MHS Crier 10 18 13

crier PUSHING FOR munster high school

Vol. 48 / Issue 3 / October 16, 2013 / Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN 46321

INSIDE LOOK Tomorrow 55/36

63/41

Administration sets the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club up for approval, final decisions take place in February; new state law criminates same-sex couple applying for a marriage license

Saturday 60/36

56/35

ACCEPTANCE

Friday

Sunday

Up and coming Girls’ Varsity Volleyball plays Andrean today at 5 p.m.

Boys’ Varsity Soccer plays Merrillville High School tomorrow for Regionals at 5 p.m.

Orchestra will perform a concert tonight at 7 p.m. in the auditorium Parent teacher conferences take place Oct. 22 from 4-7 p.m.

The nine weeks ends Oct. 18; all grades posted on Power Parent Oct. 23; fall break starts Oct. 24

Weighed down With the first quarter coming to an end, the weight of students’ backpacks increases

page 6 Behind the scenes Theater prepares to preform Seussical Nov. 21-23

page 7

Eye on the prize Boys’ Varsity Soccer competes at Regionals in Merrilliville

page 11

Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

Nikki Mammano Infocus Editor

A

fter passing both the House of Representatives and Senate of Ind., House Joint Resolution (HJR) 6 will appear on ballots in 2014.

Although Indiana already holds a ban on same-sex marriage, the proposed constitutional amendment HJR-6 would also restrict any chance of civil unions and other recognition rights.

“I’m very lucky to live in Illinois and to have been able to get a civil union this year,” Amy Heaney, ‘05, said. “Marriage isn’t just a word or a ceremony. It’s dehumanizing to stand in front of a judge and listen to the word marriage be so conspicuously avoided, but it still means everything to be able to stand in front of a judge at all.”

Hearing of HJR-6 in the summer filled Destiny Sabo, senior, with disgust. She already had a vision of creating a GayStraight Alliance (GSA) club after writing a research paper junior year; however, this news pushed her to take action.

“At first a lot of people will be confused (about the club) because they’re misinformed,” Destiny said. “But once they realize what the clubs purpose is, they will figure out that we should have had it a long time ago.”

In order to start a GSA, Destiny wrote a formal proposal and conducted a 1:1 meeting with Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal. Destiny also needed to acquire a sponsor, and Mrs. Peg Matanic, English teacher, accepted the position.

“I think it’s important for all students to have a voice and to have a place to discuss the issues that they face,” Mrs. Matanic said.

After proceeding to an administrative team in February to face approval, the club remains in an in-between phase; not an official club, but also not an ‘unofficial’ club, according to Mr. Nolan.

In its current state, the GSA may not hold any meetings unless necessary for the organization of the club, and may not promote themselves on school grounds or affiliate themselves with Munster in any fashion, according to Mr. Nolan.

“My biggest hurdle in my own personal vote is: how does a Gay-Straight Alliance further the academic mission of the school?” Mr. Nolan said.

Because the school already supports a club for diversity, club, Mr. Nolan believes a GSA does not stand necessary.

“We do have a club for diversity,” Mr. Nolan said. “I understand the proposal for an individual club, but we already have a club (STAND) for many of the missions of the GSA. So why would we need another club?”

Although the STAND club does pro-

Rights restrained In the state of Indiana, many legal protections of LGBTQIA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transexual Questioning Intersex Asexual) individuals stand limited

Municipal laws exist in the cities of Bloomington, Evansville, and Indianapolis regarding legal protection for housing discrimination if it occurs because of the victims sexual orientation or gender identity

No state-wide legal protection exists for termination of a job if cause stems from sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression except in the cities of Indianapolis, Evansville, and Bloomington, Ind.

Indianapolis, Ind.

Bloomington, Ind.

Evansville, Ind.

Across the state

Indiana voters express their opinions through survey; statistics show that a small percent of residents receive protection for discrimination based on gender identity

28 21

percent of the state population protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation

percent of the state population is protected from discrimination based on geneder identity

source: www.indianaequalityaction.org

mote diversity, it does not give the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning Intersex Asexual (LGBTQIA) community the support they need, according to Destiny.

“We don’t see bullying as much at Munster,” Destiny said, “But it is a big deal in the LGBTQIA community.”

Under the Equal Access Act, passed in 1984, secondary schools that receive federal funding and allow meetings of other

64 percent oppose the pending marriage admendment

54 percent of self identified very conveservitive voters are against the admendment

57 percent of Republicans are against the proposed amendment

67 percent of Democrats and Independents support the proposed amendment source: survey conducted

by Bellweather research of 800 people

non-curricular student clubs, are prohibited from discriminating against any student group based on its viewpoint. Clubs affiliated with LGBTQIA fall under the types of clubs that receive coverage.

“It’s all about enlightening the older generation, giving them information, and not giving up,” Destiny said. “If you push something so much, they have no choice.

Once they open their eyes and their ears they will realize there is nothing wrong with it.” Continued on page. 2

2

NEWS Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

Quick Notes Project X

Project X comes together for a good cause to help the community

Tomorrow through Tuesday, Project X will sell paper pumpkins for $1.00 in the cafeteria in order to help fund the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.

“It’s something we’ve always done in the past,” Sponsor Ms. Leigh Ann Westland, English teacher, said. “It’s for a good cause. All the proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Fund.”

In addition to selling pumpkins, Project X plans on helping out the less fortunate.

“We also plan on helping out the Munster Police Department with their Thanksgiving baskets.” Ms. Westland said, “And we’ve had a volunteer coordinator for the Humane Society talk to the us about volunteer options.”

Monster Dash

Munster hosts Halloween themed 5k run for community members

Munster Parks and Recreation will host its first ever Monster Dash at Centennial park this Saturday. Participants can walk or run a 5k at Centennial Parks starting at 8 a.m. Runners can also participant in raffles and activities after the run, according to Mrs. Jill Higgins, Munster Parks and Recreation supervisor.

“The walk begins at the north entrance of Centennial Park,” Mrs. Higgins said.

“Sponsors may raffle off stuff and give out refreshments. We also have our pumpkins and hayride after the run.”

Participants who pre-registered will receive a shirt for the event and they can also wear costumes, according to Mrs. Higgins.

People who have not registered can still participant by paying a $25 fee when they arrive at the park.

Corrections

In backtalk of last issue, Jonathon Augustynski, freshman, was attributed wrong saying, “When I was sick, a teacher gave me tissues and brought cough drops.” Katie Kordeck, freshman, said that. In Cross Country article, Barajas should have been identified as Brittney Barajas, junior. Also not attributed, the quote “I believe we are going to learn from this meet that we just have to train harder to do well especially at Invitational, Sectionals, and Semi-state level,” Brain Banach, junior, said. The Crier regrets the errors.

photo by Lauren Koultourides

SPEAKING WITH PURPOSE While practicing her speech, novice Sarah Tenuta, freshman, receives helpful advice from Judie Muhrez, senior. “I

really like helping out the novices with their pieces, it’s fun to coach them and see so many people who are committed to speech.” Judie said.

