The 800 News: The Wildcat Roar - Issue 1 August/September 2019

Westminster Christian Academy

JANUARY 2019

PAGE 12-13

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THE 800 STAFF

THE 800

MANAGING EDITOR IN CHIEF ISABELLA FRANCOIS,

SENIOR

CONTENT EDITOR IN CHIEF AVA BIDNER, SENIOR

SPORTING WCA EDITOR TOMMY BRINER, SENIOR

DESIGN EDITOR LEA DESPOTIS, SENIOR

MEDIA EDITOR NATALIE FORD , SENIOR

NEWS EDITOR GRACE SKILJAN, SENIOR 2 STAFF

0 STAFF

STUDENTS SERVING STUDENTS

FEATURE EDITOR REBEKAH SEMS, SENIOR

OPINION EDITOR AVA HOLLMANN, SENIOR

800 SPORTING ONLINE EDITOR & PODCAST HOST BENNIE ANDERSON , SENIOR 800 SPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS EDITOR PEARSON GEORGES, SENIOR

800 SPORTING STAFF WRITER & PODCAST HOST KOBY SCHMER, SENIOR

THE 800 STAFF WRITERS LAURYN RHODES • BROOKE HIGHMARK • MAGGIE LINDSTROM • JACK MARTIN • CALEB MOELLENHOFF • AIDAN PENBERTHY • LAURYN RHODES STAFF 3

CONTENTS

NEWS

SENIOR RETREAT PG. 6 BOOKSTORE PG. 7 HOMECOMING PG. 8

4 CONTENTS

FEATURE

A LACK OF FEMINISM PG. 10-11 PHONE POLICY PG. 12-13 NEW TEACHERS PG. 14 HAVE YOU BEEN HACKED? PG. 15

OPINION

INSTRUMENTS PG. 16 WHO ARE YOU WEARING PG. 17 5 LIFE SKILLS PG. 18

SPORTS

FOOTBALL PG. 21 BOYS SOCCER PG. 22 FIELD HOCKEY PG. 23 BOYS XC PG. 24 GIRLS XC PG. 25 VOLLEYBALL PG. 26 SOFTBALL PG. 27 TENNIS PG. 28 SWIMMING & PODCAST PG. 29 IS FOOTBALL DYING? PG. 30 CHEERING PG. 31

STAFF ED

STAFF ED

EMBRACING CHANGE AND GROWING COMMUNITY

Welcome back to the first issue of the The 800 News for the 2019-2020 school year. We are so excited to be bringing you not only these digital issues but also continuous website and social coverage so that you, our readers, can always stay up to date with what is going on in the Westminster community and beyond.

In addition to our extended coverage, Isabella Francois also has the privilege to serve as your Managing Editor-in-Chief along with Ava Bidner, your Content Editor-in-Chief. We are so excited to be able to broaden our reach through this leadership change and truly create a professional quality product and an organization that shares meaningful content. Our goal for this year is to tell significant stories and therefore bring our community together through our coverage.

As seniors, we look forward to building a legacy this year at The 800 News for our future Wildcats who will continue to expand our journalism program and further our search for knowledge.

In our polarized world, it is easy to stray away from difficult issues for fear of conflict or disagreement. But here at The 800 News, we embrace difficult issues and invite open discussion over the stories we cover. We believe that journalism is the pursuit of the truth, and discourse is imperative to finding that truth. We welcome all comments, questions, or concerns directed to our email (thewildcatroar@wcastl.org) or to the “submit a letter” tab on our website. We hope you enjoy our first issue and all of our content this year!

In Pursuit of the Truth, Isabella Francois and Ava Bidner

STAFF ED 5

SENIORS TRAVEL TO HIGH HILL CHRISTIAN CAMP FOR SENIOR RETREAT GRACE SKILJAN News Editor

Westminster’s seniors were bussed out to High Hill Christian Camp on Thursday, August 15th for the annual Senior Retreat and stayed overnight to participate in games, talks from teachers, and other activities.

The majority of the grade left school at 3:30 and were followed at 6:15 by the fall sport athletes. After arriving, the seniors were allowed free time to explore the camp and play Nine Square, Gaga Ball, and other games that were set up for them. Many of the students participated, and it allowed students to get to know others they weren’t as close with.

The athletes smile for a quick picture before arriving at camp. Photo by: Grace Skiljan The other school sanctioned events of the night involved splitting into groups to come up with a class chant, followed by a talent show. The class chant will be used during Spirit Week when the hosts announce the different grades; the seniors’ chant was created by Aiden Davitt and his group. It included Davitt shouting Westminster related phrases and the rest of the class yelling back at him.

“The chant was very last minute,” said Aiden Davitt, senior.

“We sort of came up with it in the pews right before we went up.”

The talent show had many different acts, ranging from a comedy piece by Davis Worley, to a rapping rendition of the “Gettysburg Address” by Lea Despotis. The winner was Bennie Anderson and his friends singing “Last Christmas” in an imitation of a video of a much younger Bennie posted on an instagram account.

Pearson Georges, Kylan Davis, Trent Grass, and Alex Daiber pose for a picture after playing Gaga Ball with their classmates. Photo by: Grace Skiljan The teachers decided on a bedtime of 12:30, but the students had other ideas. Both the boys’ and girls’ cabins made the most “Gaga Ball brought our class together because anyone could of their time together by playing music and enjoying each othplay, and that’s what made it fun,” said Danny Sacco, senior. ers’ company late into the night.

After eating, everyone gathered to listen to a talk on rigor from Mr. Burke, a senior english teacher, and relationships from Mr. Sarra, an upper school art teacher. These talks were chosen to help shape the theme for the seniors’ last year of highschool and dive deeper into the school’s theme for this year: Rigor, Relationship, Restoration.

“After working with seniors and being one a long time ago, I know that this year can either be really fun or really hard.

Their mind is already in college while their bodies are here, and I want the seniors to see this year as an opportunity to thrive and grow in relationships rather than something they just have to sit through,” said Mr. Burke, senior English teacher.

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“My favorite part of the whole retreat was being able to bond with all the girls in the cabin; it was a lot of fun,” said Emily Bratch, senior.

After an 8:00 am workout led by Kyleigh Peer and Sophia Mullen and breakfast, the seniors took part in activities that worked on teamwork and trust between their classmates. They also were allowed to speak their minds about policies at Westminster with Mr. Burke and other teachers, who considered and responded to the ideas brought up.

“The retreat was a great time to bond with classmates and get to know others I didn’t know through the activities we did together,” said Mason Andrasko, senior.

HUNGRY AND THIRSTY? YOU’LL HAVE TO WAIT. EMMA HARRIS Staff Writer

Students attending Westminster Christian Academy have, in the past, always been able to purchase a bottle of water or a quick snack if the urge should arise. However, as of 2019, this has changed: students are no longer able to buy any form of food or drink from the Westminster bookstore during school The Westminster bookstore. Photo by:Emma Harris hours. Students instead are expected to stock up before their classes start. ed detentions, a plus side for both teachers and parents.

“As of this year, the bookstore no longer sells food and water “I mean, there definitely were people who [were late because during school hours,” WCA broadcasters announced on they purchased food or drink at the bookstore],” said Izzy Trost, Wednesday morning, August 14th, during the first WCA Today sophomore. of the year.

The downside to not having the option of silencing your rumbling stomach or quenching your thirst with a beloved Arnold Palmer? For one, many students have trouble concentrating when hungry or tired, something which the bookstore had a quick and easy solution for. All a student had to do was walk down the hallway, purchase whatever they needed to satisfy them, and problem solved! You could continue with your hard work.

Two sophomores, Belle St. John and Ellie Johnson, both confirmed that being hungry makes concentrating much more difficult. Johnson elaborated, replying to the question “Can you concentrate when hungry?” She answered “Not at all” and continued to explain how because she has B lunch, she has to wait longer to eat. She noticed the class she had right before lunch happened to be her lowest grade. “Geometry shouldn’t be that hard,” she said.

In reality, however, after doing some light digging, it seems that no small amount of students seem impartial to this switch up, most claiming that they didn’t really ever buy food anyway. I myself have to remain impartial to this new rule, as well, because I have never bought anything food or drink related during school hours before, save to say my actual lunch.

