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EBEL Volume 16:4
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EVIEW March 17, 2017
Roncalli High School
P RO COU M I N S RT IDE !
SPEECH TEAM MAKES HISTORY Senior Luke Jones and junior Grace Murphy discuss their speech. The duo was awarded second at the state speech competition on Saturday. BELOW LEFT: Sophomore Amy Weilhammer delivers her speech in poetry. Weilhammer received fifth place at state. BELOW MIDDLE: Junior Nicholas Plahitko studies his newscast on his Chromebook while waiting to perform. Plahitko was a quarter finalist in radio broadcasting. BELOW RIGHT: Junior Elizabeth Woodruff gives her original oratory to judges. Woodruff also was a quarter finalist at the state competition. PHOTOS BY DAVE SCHRADER
Eight Rebels competed at state meet, Jones takes home state championship BY GRACE SILVER Staff Writer
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he Roncalli speech team competed in the state competition last weekend at Fishers High School. Sophomore Amy Weilhammer was awarded fifth in poetry, senior Luke Jones and junior Grace Murphy received second in original performance, and Jones was a state champion, receiving first in oratorical interpretation. Individual finishes went to juniors Elizabeth Woodruff and Nicholas Plahitko, who received state quarter finalist (Top 24) recognition in original oratory and radio broadcasting respectively. “It was unforgettable,” Jones said. “Giving my final round speeches was the most nervous I have ever been. Waiting for awards felt like an eternity.” The Rebels were both nervous and excited for the experience of the meet and were anxious to know their results. “I [was] both nervous and excited for state,” Murphy said. “I [was] excited because I [knew] that [Jones] and I worked hard this year and [had] the potential to perform very well at state; however, I [was] also very nervous because there [was] a lot of good competitors out there who worked just as hard and wanted to win.” The Speech team competed at sectionals a few weeks prior at Greensburg High School. All eight Rebels who individually placed at sectionals were able to advance to state. “Overall, I [was] quite pleased with the results of the sectional meet,” speech coach and English teacher Mr. Phil Milroy said. “All of our students [who advanced to state] worked hard this year, and this [was] a fantastic recognition of their efforts.” Qualifying for state, eight students worked to improve their skills before their last competition of the season. Sectionals provided a decent foreshadowing of state meet, helping the qualified members prepare for what was to come. To prepare for the meet, many of the members spent a great deal of their time
practicing during and after school. They made sure to practice every Monday at the mandatory practices and ran their lines at home a few times as well. Jones and Murphy often met in the mornings before school to make time for extra practice. “[Meeting in the mornings] ensured that we [had] the memorization and blocking exactly as we wanted it before the meet,” Murphy said. Because speech meets can last up to ten hours, the team makes sure to get lots of rest the night before. The competitors also make sure to run their speeches as much as possible. “The atmosphere [at state] is relaxed,” Weilhammer said. “There are nerves, but you’ve gone to so many meets it’s not that big of a deal anymore.” The state meet was much different than what the Rebel speech team was used to, however. “There’s a big jump in the level of competition when we get to the state meet,” Milroy said. “The best of the best. But you know what? We [had] eight of those best of the best. I [was] cautiously optimistic that we [had] some speakers who [could] make a deep run into the tournament.” As a school, the Rebels received third place at state, and their coaches could not have been prouder of the hard work they put in to achieve that award. “I can’t imagine that the day could have gone any better,” Milroy said. “Each of the students who qualified worked hard to be there, and the ones who advanced really showed off the best our team can do,” Milroy said. Next Monday, March 20th, the auditorium will be hosting the annual Speech Team Showcase at 6 p.m. At this event, all of the state finalists will be performing their pieces for no charge, and the performances are open for anyone to come and enjoy the talents of the Rebel speech team.
Visit us online - roncallimedia.com
News: Page 2
Features: Page 3
Young actors perform in front of their peers in the annual spring play, Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” tonight and Saturday.
We explore the visual arts of Roncalli as students proudly share their astonishing projects and show off the hard work that was put into creating them.
Opinion: Page 6
Spring break begins next week, and many Rebels are excited about some time off. Find out where the hot destinations for students and staff are this year.
