1.23.15

crier

munster high school

Inside look

Saturday 40/32 Sunday 37/25

vol 49/issue 8 Jan. 23, 2015 MHScrier.com

n

Alumni come back to work in the community Page 6-7

n

Learn how to act properly when using technology Page 8

n

Dance prepares to compete at Nationals Page 10

8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321

SCHOOL TOWN FACES DEBT CRISIS

Superintendent, School Board member, administration discuss current financial situation, future of all schools in School Town of Munster

Each one counts

William Hatczel Managing Editor

Fifty non-certified employees’ positions eliminated (effective Jan. 30 unless otherwise noted); these staff members impacted school greatly

Vrusha Patel Editor-in-chief

T

he panic pertaining to the current budget crisis creates difficulty in understanding the depth of the situation. The debt remains unkown due to the revolving door of state disbursments and expenditures.

“We have to start today. We have to deal with today and move forward,” Dr. Jeff Hendrix, superintendent, said. “Really, it doesn’t do any of us any good to look back and say ‘we should’ve done this or should’ve done that.’ The reality is that it’s here today, and we’re going to have to make due with how best What is $2.229 million worth? we can deal with this situation now. Hopefully, we make The School Town was erecently good decisions today, so that shorted $2.229 million; put into tomorrow is a better day and perspective, how the district debt the following day. So each day compares to other products we get better, but we have to take it in little strides.”

In dealing with the current budget crisis, the administration has sought guidance in (including housing and Jim Collins’ book, “Good to course materials) Great.” about Collins writes about the Stockdale Paradox, named after Admiral Jim Stockdale, in 2.229 million who survived as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Admiral Stockdale attributes his survival to having faith that he about would prevail; he noticed that those who failed were optimistic. He survived because in 2.229 million of his faith that he would get out and that this experience would be the defining moment in his life. about The School Town wants to instill this same thought process in the community. The in 2.229 million most current change is the loss of 50 non-certified staffers throughout the district, effective Jan. 30.

“These people we have lost about are like family and it was hard to have these conversations,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, in 2.229 million said. “It’s hard for even myself to understand how we got sources: admissions.indiana.edu, toyota.com/ prius, store.apple.com, officedepot.com here. We’re just looking at the different strategies on how to save money.”

The sudden and immediate cuts first announced at the Jan. 12 School Board meeting were the result of a

Four year Indiana University tuition

26

Editor’s note: Crier has listed the 50 people whose positions were eliminated because, as a public forum, we feel that it is our responsibility to print these names in order for the student body to visualize, internalize and respect the time that they have spent with each staff member. The entire Munster staff has a large impact on every student, and we hold deep respect for the work that these people have done to improve our learning environment.

MHS: 7

Central Office: 2

Custodian Renata Bilek Custodian Kenneth Grubbs Custodian Rhede Rhodes Health Office Aide Joanne Kovacich Non-Instructional Aide Rose Mary Guerrero ISS Supervisor Tawanda Harris Library Aide Lori Nicholas

Secretary/Receptionist Diane Harkabus HR/ Curriculum Secretary Kathy Webb

WWMS: 4 Secretary Sharon Robbins Secretary Janice Uram Custodian David Robertson (ending 7/31/15) Library Aide Christine Nelson

Elliott: 7 Prime Time Aide Jennifer Daniels Prime Time Aide Susan Ellingsen (end of 2014-15) Prime Time Aide Staci Vukadinovich Prime Time Aide Chandra Ware Prime Time Aide Susan Zajakowski Library Aide Linda Beezhold Part-time Custodian Mike Maxey

Eads: 16

FHH: 14

Prime Time Aide Mary Kaye Baker Prime Time Aide Tiffani Bell Prime Time Aide Diane Carr Prime Time Aide Heather Cox Prime Time Aide Brandy Crawford Prime Time Aide Nichole Foley Prime Time Aide Laura Grunewald Prime Time Aide Penelope Heuer Prime Time Aide Nina Hoogewerf Prime Time Aide Carolyn Kritzer Prime Time Aide Jodi Lambert Prime Time Aide Donna McCullough Prime Time Aide Nicolette Olson Prime Time Aide Kelly Wade Library Aide Nancy Conger Custodian Kathleen Steif

Prime Time Aide Kathie Bednarowski Prime Time Aide Tina Hammons Prime Time Aide Anita Hemingway Prime Time Aide Doreen Jurkash (end of 2014-15) Prime Time Aide Maria Maldonado Prime Time Aide Attilia Newcomb Prime Time Aide Anna Rogowski Prime Time Aide Sonja Ross (end of 2014-15) Prime Time Aide Patricia Rosser Prime Time Aide Terry Simmons Prime Time Aide Erin Torres Prime Time Aide Susan Umlauf Library Aide Darlene Stout Custodian Marina Rangel

Toyota Prius

92

iPhone 6

3,429

Dell Inspiron 15

4,644

Continued to Page 2

Follow the Money

WWMS: 4

MHS: 7

Secretary Sharon Robbins

Custodian Renata Bilek

Secretary Janice Uram

Custodian Kenneth Grubbs

Custodian David Roberston

(7/31/15) Library Aide Chris Nelson

Custodian Rhede Rhodes Health Office Aide Joanne Kovacich Non-Instructional Aide Rose Mary Guerrero ISS Supervisor Twanda Harris Library Aide Loretta Nicholas

Central Office: 2 Secretary/Receptionist Diane Harkabus HR/ Curriculum Secretary Kathy Webb

2 News

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Years in the making

Follow the Money

Looking back at events that impacted School Town of Munster over past six years shows what led to deficit, results that occurred due to sudden changes in government spending, taxes, school spending decisions June - State Funding Formula changes

2009

n School districts with family incomes below 185 percent of the poverty level receive more money than school districts above that percentage.

2010 March - Teachers take 3% hit n Munster teachers agree to lose 3% salary increase they received in January 2010, which amounted to a savings of $560,000.

November - Property tax cap enrolled

n Coaches agree to a 10% cut on the extracurricular stipends for some events.

n The district receives $5,019 per student in 2010-2011 school year. n Tax caps prevent school districts from collecting more than $245 million in property taxes in 2010.

n Teachers agree to pay $15 more per person at each pay period on their insurance premiums.

2011 August - Laptops introduced for students n District buys 2,940 Dell laptops for 5th through 12th grade students. The contract is worth $3,247,746 for five years.

Student funding heavily decreases

2012

n The district receives $4,750 per student during the 2012-2013 school year.

2013

May - Referendum is passed n With the district’s state funding at $4,750 per student, the Referendum helped raised taxes 19.9 cents per $100 of assessed home valuation to generate $3 million a year for seven years.

n Dr. Hendrix is hired as Superintendent in order to work with School Board, community, administration and teachers in order to reduce the deficit.

