” Baker said. “Through sports, we became really of this GAME schools. The tension has intensified as both quarterbacks use the strategies they once created side by side on their respective good friends.”

SHIFT so teams to execute a win. With the support of their teammates, During middle school, their teamwork as quarterback and much.” student body, and families, the stakes have never been higher. wide receiver led to many victories. Even when Bowen’s family —Banks “It feels cool to play against him, but as a player, you have moved to Texas for a short period of time, life didn’t keep the two Bowen, to treat it like any other game,” Baker said. “I’m excited for the apart for long. senior moment but need to keep my emotions in check to focus on the “We have some great memories, but one of the best was game.” when he surprised me by moving back to Lawrence in eighth Both have been preparing for this moment, sharing the unknown grade,” Baker said. feeling of what the outcome of this game may be.

Bowen’s return let them finish middle school playing together.

“This will be a game I’ll look back on for the rest of my life,” Baker However, high school brought new challenges when they ended up at said. different high schools on opposite sides of town.

The night will begin with a toss and end with cheers and tears. How“We’ve stayed great friends through high school, but the rivalry ever, these two friends share a bond that goes deeper than football. between the two schools here in Lawrence definitely has a big affect on “It’s definitely an awkward feeling going against Boston because we it,” Bowen said. both have that competitive nature and that’s what pulled us together Baker and Bowen aren’t the rivalry. Their match-up is part of a as friends,” Bowen said. “But competing against each other is tough larger competition between Lawrence High School and Free State High because there will be a winner. No matter the outcome, it will be a School. Whether it’s East Side vs. West Side, red vs. green or Lions vs. memorable moment for all of us.”

Birds, there are many ways that the schools try to showcase who is “better.”

Photo contributed by Banks Bowen, Boston Baker, Nathan Friedman, Piper “Everyone has a sense of who’s going to win, but in high school footJourney ball, anything can change pretty quickly,” Bowen said. “The rivalry and atmosphere of this game shift so much.”

Graphic by Ruby Hull

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LHS students become

UNIFIED

Unified Sports and IPS make athletics welcoming to everyone

BY ZANA KENNEDY CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE BUDGET

have other benefits for people with intellectual disabilities who are involved.

“I think we have a value on health,” Susie Micha said.

“Research has shown that those that participate… in nified Sports is going into its 10th season Unified Sports grow faster socially, and physically than as an organized sport stronger than ever as they do when they are in traditional Special Olympics. enrollment numbers continue to rise.

When we play as a unified group, we learn that every Coached by award-winning IPS and Enperson has value and we learn teamwork and sportsglish teacher Susie Micka, Unified Sports gives students manship.” of all abilities the opportunity to participate in athletics.

Magnuson said the program is meaningful to stuThe program offers unified club sports including basdents because it gives them the opportunity to make new ketball, bocce ball and soccer throughout the year and connections with all different types of people. unified bowling is supported by the Kansas State High “It definitely encourages inclusion throughout the School Activities Association. school because our IPS classes…are only junior and This year the program has had a larger enrollment senior classes,” Magnuson said. “It gets those than ever with nearly 50 students participating, freshmen and sophomores started early makand Micka attributes this to her students’ passion for “It’s just a big ing those connections with people that they’ll the program.

“The enthusiasm coupled with the overall community of be going to school with for multiple years.”

This athletic opportunity also extends into willingness to make the program grow always people who all LHS’ Kindness Just Because program, which has to come from students,” she said. “It doesn’t WANT TO BE has been particularly encouraging for senior matter how much I want it to be a thing here at INCLUSIVE Valeriano Aguinaga when he joined the team.

LHS. If the students don’t want it to be a thing, and connect “It’s part of Kindness Just Because,” Aguithen it will wither.” with each naga said. “Kindness Just Because is an activity The unified team has been successful in the past couple years, having been recognized as other and just group for learning how to be kind, selflessly.”

Aside from its success, ultimately the purtwo time National Unified Champion school. make new pose of Unified Sports is inclusion.

Freshman Jacob Micka said he thinks that part of friends,” “It’s just a big community of people who this success comes from their numbers.

—Aubrie all want to be inclusive and connect with each “The student participation and all the stuMagnuson, other and just make new friends,” Magnuson dents getting involved in it … We just have a realsenior said. “I think that’s pretty cool.” ly strong student section here at LHS,” he said.