SPEAKING FOR THEMSELVES Travel speech team members help prepare novice members for their first competition Lauren Rouse Social Media Director Standing in the hallway outside of Mr. Mayer’s room, Alyssa DeJoan and Alex Raycroft, freshmen, rehearse their speech duo in front of a Varsity speech member.

“Alex and I practice every day in class, then every Tuesday and Thursday after school and at home too,” Alyssa DeJoan. “We get help from Varsity and travel team members who have really good input on how we should do our speeches.”

Varsity team members give the novices advice since the Varsity members specialize in different events, according to Speech President, Nick Siano, senior.

“We listen to different speeches,” Nick said. “We try to switch with novices so we can hear their speeches and they can get different advice from older members. No other school does things like this because they don’t have either the resources or the huge Varsity.”

Due to the large Varsity team, Nick believes that the novices remain prepared for their meets and should not worry or stress out before it.

“They’ve had so much preparation so there’s no need to worry,” Nick said. “They’re going to do really well at this competition and we can put on a good show. We are cranking out some really good speakers.”

Speech coach, Mr. Jordan Mayer, English teacher, thinks that when Varsity members train novices, both groups connect on the same level.

“Varsity members are more aware of current competition trends,” Mr. Mayer said. “This year’s Varsity has really helped the novices and I feel that they will do very well at competition.”

At the tryout for the speech team, Mr. Mayer and other speech coaches evaluate new members on what piece they should perform.

“We match their strengths to see if they are suited for comedy, drama or current events,” Mr. Mayer said. “We match a student’s physical attributes as well as personality to the right piece.”

Alyssa believes that the process of trying out and then the coaches selecting her piece matched her and her partner to the perfect piece.

“I love my piece,” Alyssa said. “It’s perfect for me and my partner. It’s very funny and that fact makes performing it less nerve-wracking.”

For Nick, the time that he spends with the novices holds some nostalgia.

“I love helping the novices,” Nick said. “It reminds me of the help that I received from the seniors when I was a freshman. And I know that this year’s novices will do well at their competition.”

‘Pushing for acceptance’ continued from pg. 1 In order to make the club 100 percent active for next year, Destiny has been working hard on the legal aspect of the club. This will ensure that if the school goes against the Equal Access Act, she and professionals will know how to handle the issue.

“My goal is to take LGBTQIA students and straight students and put them in an area where it forms unity and where the LGBTQIA students feel safe in their community,” Destiny said. “The students will feel more at home and it will prevent suicide and selfharm.”

By forming this club, Destiny also hopes to educate the older generation about the higher level of acceptance the younger generation possesses.

“In our generation people are coming out with their sexuality more frequently and have more respect towards people with different sexuality,” Destiny said.

Amy knows first-hand how the past generation reacted towards the LGBTQIA community. When Amy

attended Munster High School, her senior year she attempted to form the original GSA club. However, she had difficulty finding a sponsor for the club and received the impression that the school did not want the LBGTQIA community around.

“My girlfriend at the time and I were the first same-gender couple ever to be out at MHS,” Amy said. “I was on the receiving end of less harassment, probably because I was older and more intimidating in general, but my girlfriend got a lot of flack when I wasn’t around.”

The club barely got off the ground by the time Amy graduated, so she does not know why the club never became official or what happened to it.

“High school is terrible when you’re queer,” Amy said. “Being closeted is always awful, and the results of coming out are often worse. Even if you have supportive friends, having access to a group that give you a public face helps you hold your head up – especially in a country and a state that won’t recognize

you as equal.”

However, Amy believes every school should have an organization similar to a GSA in order to improve the students’ educational environment.

“The administration at any school that does not have a GSA or similar organization should be asking themselves why that is and what they might do to help encourage students in creating one. Too many kids are being bullied and committing suicide. It’s the schools responsibly to be concerned about creating a safe space for every student.” Amy said.

Approving a GSA proves a needed step in creating a safe school setting for kids, according to Amy. “I hope that the club will be more successful and met with more support and the current MHS students will meet less resistance than we did,” Amy said. “It has been a long time and in many ways things are so much better. Every step forward means that more people are going to see us as deserving of respect.”

SPEAKOUT Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

BACKTALK

3

“How do you think society has progressed or regressed in regards to the LGBTQIA issue over the years?”

“I think that our society has become more judgemental.”

Paige Mecyssine, freshman

editorial

MOVING IN REVERSE

Playing a board game, one pulls a card that says to move forward six spaces. He moves his game piece to its new position. The next turn, he pulls a card that tells him to move backwards two. His next turn results similarly, and he moves back another two. He now stands behind all of the other players, almost back to where he once was.

Indiana stands in a similar situation as the boy OUR TAKE playing the board game in their approach towards This law acts as same-sex marriage. The a step-back to society’s progress country as a whole made so in regards to the many strides forward in the issue of equality fight for equality. The country still has a long way to go, but the steps taken continue to set the country off in the right direction.

However, if Indiana carries on with its push to pass an amendment to the state constitution that bans both same-sex marriage and civil unions, it will be taking just as many steps backwards

as the country has taken strides forward. If the agenda includes moving forward, banning samesex marriage and civil unions is definitely not the way to go.

The state also plans to implement making it a Level 6 felony for any same-sex marriage couple “I think people don’t to apply for a marriage license. This could con- accept it and the stitute up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up issue has increased to $10,000. The form has a separate spot for the a lot.” male and female applicant; therefore, if a lesbian couple attempts to apply for a marriage license, Jeanne Drwiega, sophomore one of the women writes her name in the male slot. This makes applying for such a document supplying fraudulent information.

A simple solution exists: drop the idea of amending the constitution and return to the old classification of supplying false information on a marriage license. The state of Indiana should strive to keep up with the rest of the country on their steps toward progress, and that cannot happen if the state continues to take leaps backwards. “I think people are trying to accept it whether or not they want to.”

Starting fresh with new mind sets Lauren Rouse Social Media Director “So what does the government shut down even mean?” “Why are we at school today? The government shut down, so laws do not apply.” “Let us go crazy and loot because government does not exist!”

Students tried to make sense of what happened in their nation’s capital when the government shut down Oct. 1. Many did not understand that although the government shut down, laws still applied and one would still have to attend school.

However, the lack of knowledge about this issue is a problem. Students remain uninformed about issues like

the government shut down and the school’s budget. Issues like these impact a student’s everyday life and one should know what happens within their local and federal government.

Carnegie Mellon University conducted a study on how much students know about the news. The conclusion of the study: student’s lack interest in something that does not directly affect them. Therefore, students are uninterested in what happens to their local, state, or federal governments.

But students are not the only culprits.