However, there is still room for argument as there are valid, positive sides of this change, too, especially when considering the substantially high amount of students who don’t seem to care much. With the absence of food and drink, one less distraction during passing period exists, meaning the new rule will hopefully reduce the amount of students arriving late to their next class. This new rule may increase the amount of time spent in the classroom and reduce the amount of unwant-

Another plus side? The bookstore no longer sells food, taking away another form of temptation to purchase something, sometimes unnecessarily. Why is this so great? There will be one less way to spend money. Parents have to be thankful, and even some students are glad because this means they can put their allotted money towards a whole meal from the cafeteria or over time, a new sweatshirt.

“It’s one less temptation to spend money,” said Lily Johnson, sophomore.

For the less happy students there lies a solution: bring your own snacks or purchase them before school starts. Yes, you might not have time, and yes, the bookstore might have things your Mom refuses to buy for health reasons, or maybe you plainly keep forgetting to bring your own (in which case, as a forgetful person, I can fully empathize). But if one is seriously concerned with Westminster’s change, bringing your own food and drinks if needed, or purchasing them before school, is a solution for you.

“As of this year, the bookstore no longer sells food and water during school hours,” WCA broadcasters announced in the first WCA Today of the year.

NEWS 7

WESTMINSTER ENHANCES CARNIVAL AND ADDS HOMECOMING GRACE SKILJAN News Editor

The student life office, athletics, and STUCO (student council) have been working hard to plan the perfect Homecoming dance for Westminster’s high school students. The official name for the dance is “Party on the Prairie” which goes along with the theme for Carnival — “Welcome to WESTminster, this is Wildcat country.”

The Variety Show will be Thursday night at 7 pm, kicking off the many events of Homecoming weekend. Carnival will follow that Friday from 4-7 pm and will continue Saturday until the football game. The game will be at 12:00 pm against Luthern South at Westminster. The early start of the game will allow everyone to have enough time to go home and get ready for the dance.

In addition to Homecoming, Carnival will also have some changes; Westminster will have rides to spice up the carnival and draw a larger crowd.

“We are trying to expand and improve Carnival weekend to make it more appealing” - Mrs. Brown, Director of Student Life Homecoming, planned by STUCO, will be set up just like Christmas Banquet with a dinner and an after party at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac Hotel.

“We are really excited to see how this turns out. A lot of people spent a lot of time on this, and we think it will be the best CB/ Homecoming yet!” said Ashley McDonald, senior class president.

“We are trying to expand and improve Carnival weekend to make it more appealing,” said Susie Brown, director of student The same rules for Christmas Banquet will apply to Homecomlife. ing. Girls will be allowed to wear whatever type of dress they want (short or long), but it must be within the modesty guideIt was decided to do Homecoming instead of Christmas Banquet because during early December, when CB is usually lines held, all students are busy with finals, last minute projects, and “Modesty is the most important thing,” said Brown. making plans for Christmas break, all of which take a lot of time and energy. STUCO and the student life office wanted to relieve some of that pressure from students during that time by “I am excited for homecoming this year because I feel like it removing the stress of buying dresses, finding dates, and other will really bring the students together and be a lot of fun,” said preperations that come with Christmas Banquet.

Maggie Ellis, senior.

8 NEWS

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ONLINE 9

they became part of our family,” said Stanley.

A LACK OF FEMINISM Becky Stanley, a missionary, works to help women feel valuable and important to society in India REBEKAH SEMS FEATURES EDITOR

Dusty air fills the streets. The musky smell of curry, sweat, and waste cling to the throng of people making their way through town. Broken down houses slouch next to wealthy neighborhoods as cows roam free along the countryside. While this is one major difference between the United States of America and India, the treatment of women is another striking contrast.

“In India, women are seen as mistakes and less than men,” said Stanley. In fact, Stanley’s adoption of her daughter shows just how unwanted girls are in India.

“One day a man brought a baby girl to the church and gave her to my father,” said Stanley, “He said that if my father wouldn’t take her, he’d kill her be-

India is known for its caste system which is brutal to all people in lower castes but especially dangerous for women.

Redress Information and Analysis, an organization that focuses on injustices occuring around the world, reported that women in the lowest caste in India (the Dalit caste) are often subjected to “stripping, naked parading, caste abuses, pulling out nails and hair, sexual slavery and bondage.”

As Americans, we can hardly imagine the horrors and injustice that women face in India. During a time where radical feminism is becoming more and more prominent, it can be easy to forget just how fortunate American women are in comparison to women living in India. In today’s world, extreme feminists are offended by issues they find important (like patriarchy), but they do not realize that they experience much more freedom and respect in America than in other countries.

“There is so much more respect in America for women. In India, the men always eat first while the girls serve, and if there is not enough food, then the girls don’t get to eat, which reinforces the idea that they don’t matter,” said Stanley.

Stanley (right) works as a missionary for the India Gospel League where she has started a program helping women. Photo By: Rick Sems Rebecca (Becky) Stanley works for her father as a missionary in India. In May of 2019, Becky came to the United States, passing through St. Louis to raise support and awareness for issues in India. She and her family live in the state of Tamil Nadu, where they work for the India Gospel League to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those who need to hear it. However, Stanley is also invested in helping elevate women’s status in India.

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cause she was a girl. My father brought the baby home, and she became my daughter.”

Stanley remembers that most of her many siblings became part of her family in the same way as her daughter.

“We’d be eating dinner and hear a knock at the door and find a baby on the step for us. It became a regular occurrence, and we didn’t think much about it but just took the baby in, and

Thankfully, there are people like Stanley who are working to help women feel and be more valuable to society.

Becky does this through a program that loans money to women so they can start their own business. These small businesses usually sell rice, clothes, rags, and spices.

“When women are bringing in money for their family through their small businesses, they become instantly more valuable. Men start to treat them better and with more respect because of the extra income in the household,” said Stanley.

When girls are taught from a young age that they are a disgusting or worthless mistake, then they have no confidence in themselves to think that they can be valuable to society.

Stanley’s mission is to provide those girls with an opportunity to help bring money to their families and to catch a glimpse of their true value in Christ. As Stanley helps these women start businesses and take out loans, she is also sharing with them the story of the Gospel so that they can hear, for probably the first time ever, that someone loves them, values them, and wants them.

“Women in America are privileged enough to have equal rights, wear what they want, and have a man open the door for them. Not to say that gender discrimination doesn’t happen in America, but the degree to which it happens is miniscule compared to what women face in India,” said Stanley.

Stanley’s story and the abuse of women in India should be alarming to those living in America, especially females.

When it comes to radical feminism in America, women can know that they have it much better than those living in countries like India, and then they can be motivated to help those women living in oppressive conditions.

“In America there is almost feminism to the extreme, but in India there is a complete lack of feminism,” said Stanley.

“When women are bringing in money for their family through their small businesses, they become instantly more valuable. Men start to treat them better and with more respect because of the extra income in the household.”

-Becky Stanley, missionary Stanley explains how the businesses run by women help them be more valuable to society and feel valued. Photo By: Rick Sems

FEATURE 11

POWER DOWN

The reasoning behind the new phone policy AVA BIDNER As Westminster students were welcomed back into the building this year for the first week of school, they were confronted with several changes. From all of the new faces to the presence of a student council to new leaders and teachers, Westminster is prepared for a fulfilling upcoming 2019-2020 school year. Another new change? The new phone policy — a topic that has filled the halls with conversation, opinions, and complaints.

But before making up your mind, let’s listen to the reasoning behind the new phone policy and consider the change from the administration’s point of view.

“The problem is really two-fold. One, we want to eliminate distraction. The second thing is we want to improve and enhance our community. I think all of us have walked through the Hub or the Cafe or the hallways and seen how many students are staring down at their devices rather than engaging with their classmates and friends. We are very intentionally framing this as an academic issue, not a disciplinary one,” said Micah Gall, head of academic development.

In past years, most teachers expected students to have their phones turned off and put away in their backpacks during class. Phones would be taken out occasionally to take pictures, play games like Quizlet or Kahoot!, or simply communicate when necessary, but in general, phones were not intended to be a frequent tool in the classroom. But after phones were taken out, even for a quick activity, it was often difficult to reel students back in and bring the focus back on the teacher and the discussion or task at hand. Some teachers combatted this

12 IN-DEPTH

dilemma by placing a cell phone holder by the door, asking students to put their phones in the pockets and to give their full attention for the whole class period.

