September 2018 Issue

L

i n c o l n

H

i g h

SIOUX FALLS, SD

S

CENSORED

S eptember 2018

V ol . 53, N o . 1

c h o o l

TABLE

OF CONTENTS

ENTERTAINMENT 16-17 19

STYLE Q&A

6-7 FALL SPORTS

FURTHER THAN THE FIELD: LHS MARCHING BAND

33 ‘CRAZY RICH ASIANS’: A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE

OPEDS

FEATURES

28 HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SOUTH DAKOTA

31 PETA SUCKS 32 THE QUEST TO REVEAL THE CHEST

SPORTS

8 LETTERS FROM FRESHIES 9 GRADUATED STUDENTS: WHAT THEY ARE DOING NOW

12-13 FOYER FACES 20-21 SNEAKER FREAK

11 WHAT’S IN THE GYM BAG? 18 CRAZIEST CRAZIE 38 THE LHS BOYS SOCCER

TEAM SCORES WHEN IT COMES TO DIVERSITY

25 ENGAGE

IN EVERY ISSUE

29 THE PALINDROME 37 STATESBUDS

ON THE COVER SAM ELLIOTT

S t a t e s m a n The Statesman’s purpose is to inform and entertain with an honest and accurate approach. The opinions of students, staff members and faculty are expressed in a tasteful manner. The Statesman is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and is a winner of the George H. Gallup award for “…distinctive achievements in scholastic journalism.” The Statesman was awarded a Pacemaker in 2007 and was nominated for the 2012-2013 year. The editors and adviser take responsibility for the content of the Statesman.

Editors- in-Chief: Gage Gramlick and Hannah Hansen

OP/ED Editor: Katie Osmundson

Photographers: Riley Rasmussen, Anna Dekkenga and Jaida Sorensen

Feature Editor: Taylor Ericson

Meet the Varsity: Chloe Crissman and Somer Luitjens

Sports Editor: Somer Luitjens

Design Editor: Will Howes Staff Writers: Nayeli Ayala, Georgia Conlin, Kate Fehrs, Lily Hiatt, Parker Hibbard, Morgan McDonnel, Margaret Meierhenry, Easton Plourde, Brita Quello, Maryam Rauuf, Chloe Robinson, Nicole Schmitz, Emily Shank, Kathryn Sweeter, Nyah Thaemert Business Managers: Cameron Rhode and Slater Dixon Adviser: Katie Kroeze

Dakota Plains Antiques The choice to stop at Dakota Plains was a spontaneous one. It was raining, I had lost all sense of direction and thus was persuaded to pull off at the Tea exit. We saw a sign for antiques and ultimately found ourselves in a small building across from Flooring America. Greeted by a suit of armor standing at the door, we were completely unaware of the interesting treasures we would soon find. Walking into Dakota Plains Antiques is like taking a walk back in time. With the rise of thrifting in today’s society, Dakota Plains Antiques can offer anyone looking for some unique decoration or even clothes a one of a kind piece that you would not find at Goodwill. From authentic Army jackets to jewelry fit for a prom queen, you will always find something interesting. What originally seemed to be a small building turned into a Narnia-like wardrobe, where we ended up spending hours at. This antique shop is the perfect place to spend a rainy day.

Rosie’s Though Rosie’s is not outside of the city, it carries a small-town diner vibe with it, that is not found anywhere else within Sioux Falls. Open for 34 years, Rosie’s is well known for their good food, great service and low prices.

We made our way into the restaurant and slid into a booth in the back. From our location we were able to witness interactions between the waitresses and the regulars, greeting customers by name and knowing their orders before they even sat down. Rosie’s makes you feel like you are sitting down for a meal at your grandmother’s. With giant portions and waitresses who treat you like their own grandchildren, Rosie’s atmosphere can cheer you up on even the worst days. The prices are also ideal for a high schooler on a budget. A place where you can get a morethan-filling breakfast for under $5 makes Rosie’s worth any amount of gas you would use to get there!

STATESMAN 5

One Tank S of Gas

A problem that many Sioux Falls teenagers face is that of boredom. While our city offers a few activities for us to enjoy, many students find themselves with a lack of ideas when trying to decide how to spend an afternoon or evening. That is why the Statesman tested out what a student can do on one tank of gas around Sioux Falls!

BY KATIE OSMUNDSON

Harris Burgers

Sioux Falls has a wide variety of restaurants and unique food spots. But the one thing it seems to be missing is a classic burger joint. Thankfully this problem is solved with a quick 15-minute drive to Harrisburg, where you will find good food and even better ice cream at Harris Burgers.

On our way to Harris Burgers we almost drove straight past the restaurant. Hidden away next to a giant barn, the building is small and vintage, surrounded by picnic tables painted in Harrisburg’s school colors. Walking in, we were amazed with the large variety of options we had to choose from. Ranging from a classic burger to an inferno burger, there was an option for everyone (except maybe a vegetarian). Their selection of ice cream was also impressive, with flavor combinations that you would not find at Dairy Queen or even B&G. The atmosphere provides a fun and enjoyable place to spend time with friends. With arcade games lining the walls and ‘80s music playing in the background, the diner gave you a feeling like you were stepping back in time.

Just by visiting once, we were able to tell that Harris Burgers is an essential part of many regulars’ routines, with families and couples enjoying a meal they regularly enjoy. Harris Burgers is open every day from 11-9 p.m. and is a worthwhile spot to try.

PHOTOS BY KATIE OSMUNDSON

4 STATESMAN

V o l l ey ba l l

G ol f

BRYNN KIRSCH, 9 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“I think this year we have a great group of senior leaders that work really well with all of the underclassmen. We will be in a position to win every match.”

Who do you look up to on the team and why?

“Sydnaya; she gives me great advice on and off the court.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Definitely Caelyn.”

BENNET GERAETS, 9 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“We will go all the way, first place for sure.”

What is the best advice an upperclassman has given you?

“Wear neon on the first day of school so all the ladies notice you.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Parker Hibbard for sure.”

B o y s So c c e r

Football

XAVIER SULLIVAN, 10 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“We are a promising team with lots of potential.”

Who do you look up to the most?

“Ben Monson, because he is best fit for the position I’m looking to play in the future.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Samweli Yoweli, he gets the team bumpin before every game.”

What’s the best advice you have been given by an upperclassman?

“Shoot your shot, if you miss, get your rebound and take the easy layup. Whether it’s easy or hard it’s still an opportunity.”

C he e r

LAUREN JATON, 11 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“I hope that we improve and we’re going to be adding things into our routine to make it better.”

What authority and responsibility comes with being a captain?

“Making sure that the team works well together and making sure everyone is on time.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Hallie Carlson.”

Lauren Jaton

PHOTOS BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Bennet Geraets

TOMMY THOMPSON, 10 What is the outlook of the team this year?

“The team takes it one game at a time.”

Who do you look up to most and why?

“Terrance Bryant because he’s taught me a lot.”

What is the best advice an upperclassman has given you?

“Stay calm, and don’t lose your head.”

C r oss C ountry SAM ELLIOTT, 12 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“We’re looking very bright. The top three runners last year are coming back so that’s going to help a lot when the State meet comes around.”

What advice would you give to a younger player?

“I’d tell them to keep the intensity high during workouts and to run with the varsity runners on hard days.”

What authority and responsibility comes with being a captain?

“Being in charge of your team at races and making sure everyone does the workouts to their best ability.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Definitely Caiden Capaldo.”

Xavier Sullivan

Sam Elliott

STATESMAN 7

B

all until they fall

FALL SPORTS P R E V I E W

by Parker Hibbard

For the rest of the LHS fall sports go to lhsstatesman.com

D ance

G ir l s So c c er ELISABETH TIFT, 12 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“I think the overall chance of doing well at state is pretty high. The freshmen have helped make our team stronger this year.”

What advice would you give to the younger players?

“Try your hardest and have fun because it goes by faster than you think.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Dad.”

Elisabeth Tifft

6 STATESMAN

Tommy Thompson

LYDIA SARBACKER, 9 What is the outlook of the team for state?

“Oh gosh, hopefully top five.”

Who do you look up to?

“Tori and Ava because they are our two captains and have super awesome attitudes, always making it fun for the rest of the team.”

Who is the team hype man?

“Any of the upperclassmen. They blare really fun music which makes the bus rides a lot better on the way back from competitions.”

Lydia Sarbacker

Brynn Kirsch

Chelsey Larson

COMPOSITION:

LETTERS FROM FRESHIES

BY BRITA QUELLO

Carter Ericson

We are now 25 days into freshman year, and there are mixed reactions.

The transition from middle school to high school can be nerve-racking for some, but exciting for others. This new year came with new changes, such as Freshman Academy and a new gym. But, to figure out what the Class of 2022’s reactions were, we asked freshmen to reflect on their first couple of days by asking them: 1) How has the first week of your high school career gone?

2) With Freshman Academy in play this year, is high school similar or different than middle school? Which is better?

3) What is the most embarrassing/funniest moment that you have experienced this year as a freshman?

4) What is your reaction to the first week of freshman year?

From being ‘froshed,’ to walking into the wrong bathroom, we discovered what it is like to be a freshman this year, through Letters from Freshies.

CARTER ERICSON: “The most embarrassing moment was probably what just happened to me today. I was on my way to Spanish class and all of the sudden, I just fell over. Thankfully no one was around, but it was still not my proudest moment.”

PHOTOS BY JAIDA SORENSEN

CHELSEY LARSON: “The first day of school, my sister was rushing me, so for half of the first day of school my shirt was inside out.”