Susie Micka said she thinks that the success of programs is also possible because of the comCelebrating a win, Susie Micka and many Unified Sports munity at LHS. participants gather at Pack the House in 2023. They “There’s a lot of other schools that have really strugcelebrated their National Unified Champion School for the gled to get it going consistently,” she said. “Our adminyears 2022-2026 Photo by Maison Flory istration has been super supportive. Our coaches of our traditional sports have been super supportive as well. We Reaching for the block, senior Connor English puts up get a lot of our traditional athletes who want to come and strong defense against fellow Unified member Tate Belveal. English said he enjoyed being able to play against play unified and share that love of competition with all of the other half of Unified basketball during Pack the House. their friends. And they really drive our program.”

“I thought Unified did really well this year,” English said. “I The success of the team is also meaningful to many definitely saw a lot of energy throughout the game.” Photo students including senior Aubrey Magnuson because of

by Sama Abughalia its accessibility.

“These are people who just learned how to play Hyped, senior Brooks Jones flashes a smile to his Unified basketball,” Magnuson said. “But now they’re competing teammates as they take the court for Pack the House. Jones found the moment meaningful. “I could tell for my team against other people and have learned to love this sport that this game was very important,” Jones said. “A lot of and make these friends throughout it when normally people were involved which showed the true power of they wouldn’t be able to have that opportunity.”

Unified Sports.” Photo by Maison Flory The opportunities provided by Unified Sports also

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The Budget Sports

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The Budget Features

Long family linage carries on

LION’S PRIDE Silvers family discusses evolution of long-standing traditions

BY NATASHA TORKZABAN, MIMI ROSADO, DANNY PHALEN, AND BRYNDAL HOOVER

also great that they still come and help out at the event now that my sister and I participate.”

Angie and Tim were high school sweethearts from the graduating class of 2003. ounded in a church basement They participated in the marching band, in 1857, Lawrence High School which has a history dating back to 1901. has been a pillar in the Lawrence The couple were involved in traditions community for 167 years, creating they now see their children carry on. intergenerational connections.

One of the most memorable experiencThe Silvers family lineage is an es for Angie was the homecoming parade example of how the school community and Rally Around the Lion, a celebratory has pre-served its pride through 96 years bonfire that follows the parade. of attendance — the latest student being “It was a big deal every year. Back in the senior Ty Silvers, a fifth-generation Chesty day, we used to go all the way down from Lion.

South Park… We got to see the “There is some pressure with kids and throw candy to [them],” being fifth-generation, but I am Angie said. “In the marching “I was ALWAYS honored to be able to carry on band, we would stop and play a the legacy,” Ty said. “Hopefully AT LHS, part of our marching show to the my kids can carry on the legacy whether it residents. It was really cool to get here at LHS as well.” was for sports the whole community involved Ty said he stays involved in games or in the and then we would end it at the school community by partakclassroom with Lawrence High and ‘Rally ing in extracurriculars, including my mom on her Around the Lion.’” tennis, football, Link Crew and For Angie and Tim, it was IPS — an inclusive leadership days off,” never a question whether their class. It’s no surprise that Ty —Ty Silvers, children would attend LHS. From remains well-connected to the senior the beginning, Angie and Tim school community, as he honors wanted their children to share his family by reliving the stories the same memorable high school he grew up listening to. experiences.

“I was always at LHS, whether it was “When my husband and I bought our for sports games or in the classroom with house in Baldwin, it was honestly never my mom on her days off,” Ty said. “It’s even a consideration to have them go been really cool to be an LHS family, we’re anywhere else, not even a thought,” Angie trying to keep the traditions alive.” said.

One high school tradition Ty shares Angie is one of many LHS alumni who with his parents, Angie and Tim Silvers, is returned to the school as a teacher. Today, LHS’s annual mud volleyball tournament, Angie experiences the school culture from where more than 500 students, staff and three perspectives: a parent, teacher and parents gather to compete in the mud. As former student. former players in the long-standing tradi“At the beginning of my career, it was tion, Angie and Tim support the event by a little strange to come back to the school preparing the courts and refereeing games. that I thought I remembered,” Angie said.

“It’s really awesome that I get to par“It originally was hard for me to put myself ticipate in something they also did when out of that student role and into that teachthey were in high school,” Ty said. “It’s

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er role… I can remember what it was like being a student, but it’s easier now to put myself in the adult side of things.”