Sports: Page 8
Bruce Scifres brought seven state championships to Roncalli. His legacy and impact, however, stretch beyond the game of football.
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March 17, 2017
News
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GRAND CHAMPIONS
Rebel Rhapsody brings home first place at Franklin Central competition
BY LIZZY HOSTY Copy Editor
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how choir kicked into the season this year with its first competition at Ben Davis, where they placed third out of nine schools, and then went on to be named Grand Champs at Franklin Central on February 25th. At their last competition on March 4th, they were third runner-up. Senior Jeremy Schmidt is in his second year of Rebel Rhapsody and is pleased with how his last show choir season ended. “Although it may seem like a lot of work, it’s the best experience,” Schmidt said. New to Roncalli’s show choir is senior Maddie Ganka. Ganka was in Perry Meridian High School’s show choir before coming to Roncalli. “It’s a lot of fun to dance and sing in front of a real audience and the outfits are so cute,” Ganka said.
Water with blessings Student body helps support meaningful cause throughout Lent
And while most are aware of which students are part of the choir, many students don’t realize that there is a whole other layer to show choir: show choir technical assistants. Composed mostly of sophomores and freshmen, show choir tech member freshman Trey Koch also joined tech and will be apart of the Rebel Rhapsody next year. Upon being asked by Pena to join BY NATHANIEL YOUNG tech, he was hesitant but is glad that he went for the opportunity. Staff Writer "I help to organize costume pieces and get everyone ready for the his year’s Lenten show," Koch said. Almsgiving projShow choir tech is also in charge of quick changes during the ect is called "Waroutine and making sure everyone is where they need to be at the ter with Blesscompetition. “I love getting to see everyone and spending time with them,” ings". Every year, Roncalli students support a new Koch said. Lenten Almsgiving project. One day a week during first period, the teachers encourage their students to donate to the project. This year's project, "Water with Blessings", symbolizes that with water, one can purify, cleanse, and heal their soul, while also regenerating life. Water permeates through PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON everything in nature, and KICKING INTO GEAR: Rebel Rhapsody performs for the entire student body SING ON: Show choir poses at the end of one of their dance routines. Rebel during the Roncalli Fine Arts Showcase. The show choir received many cheers Rhapsody does multiple songs that they have meticulously practiced for through- the water cycle purifies and claps from their audience. out the year. everything it encounters in God's creation. Senior Cassidy McMahon is one of the main organizers of the project. “I’m so excited for Water with Blessings. I’ve BY AUDREY WOJTOWICZ never been so passionate Staff Writer about a project before. I his year's annual spring play is “Much Ado About Nothing," written personally believe that the by William Shakespeare. Throughout the play the course of the play, student body of Roncalli which is set in 16th century Messina, Italy, there are two separate love can make a difference and stories intertwined. One relationship involves the characters Beatrice can really flourish their and Benedick, while the other is between the young couple, Hero and Claudio. minds on how they all can Hero and Claudio meet when the Prince, Don Pedro of Aragon, brings his help,” said McMahon. friends back from the war. The group of men come to the house to celebrate the The money that the recent war victory. students raise will be going Benedick was also in the group that returned from war. He previously knew toward water filters. The Beatrice but they were not on good terms. Beatrice and Benedick always seem areas of the world that to be insulting each other or in some type of argument. However, the two chardon’t have any clean water acters are too proud to realize their love for each other, so their friends try and will be receiving these trick them into falling in love. Treachery, deceit, drama, and comedy follow. filters and they will be able Senior Margaret McCloskey said she is enthused about the play because it to benefit from the filtered is her last Roncalli production and thinks that the role of Beatrice is perfect for water. Each of the filters PHOTO BY MAIYA MAHONEY her. ACT IT OUT: Part of the cast on Roncalli's annual spring play will be able to substantially “I was excited because I had watched the movie back in December,” McClos- "Much Ado About Nothing" practice their lines to perfect their help these families in need key said. “Beatrice has a lot of sass which remind me of some roles I played in performance. The play opened yesterday and will continue its run which would be a really through Saturday. the past.” great cause. Sophomore Allison Pena expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming shows. Many parts of the world “I am excited to show audiences how great we were able to pull off Shakedon’t have access to clean speare, as it is