Some teachers lack the knowledge on important topics because they either do not know or do not care. Teachers influence their students to make decisions that can affect their lives.

Crier 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 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.

Teachers and students can get involved by watching a news telecast or downloading a news app on their phone. News apps update regularly and send out alerts on important things that recently happened. Visiting a news site or following a news site allows reader to get specifics regarding issues.The government shut down allows people a clean slate, where they can start rethinking their decisions about being informed.

When the public knows about decisions in the local, state, or federal news, they are able to take part in doing something about the issue. For without an informed public, everyone is better off with the government in permanent shut down.

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.

Subscriptions cost $4 per semester or $6.50 per school year. Mailed subscriptions cost $18 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 13 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Cassie Eberle Managing Editor Jordan Cockrum

Emily Rada, junior

“It’s better. People who were against it are changing and realizing it’s not a bad thing.”

Payton Preboy, senior

“I think people are more open to them and are better represented which is a lot better for society.”

Jordan Wright, freshman

“I think it’s progressing because they should be with whoever they want. It shouldn’t matter what society thinks.”

Andrew Caroselli, sophomore

“We don’t have awareness of the issue at school so I believe that society has regressed.”

Luke Milkovich, junior

“America’s history has been a slow, inconsistent, yet effective march towards inclusion-a march that continues.”

Mr. Michael Gordon, Social Studies teacher

Associate Editor Victoria Avina Lifestyles Editor Meena Kandallu Sports Editor William Hatczel News Editors Vrusha Patel, Max Baker Infocus Editor Nikki Mammano Social Media Director Lauren Rouse Head Photographer Gabrielle Dore Photographers Christopher Anguiano, Alex Baker, Ali Bauer, Natalia Bilek, Cesar Camacho, Chelsea Eickleberry, Casey Gouwens, Gage Knor, Lauren Koultourides, Pam Muangmingsuk, Alisa Muñoz Cartoonist Hannah Fischer Adviser Sarah-Anne Lanman

4 BITTERSWEET NEWS

Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

VICTORY

Spell Bowl wins Regionals, but does not qualify for State due to low score overall; now reflects on performance At the team’s weekly practices, students spent time taking practice tests which seemed very similar to the tests After placing first in their division at that faced the students at the competiRegionals Monday, the Spell bowl team tion, according to Mr. Vidovic. looks back at how they performed.

“At practices, I tried to simulate ac“We did pretty well,” Deepali Patil, tual testing conditions as much as posjunior, said, “but I think we could have sible,” Mr. Vidovic said. “That is the done better.” only way the team would be prepared Despite their win, the team could at the competition.” improve on a few aspects of their perSpell bowl takes a lot of discipline formance, according to Deepali. and hard work, according to Siddharth “We need to work on making sure Divakaruni, junior. we hear the tense of every word and “Every night before I go to bed, I remembering spellings of words that study my lists (of spelling words),” sound the same,” Deepali said.

Siddharth said. “It’s something I know Deepali believes that although the I have to do if I want to be good in team did not spell as well as they had competitions.” the potential to, they partially made up Deepali thinks that in addition to for this with their attitude as a team. studying, mental preparation also “We supported and encouraged one serves as an important part of a sucanother, even when we didn’t do that cessful performance. well,” Deepali said. “We made each “I mentally prepared myself before other feel like we had accomplished competition by telling myself I am something because after all the work going to do well, allowing myself to we put in, we really had (accomplished relax, and trying to stay motivated,” something).”

Deepali said.

Mr. Dusdan Vidovic, math teacher, Mr. Vidovic hopes that team memattributes the team’s win to their hours bers not only collectively practiced of hard work and studying. He thinks spelling, but they also served as enthat the key to a successful perfor- couragement for each other. mance lies in practice.

“I wanted the kids to try to be more “Practice, practice, practice,” Mr. Vi- competitive amongst each other,” Mr. dovic said. “That is how we have made Vidovic said, “That way, they get motiit this far and this competition tested vated to try to beat each other.” how much time the team put in studyDespite the team’s win at Regionals, ing.” they will not advance to State.

The failure to qualify may have resulted from Spelling Blunders a lack of competitions atTake quiz on most commonly misspelled words tended by the team, acduring Spell Bowl practice cording to Deepali.

“We only have one 1. A Omar Kayyam B Omar Khayaam C Omar Khayyam competition that we can 2. A Mozel B Moselle C Mozelle qualify for State at,” Dee3. A Phlox pali said. “I think we B Flaks C Flox could benefit by going to 4. A Sarcoughis C Sarcaphagus B Sarcophagus competitions.”

5. A Charje d’afaires B Charg daffaires C Charge d’affaires more Competitions act as a Source: Mr. Dusdan Vidovic, math teacher way for the team to meaMeena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor

photo by Natalia Bilek

MEMORIZING MADNESS Taking a practice test for spell bowl Shriya Das, senior, hopes to improve her spelling skills . “I think it’s important

to know how to spell words.” Shriya said. “It expands your vocabulary, helps with writing essays, and have a better knowledge of words.”

sure their progress through the season, according to Deepali.

“Going to competitions lets you know how you’re doing,” Deepali said, “Without them, you don’t really know how good you are compared to other schools.”

Deepali maintains the belief that the competitions serve as motivation.

“Whether we do badly or well, after every competition, I just want to do better for the next one,” Deepali said.

The team had only attended one competition prior to State because of the lack of schools in the area that are willing to host the team, according to

Mr. Vidovic.

“It’s tough and time-demanding to host a competition,” Mr. Vidovic said.

“But I think it would benefit the team if we were able to go to more of them.”

The team also has suffered due to the fact the team only has 11 members at their disposal, according to Deepali.

“The team needs at least 10 members to compete,” Deepali said. “Having so little people makes it so nobody can have any sick days and everybody needs to be a strong speller.”

Not qualifying has proved a large disappointment for everyone according to Siddharth.

Thank you for supporting

Crier

Answers : 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. B 5. C

INFOCUS

THINKING

Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

AHEAD

5

Students views on the value of money change after they start working; finance class teaches students money management William Hatczel Sports Editor Bagging groceries at Jewels three to four times a week, Mario Hernandez, senior, now knows how it feels to have a job and make his own money.

“I mainly got one (a job) for the money,” Mario said. “So I can buy stuff and gas for my car.”

Although he may enjoy the freedom of driving a car and making his own money, Mario knows that they both connect in one important way.

“I try to save my money, but most of it goes straight to the gas tank,” Mario said.

While growing up, Mario considered money easy to obtain, but now realizes the difficulty of getting it.

“I thought money was the best,” Mario said. “But when you are a kid, you don’t know much about money.”

Now with working experience under his belt, Mario views money differently.

“Having a job tells me how to be more responsible and not buy the little things,” Mario said.

When Bryan Dublak, junior, started working at Veirok’s Liquor store in Lansing as a stock boy this past summer, his view on money also changed.