MESHACHLEN SEON: “In high school there are way more people, and it is like everyone is a giant. I think that middle school is better because there is less homework.”

Meshachlen Seon

“The most embarrassing/funniest thing that has happened to me so far, as a freshman, was when there were a ton of people walking in front of the bathrooms as I was trying to go into one, so as soon as I saw an opportunity to run into the bathroom, I took it and ended up running into the men’s bathroom. There was only one guy in there and he was washing his hands. Me, being me, I asked him why he was in the girl’s bathroom and he just looked at me like I was incredibly dumb and said, ‘Why are you in the guy’s bathroom?’ I looked around to see the urinals. I looked back at him and just said ‘Bye,’ and ran to class. I decided not to go use the bathroom anymore.”

“My reaction to my first week of school is, OMG it has already been a week. It has been very long and tiring. There is more homework than I am used to, but it is okay. I wish it was more like ‘High School Musical’ though.”

“High school is a lot better than middle school for many reasons. You get to sit wherever you want during lunch. Another reason is that there are a lot more people in your grade so that you can make new friends.” “[The funniest moment is] probably me being the tallest in the grade.”

“I am surprised that I like high school. I thought I was going to get lost, but I am just fine.”

Cameron Jackson

CAMERON JACKSON:

Graduated students: what they are doing now

BY EMILY SHANK

As students come in and out of high school, they move on to bigger opportunities. Students graduate and continue on with their lives. Some students choose to go far for college, while others stay near. There are even some that go on undecided with what they want to do.

LHS alumni Samuel Cooey has chosen to further his education at Mankato State for Finance. Cooey chose to venture out of South Dakota because he wanted to have the experience of living in a different state.

“I didn’t want to be too far from home. I have always wanted to meet new people and explore new places after high school, but also be able to drive home on some weekends and every break we have,” said Cooey.

With Cooey leaving the state for college, it has made it hard to say goodbye to his family and friends. He visits often, but still makes time for his new friends he has made while at college. Cooey is experiencing a new way of living and is enjoying it very much.

“Overall, college was overwhelming at first as well as exciting. It is stressful, but lit at the same time. It’s a good change,” said Cooey.

While some students choose to venture far for college, there are some that decide to stay closer to home. LHS alumni AJ Stavig has decided to stay in his hometown to further his education. Stavig attends Augustana University for Exercise Science.

“At first, I did not really want to stay in-state for college. The only reason I ended up at Augie was because I liked the feel of the campus. It really felt like home, and I knew that my roommate would be Tommy Anderson, and we would have a lot of fun together,” said Stavig.

There are many internship opportunities that are available in Sioux Falls.

It also is easier for Stavig since he knows the town. He knows where places are and he can get around a lot easier.

“The only thing that bothers me about rooming with Tommy is that I have to listen to him Facetiming Britten. They talk all the time about how they are going to start a family when they graduate,” said Stavig.

Stavig plans on going to a graduate program for physical therapy and hopes to one day be a physical therapist.

Some people choose to stay in-state to further their education, while others choose to travel out. For some, college is not the choice for them. These students will graduate as undecided and will eventually figure out what they want to do when the time comes.

LHS alumni Skylar Hansen has decided to not go to college. Hansen plans on getting his realtor’s license and running his own business of a brokerage.

“Since graduation, I have been hanging around with friends, watching them go to college and working a lot. I am planning on moving to Arizona, so I need to make as much money as I can. I want to make money and not go to college, so that is what I am doing,” said Hansen.

Overall, there are many options for students after high school. There are in-state and out-of-state colleges, university centers and tech schools. If school does not seem like the right option right after high school, there is always the option to earn money. Also, there is undecided, not knowing what to do right out of school. Whatever path is chosen, it will work out in the end.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SAMUEL COOEY, AJ STAVIG AND SKYLAR HANSEN

9 STATESMAN

1

Rusty Quarter

things found in an LHS athlete’s gym bag

Nash Stenberg-Boys Golf

4

Prewrap

Sienna Syverson-Girls Soccer

by Morgan McDonnel

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NASH STENBERG

“A weird thing I have in my bag is a quarter. It’s old and rusty, but I always use it on the course. It’s like my lucky ball marker.”

2

An athlete’s bag is a very important place. It holds essential equipment and utilities an athlete needs but it can also be home to rotten food, pairs of gross lucky socks or various superstitious items that athletes count on.

Spilled Airhead Bites Ellie O’Connor-Cheer

3

Snacks

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SIENNA SYVERSON

“I have a lot of prewrap because I like to match it to the uniform that I am wearing, whether it’s for club or Lincoln.”

5

Lucky Headband Elliott Hackett-Boys Football

Ava Leonard-Girls Tennis

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELLIE O’ CONNOR

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELLIOTT HACKETT

“Currently I have a spilled bag of Airhead Bites at the bottom of my cheer “I have lots of miscellaneous food in bag. They’ve been in there for maybe my bag. I have granola bars, suckers, a week or so and they are covered in Goldfish and other foods. The granola crumbs and hair.” bars have been in there since about last February.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AVA LEONARD

“I only wear my headbands on special occasions. Typically, it depends on who I am playing. I feel like I play better when I am wearing it.”

STATESMAN 11

Braedon Treadway The student in the wrestling photograph is Braedon Treadway. Wrestling has been an influential part of Treadway’s life for the past four years. At LHS, Treadway is cadet commander in JROTC and participates in track and football. Treadway views wrestling as a lifestyle, rather than just a sport. Through wrestling, Treadway was able to meet some of his closest friends.

PHOTO BY IMAGEMASTERS

Peter Christopherson

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PETER CHRISTOPHERSON

Another student in the LHS foyer is Peter Christopherson, who is recognized for his involvement in Student Council. Christopherson was nominated by the other students in Student Council to be this year’s Student Council president.

Outside of Student Council, Christopherson stays busy with Math National Honor Society and National Honor Society. Student Council has pushed Christopherson to be a better person, leader and student. Based on the positive energy, encouragement and hard work of other Student Council members, Christopherson has high expectations for this year.

Abbey Hellevang Abbey Hellevang is pictured in the LHS foyer for choir. In fifth grade Hellevang decided to join choir. Now, after completing an audition, she is in Concert Choir. Hellevang is the drum major in Marching Band and also participates in Concert Band. Choir allows Hellevang to focus on creating something beautiful and gives her a break from homework and the chaos of everyday life. Her favorite part about choir is the culture of the people. She enjoys being with people who share the goal of excelling in their musical talent.

The faces of Lincoln

Grant Treiber - Football Somer Luitjens Volleyball Sam Dobbs - Boys Tennis Emily Einsel - Girls Tennis Sydnaya Dunn - Girls Basketball Sam and Jack Elliott Boys Track Josephine Dal - Girls Track Mia Jones - Gymnastics Ben Monson - Boys Soccer Becca Nevin - Yearbook Hailey Shaver - Yearbook Gage Gramlick Statesman Jared Jaros - Boys Basketball Nick Kemper - Baseball Yairis Alvardo - Oral Interp Gage Gramlick - Oral Interp Katie Murphy - Softball Anika Jensen - Girls Soccer Gabe Fendrich - Boys Cross Country Margaret Meierhenry Girls Golf Max Honner - Boys Golf Katherine Osmundson Debate Avry Rice - Powerlifting Analise Levesque - Girls Cross Country Ella Olson - Theater Tristan Hier - Theater

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BONNIE BEACH PHOTO BY IMAGEMASTERS

STATESMAN 13

FACES in the FOYER

by Kathryn Sweeter

As LHS students walk through the crowded hallway, they most likely pass through the foyer on their way to class. If they look up, they will see the many framed photographs of seniors who were chosen to represent activities at LHS. Although they may see a few familiar faces in the well-known activities, chances are students do not recognize everyone in the photographs. Here is more information about five of the many students featured on the foyer wall:

Gillian Hilscher Gillian Hilscher is displayed in the LHS foyer for her talent in orchestra. Hilscher’s music career started in fourth grade when she decided to play the viola and has continued ever since.

In All State Orchestra, Hilscher has always been in the top four chairs. During the summer, Hilscher went to multiple orchestra camps on the East Coast. Orchestra has granted Hilscher the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds from all over the country.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GILLIAN HILSCHER

Noah Stoebner The photograph representing Oral Interp features Noah Stoebner, who has been involved in the activity at LHS for four years. Stoebner has also been on the LHS boys soccer team for four years. Oral Interp has allowed Stoebner to meet new people at LHS as well as at innumerable tournaments around South Dakota. Oral Interp takes extreme dedication and commitment, and Stoebner spends multiple hours practicing every day. This year, Stoebner has high expectations for the Oral Interp group and hopes they will be even more successful than the past years.

PHOTO BY HEIDI ANDERSON

12 STATESMAN

Top in the class: a balancing act

by Genna Sheriff

PHOTOS BY GENNA SHERIFF

1. Junior, Madison Chedester collaborates with other students during Spanish IV. 2. Junior,.Rahul Giri works on an assignment in AP Stats.

3. Senior, Lauren Kelly listens to a podcast in her economics class.

4. Sophomore, Amelia Jibben works on an assignment during accelerated Algebra II.

24 STATESMAN

Among the many academically advanced students at LHS, there are a few who manage to fly under the radar while still outshining the rest. These students not only dominate academically but pour themselves into everything they do.

Top academic students at LHS are not only invested in school, but also in the extracurricular activities that they are a part of. Between sports, clubs, youth groups and more, students can spend as many as 15 to 20 hours a week participating in activities outside of school.

