News
Drama’s Davis earns prestigious admission p4
Opinion
Sports
Plus:
Advanced Displacement: Prom, APs collide
Twice as Nice: Hooker’s second title
Freitas leaves for Lennard p5 Battle of the Box Office p13
p7
p18
Winter Sports Rewind p19
Is 16 too young to drive? p8
the ORACLE
George M. Steinbrenner High School — www.oraclenewspaper.com
February 2012 - Volume 3, Issue III
HEART TRANSPLANT WAITING LIST
DREAMING WITH A BROKEN HEART
Atchison, M. Atencio, A. Barrichello, R. Blea, H. Block, S. Bobby, S. Bohr, N. Bolinger, A. Brandel, G. Broad, E. Buice, T. Burner, G. Cantrell, C. Clarkson, J. Davidson, H.
Dendy, D. Denicola, J. Dick, P. K. Ebeling, J. Falconer, M. Feynman, R. Flaugher, A. Glazier, E. Hagenbuch, B. Hammond, R. Hawk, G. Kellen, L. Kollman, H. Laporte, L. May, J.
by Savanna Peterson p3
Open
February 2012
2011-2012 SIPA All-Southern Newspaper
>> Review writing, Best of Convention >> Computer graphics, Best of Convention Editorial Staff
Kyle Dunn
Editor in Chief
Brandon Mauriello News Editor
Natalie Barman Opinion Editor
Erica Everett
Centerspread Editor
Jeff Odom
Sports Editor
Jake Bittle A&E Editor
Ethan Huber
Chief Copy Editor
Blake Scherschel Website Editor
Kiran Shila
Assistant Website Editor
Rachael Landes Photo Editor
Megan Forde
Assistant Photo Editor
Savanna Peterson Business Manager Writing Staff
Ben Schneider Staff Writer
Evyn Moon Staff Writer
Gaby Morillo Staff Writer
Graphics Department
Frances Miyares Megan Varde James Flaskamp Adviser
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Letter from the Editor Despite my six feet and four inches of height, I have zero natural talent for basketball as, oddly enough, many people assume I do (I’m the one that awkwardly runs around the tennis court). But if there’s one lesson I was ever taught about the sport it’s that you must always pay attention to the rebound. Perhaps no one understands that importance more than Bailey Hooker who’s made her own personal rebound with a stunning second district victory with the girls basketball team. (Page 18) But there are those kinds of rebounds that are much different than a streak of victories or a superb record of being the top dog—some not so much stunning as they are miraculous. There’s the nail-biting rebound (sometimes called a recovery) from disaster. The moment of rejuvenation following the quiet hours of anxiety in drab waiting rooms where after hours of watching the clock a doctor may finally come to tell you, “Everything’s going to be all right.” Cameron Cantrell, though, was not the one in the waiting room, but the subject under the knife on the operating table. (Page 3) Then there are the truly unfortunate rebounds that don’t signal a return to greatness but someone settling into the unexpected or the bizarre like the former Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr who tried to force his own rebound in 2012 with a new album. (Page 12) But former Beatles aren’t the only revived rock stars on our list, for the power band Van Halen have genuinely melted faces on their return to arenas around the globe in their new album. However, most of them still think they’re 25, and no one can rebound from seeing a wrinkly mess present themselves in skin-tight leather chaps in front of a crowd of thousands. (Page 15) Kyle Dunn / Editor in Chief
ONLINE Check out more stories online from staff blogs, photo galleries and daily news updates.
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News
February 2012
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Dreaming with a broken heart
Sophomore Cameron Cantrell recounts the road to a new heart, life Savanna Peterson Senior Staff Writer
P
icture sterile white walls, boring hospital rooms, excessive antibiotics and surgeries. Just a brief glimpse of this seems tragic. Now imagine this being your lifestyle for almost two months. Sophomore Cameron Cantrell lived it. For his whole life he has suffered from a life-threatening illness called Congenital Heart Disease, a disease which he was born with. In order for Cantrell to be healthy, it involved a dauntingly long list for a new heart. Cantrell was in dire need of a new heart, for his own would fail by the age of 15. “I’ve had five surgeries,” said Cantrell. “I was only three days old when I had my first surgery.” Cantrell found out from his mother at a young age that he would probably need a new heart at the age of 10. “I freaked out the moment I heard that. It was so awful, and I was crying,” said Cantrell. His disease caused side effects such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, meaning—in Cantrell’s particular case—that the left and right ventricles (which pump blood to the rest of the body) of the heart did not exist. The only blood being pumped out of his heart at birth was sent to his lungs and back to his heart. Cantrell also suffered from Pulmonary Stenosis which caused blood to Courtesy of the Cantrell Family flow into his lungs. “The blood flowed to my lungs slowly, so it was harder Sophomore Cameron Cantrell recovers from his heart transplant at All Children’s Hospital in St. to breathe, and my fingernails were always blue. Not a lot Petersburg. He was in the hospital for 26 days waiting for a heart before finally receiving a transplant on Dec. 10. Cantrell plans on returning to school next year. of oxygen was in my blood,” said Cantrell. When he was born, his aorta and pulmonary arteries “Before the transplant I couldn’t do squat. I was always My only form of communication was a white board and a were reversed and therefore negatively affected the way lightheaded, and there were some days when I just didn’t marker to write stuff down with.” his blood flowed. Though recovery from the surgery was tough, Cantrell Throughout his life Cantrell faced many physical and want to get out of bed.” Cantrell received the news that doctors had found him a realized how fortunate he was to get a heart as soon as he emotional obstacles. did. “I couldn’t do things like go to parties try out for the new heart when he was awoken on Dec. 10 at 1 a.m. “A nurse came in and handed me the phone; it was “I waited 26 days,” said Cantrell. “A lot of people have soccer team. I could work out, but it was limited.” On Nov. 5, after 15 years of living with the disease, someone from the transplant team,” said Cantrell. “She to wait months or longer, but I was pretty lucky. I was in Cantrell became too sick to stay at home or to go to school said, ‘I think we found the perfect heart for you,’ so they the hospital for seven weeks, five days and seven hours.” He left All Children’s on Jan. 3 and was transported to and was hospitalized in the All Children’s Hospital in St. had already called my parents who were on their way.” Shortly thereafter, Cantrell called his sister and her fi- the Ronald McDonald house before finally returning to his Petersburg. It was there, on Nov. 10, where he found out from one of his cardiologists that he would have to get a ancé. They were also shocked that everything was happen- home in Lutz on Jan. 13. ing so fast. Due to the anti-rejection medicine he takes for his new heart transplant. Cantrell went into sur- heart, his immune system has been weakened greatly and “I knew I was going to get one eventually, but I “Before the transplant I couldn’t do gery the same day at 5 a.m. he can’t risk picking up germs. “When you get a heart transplant, the first 3 months are was just shocked that ev- squat. I was always lightheaded, and Two days later he started to wake up. critical. If you get sick, you have to go back to the hospierything was happening so there were some days when I just didn’t According to Cantrell, tal,” said Cantrell. fast,” said Cantrell. the first few weeks were Before returning to school in fall, he will finish his Cantrell was anxious for want to get out of bed.” really hard. Simple things sophomore year taking Florida Virtual School classes at the transplant; he came to —Cameron Cantrell like sleeping were a strug- home. a realization that his new gle. Once Cantrell is back to full health he has big aspiraheart would make his life “It’s a very painful tions for his future. drastically better. ‘My big plans are just getting a good education and Having his old heart was like “living with a parasite in- process. It hurts to walk, it hurts to cough and it hurts to maybe try out for soccer. I just want to get healthier and side of me,” said Cantrell. It was always stealing energy laugh,” said Cantrell. “I was so doped up on medications, I could barely talk. stronger and just have a good life.” from his body to power itself.
