800 News: The Wildcat Roar - October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

Meet Mr. Wolfe Page 10-11 Westminster Christian Academy

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800 NEWS CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF MAGGIE LINDSTROM, JUNIOR

CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF EMMA HARRIS, JUNIOR

CO-EDITOR - 800SPORTING MARTYBRINER, SENIOR

CO-EDITOR - 800SPORTING BROOKE HIGHMARK, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

COLIN RING, SENIOR

EMMA SMITH, SENIOR

2 STAFF

NOLAN JONES, JUNIOR

CJ FRANCOIS, FRESHMAN

ST

TAFF

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

MOOREA ATKINS, SENIOR

KAITLYN BUTLER, JUNIOR

SAM VESTAL, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER BEN KNISLEY , SOPHOMORE

HOPE LINAM, JUNIOR

ELLIE JOHNSON, JUNIOR

ANAGI PIERIS, SOPHOMORE

STAFF WRITER GUS DUDA, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

EVAN KOHN, JUNIOR

ELLIE JONES, JUNIOR

STAFF WRITER

ANDREW CAHILL, FRESHMAN

STUDENTS SERVING STUDENTS STAFF 3

CONTENTS

FEATURE

WINTER BLUES PG. 6 CRUISESHIP INDUSTRIES PG. 14 HALLOWEEN COSTUMES PG. 15 DIFFERENT EATING HABITS PG. 9

4 CONTENTS

OPINION

GUITAR HEROES PG. 7 VIDEO GAME VIOLENCE PG. 8 MIXING MUSIC & POLITICS PG. 16 DON’T CALL ME WOMAN PG. 18

IN-DEPTH MEET MR. WOLFE PG. 10-11 THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE PG. 17

SPORTS

MIA SCHULEN PG. 20 HAILEY & AVERY PG. 21 PAUL SMASH BROS PG. 22 CADEN COLLISON PG. 22 DISTRICTS PREP PG. 23 ALLI BISHOP PG. 25 CROSS COUNTRY PG. 26 BLUE AND WHITE GAME PG. 27

CONTENTS

STAFF ED

STAFF ED

WELCOMING DISCOURSE

Proverbs 18:15 — “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

This is the new 800 news! We went through a huge change in staff as our seniors left the staff last year, so we are turning over a new leaf (just in time for fall!). This first issue is the first of many more to come from this new staff. We are all here in the newsroom working for the common goal of providing new content that informs not just our Westminster community, but the world. We believe every voice is unique, and we want nothing more for our staff members than the opportunity to express their individuality in a way that benefits the lives of others. It is our duty to face issues with courage and conviction and our hope to change and inform the world one article at a time- or at least the world of Westminster. We are beyond excited to begin this new journey as we find and discover more and more about ourselves and about each other. So tune in to the Wildcat Roar website to get exclusive looks at articles, videos, and sports.

Sincerely, Emma Harris and Maggie Lindstrom, Co-Editors-in-Cheif

STAFF EDITORIAL 5

WINTER BLUES: WHAT, WHY, AND HOW TO COPE KAITLYN BUTLER Staff Writer As the winter season approaches, so follows the dreams of a white Christmas, gingerbread men, and twinkling lights. Yet along with our expectations of holiday cheer come dwindling temperatures and shortened days-which often leave us feeling more blue than anticipated.

Why does our mood fail to align with the spirit of the winter months? Some call it the “winter blues,” characterizing a decline in mental health as the year comes to a close. Multiple factors play into affecting our emotions, associated with the decrease in sunlight exposure. The resulting reduced intake of vitamin D inhibits the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood (“Cold Weather and Anxiety”).

than just feeling blue—it interferes with a patient’s daily functioning (“Cold Weather and Anxiety”). Symptoms include a disinterest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities, a change in sleeping or eating habits, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and self-harming thoughts (Wu). In this case, it is necessary to ask for professional help from a counselor or psychiatrist to avoid jeopardizing your safety.

The cold weather may also intensify other mental disorders, including anxiety disorder, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. Be sure to look out for yourself and seek assistance if you notice new or increased symptoms.

The emotional disruption caused by suppressed neurochemicals does not often pose as a long-term or serious threat. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, your brain will rebalance with the increase of serotonin—the winter blues may simply be a natural decline in mood dependent on the weather. However, for some individuals struggling with mental illness, the wintertime may pose a serious threat to their health.

How should you cultivate or prepare for a healthy state of mind during this winter? Exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are all conducive to serotonin and dopamine production (Wu). Consider practicing mindfulness: journal, meditate, breathe, or simply step back and sift through your thoughts (Krishnan). And it may feel vulnerable and anxiety-inducing to reveal the reality of our struggles—yet it can be more harmful to hold it in.

Phone a friend, trusted adult, or counselor and let them Seasonal Affective Disorder, characterized by depressive know how you feel (“Cold Weather and Anxiety”). episodes specific to a certain time of the year, is more In more serious cases, the use of light boxes may alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, according to the Harvard Medical School. M.D. Dominic Wu recommends purchasing a light box of 10,000 lux, usually marketed for the purpose of seasonal mood regulation, and turning it on for 30 minutes in the morning.

As winter approaches, do not neglect caring for your mental health. Emotional well-being is often over-

Photo by: Michala Crooks

6 NEWS

looked as negligible in comparison to physical well-being, yet the truth is that both equally impact our overall health. So don’t be afraid to bundle up, stay warm, and prioritize TLC for yourself and your mind.

WE NEED A HERO: THERE ARE FEWER AND FEWER PROMINENT GUITAR PLAYERS MOOREA ATKINS Staff Writer

In the 50’s and 60’s when Elvis was all the rage and rock ‘n’ roll was just starting to emerge, the world was waiting. Waiting for what they didn’t know, but something was coming.

Something big, indescribable, and absolutely awesome.

Enter Jimi Hendrix. Jimi Hendrix is the best guitarist of all time. He could make sounds with guitar nobody thought was possible. He could play guitar behind his back, over his head, Four of the most famous guitarists of all time: Jimmy Page, Jimi Henand even with his tongue - all while playing left handed. He created his own rhythm and sound that has influenced thou- drix, Edward Van Halen, and Eric Clapton. sands of bands. The first guitar hero has ascended down from Illustrated by Moorea Atkins What makes people like Edward Van Halen or Jimmy Page space. such great musicians is their ability to think above and beEveryone wanted to be like Hendrix. The youth flocked to the yond what they know to be true in songwriting and composition. Their bands (Jimi Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin, guitar, trying to learn how to become a guitar hero. Then as the 70’s came, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton came along and Cream, and Van Halen) pushed the boundaries of lyric writalso turned the world of rock upside down. Led Zeppelin ruled ing, tone, and musical excellence. They invented their own styles of music which are unique from other musicians. So the world of rock, and Clapton’s blues sound influenced all unique in fact, that after a while you can tell which guitarist areas of music. is playing just by the first few notes. The thing they all have in common is this: they ignored previously set traditions in Then into the 80’s, Edward Van Halen came along. His instrumental song called ‘Eruption’ changed rock as we know music and bulldozed right over them. it. Guitar players that had been playing their whole lives suddenly had to practice more if they were to keep up. Guitar That’s why guitar heroes are so essential to society yet so shredding had entered the scene, and stayed through the 80’s. controversial - they were constantly pushing the boundaries.