“I’m on a competitive dance team, the LHS tennis team, a Collision group and I go to youth group on Wednesdays,” said junior Madison Chedester.

Junior Rahul Giri’s schedule is packed full with tennis as well as Math National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society on top of the six AP classes he is taking. The effort it takes to stay on track with homework and other activities adds up quickly.

“In a week, I think I normally spend about 35 hours on homework,” said Giri.

Finding time to fit in homework can be challenging for most students, but for those who strive for excellence it can be tougher. Achieving the perfect balance is important but staying organized is the key to many students being able to balance all that they have to do.

“I keep my agenda really organized so I know how many pages I have to do, and I’ll highlight when quizzes are [coming up], so I can plan ahead and learn my stuff,” said senior Lauren Kelly.

Balancing many activities and homework may seem like a challenge to some, but sophomore Amelia Jibbens takes it in stride.

“I try and get as much done in between activities as I can,” said Jibben. “If it is before school or between activities, I just try and study. I will grab out my phone and pull up Quizlet and study while I can.”

Even though it may seem impossible at times to do well in school, Chedester, Giri and Kelly all stated that for those not at the top of their class, school is not as hard as it may seem.

“Ask for help and use your resources,” said Kelly. “It’s better to admit that you don’t know what you are doing because then you can get someone else to explain it in a simple way and you get it. It clicks, and everything else is just easier after that.”

For those who seek excellence, it is not always just about the grade. Not only do they work hard to get the desired letter grade, they are doing the work because they want to learn.

“You have to be passionate about what you do and not just for the grade,” said Jibben. “You have to actually learn because you want to and not just because you have to.”

EMILY KEGLEY

BIGGEST GOAL: Try to figure out my role in high school compared to middle school.

HOMETOWN: Cokato, Minnesota TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Five years teaching at Edison.

DEEPEST REGRET: I wish I kept more sentimental items like pictures and keepsakes.

TRENT UTHE

BIGGEST GOAL: To get my students excited about Spanish and having them at the end of the year reflect back and realize just how much they learned.

HOMETOWN: Sioux Falls LHS Class 2008 TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Taught English as a foreign language in Chile for two years.

DEEPEST REGRET: Not challenging myself enough in school, especially my freshman year of high school.

KATIE NELSON

BIGGEST GOAL: Help students succeed.

HOMETOWN: Sioux Falls TEACHING EXPERIENCE: First year DEEPEST REGRET: Not going into teaching straight out of college.

BRIAN HARDIE

BIGGEST GOAL: I have many goals but, specifically in the theater aspect. To fill every theater class, and when I say fill, I mean packed to the gills.

HOMETOWN: Sioux Falls TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Taught in Brandon for 3 years.

DEEPEST REGRET: Not bringing a full cup of coffee to school.

MINDY BRUNMAIER

BIGGEST GOAL: To learn how my style and the curriculum work together.

HOMETOWN: Aberdeen TEACHING EXPERIENCE: First year DEEPEST REGRET: Haven’t made one, yet.

TONY WELTER

BIGGEST GOAL: Survive my first year of teaching and coaching.

HOMETOWN: Sioux Falls TEACHING EXPERIENCE: First year DEEPEST REGRET: Switching my education major back and forth, it would have saved me a lot of money and time.

BY MARGARET MEIERHENRY

Stay tuned for more new teacher questionnaires in future Statesman issues!

STATESMAN 15

Q

: Who is your style inspiration?

Logan Needles

A: “Odell Beckham Jr. and G-Eazy.”

Q

: What do you emphasize most with your outfits?

A: “Mood and color. If I am mad, I will be all blacked out. However, if it is nice out and I am feeling good, I will wear brighter colors and spruce it up.”

Q

: How long does it take you to pick out your outfits?

A: “I usually think about it the night before and Instagram pictures give me ideas.”

Q

: Has your style evolved over the years?

If so, how?

A: “With jeans, you learn a lot because if

I want my jeans to look like theirs, I have to figure out what they are called. It is all about what you like. It is like what they say, ‘If you feel good, you look good.’”

Q

: Where do you buy most of your clothes?

A: “My mother buys most of my clothes and I

Q

: What does an everyday outfit look like for you?

A: “I usually wear shorts, socks, shoes and a sweatshirt.”

Q

: What do you emphasize most with your

outfits?

A: “I like sweatshirts the most, and I like to

emphasize contrast, like wearing white and black together.”

Q

: Has your style evolved over the years? If so, how?

A: “My clothes have gotten a little bigger.”

Jared Jaros

just wear them.”

STATESMAN 17

STYLE Q&A

by Nicole Schmitz

Style is a unique opportunity for people to express themselves. Some style choices may be more eye-catching than others.

Logan Needles, Rivers Clark and Jared Jaros may be a few of those whose styles you have noticed. Needles’ ability to interweave colors and patterns creates edgy and hip outfits that you cannot miss. Clark’s technique of experimenting with different textures and patterns produces a unique style unlike anyone else’s. Jaros’ easy and casual athletic style looks effortless and comfortable. If you are looking to change up your attire, perhaps this quick Q&A can provide some inspiration.

Rivers Clark

Q style?

: When did you start developing your

A: “I have always been intrigued by clothes.

I remember being really little and putting on fashion shows for my family, so developing my style started at a young age. However, it has definitely evolved and changed through the years. I think clothes have just always been a way for me to understand who I want to be and who I am.”

Q

: What do you emphasize most with your outfits?

A: “I love to try new things with denim, so I would say that is what I emphasize most in my outfits.”

Q

: What does an everyday outfit look like for you?

A: “My everyday outfit is something simple like jeans and a sweater, but with a playful twist, either in texture or patterns. I try to incorporate a lot of textures and layers in my clothing to make it interesting and different.”

Q

: Where do you buy most of your clothes?

A: “I thrift for a lot of my denim. It is like PHOTOS BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

16 STATESMAN

finding treasures and making old clothing new again. I also love to shop at small, local boutiques because they have so many unique things to offer.”

There are dozens of LHS Crazies that pack the stands for every game. From when the first whistle blows to the last, fans can always count on senior Easton Gillette to be front and center.

It takes a lot to become a dedicated LHS Crazie. Not only does the job take time, effort and enthusiasm, but it also takes a lot of heart.

There is no doubt that Gillette will be seen in the front row of every game ready to cheer his heart out for the school he loves.

“I think I am a Lincoln Crazie because I yell really loud for most of the game,” said Gillette. “I judge my performance as a fan by how big of a headache I have after the game and how much of a voice I have left.”

Although being loud and proud is a huge part of being a number one fan, it is also the commitment one puts in to support their team. Gillette has been at every single volleyball game since the beginning of the season and does not plan on changing that anytime soon.

MER

O

BY S

“I live and breathe Patriot spirit so if there is a volleyball game and it’s less than two hours away, you can bet your shiniest nickel that I will be there,” said Gillette. “It doesn’t matter if we sweep the other team or the game goes into five sets, I’ll be there screaming the whole time.”

Gillette never comes to a game with cold feet. A great fan gets themselves hyped before they can get everyone around them hyped, and that is exactly what Gillette does. Before every game day, he and senior Jared Jaros listen to “Love Sosa” on the way to games to get each other ready for the game ahead.

Now anyone can easily show up to every volleyball game; they can scream and cheer loud, but Gillette takes it to a whole other level. Although he sticks to the traditional LHS cheers, he also creates his own cheers to not only hype up the student section, but to also hype up the players.

“Easton is a great fan,” said athletic director Joey

PHOTO BY SOMER LUITJENS

Easton Gillette poses with his fellow LHS Crazies at the LHS volleyball game against RHS.

Struey. “He gets really creative with his cheers, especially when he had Jared Jaros bench press Terel Eisenbraun.”

Being an LHS Crazie is also a lot more than just finding creative cheers to do to pump up the players on the court; they also find a way to get into the other team’s head. They do not cheer against the other team by any means, but they do whatever it takes to give their girls the advantage.

“When I yell ‘Ryan Neff,’ the other team gets really distracted because they know he’s won state golf and he’s a hunk,” said Gillette. “We do anything we can to help out our girls.”

Gillette became the great fan he is because of his creativity and his devotion to the volleyball team, but this motivation does not come from nowhere.

Gillette does not only cheer at the games because of his intense Patriot spirit, but also to support some of his closest friends that are playing on the court. Having such close friends on the

EASTON GILLETTE

CrAziE of the MoNth

S

N TJE LUI

court makes cheering so much more enjoyable for Gillette and the rest of the student section.

“It’s really fun cheering for some of my great friends out there,” said Gillette.

“Not only that, but it is also great playing teams like Washington to be able to cheer against my friends in the other student section too.”

All LHS students are Crazies, but Gillette goes above and beyond with everything he does. He has creativity, hype, dedication and heart which makes him one of the craziest Crazies.

Gillette makes it clear he has enormous confidence in the volleyball team even without the student section.

He just does what he can to help the process.

“Easton and the rest of the student section make a huge impact on our team while we are playing,” said sophomore Sara Croghan.

“They can change the momentum of the game, and their confidence helps us have more confidence in ourselves.”

LHS 18 STATESMAN

Further than the field: LHS Marching Band

by Chloe Robinson

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Football games are not solely focused on football; the LHS band plays a huge role in all football games, from the breathtaking halftime performance to all the songs during the game including “Hey! Baby” and “Sweet Caroline.”

The LHS band has been preparing for shows like the halftime performance since January, making preparation a lengthy ninemonth process. Besides the hard work put in outside of the actual performances, football games have specific preparation as well. To prepare for football games, the band does multiple warm-ups and stretches, making sure they are prepared to perform.