Although he can now make purchases more freely, Bryan does have to manage his work schedule with his school work.

“I am dead when I come home, so, I do my homework in the morning before school or in my study hall during first hour,” Bryan said. “It can be a pain to manage around my job, but the money is worth it overall.”

This year marks the first year that the high school introduced the sophomore required, Personal Financing class. The class teaches students situations that they will deal with later on in life, according to Mr. David Dausch, Economics teacher.

“I teach basically the ideas that they will deal with in everyday life,” Mr. Dausch

said. “This includes taxes, credit cards, checking accounts, and even mortgages later on.”

Having a job during high school can give teens early job experience, according to Mr. Dausch.

“I definitely think getting work experience at a young age is important with the economy today,” Mr. Dausch said. “I understand that it is difficult to teach them (sophomores) to save before they spend which is the hardest thing to do.”

Mark Montella, sophomore, currently takes the class and finds it both enjoyable and tough at times.

“It is a very good class to teach you about money, but it can be lengthy and boring at times,” Mark said.

Mark likes the idea of sophomores taking a financial class this early on in their high school careers.

“It is important so we can get ready for college and the future,” Mark said. “It would be nice to take it a little later, but either way it is going to help a lot.”

Mr. Dausch believes kids learn financial responsibilities that they will need in their future and that will lead to them to enjoy adulthood more.

“I was told growing up, don’t work to live,” Mr. Dausch said. “Enjoy your money when you get a job after college. They will enjoy their career and adult life, if they are financially responsible.”

photo by Cesar Camacho

HELPING HAND Doing one of his many jobs for Jewel Osco, Mario Hernandez, senior, collects as many carts as he can hold in the grocery store parking lot and pushes them inside the store, “My favorite part of the job is helping customers out and making their lives much easier,” Mario said. “I feel like I do a good deed by helping all customers. My reward is a smile that says, ‘Mario, you did a good job!’”

Pay Check

Crier survey shows what students spend most of their money on; from food, clothes, entertainment Electronics: Entertainment: Shoes: 2.40% Other: 10.98% Food: 33.7% Clothes: 23.35% 8.38% 12.77%

source: student survey of 501 students

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INFOCUS Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

BACKBREAKING

Studies show weight of heavy backpacks students wear can effect their futures; Chiropractors suggest students should not carry more than 10-15 percent of their body weight on their backs Nikki Mammano Infocus Editor Before Ashley Talesky, senior, weighed her backpack, the heaviest possible number she thought it could weigh was ten pounds.

Although the backpack only held a laptop and a couple of notebooks inside, after putting it on the scale, the numbers steadily rose to a “shocking” 18 pounds.

“Immediately when you put it on, it is like carrying a small child on your back, maybe even twice that.” Ashley said. “Every time you put it back on its worse and it seems heavier, I get headaches all the time from the pressure on my shoulders.”

When heavy weight is placed on the shoulders in the wrong way, it forces the back to bend backwards. To compensate, students lean forward at the hips or arch their backs.

Over time, this causes the shoulders to become rounded and the upper back to become curved. In addition, the spine and intervertebral discs compress unnaturally, according to Teens Health Organization.

Repeatedly doing these actions for years on end can even lead to long term damage, according to Dr. Rae Bouvin, Chiropractic Physician in Chicago.

“Number one, it (heavy backpacks) is stressful on the back,” Dr. Bouvin said. “It causes the muscles to get really tight, pinches the nerves in the spine and puts strain on the bones.”

Although heavy backpacks cannot directly cause scoliosis, it can further damage someone already diagnosed with scoliosis. It also stands more likely for a student to develop arthritis in the back when they grow older, according to Dr. Bouvin.

Just recently this year, Alyssa Comer, junior, switched over from a regular

backpack to using a rolling backpack.

Although she has had scoliosis since middle school, the heavy backpacks have made her condition worse.

“My back felt really stiff, unpleasant, made me hunch over and painful to wear some of my clothes,” Alyssa said. “Sometimes it’s hard to navigate around with a rolling backpack, but it’s easier than having your back in pain. I walk standing up straighter and I feel a lot more confident.”

Data collected from the California State Board of Public Education found that the average combined weight of the four core area textbooks exceeded the recommended maximum of 10-15 percent body weight on a student.

Due to this information presenting a health hazard on students, it lead the State of California to pass Assembly Bill 2532 in 2004. This required the State Board of Public Education to adopt a maximum weight for school textbooks.

However, the State of Indiana does not have regulations on heavy textbooks or backpacks.

Although Alyssa does not think the school should implement a regulation on backpack weight, they should let students leave a set of textbooks at home and in the classrooms.

“It (heavy backpacks) is not fair, it is painful,” Alyssa said. “They expect you to get to your locker, use the bathroom and get to your class on time in the seven minute passing periods we have, it’s mad.”

Dr. Bouvin recommends that if a student feels pain in their back, instead of only taking medicine or ignoring it, they should see a doctor to have their back properly evaluated and cared for.

“If it feels like it is too heavy, then it probably is,” Dr. Bouvin said. “Pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong, you must treat your back to correct the problem.”

Reality check

Students speak

Students guess the weight of their backpacks, then weigh them to compare it to the actual weight

Survey shows students’ opinion on backpacks Overweight Students that say their backpack is too heavy

Student Estimated weight Actual weight Josh Marcinik, 5 pounds 15 pounds 70.86 % No space freshman Abigal Pennanen, 12 pounds sophomore Jai Dharla, junior Ashley Talesky, senior photo illustration by Chelsea Eickleberry

26 pounds

20 pounds 30 pounds

Students that say they have books that do not fit in their backpack

63.87 %

Showing concern Students say their parents worry about their backpack weigh

57.09 %

10 pounds

18 pounds

Solving the problem Students think teachers should have a class set of books to eliminate backpack weight

45.71 % source: student survey of 501 students

INFOCUS

EVERY ROLE

Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

7

COUNTS

Putting together the winter musical Seussical, coming to stage Nov. 21, requires more than just the actors; technical crew, extras, adds to musicals performance

THE ACTORS Max Baker News Editor

The curtain goes up, the lights click on, and a hush falls over the crowd. Bess Fary, senior, walks out on stage, calm, poised and professional. She opens her mouth to deliver her lines to the awaiting patrons in the house.

Before she can get to the stage, Bess researches the background of the show and listen to the songs to prepare.

“I do it so I can get to know my character better,” Bess said. “I need to know how she will interact with everyone in the show.”

The hardest part of acting serves as portraying the character, according to Morgan Papesh, senior.

“It takes a lot of time, practice, and research to accurately interpret a character,” Morgan said. “ I research the show I’m auditioning for and figure out what part would best suited me.”

The challenging part of acting lies in the conveying and switching of emotions as well according to Kevynne Spork, junior.