The only person they believed they had to prove themselves to was themselves. They didn’t care if others liked their Guitar heroes, such as mentioned, are essential to music. music or not, their biggest critic was always themselves. For These four I mentioned are just a small portion of guitarists example, Edward Van Halen says that in the first few secoften idolized by musicians and artists alike - and for good onds of ‘Eruption’, there’s a mistake and it’s actually played reasons. Their sounds, techniques, and unique rhythms still influence bands and artists today. But the world hasn’t seen a wrong, and every time he listens to it he can’t help but be prominent guitar hero since Kurt Cobain. Pioneers in guitar no bothered that he didn’t play it right before releasing it. longer exist. It seems the world has heard everything there is to be heard out of the electric guitar. So you may be asking: what exactly happened to them, and why don’t guitar heroes exist anymore?

That being said, I believe everyone should check out one of the bands and guitar players mentioned above at least once in their life. These guitar heroes have influenced so many parts of our culture- not just musically, but even down to the way we dress. Just because they’re old and out of style nowWell, record labels are always looking for artists who make them money. If the people who buy the music and give them adays doesn’t mean they’re useless. I’ve learned so much about how to be a better visual artist lately just by listening money keep asking for the same old easy stuff from musicians, they will keep getting it. Think about it: most songs in to their music. Guitar heroes are an older concept, but their the top 50 today consist of the same four chords, same beat, creative instincts aren’t. and same general theme. It’s time we start demanding something more from our favorite artists and musicians, something I think most of us can all agree that the music industry, new and innovative- not the same sounding song ten times in Hollywood, and the entertainment industry in general needs a makeover. But all revolutions start with a leader, and right a row on an album. now in 2020 more than ever, we need a hero.

FEATURES 7

ARE VIDEO GAMES MAKING KILLERS OUT OF OUR TEENS? ELLIE JOHNSON Staff Writer

A large television screen comes to life, and a teenager plops on the couch in front of it to settle in for the weekend. According to Emily Guskin, writer for the Washington Post, this scene is familiar to roughly 59% of teens and young adults as that is the amount of teens that regularly play video games.

While many teens enjoy the entertainment that video games offer, many are concerned about the violence that countless games picture. Is it desensitizing the players? Does it cause violent behavior?

Although violent video games are proven to lead to aggression, they are not necessarily linked to violence and are protected by the First Amendment. Considering this, one should be careful when introducing themselves or those around them to violent video games, but should not stop playing them. As Santiago Sir, Advergame designer, said, “Games are not just art, they are the most revolutionary form of art mankind has ever known about.”

First, the difference between violence and aggression should be specified. Aggression usually includes all of the main emotions and thoughts that violent individuals exhibit, but without the urge to fatally wound another human being. According to the American Psychological Association, aggressiveness includes “insults, threats, hitting, pushing, hair pulling, biting, and other forms of verbal and physical aggression.” Violence is an extreme subtype of aggression.

The agreement amongst the scientific community is that violent video games lead to the desensitization of the players and aggressive behaviors, not necessarily violence. While countless, extensive studies have been conducted linking aggression to violent video games, the National Center for Health Research is tentative to link them to lethal violence due to “insufficient research.”

However, an interesting connection can be made when looking at statistics of mass shootings against the release dates of the most notable violent video games. According to Pew Research Center, the first major spike in homicides per year was in the Video Game Brutality late 1970’s. Interestingly, the game Death Race, one of the Illustration by: Ellie Johnson first arcade games centered around killing humanoid figures, was released in 1976. Then, the highest spike occurred in the mid 1990’s, around the same time that the game Mortal Kombat, the first video game to feature lifelike, realistic violence, was released. While these connections are interesting, there is no evidence that these games caused the increase in homicides.

So, if these video games lead to an increase in aggression, should they be produced? The difficulty of the decision can be understood when looking at the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects many rights including the right to create and view visual art. Considering that video games could fall under the classification of art, they cannot be taken away nor should they.

8 OPINION

THE GREAT PIZZA DEBATE MOOREA ATKINS Staff Writer

I was lucky enough to go to England a couple years ago to vis- or weird. it some family. While I was there, I witnessed a horrible sight: my cousins ate pizza with a knife and fork.

Manners are important, I’ll admit. Even though I’m American and Americans do tend to be rude sometimes, manners have I remember that night my aunt decided to order pizza in order their place in society. Saying hello to others, shaking hands to give my brother and I a sense of familiarity, something we (but not during coronavirus), and eating with a knife and fork every once in a while do give others a good impression. had not had after being in England for a week. Pizza is not Since they’re products of tradition and culture, the British in nearly as popular as it is in America, so we decided to have general are overall very behaved people to be around. Maybe some good old American junk food. us Americans could learn a thing or two from them.

My cousins sat down to eat and very carefully cut up their Even though it was almost six years ago, I still think about slices of pizza in nice little bite size squares. My brother and the Great Pizza Debate often. My mom and I still laugh about I on the other hand, used our hands to devour our slices and reached for a second when our cousins weren’t even halfway how upset my aunt was about the importance of eating with a knife and fork. I love my family in England, don’t get me done with their first. wrong, but eating pizza with a knife and fork? That’s just not right.

We must have looked like savage animals. Our cousins watched us eat with horrified eyes, what had we become? We were so quiet and well behaved before, but now our American culture and tendencies were coming out in a way they’d never seen before.

We finished our dinner in silence, my brother and I happy and content, and my aunt and cousins terrified. With hushed tones my mom and aunt discussed something serious, my aunt looking determined and angry, and my mom annoyed. My mom asked to take it into the next room.

I would later find out that my aunt was absolutely horrified that my brother and I didn’t eat with a knife and fork. She tore into my mom, telling her that she was not raising good English children who eat like that. My mom calmly replied: “My kids aren’t British. They’re American.”

Whoever thought pizza could cause such a strong debate? In England, it’s perfectly normal to eat pizza with a knife and fork. Here in America it’s a weird thing to do. In fact, we don’t use both a knife and fork to eat most foods.

But pizza though, it just doesn’t make sense! Pizza is supposed to be eaten fast! You have to use your hands to get the full experience. Sure, you look crazy while you eat it. Isn’t that the point? Here in America you’re allowed to eat like a madman.