“I always make sure I am not hungry because that’s the worst feeling,” said freshman Sawyer Scott.

“Hydration and sunscreen are also key.”

Even though the band does not participate at football games in the traditional way, they still enjoy playing their role in the band. Football games are a good time to bond with their specific sections and watch the game together.

“I have fun because we get to do the halftime performance and usually a lot of people pay attention to that, so it is going to be really cool this year,” said freshman Scott Bailey.

“Also some people may get introduced to band through the performance, and we may get new members.”

Most football games are leading up to bigger competitions, including: Pursuit of Excellence, Big Sioux Review, Youth in Music and Festival of Bands.

“Football performances are a prep for competitions.

[They’re] usually a day or two after the games,” said Dan Carlson.

The band does not just perform their halftime performance; they also participate and play music for the student section, raising up the school spirit.

“I think a lot of kids are interested in band and it is a great activity that helps raise school spirit at football games,” said spectator Samantha Hartje. “Marching band really throws on a show and goes all out; we all love it.”

Believe it or not, the band participates in more than just football games; the band has many competitions outside of football games in a variety of different states.

One of the band’s upcoming competitions is Bands of

America in Indianapolis.

Bands of America is one of the biggest annual competitions and, according to sophomore Lydia Abels, it will be a huge deal this year, especially because of the new location.

In past years, the band’s performance has usually been based on a story, such as last year’s performance about moving to Mars. This year they are taking a new twist on the show. Instead of a performance based on a story, this year they decided to center the whole the show on the vibe of being wild.

There are many different types of music mixed together to inspire a feeling of wildness.

“I like what we are trying to show in our performance.

It is a really cool idea,” said sophomore Lydia Abels. “It’s a really good show this year.”

STATESMAN 19

K JAC

TT O I ELL

EMILY HALL

REAK

S P

N E E A

A K

K S

Junior Ben Snyder stays interested in buying the latest models of adidas NMDs and rare shoes which are purchased with his bot. His bot automatically adds the pair of shoes to his bag and checks out.

“It’s kind of like cheating, but it is the easiest way to purchase limited shoes,” said Snyder.

Senior Jack Elliott has been serving looks in his shoe game ever since middle school and has not stopped yet.

“Fashion sparked my interest for buying cool shoes,” said Elliott. “Shoes have always been a big factor in fashion, and I think having a pair of shoes that stands out to people in your daily outfits is lit.”

In order to express her unique personality, senior Elizabeth Doty can often be seen wearing exotic shoes that have fun colors and different patterns.

“I think it is cool to have things that other people do not have because it is unique and it makes you stand out,” said Doty.

PAYTON BAKER

PHOTOS BY JAIDA SORENSEN

BY KATE FEHRS

BEN SNY DER

ELIZABETH DOTY

SNEAKER FRE

CHRISTINA ASSAM

Your shoes are an extension of your personality. Your shoes can show your fashion sense, and they can even reveal your mood. Ultimately, your shoes are all about you.

Junior Emily Hall loves to express herself with her distinct shoe style which helps show her personality to her peers.

“I like buying cool shoes because your shoes describe who you are, and it is fun to have different types of shoes than everyone else because it makes your style unique,” said Hall.

Senior Christina Assam believes that the power of a unique pair of shoes will work wonders with any outfits.

“I love buying new shoes because they can transform a boring outfit into a cute and fun outfit,” said Assam.

Senior Payton Baker likes to purchase a variety of shoes to fit the many styles he serves at school.

“I got interested in buying cool shoes because they are shiny and it is all about the clout,” said Baker.

Annie Klatt Junior Okoboji to LHS

“My biggest fear of coming to Lincoln was the class size because it is so much bigger than my previous school. It is hard having to get to know everyone all over again.”

“My favorite thing about Lincoln is that we have so many different classes to choose from that we are able to take.”

“I transferred to Lincoln because there are more opportunities academically, and softball is held at a higher standard at Lincoln than Okoboji.”

Dewaun Nesheim Junior WHS to LHS

“I belong here because I have so many friends here.”

“I am happy with my decision to transfer because I am playing varsity football and I just love it here.”

“My biggest fear was not knowing my way around the school. I was also afraid of not knowing my teachers and ending up with teachers that weren’t as good as my teachers at Washington.”

“At Washington there are a lot more kids than at Lincoln, so that is a big difference.”

Rose Neuharth Junior WHS to LHS

“Lincoln is a lot easier than the other schools I have been to. My freshman year I went to New Tech and my sophomore year I went to Washington and it was super crazy and hard. When I came here it was a lot easier for some reason.”

“My biggest fear was getting lost because it is so big here.”

“There are a lot more people at Lincoln than at Washington. I don’t really like that part of Lincoln that much.”

“The teachers and counselors are really nice here.”

Braeden Lunstra Sophomore BVHS to LHS

“I transferred to LHS because I knew a lot more people here and I knew some of the teachers so I thought that it would be cool to transfer.”

“I was afraid of my classes, especially the science class I am taking this year because I am with a lot of freshman because Brandon had different class requirements than LHS does.”

“The teachers at LHS are a lot nicer and I feel like I can joke around with them more.”

Somer Anderson Junior Tea to LHS

“I am very happy with my decision to transfer because everyone is so kind and it’s like one big family here. It’s like a judgement free zone. I love the school spirit and how easy it is to get along with everyone.”

“My biggest fear about coming to LHS was finding a group to fit in with but it wasn’t too hard making friends and finding my place.”

“Lincoln is much bigger than Tea. There is so much more ethnicity and culture, which I love!

I rarely see the same person twice, which is also cool.”

“My favorite part about Lincoln is the school spirit and family vibe.”

Fears of LHS �� T����� E������

LHS has a tradition of excellence. This superiority is recognized by students around the city and often inspires many to want to attend this sublime school. Every year students transfer to LHS, bringing their intelligence (as well as their fears) to Cliff Ave. Here are a few things that frighten the new Patriots.

Tea Area

Lincoln

Okoboji

WHS

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ERICSON AND RILEY RASMUNSSEN

It’s sentiment, not semantics

Oh gosh, please don’t take my snowflake card away. Okay, I’m just gonna say it: political correctness is lazy. It’s like instead of actually listening, we just wait to hear blacklisted words, and, ope, you’re stupid and racist and homophobic and your mom never loved you. I don’t know. To me, p.c. language has become a prerequisite to conversation, muting valid (albeit, crude) voices.

And sister, that’s kinda gay.

Yes, I just conflated the words gay and stupid. But I don’t think gay people are stupid; in fact, I think they’re quite nifty. My point is, for the rest of this article, please listen.

Actually listen. Okay, cool.

First, though, I wanna be clear; p.c. language is not the problem. According to a 2014 study published by Cornell, when p.c. language is mentioned to collaborative and diverse groups, their subsequent ideas increase in number and novelty. P.c. language is a valuable, unifying tool when used correctly. The intent of p.c. language is to construct a world where we include everyone by avoiding frictional phrases and deleting communication born from a history of hate.

For the LGBTQ community, p.c. language has given rise to autonomy and respect; thoughtful words actualize awareness and legislation.

However, in a state like South Dakota, exposure to the transgender community is not a reality for most.

Because our state, like many others, lacks transgender representation, the perception of the community becomes polarized and minimized.

This isn’t because South Dakotans are bigoted, or even stupid, but because people simply can’t know what they don’t know. Empathy can’t exist in a vacuum. It sucks; I know.

In an attempt to be more linguistically inclusive, we’ve ended up actually excluding people whose voices deserve to be heard.

The problem, my friends, is that we expect p.c. language, and worse,

aren’t willing to hear someone out if they don’t share our very narrow and complex verbal toolbox. We’ve shifted our attention from what is being said to how it’s being said, and in so doing excluded those not privileged enough to have been exposed to the lingo.

P.c language is now a classist social currency. Self-loathing children of the top 1 percent whip out their hypersensitivities to measure who has the biggest wokeness. The wealthy have time to worry about and access to p.c. language. And because of their cash-powered influence, p.c. language is widely expected. The privileged continue to determine and disseminate norms; in this case, it’s a monolithic vernacular guised as comprehensive social progress.

There’s this idea that the words we use shape our world, or, at least, our perception of it. And that’s true, to an extent. But sometimes, we worry too much about the words we use and not enough about what they really mean.

The solution is pretty simple with this: listen. We don’t have to stop using p.c. language; we just need to listen.

Words serve to convey meaning. And, while some words are more powerful and inspiring than others, they are of little importance compared to the intent behind them. Respect people.

Be kind. And remember that it isn’t the semantics that matter, but the sentiment.

By Gage Gramlick, Editor -IN-Chief STATESMAN OP/ED 25

EnGage

W

elcome to the seventh installment of EnGage, a column. The goal of EnGage is to entertain, inspire and educate: to engage. as always, please do not sue the Statesman. Thank you.

An exerpt from the the official dress code for SFSD athletics: Dress Code Both boys and girls must wear tops at practice.

i. Sports bras does not constitute as a top.

ii. Because there is a definite relationship between appropriate dress, good work habits, and proper school behavior, SFSD Athletics has developed this practice. Our goals are to help students focus on their performance without distractions, to focus on their success, to decrease the number of harassment issues, and to have a place where students feel comfortable with themselves and others. Student-athletes are expected to show good judgment by dressing appropriately. The overall goal of the dress code is to not disrupt the educational environment.

Provided by Joey Struwe

cool off during a workout, and those who can’t afford a wardrobe full of dri-FIT t-shirts are at major disadvantage when their cotton-blends just aren’t up to the task- as if it weren’t already difficult enough for economicallydisadvantaged students to enter the athletic arena.

