November 2012 Prep News by Peter Daly

PREP PREPNEWS NEWS ROCKHURST HIGH SCHOOL

9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64114

Aquahawks win

Soccer to Semis

Halo IV and Call of Duty: Black Ops II

The Aquahawks win their ninth straight state title, breaking the state record for consecutive championships.

pages 6-7

November 16, 2012

The varsity soccer team takes on CBC today for a spot in the state championship tomorrow.

The Prep News reviews too new and popular video games.

page 10

page 11

Volume 70 Issue 3

A bountiful h a r ve s t

Bishop Sullivan St. James Place

Saint Louis Church

-Feeds 1,400 local families monthly. -Located at 39 Street and Troost Rd.

-Gives housing, utility and food assistance to 300 people in need on a monthly basis.

Giving defines week filled with tradition John Avery javery@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Seton Center

St. Francis Xavier Church

-Gives emergency food and assistance to families in need.

gency assistance to help families in need of rent, utility bills.

Shalom House Catholic Worker House

Holy Family Catholic Worker House -Specializes in giving prescriptions and hospitality to those in need.

-Provides meals, housing, hospitality, assistance, and case management for 25 men.

Kansas City Poverty Statistics

2012 Poverty Rate

Number of persons in a family: 1 Person: $11,170 2 Persons: $15,130 3 Persons: $19,090 4 Persons: $23,050

Poor Families by Family Type

23.7% 65.1%

11.2%

Married-couple family (23.7%) Male, no wife (11.2%) Female, no husband (65.1%)

Residents Kansas City: 21.7% with income Missouri: below the 19.2% poverty Country: level 14.3%

Info compiled from city-data.com and The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

School opens doors to prospective students Jack Franken johnfranken@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Rudy Rodriguez

Looking at the set-up displayed by the science department, a prospective eighth grader goes on a tour with sophomore Brody Shea.

2 NEWS PN President Obama re-elected November 16, 2012

Michael Reardon

mfreardon@amdg.rockhursths.edu

In the most expensive presidential campaign in American history, President Barack Obama won re-election over challenger Governor Mitt Romney. President Obama won by a slight edge in the popular vote, winning with 51 percent to Gov. Romney’s 48 percent, although several polls predicted it to be closer. Pres. Obama also won by a much larger margin in the Electoral College, defeating Gov. Romney 332 to 206. The election was decided in the key battleground states of Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Colorado, all of which went to President Obama. He was able to sweep most of the toss-up states, while Gov. Romney was unable to flip enough states that voted for President Obama in 2008. Exit poll results show that much of Obama’s success came from the support of minorities and young people, with Obama capturing 60 percent of the

R S OT CO KP

vote of those under the age of 30, 93 percent of the African American vote, and 71 percent of the Latino vote. Much of the focus of the election was put on the state of Ohio, one which had been very close in the months preceding the election. It received a total of 148 million dollars of television advertising by both candidates. As expected, it was a close race with President Obama winning the state by a margin of two percent, with just over 50 percent of the vote. Like the presidential election, there were little changes made in congressional elections. The Democrats were able maintain a majority in the Senate, with 53 out of 100 seats in

Jesuit Week The Feast of Jesuit saints, which honors all the Jesuit saints worldwide, marked the beginning of national Vocation Week on Nov. 5. The week consisted of special morning prayers and a video made and narrated by Fr. William Sheahan, SJ, as well

Illustration by: MCT Campus

their power. The Republicans were also able to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives, winning 233 of 435

as other planned activities. Also, Rockhurst’s new visiting Jesuit novices, Mr. Jon Polce, nSJ and Mr. Brock Anderson, nSJ, went to several theology classes to talk to students about their personal vocations and journeys on their Jesuit formation. Sam Clifton

total seats. “Judging from the polls, I was pretty sure Obama was going to win, but I thought the margin of

Homeless Night The

Human

Dignity

Club less night on Oct. 20. A group of Rockhurst students went to St. James Place food pantry and Holy Family Catholic Worker House for activities such as a poverty

victory, especially in the popular vote, would be a lot closer,” senior Devin Quinn, Young Republicans club member, said.

simulation, experiencing a food kitchen and sleeping in boxes. “These activities enlightened me to what homelessness was about and that it isn’t as far away from Rockhurst as people think,” junior J.T. Bergner, homeless night participant, said. Matthew Watz

FORUM

November 16, 2012

Weighing the curriculum

Passion shines Science changes are welcome, in sports caution still needed -

Core/electives

PREPVIEWS

Science courses

Vanity By: Fair

Van Schloegel

Ben McCausland Sophomore

Conor Riggs

Jordan Richart

Junior

Senior

Conferences provide Rock Reports good communication

A BD

PREPVIEWS

Fall sports -

Though the results of the fall sports seasons have been mixed, the Prep News and the Rockhurst community are incredibly proud of the school spirit displayed and all that our athletes, especially seniors, accomplished this year.

Harvest offerings

The new way of making an

Service, which included the use of notecards in place of money, was a questionable choice. It was a nice gesture. But it may hurt money totals, and the effect was lost on many students.

Several students have sent meaningless messages to the entire school. These messages are a nusiance and some sort of punishment ought to be implemented.