Another proud Chesty Lion in the Silvers lineage is Ty’s grandfather, Brad Silvers — graduating class of 1981. Brad currently resides in Topeka, but still visits Lawrence to revisit his memories as a Chesty Lion.

“That high school was just the best,” Brad said. “There was a lot of pride there.”

When Brad was a student, LHS was the only high school in town. This strengthened the school’s presence, merging school spirit with Lawrence as a whole. At the time, Lawrence was a farm community, allowing LHS students to attend weekly farmers markets and participate in the livestock trade.

“Saturday was a big day because we’d always go into town to the sale barn — for livestock buying and selling,” Brad said. “It was just really a good, honest, wholesome farm community… You go to town, you see people. No matter where you go, [you see] your family and friends, it was just a great place to grow up.”

Like his children, Brad’s fondest memories from LHS came from the community and pride within the marching band.

“Every year, there was band day at KU up at the stadium. That was something that we always looked forward to because bands from all over Kansas would come and we’d have this huge parade and everybody would end up going,” Brad said. “The football game and bands would play at halftime, it was just really cool.”

Brad shared his high school experiences with his mother, Peggy Silvers, as well as his grandmother, Ruby Caruthers — who marked the beginning of their LHS history.

Lawrence High School has been a part of the Silvers family since 1928.

“You feel pride in the school,” Brad said, tearing up. “Chesty Lions, that legacy lives on.”

The Budget Features

Angie and Tim Silvers at mud volleyball tournament. Photo contributed by Angie Silvers Adjusting the tennis racket, junior Ty Silvers prepares to head to an away tennis meet. “My siblings and I were raised in sports,” Silvers said. “We’ve always been on the field or on the court.”Photo by Bryndal Hoover Introducing a subject, math teacher Angie Silvers gives a lesson to her students. “This is my 14th year teaching here at Lawrence High,” Silvers said. “I graduated in 2002, eight years before I became a teacher.”Photo by Bryndal Hoover

WINNING TEACHERS LHS has a rich culture of winning Reporting by Juliet Outka

Bob’s Award Winner 2024 "To be kind of be in that group is flattering. I’m so honored. I JUST LOVE LAWRENCE HIGH. I love all those kids I work with,” (Lawrence Times) —Brad Stoll, Photo

by Bryndal Hoover

Bob’s Award Winner 2023

Secondary Teacher of the year 2024

"It is overwhelming to win such an award.

There’s so many others who deserve it. I’ve just shown up every day for 22 years and done my job. This place is an amazing place. IT’S MY HOME.” (The Lion’s Roar) —Valerie Schrag, Photo

by Sama Abughalia

"To me, immediately the thought is that it’s a reflection of the community I’ve literally grown up in as a teacher. I’VE BEEN HERE LITERALLY ALL 24 YEARS OF MY TEACHING CAREER.” —Tracy Murry, Photo

by Lydia Folks

Designed by Arabella Gipp

OCTOBER 2024 9

The Budget Briefs

Rivalry Game: Controversy through the years

You can't use that on your rivalry game shirts!! That has violent connotations.

Dang..just because we are the poorer school...

We should flex our wealth and wear a thousand dollar suits

by Arabella Gipp

Our theme is bird hunting/camo, so we’re wearing a Free State color

Our theme is funeral/black out, so we’re wearing a LHS color

nuh ah, why would we touch your field

Who burned our football field!! It must have been FSHS

The Great Mystery of who runs the Barstool accounts... @Barstool LHS 112 State Championships // National record holder for undefeated football seasons (31) // Not affiliated with USD497 // Best barstool in the state

@Barstool FSHS *Not affiliated with Free State High School, USD497* DIRECT affliliate with Barstool. Home of the best student section and barstool in the state #SkoBirds

*Burn mark*

Letter from the

EDITORS

Stating LHS’ superiority over across town rival FSHS

BY ZANA KENNEDY CO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE BUDGET

L

awrence High School and Free State Lawrence High School have been cross-town rivals since Free State was founded.

We have had our fair share of showdowns, from sports to academics, but also harmful activities including hate speech vandalism. However, the two schools’ journalism staffs have decided to collaborate in order to present the best of both high schools to both student bodies in one exclusive collaborative issue. So here is what we have to offer. While Free State may have dominated soccer for the past couple of years, our school environment has created famous athletes, doctors and TV producers; shaped generations of families; and made a large net impact on the world at large. We have award-winning teachers who were nominated because they have made meaningful

10 OCTOBER 2024

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relationships with the many students who nominated them over the course of many years.