I’m not sure I’ll ever understand why my cousins eat pizza with a knife and fork, and vice versa. I do know this: just because they’re different from me doesn’t mean they’re wrong

Use your hands to eat pizza, not a knife and fork.

Illustrated by Moorea Atkins

IN-DEPTH 9

MEET KEN WOLFE ANAGI PIERIS STAFF WRITER

This year Ken Wolfe is teaching 10th grade Biblical Ethics at Westminster. In the past he has taught storytelling classes at UMSL as well as various grammar classes in a score of public school districts.

Q. What’s your favorite part of teaching A. “[M]y favorite part of teaching is getting to know really cool people before they understand how cool they are. ‘Cause there are some amazing people I’ve had a hand in educating. It’s just neat to see where they’re going, what they’ve done.”

Q. On the first day of school I noticed while walking into your class, that you have actually decorated everything with a lot of unusual, thought-provoking contraptions/posters. Can you explain to me just one object in the room: why the picture of a random, white-haired man on the back wall?

A. “Karl is up there; he’s an old family friend... one of those people you don’t not remember knowing. [W]e get along in most ways, except that he is really strong in his opinion that I am wasting my time in teaching scholars, teaching kids...He will say to me that this generation...refuses to think for themselves, listens to only what the celebrities say, they’re all emotionally based and not rationally based, they are totally happy to sit around and be given things, all that stuff. [He] says that your generation is going to be a drain on society and I’m wasting my time. And I tell him, you don’t know the kids like I know the kids, you don’t understand...And he disregards all of that. We almost got into a physical fight once...And the reason I [hung his picture] up there is for two reasons. One is that I want to show the kids that in the culture we’re in right now, you can disagree passionately and fundamentally with someone...and still be civil. I mean, this is my life’s work, that he is attacking and still, I mean, I love Karl. I do. This one area we really don’t get along, but I respect him... And that’s unusual in our culture right now. I mean if you disagree with someone, you have to write them off and I want the scholars to know

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that that’s not the case... And the other thing I want my scholars to realize is that the world...tells you that you’re wonderful, and that you’ve got so much to give... And that may be so, but I also think a lot of them are like Karl, you know, who say: when I was growing up, we did things right, what’s the matter

with you? And I think it’s always been that way, you know, one generation denigrates the next one coming up, but [the students] need to know that Karls are out there. [W]hen they blow off their work in order to do something wasteful or if they don’t think [rationally]... they’re making Karl right. So I put him up there so the scholars realize: they don’t want Karl to be right about them.”

acter, I realize were not admirable; he was a womanizer...he drank a lot. [But] he was very funny and very witty and he had a good heart. And [the show] showed it a lot: how he dealt with some of the characters who looked up to him, he was very cool with.”

Q. What is the most important thing you want the WCA community to know about you?

A. “I went to Westminster in 7th and 8th grade and

Q. If you could, what I had a hard time at Westminster, because I was advice would you say to insecure as a seventh grader and I didn’t know who I could trust. The hard thing about a Christian school your high school self?

is that people are people and people, being people, A. “In short, God is sover- are sinful, but that everybody knows what to say. eign— so trust God—but They know what to say, they know how to look, to still, floss. ‘Cause there’s look Christian. So when I was here, it was difficult to tell who was friend and who was foe...I come back some stuff that’s his responsibility and some stuff after forty years and I want to be a— not the—but a, Hawkeye Pierce this school. I want to be good at what that’s mine and I can’t I do and trustworthy relationally and a model of how ignore mine.”

Jesus can redeem a weirdo.”

Q.Who was your greatest, most prominent role Q. How long have you been a teacher? model growing up?

“This is year thirty for me.”

A. “For me, in growing up...Hawkeye Pierce from the show from “Mash”, from the show about the Korean Wars and doctors in mobile army surgical hospitals…[This surgeon]...I just thought was the coolest—and actually I don’t know if I modeled my life after him—but I really wanted to be him.”

Photo by: Anagi pieris

Q. Have you always known you wanted to be a teacher?

“You know what’s funny: I didn’t want to be a teacher. I wanted to be on a radio show; I wanted to be a disc jockey...I was actually a communications major at Baylor University, and as I was driving home from Waco, which is a thirteen hour drive, and it was late, and I was listening to the radio as I was in Oklahoma... And there was a guy on, you know, three or four stations and they were playing music and I realized: I’m gonna have to play music for cows in the “[Hawkeye Pierce] was middle of the night for years before I get a market and funny and he was, you a slot and actually make money! And I was in love know, really gentle with with a girl at the time, and I thought: there is no way people he genuinely cared I can raise a family with this ephemeral job. So I marabout and stood up against ried the girl, which was good, and I started praying the people he thought and asking God: what can I do? And he had a bunch were wrong, but with of people, probably eight or nine people in the sumsatire and a kind of acerbic mer tell me, ‘you try teaching, you would probably be humor. And there were good at teaching’. So I stepped in, and it’s been a good a lot of things that now gig ever since.” [when I watch] the char-

NEWS 11

TAKE A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK OF THE PLAY! ELLIE JONES Staff Writer

Behind the Scenees Photo

Stay tuned for more details to come in the morning announcements!

Jim Butz, director, Ian Gilbert, senior, and Jackson Loehr, junior gather to discuss the play while watching dress rehearsal.

The special effects team dry-running to make sure everything is perfect when it’s camera time.

The actors preparing to film the all-virtual play through countless hours of dress rehearsals and re-takes.

12 FEATURES

Solo shot of Aje Jones, senior while practicing for the camera, in full costume while set work is also being done.

Kathy Eichelberger, Grace Andrews, senior and Aje Jones, senior fixing costumes.

The fall musical is called “Spoon River Anthopology” which includes amazing lyrical pieces and incredible scenes. The costume and set department have put in so much hard to work to make this play come to life.

ements!

Jim Butz, director, Ian Gilbert, junior and Matteo Zavaglisa putting in the leg-work for the online performace.

Behind the Scenees Photo

Cast members gathering in between takes.

The crew shoots a few dry-run takes before beginning practice.

This year’s play is going to be unique from years past. The play will be all-virtual, so it will be performed as a movie. The behind the scenes crew and the cast have worked countless hours to make sure that the film will entertain viewers just as much as the in-person plays do. Make sure to tune in to the play someitme in november!

FEATURES 13

COVID CRUISING: HOW DIFFERENT CRUISING INDUSTRIES SUFFERED CJ FRANCOIS STAFF WRITER

COVID 19 has really hit the world hard, but the most affected business by far is the cruise industry. Cruise lines have lost millions of dollars and have gone in debt due to the virus. Early cases of COVID were found on the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess, owned by Princess Cruises. The Grand Princess was in Mexico and the Diamond Princess was in Japan. As soon as cases were reported aboard, both ships were quarantined. These ships were the first cruise ships to be affected by Covid.