Email abuse

n-Chief

Van Schlo e Co Editor-i

gel

n-Chief

Curran Ste

Managing Ed

itor of De sig

Ben Burch

Managing Ed

itor of Co ntent

Hank Elb ert Opinions Ed

itor

Sports Ed

itor

Michael R

Brennan L News Edito r

eardon

InDepth Ed

itor

Frank Eva ns Backpage Editor mers

Danny Su m

Arts & En tertainmen t Editor

Mr. Mich

Disclaimer

Journalism Education Metropolitan Kansas City (JEMKC), Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA), Journalism Education Association (JED), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), National Scholastic Press Association (ASPA).

Newspaper I -

Distributed to students free of charge

Mr. Daniel Hrdlicka NI Adviser

The Prep News forum distributed to all students eight times a year. Editorials not signed represent the opinions of the Prep News of the Prep News is to provide accurate, informative, yet entertaining content of responsible journalism. All content in the Prep News

W hit Coll

ins Feat ael Dierkures Editor s

NII Advis

Volume 70, Issue 3 November 16, 2012

Association Memberships

John Ave ry

Newsp aper II

Execu tive C ommit

tee

PN John Berr igan Co Editor-i

To contact the Prep News, please email the rePrep News porter by his email in the byline or leave a message Rockhurst High School with an adviser. E-mails or letters to the editors 9301 State Line Road are also welcome. We request that they are about prepnews@amdg.rockhursths.edu 300 words in length and signed. We have created (816) 363-2036 an opinions section to encourage letters. Please www.prepnews.org contact us with any advertising requests.

4 FEATURES

November 16, 2012

ACT II: The Board of Trustees

“Behind the Scenes” Local leaders drive school forward John Berrigan jberrigan@amdg.rockhursths.edu

In a city plagued by low high school graduation rates and constant concerns about accreditation, Rockhurst stands unfazed by the challenges that cripple other area schools. One of the many reasons for that success has been the administrative guidance of the board of trustees. Up until the 1970s the school was run entirely by the Jesuit order. The Jesuits understood that it would be an insurmountable challenge for them to remain the sole operators of the school as it expanded. The solution was the incorporation of the laity into the oversight of the school. The school was transformed into a non-

12 1

17 16

19 18 6

20 8

21 22

10 Illustration by Samuel Clifton

17. Mr. Keneth V. Hager

1. Mr. Thomas R. McGee, Jr.

9. Rev. Vernon R. Heinsz, SJ

Vice president of DST Realty

Assistant Director of Ignatian Spirituality Center at St. CFO & Vice President of DST Systems

2. Mr. Gerald W. Brenneman

Francis Xavier Parish

Partner at Polsinelli Shugart

10. Mr. Patrick D. McAnany

3. Mr. M. James Van Dyke

President of McAnany Construction

Partner at BKD, LLP

11. Rev. David J. Suwalsky, SJ

4. Rev. Thomas J. Merkel, SJ

President of Jesuit High School in Sacramento, Calif.

Former president of Creighton Prepatory School

12. Mr. Jonathon R. Haden

5. Mrs. Julie R. Connor

Partner at Lathrop Gage

Director of operations at Palmer Square

13. Mr. Edward J. “Jay” Reardon, II

Capital Management

Vice Chairman at Commerce Bank of Kansas City

6. Judge Lisa W. Hardwick

14. Rev. William T. Oulvey, SJ

Judge at Missouri Court of Appeals

Superior of Jesuit Community of Rockhurst U.

7. Ms. Nan Tiehen Bone

15. Mr. Sean R. Miller

President of St. Teresa’s Academy

Chairman at Robert E. Miller Insurance Agency

8. Mr. Paul J. Thompson

16. Mr. Michael L. Kahn

President & CEO of Country Club Bank

President & CEO of Velociti

was fortunate enough while I was there at Rockhurst to get a great education,” Mr. Mark Teahan, board member and Class of ‘78 said. “I always said that if I ever had a chance to give back, I would, and [the board] is one of the ways that you [give back] by taking some of the talents that you have and experiences you’ve had over the years and applying those back to the school that meant so much to me during my formative years.” Mr. Teahan’s words are echoed by board members who are alumni, Jesuits, who have had children or other relatives in the school, and even those who simply respect the mission of the institution.

18. Dr. Ronald A. Slepitza, Ph.D. President of Avila University

19. Mr. Allen K. Roberson General Manager at Cydex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

20. Rev. Terrence A. Baum, SJ President of Rockhurst High School

21. Mr. Thomas H. Freeman Senior Vice President at UBS Financial Services Capital Management

22. Mr. Thomas A. DeBacco President & CEO of iModules Inc.

Not Pictured: Mr. Mark Teahan Vice President of George J. Shaw Construction

“It’s a great opportunity serving on the board to know that business expertise, board members are dience in a positive vided into -Mr. Mark Teahan way the academcommittees ic, spiritual and that are deBeing a man for extra curricular voted to others is someleadership skills different thing that you will of young men aspects of that go to school maintaining take with you your there,” Mr. the school, whole life, and I was Thomas McGee, including board chairman, education, fortunate enough said. construction while I was there at The members Rockhurst to get a of the board The board work to accomworks in congreat education. plish these goals junction with through a systhe school tem comparable to that of the administration of Mr. Harkness U.S. Congress. Based on their and Fr. Baum to share ideas and