“I find it easy. I feel like I belong on stage,” Kevynne said. “When the lights go on and the music starts I don’t get nervous.”

Kevynne, Morgan, and Bess do not feel nervous or scared on stage, which commonly occurs.

“I just love performing and the rush you get being in front of all these people,” Bess said.

Memorization continues to frustrate many actors and can possibly lead to the downfall of a performance, according to Kevynne.

“You have to memorize your lines, because you can mix them up and change the entire scene,” Kevynne said.

THE TECH CREW Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor Production Manager, Kevin Yurasovich, senior, recalls with embarrassment an incident last year in which he and other technical crew members caused a large tear in the curtain while transporting a prop during a performance.

Occurrences such as these simply exist as a part of being a member of Munster Theatre Company’s technical crew, according to Kevin.

“There are a lot of things that could go wrong,” Kevin said, “Without us (the technical crew), the show probably wouldn’t go on.”

While the technical crew responsibilities include lighting, sound, stage cues, and props, keeping up appearances serves as their most important responsibility, according to lighting director, George Jurincie, junior.

“It’s our job to make sure nothing goes wrong, but if it does, our responsibility is to make sure the audience can’t tell something went wrong,” George said.

Technical director, Hannah Fischer, se-

nior, believes that the technical crew garners little appreciation, yet still serves as an essential part of each production.

“I don’t think the audience really gets what we do,” Hannah said. “When you’re watching (a production), you see the actors, but you don’t think about lights and sound and props.”

Though the technical crew does not begin preparation for the upcoming production, Seussical, until November, Hannah looks forward to watching the play’s whimsical theme.

“Dr. Seuss is really out there,” Hannah said, “So I’m excited for the crazy and colorful sets we’re going to get to build.”

THE EXTRAS Victoria Avina Associate Editor Maria Karamichos, senior, never thought that her frustrations could stem from her learning to play the triangle until she decided to participate in pit.

“It looks easy but when you see it on paper it’s like “what is this”,” Maria said.

“It’s rough. I mean playing the triangle is harder than it looks.”

Maria usually plays the clarinet for the Marching Band, but had to transition to the triangle for the Seussical.

“It’s a different adjustment,” Maria said.

“It’s a lot of rhythm work and I’m always asking the person next to me ““what does this mean?””

Maria strongly believes that the pit plays an important part of the musical.

“Without the music, the play isn’t the same. It’s not as interesting. The music makes the play complete,” Maria said. “I feel like if the pit wasn’t there, the audience would wonder what happened or where they are. They would definitely know it’s missing.”

Jesse Palma, senior, also participates in pit and feels excited to play his instrument.

He will play the alto saxophone and the soprano saxophone.

“I like being in pit and I like being a part of the musical,” Jesse said. “I like the feeling I get from playing.”

However, Jesse worries about the difficulty of the music because it contains many notes and difficult rhythm.

“It looks difficult from my perspective, but I can probably pull it off as time goes on,” Jesse said.

Also making the Seussical musical, chorus member, Alyssa DeJoan, freshman, plays a Who that lives in Whoville. The Whos live on flowers and they want others to notice them, according to Alyssa.

Out of the songs that the Who sings, Alyssa enjoys singing “Oh The Thinks You Can Think” the most because of the meaning behind it.

“It has a bunch of nonsense words in it,” Alyssa said. “On the surface, it doesn’t have meaning but when you really think about it—it does have meaning—that everyone has a vivid imagination and you can let your imagination run wild if you let it.”

photos by Cesar Camacho

IN TUNE (top) Practicing one of the songs for the Seussical, Lena Storino, junior, finds it more difficult than the music she usually plays. “The music is different that what we (pit) normally play,” Lena said. “The rhythms are more complicated. It’s not something I’m used to.” ACT IT OUT (middle) While at rehearsal for Seussical, Morgan Papesh, senior, enjoys acting out characters from Dr. Seuss. “It’s fun because it’s unlike musical,” Morgan said.

“Instead of playing other people, we get to play the whimsical characters of Dr. Seuss.

BACKSTAGE (bottom) Turning on the lights for a specific part of the stage, Lighting Director George Jurincie, junior, practices his job. “I feel like I have control over the theater,” George said. “Without lights you wouldn’t be able to see anything on the stage and it would be a boring show.”

8

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DRESSED TO IMPRESS Cosplaying as the TARDIS from “Doctor Who”, Sami Bensema, senior, (left) watches as Domeneque Geron, junior, (right) completes her

costume of Abby from “NCIS.” “My favorite part of cosplay is me just being able to express myself,” Sami said. “I also really like the other people I cosplay with.”

CHARACTERS COME ALIVE

Through cosplaying, students express individuality, cultivate relationships with friends by role playing in homemade costumes “It (cosplaying) was something we did from complete boredom,” Emily said.

In order to get into character, one must Last year before winter break, Sami Ben- study the character’s habits, facial expressema, senior, walked into class wearing neon sions, and attitude, according to Emily. yellow from head to toe. In the background, “I draw my inspiration from cartoons, a student sang a Christmas jingle while the comics, and web comics,” Emily said. teacher wrote a note on the board. As soon Emily mainly draws inspiration from comas Sami sat down, she heard an exclama- ics because she finds the drawing styles of tion of “Pikachu!” from the student who had the comics interesting. stopped singing mid-jingle.

However, Domeneque Geron, junior, tries “I just wanted to burst to cosplay characters out into laughter,” Sami Key Qualities and people that she feels said. she has a connection to.

Cosplay requires certain traits in Sami started cosplay- order to acheive success “I cosplay as Louis ing, costume role playTomlinson from One Diing, near the end of her ! Motivation - Cosplayers spend a lot rection and I just have sophomore year with of time practicing and making costumes. this strange connection the encouragement of ! Creativity - Cosplayers must be able with him because we her friends. pretty much have the to think of original and unique costumes.

Although many besame characteristics,” lieve that cosplaying ! Patience - Cosplayers need to Domeneque said, “We originated in Japan, it keep working until they can play roles basically act the same, actually originated in accurately. and we pretty much like Boldness - Cosplayers need to the United States. When ! the same stuff and it’s Forrest Ackerman and be “out there” in order to show off their pretty great.” his friend attended the costumes and and not be embarassed.

Although Louis Tom1939 New York Science Sources: Sami Bensema and Domeneque Geron linson is a male, DomenFiction convention in eque feels she cosplays costume, he set a precherself in a sense. edent for future attendees to dress up.

Emily has entered in some cosplay conNov Takahashi coined the term cosplay tests and won. She placed pictures that she when he spoke about the costuming to the has taken while cosplaying online. Due to Japanese Science Fiction magazines. This the photos posted online, Emily recieved orstarted the development of cosplay in Japan. ders from students.

Emily Flynn, sophomore, started cosplay“For now cosplaying is just a hobby, but ing when she saw a YouTube video of people costume making has become a professional cosplaying Robin from “Young Justice”. career,” Emily said.