Cruises are very dangerous places to have COVID. A main reason for this is because it’s a very small living space. For example, most ships are 600 to 1100 feet long and 90 to 150 feet wide. As a result of these small living spaces, these ships are especially deadly places to get Covid.

The affects COIVD had on cruiselines, makong them spend millions. Photo by: Emma Smiith

ly, sailing into the Mediterranean Sea. This is much better than what Royal Carribean is doing. Royal Carribean is not sailing at all because they own the biggest cruise ships in the world. Their ships can carry twice as many passengers as most other cruise ships, making it among the deadliest places to get COVID-19.

Plans have been made to get cruising back in Sadly, many other ships that sail from America action in the US. Cruises in Europe are experare not sailing. The US has one of the biggest imenting with a new type of cruise. They are having ships go out into the middle of the ocean cruise demands in the world, making cruising very difficult. While cruising may never be the and then turning around, instead of going to different destinations. This is supposed to help same, many lessons have been learned. cruise lines to make money and help people relax, while still reducing the spread of Covid. While Costa Cruises is owned by Carnival Many hope that this will be temporary. It’s not corporation and plc group, Carnival Cruises is still not sailing. Carnival says they will resume the same as going to different destinations.

That’s the entire point of a cruise. While cruis- cruising soon, but know one knows this for ing may never go back to normal, they are still sure. Cruising in America is still being questioned. Safety is a major factor. Will too many working with what they have. people be exposed to Covid if one passenger Costa Cruises, a European cruise line has been has it? That’s the risk the cruise industry is willing to take. given the green light to try this new type of cruising. They are currently doing this in Ita-

14 FEATURES

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES: SHOULD I MAKE OR BUY? ANDREW CAHILL STAFF WRITER

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and Halloween is just around the corner. The time has come to get your next costume. You look around for ideas and realize that you have a dilemma: should you buy or make your costume There are many opinions on the subject of costumes. Buying a costume might look better and be more time efficient, while making a costume is cheaper.

that looks like an animal would not be hard to do, and you could make it look nice too. A cow costume could be a white shirt and white pants with black dots.

Another costume that would look good would be a ghost. That is a very simple costume that you can have fun making. You can add a touch of creativity to the costume and customize it by adding your own colors, or your own details so that it looks unique.

Other people choose to buy a costume. This way, the costume will be very precise to what you are trying to look like. Also, it is faster to get the costume, and you don’t have to spend time on making it. A store bought costume would cost as little as $5, but sometimes more.

If you put some time and effort into it, your selfmade costume can actually look super cool. There are many places to find instructions on how to make costumes. Like pinterest, or other websites on your browser. A homemade costume would cost One example of a costume that looks better when lower than $20. it’s store bought is like a costume of a character from a movie. That would be like a Harry Potter Some costumes that may look good homemade costume or a Disney princess costume. That way would be an animal costume. Making a costume

you can look precisely like the character because it’s hard to make a costume that looks precisely like a movie character.

Another type of a costume that would look good store bought would be a costume of a sports player. That way you can get the player’s exact jersey, and the team’s exact uniform pants, helmet, and socks.

After looking at the both of the options, it’s really whichever costume you want.

Both options are good for different reasons. If you would like to save some money, make a costume. If you want an accurate costume, buy one.

What are the pros and cons of both sides? Infographic by:Emma Harris

FEATURES 15

KEEPING OUR COMPOSURE: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MIX MUSIC WITH POLITICS? EMMA HARRIS CO-EDITOR IN CHEIF

The world is louder, more tense, and more divided than it’s ever felt before. Politics are slowly taking over, permeating into every situation and inserting itself into every conversation if it goes on for long enough. When politics start leaking into music, something interesting happens- something that has the chance to be great, but often ends up falling short and coming off poorly.

Will music end up dividing us even more?

Illustration by: Emma Harris

Blanket statements don’t mean anything. You can’t, as Brandi Carlile’s satirical song ‘Mainstream Political music that actually means something, that the musiKid’ points out, cians are passionate about, can be incredibly powerful. I will just throw your never, ever elect to separate all politics from music. For exam- fist into the air ple, the punk musical movement ‘Riot grrrl,’ led by musicians and “declare a sosuch as Joan Jett and the band Bikini Kill, was an empowering cial victory.” You and impactful movement that helped to advance women’s have to actually do something. And yes, spreading your ideas rights- especially in the music industry. It was the first push to is extremely important and sometimes the only thing you let females into the rock genre, a historically and typically male actually can do. But people aren’t inclined to believe you or dominated area, and celebrated the idea that women can be the movement you’re a part of if you don’t seem like you bestrong and influential too. From this period came a multitude lieve it yourself. Are you speaking up because it’s trendy or of amazing, punchy, social construct and stereotype smashing speaking up because you believe there’s something to speak songs, such as Bikini Kill’s ‘Rebel Girl’ and No Doubt’s ‘Just A up about? Do you see people speaking up about someone Girl’. else’s pain and base your own speeches and declarations off of theirs, thus focused on the movement, or do you actually see someone in pain and speak up for them, focused on the There are some instances where being political works. Bands like U2 and Greenday are known for being political, but it’s dif- people behind the movement? ferent for them. They speak up about causes they’re passionate about then they actually practice what they preach. U2 speaks If people see ‘efforts’ being made and notice they amount to up about issues, then creates or partakes in organizations ded- nothing but more political divide- which they will, as simple icated to solving said issues. They’re also able to create songs statements mean and do nothing- they are going to grow disabout politics without politics taking over every single song of heartened. Additionally, if you annoy people by bringing up theirs, reinforcing the idea that they aren’t pushing their opin- politics all the time and acting like a broken record, or if you ions on you, but rather inviting you to join them. All of their try to shove it down their throats, people aren’t going to be ideas and beliefs feel genuine. Whether genuine or not, other receptive. In fact, you might actually be the reason they disbands and musicians who create whole albums seemingly out agree with you. This detriments not only you, but the whole of the blue or bring up politics with every public statement they cause you just stood up for and the people in it, potentially make almost never come across this way. setting the movement back instead of pushing it forwards.

While Greenday does come out with almost entire albums focused around a movement or opinion, you know that’s what you’re getting. Almost from the moment they started, Greenday made it clear they were there to make a difference. But, when a previously unpolitical band suddenly brings politics up in everything they do, it feels like they’re bandwagoning. It doesn’t feel like they care about it, it feels like they see other people who care and all the attention they receive because of it. It also feels disingenuous when the statements they make are typical, blanket, unfocused ones that don’t point out any particular problem, just a big picture- a big picture we already knew existed.

16 OPINION

Music has the chance to be journalism, but with more people listening. For ages, it has been a way to protest inequalities and discrimination, a way to rally together and spread information, thus making it so powerful. It has the chance to change the world: this means it can change it for the better, or it can mean it can tear the world apart. Will disingenuous and meaningless political statements be enough to tip us over into chaos? Probably not. But it could easily create an atmosphere of bitterness, a lack of effort, and pessimism. Movements could move backwards, and a matter of human rights becomes controversial. Music brings this world together; we can’t let it start tearing us apart.