“

board of trustees. The board consists of 22 members of the Kansas City community who, through their leadership and expertise, work to ensure that their mission of keeping Rockhurst as an institution that builds excellent young men is maintained. “It’s kind of having the 10,000 feet or the 30,000 feet view of the school. It’s the responsibility of the board to look at the entirety of the school,” Mr. Greg Harkness, principal said. The role of the board, according to Mr. Harkness, is to provide insight and oversight for the school administration. Their job is not to deal with the day-today operations of the school but to help ensure that the school is moving in the right direction from their somewhat objective point of view. Board members are invited to join the board by the school’s President, Fr. Terrence Baum, SJ, and if they choose to accept, will serve a term on the board the length of which is determined by Fr. Baum. Board members are chosen based on a number of reasons that are constantly changing to meet the needs of the school. For instance, in the mid 90s when the school was deciding to undergo major renovations, it was important to make sure that people with construction and contracting experience were on the board to make sure Rockhurst made the right decisions. A board position is unpaid and an extremely demanding time requirement, yet the school manages to get some of Kansas rienced community members to join the board. “Being a man for others is something that you will take with you your whole life, and I

Ms. Ann Lehane

visions for the school’s path forward. One of Mr. Harkness’s new ideas that many board members are excited about is the opportunity in December for board members to shadow students and get a better feel for the student environment. “I think the school is very fortunate, and I think this is a very exciting time with Mr. Harkness coming in as principal,” Mr. McGee said. He has brought in a lot of energy ideas to push the school forward. I’m very excited about the energy and leadership to move Rockhurst forward that [Mr. Harkness] has put forward and the board is working with him on trying to implement.”

FEATURES

November 16, 2012

Perfecting ‘the perfect driving machine’ Senior restores BMW for Navy lieutenant Brennan Lee blee@amd.rockhurths.edu

The hot, humid air of a Kan-

Navy. Lt. Dailey, who is currently stationed in Japan, is the owner of the M3. Saleh met Lt. Dailey through his brother, Mr. Andrew Saleh, a Captain in the United States Air Force, who attended military prep school with Mr. Dailey. “My brother asked me, ‘Hey do you

garage with the smell of grease and oil. The young man wipes the sweat away from his eyes with up a car? It’s a his dirty hands. He has been great time.’ So I decided I’d working on this car for a while now, and the heat is getting to Mr. Saleh suggested to Nick him. that he work on getting the The thought of retreating into car running. Before, it was esthe air-condirotting Mrs. Sana Saleh, sentially tioned comin the heat of Texmother forts of his as, where Nick’s I saw how he was home crosses brother was stavery determined. his mind, but tioned. Now, after I was really proud he instantly a large amount of of him and how throws out the idea. He in by Nick, the car is he tackled every has to get this running. single problem that car running. “It was quite came his way. Senior convenient that he was willing to work challenge of restoring a 1995 on it because it saved me a lot of BMW M3. But there’s a catch— time for when I return from denot only has he never restored ployment,” Lt. Dailey said. a car before, but the car and all Some of the work Nick did this work is not for him. Rather, included getting the car running it’s for Lieutenant Chris Dailey, by diagnosing a fuel pump issue, -

“

ing the suspension overhaul, and replacing the brakes. “He would always try to get me to work with him during the weirdest times,” senior Kenner Bowers, a friend of Saleh’s who helped work on the car, said. “It’s crazy how hard he worked on this.” Understandably, Nick admits that he ran into his fair share of troubles, seeing as this was his But no problem went unanswered by the inexperienced swer required visiting local garages, local BMW dealers, or simply posting on online forums. Whatever it was, Nick did it himself. “I saw how he was very determined. I was really proud of him and how he tackled every

single problem that came his way,” Mrs. Sana Saleh, Nick’s mother, said. The car is now running well with only a few more minor changes left, mainly cosmetic issues. Now that all his hard work is complete, the car is ready to be transferred back to Mr. Dailey. “I’m kind of bummed about giving it back,” Saleh said. “I put it in all this work and don’t get to enjoy it, but at the same time, I know if I was in his position I would want it back.”

Restoration nfograph -

summer, Saleh hopes to continue to restore and refurbish cars — next time for himself. ing a car collection when I’m an adult and can pay for them, but for now, cars are more of a hob-

Novices visit Rockhurst Hank Elbert

helbert@amdg.rockhusths.edu

Mr. Jonathon Polce, nSJ One of Rockhurst’s two new Jesuit novices is Mr. Jonathon Polce, nSJ. Mr. Polce has studied at the Grand Coteau, La. novitiate since last April; he will be helping Rockhurst as part of his formation, tutoring and assisting the math department, for around six weeks. Mr. Polce was born in Connecticut and was homeschooled from kindergarten through grade 12. Following his undergraduate education at the University of Dallas, he took a job working for the University’s Rome program and lived and worked in Rome. “Rome gave me a taste of the universal church; it really broadened my view of and got me excited about my faith,” Mr. Polce said. suit he had ever encountered: Father David A. Brown, SJ, an astronomer in the Vatican observatory. Father Brown became a faith mentor to Mr. Polce. “I wanted to meet with him to work at improving my prayer life. There were no thoughts of a vocation when I would meet with him, and I did not bring it up even when I had begun to think about it,” Mr. Polce said. Over the course of the next few months, Mr. Polce began to feel a strong call that he might be destined for a religious vocation-—quite possibly with the Jesuits. tion and discernment, Mr. Polce knew his place. “I had discerned I was ready for the seminary but was nervous to take that step,” Mr. Polce said. Through the support of his family and more contemplation, he made the choice to apply to the Jesuits.