News
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February 2012
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Drama star earns reputable admission Senior Daniel Davis will take his acting talent to Montclair State University in New Jersey, a school known for jumpstarting the careers of multiple Hollywood actors Savanna Peterson Senior Staff Writer Come August, when graduated seniors venture off to state colleges and universities, senior Daniel Davis will be moving over 1,000 miles to Montclair, NJ. Davis will attend Montclair State University as a part of their prestigious musical theatre program which has produced famous alumni such as actors Jason Biggs from the American Pie comedy series and Bruce Willis who has starred, among many others, in the Die Hard franchise. According to Davis, the Montclair State Musical Theatre program he was accepted into is one of the top twelve musical theatre schools in the nation. Over 1,500 people audition each year and approximately 1824 are accepted. “It was very nerve-wracking because I had to go all the way up to New Jersey for it,” said Davis. Davis has dreamed of being a Montclair Red hawk since he was seven years old and traveled to visit the school with his parents—both of whom are alumni. “I saw it the first time and I knew I loved it,” said Davis. Davis, who was drawn to Montclair due to its proximity to New York City (it’s only 12 miles away), auditioned on Nov. 19. The audition included an hour of ballet dancing, an hour of jazz dancing, singing two songs and performing two monologues. “I sang ‘My Friends’ from Sweeny Todd and ‘What Do I Need With Love’ from Thoroughly Modern Millie,” said Davis. Though difficult, all his hard work paid off when he was informed Dec. 5 of his acceptance. “It was funny because it was my dad who got the mail, and I was doing chores all day long. He got the mail at 1 p.m. and didn’t tell me until 4 p.m., so I was really mad at him for holding it for that long without giving it to me,” said Davis “I freaked out and went and called all my family, my friends and all my parents’ friends in Jersey.” According to Davis, he will be attending the school for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and will most likely minor in education at Montclair. His major, which is 192 credits (98 for
Courtesy of Lissa Hatcher
Senior Daniel Davis (right center) acts as the Pirate King in the Drama production The Pirates of Penzance. Davis has been a part of other plays such as High School Musical and Cabaret. He is attending Montclair State University in August to be a part of their musical theatre program. musical theatre and 94 for general education) has an acceptance rate of less than 3 percent. “They have really great training. I went and saw a couple of shows there ,and everyone is really professional,” said Davis. Davis has very high expectations for his time at Montclair and his future afterwards. “I know I’m going to be with fun people. I expect to work in a really professional environment, though, which is really big to me.” After graduation, Davis plans to move to New York City where he’ll try to “make it” as an actor. Knowing that the average actor makes around $34,000 a year and “very few people make it to Broadway,” Davis has a backup plan. “I’m going to, of course, hold another job between auditions. If it’s bartending, then it’s bartending. Everyone who per-
forms, unless they’re really big, holds a second job,” said Davis. “It’s a hard life.” With Davis’ relentless passion and professionalism for Musical Theatre on stage and in life, some might assume he’s had years of training and coaching. Davis, however, has a secret. “To this day I have never had formal training.” With a laugh, Davis says college is for getting the actual music training. “I couldn’t tell you a thing about music theory, but I can sing a song and make you feel things.” This self-taught performer started Musical Theatre as a freshman at Alonso High School where he landed the role of Zeke in High School Musical. The show, while not being one of Davis’ favorites, proved to be a catalyst. From that point on, he landed a role in every play he ever auditioned for. After two years at Alonso, he departed for
Steinbrenner. “I left a really good program but came to an even better one,” said Davis. “The people here are better, and I’m not even talking just more talented. They’re better people and are so dedicated.” Davis has been here for two years and has played many leads such as the Emcee in Cabaret, Mr. de Bonnefoi in The Imaginary Invalid and the Pirate King in the recently produced The Pirates of Penzance. He has also done sound for the Talent Shows and the play The Crane Wife. Though his high school musical theatre career is winding down, Davis has been incredibly influenced by the Theatre Director Lindsay M. Painter and his fellow cast mates. With his hardworking attitude and dedicated lifestyle, Davis has high hopes for transitioning from his high school legacy to Broadway.
News
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February 2012
NEWS BRIEFS
Muslim appearence results in anger, confusion
History teacher Kelly Miliziano was shocked to hear that she was under attack by numerous anti-Muslim parties after Council on American Islam Relations (CAIR) member Hassan Shibly spoke to her AP World History class about Islam in November. “It’s one of the religions that students have a lot of misconceptions about, so when that happens, as a world history teacher, my goal is to make it more understandable,” said Miliziano. Led by politician David Caton, a wave of anger was directed at Miliziano. Additionally, one of her student’s parent called the school to complain, and letters were sent to the county (both for and against Miliziano). According to Miliziano, Shibly was brought into the class to reinforce the curriculum. “I could say the same information Shibly said, and they could read it in their textbook, but having a person in front of them explaining it often helps them re-
oraclenewspaper.com late to the material, learn it better and understand it better,” said Miliziano. The information Shibly presented could also be integral to the students’ success on the exam, according to Miliziano. “There’s a DBQ (Document Based Question) on Islam that students have done in past years, and I think they have a better understanding of what Muslims believe. If they were asked to compare and contrast Islam to Judaism and Christianity they’d be able to do that,” said Miliziano. Caton’s Florida Family Association didn’t have the same perspective as Miliziano. The organization felt that Shibly was a radical Muslim, and Miliziano needed to either discontinue his visits or bring in other speakers that could “oppose” Shibly’s view. However, according to Miliziano, she had planned other speakers prior to the beginning of the school year by scheduling a Catholic priest and attempting to contact somebody from the Budhist temple. However, World History teacher Shelli Barton did not receive a response from the temple. Along with her word, the school board has also backed Miliziano up publicly, according to a Tampa Bay Times report. Whatever the case, Miliziano doesn’t regret her decision. “I want a guest speaker during these few weeks we study Islam. (Next year) I would invite whoever was able to come.” Brandon Mauriello / News Editor
Assistant principal Freitas leaves for Lennard High Late in January, Assistant Principal of Student Affairs Mary Freitas, formerly of Sickles, announced that she would be leaving the school for a new job. “I got a promotion to become Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Lennard High School,” said Freitas. Freitas said she sees the opportunity as a new challenge for her. Freitas says her time at the school was interesting because she already knew many of the students and staff from Sickles. “There are great teachers and a great administrative staff here,” said Freitas. She then added, “The kids here are great. They’re hardworking, academically motivated and just generally positive, so I’m going to miss that.” Freitas’ last day on campus was Feb. 3. Jake Bittle / A&E Editor
Get more coverage online For in-depth versions of these stories and other web exclusive content, visit us on the web at oraclenewspaper.com/category/news
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February 2012
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Opinion
7
February 2012
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Staff Editorial
Prom, AP exams compete for students’ attention AGREE 12
SENIORS SPEAK
DISAGREE 4
“If we fail the exam because we’re having a good time prom weekend, it will be a waste of an academic year.” Chase Funk
“I always imagined it would be more lively.”