But of course, Meile’s greatest concern is inclusion.

“Now, there’s certain types of situations that we don’t think of all the time that might prevent a kid from going out,” said Meile. “One of those might be an overweight girl going out, and just being conscious of ‘Hey, I wanna go out, and maybe not to be the best runner in the state, but be a part of this great culture, experience a great program, teamwork, all those type of things. But I’m a little nervous because I know all those girls take off their [tops]. And what are boys going to think of me? If I am a little thicker, or whatever, if I have a birth defect.’ And same thing [goes] for a male.”

While all people, regardless of body type, should feel welcome in athletics, Meile’s claim that shirts promote inclusivity reeks of virtuesignaling. If students feel alienated because of body insecurities, shirts aren’t a solution. We don’t tell attractive people to hide their faces because ugly people might

feel offended. We don’t tell smart people to act dumb because people who struggle might feel inferior.

Everyone has a different strength, but we don’t hide our strengths to cope with another’s weakness; we help others find strengths of their own.

As it stands, the current policy focuses more on hiding body insecurity than encouraging body positivity. This is the problem. We should be telling all students to be proud of their bodies, to embrace who they are. We should be telling kids to be kind. But it’s far easier to hide that responsibility under a shirt.

Beyond the contradictions riddled throughout the policy, there is a perplexing lack of evidence that the policy accomplishes anything at all.

“There’s never been a study,” said Meile. “And to be real with you, if we did have those type of answers, then we wouldn’t be in the place we’re in in our society right now. Unfortunately, we don’t find out until someone makes the decision to hurt someone.”

Fortunately in the SFSD, there has been no history of violence related to shirtless runners or crimes specifically directed at shirtless individuals. It is unlikely this is due to a policy that has only been enforced for the last three

weeks. That does not, however, dissuade Struwe from painting shirtless runners as unwelcome in the community.

“It may be [acceptable] in the running community, but what about in the rest of the community? You know, we’re not just representing one segment of our community,” said Struwe. “And again, these rules are adopted and set forth by the school board for those purposes. So who’s making the rules then? The community.

Because the school board takes input from the community. The school board is made up of the community. So, therefore, the community is represented in making those rules by default because those board members are elected.”

It’s true that our school board is based around a representative democracy and the representatives are there to represent our views, not theirs. This is why the time has come to clarify the views of the community. I challenge every runner, athlete, body-having individual to attend the next School Board Meeting on Monday, Oct. 8 at the Instructional Planning Center (IPC) at 5:30 p.m. to clear things up. See you there.

STATESMAN 27

The quest to reveal the chest

by Will Howes

Over the past few weeks, LHS XC runners have become increasingly agitated over the enforcement of a policy mandating athletes wear shirts during practice. Perhaps even more frustrating is the labyrinth of failed attempts to justify why the rule exists in the first place.

The stated goal of the SFSD administration is to “educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world.” In order to do so, it is understandable that certain concessions must be made by individual students in order to maximize the success of the student body as a whole. However, to quote LHS principal Robert Grimm, “It’s hard to have a policy or procedure in place if there’s not a rational explanation to go with it.”

LHS Athletic Director Joey Struwe is a vocal supporter of the rule and has, “always thought that’s how it should be.”

“The idea is that our activities are classrooms, and we have a dress code in school; we have a dress code in our activities,” said Struwe. “You wouldn’t go shirtless 26 STATESMAN

to class, or through the hallways, so it extends to our activities.”

Though Struwe’s maintains that classrooms extend into activities and should, therefore, be subject to the same policies, many LHS extracurriculars depart from this standard.

For example, golf coach Jeffrey Halseth and assistant tennis coach Andrew Krueger acknowledged that athletes in their respective sports are allowed to wear hats and sunglasses, both items that are not allowed to be worn during standard school hours. With midthigh length shorts and markedly tight tops, the volleyball uniforms contradict Struwe’s claim as well.

Volleyball coach Emily Palmer has an easy explanation for the exception.

“No, [the volleyball uniform] doesn’t meet the regular school dress code,” said Palmer. “I think it’s [allowed] just because it’s the widely accepted uniform in volleyball everywhere, professional and otherwise.”

Struwe also argues that heat is not a major concern.

“You can do things to mitigate,

I mean if you are hot, when you’re running. You wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. It’s not a safety issue. I’ve walked around the desert in full camo gear in 125, 130 degree heat. And I survived. It is not a health issue. When you’re wearing a kevlar helmet, and a flak jacket and carrying a 40 pound bag of gear, come and talk to me about how difficult it is. I’ve run in [Sioux Falls], and I’ve done that. I’m just saying, it’s not a safety issue,” said Struwe.

District AD Casey Meile echoed a similar sentiment.

“The great thing is, we live in an age and time where-- man, some of that moisture management stuff, that heat-gear so to speak that they make, it’s almost better that you do wear that, and it cools a lot better than just not having a shirt,” said Meile.

While athletic engineering mitigates many of the same problems that going shirtless aims to solve, to say they’re the same is simply false; moreover, that high-end heat gear comes at a high price. Performance is greatly affected by an athlete’s ability to

Believe it or not, human trafficking does happen, even in South Dakota

by Riley Rasmussen By the time you finish reading this, at least three people will have been pulled into human trafficking.

Every 30 seconds another person in the world becomes a victim of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is present in South Dakota. Interstates I-20 and I-29 are also known as the “Midwest Sex Trafficking Pipeline,” which are used for transporting human trafficking victims every day. The Midwest Sex Trafficking Pipeline runs north through Omaha, Sioux Falls, North Dakota and over to Chicago.

Since 2007, South Dakota has received 497 human trafficking related calls and 69 reported cases of human trafficking. Just in 2017, South Dakota received 84 calls and had 16 cases reported. South Dakota has had more convictions of human trafficking than any other state in the USA. Thirty percent of human trafficking recruitments happen through relationships. Coercion and manipulation within relationships are signs of an unhealthy and dangerous situation. Red flags in an unhealthy relationship such as a boyfriend or girlfriend, friendship or even a family member can be a dangerous situation.

Homegrown is a type of human trafficking seen often in South Dakota.

This is where family members or close relatives abuse and traffick their 28 STATESMAN OP/ED

children in their own home.

“We need to address domestic violence and dating violence,” said TAST employee Tara Powell. “We need to focus on the red flags. A really bad sign is someone telling you they love you, giving you lots of attention and lots of gifts right off the bat. Especially if they are older. Know what’s healthy in a relationship because that is how they bring you in.”

Know the signs of a human trafficking situation. An older individual with a younger individual is a huge red flag. If the older individual is clingy to the younger individual, not leaving the younger individual alone or letting them speak is a red flag, or if the individual is unable to make eye contact or conversation. Bruises, cuts or marks on an individual can also be a sign. Also, if an individual is withdrawn, overly tired or distracted frequently, this can be a red flag.

“I want to see the community step up against sex trafficking,” said Powell.

“The community is huge and we can’t do it alone. We need help.”

There are around 7.4 billion people in the world, and an estimated 40.3 million are human trafficking victims. According to the reports collected, the number of victims is increasing each year. Are we really doing enough in our community to help decrease this number? Some people are oblivious to the fact that human trafficking happens in South Dakota and even in our community.

We need to teach and educate our

community on the signs of human trafficking and how to stay safe, especially youth. Youth are the main target of human traffickers and they need to be aware that they are at risk to potentially being pulled into human trafficking. Human trafficking is a business that endangers each and every person.

“Youth are the main target of human traffickers and they need to be aware that they are at risk to potentially being pulled into human trafficking.”

“I’d like to see a lot more people talking about it,” said LHS junior Riley Johnson. “It’s a huge deal and it affects so many people, and when you talk about it, you can share ways to prevent being in a trafficking situation.”

Become informed. Know the signs and red flags of a human trafficking situation. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. When in public, travel in groups and stay off of your phone. Keep your head up and look around. Be alert and aware of what is happening around you. If you feel as if you are being followed, don’t go home; notify someone immediately.

Traffickers prey on the vulnerable and defenseless. Lastly, if you see something, say something.

If you or someone else suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

THE

If you read this...What if you don’t?

by Hannah Hansen

If: a common word feared by some, embraced by others and met by all.

Certain words and phrases in life naturally stigmatize themselves into doubt. Or panic. Better yet, worry.

It’s this taste of fear that assigns our emotions; it’s our emotions that scar the words.

When we think of ‘if,’ we think of the ‘what-ifs.’ What if your dreams are chased in the wrong direction? What if this isn’t the life you want?

What if he doesn’t love you after all? The ‘what-ifs’ are powerful: powerful enough to designate ‘if’ as our own defeat, our own misfortune, our own adversity.

What if ‘if’ doesn’t have

to start with ‘what?’ Would your dreams finally make sense? Would your life eventually fall into place?

Would he finally love you?

The uncertainty is what prevents us from answering these questions; the whatifs are what limit us from acting beyond the basis of ‘if.’

A year after my grandpa met my grandma, he sent her Rudyard Kipling’s poem titled, “If:” a poem about finding trust in doubt, strength in sorrow and triumph in disaster. While Kipling’s words ignite a fire of interpretation derived from the duality of ‘if,’ they also challenge the standard way of thinking. In a poem

all about the ‘ifs’ in life, not once is ‘what if’ mentioned: not once is there doubt in the presence of struggle, or worry in the shape of despair. There is only the ‘if’ in hopes of encouraging us to think, act and speak beyond the ‘what-ifs:’ beyond what we think will happen.