“The reason I chose Young Robin was beWhile Sami plans to continue cosplaying cause I love the character on the show,” Em- as a hobby, she sees no professional future in ily said. cosplaying. She plans to continue due to the Emily and her friends decided to scavenge fact that she meets people with the same inaround the house for a costume, which con- terests at cosplay conventions. sisted of hoodie found in the back of Emily’s “Cosplayers are usually the nicest people closet and an old beanie; the rest of their out- ever,” Sami said. “While you are cosplaying, fits were what they had worn all day. Once the bond strengthens because both of you they found their costumes, they went toward are mutually cosplaying so you usually have the park to role play. something in common.”

Vrusha Patel News Editor

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Tales of terror

9

Through the years, horror films evolved from silent clips to modern day thrillers

Dancing Skeleton 1895

41 second silent clip; called a “spook tale” instead of a “horror movie”

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari 1919

One of the first full length silent horror movies ever made

Nosferatu 1922

First vampire horror movie; based loosely on the book Dracula; set precedent for future vampire films

Dracula 1931

First horror movie with sound; a breakthrough for Universal Studios

Godzilla 1954

REVIEW

photo by Michael Gibson, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

REINVENTING

Psycho

HORROR

With “Carrie” opening in theaters this Friday, Crier staff compares original 1976 movie with remake based on Stephen King’s novel of same name Lauren Rouse Social Media Director The young blonde girl misses the ball and all the other girls in the gym complain. “You can’t even think about winning with her on the team,” a teenage girl whines somewhere off screen. The blonde girl shifts her feet and stares at the ground.

Released in 1976, “Carrie” is the first film adaptation of Stephen King’s book.

The movie follows the story of Carrie White, a young, shy girl who does not fit in at school due to her overlyprotective and religious mother. As the movie progresses, Carrie develops telekinetic powers and ultimately wreaks havoc on the student body.

The director of the original “Carrie” Brian De Palma, also directed critically acclaimed “Scarface” and “Dressed to

Marked the “Creature Feature” era in which horror movies featured monsters

Kill”. However, with such a brilliant director, this film is horrible. Due to undeveloped technology, the special effects of Carrie’s powers were weak.

Yet, the lacking in special effects does not make up for the terrible acting.

The actress who plays Carrie, Sissy Spacek, widens her eyes a lot in the movie, giving the audience the illusion that her eyes are glued that way.

The third remake of “Carrie” opens Friday, and stars Chloe Grace Moretz (“Kick-Ass,” “Dark Shadows”) as Carrie. Fans of the book have high hopes for this year’s remake. The movie is a more “faithful adaptation,” according to the film’s screenplay writer, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who writes and co-produces “Glee”.

In the cast selection for the film, Julianne Moore, known for her roles in “The Big Lebowski” and “Crazy,

Stupid, Love” will play Carrie’s mother, Margaret White, a mentally ill and frenzied religious woman. Moore should be able to play this part with no problem, as she is known for her emotional roles in other movies.

In the trailer for the film, Moretz seems to pull off the part of Carrie perfectly and the interaction between her and Moore give the audience the allusion that they were born to play these roles. Compared to the original version, this movie should shock and wow the audience.

For the sake of the box office, the third (and hopefully final) remake of “Carrie” should be nothing like the original. The actors for this movie fit the parts perfectly and the special effects seem top notch. After all, the movie’s posters state that the audience “will know her name.”

Book of Blood: Story of Carrie White

1960

Covered topics which were considered taboo for the time period, including mental instability

Night of the Living Dead 1968

Most successful independent horror movie not affiliated with any major studio

The Excorcist 1973

Incorporated commentary on the Catholic religion into a horror movie

Nightmare on Elm Street 1984

Drew heavily from folklore; began one of the largest horror movie franchises

The Blair Witch Project 1999

One of the first horror movies that used Internet marketing for promotion

Paranormal Activity 2007

Used modern special effects; features ghosts, a theme that has grown in popularity Source: www.horrorfilmhistory.com

Stephen King’s “Carrie” continues to provide thrilling entertainment to readers through a dark, tragic tale since its 1974 release Max Baker News Editor “Carrie”, Stephen King’s debut novel, one of the most influential novels in horror culture, blurs the lines between gruesome horrors and a sad, heartwrenching tragedy. This novel creates a grotesquely beautiful masterpiece that continues to influence generations of thrill seekers and horror fans.

At its core, “Carrie” melds itself into a deliciously dark tale about the limits a person can go to before they finally snap. Carrie White, the epitome of a misfit, alienated and mistreated by her peers and horribly abused by her fanatical religious mother must endure the hardships of being both a social outcast and pitied by her peers.

Stephen King masquerades this tragic tale with

descriptions of unspeakable gore and the horrors that exist within high school. The novel follows Carrie through her high school and the events that follow after the iconic “Black Prom”, a prom scene, so simple yet powerful it ignites a hidden sorrow with in the souls of all who read it.

As the novel progresses, Carrie White undergoes both a literal and metaphorical transformation, morphing into a beautiful young woman.

“Carrie” maintains the clichéd, but worldly theme that some people have no sense of morals and will continue to torment the oppressed to their hearts malicious content. Carrie’s main tormentor, Kris, fueled by an unknown rage directed at poor Carrie, influences nearly all the characters in the novel.

Kris uses her influence, popularity and her rather intimidating boyfriend to manipulate the students

into bending to her twisted will.

As “Carrie” reaches the climax, Kris’s rage and hatred finally exposes itself to Carrie. The once ugly duckling finally pushed over the edge snaps, her psyche fracturing into pieces. King uses his signature macabre, simplistic writing to pierce the benevolent glass hearts of readers about the unfortunate circumstances that occurred on “Black Prom.”

This hauntingly dark scene perfectly infuses the ugly truth about human nature and the underlying rage that dwells within the hearts of the tormented.

This single scene opens the readers’ eyes to the unimaginable abominations that Carrie went through as creates her own form of justice. This horrifying novel should be enjoyed by everyone. King spares no expense on any grisly details, so the weak stomached and immature should avoid this horror novel.

10 LONG RUN TO REGIONALS SPORTS

Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

Girls’ Cross Country wins Sectionals; now looks to compete at Regionals this Saturday at Lemon Lake

Lauren Rouse Social Media Director After placing second in Sectionals yesterday, Girls’ Cross Country will travel to Lemon Lake this Saturday to compete at Regionals.

“Hobart and Hebron are probably our biggest competition,” Kaitlyn Bohling, senior said. “They were both solid teams last year and did well. Hobart has two outstanding runners that always place high.”

Lake Central stood out as their biggest competition, due to their top five girls running 20 minute courses, or three miles in 20 minutes, according to Coach Michelle Duffy, English teacher.