Mr. Brock Anderson, nSJ Mr. Brock Anderson, nSJ, will be spending several weeks at Rockhurst, helping out around the arts department. Mr. Anderson’s road to becoming a novice has been a particularly unique one. He was born a Southern Baptist in Fort Worth, Texas, and did not convert to Catholicism, much less consider a vocation, until he was an adult. “I began going to Mass with [the Catholic family of my sister’s husband,] and liked the faith. I began reading a lot of convert stories... it opened up the possibility of converting because I had known so little of the [Catholic] faith before,” Mr. Anderson said. After converting in 2005, he had exin Hollywood and a nun, suggesting he seek out a vocation; the nun, Sister Kathy Bryan, mentioned the Jesuits speMr. Anderson decided to apply to the Jesuits but found he had to wait three years for entry due to his convert stathe zeal of a convert,” Mr. Anderson soon recognized that the time would be good for discernment. He spent the next few years living in a variety of places, including Central America and a rural area of the California mountains. ly settle down and be quiet for a while... going,” Mr. Anderson said. Finally, Mr. Anderson went to Houston, Texas, near his home, and studied graduate theology. From there, he applied to and entered the Jesuit novitiate at Grand Coteau, La. He and Mr. Polce

SPORTS

November 16, 2012

6-7

Aquahawks state run goes swimmingly

State Results:

Program wins ninth straight title Team continues winning ways, caps off recordbreaking season Joey Caruso josephcaruso@amdg.rockhursths.edu

The Rockhurst swim and dive team won the MSHAA state championship last Saturday. The victory marked the ninth consecutive state championship for the program, setting a state record. Riding a strong performance from the dive team and solid individual races,they were able to score 225 points. The next highest school was Parkway Central with 203.5 points. The meet at the City of St. Peters Rec-Plex in St. Peters,

Mo. started on Nov. 9 with the preliminary races. The top eight swimmers from the preiliminaries qualify for the championship race, and the next eight qualify for the consolation race. Both races earn points for teams. swimmers and three relay teams mers in the consolation races, The team was led by senior

yard freestyle.

Despite the impressive performance at state, this year’s team was not always so dominant. “I wouldn’t say it was a rocky start, but it took time for us to come together as a team. We one’s role was, where they could Mr. Paul Winkeler, varsity swim coach, said. This year’s team may not have had as much depth as years past, but they made up for it by strong leadership, good communication and a bond between teammates. “We want everyone to succeed. If I try my hardest then the guy next to me will, too. Everyone wanted to win state, and we sity swimmer, said. The dive team was also able to step up, placing three divers

Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay

in the top six places and scoring 49 points and contributing to a quick lead for the Aquahawks. “I knew [varsity diver] David Knopke had it in him to win, but to see him have the composure as a freshman to win was amaz-

4. Rockhurst Final: 1:38.57 Points: 30 1) A.J. Iseman FR 2)Alex Albracht SO 3) Jake Scovell SR 4) Louis Behnen SR

The swim team was able to push through the pressure of state and, in the words of their head coach, “focus on the task

2. Louis Behnen SR Final: 1:41.34 Points: 17

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle

Boys 200 Yard IM

“We put all three relays in

7. Alex Albracht SO Final: 1:56.93 Points: 12 14. Alex Lombardo SR Final: 2:00.26 Points: 3

enough guys in the top eight, and we even had some guys place 17th and 18th as alsaid. “...The team far ex-

Boys 1 meter Diving 1. David Knopke FR Final: 415.85 Points: 20 3. Zach Cook SO Final: 355.90 Points: 16 6. Tim Richards SR Final: 332.35 Points: 13

Young guns lead charge Swimmers stay cool under pressure despite inexperience

Stepping on the block, a swimmer takes his mark. As he waits for the buzzer, thoughts of the race roll through his head. For

most

swimmers,

is the ultimate goal. It is what they strive to achieve every time they dive in the pool. Yet, few Rockhurst swimmers have been able to accomplish this feat as underclassmen. But for sophomore Alex Albracht and freshman A.J. Iseman, touching the wall a regular sight. The two provided key contributions to the success of the swim and dive program throughout the season, notably at the state meet. “The poise and control our underclassmen displayed at the state meet was Paul Winkeler, varsity swim coach, said. Albracht claimed two individual medals, 100 yard breaststroke, Sophomore Alex Albracht

and seventh in the 200 yard individual medley. Iseman placed tenth in the 100 backstroke. Toteam’s points in individual events. Their contribution, according to Coach Winkeler, resulted from the extreme work ethic of both swimmers, along with their unconventional personalities. Albracht began swimming for Carriage Club and then later swam for the Kansas City Swim Academy. He entered Rockhurst as a freshman, almost entirely unfamiliar with the upperclassmen. became acclimated with [the upperclassmen]

1. Louis Behnen Final: 4:29.05 SR Points: 20 2. Mark Lehr SR Final: 4:49.03 Points: 6 16. Grant Byers JR Final: 4.54.74 Points: 1

But it’s his own standards and his own expectations that provide him with encouragement to work and develop as a both student and a swimmer. “Alex understands that to compete at a high level requires a high training Like Albracht, Iseman began his swimming career at the country club level, racing for Hallbrook Country Club. Upon arriving at Rockhurst, Iseman quickly found himself among the fastest swimmers on the team.