What if you don’t read Kipling’s poem, or what if you do? Here, the unknown is clear. It’s alive.

It’s relevant. If you read Kipling’s poem … well … that’s a different story.

A different perception. I could tell you what would happen if you read his poem, but that would defeat the purpose. The end of

that sentence is up to the reader, and the reader only.

It’s a more definitive way of thinking, a more definitive answer to life’s unknowns.

Do you see the difference?

What if you don’t? If you see the difference, then you understand what I’m getting at. You understand what I’m saying. You understand what I just did.

The world is a scary place, full of unknowns. Continue Kipling’s fire. Breathe in the ‘ifs’ in life, and exhale the ‘what-ifs.’ Don’t let the fear of the unknown, or the known, get in the way of your interpretation of words, actions and moments. Be the if. No one likes a what-if.

The purpose of The Palindrome is to expose the ambiguous angles of life: the angles of which are sheltered from the common eye. There are different ways to interpret life, several directions to look at it from and diverse concepts to challenge because of it. A palindrome involves looking at a word from a different angle of interpretation; life requires you to separate what you see adjacent to the common eye and shift your vision toward the uncommon eye: the foreign, irresistible unknown.

STATESMAN OP/ED 29

PETA

The problem with We love animals and believe that they deserve to be treated with respect, so we give millions of dollars to organizations that “protect” these animals. What if these organizations aren’t as innocent as we believe?

The most famous organization for the protection of animals is called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). This organization puts on a facade to the public.

Until a few weeks ago, even I believed that PETA was a wholesome organization that benefitted animals. Unfortunately, according to the Huffington Post, it doesn’t use its millions of dollars how we think. Instead of fighting for animal rights and assuring the safety of animals worldwide, it slaughters them.

In a graph provided by petakillsanimals.com, it is portrayed that in 2017, 2,445 dogs and cats were transferred into various PETA facilities. Of those 2,445 dogs and cats, 585 were transferred, 44 were adopted and an astounding 1,809 were killed.

Seventy-four percent of those transferred animals were killed. If you think that’s bad, check out 2011’s statistics: 96 percent of the animals transferred were killed. PETA claimed that it had to put the animals down because they weren’t getting adopted. In reality, PETA never held adoption hours or had adoption facilities. Most animals were killed within one hour of arrival. The animals never had a chance.

PETA had an annual budget of roughly $48.5 million in 2017. The organization claims that they, “strive to use our funds in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, a commitment illustrated by the fact that 84.71 percent of our operating expenses

by Chloe Crissman

went directly to our programs fighting animal exploitation.” However, it has since been reported that PETA has spent, according to speakingofresearch.com, “17 percent of their money (your money) on fundraising to raise more money.” They have also devoted their funds to a campaign that compare animals to the slaughtering of six million Jews and a campaign to urge Ben and Jerry’s to drop cow milk and begin using HUMAN milk in their delicious ice creams and a headstone next to Colonel Sanders grave site that reads, “KFC tortures birds.”

Not only do these stats reflect poorly on PETA itself, but it also begs the question: Who would support this? Forty-two million dollars of annual revenue comes from celebrities like America’s sweetheart, Carrie Underwood and comedy geniuses Alec Baldwin and George Lopez. Even the brassy Ariana Grande has given public support towards PETA. Regardless of whether or not these high-profile people are aware of the corruption of this organization, their public support gives PETA the fuel it needs to continue to murder innocent animals.

It is unlikely that PETA will be shut down anytime soon, but there are ways we can decrease their power. Instead of blindly donating money to PETA, give your money to local animal shelters and humane societies. Give locally, rather than nationally so that you can ensure your money goes to benefitting man’s best friend.

STATESMAN OP/ED 31

Mollie Tibbetts more than a victim

by Nyah Thaemert For weeks, search teams and police looked for missing 20-year-old, Mollie Tibbetts. Posters and alerts were sent out across the country about her disappearance in hopes that Mollie: a friend, sister, girlfriend, daughter and classmate would be found and safely returned home.

Mollie was last seen jogging July 18 in the small town of Brooklyn, Iowa. The search for Mollie went on until Aug. 21, when police found her body.

Many of these facts have already been stated in articles and broadcasts, but one question still remains: who was Mollie Tibbetts? Mollie was known for having a fearless and adventurous personality. Videos and pictures show her making her friends laugh and smile, and there are stories that loved ones are sharing in honor of her memory.

In an interview with Daily Local News, Mollie’s father, Rob Tibbetts, shared a recent story about Mollie at his wedding.

“At one point the whole family went on a big boat.

And one of her uncles and I decided to jump in the lake and swim across to this huge rock that was about 25 feet up above the water and dive in.

And she jumped in right

32 STATESMAN OP/ED

behind me and said, ‘I’m your best man, I’m going with you’....I didn’t think we were actually going to go through with it, and it was very scary, but she did it. She jumped in, [and] screamed at the top of her lungs. So, add brave to everything else,” said Rob Tibbetts.

Mollie was also a very thoughtful and loving spirit. She made it to the speech All-State festival where she spoke about her thoughts and observations of the stigma on mental health.

“It was incredible to see how much I had changed the way people viewed mental illnesses in under ten minutes, but I was always left speechless when somebody actually battling a mental disorder, talked to me afterwards and told me they knew exactly what I was talking about. People with psychological disorders fight a battle everyday, let’s not add to the struggle,” said Mollie on her Instagram.

Mollie made an impact on many people with her noticeable personality.

Many citizens of her hometown spoke wonders about who she was.

“It will be forever in our hearts and minds. She was a beautiful soul, beautiful person, very kind and generous,” said family friend, Angie Thompson.

Mollie was also a person

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MOLLIE TIBBETTS’ INSTAGRAM

Tibbetts posted an Instagram photo only a month before her kidnapping. The caption read, “I gained a wonderful family this week.”

filled with dreams. She attended the University of Iowa, where she was majoring in Psychology.

Classmates and friends who follow her on social media can easily notice how she is filled with positivity because her captions reflect that.

“It’s a great day to be alive,” wrote Mollie on her Instagram profile.

There are many other admirable qualities that

Mollie portrayed. She will always be remembered by her friends, family, boyfriend and classmates.

“Today, we need to turn the page. We’re at the end of a long ordeal. But we need to turn toward life-Mollie’s life-because Mollie’s nobody’s victim.

Mollie’s my hero,” said Rob Tibbetts.

‘Crazy Rich Asians:’ a transformative experience

by Lily Hiatt “Crazy Rich Asians” has been dubbed the most successful romantic comedy in nearly a decade. In the few weeks that the movie has been out, it has made an estimated total of $117 million in North America.

“Crazy Rich Asians” is a charming tale about Rachel Chu, an Economics professor at NYU, and her boyfriend, Nick Young. The movie takes off when Nick invites Rachel to attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Rachel quickly realizes that Nick is not who she thought he was.

Nick’s family is one of the most influential families in Asia, but conflict arises when Nick’s mother Eleanor makes it clear that she does not approve of Rachel. Rachel tries to prove that she is worthy of Nick.

The beginning is somewhat slow but picks up as Nick and Rachel arrive in Singapore. The moment the plane lands, the audience is engaged. The film includes many shots of the bustling city and makes the viewer feel as if they have stepped into the film. They did an excellent job of showing not only how Singapore’s elites live, but also how the everyday person lives. In the montage following their arrival, Nick and Rachel are shown exploring the city markets. They walk through the shopping markets and food markets to experience the culture.

“If there is any part of Singapore that is less than dazzlingly picturesque, we don’t see it here,” said A.O. Scott in The New York Times.

Peik Lin Goh played by Awkwafina was another delightful character in the film. She provided much needed comic relief anytime she stepped on screen. I quickly realized that anytime she was present, laughter would soon follow. Like her character in the movie, Awkwafina gave the audience a chance to take their mind off of Rachel’s relationship woes.

While the storyline was not unlike the plot of dozens of Hallmark movies, Kevin Kwan’s unique spin on the story gives it a sense of originality. Every character was complex and well-developed which led the audience to better relate to them. I found myself rooting for the characters.

The movie was also packed with life lessons. At first, Rachel tried to prove to Eleanor that she was right for Nick.

This caused Rachel to stray from who she was and make some poor decisions. Rachel soon comes to the realization that she would never meet Eleanor’s standards. Rachel begins to understand that the only thing she can do is be unapologetically herself, which only leads Nick to grow more fond of her.

Rachel Chu is played by the amazing Constance Wu. An actress most well-known for her role in “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wu helps create a likeable protagonist for the audience to root for. She and co-star Henry Golding have a natural chemistry that drew me in from the start. I wanted nothing more for these characters than to see them happy and together.

Another aspect that I appreciated was that it showed new faces in a genre typically reserved for white people. As a white female, there is no shortage of women who look like me in Hollywood. It was refreshing to see other races and cultures represented.

All in all, I recommend you see this movie because of the entertaining plot and the powerhouse cast. It was a feel good movie that kept me entertained for the whole two hours. It taught important lessons without feeling too heavy or depressing. Anyone who loves romantic comedies will like this movie. It is a charming and heartwarming tale that anyone would enjoy.

“If there is any part of Singapore that is less than dazzlingly picturesque, we don’t see it here,” -A.O. Scott STATESMAN 33

For most, high school is the best four years of their lives. For senior Max Honner, he makes it his personal duty to create an enjoyable high school experience for all LHS crazies.

High school is all about being involved and radiating school spirit every chance one is given. LHS students, much like other high school students, participate in tailgates to create a common space where all LHS students, regardless of their grade, can get excited about school activities.