“Lake Central is a better team,” Coach Duffy said. “If their girls run 20 minute courses and mine run 21 minute ones, they’re obviously going to beat us out. The girls on our team need to find a consistency in their race.”

Finding a consistency in the race helps the individual girls pace themselves. The girls cannot run too strong in their first mile and slow down in the second and third, according to Coach Duffy.

“A runner has to know their racing attributes,” Coach Duffy said. “If the rest of the field, or other people racing, go out too fast, you have to pace yourself. If they’re running a six minute mile and you can’t do that, keep yourself at a six minute and 45 second mile. Keep it consistent.”

If the team keeps their miles and times consistent, Coach Duffy feels that the team will place in the top five at Regionals and move onto Semi-State.

“I believe our team has the potential to make it to Semi-state,” Coach Duffy said.

“We’re hoping to be in the top five and ultimately place in fourth. At Semi-state, the teams possess greater talent than we do, but as long as the girls run their best times in their races and place as low as we can, I

will be happy.”

In order to place in the top five at Regionals and advance to Semi-state, the team must run to their full potential, according to Bohling.

“We do have the strength to make it to Semi-State,” Bohling said. “Coach Duffy said that the team hasn’t run to their full potential at any of our meets, but we’ve done better this year than in past years. If we run to that potential, we can definitely place higher and make it to Semi-State.”

Mallory Grim, freshman, believes that how the team performed at their past races and practices will help them in future races ,including Regionals and Semi-state.

“Duffy pushed us really hard,” Grim said, “And even when you’re sore and tired Emily (McNicholas, senior), Brittany (Barajas, junior), and Rebecca (Karnezis, senior) pace you so that really helps in a big way. This training contributed to the success of this year.”

The team did really well this year, according to Bohling. She thinks that the training the team did over the summer, which included running at the Northwest Ind. Dunes and setting goal times for each runner, helped with how the team competed this year.

“Coach Duffy did a really good job on compiling workouts for us,” Bohling said.

“They were difficult but pushed us. When we go to the beach, we are able to run on a different terrain. When we run on something we are not used to, running on a normal course is easier.”

The team has better times than last year and a stronger depth when it comes to competing, according to Coach Duffy.

“The team has had consistently good times this year,” Coach Duffy said. “This year’s team has a lot of underclassmen who brought freshness to the team, allowing the upperclassmen to reignite their love of the sport.”

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

REGULATING While running on grassy terrain at the Lowell Invite last month, Rebecca Karnezis, senior, attempts to regulate her breathing and adjust to the terrain. “I focus by utilizing what I call the left foot rule,” Karnezis said. I exhale every other time my left hits the ground and I also try to use my upper body strength to push through when I am tired.”

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SPORTS

Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

GOING

William Hatczel Sports Editor

A FOR

THE GOAL

Boys’ Varsity Soccer wins 12th consecutive Sectional title last Saturday; look to make it past Regional round next

fter losing both the Zionsville tournament and their goalie, Xavier Hofferth, junior, for the season, the Boys’ soccer team has won Sectionals and now looks to advance past Regionals.

After fracturing his pointer finger when his hand was stepped on two weeks ago, he may have sit out the remainder of the season, but that will not stop him from supporting his team.

“I am going to support them as much as I can,” Hofferth said. “I am trying to keep a good attitude and stay positive.

Although Hofferth will still support the team, Michael Portone, junior knows that not having him out there weigh mentally on his mind.

“Losing Xavier was a big deal,” Portone said. “We got another keeper (goalie) who has been fitting in very

well. He has less experience than Xavier, but he will be good.”

Despite losing their goalie for the rest of the year, Coach Jim Prasopolus, Westlakes teacher, believes that the team must keep going forward.

“It is like any situation, next man up,” Coach Prasopolus said. “The next person needs to step up. Obviously one man does not make up the entire team.”

The team defeated Morton in the first round of Sectionals 7-0 last Monday.

Michael Portone, junior, believes that they won due to the amount of shots they put on goal.

“In the second half we just started whipping shots like crazy,” Portone said. “Our midfield just kept bringing the ball up.”

In the second round, the boys played Hammond High and defeated them 3-2. Once again, the team shot the ball well, according to Portone.

11

“Our offense came to play and we made some spectacular stuff happen regarding goals,” Portone said.

The team then defeated East Chicago 2-1 last Saturday to win the Sectional title. Peter Panos, senior, thought the play from their defense served as their key to victory.

“The defense saved us,” Panos said.

“They stepped up and only let the other team score on a free kick.”

The boys will face a tough Chesterton team in Regionals tomorrow, according to Panos.

“They have a really good attack,” Panos said. “They have a good goalie.”

Preparing now to face Chesterton tomorrow in Regionals, Coach Prasopolus feels that his team needs to just focus on the task at hand.

“There is no need to be unsure of yourself and stop worrying about messing up,” Coach Prasopolus said.

“Just play hard and play smart.”

Scoreboard Boys’ JV Soccer

10-2 Highlights: “We were the first team to shut out Valporaiso in awhile.” - Eric Salzeider, Freshman

Girls’ JV Soccer 8-0

Highlights: “The highlight of our season

was going undefeated. The girls worked very hard and I am proud of each one of them” Coach Knesek

Boys’ JV Cross Country 6-0 Highlights: “Winning conference, it is our biggest meet of the year up to that point” Coach Brown

Girls’ JV Cross Country

Highlights: “We had a deeper squad this

year and our times were better.” - Coach Duffy

Boys’ JV Tennis 7- 0

photo by Cesar Camacho

CONVERSING Looking out onto the field, Coach Pflum discusses strategy with Rachel Kalbfeel, freshman. “Usually we talk about positioning and places on the field that people broke down.” Coach Pflum said.

CAUGHT OFF GUARD

Girls Varsity Soccer’s season ends after losing to Lake Central in Sectional finals Vrusha Patel News Editor Last Saturday the Girls’ Soccer team lost to Lake Central 5-2. They ended their season with a record of 13-3-3.

This year the girls’ faced some challenges in Sectionals due to the fact that it was switched mid-season. In past years the girls’ played in the Hammond Sectional bracket, but this year they played in the Highland bracket.

Courtney Zunica, senior anticipated that Highland would stand as the biggest competition at Sectionals since they team beat Highland 1-0 earlier this year.

“The strength of Highland are that they have quick players, they’re aggressive and they have good shots,” Zunica said.

Despite the fact that aggressiveness acts as a needed tactic in soccer, Highland on the other hand starts to tackle players; which causes them to lose players on the field.

Highland also has a weak defense and under pressure they lose control of the ball, according to Zunica.

However, the team did not foresee Lake Central as a strong competitor, considering that the Girls’ beat them 5-0 in a previous game.

During the first half of the game, Lake Central had the wind in their favor and they beat the girls’ to the 50/50

balls in the air, according to Kailee Loughlin, senior.