A
s the (somewhat) cold weather slowly disappears and spring flowers bloom in Lutz once again, the long-awaited prom season takes hold over high school students. Talk of extravagant dresses, unforeseen dates and ideal picture locations flood the school hallways as the dreamy night draws closer. This year, however, the usual prom haze will be accompanied by stress and anxiety over AP exams, which are being held the week both before and after prom. The reasons behind holding prom on such a controversial date are legitimate ones. According to senior class sponsor Kathy Jones (who is also an AP teacher), “May is the culmination of senior social season”, so it is the ideal month for prom. With Grad Bash on April 21, having prom on May 5 would be too soon to hold another extremely expensive event. May 19 would also be problematic since seniors’ last day is May 21, so there would not be
Graphic by Megan Varde
time to hand back items that were left at the event. In addition, AP testing was pushed back roughly a week this year (May begins on a Tuesday and AP exams are always the first and second full week of the month) which complicates matters even further. These factors led to Jones’ final decision to have prom in between two of the worst weeks of the year. “(Students) can study for AP exams on Sunday,” said Jones. She said that few seniors complained last year when Grad Bash was held on the Friday before AP exams began. While all these reasons explain why the date was selected, they fail to address the implications prom will have on dedicated AP students. Prom activities stretch far beyond the four hour event. Girls, who have been taught since elementary school days that prom is the night of all nights, often spend hours getting their nails done, doing their hair, putting on makeup and so
on. Many male attendees also need to have several hours available for pictures and a prom dinner. All these festivities take away from valuable time otherwise spent studying. The week preceding prom might feel the negative effects of this highly anticipated event as well. Students may find themselves daydreaming about the night they have waited for their entire high school career during an AP test- or during several-, which would be a major distraction from the all too important exam in front of them. Despite these arguments, it is too late for change now. Concerned seniors who feel stressed out by the looming prom date should make the best of the situation. Getting an early start on AP studying would alleviate the pressure shrouding that weekend. It is still prom, and although it is not on the most carefree weekend, Jones assures seniors it will be “the best Steinbrenner prom yet”.
“I don’t want to worry about my AP Biology exam during prom. It’s just not right. All we want to do is have fun.” Claudia Campos
“I wasn’t going to study on Saturday anyway. There’s no point cramming for AP Physics two days before the exam.” Michael Mann Voice your opinion at www.oraclenewspaper. com/category/opinion
Opinion
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February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
Is 16 too young? Pro/Con
In light of the parking lot issues (pg 10 & 11) Oracle staffers took a look at the pros and cons of licensing teens at age 16.
Yes: Increase the driving age to 18 Gaby Morillo Staff Writer Every year, 260,000 people between the age of 16 and 18 die in an auto accident in the United States. Over 50 percent of those people were driving with a first time driver, according to National Public Radio (NPR). These horrifying statistics show the result of driving at such a young age. There have been too many stories about first-time drivers at the age of 16 dying in auto accidents. Whether it has to do with texting, talking or even turning the radio volume higher, 16-year-olds need to have more experience behind the wheel. Teens want their license as soon as possible. But think of a friend or relative getting into a car accident because of a driver that was not 100 percent ready or prepared for the open road. Young drivers should get
the extra years of experience just to be sure they know what they are doing. I personally would be nervous if I was driving a car full of people as soon as I got my license. Experience is key to driving. People always say they know what they are doing just because they passed a license test. However, most teens would not know how to react to surprises on the road. To put driving statistics into perspective, people are allowed to buy a gun at the age of 18, which, according to NPR, only kills 10,000 people each year. Auto accidents cause over 20 times the amount of deaths as a gun. Extending the driving period could potentially lower this number of deaths in auto accidents. Former Florida State Sen. Burt Saunders agrees with the idea of changing the driving age. “(16-year-olds) are nine times more likely to have an accident than 17-yearolds,” said Saunders. Saunders told Naples News in 2006 that he wants teens that have after school activities to get to where they need to be safely. Driving takes a lot of responsibility. Drivers have their lives and other people’s lives in their hands. Kids should keep this in mind before rushing to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get their license.
No: Too late for change Ethan Huber Chief Copy Editor I cringe at the thought of having to wait another year to be able to drive. I’ve been ready and patiently waiting since I was 13. Another two years may not seem like a lot, especially to someone who makes all the laws but hasn’t been in a high school in 40 years, but it is. Still, calls to raise the minimum driving age to 18 have been going on for years now. Experience, or lack there of, seems to be a common concern with teenage drivers. The fact that new drivers
may not be able to identify or handle potentially dangerous situations is just something that’s inherent to a new driver, no matter how old they are. The problem is that experience is commonly confused with maturity, which is understandable because they often go hand in hand. It’s hard to conduct studies on this sort of thing, so there aren’t a whole lot of statistics out there that would indicate either is more or less influential in regard to driving ability. The greatest problem with a higher driving age is it’s implications not only on students, but parents as well. It immediately eliminates most sophomore and junior drivers, along with a number of seniors. All those students would now have to find another way of getting to school, whether it be a bus (which some neighborhoods don’t have), carpooling, biking or walking. In addition, the availability of parents in the morning is limited for many. That’s just getting to school. Even if an adult could take them, if the adult
Natalie Barman / Oracle
One doesn’t have to go far to see the perks and problems of teenage driving- just take a stroll in the student parking lot. From drivers who weasle through the traffic to teens who wait for the lot to empty out, The Oracle captured the beautyand perils- of teenage driving in this collection of photographs.
works, there’s no guarantee he or she would be able to pick the student up. Oh, and all those extracurricular activities, like practice for sports or band, club meetings and things like ELP would certainly complicate things. Not to mention trying to maintain a job, which would be completely out of the question if you couldn’t get to and from it without depending on someone else for a ride. Nor is Tampa as a city very cooperative due to its spread out nature. It’s utterly miserable to live in this city and not be able to drive, especially in Lutz, where biking or walking are rarely ever viable options. And of course, Tampa’s mass transit system is pretty much a joke. Not as if we had access to it from up here anyway. The calls by lawmakers, lobbyists, those who conduct studies, and concerned parents alike to lower the driving age are reasonable and perfectly understandable. However, it’s simply far too late for this kind of change.
Opinion
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February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
Column
Less is more with block scheduling Ben Schneider Staff Writer
Despite our belief that what we have is naturally the best, we need look no further than our own Source: www.winthrop.edu state to find a better alternative to our schedule. Block scheduling, in which students have four classes per semester (classes lasting 7590 minutes each) does not produce significantly different academic results, according to reasearch studies done on the subject, but for shear enjoyment, I find it much better than traditional scheduling. I was in a block schedule format my freshman year in Toronto, Canada. Although there are minor differences depending on the state or country, block scheduling is essentially the same everywhere. I only had four periods of 75 minutes each, which adds up to 300 total academic minutes per day, compared to 350 at Steinbrenner (seven periods of 50 minutes each). Because of this, my school started at 8:45 am but still ended at 3:00 pm. With the delayed start time, I found myself waking up later than I do now, without feeling the need to take a nap at school. I was actually energized and engaged instead of just going through the motions. Since there are only four classes being taken at a time (and chances are one or two of them give little work like
Compiled by Natalie Barman and Frances Miyares
art or gym), there is much less homework and preparation for class. This especially comes in handy during exam studying time, in which a student can concentrate more on a smaller quantity of classes. Less homework also allows students to structure their commitments around school more effectively. With less classes per day, students switch their focus less, which leads to a deeper involvement in the classes they do have. Since the amount of class time was shorter, I ended up having a longer lunch period than I do now (it was 65 minutes). This was yet another pro to block scheduling. The argument for the longer period is enforced by the recognition of the administration that, after having such long classes, students deserve a long break. Then again, this is only in my experience. Like our schedule as it is? Check us out www.oraclenewspaper.com/category/ opinion to see the ups and downs of eight period scheduling.