Every year, the craziest crazie takes on tailgate businesses. This year the baton was passed to Honner.

“Tailgating is my life. Without it, I wouldn’t have a reason to live,” said Honner.

The dedication and loyalty to LHS demonstrated by Honner is one that is merely contagious.

“I’m the first one there and last one to leave,” said Honner.

During the President’s Bowl football game, Honner showed up bright and early at 5 a.m. ready to kick off the tailgate season.

“Food, drink, a loud speaker, Jace Julius and good music are all important, and to bring food and actually show up,” said Honner.

Honner encourages all LHS Crazies to get involved in tailgates. Everyone can contribute and make it a success. It would not be much of a tailgate if everyone showed up empty handed.

“The most fun part of tailgating is getting to talk to all the cute freshmen,” said Honner.

Most freshmen can be intimidated of an event such as a tailgate. With the majority of the melting pot being upperclassmen, freshmen can feel a bit overwhelmed.

However, Honner invites freshmen and all grades for that matter, to celebrate being an LHS Crazie.

“It’s important to have a good attitude and a smile on your face at all times,” said Honner.

Along with food and activities, Honner insists it is just as important to bring a positive attitude. The purpose of a tailgate is to get hype.

Ta i l g a t i n g T i p s : *Stick to the tailgate supplies list provided by the seniors *Contribute to the whole, not just for you and your friends *Leave the drama for your llama!!! *Make sure you clean up after yourself *Create new memories with new and old friends *Have fun and be proud to be an LHS CRAZIE

STATESMAN 35

MAX-A-MILLION WAY S T O TA I L G AT E

BY MARYAM RAUUF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHLOE CRISSMAN

34 STATESMAN

Girls tennis takeover

by Easton Plourde LHS is home to many great teams with multiple State championships in sports, such as football, basketball, baseball and many more. One sport that is continuing to make history is the LHS girls tennis team. The Patriots have an undefeated record of 60-0 and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The Patriots are hoping to take their third State championship in a PHOTO BY JAIDA SORENSEN row this upcoming season, adding even more accolades The girls tennis team stops practice to take team pictures. They are prepared for the State tournament on Oct. 4-6 in Rapid City. to their legacy.

Integrity has been a main carry both on and off the court.

Krueger. component contributing “It means a lot because Working hard in to the success of this team. the way we carry ourselves on every practice and “Behaving with integrity the court is what I want to be and not believing that you’re being disciplined has tremendously contributed known for,” said sophomore better than anyone else is Ava Leonard. to their overall success. something we believe in,” Even though playing for Attitude has a big effect on said Coach Krueger. the girls tennis team comes the team, and keeping a It has played a pivotal positive one is imperative to with a lot of pressure and hard role for the team thus work on the court and in the winning. far and is brought up classroom, all the players are “Just having a positive throughout practices. proud to represent the Patriots outlook and having “It’s all about integrity; confidence in who you are every time they take to the it’s a big factor for us,” said as a tennis player, then the court. sophomore Johana Brower.

Although there are winning and losing takes Maintaining this streak many responsibilities and care of itself,” said Coach for any team, in any requirements that come along Krueger. sport, can be extremely Playing for the LHS girls with being a Patriot, the team challenging. Principles such still finds ways to have fun tennis team means much as hard work, integrity and more than just representing throughout it all. attitude are what allow that “It’s really fun because we themselves in matches. to happen. have a variety of abilities on Having the character and “These kids work so the tennis team and it’s fun to work ethic of a Patriot is hard and that’s why they interact with all ages on the something players must succeed,” said Coach

36 STATESMAN

team,” said Leonard.

One player that keeps up the fun spirit, according to Leonard and Brower, is freshman Elle Dobbs, who always finds ways to get the team to laugh and spread smiles across their faces.

However, just like with any great team, there can sometimes be consequences for having too much fun during practice, and there is one player who decides to eliminate the chance of consequences completely.

“I don’t laugh because when I do, I have to run,” said Brower.

As leaves are beginning to fall from the trees, pumpkins will soon be picked and Halloween is creeping around the corner, the LHS girls tennis team looks to get ready to take the season head on and keep the undefeated tradition.

“We really would love to have a three-peat,” said Brower.

The girls have full confidence in themselves this season and look forward to the season hopefully making another State championship run. We look forward to the matches starting this fall and cannot wait to come out and cheer with support for the Patriots as they potentially add another historic season to their resume.

Statesbuds: Ethiopian edition

by Georgia Conlin Everyone knows a picky eater: someone who is nervous to try new things and is used to eating the same boring foods all the time.

Lalibela Restaurant is not your typical American meal of burgers and fries. Instead, the owners embraced their culture and opened a restaurant that serves authentic dishes from Lalibela, Ethiopia.

Mulugeta Endayehu and his wife opened their restaurant 15 years ago and to them it does not feel like work; it never has.

“When you feel passionate about something, you never get tired of working. Me and my wife are very happy to be working here and we always come to work with a positive attitude,” said Endayehu.

When I first sat down, I was given a card with information on Lalibela’s history, tips on the spices used and the correct way to eat the dishes using injera. Injera is a sourdoughrisen flat bread with a spongy texture and is typically used in Ethiopian dishes. The bread takes some getting used to for people who have not had it.

“The bread is actually my favorite part when I come here, but I also like the spices used,” said James Penisten, a Lalibela customer.

Do not plan on visiting Lalibela on a full stomach; you will need as much room as possible. The portions are very large and can be shared with someone else. Combination platters are common when with a group of people. That way it is easier to share food and get the right portions. It also makes it easier to try more than one thing on the menu. However, if you do not want to get a combination platter, there are many more options on the menu with prices to match the quality and quantity of the food.

“The things on the menu are our most popular dishes, but it is all typical Ethiopian food. We do have a few options for little kids like chicken tenders and peanut butter and jelly,”

“I think everybody should be an adventurous eater. I will probably never get the chance to go to Africa, but at least I can have a taste of it here in Sioux Falls.”

-Gina Penisten said Endayehu.

The atmosphere of Lalibela is open and welcoming. There is plenty of seating and a mix of jazz and African music plays in the background.

The restaurant is also decorated with Ethiopian decor. The server/ owner was friendly and answered any questions happily. Once it was served, the owner explained how to properly eat the food. The Awaze tibs (beef) and Ydoro tibs (chicken) had the perfect amount of spice, which is not eaten with silverware.

Traditionally, Ethiopian food is eaten with hands.

“I think everybody should be an adventurous eater. I will probably never get the chance to go to Africa, but at least I can have a taste of it here in Sioux Falls,” said customer Gina Penisten.

PHOTOS BY GEORGIA CONLIN

STATESMAN 37

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE LHS BOYS VARSITY SOCCER TEAM

The LHS Pats huddle up before the second half as they discuss tactics for the next 40 minutes against the Titans.

love that about him.”

Rink understands that many of his teammates struggle. To make the transition easier, taking some time to hangout outside of soccer is essential. If not at soccer practice, Rink finds time to hang out with his teammates and just take time to get to know them.

“The only thing that really distinguishes me from some of my teammates is skin color, otherwise everything is mostly the same,” said Rink. “A lot of the soccer players and I like to hang out at my house or drive around in my car and rap to beats. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we’re always having fun.”

Ayanle Ibrahim, the senior team captain of the varsity soccer team, moved to the U.S. four years ago. Ibrahim was quickly introduced to a loving and supporting team that he now calls family, the LHS varsity soccer team.

Ibrahim began playing for the LHS soccer team his freshman year after being encouraged by his uncle to try out.

“One thing that wasn’t hard and something that I hadn’t seen, but I got used to, is the people smiling,” said Ibrahim. “You see someone and they just smile at you. Where I am from that’s not normal.”

Ibrahim was born and raised in Kenya and believes the biggest opportunity he has received since being at LHS has been that of becoming a team captain

after his teammates elected him. Ibrahim takes the responsibilities given to him as a team captain and uses them to inspire him to work harder. Whether Ibrahim is on or off the field, he is always supporting his teammates and the people he calls his “brothers.”

“Ayanle, for example, is a very talented and intelligent soccer player,” said coach Middlen. “This is his fourth year with the boys soccer and his third year of being a part of the varsity squad. He has been voted team captain the past two years. That shows how much the other players respect him and look up to him to be a leader.”

Ibrahim, along with many of his teammates, speak languages other than English. Ibrahim speaks four languages which include Somali, English, Arabic and Hindu. On the field, the polyglot players use their languages as a way of deceiving other teams.

“We have a lot of people from different countries and different races,” said Ibrahim. “I feel like it’s different because it brings all of those kinds of people together and builds a bond as a brotherness. That’s what makes me work harder every day, working for someone else that you call brother.”

STATESMAN 39

The LHS boys varsity soccer team scores when it comes to diversity

BY NAYELI AYALA

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AYANLE IBRAHIM

Ayanle Ibrahim waits patiently in the backline for a play to develop against the Yankton Bucks.

38 STATESMAN

At LHS, skill, technique and sportsmanship are not the only qualities that set apart the boys varsity soccer team; instead, it is the diversity among the teammates.

Senior Sale Mamud, originally from Ethiopia, immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 2011. Mamud began his educational career at Jane Addams where he was taught the basics of the English language in fifth grade. His past experience with schooling had been in Africa where he was taught math, English and science.

“In Africa there was no soccer ball, so basically we had to gather new socks and clothes and kick it around,” said Mamud.

Mamud has since gotten the opportunity to play for the LHS soccer team and believes the best opportunity he has gotten is to attend school and continue his education. Mamud’s friends in Africa do not get the opportunity to receive an education, instead they depend on herding and farming.