Our newspaper is more than 100 years old. High school is only four years.

LHS has been around long enough that our impact is bigger than anything that can be accomplished in high school. We will always be the only number one high school in Lawrence, Kansas — because we were here first.

The Budget Briefs

SONG OF THE MONTH LHS Alma Mater Scan Me to listen to the song of the month

JOURNALISM STAFF MISSION STATEMENT The Budget is committed to providing the Lawrence High community with objective, inclusive news that ensures relevance to its readers. The staff devotes itself to the exercise of First Amendment rights and upholding the highest of journalistic standards. While the paper is a tool to publish student voices, it works to help students grow as journalists and help readers access information.

ABOUT US

"It’s our overly extravagant, perhaps grandiloquent, long-winded, slightly repetitive and utterly-brim-with verbiage composition of verbose praise for LHS."

—Ashlyn Tell, Co-Editor-In-Chief of lhsbudget.com

"The LHS alma mater is the best song to exist. It connects us in ways nothing else could. The sharpness of the 'k' after lack gives me goosebumps. We truly lift our hearts in praise of red and black."

—Lydia Folks, Co-Editor-In-Chief of the Red & Black

"I think that it’s great that we mention sportsmanship because it’s so important to respect other inferior schools."

—Rhubarb Brubacher, Co-Editor-In-Chief of lhsbudget.com

The Budget is published every six weeks and distributed free of charge to students and faculty at Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana, Lawrence, Kan. The Budget is produced by students in the Digital Journalism and Digital Design and Production courses with occasional contributions from 21st Century Journalism and guest columnists. The newspaper’s goals are to inform, entertain, and present a forum of expression for students, faculty, administrators and community members. The newspaper is financed through advertising and fundraising.

The editorial staff is solely responsible for the content of this newspaper, and views expressed in The Budget do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Lawrence High School or USD 497.

STAFF Aaminah Ahmed, Heidi Anderson, Clark Barber, Lola Brown, Alexis Clark, Leila Celune Elkhamri, Karen Cruz Santos, Ruby Flanner, Elise George, Kennedy Glasgow, Ida Harrington, Ruby Hull,

Harper Jay, Piper Journey, Carter Kingery, Ronan Kemme, Claire Lindemyer, Sophia McLaughlin, Prairie Mulligan, Alexa Nauholz, Eliza Naumann, Jordan Nguyen, Zoe Peterson, Eliza Pultz-Earle, Oliver Reynolds, Grace Sanders, Josie Segraves, Cadence Scholz, Audrey Stock, Miles Wade, Selah Wolfe, Anne Woolverton, Eileen Zhao

THE BUDGET EDITORS Arabella Gipp

Co Editorin-Chief Bryndal Hoover Co Editorin-Chief Zana Kennedy Co Editorin-Chief Juliet Outka Co Editor-in-Chief

LHSBUDGET.COM EDITORS Rhubarb Brubacher Co-Editorin-Chief Channing Morse Co-Editorin-Chief Ashlyn Tell.... Co-Editor-in Chief Naomi Sui Pang 308 Connection Manager

RED & BLACK EDITORS Lydia Folks... Co Editor-in-Chief Delainey Haase Co-Editorin-Chief Avery Sloyer Co-Editor-in Chief

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Beatrix Johnson

Co Editorin-Chief Mimi Rosado-Schmitt Co Editor-in-Chief Barbara Tholen

Designed by Arabella Gipp

Adviser

OCTOBER 2024 11

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LHS

Our side ends here.

Flip issue upside down to begin reading the Free Press’ rivalry experiences.

#3 ETHAN CURRY

#8 JOSH GALBREATH

#26 NOAH RICHARDSON

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FREE STATE

Our side starts here.

Flip issue right side up to begin reading The Budget’s rivalry experiences.

#9 BRALIN PRESTON

#22 NOAH SIMPSON

#6 LIAM STRAMBERG Design by Lilly Wall.

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The Free Press

Feature

THE GAMEDAY

MASTERPLAN

Story By Rakshan Ossen

Behind the Operations of the City Showdown

B

eing one of the most anticipated One of the biggest challenges of sporting events in the city of hosting a City Showdown is keeping Lawrence, the annual football the flow of traffic smooth and to also match between the Free State Firebirds keep the spectators safe, Shaw said. To and Lawrence High’s Chesty Lions do this, he collaborates with Assistant brings in a massive influx of spectators.