But this loose rule was only implemented by a few teachers, and administration, as well as the wider Westminster community, believed a more universal policy was necessary in order to solve these focus issues and cultivate a better learning environment filled with fully engaged students and teachers.

solely academic-based. The Westminster community has begun to perceive a disconnect between students and their peers, teachers, and administrators, and the overuse and over-reliance of technology have been determined to be the culprits. Not only were cell phones often a distraction in the classroom, but they also often caused interruptions during lunch, study hall, and even passing periods, hindering students from interacting and engaging in conversation.

Recognizing these many concerns, our school did not want to continue to simply observe the problem without taking action and making every effort to restore a safe, effective, and fulfilling learning environment and overall community. Although the decision and policy may have seemed sudden to many students, the discussion was “The two main goals are fostering com- actually in the works for months. munity and creating focus. It’s really those two things. Over the past few “There was a committee of teachers years, we have seen the classroom, and and administrators that met last year. the community get a little disjointed, They considered technology use in and I think there was enough talk and general with student and parent feedconsensus that we needed to do someback. As the year went on, there was thing about this issue. Many schools growing clarity of what they wanted around the country are in a similar to change. By spring of last year, they situation, and we felt like this was a made a recommendation,” explained policy that would definitely point back Pederson. to what we are about here anyway. We wanted more consistency in our values Although the policy has been develand policies,” said Chris Pederson, 11th oped and thought through extensively, and 12th grade principal. this does not guarantee in any way that the transition will be easy. Students already have worries about how they will contact their parents and coaches during the day, whether they will be aware of important information regarding their extracurriculars, and how they will stay in the loop about their job schedules, family matters, and essential texts or calls.

“The two main goals are fostering community and creating focus,” said Chris Pederson, 11th and 12th grade principal.

As Pederson explained, the reasoning behind the new phone policy was not

All that being said, no one ever claimed this new policy would be easy — just that it would ultimately leave a positive impact on our community and lead to greater rigor, relationship, and restoration, three key aspects of Westminster’s academic approach. And in general, changes are almost always

difficult, and there will be an adjustment “The negative is that it increases the period before the school begins to fall opportunity for hard conversations. It’s into a routine with this new policy. uncomfortable for a lot of people to be put in a situation where a phone is out, and now they have to act. But on the “On the positive side, I have already flip side, [the policy] is supportive of a seen some of the benefits. There is good, healthy community. So, I think a different demeanor and tone in the classrooms now. As I drop in and walk there are two sides: the reality of it through the classrooms, I think there is leans into hard conversations, but at the a layer of focus that has traditionally, in same time it supports the community and the focus aspect,” said Pederson. the past few years, not been there. We are also hearing this from parents and teachers alike. There just seems to be a In order to truly obtain results from this different tone in the room without the policy, enduring the challenging start constant reminders and the awkward and difficult conversations is necessary. situations that were prevalent so often in Like most great achievements in life, the past couple of years,” said Pederson. achieving successful outcomes usually begins with dedication, struggles, and Unfortunately, as teachers and adminis- perseverance through the uncomforttration have already seen, this new poli- able or adverse times. cy will undoubtedly be accompanied by actions when necessary, which is not fun “I hear from kids a lot that they’re for students or those in authority. How- thankful, even though there is an ever, as Gall stated, the premise of this understandable resistance to it. I think new policy is to improve the academics all across the board teachers have been and community. working for consistency in this like never before, and I think they are start-

ing to see the fruit of [these changes]. The kids who talk to me personally have affirmed that it is [helpful] even though it’s difficult. I just want to thank the community for working through hard stuff. It’s a complicated thing because you have people willing to recognize that [technology] gets in our way. It’s a benefit, but it also gets in our way, and we have to figure out how to navigate temperance of the use. And a lot of times, there is a discipline nature that has to come in. There is a discipline to taking time [away from technology], putting things down, shutting down screens, and saying ‘I’m just going to focus right now.’ And I’m thankful to the community for being willing, by and large, to move through this discomfort,” said Pederson.

Overall, this policy will require patience on all sides, frequent guidance from teachers, and flexibility and willingness to engage from the whole community. One piece of life at Westminster has changed, but the hope is that as a result, this year will bear tremendous fruit — academically, relationally, and spiritually.

A page from the 2019-2020 Student-Parent Handbook describing Westminster’s goals for engaging community and each other -- both goals that will hopefully be improved by the new phone policy. Photo courtesy of: Student-Parent Handbook

IN-DEPTH 13

GROWING THE ACADEMY The Westminster community welcomes new students, faculty members, and teachers REBEKAH SEMS Feature Editor

Gretchen Gorline, a new upper school math teacher, has taught at schools all across the globe and has found that Westminster is unique.

“I have taught at schools with high academic standards, and I have taught at a school that had a strong spiritual foundation.

My observation is that Westminster is the best of both of these worlds. There is no denying that this is a school that is based on Christian ideals and principles, and I am impressed at the credentials, talents, professionalism, and faith of my colleagues,” said Gorline.

A new school year means new faces at Westminster, and while that includes students, it also means new teachers. This year Westminster welcomes six new faculty members, three returning staff members, and six brand new teachers.

One of those new teachers, Heather Laughlin, is a seventh grade English teacher and a Westminster parent. After subbing for Westminster long-term last year, Laughlin accepted a teaching position at Westminster this year.

“When an opportunity arose for me to apply here, I was both excited and humbled by the possibility. I enjoyed subbing here, and so I was excited to have a full-time position here,” said Laughlin.

As a Westminster parent, Laughlin wanted to be involved with a group of teachers that would invest in students they way they had for her sons. The teachers at WCA spend their days teaching, loving, and encouraging their students, and Laughlin wanted to be a part of a community like that.

The Westminster staff for the 2019-2020 schoo year pose for a group picture. Photo by:wcastl Gorline worked in the Math Center last year at Westminster and decided to start teaching this year because she missed having a classroom full of students.

“Knowing the caliber of teachers who are committed to serving the community of WCA, it was a delight to join the team.

I’ve been welcomed, supported, and genuinely cared for,” said Laughlin.

“It’s a privilege to spend time with the students during this time of their lives and a wonderful experience to see all that my former students do and accomplish after they leave my classroom,” said Gorline.

While being a part of the staff at Westminster was one reason Laughlin decided to start teaching, another reason is the students.

Gorline loves working with students and especially in a place that offers stimulating academics with a biblical perspective.

“I really enjoy getting to know students and watching them grow over the course of the year. It’s so exciting to watch as a student reads something, sees truth on display, and then engages with the truth,” said Laughlin.

At Westminster, Laughlin is looking forward to the realtionships with students and engaging with them on a day to day basis in a way that is unque from other schools.

Westminster is also a special place to teach at because of the focus it has on the biblical worldview. Many students, and even some teachers who have been at WCA for awhile, can forget how unique and rare that is.

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“It is a joy to be able to freely express my faith and to work in a place that challenges me to excellence,” said Gretchen Gorline, upper school math teacher.

Both Laughlin and Gorline are excited to see what this school year has in store for them and their students. With the new additions to the teaching staff and faculty, the Westminster community is expanding and growing while enjoying the talents and gifts each new person brings to the table.

HAVE YOU BEEN HACKED?

Hackers have new tactics to get your private information through your personal devices.

MAGGIE LINDSTROM Staff Writer

and her family were in dire need of money and assistance. Jane found out about her situation too late, and the hacker was already able to change all of her account passwords. She spent the next several weeks calling all the companies she had accounts on to close the accounts down. The hacker had acquired her password through the internet of the unsecured WiFi at a coffee shop where she had been one day prior to the attack.

In Jane’s case, she was a victim of two forms of hacking: keylogging and another called “Phishing.” This is how hackers like to acquire personal data. Hackers will send you what looks like credible emails or texts messages to ask you to sign into an account or to confirm your passwords.

Hackers nowadays aren’t just tying up wires to make free phone calls. They have created more creative ways to steal your identi- Safety for yourself and your personal data is important, so be ty, passwords, and credit card numbers. observant of what you are doing on your computer. Also, make sure to check to see if those emails or texts are real and valid — The key to their success is through “keyloggers.” What are key- one click could cost you all of your personal data. loggers you ask? Keyloggers are used over free and unsecured WiFi, and the software runs in the background without your knowledge of it tracking every computer key you press.