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Oracle Inbox “Proposed abortion amendment hits home”
I would have been happier if both arguments on abortion were expressed rather than just arguments against it. I think that if a woman is not prepared mentally or financially for a baby, the child would be worse off in an orphanage than not existing. To anyone who belives in reincarnation, the child could be reborn into a much better. Also, most high school students, whether sexually active or not, do not have the experience to decide whether or not a child should be kept or aborted. Until you have lived on your own and had to support yourself financially, a person does not have the wisdom to form an accurate opinion on the subject. Freshman Carli Blanchard
“Controversy over Muslim speaker in world history classes”
The purpose of classes like AP World History is to educate and inform students on the world and cultures around us. This includes religions. In America, we take pride in allowing freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Yet, we freak out when our children get near a person of Middle Eastern descent? I thought we lived in a country where adults are mature enough to tolerate different religions. By protesting this speaker, we are teaching America’s youth to be afraid of those who are different from us. Instead of overreacting, we should teach children about other religions and explain the views of people around us to help them understand others. Sophomore Sam Bequer
“Rick Scott Affects Students’ Proposed Majors”
(College majors) shouldn’t be an either/or choice. The people who can help make the biggest difference in society need to be balanced. You may be able to create a rocket, but lack the artful skills to inspire any one to ever build it. You may create a beautiful painting, but that is not going to save the life of a child needing a cure for cancer. Freshman Sean Boylan
The Oracle Editorial Policy The Oracle is published by the newspaper staff at Steinbrenner High School: 5575 Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, Florida, 33558 The Oracle works under the SPJ Code of Ethics, Which has been set down as our journalistic standard. The staff believes in freedom of the press, honesty, accuracy, impartiality, decency and equality: We will be observing these at all times. Alll the editorials will be backed up with facts and research. Staff editorials will never be by-lined, because they represent the opinion of the staff as a whole. Money for the publication of The Oracle will come from advertising sales. Any advertising rates are available upon request by calling the Steinbrenner newspaper staff at (813) 792-5131, ext. 258. Advertising which promotes illegal products under Florida law, opposes any religion or is of any sensitive nature will not be accepted. The Oracle is established as an open forum for student expression as outlined in the Student Press Law Center’s model guidelines for student publications. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the faculty and administration of Steinbrenner High School, but rather of the author or of the newspaper staff and its editors. As student journalists, the staff occasionally commits errors,; however, we will always correct the errors in an honest and timely manner. The Oracle welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to Steinbrenner High School and its surrounding community. We also welcome contributions from writers not associated with the newspaper staff. All letters submitted to the editor will require the signature of those who submitted them. All contributions need to be turned into Mr. Flaskamp in room 215.
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CAUTION Students cram for parking Evyn Moon Staff Writer There are too many students finding their way to the parking lot thanthe amount that can fit in the available number of spots. As such, many students have complained about the traffic in the school parking lot. Senior Miranda Powell is especially upset with the system. “I’m a senior who bought a parking pass, but when I get to school, I can barely find a spot in the very back of the lot,” said Powell. The parent line that makes a perimeter around the student lot can also create problems in the flow of traffic. Sometimes the overcrowded lot can become a danger zone. The high concentration of cars leaving at the same time can create stress, which correlates with agressive driving. Junior Madison Seuzeneau was leaving school in the afternoon the first week of January when she got in an accident in the student parking lot. “I thought I saw the car in front of me start to move, but they put their brakes on, and I hit the back of them,” Suezeneau said. “It is kind of embarrassing, but in our parking lot, I know tons of people who have hit or gotten hit by another car.” There was damage done to both cars and Seuzeneau had to pay for it. She said she had never gotten in an accident before or even gotten a ticket outside of the parking lot. That 21 to 30-year-old Junior Stephen Nutt was also involved in an American drivers have cut accident in the school back on the total number of parking lot. Pulling out of miles they drive by about 8 his lane, he was hit from percent? the side by a car trying to pull out of its lane. “It wasn’t bad, but the dent had to be paid for,” said Nutt. “I think all the accidents in the lot are because it takes forever to drive out, and at the end of the day, everybody is sick of waiting. They get anxious and crashes happen.” “[Traffic is] better from last year but still not good,” Nutt said. Along with the school’s effort to decrease the traffic in the lot, there are also efforts to make parking spaces more available to the students who have actually paid for a pass. On Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, a tow truck towed cars that were parked without a pass. These students received a $200 fine and a $25 ticket.
FACT
Did you know?
Graphics by Frances Miyares, Megan Varde and Erica Everett Centerspread created by Erica Everett
DANGER: STUDENTS CROSSING Savanna Peterson Senior Staff Writer Many students have found alternatives to driving, or taking a bus this year. They ride their bike or walk home daily. It has its fair share of dangers, and juniors Ellie Wertheimer and Hailey Adams have experienced them. Wertheimer and Adams walk or bike to school every day due to the fact that they
live in Villa Rosa, and no longer have a bus to pick them up because they live within a two mile radius. Wertheimer’s parents work, and she has no car. Adams has no license. “I don’t feel that it is safe at all for bikers; no one slows down, and using the cross walks can take forever. Even then cars are still passing by you if you have the green light,” said Werthimer. Adams is not very happy with her trek to and from school. She says most drivers don’t even stop at crosswalks and has almost been hit multiple times.
“Bikers can’t leav because nobody stop said Adams. Adams was once h ing by Discovery Poi on Lutz Lake Fern. driving in his car and right as the girls went to walk by he pulled forward and hit them, thinking that the girls weren’t goin “I remember I co too shocked,”said We Adams was thrown
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oraclenewspaper.com
The
Students hold off on
Mind the Gap getting licenses at 16
Traffic
Trap
car. “I was lying on the hood of his car beating it,” said Adams. The driver hit by a car when walk- then slammed on his brakes, waved and int, close to Villa Rosa drove away. . An adult male was The girls are forced to walk for the rest of the year and though they’ve suggested things such as a crossing guard to —Ellie Wertheimer administration, ng to walk. nothing has changed. ouldn’t scream, I was “I feel like if someone doesn’t do ertheimer. anything someone (else) will get hit,” n onto the hood of his said Wertheimer.
“
“
I don’t feel that it is safe at all for bikers
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2009) Age group: 16 to 20 years old
ve school until 3:45 ps at the crosswalks,”
The traffic around the school causes a multitude of problems. Between students ignoring the use of passes, congestion from the parent line and the safety issue of pedestrians crossing busy roads, The Traffic Trap emphasizes that students are continuously affected by the traffic circulating around the school.
Pedestrian crash statistics (ages 16 to 20)
Erica Everett Centerspread Editor Society and individuals are seemingly convinced that teenage drivers should hold back on obtaining their licenses. The automobile just isn’t as necessary today as it was for earlier generations like the Baby Boomers. Teenagers are being encouraged to wait for a license and it starts at a state level. The Mature Drivers Act, a bill that states that one must reach the age of 16-years-old in order to get a learner’s permit, was implemented in some states because of the crash rates teenagers have in the 16-year-olds holding United States. drivers licenses This generation has grown up with an increased environ43.8% mental aware1998 29.8% ness of global 2006 warming—the billions of cars driven daily Source: Federal Highway Administration release gases which damage the ozone layer. Tampa, Florida is ranked number 20 in populations that travel most via public transportation according to the American Public Transportation Assiociation. It seems that the economic downfall in recent years has contributed to the financial weight put on teenagers who own their own cars. Some teenage drivers pay gas, insurance or both. With gas prices almost reaching four dollars teenagers are reducing the amount they drive. According to the Department of Transportation, drivers ages 21-30 have cut back on the total number of miles they drive by about eight percent. The responsibilities and expenses of car ownership seem to factor into the downfall of teenage licenses obtained in this generation.