“When we are playing on the field or practicing, some of us speak our language,” said Mamud. “The coach has to make sure all of us are speaking the same language.”

Through soccer, Mamud has received the opportunity to connect with students who share a background and language. Like many other students, Mamud has adapted to the LHS atmosphere and has gotten the opportunity to create new friendships through team dinners and family gatherings.

“At first it was hard, instead of teaching you how to move the ball around, they taught you how to move forward,” said Mamud. “Basically, our coach keeps pressuring us… you don’t work on position or attack; he basically works on pressuring and giving us a hard time.”

Jordan Rink, a senior at LHS, joined the boys varsity soccer team after being on JV for two years. Rink values the opportunity he has received to join his other teammates and create a family within the soccer team.

“I think the most interesting thing is the language diversity,” said Rink. “Whenever I’m with them, I hear at least two, sometimes three foreign languages.”

Rink recognizes the diversity within the team and realizes some of his teammates come from different backgrounds. Language barriers are non-existent within the soccer team because instead they all communicate through the game.

“Jordan Rink is the father of the team,” said head coach Andy Middlen. “He is always trying to give rides to as many people as possible, and at times I have to tell him to make sure everyone has a seat belt. But that’s how he is; he wants to help out in any way he can, and I

E VARSITY

BOYS SOCCER

BEN MONSON, 12 Pre-game ritual: Getting a kiss from Milo.

Favorite athlete: Zlatan Who you play for: Trump.

GRAHAM SORENSEN, 12 Pre-game ritual: Listen to “Hit me Baby One More Time,” full blast on repeat.

Favorite athlete: Austin Sorensen “an absolute unit.”

Who you play for: Bob Ross, Stephen Hawking, Robbie Rotten and Harambe. #RIP

AYANLE IBRAHIM, 12 Pre-game ritual: I listen to Meek-Mill and Gucci Mane.

Favorite athlete: Odell Beckham Jr. Who you play for: I play soccer and football for LHS. I kick for football, and I play midfielder and defense for soccer.

JORDAN RINK, 12

Pre-game ritual: Listening to music.

Favorite athlete: Kylian Mbappe. He is a role model of mine.

Who you play for: I play for my mom.

She died when I was 4 years old, and I feel like I am making her proud by playing.

GIRLS SOCCER

ANIKA JENSEN, 12

Pre-game ritual: Eat cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

Favorite athlete: Alex Morgan.

Who you play for: Dad.

ELISABETH TIFFT, 12 AMY DOW, 12

KENNEDY MARLOW, 12 Pre-game ritual: Team dinner.

Favorite athlete: Lionel Messi.

Who you play for: I play for my team and all of the players that I have trained with in the past.

Pre-game ritual: Jam sesh with rack one.

Favorite athlete: Carlie Lloyd.

Who you play for: Mel.

Pre-game ritual: Sunflower seeds and throwbacks.

Favorite athlete: Carmel Thunder.

Who you play for: The dubs.

ANNA DEKKENGA, 12 Pre-game ritual: Shaving my legs the night before a game for goodluck.

Favorite athlete: Alaina Sorensen, when she isn’t being annoying.

Who you play for: My teammates and for my favorite coach #dad.

STATESMAN 41

MEET THE

FOOTBALL GRANT TREIBER, 12

NOAH BROWN, 12

Pre-game ritual: Listen to Sarah McLaughlin.

Favorite athlete: Bobby Bushay.

Who you play for: I play for the dream.

AVRY RICE, 12

Pre-game ritual: Thinking about Ellie Brecht.

Favorite athlete: Ellie Brecht.

Who you play for: Ellie Brecht.

TEREL EISENBRAUN, 12 Pre-game ritual: Chill with players in the locker room.

Favorite athlete: Ally Jamison.

Who you play for: My girlfriend.

ZACH HANSON, 12

Pre-game ritual: Travel shirt, chain, sunglasses and Air Force 1’s is a complete outfit for success.

Favorite athlete: JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Who you play for: I play for the team.

We don’t win as individuals, we win as a team.

Pre-game ritual: Listen to hard heavy metal until my eardrums blow.

Favorite athlete: Zaza Pachalia Who you play for: Jared Jaros because he looks up to me because I dunked on him once and I’m better than him at every sport.

VOLLEYBALL SOMER LUITJENS, 12 ALLY JAMISON, 12 Pre-game ritual: Listening to Mo Bamba with Nicole on the way to Bagel Boy. Favorite athlete: Toss up between Annika Joyce and Jared Jaros.

Who you play for: The Lady Pats volleyball cult.

ANNIKA JOYCE, 11

40 STATESMAN

Pre-game ritual: Jimmy Johns sandwich with no tomato, and I’m ready to go.

Favorite athlete: Can’t decide between Somer Luitjens and Easton Gillette.

Who you play for: Every single one of my teammates and my parents.

Pre-game ritual: Listening to Love Sosa and Mo Bamba with the team.

Favorite athlete: Terel Eisenbraun, duh.

Who you play for: My boyfriend.

SYDNAYA DUNN, 12

LEXI HERR, 11

Pre-game ritual: Eating pickles and dancing.

Favorite athlete: Amy Cow. Who do you play for: My teammates because volleyball is highkey a cult.

Pre-game ritual: Going to Bagel Boy and listening to Ice Melts.

Favorite athlete: Taylor Raak.

Who you play for: My teammates and family.

E VARSITY BRITA QUELLO, 11

Pre-game ritual: To add great content to Elle’s hype vlogs @justtennisgodthingz.

Favorite athlete: Elle Dobbalicious.

Who you play for: The W’s.

GIRLS TENNIS AVA LEONARD, 10

Pre-game ritual: I look in the mirror and say, “I am speed.”

Favorite athlete: Emily Einsel.

Who you play for: KELO Cup points.

AVERY BLACKMAN, 10

JOHANA BROWER, 10

Pre-game ritual: Eating a lot of food and hyping up the team.

Favorite athlete: Avery Blackman.

Who you play for: My school and my team.

ELLE DOBBS, 9

Pre-game ritual: Eating a lot and having fun with the team.

Favorite athlete: Johana Brower.

Who you play for: My team.

Pre-game ritual: Making Brita participate in my more than hype vlogs.

Favorite athlete: BQ Who you play for: Continuing the Dobbs’ legacy.

BOYS GOLF RYAN NEFF, 12 Pre-game ritual: Tell people to send me a trade in Fantasy Football.

Favorite athlete: Charlie Mickelson.

Who you play for: Jeffrey Halseth.

ADAM SCHRADER, 12 MAX HONNER, 12

PARKER HIBBARD, 12 Pre-game ritual: I don’t need one, I don’t play.

Favorite athlete: Lance Luitjens.

Who you play for: John Denver.

Pre-game ritual: Singing our hearts out to “Country Roads.”

Favorite athlete: Alex Kleland.

Who you play for: Ryan and Keenan’s love.

Pre-game ritual: Facetime Dylan Salonen and hug my mom.

Favorite athlete: O.J. Simpson because of his integrity and kindness. #Innocentuntilproven guilty.

Who you play for: Carter Ericson, Sam Heir, Will McDonnel.

NASH STENBERG, 10 Pre-game ritual: Ryan Neff, and I see who can yell “Let’s goooo,” louder at the opposing teams.

Favorite athlete: Aaron Hernandez (close 2nd Ray Rice).

Who you play for: Mr. Jeffrey John Halseth.

STATESMAN 43

CROSS COUNTRY JACK ELLIOTT, 12

SAM ELLIOTT, 12

Pre-game ritual: Listening to music for sure.

Favorite athlete: Colin Kaepernick… JK LeBron James.

Who you play for: My team and myself and ultimately for my future going into college.

MEET THE

GABE FENDRICH, 12

Pre-game ritual: Ayush Patel massages my calves into liquid gold.

Favorite athlete: Austin Sorensen, he will carry us to the dome on his back.

Who you play for: I run for Gabe Fendrich because the young lad left us once, and we can’t have that again.

EMMA HOUWMAN, 12

Pre-game ritual: Listening to Andrew Lauer play the melodica.

Favorite athlete: Jack Elliott; he’s an inspiration to us all.

Who you play for: Sam Elliott: Lincoln’s top SunIn model.

ANALISE LEVESQUE, 12

Pre-game ritual: Probably looking for my cleats.

Favorite athlete: Caiden Capaldo.

Who you play for: Mr. Eric Pooly.

Pre-game ritual: Braid trian and making Ana cry.

Favorite athlete: Eddie the Eagle.

Who you play for: Eric Michael Pooley.

SOFTBALL BECCA NEVIN, 12

Pre-game ritual: I eat mac and cheese.

Favorite athlete: Taylor Raak.

Who you play for: My dad, Joel.

OLIVIA MAIROSE, 12 EMMA OSMUNDSON, 11

TAYLOR RAAK, 11

Pre-game ritual: 5:30 a.m. hot yoga with yogis.

Favorite athlete: Morgan McDonnel <3 :).

Who you play for: J-town, Lil Dred and Emwalla.

42 STATESMAN

Pre-game ritual: Having a mental breakdown.

Favorite athlete: Serena Williams.

Who you play for: The gays.

JADA MINDT, 11

Pre-game ritual: Shooting wiffle balls into my bucket.

Favorite athlete: Trent Dlugosh.

Who you play for: Emwalla, Tayk and Lil Dred.

Pre-game ritual: 5:30 am game day yoga.

Favorite athlete: Hoops.

Who you play for: J-town, Tayk and Lil Dred.