Principal Matthew Renk to make sure When the matches are played at home, the environment allows for safe and easy preparation for the big day is done months access for spectators supporting their ahead of time — leading these efforts is teams.

Athletic Director Jered Shaw.

After taking the position of athletic director and assistant principal in 2022, Shaw was given the task of managing the athletic departments and overseeing logistics behind any athletic activities.

Shaw’s responsibilities on game day extend to writing scripts for the PA announcer, assigning crew members, managing concession stands, arranging special events organized by the Gridiron Club and scheduling halftime performances on the field.

The City Showdown, Shaw mentions, requires even more planning than a regular season game. A majority of the planning goes towards arranging traffic and getting more police officers to help with security.

“I’ve been working on this for quite a while just because of the overall magnitude of the game, and how many people are there, and all the different dynamics of that game,” Shaw said. “[It] just caught our grounds for a little bit of extra planning.”

“The biggest thing is we want to put our kids in positions to be appropriate at the game that goes for both sides,” Shaw said. “Some inappropriate things can happen … So we have to make sure that we’re taking that into consideration first and foremost, just keeping kids safe.”

Student sections travel every game to support their teams. From cheering on their players to hyping up the crowd, students aim to create an electric atmosphere and represent pride in their school’s culture. However, Shaw notes that the intensity of the rivalry can sometimes lead to inappropriate behavior such as unsportsmanlike chants, calling

out players and officials or even storming at the field.

“We want our student section to be as loud and positive as we possibly can and cheer for Free State. That’s where we try to point them out. If we’re not cheering against the other team, we’re cheering for Free State,” Shaw said.

Shaw is also mindful of protecting the officials who are often the target of frustration from the stands.

“Part of the whole game day atmosphere is people get angry at games because of calls,” Shaw said. “We have to make sure that our officials are safe too because they’re providing a service and we have to make sure that we don’t have people in our stands saying something to them.”

As both teams look to come off strong for the win, this will be their last game for the 2024 regular season. Behind the excitement and intensity of the City Showdown lies months of preparation for students, athletes and fans to unite in celebration of their schools. For Shaw, hosting a game is more than just tradition: it’s a way of giving back to his students.

“Athletics played a large part in my success in school …. so giving kids a place where they can feel passionate about something and do something that they love and also feel connected to their school, I feel helps them,” Shaw said.

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The Free Press

Design by Abbie Veeder

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BOUND BY RIVALRY Collected By Arianna Waller

Recapping Student Traditions Around Rivalry Games

Photo collected from senior Greta Barnett

Steve Heffernan Cross Country Head Coach Steve Heffernan requires all his runners to dress up the day before their League meet.

I like the idea that it puts extra emphasis on the meet for that day. We do it to celebrate the meet itself, but also just the last day we’ll spend as a team that season.

Photo collected from @freestatecheerleading on Instagram

Junior Kara Alexander Free State Spirit Squad members make 3-5 signs each for the Football team.

It helps boost their spirits the night before and gets them really excited about the game.

Photo collected from StuCo

Senior Kinsey Lake Every year, StuCo sells “Lions 4 Lunch” bracelets the week of the football City Showdown.

The Lions 4 Lunch bracelets are a quick and easy way not only to promote student involvement and support for our athletes, but bring a sense of community to the student body.

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News

The Free Press

SAY GOODBYE TO STATE WEEK

Story by Evie Chancy

State week removed from the schedule

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n previous years, students could expect a week during late fall to be jam-packed with LHS vs. Free State games in all sports; however, this year the rivalry games have been spread across multiple weeks.

According to Athletic Director Jered Shaw, the games were never purposefully scheduled to fall all at the same time despite the excitement built around the week. Shaw says the dissolving of the state week this year

was just as unintentional as each sport’s season was scheduled separately by different people.

Blanchard said that the absence of state week makes it harder for students to know when the rivalry games are and show up.

“It wasn’t like something purposeful that they split up the games,” Shaw said.

“In the past, it just has seemed that way, because there’s a lot of things that we do at the same time.”

“This was both a good but a bad decision,” Blanchard said. “Spreading out the games helps get more students and fans, but when all the games are in one week it feels more hype when it’s LHS week because of all the different things Hype Club and the school are promoting during the week.”