January - Non-certified staff members cut n The district receives $4,587 per student in 2014. n The School Town of Munster Board lays off 50 non-certified staff members, most effective Jan. 30.

n Because the School Town had to subsidize laptops to lower student fees, they will pay $1,056,586 over the five years. n Students do not own laptops after the end of five year agreement.

August - No more tuition students n District receives $471,357.48 for tuition students last year.

2014

May - Dr. Jeff Hendrix hired

n To accommodate for families with several students in district, laptop rental fees capped at $400 per family.

n The district had 4,056 students in 2010, but in September 2014 there were 3,882 students. The district loses almost $900,000 due to decrease in student population for the year.

December - Tax disbursement less than expected n The district receives final tax disbursement for 2014 and discovered it was $2.229 million short of the projected amount because of an unexpectedly high number of settled property tax appeals.

2015 n The town normally has a collection rate of 96% to 98%, but it received less than 90% of property tax payments.

sources: Janice Swanson, STM Treasurer, The Times, Post-Tribune, indianapublicmedia.org

Continued from Page 1

S

ince as early as 2008, the School Town has overspent, causing deficits. This mounting debt faced an additional crisis last month due to the tax disbursements from the Lake County Assessor’s Office.

The shortfall was caused by people not paying taxes, appeals of assessed property values and property tax caps.

“Munster’s tax district tells them that there is $2 million that they think they will get but will not.

They cannot get the money because of the constitutional tax caps,” said Mr. Mike Wieser, Director of Finance for Lake County Assessor’s Office. “The most they can get is $800,000.”

The School Board has pushed the legislature to increase the funding formula by utilizing the state’s current $2 billion surplus. The School Town currently receives $4,587 per pupil, one of the lowest in the state. An increase of as little as $100 per pupil would help, according to Mrs. Melissa Higgason, Vice Pres-

Other Lake County school corporations have faced ident of the School Board.

“If we don’t get another go at our per pupil funding the similar constraints in funding, and many have refrom the state, yes, we have a responsibility, we will duced staff and cut programs.

“Talking to most of the representatives, I’ve been have to bring our expenditures down,” Mrs. Higgastold that basically everybody on said. “And that may not just happen else around us has cut prowith cuts, there are creative ways we Getting out of the red grams and we have not. And can go about that as well. I’m not sure School Town looks for different exactly what those recommendations sources of revenue don’t expect anything to hapwill be from the administration, but we pen unless we cut programs,” Legislature: writing campaigns from Dr. Hendrix said. “So until we have a responsibility to make sure our voters to rework the funding formula can cut our expenditures, I expenditures meet our revenue.” don’t foresee them helping us The School Board has hopes for a leg- Locals: talking to local business and too much.” islative solution to the budget crisis. Dr. organizations to help fund programs and seek donations Dr. Hendrix offers reassurHendrix offers another perspective. ances in regards to the cuts that “I’m not optimistic that we’re going Naming Rights: looking into allowing will have to be made. to see very much coming back this way business to advertise in the Field “I’ve been down this road in terms of funding right now,” Dr. house source: Dr. Jeff Hendrix, Superintendent before. I’ve had to make reducHendrix said. “I think you go back to tions,” Dr. Hendrix said. “We Governor (Mike) Pence’s state address and (that) he wants to put more money into charter have to work leaner. It can be done. It can be done successfully, and the schools can actually still thrive.” schools.”

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

3 speakout

BACKTALK

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

“I see myself being happy. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but whatever it is, I’ll enjoy it.”

Seeing below the surface

To be transparent is to be open, frank, candid—and accessible.

From the beginning of the year, transparency has been preached to the community; however, we have not seen it.

OUR TAKE While allowing citizens access to The School the budget in a time of monetary Board needs crisis is noble, the fact remains to follow up on that access to the budget should its promises of have been available to citizens transparency even in times when the district was not functioning paycheck to paycheck.

In order to regain the trust of the community, the School Board needs to spell out the financial situation, not just state that the board is transparent, that there is strategic planning taking place, and that the district has become energy efficient.

Transparency regarding the budget and

the course of action would help students, parents, faculty and taxpayers comprehend the actions of the board.

The board needs to clearly state how much debt exists and how much money the school saves by cutting 50 people and how much money they are saved by being energy efficient. The board needs to openly state how much revenue is received and where that money goes.

Granting access to the budget does not educate the community on financial matters of the school, instead it gives the community a spreadsheet with just a bunch of numbers printed on it.

Providing accessible and understandable information is the only way the board will maintain the support of the students, teachers and parents.

Embracing both ends of the scale Meena Kandallu Copy Editor “Love yourself.”

This resounding message permeated popular culture and has become prevalent in daily life. From actress Jennifer Lawrence to outspoken social media activists, celebrities and commoners alike have jumped on the “Love yourself” bandwagon. After all, who doesn’t support empowerment?

But what does the term empowerment really mean?

Meghan Trainor’s chart-topping “All About that Bass,” hailed as a champion for those with “a little more booty,” appears to encourage a positive body image.

Beneath this accepting exterior, however, Trainor also promotes a more sinister message: that those who do not

have “that boom boom that all the boys chase” are undoubtedly photoshopped and fake.

By portraying “stick figure, silicone Barbie dolls” as the opposite of the real, healthy woman, “All About that Bass” actually reinforces the same negative body images it strives to eliminate.

What began as a sincere attempt to reduce insecurity resulting from fat-shaming has actually created a culture of skinny-shaming. The idea of accepting all body types has transformed into a movement for accepting only body types on one end of the weight spectrum and criticizing all others in the process.

And Trainor is not the only culprit.

Critics of Target’s recent thigh gap photoshopping debacle falsely painted it as yet another promotion of an unre-

crier

alistic body image.

Although Target does deserve ridicule for a thigh gap placed far too high on a model’s leg, Target does not deserve censure simply for using a thigh gap.

In fact, Laura Tosi, a pediatric orthopedist and director of the bone health program at Children’s National Medical Center, states that many healthy females have thigh gaps, which are often determined by various biological factors, such as pelvis size and structure.

In reality, thigh gaps are not the enemy. And neither are skinny people.

The average woman may fit into a size 14 dress, but healthy people who wear size 0 clothing do exist as well.

The ability to love oneself should not be reserved for anyone above a size 14; it should belong to everyone regardless of body type.

Jason Stout, freshman

“Graduating college.

Probably doing an internship with a business, hopefully making money.”

Mallory Grim, sophomore

“Sleeping in my bed.

No husband. No kids.

Just bed.”

Mega Dafiaghor, junior

“Far away, living my life on my own. If I’m lucky, I’ll be a trophy wife.”

Olivera Todorovic, senior

“I hope to be the CEO of Dunkin’ Donuts.”

Easan Venkat, freshman

“I hope to be performing on stage with a professional ballet company.”

Lane Terry, sophomore

“I’ll be married with three children and we’ll just be starting out our family band.”

Yiorgo Karnezis, junior

“I’m assuming I’ll probably be retired at that time and doing other things like volunteering.”