A PROPER DEBATE OR A MISTAKE? EMMA SMITH STAFF WRITER

The presidential debate was an embarrassment to America.

Republicans were so ashamed at Trump’s actions that they went so far as to say Biden won. Some pointed out that Biden couldn’t defend himself against some of Trump’s points, and others could not find a winner to come out of the nonsense that occured.

The debate itself accomplished nothing, but there were high hopes for the Vice President debate, which was much more civilized and proper.

The next presidential debate, which Trump has declined to attend, is supposed to be held virtually. Maybe he declined because he didn’t want to be put on mute.

Unlike the argument our candidates had, a Debate is defined as a formal discussion where opposing arguments are put forward. Each candidate states their argument and then they have a chance to rebut. The rebuttal should be respectful and relate to the argument. It should not be a direct insult to the opponent.

When Donald Trump and Joe Biden got up on the stage, a debate that somehow went even worse than expected. Democrats and Republicans were ready to support their candidate no matter how poorly they did.

That all changed when the debate began and the candidates opened their mouths- or rather, when they wouldn’t close their mouths. It was Impossible to follow the conversation.

Both candidates were attempting to talk over the other one, and neither was able to make a clear argument. Both were too busy insulting each other. As a result of all the yelling and speaking all at once the subtitles were a complete mess.

America was not prepared for the insanity that they were about to experience.

The presidential debate perhaps wasn’t all that preseidential Photo by: Emma Smith

Trump supporters everywhere struggled to find a way to make Trump’s poor choices and abrasive debating style seem better. At one point, he went so far as to insult Biden’s family.

If that was not bad enough, he refused to speak about white supremacy. Many Americans described him as childish. Biden neglected to respond to many points and barley talked about his own ideas. However, He made a point to bring up Trump’s negligence with the coronavirus.

Biden states “I’m running as a Democrat but I’m going to be everyone’s president”. Despite this many republicans struggled to support him. Biden’s childish behavior was as inexcusable as Trumps, and his nervous demeanor made him no obvious winner.

Biden lacked confidence throughout the debate. Unlike his opponent, he was too nervous to speak his mind. Trump displayed confidence to a fault, but he seemed unable to hear

OPINION 17

DON’T CALL ME WOMAN EMMA HARRIS Co-Editor in Chief

demanding equal treatments. It also means standing up to sexist and demeaning comments and names, and the fact “Spit it out, woman!” “You’re crazy, woman!” No doubt, you that our gender is used as an insult is a clear indication that have heard various versions of these phrases throughout your our society still has some developing to do. The reality is life. These very phrases, these exclamations attaching the that being called “woman” should be taken with pride, it word “woman” onto the end of a sentence, is the embodiment shouldn’t be any cause for alarm or outrage. But those who of the subtle and deep rooted misogyny that still exists in our use it, which may be only when they use it, are (perhaps forward facing society. It reveals the sexist behavior we let subconsciously) demeaning women. It is not our gender we slip past without any repercussions, the behavior that still are ashamed of, but the use of our gender as an insult. I’m lingers from a society we have worked hard to leave behind. proud to be a woman, but never call me ‘woman.’

It unveils the alarming reality that we live in a world that still uses gender as an insult. This is my plea to stop calling women “woman” and urge others to do the same.

You may tell me that people say “man” all the time, so it’s no different when people attach the word “woman” onto the end of their sentence, right? But there are some very key differences that dramatically and drastically change the situation.

“Woman” sounds less like a term of friendship and more like an insult.

Notice that when people say “man” it’s almost always in a brotherly fashion and never as an exclamation of frustration.

Can you remember the last time someone didn’t attach the word “woman” onto a sentence as a way to express their annoyance? Have you also noticed that pretty much only men use the word woman? In fact, have you ever heard one single woman, whether in real life or television, use the word “woman” like this?

I’m not saying I don’t even hear “man” being used in a moment of frustration; it does happen. However, it is used as a term of endearment and impartiality enough that it cannot be called out as insulting or as a sexist term, but rather just a broad nickname. A nickname, you might notice, that’s used in reference to women as well as men, meaning it does not have the same undertones of misogyny using the word woman does, a name that does not have gender fluid application.

Being called ‘man’ has nothing to do with gender, but there are certain implications when people use the word woman: it sounds as if only a woman could be capable of being so silly or dumb, as if a man could never do such a thing or act such a way. It reduces us down to one thing: our gender.

‘Isn’t feminism supposed to be owning your gender? Why do you feel insulted to be called a woman if you’re a feminist?’

We feel insulted because, in the tone of which most people use it- most men use it- it’s an insult. It’s not meant to be a fact or celebration, but as a depricatory word and insult.

You’re right: being a feminist means owning our gender and

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Calling women “woman” indicates the misogyny that still lingers in our society today.

Illustration by: Nacy Schmer

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PLAYING WITH PURPOSE

Mia Scheulen, freshman, shines on the varsity field hockey team.

MARTY BRINER Co-Editor - 800 SPORTING

Mia Scheulen, freshman, is currently leading the team in goals scored with an impressive total of five goals in the first four games. Scheulen’s specific role is to be an offensive threat, and she is doing just that.

Mia Scheulen has taken the field hockey world by storm as only a freshman. Her exceptional level of hard work rightfully earned her a spot on the varsity team this season. Not only did she make the team, but she is also a key part of the team’s success.

In addition to her talent for the sport, she also plays with a purpose that extends beyond herself.

“One reason I play is to break the racial barriers there are with sports. Field hockey is a sport that not many African American females play in the U.S. which is sad because this is a sport many girls would love if they knew the game. I have played with people at my house, and they would all say they wish they could play. I want to introduce this sport so they can experience the sport and grow to love the game,” said Scheulen.

Mia Scheulen dribbles the ball up the field.

Photo by: Marty Briner

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Mia ultimately wants to help pave the way for other African American girls to have the opportunity to enjoy field hockey like herself.

Scheulen was originally drawn to the sport because of its uniqueness, and she has been playing for a total of four years now. Scheulen actively pursues excellence and is dedicated to being the best field hockey player that she can be.

One way that she does to achieve this goal is by spending the offseason improving her skills by playing for Gateway Field Hockey Club.

Mia enjoys being on varsity, but as a freshman, it also comes with challenges.

“It can be nerve racking because I play a lot of older girls from my club team in Westminster games,” said Scheulen.

Nerves are normal at any age in high school sports, especially as a freshman. The pressure to earn a spot can be crippling, but Mia has gradually overcome the adversity and begun to see positive results.

Mia Scheulen’s heart and dedication to the sport makes both her future and the future of the field hockey team look bright.