To many students, the change hadn’t become apparent until the LHS vs Free State soccer game fell significantly earlier in its season this year. Varsity soccer player junior Eli Stone said the hype isn’t as there as it would be if the game fell later in the season.

“Usually it’s at the end of the season, and it’s perfect there, because the hype and anticipation builds all season,” Stone said.

“But when you have it, the fifth game of the season for us, we’re just not really there yet, and the hype isn’t there as much either.”

The change has been met with mixed emotions from both athletes and game attendees. Hype club president senior Braiden Blanchard said they organize to fill the student sections and get students excited.

However, the change has led to some positive change for student athletes, like junior Annika Lintecum. The loss of state week has allowed her to go to more games because she’s not busy with her own.

“I honestly like that we get excited in different weeks, versus having one huge week,” Lintecum said. “It’s really fun to get to go to different games throughout the seasons and not have it in the same week.”

Overall, many students, like Lintecum, are hesitant about the change. Lintecum said she likes the ability to go to more games but she misses the traditions and spirit week that came with state week.

The Free Press

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Design by Katie Campbell

FRIENDS TO Athletes emotions behind playing against their friends at city showdowns

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Sulitan is on junior varsity and has grown up playing with many LHS friends. On most weekends, he still meets up with these friends to practice. Sulitan said he believes that understanding and communicating how they trained played a part in winning this year’s rivalry game, as he already knew their favorite tendencies on the field.

Growing up, senior middle blocker Ainsley Linhos played club volleyball with friends from Lawrence High School. This year, Linhos competed against five friends from the opposing school, who she played with for six years.

“Knowing your teammate and knowing what they will do next can really help with team bonding,” Sulitan said. “We would compare our team and the chemistry between our players, and the differences we could see in the field.”

While she said she felt excited to see friends at the rivalry game, she also must outthink them to win the game. As Linhos described it, the game came down to which team can outsmart the other, especially with knowing tactical habits of old teammates.

In addition to the weight of the cross-town rivalry created by community members, the game can act as a memory for athletes who face off against their childhood friends for the last time. Senior quarterback Boston Baker grew up playing with LHS senior quarterback Banks Bowen for six years.

Baker describes this year’s rivalry football game as a personal game for the two. He said that with the rivalry game being the last of the regular season, he will take a professional approach to enjoy what will likely be their last organized game together.

“The game means a lot because it’ll be our last game being on the same field with one another, but I’m excited for the moment,” Baker said.

As for any City Showdown, the excitement rises for both schools, filling student sections and growing school spirit. To honor many seniors who will move on in the spring, the games will turn full circle: right back to where they started, playing with their friends.

“It’ll be a sweet and sour moment for whoever wins and loses, because these are our friends for the past five or six years, and it’s over since this is our last time playing together,” Linhos said.

On top of the psychological gameplay, the energy quickly becomes more competitive.

Players, like sophomore soccer player Surete Sulitan, explain that the competitive atmosphere boosts the relationship to create a more enjoyable game.

“If you do good, you get to brag and show off to them after the game. It builds the friendship and makes it a lot more fun,” Sulitan said.

Story by Phoebe Morris

RIVALS

s the cross-town rivalry game comes around each year, both teams compete to hold pride in their school. However, this game, more than any other, brings a heightened sense of emotions and competition; facing off against longtime, close friends is what sets the game apart from any other.

“We’re all close, and it’s funny playing with each other,” Linhos said. “You’ve played with each other for so long, and you know what they’re going to do, so you have to be smarter.”

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Senior Ainsley Linhos (24) and the rest of the Kansas United Club Volleyball team pose for a picture after competing in a tournament in Kansas City during Linhos’ sophomore year. Photo collected from Ainsley Linhos

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Feature

The Free Press

MORE THAN CHEERS A Story by Elliot Skillman

Spirit Squad considers the dedication required for their program

t the center of several Cheer Coach Dena Johnston said Alexander, a three-year member of athletic events are the the dance program, said their season that she wants to make sure that each cheerleading and dance person she mentors knows that she is is very demanding. squads, which work together to there for them if necessary. build excitement and an active “It’s long because all types environment at each activity they “It’s important to me that [these of sports deserve to have a attend. Serving a pivotal role in athletes] feel heard, respected and little bit of extra attention how athletic events go, this joint know that I have an open door program — better known as the policy when they have a need,” at their games, because “Spirit Squad” — requires significant everyone works hard. And Johnston said. “It’s inspiring to work commitment because of the long alongside each of them and become the spirit squad is there season and amount of time needed to a small part of their journey through to help acknowledge that, ” prepare for each event. high school and often into college.”