very difficult," Pena said. "Also, I am excited to dance during the water. McMahon had the show as there is a small dance scene near the end." privilege of visiting Haiti, Pena often stays after play practices on weekdays to help out the tech crew which falls under one of prepare the set and props. the areas that has clean wa“I helped to create a feature for the wedding scene including flowers,” Pena ter issues. McMahon had a said. informative experience and Sophomore Mia Roberts is quite impressed with the set that the show will realized how she and the take place on. student body could help. “It is a non-moving set with three levels and a fountain,” Roberts said. “When I got back from Roberts loves to help the other actors learn their lines. She said that they all Haiti, I knew I had to do have trouble with memorizing the dialogue, so it is good to have others help out. something, to not only “The most enjoyable thing about the play is seeing people struggle with lines alleviate some of the heart because it turns into some funny incidents on stage,” Roberts said, “We are all PHOTO BY MAIYA MAHONEY wrenching poverty, but PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Junior Shane Sanneman and seniors going through the same struggles, and we are able to laugh with each other." Chris Golab and Connor Cleary run through an important scene also to give the amazing The show opened last night and performances will continue tonight and to- to ensure a superb performance. As leading roles, they hold a lot of people I met a chance to morrow at 7 p.m., with a matinee show at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are sold responsibility. flourish,” said McMahon. in the box office for $5.
Preparing for the performance A glimpse behind the scenes of Roncalli's spring play, "Much Ado About Nothing"
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Features
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March 17, 2017
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CREATIVE MINDS AT WORK An interesting look at an imaginative and lesser known fine arts community within Roncalli
BY NICK PERKINS Staff Writer sometimes overlooked group at Roncalli are the students who decorate rooms 017 and 015 with their creative paintings, drawings, crafts, and clay-based art. Art instructor Mark Stratton has a very different, yet fun, organized, and chaotic art room that is unique compared to other classrooms where there is an immense amount of creative freedom, social interaction, and productivity. “I would best describe the room as busy because people are always running around, working, or cleaning and it gets kind of loud because of Mr. Stratton,” senior Quentin LaFollette said. However, the classes are not limited to only creative or artistic individuals. “Anybody can and should take an art class because everybody has the talent. Everyone has the talent, even if they are not particularly artistic or creative, so they should take a class to develop those skills,” Stratton said. Although anyone can take an art class at Roncalli, there is a different tone for the more experienced classes. “If you want to be in AP Art, though, you have to have a good work ethic, a deep interest, curiosity in new things, and be willing to attempt new things,” Stratton said. The classes within the two art rooms have lots of different opportunities for an individual to partake in which allows for a nice blend of various styles of art for people to create.
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“Depending on which class you take, you will be able to craft simple pencil drawings, encaustic wax art, all different types of ceramics, plaster elements, metal working, and just about everything in between,” Stratton said. In addition to the regular classes is a competition known as the “Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.” Since 1923, this annual competition has allowed students across the nation to submit pieces of art in hopes of being awarded a very exclusive and highly honorable award known as the Gold Key Award. Within Indiana, junior Rachel Knierman and senior Cassidy Mattingly received such honors. Sophomore Liam Wanner received honorable mention as well. “I was ecstatic. When I heard the news my mouth just dropped. When I got an honorable mention last year, I was determined to get a gold this year,” Knierman said. These artists all began their craft at a young age and have used the simple method of trial and error to refine their skills as creators. “I used to run a small phone case business a little while ago, but I’ve always loved creativity ever since I was young. I think I really started out just doodling in grade school,” Mattingly said. The visual arts community has a lot of opportunities for new and experienced artists that can help bloom or enrich one’s creativity and artistic finesse.
PHOTOS BY JOE SCHROEDER
CAPTURING NATURE’S BEAUTY: Junior Rachel Knierman portrays a scenic desert landscape using acrylic paint. Knieman received the Golden Keys Award, the highest honor possible for high school artists in Indiana.
ART OF AN ARTIST: Senior Quentin LaFollette portrays a female artist at work. LaFollette, an AP Art student, utilized colored pencils as the medium for this piece.