DOUBLES ON AND OFF THE COURT HOPE LINAM Staff Writer

Hailey Colley, senior, and Avery Surber, junior dominated their opponents, winning both sets 6-0 in the sectionals against Lutheran High School St. Charles on Oct. 10. This is their third and final year playing side by side, and they look forward to one final match together at state.

When Avery Surber was a freshman and Hailey Colley was a sophomore, they both made the varsity team. Quickly, they gravitated toward each other and became good friends and talented doubles partners.

adrenaline run high, but both players kept their eyes on the prize and currently feel very accomplished.

“It was definitely emotional for Avery and I since it’s our last season playing together, but despite that we are super happy we have gone this far in our tennis careers. It’s definitely a win to remember and I’m super excited to play these few matches with her,” said Colley.

Regardless of how they play at state, it is clear that these two will go down in Westminster history as some of the best “The friendship Hailey and I have outside of tennis plays a big doubles partners to play girls tennis. role with how we play. We know each other so well that it makes our chemistry on the court ten times stronger. When- “I am going to miss Hailey so much next year. I don’t know ever we play, we know how the other person will react with- what I’m going to do without her, and it will feel very weird to out even having to communicate. Having a doubles partner not be playing next to her next year, but I’m grateful for the that you are so close with and able to work with so well is a opportunity to have played with her these past three years,” complete game changer,” said Surber. said Surber.

Not only does their off-court friendship help with communica- Colley is equally going to miss Surber and the sport, and is tion, but it also helps them both pick each other up when they grateful to have had a wonderful four years at WCA. are down because they know how to handle each other.

“I think my friendship with Avery definitely helps with our chemistry on the court. She’s like my little sister and we’ve been best friends for years now. Honestly, it’s really hard to play with someone else besides her because no one understands my mindset like Avery does,” said Colley.

“I really am proud of Avery and how far she’s come this year, and I’m just insanely happy that she’s able to experience this.

I’m sad I’m leaving her next year, but I can’t wait to hear the amazing things that she’s going to accomplish. I’ll always be rooting for her success,” said Colley.

Colley and Surber are the perfect duo to succeed in athletColley and Surber are looking forward to representing West- ics based on their athletic ability, chemistry, and friendship. minster at the state finals, and they are the first from the girls Westminster is blessed to have them representing the rigor, tennis program to qualify for state since 2010. commitment, and love for the sport of tennis. Next stop: state.

“We plan to keep playing our game the way we always do and get some solid hitting in before state. We don’t know the competition we will have so we are trying to go in with a positive mindset and will be working hard all week,” said Colley.

Both Surber and Colley went into the match feeling nervous due to the pressure of being the number one and number two players on the team. Despite the nerves, they took control of the game and were excited about the victory.

“It felt amazing to win and qualify for state because all of our hard work is finally paying off,” said Surber.

In the midst of a high level game like sectionals, emotions and

Colley and Surber relax beofre the next point Photo by: Joy Stevens

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THE SUPER SMASH BROS. GURU

Paul Dearman, junior, has made his mark in the world of Esports.

GUS DUDA Staff Writer

Although Paul Dearman, junior, is best known for smashing apples on his head, his real passion is playing Super Smash Bros.™ on his portable nintendo device. Paul was introduced to Smash Bros at the young age of four years old. However, he began to take the game seriously back in 2014.

“I play about 7 hours a week sometimes for fun and sometimes seriously. It varies,” said Dearman.

Although Paul enjoys simply playing for fun, he is also very competitive at heart and loves a good battle. He hopes to maybe one day pursue a career on the competitive scene of “I love the competitive scene of Smash Bros and I immediately Smash Bros. fell in love with the high octane gameplay,” said Dearman.

On top of Smash Bros, Paul plays a number of other games When the new smash bros club was introduced, Paul was all on his Nintendo Switch and computer. His favorites are for it. He currently attends the meetings, held in the computer Splatoon, Counterstrike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch. In room, weekly. This past week, the Smash Bros club organized addition, Paul enjoys speed running, completing a video game a massive tournament for all of the avid gamers in Westmin- or level as fast as possible, in a variety of different categories. ster to compete in. Paul placed first in the tournament and was awarded a $25 Chick-Fil-A gift card. Paul can utilize more than half of the characters in the game at a high level; however, his main choice is Palutena, the goddess of light.

Paul Dearman, junior, holds up his Nintendo controller.

Photo by: Gus Duda

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DUAL SPORT VARSITY ATHLETE...AS A FRESHMAN!

Caden Collison makes an appearance in Westminster sports on both the football and soccer team.

SAM VESTAL Staff Writer

While COVID-19 has created many problems within fall sports this year, it has actually allowed Caden to thrive in both sports. The changed practice schedule has allowed Caden to be a part of both teams full time.

Caden Collison has taken on the challenge of playing varsity soccer and football in the same season as only a freshman in high school.

Growing up, Collison knew that during his freshman year he would most likely get the opportunity to play for his high school soccer team. However, the new love for football that he found over the summer made for an unexpected journey for the fall of 2020.

“I have been dedicated to soccer since I was in first grade. I have spent the last three years practicing soccer 4 to 5 nights a week. Football was new for me this year, but it became a natural fit. I loved it right away,” said Collison.

Normally, students would be forced to make the decision to play one sport or the other, but occasionally, an athlete gets the opportunity to play both. In Caden’s case, this was the perfect compromise that would allow him to continue in his devotion to soccer while trying out another beloved Westminster sport.

Collison walks down the field in the game against St. Dominic .

Photo by: Grace Fentress

As recent announcements are allowing football games to start, the time commitment that Caden has made to both sports is definitely going to increase. Up until this point, games have been limited, but both sports are gradually picking up speed.

“I just try to prioritize everything. I love playing sports. I find practice enjoyable, so that part doesn’t feel hard to me,” said Collison.

Overall, the determination that Caden has made to his school and athletic career is widely respected by his peers and fellow teammates. He has proven that he is equally committed to the general success of both teams.

Last Friday, October 9th, Collison played in both a soccer game and a football game on the same day. After playing in the soccer game at 4:15, he rushed to the football game where he had an impressive 7 catches for 70 yards. This is just one example of the unique athleticism and maturity that Collison has shown at such a young age.

Collison runs down the feild lookeing to catch a pass. .Photo by: Ben Knisley

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THIS YEAR, DISTRICTS ARE SOONER THAN LATER NOLAN JONES Staff Writer

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all fall sports are on a time crunch. Teams are packing their schedules in an effort to get more game experience before the postseason. Teams have been improving in practice, but teams need game experience for post season success. Time will be the cats biggest opponent in preparing for districts.

cleared before medium frequency sport like softball and high frequency football which was last to be cleared. The women’s Golf team was able to play around the same number of matches as a normal year, they just had to do it in a shorter period of time.