Anyone at any point can be hacked. For example, a close friend of mine, Jane Smith, had all of her accounts taken from her. Her email and all of her personal accounts were hacked, and sadly the hackers obtained all of her personal data.

One click could cost you all of your personal data.

The hacker sent out emails to all her contacts stating that she

Hacking can take many forms, including suspicious messages on the computer. Photo by: Maggie Lindstrom

FEATURE 15

HOW 15 MINUTES A DAY CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE Picking up an instrument, according to many prestigious studies, can change your ability to function well

the brain’s ability to memorize more than any other activity can. And as someone who started to play guitar two years ago, I myself have noticed a big difference in remembering details, instructions, and uncompleted tasks. So, whether you’ve always wanted to tickle the keys or there’s a clarinet gathering dust in your closet, here’s the motivation to start: playing an instrument can drastically improve your ability to memorize and minimize the time it takes to do this.

But here’s the thing: playing an instrument can actually help those in the athletic field. See, the clump of nerve fibers, scientifically called the corpus callosum, connecting the two sides STAFF WRITER of the brain is larger in musicians. This means a faster reaction time, better audio awareness, and improved spatial reasoning: Picking up an instrument for just fifteen minutes a day, whether all important things for a serious commitment to sports. it be the guitar or the trumpet, has been proven to substantially improve people’s math skills and problem solving abilities, Playing an instrument has many benefits for your brain and along with alleviating some struggles of memorization. But body, such as improved natural math skills, the ability to probthat’s not it: athletes can benefit from this hobby, as well. That lem solve, memorize, and even play sports; it is the best hobby said, the amount of people who don’t play an instrument is possible you can pick for your brain, and it can open up opporalarming. Yes, some people just don’t have the time to add yet tunities you might not earn without playing. Does this mean another thing to do in their life, but the benefits are so life-imyou have to become the next Mozart? Absolutely not. However, proving that making time could be worth it. playing for just fifteen minutes a day can change your life for

EMMA HARRIS

Now, maybe you already have a math brain, or maybe you’re like me and struggle to solve yx= 5y + 879yx - 0.01 by use of a quadratic equation. Either way, becoming better at math can be valuable, even if the only place you will ever use it is when applying to college. That said, studies show that people who play an instrument are instinctively better than those who don’t.

Besides being another hobby, music can really improve your ability to function well in the math field.

the better.

In fact, playing an instrument not only improves math solving skills, but playing one significantly boosts the brain’s ability to problem solve. Dr. Anitts Colins, an award-winning educator who works at the University of Canberra, explains this benefit: “Musicians also have higher levels of executive function — a category of interlinked tasks that includes planning, strategizing, and attention to detail, and requires simultaneous analysis of both cognitive and emotional aspects.”

Problem solving is incredibly important for making it through the day. Without even knowing it, we work on and through many, many problems, from the time our day starts to when it ends. That’s why constantly improving problem solving skills is so essential to having a successful, happy life, which means playing an instrument is something to seriously consider.

I’m sure we all know the struggles of staying up late for a test, studying until you just can’t anymore, and getting a disappointingly low grade back. Maybe this happened to you in science, or maybe English was your downfall. Either way, the information just won’t stick. On the same Ted-ed explaining music’s correla- Learning how to play the guitar has substantionally tion to problem solving skills, Dr. Colins explains how and why improved my ability to study affectively. Photo by: Emma Harris playing an instrument helps memorization. What is especially revolutionary is that playing an instrument can actually improve

16 OPINION

WHO ARE YOU WEARING? A breakdown of fashion at Westminster

Ava Hollmann

Creator or Kacy Musgraves (fingers crossed they’ll get a cheap Airbnb!), and love Urban Outfitters and PacSun. At WCA, it includes Birkenstocks- sorry, I mean “Birks”-, a beaded choker, cartilage piercings, and a messy bun/ponytail, which is barely held together by a velvet scrunchie. For boys, the equivalent might be whoever’s TikTok-famous right now… haven’t figured the male version out yet. Sorry.

Opinions Editor

3. “I shopped at Zumiez that one time” (a.k.a. Edgy Teen)

Visions of navy, plaid, and khaki come to mind when initially considering what students at Westminster wear on a normal school day. However, with more concentration, images of Chacos and checkered Vans materialize as well. Suddenly, it is obvious that, despite the semi-homogenous Land’s End uniforms, student styles are present at WCA. And, among the sea of brands and colors, six general categories exist:

The teens that beat to their own drum. The kidz who would rather not post this random yet meaningful moment on Snapchat, and who, most importantly, renounce any music but alternative and indie rock. For boys and girls alike at WCA, checkered Vans, combat boots, messy bangs, and, sometimes, socks with sarcastic jokes on them, are outfit staples. Sure, if these teens attended a school with no uniforms, they would sport black, tight-fitted jeans and colored hair, but they’ll make do while at “the academy,” saving those wardrobes choices for the Tame Impala concert over the weekend.

4. “I don’t live in Colorado, but if I did, this is what I’d wear” (a.k.a. Midwest Mountaineer)

A colorful representation of the 5 styles at WCA. Photo by: Ava Hollmann 1. “I live in West County. Yep.” (a.k.a. West County Basic) Ah yes, the staple of youths who live in the pristine ‘burbs of St. Louis. For these teens, rap, country, and pretty much any song with a catchy beat are a must. And those pop-y beats simply cannot be heard without a white Jeep Wrangler on Highway 40, or Airpods in the crowded hallways of school. For boys at WCA, this style includes over-worn Sperrys, year-round khaki shorts, a Vineyard Vines belt, and a sporty outerwear jacket (Patagonia and Nike are acceptable). For girls, it’s Adidas sneakers, LuLulemon leggings, and a gleaming Apple Watch (gold or rose gold are preferred). To deviate from these style standards would certainly indicate a drop in one’s existential high school status.

2. “I love Urban (Outfitters)” (a.k.a. Dropout Vlogger)

The modern-day hippies of our time, folks. These teens attend Kanakuk, Honey Rock, or really any Christian summer camp, and wear oversized Comfort Color t-shirts whenever not at WCA. They don’t live in Colorado, but if they did, they’d channel the same outdoor-sy vibes. At school, these boys and girls wear hand-made bracelets (most likely from their past mission trips), Chacos, and carry a Nalgene or Hydro Flask covered in stickers. But they did not order these stickers from Redbubbleno, these stickers were earned, collected, and framed on their trusty H20 supplier, from past rugged experiences.

5. “I’m an athlete. It’s who I am.” (a.k.a. Sport is Life) The final and most simple style at WCA, this one really just includes anything with three stripes or a swoosh on it. And, with enough of each on someone with this style, it is apparent that they work out after school, thank you very much. For boys, this includes shiny and outrageous basketball shoes (these are only their day pair, though), tall socks, and short, gelled, no-nonsense hair. For girls, a thick headband, high ponytail, and any athletic brand of shoes will suffice, so long as their feet are comfortable. So maybe these athletes don’t have as much cute-sy pzazthey’re athletes. It’s who they are.

6. “I don’t fit into a box” (a.k.a. Ava Hollmann, Opinions Editor)

As much as I would like to say that I can’t categorize myself, While this is similar to West County Basic, it has a bit more of a intentional avoidance is still a style. I know the system, and I girly flair. Those who gravitate toward this style probably watch seek to undermine and renounce it.

Youtubers like Hannah Meloche, Emma Chamberlain, or Ava Jules. Also, they dream of going to Coachella to see Tyler the

SATIRE 17

5 LIFE SKILLS EVERY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHOULD KNOW Important lessons High Schoolers learn before graduating

disperse their earnings in moderation and learn to stop themselves the next time they want to buy another school sweatshirt or a bag of chips from the bookstore.

Social Skills: The highlight of high school for most teens are the various opportunities they have to make and grow their social connections. Due to the vast amount of clubs, classes, teams, and events, high school is the perfect place for students to meet new people and make new friends both easily and naturally.

Organization: One of the most essential skills for any student to

LAURYN RHODES Staff Writer

High school is, arguably, the most pivotal time in any teenager’s life. In just four years, through exciting moments and interesting experiences, students can learn just as much outside of the classroom as they do within it. While many highschoolers are convinced that school is pointless, they are often unaware of the important life skills they are developing simply by living their everyday life during the school year. Here are five major skills that students should take away with them after graduation and into the rest of their lives.