Mr. Don Fortner, social studies teacher

Munster High School

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Published by the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes, and extra-curricular involvement.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community.•Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, truthfulness, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

Letters to the Editor are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Pub, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues.

Mailed subscriptions cost $20 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 14 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Vrusha Patel Managing Editor William Hatczel Copy Editor Meena Kandallu Opinion Editor Max Baker

Sports Editors Erin Gallagher, Jordan Szymanski News Editor Danie Oberman Infocus Editors Mariah Villaroman, Chloe Wineinger Web Editor Elena Piech Cartoonist Amer Abasi Head Photographer Natalia Bilek Photographers Veronica Bilek, Rachel Bishop, Lauren Koultourides, Kasey Luehrs, Kyra Marriott, Ray Ojel Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

4 news

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Ready for another round

We the People takes on Nationals After receiving Wild Card, team will attend national tournament

Science Olympiad prepares for regional competition, hopes to repeat last year’s success

Max Baker Opinion Editor

Mariah Villaroman Infocus Editor Science Olympiad prepares for their regional competition at Purdue University Calumet Jan. 31, which will determine if the team will advance to the state competition.

Co-captain Hayley Kwasniewski, senior, has full confidence that the team can perform Fresh competition just as well as they did The Science Olympiad last year at Regionals.

“Last year we took members participate three teams, and we took in new events this year first, second and third after old events retired place,” Hayley said, “so it’s nice to know that we It’s About Time: constructnot only have the best ing and demonstrating a team in the region, but time-measuring device the best three teams in Wright Stuff: building the region. I think it’s photo by Kasey Luehrs a rubber-band powered very plausible that we’ll PREPARING FOR FLIGHT During Science Olympiad practice, Garrett Zuck, wooden airplane take all three top rankings senior, constructs a cannon for Air Trajectory, an event focused on launchagain. Our big competiGreen Generation: focusing a projectile.

“You dedicate so much time to (Science Olympiad), and tion doesn’t really come once you get to competition you can see how it all pays off,” Garrett said. ing on ecology and human face to face with us until effect on the environment we get to State.” or something new, but you can always count on all Hayley and the three other co-capthese teammates to work together to make sure evAir Trajectory: launching tains, seniors Andy Chen, Taylor eryone is performing at their best.” a projectile a certain disMerkel and Kimberly Wang, work toScience Olympiad co-sponsor Mr. Keith Koszut, tance using air pressure gether to lead the team towards sucscience teacher, explains that new events can present differences cessful competitions. challenges to the team.

“With this year, (co-captains) have to “There are always new events for the new year. sources: Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher, and Perima work a little harder to show our team- New events cycle in and old events cycle out.” Mr. Shah, sophomore mates that success is possible and coach Koszut said. “There’s a new event, Air Trajectory, anything they might need helping out which is tough, and they’ve come a long way with with,” Hayley said. “We just try to show our team- that event. I’m really excited to see that.” mates good examples of participants.”

In order to best prepare for their upcoming compeTaylor notices that the team works well together tition, Hayley strives to teach her teammates the imthis year in preparation for the competition, even portance of dedication and commitment in Science with several new members.

Olympiad.

“We lost a lot of really good seniors, so we’re defi“Passion is the key to success. Without passion nitely seeing some younger students pick up their you can’t really accomplish everything you need to,” game,” Taylor said. “Especially with the younger Hayley said. “Enjoying yourself is a big part of actustudents, we’ve got some people in strange events ally wanting to succeed.”

The We the People (WTP) team will advance to the national tournament April 25-27 in Washington D.C. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Jai Dharla, senior, said. “We worked so hard at State and we did pretty well, but to go to Nationals is a completely different experience.”

Nationals includes 52 WTP teams: one per state, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. If a state cannot send a team, a Wild Card lottery takes place to select a different team. Because the team placed second at State, they did not qualify for Nationals.

“We’ve wanted this for a long time,” Jai said. “Historically, we’ve performed pretty well at Nationals, and I think we’ll do well. Nationals is a lot more challenging than State, so we’ll need a longer time to prepare and our research will be more intense.”

Compared to the state competition, Nationals has a more professional atmosphere, according to Mr. Michael Gordon, WTP sponsor.

“State is often judged by a few lawyers and college professors,” Mr. Gordon said. “But Nationals is often judged by prominent professors who have written the books (the students) study (and) circuit and federal court judges.”

Mr. Gordon attributes WTP’s past success to the program’s environment.

“We’re lucky and appreciative of being a part of this community, and it’s really, really nice to see it flourish,” Mr. Gordon said.

Corrections

In issue seven of Crier, sophomore Alex Ramirez’s name was misspelled on page 15. Also, seniors Adam Ostoich and Adam Kulam were not correctly identified on page 16. Crier regrets these errors.

PurePower Hot Yoga 2645 Main Street Highland, IN 46322 219-924-1990 info@purepowerhotyoga.com www.purepowerhotyoga.com

Visit mhscrier.com for more content

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

5 infocus

Learning the American dream Indiana high school students may have to pass Naturalization Test in order to graduate, according to Bill 1296 Chloe Wineinger Infocus Editor Ninety-two percent of immigrants pass the Naturalization Test with only one try while only five percent of high school students who have taken the test pass, according to Sam Stone, political director for the Civics Education Initiative.

State Senate Education Committee Chairman Dennis Kruse’s new Bill 1296 involving the Naturalization Test and high school students requires Indiana students to pass the Naturalization Test used for immigrants trying to gain U.S. citizenship. The test would contain 100 questions, with a required 60 correct answers to pass.

“I don’t think there’s much harm in requiring students to pass the Naturalization Test exam, but it doesn’t move the ball far enough,” Mr. Michael Gordon, social studies teacher, said. “We, as a nation, need to do a far better job teaching not only civic knowledge, but civic skills and dispositions.”

Naturalization tests do not determine what kind of citizen each student will become and how actively they will participate in government. Some students also have higher test-taking abilities than others, so determining a student’s graduation requirements based on a test is unfair, according to We the People member Chloe Zatorski, junior.

“Required government classes before graduating high school is enough because (the school is) making sure that they’re teaching (the students) about government,” Chloe said. “It’s up to (the students)

photo by Natalia Bilek

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLES Taking government classes plays an important role for preparing students for the future, according to Mr. William Smitka, social studies teacher. “It is imperative that young men and women learn the importance of government and the roles and responsibilities of citizens within our democratic society,” Mr. Smitka said.

whether they should act on it.”

Even though government classes give students civic education, requiring more thorough civic education will prepare young adults to make better decisions while voting, according to Mr. Gordon.

“The beauty and terror of our constitutionalized system is that the people ultimately get the government they deserve,” Mr. Gordon said. “For example, we have a $17.5 trillion national debt because we refuse to elect political leaders that will raise taxes or

cut services. For decades we have been ignorantly voting for debt.”

