November 19, 2009
11
Sports
To ski or to snowboard, that is the question Berk Norman Staff Writer
Isaac Scott Staff Writer
Why do two-thirds of winter athletes who head for the slopes each year choose skiing over snowboarding? Skiers exhibit grace and versatility while riding the mountain, as opposed to the snowboarders who destroy it. Skiers can elegantly maneuver through all types of snow. They ride over and around moguls, twist through the intricacies of a tree covered hill, catch air off of jumps, and race down hills. If conditions are less than ideal, skiers are still able to keep control and have fun Berk Norman shreds the grromer because they have the advantage of two free legs. Snowboarders, on the other hand, have both feet strapped onto the board. In poor conditions, boarders look like an unbalanced and clunky mass trying to navigate the mountain. Skiers also have the huge advantage of using poles. This helps gain leverage to move, twist, rotate, or tilt one ski, which is an ability snowboarders lack resulting in their failure to make sharp turns and maneuvers. Poles also permit the skier to propel themselves uphill and on flatlands, which snowboarders have a much more difficult time doing. Two of the exhilarating parts of skiing are the moguls and fresh powder. However, skiers are deprived of this privilege because Isaac Scott shows off his snowboarding snowboarders push out the moguls and use up twice the amount of prowess powder that skiers do. Finally, snowboards have an obnoxious habit of running over skier tails, causing the skier to fall.
David Norman
Cassius Scott
In the winter of 1985, only 39 ski resorts in the world allowed “ski-boarders,” on the slopes, according to snowboardhistory. com. Now, 24 years later, snowboarding has evolved into a full-fledged sport. Since its very first days, snowboarding has always been the “cool-kids’” alternative to skiing. Snowboarding has all the relaxation and fun that skiing has, without any of the uptightness and rigid rules. Skiing requires a particular form and technique that is not a prerequisite in snowboarding, like posture and keeping your skis parallel. Good snowboarders show themselves through their own personal style and ability to ride, not with the rigid style through which skiers must prove themselves. Snowboarding has its own unique style, culture, and way of life. This has led snowboarders to develop a diverse sport that can be fun for anyone who wants to do it, from the oldest, graying snowboarders, to the youngest toddlers who can’t strap into their own bindings. It is the variety and multiplicity of this sport that makes it so appealing to such a wide range of different people, and it is that wide range of people that perpetuate it and allow it to thrive.
McBeastmode: McDonald and McCullough dominate Lucy McCullough
Katie Eiseman and Ruby James Staff Writers
KE: What are your individual goals this year for cross-country? LM: I have few individual goals for this season, but my biggest goal is to win the District Five State Meet. Last year I placed 5th, and I think that I have a fairly good shot at winning this year. KE: What are the varsity girls’ team goals? LM: Our team goals basically consist of placing as high as possible in the next couple of races: BCL Challenge, NCS, and State. We won NCS last year, so a repeat of that performance would be great. We got third at State, so exceeding that mark would be incredible. KE: How would you describe the team dynamic? LM: We have a great team dynamic. Two great captains lead us: Cora Went and Bryn Bliska. Our coaches Liz Gottlieb and Ken Ellingboe are Peter Joseph McCullough sprints to the amazing. Our team is fairly laid-back, and I view finish. everyone on cross-country as part of my family. KE: What motivates you? LM: I am motivated by my teammates and my drive to improve. Before every race and every workout I have a goal or a “game plan” in my mind, and during races or tough workouts I constantly remind myself of that. KE: What do you think about when you run? LM: When I run, especially during a race, I try to focus on my breathing pattern, the rhythm that my steps make, and how my body generally feels. I have found that if I over-think the race or if I let my mind wander, I don’t perform very well.
Lawrence McDonald
RJ: What are the goals for your team? LM: Our goals are to win BCL and NCS. A four peat for NCS is a major goal because it has never been done before. An undefeated season would also be a big accomplishment for us. RJ: Do you feel the team is prepared to win championships? LM: Yes, I do. I think we can win, but we can’t be complacent. The weather is definitely going to make or break us. We are used to Mark Saake practicing on a nice, turf field in McDonald (right) jukes a defender on his way to the goal. sunny weather. The weather and condition of the field we play on will heavily affect the outcome of the game. RJ: Why do you like soccer? LM: I love the competition. It’s also fun and a good way to stay in shape. I like to keep my rockin’ body toned. RJ: How is the team different from last year “chemistry” wise? LM: This year new leaders have emerged. All of the upperclassmen need to step up and take charge because we were used to living in the shadows of last year’s graduating class. RJ: What will you remember most about the soccer team? LM: I will remember the incredible athleticism and friendship among the team. Also, I will never forget Emmett’s nickel [a team inside joke].