“It just showed that Lake Central wanted it more, they just gave their 100 percent, effort,” Loughlin said.

In the second half, the girls tried to come back with a vengeance, by playing more aggressively, and by winning all the 50/50 balls.

“I think we didn’t realize that this was a do or die game until the second half,” Loughlin said “I feel like if we played like we did in the second half we would have done better throughout the whole game.”

Loughlin thought that the sectional game against Lake Central has created a greater rivalry with Lake Central for the future seasons. She suspects that the future teams will work more energetically to win because they saw the sorrowful reaction from this years loss.

“I don’t think we were very prepared to play our game, unfortunately,” Coach Valerie Pflum, math teacher, said.

Coach Pflum believes that the team lost due to the fact the team lacked focus in wining the game.

Despite having a winning record, Loughlin feels that the team did not meet all of their goals, including not defeating certain teams.

“One good goal that we did accomplish was betting Crown Point because we haven’t beaten them in six years,” Loughlin said.

Highlights: “The team worked really hard for their undefeated score.” - Coach Lopez

Girls’ Varsity Golf 10-3 Highlights: “We finished 6th at the

Regional, which was our highest finish in a long time.”- Coach Bill Smitka

Girls’ JV Golf 4-1

Highlights: “We had four freshamn make

the team this year which is an all time high.

They improved a lot this year.” - Coach Smitka

Girls’ JV Volleyball 19-2 Highlights: “This season we are doing

really good. We have a lot of energy and we are really excited for this season.”- Mega Dafiaghor, sophomore Upcoming action: Tomorrow at Portage

Boys’ JV Football 3-3

Highlights: “We have good players

this year so we are having a good season and winning more games.”- Christian Elois, sophomore Upcoming action: Saturday against Kankakee Valley

12

SPORTS Crier / Oct. 16, 2013

DROPPED THE BALL Boys’ Varsity Tennis loses to Carmel at Semi-state; now reviews all their accomplishments of the past season Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor

that the outcome might not be in the team’s favor when the time came to face them.

“We knew it would be hard to beat After the team’s loss at Semi-state last Carmel,” DeLuna said. “They beat us the Saturday, the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team last two years and they are a really strong analyzes what they could have improved team.”

Due to having a larger pool of students on while looking back on their season.

When entering Semi-state, the team had to draw from and more facilities to train in, just come off of a strong victory at Region- Carmel possesses many advantages which als where they successfully continued Munster does not have, according to Richtheir nine year Regional winning streak, ter.

“We all played pretty well,” Richter according to Coach Steve Lopez, social said, “But Carmel was just a stronger than studies teacher.

“I think the players had a great feeling us.”

Although the team’s defeat proved disof family after Regionals,” Coach Lopez said. “We all did it together and we’ve appointing, Coach Lopez feels that the known throughout the season about Car- team should not allow it to discourage them. mel’s ranking.” Coach “It’s important to realLopez said. “But I still ize that improvement is think the team played a step by step process,” very well and overall Boys’ tennis advances to Coach Lopez said. “You they did a great job.” the same rounds in the have to take some losses Coach Lopez felt and use them as a way to that the team stepped past six seasons improve.” up to the challenge Looking back at the when it came to play- 2013: 2010: season, Richter does not ing Carmel.

Final Four have any regrets about “I think these guys Semi-state how the team played. respond really well to 2009: 2012: “I’m feel like the team the challenge of comFinal Four had a successful season,” peting against a team Semi-state Richter said. “Since the that is supposedly 2008: beginning of the seahead and shoulders 2011: son, our goal was to beat better than them,” Semi-state Final Four Crown Point at RegionCoach Lopez said.

Source: Coach Lopez als and we achieved our However, Colin goal.”

Richter, senior believes Despite the fact that that the team’s knowledge of Carmel’s strength may have de- Boys’ Tennis will not advance to State, Coach Lopez looks forward to his team’s tracted from their performance.

“We could have definitely gone into future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my playSemi-state more confident,” Richter said.

“Knowing we were going up against Car- ers continuing to believe that they can compete with and play at the level of some mel had shaken us a little.”

DeLuna also considered Carmel an ob- of the best teams in the state in future seastacle even before Semi-state and knew sons,” Coach Lopez said.

Same destinations

photo by Cesar Camacho

LOOKING UP Beginning his serve, Alex Wisniewski, junior, remembers his serving process.

“I have a six step technique when I serve to make sure I do not change my motion when I do.” Wisniewski said. “First my racket strings must be faced up and my racket pointed left.”

Making the final push to the post season

Girls’ Varsity Volleyball uses team chemistry; team dynamic while they continue their near perfect season Max Baker News Editor Girls’ Varsity Volleyball continue to train and improve their skills for the upcoming post season according to Shannon Farrell, senior.

“It (their 27-3 record) shows how much work we put into being the best we can be,” Farrell said. “It’s almost sort of overwhelming, but it gives us confidence.”

Many team members, like Toni Dallecarbonare, junior, agree with Farrell’s statement and cannot believe the season they have been having.

“I think it’s amazing,” Dallecarbonare said. “We wanted to be great, but we weren’t expecting this,” Dallecarbonare feels that the increase in the teams’ dynamic and overall teamwork contributes to the teams’ record.

“We work well together and have become more of a team,” Dallecarbonare said. “We constantly hang out and practice being in sync together. We have good team unity and a good relationship with each other.”

The team dynamic continued to plague Tori Fos-

ter’s, junior, subconscious, but her fears were proven tinuously improving,” Coach Summers said. “They null and void. have been improving their skills all year to keep “Out on the court we all really get along,” Foster sharp and continuously prove.” said. “Volleyball gives us all something to talk about The team also faces teams who have a desire to and we all become really beat them due to the teams good friends over the increase in success, accordseason.” ing to Farrell Volleyball players use different In addition Dalle“All the other teams techniques in order to score points carbonare believes that know we’re at the top and they’ve become more of Spike: To hit a volleyball hard in a downward direction practice to beat us,” Fara team as the season has rell said. “Knowing that is Dig: Passing a spiked ball gone on. exciting, but also kind of “We have a good sys- Bump: Passing ball with forearms scary. They’ll have so much tem to makes sure we’re passion to beat us.” not out of sync,” Dal- Set: Hand passing the ball to another player to spike it Farrell agrees with Coach lecarbonare said. “If we Summers and maintains Downball: Hitting the ball while standing on the ground focus, we come together that their competitors drive as a team.” to defeat the team has not Freeball: To pass or bump the ball over the net The teams’ Coach, affected their mind set.

Source: Coach Summers Tracy Summers, WWMS “Volleyball is really exteacher believes that the citing and one of the most girls’ attitude contributes to their new found suc- intense sports in general. It’s sort of overwhelming,” cess.

Farrell said. “But it’s the knowing when we get down “They have a great, positive attitude and are con- on games we can come back is awesome.”

On the offensive