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay 8. Rockhurst Final: 1:29.62 Points: 22 1) AJ Iseman FR 2) Nicholas Hense SR 3) Alex Lombardo SR 4) Alex Demetree JR

by those guys but they made me According to teammates, Iseman, like Albracht, has a somewhat

Albracht credits the smooth transition to “We started calling him graduates such as Mr. [Grandpa] as a William Bredar, class of -Mr. Paul Winkeler, 2012, who helped him head coach how slow he walks not only become familbut he ended up iar with the swim team, oddly embracing but also handle the deThe poise and conmanding workload of Pete Stanley, varsity trol our underclass- swimmer, said. both swimming and academics. Despite his self-admen displayed at “One of my biggest mitted slowness outthe state meet was side the pool, Iseman problems my freshreally impressive. has been anything but a balance between my slow in the pool. He school work and pracparticipated in three tice, but Willy helped events at state includtalk me through it and learn how to succeed in ing racing back-to-back races. “For a freshman to swim two Out of the pool, Albracht has what teamraces in a row and have as much success as A.J. did is really re-

“

Boys 100 Yard Backstroke 6. Jake Scovell SR Final: 53.69 Points: 13 10. AJ Iseman FR Final: 54.18 Points: 7

“

Connor Prochnow connorprochnow@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Boys 500 Yard Freestyle

Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke 2. Alex Albracht SO Final: 58.94 Points: 17

see from freshman year that he had an incred-

With another class of seniors leaving, the swim team will once group of swimmers to step up. But with guys like Iseman and Albracht who have already experienced the feeling of winning, the search shouldn’t prove too daunting a task. Freshman A.J. Iseman

os hot

Nic

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Lombardo, varsity swimmer, said. However, when it comes to swimming, goals are what matter to Albracht. Some are as simple as breaking a time, others as complex as maintaining a healthy diet.

tec

Cur

S ran

Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay 5. Rockhurst Final: 3:13.92 Points: 28 1)Mark Lehr SR 2)Jake Scovell SR 3)Alex Albracht SO 4)Louis Behnen SR

Boys Team Scores

1. Rockhurst- 225 2. Parkway Cental- 203.5 3. Francis Howell- 148.5

8 SPORTS

November 16, 2012

Standing the test of time their brothers. The Rockhurst community has played and cheered in this famous stadium for almost 50 bution of one Rockhurst bene-

Historic stadium gives home to teams, players, fans for nearly 50 years

possible. Construction for Vincent P. Dasta Memorial Stadium began in 1963. The stadium was built

a benefactor of Rockhurst High School and Rockhurst College who died at the age of 49 of an infection caused by a ruptured Nick Privitera intestine. nicholasprivitera@amdg.rockhursths.edu Mr. Dasta owned a construction company that was working The low hum of the over- on the Ward Parkway shopping head lights is drowned out center in the early ‘60s. At that by the yells and cheers of the crowd below. Young men Greenlease campus but lacked jump up and down while they the land for a stadium. An adclap their hands with enthusi- jacent lot was owned by the asm. The players listen to the noise as they charge down the friends of Mr. Dasta. As a sup-

1963: Concept design for the Stadium (away grand-stands were not constructed)

asked the brothers to donate the land for a stadium. come brothers to their fellow Upon Mr. Dasta’s death in ers agreed to donate the land stadium’s dedication. if the Dasta family would subsidize a Dasta Mestadium. morial StadiFr. Louis Mattione, SJ The famum has been President, 1964 ily raised renovated It is my earnest prayer s e v e r a l to fund the times. and hope that the young construction of men who use this field... renovations Vincent P. began in will learn to become Dasta Me1986 after a brothers to their fellow wind storm morial Stadium. men as Mr. Dasta was. d e s t r o y e d On Sept. light poles and parts stadium was dedicated in front of the visitor stand. Plans for a major renovation to the stapeople. Mr. Dasta was honored dium began in 2000. Construcfor his dedication and work on tion began in 2002. Six months behalf of the Rockhurst community. track were completed. The for“It is my earnest prayer and mer home stands would now be hope that the young men who

“

Dasta Memorial Stadium: Through the years 1970: Alumni players Mr. Ed Holland

also installed in 2010. Though it has changed the stadium has become an iconic structure on the camsports have called Dasta Stadium home. “There [are] always games you look back on and -

at Vincent P. Dasta Memorial Stadium will long outlive the stadium itself. “The stadium has been one of the most memorable places in my high school cahas allowed me to be a fan and a player. I will always re-

2012: The West end zone and Al Davis Field House

2010: The turf is replaced and a new sound system is added

Nick Privitera Prep News Vol. 21 Prep News Vol. 28

2010-2011 All-Sports Program

Cross country falls short of state goal, looks to build on positives happy with the effort that

Matthew Watz matthewwatz@amdg.rockhursths.edu

The Rockhurst cross country team placed seventh at the Missouri high school state highest finish in Rockhurst their goal of fourth place by only 22 points. The team was led by strong individual performances from sophomore William

“I had hoped to be one of happy to have achieved allthis placing at state does not take away from the great seaThroughout the course of the season the team won Metro

Championships

and

while also placing second at districts and third at sectionals. “This season went really

though we didn’t place as there were many positives Although the cross country team had one of the highest places in Rockhurst histo-

A big part of the Rockhurst cross country team’s success is the leadership provided by “[Schloegel] showed leadership in lots of ways. He really brought the 14 together and made them feel like

place. “There is always some disappointment when you do

Coach Dierks said. “He did a lot of little things that were

said. “At the same time I am

team meetings after races and inviting the runners over

With three of the top seven runners and multiple underlthe cross country team’s prepreparation for the 2013 season will no change drastically. “We are on a good roll. We have been to state six years Dierks said. “There are always

B y the numbers Marked the team’s sixth consecutive appearance at the state meet Sophomore William

Abram Hawkins

Sprinting to the finish, senior Chaz Trujillo attempts to gain spots in the final straight-away, placing 80th at state.

all-state sophomore in school history Three of the seven state runners return next year

John Mitchell

Senior Van Schloegel and sophomore Carson Bode try to separate from the pack in the state meet in Jefferson City, Mo.