A&E
12
February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
The two remaining Beatles release new albums; we break down what has “come together” and what has gone “helter skelter”
RINGO VS. PAUL
Ringo: The lesser of two Beatles Ethan Huber Chief Copy Editor
ble mish-mash of Starr’s walrusy voice (yes, I’m fully aware he isn’t the walrus) and endless mentions of peace and love, To say Ringo 2012 is a full-leng- a message no member of the Beatles has th studio album is kind of like saying a ever championed before. In a misguided Smart car is a full-sized sedan. What can attempt at being profound and meaningful, one make of the laughable 29-minute run the opening track, “Anthem”, declaring ittime; was Ringo even trying? And let's not self an anthem for the people, mind you, forget the title, which is about as creative ends up being as deep as the kiddie pool. as the album cover, and only slightly more And although at first it's catchy, don’t let creative than the music itself. “Wings”, the album’s Of the nine only single, trick songs on the album, you; you’ll be asleep two are covers and Ringo 2012 before the chorus, two are re-recordings Good Tracks: “In Liverpool”, if the solid block of of ‘70s era material. “Think It Over” cheddar lyrics hasn’t Even Buddy Holly’s already done so. “In “Think It Over” (I guBad Tracks: “Anthem”, “Wings”, Liverpool” has some ess Ringo was pretty every other song on the album. cute lyrics, but it’s ticked he wasn’t inperhaps one of the vited in on the fun of Final Verdict: LOSER. only high points of last summer’s Buddy this monochromatic Holly tribute album collection of songs. Rave On unlike fel But in the end, low Beatle Paul McCartney) is Starkey- he’s Ringo Starr. You can’t get mad at him. ified for the worse in possibly the most He’s the “special” Beatle. Go through the vulgar misappropriation of steel drums in Beatles catalog and count how many sonmusic history. Starkey claims he’s been gs are primarily attributed to him. I counlistening to a lot of reggae the last two ye- ted one, “Don’t Pass Me By”. Like the vast ars, and that’s apparent, but it just doesn’t majority of Starr’s other solo work (now work too well here. Ringo also covers at an impressive, almost idiot-savant-like, “Rock Island Line”, no doubt to ensure he 17 “full length” studio albums) for anyone would be the last Beatle to do so (Harrison other than a die-hard Beatlemaniac this aland Lennon both did versions of the ancibum is easily forgettable. Giving it one lient blues song in the ‘70s). The five songs sten won’t be a complete waste Starkey did write all sound identical. The of time. Anything more than entire album, regardless of if the songs that, though, is ill advised. are new or old blends into one forgetta-
4.0
Paul: Good album, awful name As someone who genuinely appreciates McCartney’s other original, will you able jazz, Paul's Kisses on the Bottom is actual- to get up and actually get anything done. ly rather impressive when you think about Part of what makes this album work so what’s going on. At first glance, it may well is how easily and Paul’s voice lends appear to be some silly gesture of Paul, itself to this style of music; he’s surprisinnaïvely believing he’s capable of such gly adept at the whole jazz thing. He pulls things as “jazz music”. But in reality, it’s it off marvelously, and the arrangements quite good. are truly top-notch. This album also pulls The hour long, 14-song album is com- in a few guests, namely Eric Clapton, no prised, save for two original (and quite doubt feeling right at home on “My Vagood) compositions by McCartney, of co- lentine”, and Stevie Wonder has a pretty vers of classic sweet harmonica solo on jazz love songs. “Only Our Hearts”. I’d never heard It’s not going to change Kisses on the Bottom any of them, lives or even be remembeGood Tracks: “The Glory of Love”, but they still “My Valentine”, “Only Our Hearts” red in five years, but as far sound familiar, as these cover-compilatiemanating a on things done by older arBad Tracks: “The Inch Worm”, casual and re- “Bye Bye Blackbird” tists go, this is pretty classy laxed tone, as if stuff. I’d like to think the this is a place entire thing was dedicated Final Verdict: WINNER. you’ve been to Paul’s new wife, which many many tiwould make it one of best mes and where Valentine’s Day presents you’re completely comfortable, a place anyone has ever gotten. where you can lay back and unwind. “I’m In stark(ey) contrast to Ringo’s chore Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself of an album, Kisses on the Bottom goes a Letter” will literally sit you down (whe- down like a smooth glass of 75-year-old ther or not you write a letter is entirely up Scotch whiskey. In fact, if such a thing to you). By “The Glory of Love”, you’ll were permissible to this publication’s tarhave your shoes off, sleeves rolled up, and geted audience, I'd recommend just that, at McCartney’s “My Valentine”, full re- in combination with a glowing wood fire, laxation will have set in and taken hold, a this album going in the background and warmth slowly working its way over you that special someone you love the most as the album progresses. McCartney keeps right there with you. the songs full of flavor and cozy emotions. The thing I couldn’t Only at the end of “Our Lonely Hearts”, figure out: the bottom of what?
7.0
13
A&E
February 2012
Battle of the Box
oraclenewspaper.com
ffice
We duke it out with English teacher and cinephile Christopher Kearney over the top films of 2011
Kearney’s Top 10 of 2011
Kyle Dunn & Jake Bittle Editor in Chief & A&E Editor
Our Top 10 Films of 2011 1. Midnight in Paris
Woody Allen-directed romp through rom-com-fantasy Paris including encounters with Picasso and Hemingway
2. A Separation (Iran)
In Iran’s tortuous system of censorship laws, a heartfelt tale of biting differences driving a couple to divorce shines through Black-and-white silent (mostly) Oscar shoe-in about actor Valentin’s struggle against the rise of the “talkies” Little boy/mechanical genius Hugo works to repair a broken automaton in this adaptation of a graphic novel
5. Moneyball
Brad Pitt fiddles with baseball statistics to turn his failing team around in an unfair game
6. The Descendants
George Clooney’s most vulnerable performance yet in this story of redemption and forgiveness in Hawaii
7. Drive
1. The Tree of Life 2. Mysteries of Lisbon (Portugal) 3. Certified Copy (France) 4. The Artist 5. Moneyball
3. The Artist
4. Hugo
Film aficionado and English teacher Christopher Kearney compiles a yearly “Top 10” list of the movies he feels are exceptional in form and execution. Here are Kearney’s top 10 films of 2011.
6. Tomboy (France) 7. The Double Hour (Italy) 8. Midnight in Paris 9. Drive 10. War Horse Courtesy of Christopher Kearney
An unnamed stuntman (Ryan Gosling) spends his nights as a getaway in an explosive film with more action than actual driving
8. Bridesmaids
Annie (Kristen Wiig) vies for maid of honor position in her friend’s marriage as her own life peters out into misery and disappointment
9. The Tree of Life
Terrence Malick’s experimental family drama, peppered with scenes of cosmic formation and development
10. The Help
Novel-based film about an ensemble of black maids and racism they faced in the civil rights era
Brandon Mauriello / Oracle
Kyle Dunn and Christopher Kearney
A&E
14
February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
'Black' is the new black The Woman in Black makes no bones about big scares, but also delivers solid plot
' H e e e r e's Johnny!'