Bricyn Johnson, Senior, Tori Jessie, Senior, and Daphne Washington, socializing. Photo by: Lauryn Rhodes refine during their high school career is organization. Without having things in order or in place, highschoolers would forget homework, lose important papers, and quickly become overwhelmed with all of the tasks and responsibilities that pile up before them. Keeping things organized automatically helps any student become more successful throughout the school year as it helps them stay on top of all assignments and provides them with better efficiency and focus.

Self Advocacy: For highschoolers, self-advocacy could be asking for help from a fellow classmate or teacher, making important decisions independently, or plenty of other examples.

Students paying attention during math class. Photo by: While there are many amazing things about high school, it’s Lauryn Rhodes not always a breeze. Students who face challenges learn how to Time Management: By ensuring that they are in the classroom properly work through them and speak up for themselves in orbefore the bell rings, turning in homework assignments on time, der to get help with both the things they struggle with and areas or even making sure that they have a good seat at Friday night’s they would like to grow in. Becoming a self-advocate greatly increases confidence, independence, and happiness within stugame, high school students quickly learn how to best manage their time in order to be successful in school while also leaving dents, creating an even better high school experience. space to relax and have fun, without even realizing it.

Money Management: Westminster students who responsibly manage the balance in their bookstore accounts throughout the year have money management down to a T. Students who know how to ration their money between gas, food, and concert tickets have also perfected the art of saving and spending money. Because money provides access to the many ways students like to spend their time, it is essential that highschoolers

18 OPINION

“I don’t think people realize how impactful what they learn and do in Highschool actually is on the rest of their lives.”

-Hayley Adair, Senior

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AUGUST

FOOTBALL PREVIEW P. 21

BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW P. 22 BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY PREIVEW P. 24-25 THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL P. 30-31

CHEERING

P. 32

GUESS WHO’S BACK

LANE DAVIS RETURNS FOR ONE FINAL FOOTBALL SEASON AT WESTMINSTER

SPORTING 19

SPORTINGWCA

FOOTBALL PREVIEW Although the Football team is small, its potential is large.

TOMMY BRINER Sports Editor

Coming off of a turbulent year that featured a host of injuries and another season of unfulfilled potential, the Westminster Football team is realizing that this might be the last chance to put it all together for the next few years.

This team looks different than last year’s squad, to put it lightly.

They’re losing more than a dozen Seniors from the 2018 team, but that’s okay. The team has fewer than forty players in the whole program, but that’s okay, too. What this year’s team has is playmakers at every position on the field. What the team lacks is depth to account for injury.

Starting at quarterback, now-Senior Lane Davis has one more chance to rise to the occasion and put himself on display for all to see. He had just one chance to do so last year, tearing his ACL in the first half of the Wildcats’ second game of the year.

“Obviously it was very tough to sit out and watch last year, especially with all the potential we had on that team. It killed me to not be out there but it also really motivated me for this season,” said Davis, “I am very excited to be back on the field this year, I have to prove myself.”

Wildcats’ run plays. This is where the Wildcats are most thin.

Senior Arthur Jordan will pick up carries throughout the game, but other than that, the Wildcats won’t have much depth in the backfield to start the season.

Thankfully, though, with Davis at quarterback and a host of weapons at wide receiver, the Wildcats won’t have to run the ball nearly as much as they did last year, hopefully taking some of the pressure off of Minner, who will already be playing both ways.

Former Head Coach Cory Snyder has returned to the team as Offensive Coordinator and reimplemented his spread style offense. This style is very effective and will hopefully take advantage of Davis’ strong arm and the speed and athleticism of his receivers, among whom are Ben Straub, Ben Hicks, Ben Parres, and Tommy Briner.

“The key to success this year is having a tight brotherhood. You have to trust the guys to your left and right and work for them,” said Hicks.

Up front, the now-committed Bennie Anderson will take left tackle while Jack Powers handles the opposite side. On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats have just as many playmakers. Hicks, Straub, and Minner will manage the secondary as Toby Davidson calls plays at middle linebacker. Sterling Webb, Ben Chereji, and Aiden Davitt will round out the defense on the line.

Westminster’s schedule this year is no cake walk. The Wildcats will have to play four of the Top 10 teams in the St. Louis area’s small school rankings. On top of that, District assignments were announced this week, and Westminster’s district features At running back, Sophomore LJ Minner will handle most of the the top two teams from Class 4 last year in state-champion Ladue and runner-up MICDS. Despite a tough schedule, expectations are still high.

“I want to beat MICDS and make it to the District Championship game this year,” said Davis.

Lane Davis. Photo by: Pearson Georges

20 SPORTING

This main storyline of the team this year will be its health. If they can stay healthy, they’ll be just fine as they compete for Conference and District Championships. If not, they could see another mildly successful but still disappointing season like they did last year. The Wildcats lost their first game against St. Mary’s by a score of 26-15 on Saturday morning.

BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW

One year after falling to Priory in the first round of Districts, Boys Soccer is rebuilding for another season.

AIDAN PENBERTHY Staff Writer

Caleb Legters advances the ball. Photo by: Pearson Georges Primed for a run at the District Championship, the Boys Soccer team has the experience, star power, and potential to take the next step. Although many key players have since moved on to various colleges, some newcomers could bring new life into the season.

But some things just aren’t meant to be. A tough 3-0 loss ended the careers of twelve Seniors.

With the strong Class of 2019’s departure, this year’s squad looks to retool on the fly and go further in postseason play. Key returning players include Seniors Mike Lemp, Danny Sacco, and Will Mason along with Juniors Andrew Smith, Aidan Kline, and Luke Laughlin. These six act as the older leaders for a rather young team that includes two Sophomores with bright potential, Jack Lemp and Caleb Legters. The Lemp brothers will combine for six Varsity seasons of Soccer at Westminster

when it’s all said and done.

“I’m excited to play with my brother for one more year and see what happens this season,” said Jack Lemp.

“These boys are my family. I look forward to coming to practice after school every day and hang out with some great friends. I In 2018, the Wildcats started off going 6-7, losing tough games want to have an impact both on the program and younger playto the Mason Road rival Rebels and John Burroughs, the team ers just as Seniors have in the last three years,” said Sacco. took a trip to McCracken County in Kentucky that helped turn Another player to watch this year is a guy in his first season in the season in a positive direction. Going 2-1 with combined totals of eight goals for and two goals against, the boys brought high school, Freshman Tyler Hott. Playing defense, he could back with them a fire unseen in the state of Kentucky since the be the piece that puts the Wildcats over the top this season.

According to Sacco, Hott is “very composed and has the chance large flame at Bardstown’s Heaven Hill distillery. The team to be one of the best players Westminster has seen,” soared to a 13-8-1 record after going 5-0-1 in the next six games.

Early on this year, the Wildcats will have a battle settling into new roles and developing chemistry with one another. Once The Wildcats lost their final two regular-season games earnthey are all on the same page, they have an opportunity to reing themselves a date with that team up north. In the first two matchups of the season, the Rebels won both games by a com- claim the District Championship once again. The Wildcats’ first bined score of 8-2. The odds were stacked against the Wildcats game was postponed on Friday. They play a make up game on as a large Senior class craved something not done since 2014. Wednesday.

SPORTING 21

FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEW

strong players and will make up for losing key players from last year.”

With the new lineup, six new Seniors were added to the roster as well as two Juniors and one Sophomore. This Sophomore Even though they’re losing a lot of talent, the Field Hockey is Kendall Sadler, who has been working hard in the offseason and will be a key midfielder to the team. team still has high aspirations for this year.

The team has seven returning players for the 2019 season, with six out of the seven being Seniors.

Three forwards for the upcoming season are KK Pruett, Abrielle Dana, and Ava Bidner. All three of these players will be some of the key goal Staff Writer scorers for the new lineup, especially Pruett. Pruett got a look at Varsity time last year, cracking the lineup against Ladue and Two college commits, an all conference player, and a strong playing the whole game.

Senior core is what we saw from the 2018 Westminster Field The team’s key force this season lies within their defense due Hockey team. For this fall, the team comes with a completely to the strong core they have with Luci Hilboldt. Hilboldt played new look after losing the Class of 2019 Seniors.