Alexander said.

Each summer, the spirit program is expected to participate in a camp.

Alexander also underscored the Then, once the school year starts, group’s capacity to energize crowds, the program prepares for noting that their planned chants and its August to early choreography help create a cohesive March season. and engaging atmosphere at each Junior Kara game.

Having been coached by Johnston for four years now, senior cheer member Liv Brack said she has developed with this program as such an important part of her life.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot about discipline and pushing myself. I learned how to balance [school and Moreover, cheer] ... which has helped me grow Spirit as a person. And I’ve learned so Squad Director much from Dena pushing us to keep going and keep working. It’s really and taught me a lot about what I can do Head while not limiting myself,” Brack said.

The Free Press

Design by Willow Marable

TACKLING THE PAST Story by Nick Sprecker

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Free State alumnus Mikel Ruder reflects on his experience during the crosstown rivalry football games

T

he Free State vs. Lawrence High School rivalry is one that dates back to 1997, when LHS split apart. Players, parents and coaches across various sports have the City Showdown circled on their calendars in large anticipation each year.

“The Lawrence High versus Free State [games] were always special,” Ruder said.

“There is no other way to put it and it didn’t matter the sport. There was always a little something extra in the air on game days.”

Growing up in Lawrence, Ruder’s rivalry experience was rooted Free State alumnus Mikel Ruder in much more than high school. (‘07) was a first team all-state Throughout his childhood years, selection as a two-way lineman his senior year under head coach Robert he said experiences made in youth and middle school football shaped a Lisher, and was selected to play in realization about just how much the the 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl Allshowdown means.

Star Game.

“The start of this ‘rivalry,’ for me, was created in youth football — playing for the Cougars against the Hurricanes — and further strengthened in Alongside Ruder, key players like Ryan and Bryan Murphy, Christian Jr. High when I played Ballard and Kyle Weinmaster helped for Central and battled rally the team to a state semifinal against South, West and appearance in 2006.

Southwest,” Ruder said.

He started in all three of his years at Free State and holds the career record for unassisted tackles (202), doing so from the nose guard position and tallying 77 of those tackles his senior year.

Just like it is now, Ruder said that Through those years as a kid, Ruder there isn’t any feeling in high school said the teammates and opponents football quite like rivalry day.

that he met along the way gave the City Showdown a unique aspect.

“Myself and many of my teammates at Free State grew up playing with or against those players at Lawrence High,” Ruder said. “The rivalry, competition, but more importantly, friendships, were created years before the [rivalry] game … The cumulation of years and past games against one another created special bonds and friendships for me, which only deepened the rivalry.”

Ruder’s senior year rivalry game performance was nothing short of dominance — he recorded 16 solo tackles, posing a nightmare for the Chesty Lions’ offense as Free State triumphed to continue its successful season.

“I do remember having an absolute blast that game,” Ruder said. “Our team played extremely well, and any time you can get a win against LHS, it’s just that much more special. If I remember correctly, the game was played at [David Booth Memorial Stadium] too, which was pretty awesome.”

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The Free Press

Feature

BAND TOGETHER Asking Drum Majors about their role in marching band La

Photos by Nathan Friedman

n u re

H an n a h

Collected by Morgan Sponholtz

ge Ga

Mo n s e

Q: What has been the most challenging part?

I’m not playing anymore, and I like to play my instrument. And so to be taken away from that has been really hard.

You’re an example to the whole band, so you have to show up every single day with a good attitude.

Q: What is your pre-performance routine?

Gage and I talk to each other about how we want the night to go, what we expect, but also, we remind ourselves that we’re both doing a good job.

I walk around and talk to everybody, and I tell them they’re going to do a good job and not to worry.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part?

I’ve seen a lot of growth in myself personally… also see the band piece together everything, and to see all of it come together.

You get to see the band improve in a different way than if you were marching... when you are conducting and you hear the band sound good, it makes you feel good.

The Free Press

News

HISTORY OF SUCCESS

Design by Amanda McCall

21

Story by Jonah Frye

Free State soccer breaks down the formula to beating LHS for seven straight years

Members of the soccer team and the student section link arms on the field after Free State wins the city showdown.