DETAILED DRAGON: Senior Lindsey Overstreet used multicolored ink to draw this dragon flying. Overstreet used various warm colors for the background and air.
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WORD BANK Cabbage
March Rainbow
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March 17, 2017
Features
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2017 JUNIOR Michael Dill Football Boys' Track and Field CYO Basketball
Grade School: Nativity
Luke Dow Boys' Soccer Drumline Band Ski Club
Grade School: New Palestine
Conner Gore Football Boys' Basketball Boys' Volleyball
Grade School: St. Jude
Wrestling Band Student Council
Grade School: St. Roch
Sam Hansen Joe Kirkhoff Boys' Basketball Choir Ultimate Frisbee Club St. Vincent de Paul
Grade School: St. Barnabas
Harrison Koppenhofer Baseball Student Council CYO Basketball Ski Club
Grade School: St. Barnabas
Football Boys' Volleyball CYO Basketball
Grade School: St. Jude
Patrick McManama
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Features
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March 17, 2017
PROM COURT Briana Beeson CYO Volleyball Little Rebels Daycare Volunteer Holy Name Aftercare Volunteer
Grade School: Holy Name
Sophie Daniel Grade School: St. Mark
Girls' Basketball St. Vincent de Paul Volunteer
Lauren Fey Grade School: St. Jude
Volleyball Girls' Basketball Softball
Grace Lawrie Grade School: St. Jude
Volleyball Linus Club A Promise to Keep
Grace McGuire Grade School: St. Roch
Girls' Tennis Anna's Celebration of Life St. Vincent de Paul
Olivia Origer Grade School: Our Lady of Greenwood
Girls' Cross Country Girls' Basketball Girls' Track and Field
Dianna Perez Grade School: Perry Meridian
Cheerleading Girls' Tennis Orchestra French Club
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Opinion
March 17, 2017
www.roncallimedia.com
Special time for being Irish
As the feast of St. Patrick arrives, many festivities regarding the green-themed holiday take place
BY JOSH FORD Staff Writer
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hether it's the green canal, corned beef, or St. Patrick’s Day parties that get people in the Irish mood, all Americans become Irish around March 17th. Although this day is celebrated in cities all across the country, many people are not sure of the roots or true meaning behind St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is the man who the celebrations are centered around. Even though he was born in England, St. Patrick became a vital part of Irish lifestyle. As a fifth century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland, St. Patrick was said to have driven all the snakes out of Ireland. Although snakes were never actually in Ireland, many legends like this one arose around St. Patrick and he soon became the foremost saint of this island country. Many traditions are associated with this green holiday. The shamrock, for example, is a prominent symbol of this day because it is said that St. Patrick used it to help teach about and explain the Holy Trinity. The Leprechaun became a symbol among children as a Santa-type figure who guards the pot of gold at the end of rainbows. The color green has been associated with Ireland since the 1640’s, therefore it is another major symbol of St. Patrick’s Day today. Before the 1640’s however, the color associated with this day the most was blue. This blue tradition changed when the people of Ireland decided that green, a color on the flag of Ireland, should be more of a symbol. There are many celebrations going on amongst Roncalli students and staff for the holiday. There is a parade downtown that celebrates the day along with city officials dying the canal green. Many Rebels eat green colored food and wear green clothing. Freshman Abigayle Walters is one of those people who likes to make the most of this festive day. “My family eats corn beef and cabbage for dinner, and we all wear green from head to toe,” said Walters.
March 17th can also be a celebration for more than just the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Health teacher Mrs. Kathy Nalley-Schembra has always been known as someone who goes all out for this holiday. “St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration , dressing in green, celebrating birthdays, eating, entertaining, and for family and friends.” said Nalley-Schembra. Some students with Irish heritage use St. Patrick's day as a celebration of their heritage. “Every St. Patrick’s Day, we hang Ireland’s flag on our garage as a reminder of where we came from,” said senior Derek O’Connor.
PHOTO BY JOSH FORD
SHAMROCK 'N ROLL: Health teacher Mrs. Kathy Nalley-Schembra sports all-green attire among the many Irish decorations that hang about her room. Schembra is a proud Irish woman who loves celebrating the green holiday.