Prospects for 2012's horror movie crop
Courtesy of CBS Films
Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) explores The Woman in Black's haunted mansion. The film is Radcliffe's much-anticipated first starring role after the end of the Harry Potter series. Jake Bittle A&E Editor Today’s horror movies are so often cliched shaky-camera romps through modern living rooms with invisible antagonists; anything that doesn’t profess to be “based on true events” and isn’t recorded on a home video camera most often fails to scare the audience. The Woman in Black leaves these cliches behind and profits by it; director James Watkins has produced an atmospheric and legitimately horrifying movie that, wonder of wonders, also manages to have a compelling plot. The film’s setup has father and lawyer Arthur Kipps (the much-hyped Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame, who despite just finishing wizarding school this year, already has a child) traveling to an obscure British village to sort out the effects of a deceased widow who lived in an isolated mansion. Once there, Kipps finds himself amidst villagers horrified of the ghost of a vengeful mother who lives in the mansion. Kipps pushes forward with the investigation and soon reawakens the mother’s malevolent spirit while trying to do his job; children start dying and chaos reigns thereafter. The presentation of the woman in black is far and away the best thing about The Woman in Black: Watkins does not cow around about showing us the woman face-to-face. Radcliffe looks out into the yard and there she is she’s right there she’s still there oh god she’s right there. She
appears often and blatantly, and this makes the movie scarier, not less scary. The house’s ramshackle gothic aura also contributes to the terror of the woman in black’s vengeance, though the emphasis on creepy antique dolls and toya did nothing but break the audience’s immersion. About the performance of Daniel Radcliffe I have mixed feelings. In the village environment, and with his son, Radcliffe shows how much his acting has improved. But when he is trapped in the house at the mercy of the woman in black, Radcliffe falters. He’s just not as engaging in the umpteen close-ups of him panting, gaping and gasping. That’s not to say he’s failed at this role, because it’s the actual acting and not the breathless sprints through graveyards that matters; however, it’s definitely the scarer, and not the scaree, that drives the movie. I must say, though, that the scenes when Radcliffe is at the village in between stints at the woman in black’s house are just as well-directed; the harrowing story of the terrified villagers (who grow more and more hostile towards Kipps) is told especially well through a supporting cast of relatively unknown actors. The film simply works, from its damp and moody beginning to its chilling conclusion. Paranormal Activity and its ilk are fine and dandy, but sometimes larger-scale production and solid storytelling can make a horror film not just more satisfying and memorable, but scarier as well.
8.0
Silent House (left): By far the scariest of the bunch, this film looks to be a horrifying found-footage romp through a house which seems anything but silent. Though the genre, as I said in the review, grows fatigued, that’s not to say it can’t still deliver. The trailer for this one knocked me (and nearly everyone else in the theater) off my seat. Mar. 9 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (middle): Despite the film’s bizarre name, director Timur Bekmambatov (Wanted) has produced quality filmic material before; the subject matter certainly won’t disappoint. The film chronicles the 16th president’s secret life as a vampire hunter; I’m confident in Bekmambatov’s ability to take a subject matter that belongs in a high school AV class project and bring us some explosive action. June 8 Prometheus (right): Updated technology should serve to assist Ridley Scott’s prelude to the classic science-fiction-horror film Alien in delivering the clausotrophic deep-space chills for which the series gained much renown. Noomi Rapace (from the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) stars as the leading investigative scientist on the spaceship Prometheus. which makes unfortunate contact with a malevolent race of aliens. June 22 Compiled by Jake Bittle - A&E Editor
A&E
15
February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
Van Who? Fiery comeback album a stable return
With the aid of former vocalist David Lee Roth, the classic rock band manages to rock into old age, but not without a few wrinkles Jake Bittle A&E Editor The controversy about whether or not old dogs can learn new tricks is not likely to be over any time soon. Plenty of ancient classic rock bands have stuck around well past their prime and been ridiculed for it; a successful comeback is hard to stage. What band out there is older and doggier than dear old Van Halen, who’ve somehow managed to release another album, almost fifteen years after 1998’s godawful Van Halen III. This album, titled A Different Kind of Truth, is only saved from being another addition to the classicrock-comeback junkyard by the return of flamboyant former frontman David Lee Roth, who considers himself less of an old dog than a “Sexy dragon legend,” as he roars on the album’s first track and first single, “Tattoo.” Thereafter, the album is a burning automobile wreck, and I mean that in the best possible way. When I say that Roth saves the album, I don’t mean that he overshadows everyone else, because band namesake Eddie Van Halen’s shredding is just as razor-sharp and thrilling as it was decades ago. Eddie’s son Wolfgang has also joined the gang on bass, but in all honesty, this is hardly noticeable. What’s really noticeable is the drumming, which is as invasive and ostentatious as Roth’s trademark spandex pants. Roth is the only member of the band who seems
to have retained any charisma. With any vocalist but him (or maybe Geddy Lee, just for kicks and giggles) the album would sound like one of the garage-recorded jingles in furniture store commercials (see “Blood and Fire” and “Bullethead” for prime examples). And even then, I’ve got to concede, Roth’s lyrics and singing are, for all their entertainment value, unconvincing. For the first few songs, his boastful verses and cathartic choruses are refreshing, but by “China Town” I realized that this man is just as old as my father and that he doesn’t still court a different woman every night and hang out in dangerous parts of town. Once this realization sinks in the rest of the lyrics seem unfortunately canned. Still though, one has to give Eddie, Dave and the gang some credit. If you’re into this sort of thing the driving riffs on “Big River” and the solos on “Beats Workin’”, the album’s final track, certainly won’t disappoint. As far as Van Halen albums go, it’s got the band’s signature charm and it’s certainly not a totally failed attempt at a comeback. But as far as albums go, it just doesn’t have enough mustard to warrant a second listen. By the end of the album, one can’t really tell the difference between, say, “You And Your Blues” or another dud, “The Trouble With Never”. Once the screaming guitars and flamboyant drums were over, the one thing this album left me with was a creepy image of geriatric
6.5
Abbreviated Reviews Below are clippings of reviews from the past month's A&E section. The full reviews as well as other reviews not in print can be found at oraclenewspaper.com.
'BORN TO DIE'
'TEN$ION'
6.0
After embarrassment on Saturday N i g h t L i v e , L a n a Del Rey released her debut album, a dreamy collection of songs that combines a faltering message with unique vocals but, nonetheless, satisfies few. Del Rey experiments with mercurial chants and straightforward verses, but neither do the album justice. The highlight of Born to Die are its exquisite sounds. Her words dwindle and provoke, stirring up emotional excitement. It’s not her looks or lyrics that show promise: it is her voice. Natalie Barman / Opinion Editor
D i e Antwoord's new album is actually the worst music I think I’ve ever heard. The lyrics are too vulgar to print even with censorship and too stupid to print no matter what the circumstances are; the presentation is raucous and shallow, the beats and the rappers’ voices are 100% guaranteed to give the listener headaches. But it’s impossible to criticize this album because it is completely foreign to me, produced by something totally alien, so I feel that I have no choice but to give it a perfect score.
(1)0
Jake Bittle / A&E Editor
Courtesy of Interscope Records
The cover of Van Halen’s new album, A Different Kind of Truth. This is frontman Roth’s first outing with the band in 28 years. men with canes rocking out in front of several thousand people. Mercifully, I didn’t imagine them in spandex … whoops, now I did.