Photo by Mallory Thompson

F

or the past seven years, Free State has come away with the victory in the boys varsity soccer cross-town rivalry game.

On Sept. 19, 2024 at the LHS soccer field, the Firebirds beat the Chesty Lions 4-2 in the boys varsity soccer rivalry game.

Free State head soccer coach Joseph Waldron said the rivalry is a huge motivation for players, describing it as a magical environment not often found in high school sports.

“It’s fantastic, it’s magical… no matter where you are, there are teams that have a rivalry with one another but the Lawrence High and Lawrence Free State rivalry is unique,” Waldron said.

Waldron also said the teams’ knowledge of each other makes for a particularly special game. He said the two teams have an almost sibling-like rivalry.

“I want to brag on our student section a bit because we always get people lined up on the fence,” Robinson said. “Seeing how many people showed up to support us, it gave us a boost of energy and it made us want to play harder and win for [the students].”

Junior and two-year varsity member Eli Stone said that, unlike regularseason games, the cross-town rivalry For Stone, the presence of seniors has so much more energy. and especially the captains has “Everybody’s so amped up helped the culture feel more tightknit and closer.

and it really means more playing a cross-town rival, As a senior, Parker Bentley said the seniors being such good friends off so the energy is through the field can help with the overall the roof,” Stone said. team cohesiveness.

Waldron said the single biggest factor in the rivalry game has been the support from students and fans.

“The team culture is deeply influenced by our seniors, specifically our captains. The presence of our seniors definitely At this year’s rivalry game, senior varsity member and captain Hudson plays a crucial part for our juniors Robinson said he saw far more Free and sophomores as role models on State fans show up compared to LHS and off the field,” Bentley said. fans.

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P 4700 Overland Dr, Lawrence KS, 66049

NEWS STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Lilly Wall Nick Sprecker Phoebe Morris

MANAGING EDITORS Evie Chancy Maria Mosconi

DESIGN EDITOR Geneva Sabatini

PHOTO EDITOR Mallory Thompson

CAPTIONS EDITOR Elinor Russo

SPORTS EDITOR Rakshan Ossen

COPY EDITOR Elliot Skillman

ONLINE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

The Free Press

FEATURE Pg. 14 - The Gameday Masterplan Pg. 15 - Bound by Rivalry Pg. 17 - Friends to Rivals Pg. 18 - More than Cheers and Choreography Pg. 19 - Tackling the Past Pg. 20 - Band Together Pg. 21 - History of Success

NEWS Pg. 16 - No More State Week

On behalf of the Free Press, we are thrilled to present to you the rivalry speciality issue! From the flipped layout to the collaboration with our neighboring high school, this issue is entirely the first of its kind. With this magazine, we hope to bring varying perspectives and shed light on a storied and special rivalry game.

Senior Running back Noah Simpson celebrates in the endzone after scoring a touchdown against Shawnee Mission East. The Firebirds went on to beat the Lancers 12-3 in their opening game of the season. To raise awareness for childhood cancer, students and players wore the color gold in accordance with the “Go Gold” theme worn annually in the month of September. Photo by Nathan Friedman.

Baila Love

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORIN-CHIEF Katie Campbell

ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Delaney Bayliss

PHOTOGRAPHERS Chloe Cook Mallory Thompson Lilly Wall Nathan Friedman Eli Roust Anders Benson Geneva Sabatini

BUSINESS TEAM Amanda McCall Ainsley Linhos Piper Northrop

ABOUT THE ISSUE

ABOUT THE COVER

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

DESIGNERS Abbie Veeder Katie Campbell Amanda McCall Mallory Thompson Gevena Sabatini Willow Marable

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CONTENTS

Simon Williams Ember Klein

REPORTERS Arianna Waller Morgan Sponholtz Elliot Skillman Nick Sprecker Evie Chancy Phoebe Morris Jonah Frye Rakshan Ossen

Design by Mallory Thompson

FOR BREAKING NEWS AND MORE CONTENT VISIT OUR WEBSITE! FSFREEPRESSONLINE.COM

SOCIALS @fsjournalism Tiktok: @freestatejournalism

MISSION STATEMENT Curious Free State journalists will amplify voices, gather superior sources and tell pivotal stories of our community in a visually creative way in order to serve our audience and foster quality scholastic journalism in Lawrence, Kansas.

THE FREE PRESS

Rivalry Issue

Oct. 25 2024 | Edition 28