Although some students may not deem the tests necessary, students should place an importance on informing themselves and actively listening in order to prepare for the future, according to Chloe.

“As time passes, (high school students) are going to be in charge,” Chloe said. “When you’re civically educated, you’re able to participate in elections and really know what you are talking about.”

6 infocus

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Trailblazing Mustangs

Keeping it fit William Hatczel Managing Editor

When Mr. Ken Croner, ’82, graduated from Munster High School, he never thought he would train professional athletes, let alone own a business called Munster Sports Performance in his hometown.

He attended Butler University and played basketball while studying business administration. After earning his degree, Mr. Croner assumed the role of an assistant for one year as he developed an interest in strength training.

Munster High School Alumni own various businesses throughout community, explain what it means to currently hold professional success Mr. Dedelow prefers working at the radio station over his old, intense job due to the fact that he can give back to the community. He now has the opWilliam Hatczel portunity to work in a more relaxed Managing Editor environment while informing the community on local news, sports, charities After 18 years of and fundraisers. working for Kottke “It is community radio; we just talk and Associates sell- about local stuff,” Mr. Dedelow said. ing commodities, Mr. “I have a talk show every morning. It Jim Dedelow, ’80, feels good to be doing good in the comcame back to the place munity. The key is to make an impact where he grew up and in the community. It was a pretty good decided to buy the decision to buy the station in 2004.”

WJOB radio station.

Mr. Dedelow credits his success on “I used to scream the radio station to his extracurricular for dollars, now I just activities, such as Speech and Debate, photo courtesy of WJOB staff talk about things,” Mr. while in high school. He believes he Dedelow said. developed some of the speaking skills Mr. Dedelow attended the Univer- he uses today as a radio host. sity of California Berkeley to study “I did not pick up journalism unsociology. After he graduated, he re- til college,” Mr. Dedelow said, “but I turned to the region now speak the way I to work in the “pit” spoke when I did my for Kottke and Asso- And we’re live speeches.” ciates. He found him- Planning is required for those After attending self “getting old” and wanting to pursue radio. college in California looked to find another and working in ChiStudents can get experience by occupation. Mr. Dede- cago, Mr. Dedelow interning at local radio stations low decided to buy the enjoys working in the WJOB radio station in region where he grew Students should be prepared for

2004 and now hosts up and the many askeeping unique hours for all-day a morning talk show, pects of it, from the radio stations “JED in the Region,” people he is familiar starting at 5:30 a.m. Aspiring radio hosts need radio with to the businesses each weekday. he knows well. announcing or a degree in “I worked for “I am from around broadcasting (WJOB) while I was here. My family has in college and a little Openings for radio host spots are been here for many while after I gradugenerations,” Mr. highly competitive ated,” Mr. Dedelow Dedelow said. “I love sources: learn.org, onetcenter.org said. “I worked on and the region. I love beoff there, so I knew the ing here. I love the place. (Working for WJOB) is much people, the industry, and the colorfulmore rewarding.” ness of all the characters.”

However, this was not the first time he thought about how athletes become the strong, versatile players he saw in college and in the professional leagues.

“I grew up loving sports. I loved everything about them,” Mr. Croner said. “I always wondered what made athletes the way they are. I was always intrigued with how athletes develop.”

Mr. Croner went on to be the assistant strength and conditioning coach for University of Notre Dame from 1999 to 2003. His next destination was the National Football League, working for the Green Bay Packers. After leaving Green Bay, he worked for Athlete’s Performance in Arizona where he worked with players one-on-one.

Tune in for more

photo by Lauren Koultourides

CUTTING WITH STYLE Finishing up a buzz cut on a customer, Mr. Christian Moffitt, ’09, works in Barbershop Moffitt’s. Mr. Moffitt recently took ownership of this barbershop on Ridge Road that has been in existence for over 80 years, and Mr. Moffitt never saw himself as a barber until recently. “Believe it or not, I never even went to a barbershop. All my life, I had really long hair at my shoulders,” Mr. Moffitt said. “It wasn’t until I became a barber that I cut all my hair off and started going to barbershops.”

Sticking to

tradition

Meena Kandallu Copy Editor

As the owner of Barbershop Moffitt’s, Munster’s oldest business, Mr. Christian Moffitt, ’09, considers himself a purveyor of the traditional barbershop’s “old school feel.”

Although the barbershop that is now known as Barbershop Moffitt’s has changed owners and names multiple times since it opened in 1927, it has retained its original location at 223 Ridge Road in Munster and also its vintage hydraulic chairs and barbering tools.

“When I took over, I wanted to go back to the roots,” Mr. Moffitt said.

“Since it’s been here for so long, it’s a cool place to display a lot of the town’s history, and I like being a part of that.”

Despite his current commitment to keeping the traditional barbershop alive and maintaining its historic value, Mr. Moffitt did not always plan to be a barber.

“I just didn’t want anybody telling Immediately after graduating, he attended film school for a semester me what to do, ever since I was a little and got a job as a camera operator for kid,” Mr. Moffitt said. “When I startNBC’s “Judge Mathis.” However, af- ed cutting hair, I knew the only option ter two years, Mr. Moffitt decided to was to own my own barbershop: be in charge of my own hours, keep track of become a barber.

“I was really into (film making) at my own money—all the responsibilithe time, and I thought it was what I ty.”

Having lived in Munster his entire wanted to do for the rest of my life.

But after doing it in the real world, I life, Mr. Moffitt appreciates the town’s location, commurealized it was more nity togetherness fun to tell people small-town what I was doing I was still living in Mun- and feel, and he jokthan what I was acster at the time, and I ingly describes his tually doing,” Mr. decided to take up bar- own barbershop as Moffitt said. “I was still living in Munbering. I just thought it his favorite place in Munster. ster at the time, and would be a cool, fun job “It’s got extremeI decided to take up barbering. I just to do, but once I started ly loyal clientele, it’s been here thought it would be cutting hair, I loved it and and since 1927. It is the a cool, fun job to do, wanted to do it forever.” busiest barbershop but once I started cutting hair, I loved -Mr. Christian Moffitt, ’09 I have ever been to and it’s the oldest it and wanted to do one in town and the it forever.”

When the barbershop’s previous history is there, which is really cool to owner offered him the opportunity to me,” Mr. Moffitt said. “I really wanted purchase it, Mr. Moffitt jumped at the to keep it alive, so I spent every last chance of owning his own business dime I had to get it and never looked back.” and remaining independent.

“

photo by Natalia Bilek

TRAINING CHAMPIONS At Munster Sports Performance, Ken Croner, ’82, helps train Nikki Smith, senior, for swimming by doing a pillar march exercise. “Generally, the number one thing I do is address the individual needs of the athlete,” Mr. Croner said. “My goal is to try and help assist the coaches with what they do at the high school.”

7 infocus

Mr. Croner spent a short time with the Philadelphia Eagles. After 12 years of training college and professional athletes, he decided to come home and train young athletes.