SPRING BREAK GETAWAYS Students and staff share their vacation plans for the week of Spring Break
BY KATHLEEN DITTON Staff Writer
PHOTO BY CC/BY PEXELS
PHOTO BY CC/BY PEXELS
CONCRETE JUNGLE: New York is a top destinaSIGHTSEEING IN SPAIN: Every year, the Foreign Language Department travels to a foreign tion for spring breakers. The fine arts departcountry. This year, six Rebels are going to Spain. ment is making a trip to the Big Apple too.
PHOTO BY CC/BY WIKIMEDIA
GOLDEN STATE: California is a hot spot for spring break. Senior Collin Sonderman is traveling to different areas in California over break.
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pring Break is an exciting time for students and staff of all ages because it allows many to escape the monotony of a typical week of school. Although the break historically falls toward the end of March, some students begin expressing their excitement at the start of the school year. Whether it is relaxing on the beach, exploring a new city, participating in a schoolsponsored trip, exploring national parks, or just hanging out at home, it is no secret that Spring Break is one of the most favored times of the year. Rebels shared their Spring Break plans through a poll sent to all of Roncalli. The map above displays the many destinations of students and staff.
Roncalli Media Staff Joe Schroeder
Editor-in-Chief
Dave Schrader Online Editor Will Allen Sports Editor Lizzy Hosty Copy Editor Julie Albertson Adviser
Staff Writers Grace Silver Tony Davis Kathleen Ditton Audrey Wojtowicz Josh Ford Gavin Young Isabel Laut Nathaniel Young Nick Perkins
PHOTO BY CC/BY WIKIMEDIA
“THE FORT" : Fort Myers is sometimes referred to as “Fort Roncalli”. The island continues to be a popular Spring Break destination for Rebels.
PHOTO BY CC/BY LUCA GALLUZI
PHOTO BY CC/BY WIKIMEDIA
BON VOYAGE: Cruises offer a scenic and unique getaway for a relaxing break. Like many Rebels, junior Emma Barnett will set sail for the Caribbean this spring break.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: National Parks constantly offer great beauty and education for students. Junior Meghan Looney is traveling to Zion National Park for spring break.
2017 Editorial Policy We accept letters to the editor from all faculty, staff, and students. They can be e-mailed to jalbertson@roncalli.org or delivered to room 203. Please keep these letters short, roughly 200-300 words. They will be accepted under the circumstances that they are signed and noted to which article it is in response. Letters that contain misinformation or are meant to libel another will not be published. The decision to publish these will be decided by Roncalli Media adviser Mrs. Albertson. We also accept photographs and articles written by students, teachers, and staff members.
Sports
www.roncallimedia.com
March 17, 2017
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Running down the competition Boys’ and girls’ track athletes prepare for the wind down of indoor track and start of outdoor track BY TONY DAVIS Staff Writer
A PHOTO BY TONY DAVIS
AROUND THEY GO: Senior Gabe Otley races his portion of a relay race at the HSR Indoor Qualifier at UIndy on March 7th. Otley placed second in the 4x200 with his twin brother, senior Michael Otley, senior Kurt Cunningham and junior Michael Dill.
PHOTO BY TONY DAVIS
TO THE RACES: Junior Kate Morse places third in the 4x800 relay at the HSR Indoor Qualifier track meet. The girls’ indoor track team placed fourth overall at this meet.