Last season, the Wildcats record sat at 10-11-1, and they man- her first Varsity season as a Sophomore, where she was an aged to win key games against teams like Eureka, Oakville, and everyday player, and continued to play every game last season.

When watching Hilboldt in the 2019 season, you’ll see a fast, Ursuline. hard-working, and hard-hitting player on the field. Alongside Everyone is aware of the effect that forward Morgan Sickels Hilboldt in the backfield is Bridget Sullivan, Senior, and new had on the team last season. Sickels set the Westminster Field Hockey goal-scoring record with 14 goals while also becoming player Jamie Obertop, Freshman. the first player at Westminster to be on the Top 20 goal scoring Obertop is not the only Freshman on this year’s team. Elizabeth list in the St. Louis area. Sickels was apart of the team since her Clawson will play midfield for the Wildcats this year. In middle school, these two were standout players, having a boost of Sophomore year, and in that first Varsity season, she had the athleticism that not many people have at that age. They both are second most goals on the team. quick to the ball and have exceptional ball control.

“It’s definitely going to take a lot of practice to get back to where we were,” said Luci Hilboldt, Senior. “But we have two The heart of the team this season comes from the goaltender, Sabrina Granata. Granata split time with Meredith Grass last new freshmen and a few sophomores on Varsity who are very year in the net, but still spent about 500 minutes in goal. She had close to a .500 record last season and averaged 3.1 saves per game. Granata, through her three years on Varsity, has been a player who can easily keep the team’s spirits high and display a positive attitude on and off the field.

Abrielle Danna commented on Sabrina’s attitude, saying, “Sabrina really brings the team together and gets everyone hype and ready to play.”

The Wildcats went 0-3 on the weekend in the Gateway Classic.

KOBY SCHMER

Ava Bidner. Photo by: WCA Yearbook

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BOYS CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW Boys Cross Country is set to keep improving

CALEB MOELLENHOFF Staff Writer

Gorline described what it has been like to be a part of this squad.

“Since I joined the team, I feel my skill and endurance have only increased. I am excited for the coming season because we have an amazing team built out of new additions such as myself and returning runners who have only gotten better.”

“There is a very cool dynamic on the cross country team this year because there are a lot of Juniors and a lot of Freshmen.”

-Colin Ring, Junior

In addition to a strong team dynamic, the boys are all in on the process of pursuing daily excellence in running. This includes training hard everyday, focusing on sleep, hydration, and eating healthy. The team gains their confidence in meets by their daily preparation and hard work.

Because of their intense training, the team has dealt with some disappointing injuries. For boys that are putting in lots of miles while they are still growing, it can be hard to avoid Colin Ring races a competitor at the Hancock Invitational these injuries. One of the top runners on the team last season, meet. Photo by: Caleb Moellenhoff Junior Caleb Moellenhoff, came down with hamstring tendinosis and an avulsion tear last year during basketball season.

The future is bright for the Boys Cross Country team. Of the When he recalled his difficulties with the injury, he top seven runners from last year at State, six of them are returnsaid, “After not really understanding what was going on for ing Sophomores and Juniors. In the coming season, the team about six months, I finally got an MRI in June. I took off from will only get better. all activities for the rest of the summer, and now I am going to “We have a lot of potential to build on what our 11 physical therapy in hope that I will be ready to run again before runners started last year by placing second at Districts and the end of the season. It really stinks, but it has taught me how competing well at State. And not only that, we also have six much I much I enjoy running.” new young runners who are working hard and hungry to conIn the same way, Junior, Hunter Freiner, came down with tribute to our team. Great potential for this team comes from hamstring tendonitis last year near the end of the cross country their friendship, hard work ethic, and their champion’s mindset season. He was able to rest and heal over the winter time, and ... We believe that we will greatly improve our times from last ended up improving a lot during the spring track season. year,” said Head Coach Nile Heefner when asked about his “I’m excited to get into cross country this year and have a new expectations for this year. start, and I have been training a lot this some, so hopefully As Coach Heefner mentioned, the team has added I won’t have anymore injuries, and hopefully we are State many new runners. With the addition of these new strong bound!” he said. runners, the team will be even better.

Ultimately, Boys Cross Country has the potential to keep A majority of these rookies are Freshmen, but one Junior, improving this season and the next, but they’ll have to avoid Thomas Gorline, will be a huge contributor to the team right off injuries to do it. the bat.

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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW

The Girls Cross Country team is set up for another year of excellence.

CALEB MOELLENHOFF

They have the desire to serve and lead the younger girls.

“As a senior in my fourth year, my main goal is to set a good example, and in general, I want to give as much back as I received because I have enjoyed cross country so much, and it has shaped my high school experience immensely. Ultimately, we have had great success in the past years, and this year, I hope to be a proponent in that pursuit,” said Ava Hollmann on her aspirations for this year.

Staff Writer

Coming off of back-to-back District titles, the girls cross country team is poised for another year of success. In addition, the team has qualified for State for three years in a row. In fact, at districts last year, five of the girls placed in the top 15 qualifying as All-District runners. However, the girls are losing three seniors from last year: Amanda Espy, Ashley Moellenhoff, and Pamuela Mueller, all of which were on the varsity team last year. While the team will be missing a few notable runners from last year, they do have quite a few talented runners along with some new additions.

For instance, when Senior Isabella Francois described the potential of the team this year, she said, “I think a lot of potential.

We have a super young team with new freshmen and good Sophomore and Junior, in Kharis Perona and Emma Smith. I think if we commit to our training, I think we can go far. I don’t know exactly how it will all play out, but I’m looking forward to doing the best I can this season.”

Many of the returning runners are looking to improve upon their training and times from last year. However, some of the senior girls’ goals for the season go beyond just running fast.

Francois and Hollmann lead the pack. Photo by Kinsley Lawrence

While the team consistently strives to be the best it can be, the girls also have a lot of fun along the way. They always build each other up with kind words as they give 100% effort in all the long runs, fast workouts, and tough meets throughout the season. During these thirteen weeks, a group of girls transforms into a close, tight-knit team.

For example, Senior, Lily Duda explained the team’s mindset coming into this season: “This year, especially, we are all serious about our training, but we really like to keep it fun. This sport definitely requires a lot of hard work, but it’s great to know that all the girls will be there to encourage and support you no matter how your practice or race goes. It has been super fun to get to know the new girls on the team and grow closer to the returners.”

Over the past three years, the girls cross country team has been outlasting the competition and going all the way to State each season.

Along with the Boys, their first race on Friday was postponed.

The girls holding their first place plaque at districts last year. Photo by: Isabella Francois

24 SPORTING

SOFTBALL PREVIEW

However, the team loses three key seniors heading into this year: pitcher Dani Mabry, third baseman Katelynn Graham, and center fielder Rachel Ardnt.

The Softball team comes back from a successful, yet surprising season.

“Our team will definitely be affected by the loss of our Seniors because they were all influential players and great assets to the team. However, we have strong new and returning talent this year, so we will definitely be able to compete with the teams in our district,” said Sophomore Hope Linam.

BROOKE HIGHMARK Staff Writer

After the Softball team won Districts last season, some people have set higher expectations regarding this year’s team.

Coach Petke comments on this year’s goals for the season: “Our goal this year is to take another step forward in strengthening the softball program. Over the last several years, we have worked to build the program and establish a good culture throughout. We have been fortunate to have talented and dedicated young ladies come through the program that care as much about representing Christ as they do about the outcome on the scoreboard.”

“I wouldn’t say there is much pressure for us to live up to last season, because every team is different and has its own strengths as well as challenges. Last year we just had fun and focused on the basics, so this year I think that we will have the same priorities,” said Junior first baseman Nicki Mabry when asked if there is any pressure to live up to last season’s success. “I’d say that Reese Earlywine, Lauren Gates, Nicki Mabry, and (Freshman) Gabby Merrifield will be our strongest players To be specific, the Softball team went all the way to Sectionals because they have been playing for a long time. They always last year, but lost in the first round to Notre Dame. Many people know how to help people like me who haven’t been playing for very long,” said Junior right fielder Marty Briner. were surprised at the team’s success due to the impressive amount of new and inexperienced players.

Lauren Gates, Senior all-district catcher, talks about her personal goals for the season.

“The team has won District Championships before, but the unique part of last season was not knowing whether or not we would have enough girls to field a team. The improvement from “My main goal is to stay consistent with my numbers throughstart to finish is what set last season apart as unique,” said Dan out the season and help the team out with situational hitting.”