“I was grateful to be around great coaches and players. I learned a lot,” Mr. Croner said. “I thought it would be fun to come back (home). I thought I would enjoy the opportunity to teach and educate.”

Despite having the chance to train athletes at the highest levels, Mr. Croner enjoys his current job and does not plan on going back to the collegiate or professional levels. He finds joy in helping young athletes improve and excel in their sports. “(At) this point in my career, I am in a really good place,” Mr. Croner said.

“I would not go back. I just wanted a small place here (in Munster) to make an impact.”

The fact that he gets to see athletes succeed every day helps Mr. Croner to continue his work.

“I get a ton of satisfaction,” Mr. Croner said. “At the end of the day, the athletes leave happy and I am happy.

They do not realize how much they give me in return.”

This upcoming March will mark the fifth anniversary of when Mr. Croner returned home and opened Munster Sports Performance.

“I run my business from word of mouth,” Mr. Croner said. “The business is not for me; it is for the kids.”

Mr. Croner looks to help local high school athletes succeed in certain areas. He does not focus on what level of skill they possess.

“The number one goal is to reduce injuries. The second is to educate and teach. The third is to improve performance,” Mr. Croner said. “It is not even about sports; it’s about relationships. I’ll still be your friend no matter the level of skill you are at.”

Trainers having a closer bond with their athletes can lead to better results, according to Mr. Croner.

“Training, whether it is in college, pros or high school is all about developing a relationship,” Mr. Croner said.

“If you develop that trust relationship then you can have a lot of success. The better the relationship you have the better the results.”

Working to help high school students become better athletes and build confidence within themselves serves as Mr. Croner’s motivation to continue coaching them. “(Athletic training) is constantly rewarding,” Mr. Croner said. “I get a chance to really help people, not just as an athlete, but as a person.”

8 spotlight

Crier/ Jan. 23, 2015

Mind your manners With so much new technology at the current generation’s fingertips, it is possible to forget the possible

Social Scoring

Various social media users have unspoken rules regarding their sites

Is it acceptable to Instagram twice in one day?

Erin Gallagher Sports Editor

W

7.

Selfies are 100 percent acceptable on Instagram, to an extent. Your followers do not need to see your face everyday, and they really do not need more Taylor Swift lyrics on their feed.

Please do not take selfies in class. We all see you making that ‘duck face’ behind your laptop screen. That open Moodle page is not fooling anybody.

8.

America is perfectly aware of its status as the world’s most obese country. We do not need a million Instagram posts of food to support the theory.

2.

When a teacher is lecturing or giving notes, do not text anybody. Not only are you distracting the people around you, but you are also missing out on information that will be on a test.

9.

When you are hanging out with your friends, stop blatantly using your phone in front of them. You did not go to Steak n’ Shake to check Instagram while your friend stares at you.

3.

You all have very exciting lives, but nobody wants to see 100 seconds of it on Snapchat. For 2015, keep Snapchat stories to a minimum of 50 seconds.

10.

Stop texting under the table after your mom prepared your favorite dinner. Ask your younger sibling about their day or listen to your parent talk about politics.

Please, make memories while you still can.

elcome to 2015, the year it’s possible to call Grandma from your smartwatch and propel your phone into the air for the ultimate selfie. But before Instagraming a frappuccino, think about what you are doing with some technology tips.

1.

4.

Go ahead and buy a selfie stick this year. And when you purchase new inventions, make sure to buy a shirt that says #Nofilter on it. Those two items will complete your look as the typical, narcissistic American.

5.

Seriously, do not misuse your laptop.

Why are you pulling off keys? Why are you tearing off the plastic surrounding on your screen?

6.

If your laptop is broken, get it fixed. You gain absolutely nothing from keeping a computer with a cracked screen and an overheating CPU.

11.

2015 is here, and students still cannot use their phones during passing periods.

Maybe if students had that privilege, they would not use them as frequently in class.

12.

Is it just me, or are phones growing in size everyday? Oversized cell phones are here to stay and will make statements in 2015. My questions is, why do you need such a large phone and how can you carry it around along with a tablet all day?

Students vs.Teachers

YES: 68 percent

Have you considered purchasing a selfie stick?

YES: 13 percent

Is is acceptable to have Snapchat stories that exceed 100 seconds?

YES: 33 percent

Do you still use Facebook?

With different generations, students, teachers view different behaviors as acceptable n Is

it acceptable to text at the dinner table?

n Do

n Is it acceptable to text during class?

Students

cell phones need to be as large as they are?

YES: 31 percent

Students

YES: 42 percent

Students

YES: 23 percent

Teachers

Teachers

Teachers

YES: 6 percent

YES: 37 percent

*each app image is worth 10 percent

YES: 2 percent

source: Survey of 341 students, 65 teachers taken Jan. 12-15

I get my flowers from Dixon’s Florist...

Because they have been voted Lake County’s #1 florist 3 YEARS STRAIGHT... and you should too!

919 Ridge Road (Market Square Mall) Munster, IN 46321 219-836-1668

Four Class Special $ 29 for 4 classes

Expires 4 weeks after first visit

Contact us at: allison@yogaon45th.com rose@yogaon45th.com www.yogaon45th.com 219-218-2378 · 219-789-0543

YES: 54 percent

2008 45th Street Porte De L’eau Plaza Highland, In 46322

source: Survey of 341 students taken from Jan. 12-15

Crier/ Jan. 23, 2015

Best in the business

9 spotlight

With Benny and Rafi Fine, better known by their screen named TheFineBros, signing on to a new TV show reveals that achieving fame, recognition, popularity via YouTube is easier to obtain Mariah Villaroman Infocus Editor

CutiePieMarzia

nigahiga

Zeldaxlove64

TheFineBros

A one stop shop for all of the necessary beauty, fashion and do it yourself advice, CutiePieMarzia’s channel provides the best videos for beauty enthusiasts everywhere.

Marzia Bisognin started this YouTube channel only three years ago. She manages to put out the most informative beauty videos each week, featuring a number of different products, makeup styles or outfit combinations for people seeking inspiration.

She always thanks viewers for watching and has an amazing gratitude for her subscribers. CutiePieMarzia’s genuinely kind personality is another huge factor in the number of her subscribers.

CutiePieMarzia creates high quality videos that shows an European perspective on beauty, which differs from American YouTubers such as Bethany Mota or Michelle Phan.

Subscribers constantly see the same stores and products, but on CutiePieMarzia’s channel, subscribers become introduced to foreign brands, which allows for expansion on anybody’s closet or makeup collection.

Creating videos since 2006, nigahiga showcases his stellar comedic and film talent in each video that he uploads, never disappointing his subscribers.

Ryan Higa, the 24-year-old creator of nigahiga, may use an excessive amount of puns to generate laughs, but these puns have now become the signature of his channel. Amazingly funny jokes fill his videos, and viewers cannot help but smile.

Watching nigahiga change his editing and video quality since his channel’s beginning also represents how much he wants to grow and become a better YouTuber.