s winter winds down, the track program heats up as many Rebel athletes embark on their indoor track season. This is a time where athletes can find where they match up with competition and prepare for the outdoor season. It shows them how much work they still have to do and where their expectations should be. “Indoor track is like a gauge for the real track season, it helps you to see how in shape you are,” said senior Michael Otley. Michael also does events with his brother, senior Gabe Otley. They have been playing sports together their whole lives, and this is their last chance to do this with the track season. At UIndy in the state qualifying meet, Gabe’s 4x400 team placed first, and Michael’s team placed second in the 4x200. “Gabe and I run relays together, and I am really hoping that it could lead to a trip to state this year considering it is basically our last chance to do this together,” said Otley. Just because it isn’t the main track season, it does not mean that the athletes do not take it seriously as they still have high expectations for their performances. These events are still competitive and bring out the best from their athletes. “I hope that I can qualify for state this year and in the end be victorious considering this is my last season,” said senior Paige Saylor. Saylor is one of the most celebrated track athletes in Roncalli’s history. She holds two school records in the 100m and long jump. She also runs the 4x200m and 4x400m relays and does long jump for indoor track. On March 11th, Saylor placed first in long jump and currently holds the longest jump for the girls indoor track season. Her 4x200 team also came in second in the state qualifier. She also has some interesting pre-race rituals with her teammates. “Before every race [senior] Morgan Clarke and I listen to the same playlist of songs to get us hype,” said Saylor. It isn’t just seniors who want to perform well this season. There are many juniors and underclassmen with goals they are looking to achieve as well. “My goal is to qualify for state this season and just improve all around. I think I have a chance this year, and I’m pretty excited to see what happens,” said junior Myles Lyngh. Lyngh ran the 4x800 in qualifiers and his team placed second in the race. In the second set of qualifiers, Lyngh ran the long distance medley and placed 4th. Indoor track can be a sport generally overlooked in the grand scheme of things. But, this is not the case within the track program itself. This is something that means a lot to the athletes and should mean a lot to the school.
SLIDING INTO A NEW SEASON
With a new line-up of Lady Rebels, the softball team heads confidently into a new season BY ISABEL LAUT Staff Writer
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fter losing a talented senior class at the end of last season, the Lady Rebels softball team has moved a number of new players up to varsity. This has led to a new excitement on the team from the fresh line up of players. In addition to these newcomers, there have been a few familiar faces on the field including juniors Jordan Jenkins, Lauren Fey, Amelia Banister, and Scout Leffler, as well as sophomore Amanda Prather. “I am most excited to see how well we all work together. This is a whole different team than last year and I’m excited to see us all come together and play as a whole,” said Fey. This season there are many games that the coaches and players are looking forward to with their goals set. “I look forward to every game. But, this season we will compete for a conference championship - so, these will all be big games. I also look forward to our annual trip to Terre Haute, where we see different teams and great competition,” coach David Lauck said. In addition to the conference championship, players are also excited about games against Franklin Central and the Marion County Tournament. “I am most excited for our game against Franklin Central,” said Leffler. Lauck also has the following goals for the team that they have every season, which is to win 20 games, a Marion County title, and sectionals. The Lady Rebels are working together on this goal which has led to a very strongly bonded team. “I’m really appreciative for the fact that our team gets along well, and we have very good chemistry with each other on, and off, the field,” said Leffler. The Rebels will compete in their second game of the season against Martinsville on March 21st.
PHOTO BY AUBREY EVERETTE-KOEHLER
THREE STRIKES YOU’RE OUT: Juniors Lauren Fey and Scout Leffler race back to the dugout after ending an inning in the field last season. Fey and Leffler are two of the returning juniors and team leaders after a majority players graduated last year.
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March 17, 2017
Sports
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VIDUYA TAKES STATE AT BANKER’S LIFE
Another state championship for Roncalli athletics, gaining the school’s third title in eight months BY WILL ALLEN Sports Editor
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oncalli athletics has had an unprecedented run of state titles in the past year. Baseball won in extra innings at Victory Field. Football had an undefeated season ending in a state championship. And finally, a member of the Roncalli wrestling team, freshman Alec Viduya earned the 1st place podium finish in the 113 lbs. weight class.
PHOTO BY DAVE SCHRADER
ON THE PROWL: Freshman Alec Viduya looks onward after a victory early in the State Finals. Viduya finished his season with only two losses, and a state championship.