9 Coach celebrates 30th year Ben Burch bburch@amdg.rockhursths.edu

As Mr. Tony Severino, head football coach, sifts through his overloaded email inalmost every one. But his quick pace sudThe message is from a former Rockhurst football player, and even though he doesn’t play football anymore, he felt the need to write Coach Sev. “Hey, I just wanted to thank you for all you taught me back then. I still use those lessons in my work life and my family life...” and places it in his most prized trophy collection: not a display case of his state titles every single letter he has received from his past players. Coach Sev recently completed his 30th season as Rockhurst’s head football coach, and despite this year’s loss to Blue Springs in the district championship, his accolades remain unparalleled. Not only does he have seven state titles and 27 district titles at Rockhurst, but Coach Sev is the winningest coach in Kansas City high school football history. He is proud of these numerous tangible accomplishments, but Coach Sev measures success of his players’ lives after they leave Rockhurst and what kind of impact he has on that success. “You’re always proud of accomplishments, but when your former players come back, when they call you... when you get letters that say ‘Coach, you were an impact on my life,’ those are the things that I’m much more proud of,” Coach Sev said. Although Coach has had a long history at Rockhurst, his coaching career did not start here. After playing football for Kansas State in the 1960s, he took a football coaching job right out of college in his hometown, Cleveland, Ohio in 1970. After moving to Kansas City and coaching for 12 successful years in the Shawnee Mission school district, former Rockhurst athletic director Al Davis the Rockhurst head coaching job in 1983. Coach Sev found it tough to leave his team at Shawnee Mission Northwest, but he knew he had to take the job, mostly for the sake of his children. “It was hard to leave, but sometimes in life you have to make professional decisions,

SPORTS

November 16, 2012

and my decision was to make sure my kids got this education [at Rockhurst],” Coach Sev said. Coach Sev’s transition to Rockhurst was -

season. “It was a change from the coach that was here [before Coach Sev], but he did a great job of talking us through the changes he made,” Mr. Eric Berg, current linebacker coach who was already coaching at Rockhurst when Coach Sev arrived, said. “I remember it being a very smooth transition.” From then until now, the record books can speak for Coach Sev’s success on the encounters where Coach Sev really does his work, building great relationships with his players. “Coach Sev is able to relate to each player whether they are a starting quarterback or a third string guard,” Mr. Nathan Scheelhaase, former Rockhurst player and current starting quarterback for Illinois University, said. “You can always tell he genuinely cares about each person he comes into contact with.” In these relationships, Coach Sev uses football as a way to teach his players the values of teamwork, hard work, and how to deal with de-

Care pers s about o t ship nal rel he atio h e nfor each play ms wit h er

in ride ormer p f es Tak ng his cceed i see ers su . y pla in life r late

He lo v lette es rece iving rs fr o play ers, m forme talki r how ng a t bout for w hankful th h footb at Rock ey are hurs all d t id fo r him .

into their lives after high school, whether they pursue football or not. “I’ve grown as a football player [at Rockhurst], but I’ve grown as a pers: son, too,” senior Henry Mascaux, lineman, he c said. “I know I’ll always look back on the ea et things I learned [from Coach Sev].” h s It is in this impact his coaching tic s i r has on the lives of his players t s cte rk ip a r that he measures his suco sh men rade a h w r t C cess. So even though this am de mi G ty Te Lea om ood oyal year’s team did not make C G L the state title game, Coach Sev says he will not be able to tell this team’s success for a while. “You feel bad for these seniors, because everyone wants to leave with that banner on the wall,” Coach Sev said. “They want the tangibles, but I’ll measure their success from the intangibles... maybe ten years from now when you see them married with kids and jobs, being productive members of society.” And even though Coach Sev admits he cannot have this kind of impact on every player he coaches, it is the posimer players and it is the occasional “thank you” email he receives from these men that keep him coming back year after year. “Not every kid is going to come back and tell you that you had something to do with [their success], and that’s okay,” Coach Sev said. “But when they do come back and tell you that you may have been the reason [for their success]... that’s the whole reason you do it.”