Gates continued regarding the new players on the team.

Petke, returning Head Coach of the team.

“We definitely got really lucky with Gabby Merrifield because of Dani graduating last year and not having any other real pitchers, so she will be a big help this season.”

Fortunately, there are no major injuries on the team at the moment. Senior Carsyn Beachy has been dealing with a shoulder problem for a while, but luckily she says it shouldn’t hold her back much: “I am going to try and play through as much as I can. So far, my shoulder hasn’t bothered me too much, but once the games start I will most likely just need to rely on Biofreeze.”

The Wildcats’ games were cancelled over the weekend. They play on Tuesday and Friday.

Lauren Gates. Photo by: Thomas Shultz

SPORTING 25

GIRLS TENNIS PREVIEW The Girls Tennis team made a major impact on their community through their sport last season.

AIDAN PENBERTHY Staff Writer

As a team that made a run in both team and individual districts with many positives, the Girls Tennis team saw no positive bigger than their outreach to help raise awareness for autism a season ago. Inspired by one little boy, the team’s motto and mindset became, “Play for Owen”. Their story was featured on NBC Channel 5 last fall.

This season, Coach Bishop’s Cats look to continue to build upon the successes and growth of the last few years. The team is going through a little bit of retooling, but still has a strong top end of the roster.

The team also found time to have fun while still working hard. Photo by: Caroline Kopsky

squad, but still strong with the senior core of Journee Henry, Caroline Kopsky, and Josie Christen. In addition, the team has Junior Hailey Colley, and Sophomore Avery Surber rounding out the returning members to the varsity team. The team will likely add three more to complete the roster of eight.

After losing half of the team from last season, most programs would have a hard time following up with another good seaThe team lost five of the ten members from last season includ- son. But there is still optimism in the air about the potential of ing three top players, two graduating in Hattie Means and Kiley the team this season.

McKee and one, Izzy Cancila, leaving to go to Villa Duchesne. “We’re looking promising,” said Henry.

Fellow Senior Caroline Kopsky spoke on what she looks forThe 2019 team comes with a different look than last year’s ward to this season.

“I’m excited for another season of playing my favorite sport, growing closer to my team, and seeing how much of an impact we can make with our fundraiser this year,” said Kopsky.

The team hopes to continue their charitable work off the court this season. It is something that brings everyone on the team together and helps care for other members of God’s family. No matter how well they do on the courts this year, their acts of service will be the biggest accomplishments that stick with them for years to come.

The girls tennis team not only plays for themselves but for others as well. Photo by: Caroline Kopsky

26 SPORTING

To start off the march back to where they were last year, the team gets their first look at live competition Tuesday against Lutheran North.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW The Girls Volleyball team is Senior-heavy, but they’re ready for a solid season.

BROOKE HIGHMARK Staff Writer

Despite losing some key players and coming off a rough season, this year’s Girls Volleyball team will still be competitive.

Things are looking up for the program, and with several new players, there will be a lot of competition for spots.

Although tryouts have already taken place, some JV players will still have the chance to move up depending on their performance. New Varsity Sophomore Hailey Pritchett explains, “This is said to be one of the most competitive years the volleyball program has had in a while and it should be a good season.”

To start, some of the new players to look out for will be libero and DS Avery Stanfill, opposite/outside hitter Emma Fairchild, \Sophia Shaver, and outside hitter Abby Siess.

“I’m really excited to see how this season turns out,” said Stanfill.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Bryndyn Crutcher is returning for his second season as the Varsity head coach.

“A huge part of this season will be the Senior leadership toward the Freshmen. Our team is filled with leaders and my goal is for them to help shape and mold the Freshmen to become leaders themselves, especially because we’re losing the bulk of our team next year. The Seniors should set a mental and physical example for the girls who will have to step up next season.

With injuries, however, there’s a possibility that there will be two or three Freshmen playing Varsity this year.”

Coach Crutcher has set some goals for his team this year, including “mentorship, a good team dynamic, competing well, and working together as one unit.”

The Varsity girls are coming out of a rough season last year.

They started off 0-7 and ended the season 7-21.

“We had a lot of great players but not a great record. A lot of this came from the multiple injuries we had, which forced us to use a lot of subs and keep switching our lineup around,” said Crutcher.

The team lost some key players such as Emma Gustafson and Sarah Elizabeth Williams. The team’s back row strength centered around Gustafson, who led the team in digs and serving percentage, while Williams dominated up at the net and lead the team in kills.

“It’s very hard to replace these two, but I know that our Seniors will step up and their leadership should be strong,” said Hailey Pritchett.

This season, the key returners include Seniors Izzy and Evie Cunningham (known as the twin towers), Senior Heidi Hightower, Senior Avery Burkemper, and Senior Bricyn Johnson. Hightower has had a major role on the team, as she is the only returning captain, and she led the team in blocks last year.

Coach Crutcher talks to his team. Photo by: WCA Yearbook

“Last year’s season gave us a good start for this year’s season; we have a lot of returning players and I’m excited to see how it goes,” she said.

With ten Seniors and only one more player from each class, this seems like the year for the Wildcats to have a good season. They play in their first game on Tuesday against Affton High school.

SPORTING 27

EVEN WITH FEWER PLAYERS, THE FOOTBALL VIBE IS STILL POSITIVE Although numbers are down, there is still hope for the Football program heading forward.

AIDAN PENBERTHY Staff Writer

Four years removed from one of the best seasons in school history, the 2015 installment of the Westminster Wildcats’ football team was on a mission. They ran the table in the regular season with the smallest margin of victory at eight points over rival MICDS. With star players like receivers Zach Hughes and Dyllan Conway, quarterback Evan Johnson, and running back Steve Webb, the team was loaded with talent to attack any defense in their path and they had the numbers to back it up. Scoring 565 points in their fourteen games, they had the best offense of any team in school history.

Once November came around and playoff action began, the Wildcats bullied the next-door neighbor Priory Rebels to a 49 point victory. They followed with a trouncing of a not so next-door neighbor, the Borgia Knights, and a nice victory against U-City, the Wildcats were into the Final Four. One game from the first crack at a State

Championship, Westminster’s dream season came to a somber end at the hands of a tough Kearney team.

After years of focusing on building up people rather than players, the Wildats had built a good culture with a team focus. In his tenure as head coach, Mr. Snyder made sure to make everyone feel valued and a part of something bigger than themselves. He put on the “Wildcat Olympics” every summer, putting people of all grades together on teams to compete in various events such as the 40-yard dash, tug of war, and obstacle courses to get points. The winning team earned ice cream sandwiches.

“The goal was always to create a tightly bonded group and from there when everyone had bought in, the results would come as the right players did,” said Snyder.

After his departure, the program saw a dip from 13-1 in 2015 to 3-7, 4-6, and 6-5 in the next three years respectively. Though many factors would contribute to the decline, there are a few glaring ones.

One issue that has plagued the team is players transferring to other schools. Many players that would have been big-time impact players Wildcats left for the potential of greener grass elsewhere. Losing a few players weeks into their freshman year, a few the summer before high school, and one of the most promising underclassmen leaving going into his sophomore season.

Coach Snyder. Photo by: Jay Fram

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With departures of important players and coaches, the Wildcats still had a decent roster of players built up but have had awful luck with the injury bug.

Injuries at the key position of quarterback occurred sidelining QB1 for the season in two instances. Chad Briden was injured in his junior year, leaving the wildcats to put a natural safety at the position. Most re-

cently, senior Lane Davis tore his MCL playing his sophomore season, and his ACL a year later as he was stepping into his new role as the starter.

Atlin Hall, a key running back, also had a variety of issues and later on ankle troubles over his four years at Westminster.

no one is a huge fan of it, going back to school every Saturday at one o’clock has become somewhat of a routine. Should the small numbers of players continue, who knows if the school can field a team five or ten years down the road. It is a very bleak truth and assuming the program does have enough players Injuries show just how deep a team is and to stick around, it could bring some very hard years along when there are many players transferring the team with it. is left in a tough spot. It is all hands on deck and try to make the most of the hand you have been With all the struggles both of the past and ones dealt with. Given the circumstances, the results are potentially on the horizon, Cory Snyder remains confident. not awful and the record has been trending upward There are around twenty players in both seventh and eighth each year. grade this season, the challenge now is keeping them in the program.