'CHRONICLE'
'MAN ON A LEDGE'
Chronicle reveals the plight of a daydreamer with a video camera turned disciple of darkness with a superhuman appetite for destruction. It is at a rave where cousins Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), Matt Garretty (Alex Russell) and school hotshot Nick Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan) discover a tunnel dug into the forest floor. Once inside, the unseen energy of a glowing crystal grants the trio superpowers. Much of the action in Chronicle, though, lies in the heated exchanges of anguish between Detmer and those around him who insist that they know what’s good for him. Chronicle is one of very few movies to do the “found footage” thriller right. Kyle Dunn / Editor in Chief
7.5
Man on a Ledge doesn’t appear to be the typical heist movie, though it doesn’t take the b r e a t h away in the usually dazzling display of caper-ly haste and luster like one either. Man on a Ledge is not the implicit story of a man contemplating suicide, rather Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) is the confidence man playing his deceptively simple game of mock self-destruction whilst brother Joey Cassidy (Jamie Bell) vation: proving one man’s innocence. The effort was appreciated—much like a finger-painting young child, but a film that doesn't get one genre right is scarcely able to serve up a buffet of many. Kyle Dunn / Editor in Chief
5.0
Sports
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February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
Baseball
‘It’s our time now’
Since walking on to the field as Gryphons in 2009, three core seniors look to leave a legacy painted in blue and gold Jeff Odom Sports Editor When they first stepped onto the field together, no one knew what to expect. While donning pinstripes from top to bottom and forest green hats, three players trudged from the dugout and made their way to the left side of the infield, where they waited. The first crack of the bat rang out. The shortstop moved a few steps over to his left, whipped the ball to first base for the out, looked to his right and flashed a big grin. They might not have known it then, but it was the first page of a four-year long story. Seniors Stone Ramsey, Gerald Bautista and Christian Diaz have each other’s backs, literally. Bautista at third, Diaz on second and Ramsey squeezed in between at short. It wasn’t until their sophomore seasons in 2009-10 that the notion became a reality. The three left the confines of Sickles after freshman year and moved to a program where there were no titles, there were no wins and there was no history.“It was a long time coming,” recalls Diaz. “We (three) came as sophomores and it was going to be a goal to get past districts and we made strides.” It soon became known to them that they would have to build it from the ground up themselves. And what better way to do so than with a state hall of fame coach in John Crumbley guiding the way. Crumbley, who had spent nearly 25 years at Jesuit while compiling over 500 wins, made it known from the first tryout that this team wasn’t going to lay down its first year. And it started with leadership. “(We wanted) to just have fun and be team leaders,” said Bautista, a University of Florida commit. “We were the only three in the class that had played at the varsity level. We had Chad (Witkowski) there and Jason Wilton and Ryan Atkinson and they were a year above us and we just wanted to
Courtesy of The Laker/Lutz News
LEFT: Senior shortstop Stone Ramsey fields ground balls during a recent practice. RIGHT: Coach John Crumbley celebrates his 600th career win against his high school alma mater Leto, last season. He previously earned 575 wins over 22 years at Jesuit. follow in their footsteps.” Throughout the team’s inaugural season came a string of successes very rare from a first-year school. In fact, it was the best season from a newborn school in Hillsborough County history. Diaz says that the bar was set high from the beginning, which paved the way for the future and gave them a look at what a family they could be together. “There’s no one above the team,” said Diaz. “(It was told to us from the beginning that) we win as a family, we run as a family and we lose as a family. We were going to ride this train together.” And they did just that.In the first two seasons, the team won 37 games to cement itself as one of the perennial contenders for a district title. But adversity struck. After being shut out 8-0 by Jefferson at the district semifinal in 2010, the team looked to add to its initial success. They weren’t the new kids on the block anymore and it showed as the start to the regular
season was a roller coaster. But the team rallied placed third in Class 4A-District 9. After a victory over Robinson in the second round, the script had been rewritten in its favor.That is, until the bottom of the seventh inning. With runners on the corners and one out, then-junior pitcher Chris Williams had pitched the team to a 1-0 lead with no earned runs allowed. Jefferson’s Andy Vazquez hit a sharp ground ball to Ramsey, who flipped it to Diaz for out number two. That’s when it happened. On the attempt to find Witkowski’s glove at first base to complete the double play, the throw sailed wide of the bag and over into right field. The Dragons scored two runs, walked off with a win and earned regional playoff berth. In the midst of celebration from the opposite dugout, there lie Diaz on the clay, his jersey burnt orange, distraught from the nightmare that had just played out.With that loss as the central motivating factor for
this season and their final chapter, the three agree their time to shine is now. “When we fell 90 feet short last year, I feel like we all grew together as a team and we know that we shouldn’t have to be within 90 feet of going to the district final,” said Diaz. “We’re the best boys team in the school for the past three years hands down, we just haven’t lived up to our potential.” Ramsey added, “I think it’s frustrating because we know how much talent we have and knowing who’s on the field and whose playing, we start to realize we can’t win as one player. … Hopefully this is the road to taking the steps as a team instead of by person.” While time is quickly closing the curtain on their high school careers and the future may be uncertain, the three know that they will take away much more than wins and losses from their experience together. Ramsey wants to leave a legacy. “I think we all have our time to speak as seniors, because you’re able to teach your players and it’s our time now.”
Sports
17
February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com Track and field
Baldwin setting pace for another big year
Even after senior Alexis Wright’s state title last year, the coach says there’s still plenty to do Jeff Odom Sports Editor
Coach Ladd Baldwin
Jeff Odom / Oracle
THE SIDELINE
School avoids major FHSAA sanctions The boys soccer team was forced to forfeit nine wins and two ties after a Florida High School Athletic Association investigation found the team used an ineligible player. The team avoided other penalties, but was forced to give up its number one district seed in the Class 4A-District 8 tournament. Flag football
Puskas named third coach in team history For the third time in as many years, the girls flag football team will have a new coach leading the charge. Gregory Puskas has been named the successor to Jennifer Graham, who left her post to focus soley on volleyball. Puskas served as an assistant on Graham’s staff last season and has been an assistant on the varsity football team for the last two seasons. Compiled by Jeff Odom / Sports Editor
His classroom bares the credentials of a top girls track and field program. Championship trophies align the wall and the signs of achievement are all around. However, as for solidifying the team as best in the county? Coach Ladd Baldwin says it’s a work in progress. Baldwin’s program set the bar last season, when senior Alexis Wright brought home the first gold medal and individual state title, but he says there’s always room for improvement across the board, and more needs to be done to make the team a consistent factor. “You kind of have to know the competition and what your goals are,” said Baldwin, the only coach in program history. “If your goal is ‘Hey let’s be district champs’, (you have to know) whose in my district and where are they strong.” Even with Wright’s title last season, there are roles yet to be filled. However through the tryout and preseason practice process, he’s adjusting his runners to new positions that can not only better them as
Senior Alexis Wright (left) is looking for her second straight individual state title this season. Feb. 21 - vs. Gaither, Blake at Gaither Feb. 23 - vs. Robinson, Leto at Leto Feb. 25 - C. Johnson Relays at King March 3 - N. Higgins Relays at Leto March 8 - vs. Plant at Steinbrenner March 17 - USF Invitational at USF March 28 - W.C. Divisional at Jefferson March 31 - Griffin Relays at Hills. Apr. 3 - V. Korhn Meet at Jefferson Apr. 12 - vs. Sickles, Gaither at Gaither
individuals, but the team itself. “What we’re doing now is kind of just finding athletes and making them strong. We have 15 girls that have gone over hurdles and we’re trying to build hurdlers out of them,” said Baldwin. “It’s a whole new ball game.” For most athletes entering the sport this
year, Baldwin says some have mixed feelings about if they can compete or not. He adds that it’s about building them up to understand their natural talents can become a big help to the program. “You ask if (someone) wants to do track and they kind of look at you and say, ‘But coach, I’m not fast,’ but there’s other events too. There’s shot and discus and high jump,” said Baldwin. “It’s building for 17 different events and seeing where they can be successful and where they’re at.” The team moves from the 2A classification into 3A, which presents new challenges to the team. To help prepare the team, Baldwin has reached out for volunteers. “Any volunteers that you get and anybody that you feel comfortable with to help out, I have a parent that’s a high jump guy and I can put the kids with him and I can be coaching some other group and know that they’re being taken care of. I think that’s one of our strengths.” said Baldwin. “ The team opens up the season Feb. 21 against Gaither and Blake at Gaither.
Tennis
New challenge, same determination Savanna Peterson Senior Staff Writer
Tennis season officially starts with the first match against Gaither on Feb. 21, and both the boys and girls teams are coming off of a big finish from last year, which had both ranked as one of the top programs in the area. The girls have two district titles under their belt and the boys have been district runner-up both seasons. The boys team will be starting the season with a new coach after Darren Atkinson resigned for personal reasons. It is now coached by Tu Mai. Senior Luke Blankenship says he has a big season planned for himself with the idea of playing on a collegiate level, and having the team perform at the best of their ability. “I’m looking forward to working my butt off and having a good time doing it,” said Blankenship.