Next to all of this, nigahiga is a likeable person, which helps his comedy come off as funny rather then annoying or offensive.

Nigahiga has the ability to flawlessly combine comedy and social issues like his bullying experiences into one video. This demonstrates his flexibility both as an artist and as a person.

Nigahiga takes the time to make his videos funny and worth watching, and the videos will never fail to brighten anyone’s day.

Zeldaxlove64, better known as Christina Grimmie, second runner-up on the sixth season of “The Voice,” has raw talent and kind personality.

She deserves much more recognition because of her simply amazing voice that seems almost effortless. Zeldaxlove64 also has an incredible work ethic for her music career, which shows in her recent achievements.

Zeldaxlove64 has slowly risen to fame since her debut on “The Voice,” but she still manages to give her original fans, her YouTube subscribers, videos they can enjoy. Her voice only sounds more beautiful and original with each song she sings, especially when she composes her own music.

Many musicians on YouTube attempt to make their videos a large production, which leads to the videos looking incredibly staged and fake.

Zeldaxlove64’s simple videos of her, a piano and the recorder show that the little things really do matter the most.

Though zeldaxlove64’s voice has faltered in her number of video uploads, she makes up for it by just having tone of the most unique voices on YouTube.

Regarded as one of the best YouTubers, TheFineBros channel consistently delivers videos to its subscribers with a variety of content, because of its superb filming skills and video ideas.

Run by two brothers, Beni Fine and Rafi Fine, TheFineBros represents what being a YouTuber is all about. Each week TheFineBros release two videos for their most popular “React” web series, in which four different groups of people share their opinions on various media happenings such as internet memes and world news.

TheFineBros also creates videos for their comedy sketch series “MyMusic,” a well-written and well-acted show featuring other YouTubers, that definitely generates laughs.

In addition to these two web series, TheFineBros have a series called “Fine Time,” which presents recaps on past events of the month TheFineBros run, in total, three different channels and four different web series. Through their constant uploading of high quality videos, TheFineBros show that they are the most dedicated and entertaining YouTubers currently.

www.ecochicboutique.us

Now carrying Prom and Dance Dresses Shop and Save with us Consign for cash Now accepting for Fall clothing and dance dresses. To Consign, we take by appointment only.

Call 219-227-0646

425 U.S. Route 30, Dyer, IN

Please support our advertizers

10 sports

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Preparing for post season Wrestling conditions both physically, mentally in order to win Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

photo by Veronica Bilek

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT At a practice Jan. 14, Ryan Glasen, senior, (left) and Adam Kulam, senior, (right) wrestle in preparation for their Conference meet against Lowell last weekend. One of the greatest challenges for Kulam is the ability to keep showing up ready to work. “The hardest part of wrestling is walking through the door each day,” Kulam said. “It is a mentally straining sport because you can’t give up when it can be really easy to.”

Wrestling ended their regular season last weekend and now looks forward to their upcoming sectional match at Calumet High School Jan. 31.

“It is definitely bittersweet, I would say. I am upset that I won’t be able to wrestle with these guys anymore,” Dylan DeYoung, senior, said.

Adam Kulam, senior, focuses hard every day on preparing himself.

“I think about (Sectionals) each day at practice; this is what you work for all season,” Kulam said.

The wrestlers must condition their bodies just as rigorously as they condition their minds, so practicing like they play is the most efficient way, accord-

ing to Kulam.

“We live wrestle (a match of two 30 minute periods), and myself and some of the other seniors wrestle against Munster graduates,” Kulam said.

Munster graduates Jordan Cooper, ‘11 and Zach Slosser, ‘14, give the wrestlers insight on the mental aspects of the sport, according to Kulam.

“The biggest thing I have learned from (Cooper) is to keep my head up and keep pushing,” Kulam said.

The team aims to take the sectional match one step at a time and focus on post-season, according to DeYoung.

“First would be awesome. It is a difficult goal to attain, but that is what I’m shooting for,” DeYoung said. “Making it to Regionals, however, is the minimum.”

photo by Rachel Bishop

KICK LINE During a practice, the dance team prepares for the upcoming National Dance Team Championship Jan. 28- Feb. 2. “Dance is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life,” Melissa Fronczek, sophomore, (second from the right) said. “It gives me a creative outlet that I can’t seem to find with many other activities.”

In Sync

Dance prepares for Nationals Meena Kandallu Copy Editor After qualifying during a summer dance camp, the dance team prepares for their first nationals competition in 13 years at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship Jan. 28Feb. 2 in Orlando, FL. Because the team usually only faces local teams or teams from surrounding states throughout the season, Nationals offers a unique opportunity to compete against elite dancers from all across the country, according to Coach Cynthia Banas, WWMS teacher.

“I’m excited for the team, and I’m excited for Munster to be represented out there,” Coach Banas said.

“I also think it’s a nice way for the team to gain expe-

rience (and) to see what else is out there— there will be so many different styles at Nationals that I think the entire team can learn a lot from. I just think this is a great opportunity.”

While Julianne Rice, senior, looks forward to Nationals, she feels the pressure of performing well, especially since the dance team has not competed at the national level for so long.

“It feels good to be able to attend this year,” Rice said. “It’s a lot of pressure, though, because we want to represent Munster with a good performance because nobody has seen us compete at Nationals in a while.”

With practices nearly every day of the week, an additional team ballet class, and the optional outside classes that many dancers take, the team prepares to compete in the large group varsity category with both poms and jazz routines.

“We have been working on these routines all season, so they are kind of set at this point,” Jackie Dye, junior, said, “but we still (continually) make small changes. Right now, we’re just trying to make both routines a little cleaner and a little harder. The ulti-

mate goal is to make us look as clean and impressive as possible.”

Based on the progression of both routines since the beginning of the season, Dye considers the poms routine a team strength but still believes that focusing on both routines is important for a successful at competition at Nationals.

“We’ve been working very hard to make sure all of our dances are as clean as possible. Jazz especially— we had trouble with that dance because we had to re-choreograph it a couple (of) times.” Dye said. “It was stressful at first, but both of the dances are really coming together.”

As the team focuses on tweaking and perfecting their routines, the dancers work to achieve their goal of qualifying for finals at Nationals, according to Coach Banas.

“I would say it’s a realistic goal, but sometimes you have good days and sometimes you have bad days, so I hope that they have a good day when they compete at Nationals,” Coach Banas said. “The first and most important thing is that they have to believe in themselves.”

Cosmetology • Barber • Massage Therapy

Merrillville Campus, 8101 Polo Club Drive, Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 736-9999 Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00AM-4:30PM

Bring in this coupon for a FREE facial or shave with the purchase of a $6 haircut.

Now enrolling barber, cosmetology and massage therapy classes!