Football gains experience through competition Peter Daly

peterdaly@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Despite the loss in the district championship game on Friday, Nov. 9, the football team finished the season with a strong 9-3 record. Going into Friday’s game, the team’s main goal was to defeat Blue Springs and avenge their loss against them from week three of the regular season. “[In week three it was] their experience against our inexpe-

rience... They had 18 starters coming back from last year, and that was [like] our team a year ago,” Mr. Tony Severino, varsity head coach, said. Coming off of last year, the team did not have many returning starters. For example, the team had four varsity quarterbacks, none of whom were seniors or played much last season. During the first three weeks, the team struggled, losing to Bentonville and Blue Springs. But they finally hit their stride

in week four in a 35-31 win over Hutchinson, igniting an eightgame win streak that lasted into the final week of the season. During the season, the team had success beating several rivals such as Jefferson City 166, Columbia Hickman 37-7, and Columbia Rock Bridge 38-21, all the while gaining experience which would help them later on in the season. “You always wonder if a team is going to be able to handle adversity and [as] I watched

early on, the games that we lost... we mainly fell short because of our inexperience,” Coach Severino said. “Once we found out what needed to be done... [I] would say, ‘Guys, this could be a special group.’” Once the playoffs came around, the team had plenty of experience. They rolled through their first two games, beating Lee’s Summit 37-7 and Raymore-Peculiar 38-7, but struggled against the Blue Springs defense in their third game, losing 14-11.

At the end of the season, Austin Ritter, senior, led the team in tackles with 77 unassisted. Jordan Willis led the team in sacks with 9. On offense, Connor Kuhlmann led the team in rushing with an average of 5.2 yards per carry. Trey Vickers led the team in passing with 700 total yards. “It was a good season, but it did not end up how we wanted it to,” junior Luke Arbanas, varsity linebacker, said. A lot of people stepped up. We just did not get it done.”

10 SPORTS

November 16, 2012

Shutting out the competition

3 F. Howell 2

Vianney

1 Lafayette 2

CBC

3 Park Hill S. 2 Senior goalkeeper Garrett Loehr

L.S. North vs. Rockhurst Class 3 Districts

Liberty

1 Rockhurst 0 L.S. North

Vianney CBC

CBC

0 Park Hill S.

Friday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. at Blue Springs South High School

Saturday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. at Blue Springs South High School

Rockbridge

Rockhurst

Park Hill S. vs. Rockhurst

2 Rockhurst Semi-final Preview

The soccer team takes on Christian Brothers Col-

1-0

Chaminade

Class 3 Sectionals -

2-0 CBC comes in with a state-leading 24 wins and a

Garrett

Soccer team excels to start playoffs Young squad moves one step closer, seeks state title

in the season and cemented the

Andrew Dakan

andrewdakan@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Confessions and Adoration:

Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 In the Chapel during Activity Period

Mass:

Mon-Thurs 7:30 am In the Chapel

i(SPX JO ZPVS GBJUI UIJT "EWFOUw

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

November 16, 2012

Video games take it to next level Frank Evans

Despite “Halo 4” being 343 Industries’ they’ve been kneeling at the feet of Bungie, the previous “Halo” producer; and that’s a good thing. From the stunning visuals to the balanced weapons in multiplayer, 343 managed to do something very few studios are able to do: reinvigorate a series. Not only did 343 manage to include the gun-on-gun combat that “Halo” games are renowned for, they managed to add energy to the game that increased the appeal. Though new multiplayer game modes have been added, like Flood and Dominion, and even new game types, like Spartan Ops “Halo” games), the most exciting additions to the game are in the realm of multiplayer. While some “Halo” fundamentalists are aghast that 343 “dared” to add custom classes, perks and kill-streaks to the “Halo” fran-

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chise, I think it was one of the best creative choices 343 made because it adds a whole new element to the Halo series Don’t get me wrong, I don’t take my “Halo” lightly; even after seven years, “Halo 2” still plays tunes on my heartstrings. However, due to the depth added to this already highly-functioning game, I think “Halo 4” could be the best “Halo” yet. As far as whether or not to buy this game, where in the near future (Christmas gift, maybe?). However, if you’re planning on buying this or “Call of Duty: Black Ops II”, I’d recommend buying “COD”, mostly because you have a much longer time to wait to buy “Halo”. People will only play “Call of Duty” for a few months after the release, but with “Halo 4”, you’re looking at three extremely enjoyable years of gaming.

Features:

What to use:

I came out of the Gamestop Tuesday night around 8:00 pm, raced home, practically frisbee’d “Call of Duty: Black Ops II” into the disc tray, navigated through a few menus with both speed and precision, tried to connect to matchmaking … “‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ servers aren’t available at this time.” Really? For half an hour or so I stared at the screen and watched that same message pop up again and again. An update was soon released and I was able to play, but it was a disappointing start to my Black Ops experience. It’s November again, and Call of Duty is once again in my Xbox disc tray. While I want to say Black Ops II will be the savior of the series, and that a ray of light came down from the heavens as I turned on my Xbox, I can’t. Despite the lack of originality, “Black Ops II” is fun, but it isn’t anything new. Then again, when buying any Call of Duty

game, should you really expect anything new? Among the few new things “Black Ops II” brings, the 10-point system (a gun costs a point, a weapon attachment costs a point,) cally change it. While the game may not be excessively innovative, it is invigorating. Sure, there may be a strange enemy spawning location, or a questionable death, but overall the multiplayer plays well and is comparable in enjoyment to Call of Duty: World at War. The new and reskinned zombies game mode is enjoyable, as well. As far as whether or not to buy the game, I’d recommend it, but as with every other Call of Duty game, it will be fun for three or four months and then extreme hatred kicks in. making some pretty big assumptions for having played the game one night, but looking at the previous track record, well, “the future is black.”