Five game-changers walking away from the school depletes the quality of the pool of pros“A big problem with not only football but other pects coming up. Add twelve graduating players sports is continuing to get the players to come back. There from the roster last season, and now the program are so many opportunities that teens have that may seem is left with only thirty players. But that number is more appealing than going to work for something, espedeceiving. The commitments of the new players cially on a day where it is hot and you had a long day of have given new life to the team. Going into the classes. Many kids now don’t like to work all week for one 2019 season, the team believes that should they be game with delayed gratification and they take the easier healthy, will continue to improve from the record path,” Snyder added. of the previous season. A solid core that consists of This season will be the most impactful one in Davis, defensive back Ben Straub, star sophomore shaping the future of the program. A good season could running back L.J. Minner, cornerback/receiver lure current eighth-graders and underclassmen at other Ben Hicks, along with lineman Ben Chereji, and schools looking to transfer to 800 Maryville Centre Drive.

But if a few bounces go the wrong way, the inverse can easily be seen on the horizon. The numbers do not lie, and having around thirty players in total, with around half graduating next spring, questions arise with thoughts of not enough manpower going forward. Eleven players are on the field at once. Having roughly twenty-eighth graders ready to join the upper school team could provide a boost, keeping the team alive. A very small junior class and younger players slowly dwindling out of the sport, the team will be forced to rely on the middle school program to keep the program alive. Then you have around thirty-five Zach Hughes. Photo by: Varsity Views players, over half being freshmen. Should this be the case, there will be dark days ahead in the next few years as the Yale commit Bennie Anderson. This season has the potential to be a special one in both successes younger guys continue to develop. Compared to not having and how the team was formed and played for their a team, this is still the far better option of the two. No one wants to see a big part of the school go away. Coming to God, their school, and their teammates. school on Saturday afternoons in the fall has become part Although the Wildcats have a solid squad of the Westminster student experience, but the way it is this season, nearly half of thirty-five players are heading it may soon be coming to an end.

Seniors, and by doing the math that would be around twenty players remaining, not including current eighth-graders that will join next season.

The future is one of uncertainty and although

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RAPID FIRE PODCAST

There’s something new going on in 800 Sporting

KOBY SCHMER Staff Writer

We hope that this podcast is convenient for the Westminster sports people out there, and we hope that that Wildcat nation enjoys this as much as Bennie and I do. We would like to wish you all Peace, Love….

My name is Koby Schmer and I am the co-host and producer for the brand new 800 Sporting podcast, Rapid Fire.

And Dubs.

My partner, Bennie Anderson, and I are really excited about the upcoming year of Westminster sports and seeing all the new athletes. The point of writing this today is to let everyone know why we came up with this idea and why we encourage you to be a listener. Bennie and I were talking about doing a podcast all last year, and during the end of the school year, we said why not. We dropped Episode 1 on Soundcloud, and then followed that up with an episode featuring Mr. Roff. But, the main point behind why Bennie and I are doing this is because we want people to be informed about what is going on in the sports environment at Westminster. We are spreading the word about top athletes in the building and, hopefully, bringing the community together. In order to make this podcast as good at it can get, we decided that every week or so, we would have a special guest on. There will be a variety of people on the Rapid Fire podcast, whether it’s shooting the breeze with Mr. Horn or talking to Nick Moten about his slider and the season ahead. In most scenarios, Bennie and I will simply be giving you the rundown Graphic created by Pearson Georges on what is going on in our community.

BOYS SWIMMING PREVIEW The Boys Swim team is set for another solid season.

JACK MARTIN Staff Writer

The Boys Swim team had a very solid season a year ago, but trying to rekindle the magic will be a tall task. The team lost three of its seven state-qualifying swimmers through the likes of Seniors Caleb Terschak, Reid St. John, and Freshman, Maddoc McGowan. While these departures certainly hurt, there are many bright spots coming from the underclassmen. Sophomores Jack Villa and Will Richards were each state qualifiers a year ago, and they will look to carry the torch left by Terschak and St. John. Despite all the transition around him, Richards still has a very positive outlook on this upcoming season.

The Boys Swim Team continues to work hard in practice Photo by: WCA Yearbook

tors again in this event. Similarly, Villa will look to continue to impress in the backstroke, after finishing 17th in state in just his Freshman season.A couple potential newcomers who could add a spark include Seniors Henry Hartshorn and Jack Wittenauer.

Despite not making it so state last year, the senior duo want to finish off their swimming careers on a high note.

“Losing some of the seniors really hurt, but we have many ter“Making a state appearance would mean so much to me in my rific sophomore and junior swimmers returning,” said Richards. final season,” commented Hartshorn. “I think we have a really “My goal is just to beat my records from last year and help this good group of hard-working guys who could make something team make it back to state.” happen this year.”

The nucleus of this years team is made up of four returning While repeating last years success will be quite difficult, there is state-qualifying swimmers. After coming off a 23rd place finish still plenty of talent across all age levels that could get this Boys in state in the 200 Freestyle Relay, Juniors Sam Parker Stillman Swim Team back to the State Championships. and Hugh Muschany, and Richards will look to be big contribu-

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THE FINAL VERDICT ON BLUE CREW CHEERING The debate is over, so it’s time to just stop arguing.

TOMMY BRINER Sports Editor

It’s been hashed and rehashed, debated and pounded into the ground. It’s hard to tell which one has made more people upset at Westminster: the phone policy or the new Blue Crew cheering policy. But the debate is over. There’s nothing left to say.

The Westminster Blue Crew won’t chant or yell negatively at its opponents.

No negative chants towards the other team seeks to give other schools a good experience competing against Westminster and showcase what Westminster stands for. Familiar chants such as the tomahawk chop, “airball”, and any other chant directed at the opposing student section or players will not be allowed.

As a Senior and the new leader of the Blue Crew, Henry Hartshorn talks about what this new rule means for the student section.

The Blue Crew. Photo by: Thomas Shultz

the year comes from Matthew 5:14. It was discussed in the first chapel and states that we are a city on a hill and should shine our light for all others to see. We are constantly making impressions on people that may not be familiar with what Christians or Christianity is truly like. In these moments, we have a chance to show others that we are trying to further His kingdom through how we, as a school, carry ourselves and treat others.

We want to remain respectful at all times, and the new policy does not take anything away from the game. We will still be running the race to win (Pillar 5), but all while honoring Jesus Christ in all things (Pillar 1).

“From a Christian standpoint, I totally understand where Coach Snyder is coming from. But from a sports standpoint, I am “It really comes down to us asking ourselves whether our worried about losing competitiveness and rivalry between the actions reflect the Gospel or not,” said Athletic Director Cory two teams which makes sports so fun,” he said.

Snyder, the person responsible for the changes.

At Westminster, we, as Christians, are to be an example to everyone else of how to behave. Our overall school theme for

Students want to create a fun environment to be in while at the games. This creates more school pride and a greater sense of unity. But it’s unrealistic for people to think that they can’t still have fun and build community at sporting events where all they can’t do is yell at the other team.

Students should focus on being with one another, enjoying the event, and cheering loudly and proudly for their own team.

“We can either row the boat the same direction, or we can row against each other,” said Snyder.

Give the new Blue Crew a chance, and you might realize that it’s not as bad as you think.

The Blue Crew. Photo by: Tommy Briner

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PLAYERS TO WATCH Lane Davis

Lane Davis, after suffering an ACL injury early in his Junior year, has big plans to come back and make a statement as the leader of the team.

Over the summer, he caught mulptiple college coache’s eyes at various camps.

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LJ Minner and Ben Straub

LJ Minner is a sophomore running back who led the team in rushing yards last year when he was only a freshman. He did this also while splitting carries with 2019 graduates Atlin Hall and Zion Thompson. As the new season rolls around, LJ looks to continue his impressive performance on the field.

Ben Straub, who led the team in interceptions his Junior year and was an All-Conference performer, hopes to continue his high level of play for his final year on Westminster turf.

With the connection between him and quarterback Lane Davis, he will be a large threat on the football field.

Bennie Anderson Jr.

Bennie Anderson Jr. will be a very exciting player to watch his Senior year because of his strength and hustle. After a very football-packed summer, including his commitment to further his football and academic career at Yale University, Bennie is preapring for his final high school season in the trenches.

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