Add Us: Facebook • Google+ • Twitter • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

successschoolsllc.com

AC265

11 sports

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Pool of Fame Aquatic Center named after past swimming, diving coaches at ceremony Jan. 31 Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

photo by Kasey Luehrs

SURFACING During a practice, James Beckman, senior, swims laps in preparation for a Feb. 13 sectional meet. “I’m focused on my weaknesses like my underwater kick and motivating my team during practice,” Beckman said. Even though this is Beckman’s last season, he plans to make a mark at Munster. “I hope to create a legacy that will help reestablish Munster as one of the top swim programs in Indiana,” Beckman said.

The Aquatic Center will be dedicated Jan. 31 in honor of long time swimming coach Jon Jepsen and diving coach Chuck Chelich.

“If you are going to name a facility after two influential people from MHS swimming, it would be those people,” Mr. Brian Clark, athletic director, said.

Coach Jepsen coached the swim team to seven state championships.

He was a highly influential coach to the swimmers, producing 40 AllAmerican swimmers throughout his career, according to Mr. Clark. Coach Chelich coached divers for 50 years and produced 13 All-American divers.

Sweeping through the competition Boys’ Swimming continues streak of wins through regular season, heads into post season with confidence while keeping state competition in mind Max Baker Opinion Editor

Boy’s swimming won their meet against Hobart last Tuesday, continuing an impressive streak of victories, according to Colin Sroge, senior.

“We’re one of the top ten teams this year,” Sroge said. “We just got out of the hardest part of the season, and we’re working on getting to Sectionals and State.”

The team’s pre-season conditioning began mid-August and continued through November. However, their regular season conditioning will continue until the season’s end.

They are often in the pool at 5:30 a.m and have afternoon practice for two and a half to three hours every day except Sundays.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” Sroge said, “but it pays off in the end. Practice gets really tiring after a while, but I love swimming and I love the team. They’re a bunch of fun guys and it’s a great social environment.”

Swimming is mostly considered both Sectionals and State .

“We’ve got a diverse team this year an individual sport, but the entire who work hard and team comes together have a great work ethic,” to achieve several team Sink or swim Coach Pavlovich said. goals, according to Joey Four competitive strokes are “We try different meet Gardner, senior. lineups and explore “I started out hating used in the Medley Relay and swimming,” Gardner can be swum at different lengths different options for everybody. We’ve got said. “But it was 1.Butterfly racing distances are something I could work 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/meter, a good nucleus at the core. (The team) can up to a scholarship in and 200 yards/meter. college. Some people 2.Breaststroke racing distances make time and make it count.” swim to swim, but are 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/ The sectional everybody has goals to meter, and 200 yards/meter. competition will take get better. That’s why I 3.Backstroke racing distances place on Feb. 19 and think we’re so good. I are 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/ their state competition set goals and I want to meter, and 200 yards/meter. is a week later. achieve them at each 4.Freestyle racing distances are “I’m not worried meet.”

Sectionals,” With several strong 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/meter, about Gardner said. “We’ve seniors and naturally 200 yards/meter, 400 meter/ won (Sectionals) for the talented underclassmen, yard 800 meter/yards, 1500 past thirty years.”

Coach Matthew meter/1650 yards. source: livestrong.org Swimming combines Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, both physical strain and believes the team’s work ethic and hard work will help mental stamina.

“It’s stressful,” Sroge said. “But I improve their overall performance at

Hard Knock Hoops Boys’, Girls’ basketball work past difficult seasons

Boys’ Basketball Erin Gallagher Sports Editor Boys’ Basketball continues to perfect their game with hopes of a conference title this year. “(The season has) been a journey,” Coach Michael Hackett, health teacher, said. “There’s been some ups and downs, but those things will hopefully make us better.”

The heart-breaking, 64-61 loss against Penn and the joyous, 62-54 victory over Lake Central (LC), were just two noteworthy moments from the season, according to Luke Hackett, junior.

Even though the boys lost to Penn on a half-court buzzer beater, they gained confidence from the experience, according to Coach Hackett.

“Knowing that we were able to compete against a top ten team was satisfying,” Coach Hackett said.

Unfortunate losses surfaced in the team’s path this season, according to Kevin Schlotman, senior.

“Winning the rest of our season and redeeming ourselves for the losses is pushing us further,” Schlotman said.

Now the Mustangs continue to look ahead at the rest of their schedule.

“We have a lot of games that will be difficult like Griffith, Merrillville, Valparaiso, Gary West Side, Chesterton and Bowman,” Hackett said.

Even though the team is undefeated in Conference, Griffith could possibly threaten their hopeful title, according to Adam Ostoich, senior.

“The conference championship will most likely come down to the Griffith game,” Ostoich said.

The Mustangs plan to work through the obstacles, according to Coach Hackett.

“Basketball is full of surprises; you never know what’s going to happen,” Coach Hackett said. “We just have to roll with the punches and play our best basketball no matter what.”

Girls’ Basketball Chloe Wineinger Infocus Editor Girls’ Basketball will compete against Highland at 7 p.m. tonight.

The team hopes to improve their conference wins compared to last season, according to Natalie Vellutini, senior.

“We want to do better than last year, because we only won one conference” Vellutini said. “Even though we won’t win, it’ll still show improvement. If we win (the Highland game), we’ll be at 4-2, which sounds better than 3-3.”

The team’s issues come from having a weak defense, which they have recently worked on to prepare for their game last Saturday against Kankakee Valley, according to Vellutini.

“We ended up losing by five in the

think we’ll do fine. We’ve done pretty well in the past and I don’t think this will be that different. There’s a lot of fast teams at State and my goal is to place in the top five. However, our team’s goal is to win Sectionals and place 2nd or 3rd in State.”

The team also credits their success to the naturally talented younger swimmers on the team.

“They’re pretty good,” Gardner said. “They’re ready and are willing to go far in competitions.”

The team currently ranks seventh on the list of top ten swim teams in the state, but Coach Pavlovich does not believe the title matters as much as others may think.

“It’s impossible to keep track of every team in the state,” Coach Pavlovich said. “It’s a nice guide to tell ranking, but it’s not fool proof.”

Despite the constant practice and strenuous activity involved with the sport, Sroge enjoys swimming and the intensity around it.

“It’s a really hard sport overall,” last five minutes (against Kankakee Valley), but it was still a pretty good game,” Vellutini said.

Despite the teams’ challenges, it has individual strong points, according to Coach Davidson, PLTW teacher.

“I’m pleased with what we have.

We have good post players and point guard,” Coach Davidson said. “It seems that we have the pieces, but we can’t piece it all together.”

The girls need more conditioning to last throughout the game, according to Vellutini.

“We can usually play half a game decently, but we aren’t able to finish it out, so we need to work on conditioning so we can play a full game,” Vellutini said.

Above all, the team’s goal for the season remains winning Conference and getting a better record than last year. With a new coach, the team has an optimistic outlook.

“We’re doing a lot of new things because we have a new coach, which helps us with a lot of (skills), especially offensively,” Jordan Cole, senior said.