The long, strenuous summer and fall workout programs and successful post season paid off, as Viduya won by decision against Jimtown sophomore Hunter Watts, 7-4. The first individual wrestling champion at Roncalli since 1985, Viduya’s post match swagger filled Banker’s Life as he staked his claim as state champ and affirmed Roncalli’s place amongst the wrestling elite. First year head coach Wade McClurg has been consistently implementing the hashtag: #southsideREBELlion on social media. It is on virtually every account run by the coach and on countless forms of apparel. Immediately following a post match interview, Viduya asked for the microphone back to make a statement to the thousands of fans in Banker’s Life and the rest of the state watching on Fox Sports Indiana. Grabbing the microphone, he confidently stated: “The south side rebellion is real,” to immediate raucous cheers. Southside wrestling has always been a dynamic part of Viduya’s 10-year wrestling career. From multiple club teams to a long stint wrestling with St. Jude, where he attended grade school, Viduya has been completely immersed in the community, culture, and coaches from the south side. So it must be destiny that Viduya be paired with new coach and 2008 Beech Grove graduate, McClurg. “I loved the way Coach McClurg was always there for me if I needed something. He was also a huge motivator, always pushing me to my potential,” said Viduya. As they were both in their first year of the program, with McClurg in his first year as head coach, and Viduya a freshman, they both came in accomplished, but new to the Roncalli scene. Together they both made their first year at Roncalli something to be remembered for years to come. At precisely 1:00 a.m. the night of the state title match, as the Roncalli faithful were continuing their celebration, McClurg tweeted an emotional picture: Viduya rejoicing, jumping into McClurg’s arms, with the caption stating “KING” in capital letters. Young, accomplished, provocative, and now a threat, Viduya has much to live up to in the next three years of his high school career. Nothing that he is afraid of though, as he plans on attempting the near impossible feat of four state titles, one for each year.
Legendary football coach resigns Bruce Scifres won seven state championships and led Roncalli through tradition, faith and football BY DAVE SCHRADER Online Editor
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fter leading the Rebel football team to a state victory last November, Mr. Bruce Scifres has resigned as varsity head coach. Scifres announced his departure from the program last Monday after coaching the team through 27 seasons. He will become the new executive director of the Catholic Youth Organization in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Scifres has fostered a love for sports since his childhood. He began playing football in eighth grade, and he continued to pursue multiples sports throughout high school. “I played football, basketball, and track, but football was always my favorite,” Scifres said. Other than his parents, Scifres viewed his coaches as the most influential adults in his life. “When I was a sophomore, I had gotten in trouble in a class when the football coach caught me after school and got on me pretty hard,” Scifres said. “He told me that God had blessed me with a ton of abilities, and that how I chose to use those abilities determined how I’d be remembered.” Scifres’ high school coach told him that he could either go down in school history as someone who only had potential, or he could be remembered as someone who made the most of their ability. This message resonated with Scifres and influenced his future coaching style. Scifres was able to distinguish himself as one of the best running backs to play for Plainfield High School and even took his talents to Butler University to perform at the collegiate level. It was through playing in college that Scifres met Bill Kuntz, who assisted with the program at Butler and took Scifres with him to coach at Roncalli. Scifres served as assistant coach at Roncalli for only a few years before leaving to take a position at Lawrence Central. “I had friends who were teaching and coaching at public schools,” Scifres said. “I saw that they were making more money with nicer facilities, and I got lured into that.” However, Scifres only spent six seasons away from Roncalli before returning to coach the Rebels. “I realized pretty quickly that the public school setting is just different,” Scifres said. “In my heart, I always missed Roncalli and the faith-based mission of the school, so when the head football job opened up, I was excited about the opportunity.” Upon returning, Scifres coached the Rebels for another 27 years, leading the team to seven state victories and distinguishing himself as one of the nine coaches in Indiana history to win three consecutive state titles.
“At the core of who were are at Roncalli is our faith, and I think that permeates through everything that we do,” Scifres said. “[M]any times over the years I’ve caught myself saying the same things my coaches said to [me], the same things I was taught. In a very real sense, I believe that if coaching is done well, we have the chance to have a real influence on others.” And there is no doubt that Scifres was able to make a huge impact on the Rebel football program. Described by senior football players as ‘diligent’, ‘respectful’, and ‘impactful’, Scifres was able to instill his values within those who played for him throughout his coaching career. Scifres ended his last year in the program with an undefeated season and a group of young men who will forever aspire to emulate the leadership and influence that he left on the Roncalli football program.
PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON
A HAPPY ENDING: Bruce Scifres looks on towards the field after winning the 4A State Championship in November 2016. Scifres led the team to seven state championships over his tenure as head coach of the Rebels.