Both teams move into Class 3A-District 8 and will face school rival Gaither, as well as county ranked Wharton and Plant. “To be realistic we’re in the hardest district in the state,” said Blankenship. “I just want to have fun and go as far as possible.” On the girls’ side, sophomore Grace Korta is looking forward to continuing the squad’s recent success to make a run for the district title. But she says, there’s a bigger goal to achieve. “I want the whole team to make it to the state championship,” said Korta. Blankenship added, “We’re going to have much better chemistry. … I’m willing to help anyone who asks for it and I’m there to set an example.”
Get more coverage online See boys and girls tennis results after every match online at oraclenewspaper.com/category/ sports.
Courtesy of The Laker/Lutz News
Senior Luke Blankenship goes for the ball during a recent match. Along with sophomore Grace Korta of the girls squad, he is continuing to lead the team going into year three.
Sports
18
February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
For Hooker, district title twice as nice
Four seniors moving on to next level School record holder Cici Gonzalez highlights college commitments on National Signing Day Jeff Odom Sports Editor
Courtesy of Steinbrenner Basketball
Coach J.R. Allen and his team celebrates after clinching the Class 7A-District 9 championship over Freedom 51-39. It was junior Bailey Hooker’s second title this year, as she won the other in Oct. with the volleyball team.
Jeff Odom Sports Editor
B
ailey Hooker watched teammate Taylor Thigpen dribble the final seconds off of the clock, allowing the junior guard’s dream three years in the making to come true. ¶ In a mob of white jerseys huddled around coach J.R. Allen, Hooker along with her teammates turned to the line of banners hung on the gymnasium wall, pointed up, and shouted “forever.” Hooker, the leading scorer this year with 19.8 points per game, scored 16 to help the team put away Freedom for the program’s first district championship on Feb. 3. “We worked so hard,” said Hooker. “To finally put something up on that banner that we’ve been waiting for, for three years, is like fire. I’m so happy.” For Hooker, it was her second time hoisting a district trophy this year. She did the same in Oct. as a middle hitter on the volleyball team against, whom else but the Patriots. Like with basketball, Hooker has been on the volleyball team since her freshman year, helping it to a 26-0 district record and three championships. Basketball had less of a winning tradi-
tion, posting a 24-17 record, 12-8 in district, during the last two years and zero playoff appearances. That changed this season. “It’s the best experience, because we didn’t have to really work that hard for the volleyball one, but to be in the middle of it and in the midst of it in the basketball championship, it’s ridiculous how much fire goes through your veins when you’re on the court,” said Hooker . Hooker once again put the team on her back after a rough district semifinals contest against fourth seeded Chamberlain, which the team squeaked through 56-48. In practice the following day, Hooker made sure that her teammates were on the right page in a players-only meeting to discuss what had occurred. “We had a lot of emotional stuff going on, so we basically brought it all together,”
said Hooker. “We let everything out because we’re a family. We’re a team and we knew we had one goal coming out into this season, and we weren’t going to let one bad game ruin our chances of winning the district title. We came together and pushed through, and we mentally got tough and ready.” In practice all week, Hooker had worked specifically on shooting, which wasn’t where it needed to be in her eyes. “This was going to be my game,” Hooker said of the district finals. “I spent time in practice just working on my shots and all of us contributed. Every single person stepped it up and did something they don’t normally do.” “I have so many words that I could say, I’m so pumped about this, and so happy. We’re a part of forever, and our team is up on that wall forever.”
Senior Cici Gonzalez wanted to make the moment last forever. After taking the direction from school athletic director Eddie Henderson to sign her letter of intent, Gonzalez opened the door into her fuCici Gonzalez ture at University of Tampa where she will continue her soccer career. “This is amazing, it feels like all my hard work paid off and everything I’ve ever wanted has finally come true,” said Gonzalez, who tallied 91 goals over the course of her high school career. She joined teammate Taylor Valley, who signed with Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA, Zack Jones and Zack Boryla who both signed football scholarships to Stetson University in Deland, FL. Jones, who was a member of the school’s inaugural football team in 2009, will get the opportunity to do it again with Stetson when it restarts its football program after a 56 year hiatus. “It just feels good to think about the work I put in and it’s all paying off,” said Jones. He then added, “I like (starting a new program), because every catch you get is a new record, every yard you make is a new record, so it’s cool knowing you build a program from the feet up.” Valley, who played a major role during the school’s bid to repeat as state champions, felt like she made the right choice and wants to keep Armstrong atop the Division-II soccer poll. “It seems like it’s been so long, finding the college and going on visits. … Now it’s kind of like relief, I’m so happy and I know I made the right decision,” said Valley. Their coach, Robert Woodard, says it’ll be tough filling the talent that both Gonzalez and Valley possess. “I’m really happy for them, because they’re both great player and they really made the transition for me a lot easier this year,” said Woodard. He then added, “On the other hand, I have to replace them, that’s going to be a challenge to have somebody step up and fill those shoes.”
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February 2012
oraclenewspaper.com
WINTER SPORTS REWIND As we bid farewell to the 2011-12 winter sports cycle, Oracle Sports Editor Jeff Odom takes a look back on the top moments the season had to offer. Gaining ground After two seasons which saw the boys basketball team manage only seven wins, all seemed to change in 2011-12. The team knocked off top Class 7ADistrict 9 opponents Wiregrass Ranch and Freedom before cooling off down Freshman Jack Frank the stretch. Nevertheless, the surge of talent the team possessed put them in the conversation as one of the best in the area.
Seeing silver Cheerleading: 2A state runner-up
Under the radar The boys soccer team quietly opened the door as one of the top three squads in Hillsborough County. Even though it was forced to forfeit nine wins and two ties due to FHSAA sanc- Chad Ebright tions, the team managed eight wins before its first loss to Wharton. It was the quickest in three years that the team had reached that many wins.
Courtesy of Steinbrenner Cheerleading
After not having the chance to compete last season because of a scoring error by the judges, the competitive cheerleading squad made history on Feb. 3 by joining the 2010 boys cross country team as the second state runner-up in the history of the school. The team finished less than four points behind the champion, Winter Park with an overall score of 86.8 in the Class 2A medium division.
Noble is the top dog Wrestling coach Paul Noble is my choice for best coach in the winter cycle. Not just for the success of the program he has built in three years, a district championship, but his commitment to the team with a 45-minute long commute to and from Plant City, along with the assistant coaching staff is something I’ve never seen at the high school level. To top the season with a cherry, Cameron Alsup took home an individual district title and eclipsed the 100 win mark at the district tournament.
‘Gimme three We saw it in Oct. when the volleyball team clinched the school’s first district three-peat, but you can now add girls soccer to that list as well. In double OT, freshman Remi Brantley sealed the 2-1 win over Freedom with her first career goal in the 100th minute. Senior Cici Gonzalez
Talk about WOW In one of the biggest upsets in school history, the boys basketball team opened its home district schedule with an electrifying 108101 victory over district foe Wiregrass Ranch. Not only did it beat a team that had won 22 games in 2010, but also set a school scoring record.
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February 2012
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oraclenewspaper.com
Flowers from my valentine This time of year flowers tend to be used to show affection. We asked students what flowers they like to give and which they hope to get on the day that celebrates love.
“An orchid for Valentine’s is perfect because it’s such a delicate flower.” — Junior Gaby William
“Tulips are always pretty and they give off a happy, fun vibe.” — Senior Allen Dolphin
Compiled By: Rachael Landes / Photo Editor Gaby Morillo / Staff Writer
“When I think of Valentine’s Day I think of roses. They’re classic.” — Senior Kara Saunders