12 sports

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015

Looking to advance Batter up

Nikki Katalinic, sophomore, demonstrates batting skill

3

1

The Stance: When stepping to the plate, the player’s feet should be shoulder width apart and have slightly bent knees.

2

The Step: As the pitcher releases the ball, the player should step sideways towards the pitchers mound.

The Pivot: The movement of the pivot is when the heel has planted and the hips rotate forward as the player’s back foot turns.

The Follow Through: The The End: After making Swing: The player 4elbowThe should lead with their front 5 player must always finish 6contact with the ball, the and aim for the middle their swing and follow through player should run to try to get of the ball when swinging through the zone.

to achieve the maximum amount of power.

on a base.

Athletes invest both time, money in bettering performance with aid of private coaching in hopes of furthering career Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

M

any high school athletes have found that in order to make the jump to the collegiate level, they

must work harder than ever on the fundamentals of their game: hence private coaching.

“Getting to work one on one with a coach who is specialized in one specific area really allowed me to better my athletic skills, not just pitching, but overall,” Softball player, Chloe Miller, sophomore, said about her two years spent with private pitching coach, Mr. John Nishamura.

Since before she could remember picking up a mitt, Miller has enjoyed softball; however, the pressure to perfect her pitching form and increase pitching speed has been a constant in her life. Mr. Nishamura made major changes to her form throughout the years, according to Miller.

“When I first started, he had to change my entire pitching motion,” Miller said. “It threw me off because it was different than what I was used to.

Working my way back up was a challenge.”

In spite of the changes, Miller credits Mr. Nishamura with her newfound confidence in herself.

“The benefits of having a private coach is having complete confidence in him as a coach and what he’s teaching me, so it allows me to have confidence in myself when I pitch in games,” Miller said.

Joey Bryant, senior, works on his pitching as well as his hitting with two instructors. His pitching coach, Bill Bryk, played for the Chicago Cubs.

Joey’s hitting coach, Bobby Morris, is a minor league baseball scout for the

photo illustration by Natalia Bilek

Managing from the sidelines

Team managers discuss responsibilities, aspects of their job Danie Oberman News Editor

When Danny Zuccarelli, sophomore, decided he wanted to be an athletic trainer last year, he did not expect to end up managing the boys’ basketball team.

“I wanted to be a trainer with Doc (Mr. John Doherty, athletic trainer), but at the time of freshman year, there were too many trainers to put in the training room,” Zuccarelli said, “so Doc gave me the opportunity to be a manager for the basketball team.”

Zuccarelli was surprised with how much fun he has as a manager, and he enjoys working with the players at home and away games. “(The best part is) going to the games, being with the team, getting to know the boys, and hanging,” Zuccarelli said. “They’ve been really good with the team managers.”

A self-proclaimed “Water Boy,” Zuccarelli’s biggest responsibility lies

in keeping players hydrated during games and practices.

“There’s really no difficult and challenging part of this job,” Zuccarelli said. “It’s pretty straightforward.”

Emily Ramos-Niaves, senior, also has smaller tasks to do while managing both boys’ and girls’ swim teams.

She takes attendance and writes down times. “(I do) just little odds and ends, make sure the team runs smoothly,” Ramos-Niaves said.

With her brother on the swim team, Ramos-Niaves got to know the coaches well and learned the ropes, which caused Coach Mathew Pavlovich to offer her the job.

“He asked me if I wanted to manage because he knew I was a hard worker,” Ramos-Niaves said.

Coach Pavlovich surprised her by having her attend all away meets.

Throughout the season she learned what it takes to coach a strong team and enjoys every bonding opportunity she has with the swimmers, according to Ramos-Niaves.

“Each meet we go to is a new memory, and it’s hanging out and having fun and laughing with the coaches and the team,” Ramos-Niaves said.

Katie Kordeck, sophomore, had been looking for an authentic team experience when she became the manager of the volleyball team this year.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of a sport,” Kordeck said, “but I’m not athletically inclined, so I wanted to be part of a sport that I loved, which was volleyball, without entailing being on the actual team.”

As the team manager, Kordeck has many responsibilities such as cleaning the team’s locker rooms and recording statistics from games.

Her favorite part of the job is the people she gets to work with.

“The thing that shocked me most was probably the new friendships and relationships I made not only with the girls but also with the coaches,” Kordeck said.

Kordeck appreciates the memories she and the team made together and the coaches who helped to integrate her.

She also dreads having to see the seniors leave, but is grateful for the time she shared with them.

“When you’re on a team, you become a family, and I truly felt I was a part of the Munster volleyball family,” Kordeck said.

Arizona Diamondbacks.

“I trust my coaches more because of their experiences with the game,” Bryant said. ”They are pretty notable people.”

His coaches consistently change and tweak his game to help him improve.

“I work on everything from new grips for holding the ball during a pitch to placement in the field for where I hit the ball best,” Bryant said.

Sometimes the feedback from multiple coaches can harm an athlete’s game just as much as it helps, according to Nikki Katalinic, sophomore.

She notes the confusion that arises when she mixes private coaching from instructor Mr. Eric Johnson with competitive travel team coaching.

“There is always conflict because I get confused when I’m in a game situation whether to listen to my travel coach or Eric,” Katalinic said.

Physically, Katalinic’s game has greatly improved. With Mr. Johnson, she works on driving the ball with the lower half of her body and approaching the ball more efficiently. She benefits greatly from his instruction, according to Katalinic.

“He isn’t in it for the money; he is in it to see everyone get better,” Katalinic said.

The confusion that can come from seeking professional coaching can be stressful, but players must focus on the benefits outweighing the costs, according to Katalinic.

“There is great one on one instruction, and you can’t get off focus because you are the only one there,” Katalinic said.”(With a private coach) you can focus on little things, and, as a coach, all his attention is on you. It helped my game overall as a player, for sure.”

Mr. John Doherty inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame.

William Hatczel Managing Editor Mr. John Doherty, head athletic trainer, was inducted into the Athletic Trainer Hall of Fame for his 30 years of work treating athletes in all sports at the high school.

“I am honored and gratified, especially after 30 years here,” Mr Doherty said.

One of Mr. Doherty’s biggest contributions to Munster athletics happened in the early 2000s. As a big supporter of detecting and treating concussions, Mr. Doherty introduced Munster to the Immediate Post Assessment and Cognitive Testing (IMPACT) in 2002. IMPACT testing helps determine whether or not an athlete has a concussion.

The athletes always have respect for the care they receive from Mr. Doherty, according to basketball and football player, Adam Ostoich, senior, “Munster is so lucky to have a trainer like him,” Ostoich said. “Not every school has one. We cannot thank him enough.”

Mr. Doherty appreciates his 30 years here at the high school; however, he is leaving at the end of the year.

“It is time after this year,” Mr. Doherty said. “It was easy to work here because of all the great coaches and athletes, and I am not talking about tal-

12 sports

Crier/Jan. 23, 2015