The softball team has only played games for two weeks, but already have to start preparing for districts. The team has had a rough start, in a normal season the team would have plenty of time to weed the problems out, but because they started more than halfway through their season, they have a short time to make their adjustments in time for their district tournament. They have played eight games and their district tournament starts October 13th.

The football team is going to have the same problem. The football team has been working hard since the summer and started their in season practice august 10th. Despite preparaBrandon Parker, junior, catches a touchdown pass against tion, they lost their first game on October 9th with a score of Duchesne.

13-35. As of now, the team will only play three regular season Photo by: Ben Knisley games before their first district game.

The Women’s golf team went 9-3 and their district tournaNFL fans have seen their teams go through the same strugment is October 12th. The team had the same amount of gle. The first couple games the teams looked rusty, and poor matches to prepare for districts, just less time in between tackling was seen across the league. In a regular NFL season, matches to rest. Mr. Bradley the girls golf coach said he teams have four preseason games to prepare and rub the rust could tell the team was feeling having to play a lot in a little off. Without those four games to get ready for the official bit of time but never complained. The team’s Ellie Johnson season, the beginning of the season had substantially more is seeded 1st in districts and the team’s chances are looking mistakes than usual. promising.

Like the NFL teams, the Westminster Wildcats also missed their preseason in addition to the first half of their regular season. The theme remained when the football team showed their rust during their first game. Football like other sports takes learning from mistakes in live competition, so without any preseason competition and the first half of their season, the cats only have two more games to get the rust off and compete to their full potential at districts.

When asked about this situation Jack Powers, senior, says “It is not ideal, but it’s better than nothing. We must accept it with grace and make the most of it.”

The Women’s golf team’s situation was a little different.

Golf, being classified as a low frequency contact sport was

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Overall, every sports team is having to deal with a different situation. None of the situations are ideal, but they are the best they can be in the midst of a global pandemic. The athletic department has worked hard and done their best to salvage seasons and give WCA student athletes the opportunity to play. Every sport is getting a chance to play this fall, and right now that’s all that matters.

One word that comes to mind thinking about sports during covid is adversity. Teams have to face the adversity of time constraints and lack of in game experiences in order to bring their A game to the district tournaments.

A NEW FACE IN WESTMINSTER VOLLEYBALL

Alli Bishop, sophomore, uses height and skill to lead the varsity volleyball team to success.

BROOKE HIGHMARK Co-Editor - 800 SPORTING When the Westminster girls volleyball team played Ladue on Wednesday, September 30th, Alexandra Bishop, sophomore, made her presence known with several dominating blocks and powerful kills. Although this is her first year at Westminster, one would have thought that she has been on the team for years.

Emma Volding, senior, and Bishop jump up to block a hit.

Photo by: Brooke Highmark “I love all the girls on the team so much, they were all super welcoming to me and always made sure I felt included and a part of the team despite me being new,” said Bishop.

Alli has been playing the sport of volleyball since seventh grade, and she has never looked back. She has been playing for Rockwood Thunder Volleyball Club for three years now, and she aspires to take her career to the collegiate level and be a part of the Ohio State women’s volleyball team.

Alli Bishop tosses the ball up to serve against Ladue.

Photo by: Brooke Highmark This year’s varsity volleyball team is full of new faces. However, Alli Bishop’s unique height and talent especially makes her stand out. She has been a vital component to the team’s success this season as a middle hitter and blocker.

“Although she’s new, Alli fits right in. She is our strongest middle and a huge force at the net,” said Hailey Pritchett, junior.

COVID-19 made a positive contribution to Westminster’s new addition.

“I came to Westminster this year from Lafayette because my parents wanted me to go to school in person and have the opportunity to have a Christ centered education,” said Bishop.

The veterans on the team showed Alli the Westminster way, welcoming Alli with open arms and instantly making her feel at home.

Not only is Alli a talented player, but she also has a vibrant and contagious personality. When the team played Ladue last Wednesday, Alli was constantly celebrating every point and encouraging her teammates throughout the good and the bad.

“Alli is one of my favorite teammates to be around. She is super energetic on and off the court. She’s extremely nice and always encouraging me and the rest of the team constantly. Alli is the girl who always has a smile on her face.

She is extremely competitive on the court, and she makes playing with her a lot of fun because of how talented she is and how great her attitude is,” said Pritchett.

With Alli’s help, the volleyball team has become a beacon of light for other sports teams to look to. Their chemistry, core values, and hard work makes them a perfect example of what Westminster represents.

“What makes our team stand out from other teams is everyone on the team’s desire to play for each other and provide a good environment where we can learn and grow together, while honoring Christ through our play,” said Bishop.

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CROSS COUNTRY MOVES TO CLASS FIVE COLIN RING Staff Writer

competitions as competitive as possible.

“I think one of the biggest pros is it is by sport and by gender, and not by the school. If you have a highly successful football team but your softball team is not as competitive,

Over the past ten years, Westminster has competed in class three for both boys and girls cross country alongside teams in their conference such as MICDS, John Burroughs, Lutheran South, and Priory. This year though, MSHSAA decided to mix things up, expanding the total number of classes in cross country from four to five, while also moving Westminster from their usual spot in class three all the way to class five alongside schools that are over 1,000 students bigger than them.

“We are now in [the same district] with Marquette, Kirkwood, and SLU”, said Thomas Gorline.

This is extremely disappointing for the senior-heavy team, who had been looking for the first state title in school history after finishing fifth a year ago in class three.

“It’s pretty frustrating because senior year was supposed to be the year where we reached our peak performance and tried to place highly at state. Now, because we are in a much higher class, the competition is a lot better, and those chances, which we’ve been chasing for three years, have become a lot less likely” said Hayden Turley, senior.

The new system that MSHSAA developed, known as “the championship factor”, puts public schools in a class by their school size, and makes it so private schools are moved up based on past success. The system is based on success “points” accrued over the course of the past six seasons.

“The board of directors actually put together an ad hoc (temporary) committee strictly for looking at the classification system. Based on the discussions within the classification system, the ad hoc committee for this championship factor determination formed, coming from a section of that subcommittee from private school representatives that were on the classification committee,” said Jason West, MSHSAA communications director.

The reason private schools need this “championship factor” is because kids can go to a private school from wherever they live when public schools have specific area codes for what students can go to what school. If a private school has a really good program, good coach, or good facilities for a specific sport, talented kids may all end up at the same school, which would be unfair to the public schools.

MSHSAA forms a system like this primarily to make the state

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Members of the boys team congratulate each other after a tough race at the “Border Wars” Cross County Meet.

Photo by: Nicki Mabry then now your softball team has the ability to play those schools that are closer to their size, and then they may be able to build up that competitiveness,” said West.