Acting or Velocirapping, Stollman makes it up as he goes Senior finds self-expression through rap, theatre Jack McHugh

nected, Stollman’s involvement in the theatre and improv programs at Rockhurst helps him improve at producing and recording original music. Despite his poor experience with improv in eighth grade, Stollman auditioned for an improv show at Rockhurst his sophomore year. To his surprise, he got the part. Improv gave him

jackmchugh@amdg.rockhursths.edu

“You can put your emotions from music into theatre and you can put your emotions from theatre, into music,” senior Zach Stollman said. Now experienced in both interested in rap music in seventh grade. A year later, he peran experience he described as “horrible.” But since he entered Rockhurst, Stollman’s involvement in improv and his production of original music has exploded; he competed in Carlitos’ Battle of the Bands last year, has rapped in 15 recorded tracks, and has performed in 19 productions, both improv and drama, with the Rockhurst theatre program. Though seemingly uncon-

enjoyed spontaneously creating tional scenes. “I liked improv because I had always been good at lying,” Stollman said. prov exposed Stollman to the other theatrical opportunities the yearly dramas and musicals. Theatre director Mrs. Annie Barney believes his work in drama improves his improv. “His work in drama has incause it makes the improv more honest,” Mrs. Barney said. “He’s not reaching for the jokes as much as he is trying to play the reality of the scene.” Stollman expanded his initial interest in rap music once he entered high school, freestyl-

ing and writing his own rhymes freshman year. His interest continued to grow his junior year when he teamed up with his musically talented friends, including seniors Drew Jurden and Ian Von Fange, t o form a rap group known as “Z-Rex and the Velocirappers.” In most cases, Stollman raps over instrumentals created by the rest of the group. “Stollman is really creative in the way he blends musi-

by artists such as Hopsin and Childish Gambino,” junior Greg Boudreaux, fellow musician and former bandmate, said. He has immensely improved at creating music this year, producing original songs and creating his own beats. Stollman constantly looks for inspiration to make new music. His songwriting methods vary. Some days, he’ll sit down and write an

S tollman Profile

entire song, other days, he’ll simply write down a few words or a clever joke, planning to eventually combine them into a song. Stollman posts most of his songs on SoundCloud, YouTube and Twitter @RexSwagTime. Stollman draws a direct comparison between his improv and music. “I really thought it was cool, the idea of freestyle rap being kind of like improv because you your head and it ends up becoming something that’s very much from you,” Stollman said. He doesn’t see his music or theatre careers ending at Rockhurst; Stollman intends to keep rapping as a hobby and hopes to pursue theatre in college. “I’m probably going to continue the rapping as a hobby for a very long time, for at least the “That’s how long it would be before I even think about getting disinterested in it. There’s so much to do with it that I won’t be stopping anytime soon, and I want to do theatre in college.”

BACK PAGE The Prep News recently asked the student body, faculty and administrators to submit some of their favorite Kansas City local restaurants. Due to the plethora of submissions, we decided to create a series on Kansas City restaurants, beginning with affordable, unknown restaurants. These are a few of the suggested gems of the Kansas City restaurant scene as reviewed by senior John Avery, local fast food employee and restaurant connoisseur, and senior Van Schloegel, chef and self-proclaimed food critic.

Quick’s

Contributing to Kansas City’s claim as one of the top barbecue cities in the country, Quick’s barbecue in Kansas City, Kan., was the best restaurant we sampled. We ordered the half slab of ribs and burnt ends, which were both cooked to

KCity ansas

John Avery

Van Schloegel

uncoverED

perfection. The meat was moist and full of a nice, smoky flavor. The entrees were offered with two sides each, giving great portions for a reasonable price. We would add Quick’s to the elite barbecue restaurants in the competitive Kansas City area.

obscure restaurants

Rudy’s Rudy’s, a traditional Mexican restaurant off of Westport Road and Wyoming St, was a bit disappointing. Due to waiter recommendations, we ordered chimichangas and beef tacos. The chimichangas, as well as the beef tacos, were nothing special and the sides, refried beans and rice, seemed like any other Mexican restaurant in Kansas City. Compared with

the other restaurants we visited, Rudy’s had by far the most mainstream, typical restaurant feel. However, we may not have ordered a restaurant specialty, which is why we still recommend students to give the restaurant a try.

Papu’s Cafe

Papu’s Cafe, a small, secluded joint, is nestled in the Shell gas station at 75th and Wornall. The gyro sandwich was one of the best food items tested throughout all restaurants. The large-portion combination of succulent lamb and fresh tomatoes all contributed

to making this sandwich one of our favorites. The unique surrounding within the cafe, the small seating area, and visibility of the kitchen gave a feeling like the chef was cooking the meal personally for the customers.

Niecie’s

Off of 65th and Troost Avenue, Niecie’s, a soul food eatery, was overall average. The main entrees we ordered, fried chicken and country fried steak, were tasty and had a flavor unique to Niecie’s; however, the sides, green beans and

Rockhurst is here

The Cook Shack

A small, breakfast and lunch hole-in-the-wall restaurant exists only a small distance from Rockhurst at the Cook Shack on 89th and Wornall. A favorite spot of many faculty, the Cook Shack did not disappoint. The waitress recommended the “famous” pancakes, which turned out to be delicious. The varying flavors

in the pancake sandwich, an egg smashed between two pancakes blended together nicely, while also leaving one very full. After talking with some Cook Shack regulars within the faculty, the French toast seems to be a favorite here; we look forward to returning to the Cook Shack to try out the French toast.

mashed potatoes, were very mediocre, tasting like they were straight out of the can. The restaurant was set up like an old-fashioned diner, even offering breakfast all day.