It’s unfortunate that this rule applies to all private schools, though, because Westminster has not had anyone come to the school specifically for the cross country program. In fact, most of the kids on the team started at Westminster in seventh grade, not even knowing that they were going to do cross country in high school.

And, while they have been a very competitive team in class three, Westminster has by no means been overwhelmingly successful.

Instead, there is another team that has ruled class three: The Festus Tigers. Over the past three years, the WCA boys team has had state finishes of 7th, 9th, and 5th. Festus has finished 1st, 1st, and 1st. In fact, Festus has won the class three state championship sixyears in a row, but, because they are a public school, they only got moved up to class four this year, whereas Westminster was moved up to five.

Despite the change in classes and the other COVID-related obstacles that have faced the Cats this season, there is no question that they are still determined to make state as a team.

“This year even with the struggles that come with being moved to class 5, we are working hard to make it to state, and make a run in our final year,” said Hunter Freiner, senior.

WESTMINSTER FOOTBALL TEAM COMPETES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AN INTER-SQUAD GAME EVAN KOHN Staff Writer

With the absence of games against other schools, the Wildcat football team decided to take a different approach to getting ready for a potential season.

For the next few Wednesdays, the team’s practices will consist of an inter-squad scrimmage, which will end up looking very similar to a college spring game. The Blue team is coached by Mike Decker, the defensive coordinator. The White team is coached by Greg Schoenberg, longtime strength coach.

at 6-6. The Blue team then went for the one point conversion from the 2 yard line and converted to make it 7-6 Blue.

Another shining point for the Wildcats was a punt return nearly returned for a touchdown by Mulick. Ultimately, he ended up fumbling, but Mulick may be able to add the spark for the Wildcats special teams this year.

It was an unusual game for Ben Broadhurst, a junior wide receiver. With the injury of Joshua Baker-Mays, Broadhurst was called upon to serve as the White team’s quarterback for the remainder of the game.

Butler Bynote, the new head football coach, took it upon himself to get the coaching staff together at Buffalo Wild Wings to divide the players into their temporary teams. The draft was comparable to a fantasy football snake draft. The first two picks were the two quarterbacks Josh Baker-Mays and Shep Nye. With a good mix of upperclassmen paired with younger players, fans should expect to see close games that could come down to the final buzzer, which should be a nice change of pace for any Mizzou fans after watching their opening weekend matchup with the University of Alabama.

The most highly anticipated scrimmage in program history ended in a jaw-dropping 7-6 stalemate. The Blue team reigned victorious in this low scoring affair. Joshua Baker-Mays and Nolan Jones, two of the top offensive threats for the White team were injured for the game and unable to play. The score does not do the game justice in showing the excitement it instilled in Westminster fans. There were a few turnovers for both sides, one interception was snagged by senior lineman Jack Powers. The defense on both sides proved to be very solid for their first test of the year.

The first touchdown of the day was scored as Joshua Baker-Mays took it himself to the end zone to give the White team the early lead. They then attempted to go for the two point conversion from the five yard line, but it came up just short of the goal line.

Throughout the game the White team was halted on the goal line three times. The Blue team’s defense held strong. The inability of the White team to punch it in at the goal line is not something fans should worry about. The team will come together and work and improve on their goal line offense.

Later on in the action, the Blue team got on the board via a rushing touchdown by freshman Josh Avery, tying the game

Ben Broadhurst receives the snap in the Blue and White game.

Photo by: Kendall Toretta “I had a fun time playing quarterback and I am glad I could step up for my team. It is a lot harder than it looks, and I’ll definitely leave it to JBake (Joshua Baker-Mays) and let him do his job” said Broadhurst.

Luckily, the knee injury Baker-Mays suffered during the game was not season-ending, only taken out for precautionary reasons. Unfortunately, the injury to Jones seems to be a little more severe, but there is no need to fret. The hamstring is a delicate muscle and needs to be treated with care for Jones to make a full recovery in time for the season. The Wildcat football team hopes to see Jones back in the backfield alongside Baker-Mays very soon.

The first Blue and White game will go down as a victory for the Blue team, but as a whole a big success. The Westminster community can look forward to another sneak peek preview of the upcoming season at the next game on Wednesday, September 30th.

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THE DRIVE TO PLAY This year, the Varsity field hockey team has started out strong despite the global pandemic. The team started the same way they do each year, with Monday night practices/warm ups over the summer, then preseason. They started preseason Another thing the team has shown strength in is being a good team player. This year, neither the Varsity team or the with masks and social distancing, and nothing held the teams JV team has a goalie. This means a player has to step up and back. They continued after preseason with a normal season play goalie, even if it isn’t their strength. Katie Huang has (despite the masks and social distancing), and have gotten played goalie for the Varsity team so far this year, and has stronger as a team after successfully making it to season this year. The Varsity team has had strong practices and have grown stronger together as a team in general, and are ready to have a great season with games.

MARTY BRINER Co-Editor - 800 SPORTING

Katie Huang lifts ball during practice.

Photo by: Lauren Borchelt

The teams were not expecting to be playing games this quickly this year because of the spread of the pandemic, but with social distancing and extra precautions, they were able to have their first games on Monday, September 28th. During their first game, they were grateful to be able to play, and Varsity won the game 7-0. The team had strong passes and players, and played amazingly in the forward position scoring goals. In the beginning of the season, the team did not expect they were going to have games against other teams, especially not this soon. Despite not thinking they were going to have a season with competition, the team was eager to be able to practice together and still have a resemblance of a season, even without the games. The players were then able to play their first games, and were even more excited to be able to play, after not thinking they were going to have a true season at all.

shown her ability to work well in a team. Even though she prefers to play on the field, she still offers to play as goalie for the team and has played well as goalie. For the JV team, The team has more games scheduled and is very excited to Sarah Moyer has been playing the JV goalie. Sarah Moyer saidget to play as a team, and they are putting their all into these “It’s really fun, especially because it’s my first year doing it games, as they weren’t expecting this season. The team also and I get to learn more. Katie and I get to support each other continued to grow and get stronger as a team with the Varsity since we are both new to being field hockey goalies”. She hascoach, Coach Schmer being quarantined. This did not set them also shown a lot of strength in this position despite never back, and when the coach returned, they had still been practicplaying it before this season. Both girls have helped the team ing and growing in their skills. tremendously by being flexible, and show good sportsmanship.

Each year the teams have a special item or tradition the team Overall, this season the Field Hockey teams have shown strength despite the circumstances of a global pandemic and many players and even coaches being quarantined. The team only continues to grow, and is looking forward to this season.

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does or has. Last year, there was a Buffalo that was passed around after each game, and whoever showed the most strength in any area during the game took the buffalo home, and gave it to a different player the next game. This year, the Varsity team did “All In” chips. These chips are like poker chips, and each player has their own chip to show they are “all in” and putting their all into this season and their performance. This is a special reminder for the players, and it gives them something to remember this season by.