October 2012 Prep News by Peter Daly

PREP PREPNEWS NEWS ROCKHURST HIGH SCHOOL

9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64114

Dangers of Concussions How much are concussions ImPACTing the sports world, and what is Rockhurst doing about it?

page 8-9

Henry Mascaux Senior Henry Mascaux has emerged on the football team as a leader after four years of hard work.

page 13

October 19, 2012

Super Sophomores With cross country districts tomorrow, read up on the top two sophomores, William Thompson and Carson Bode.

page 14

www.prepnews.org

Volume 70 Issue 2

School in for major changes Cafeteria getting upgraded Hank Elbert helbert@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, the Rockhurst cafeteria will have an entirely new menu and look; additionally, food service for the entire school will fall under the jurisdiction of Flik Independent School Dining. This renovation for food at Rockhurst has been in the works for some time and will culminate when the new plan goes into operation next August. Flik will work with Rockhurst to create and implement a unique plan tailored to the food service needs of the Rockhurst community. of school next year, students will have many new daily food options. From 7 a.m. through the for students. During the three lunch periods, the cafeteria’s bar, soup options, fruits and vegetables, a sandwich station, dessert and two hot entree choices. The food choices will be more varied than current options, but popular items such as burritos will remain on the menu. Howmore similar to the burritos offered at places like Chipotle than here. All foods will be served with plates and silverware, which will produced by the cafeteria. The manpower needed to run these facilities will also be provided by Flik, resulting in fewer opportunities for parent volunteers in the lunchroom. The current Rockhurst kitch-

The Talk of Cafeteria Renovations:

1962 Current kitchen built

1998 Most recent renovation of dining area (not kitchen)

Early 2011 Conversations about a new renovation begin

May 2013 Construction begins

Oct. 1, 2012 Board of trustees approves renovation plan

August 2013 Construction ends

Photo courtesy of Flik Independent School Dining

A new design proposed by Flik Independent School Dining, picutred above, includes a more spacious kitchen and a wider variety of food choices. en was built in 1962 with the carried out in its entirety. The coming an increasingly central original campus building, and cost of this renovation will not meal for students; fewer and the last renovation of the dining raise tuition; it will come from a fewer kids have regular healthy, area took place in 1998. In early plant fund set aside for such pur- sit-down meals at home. “I think this is currently a sig2011, serious conversation began poses as this. about how to implement a comin the service and distribution of plete renovation. “Around a year and a half food, limiting the long lines [that upgrade for students,” Mr. Harkago, it became very clear that we come] with the increase in stu- ness said. can no longer expect a 50 year dent population at the school,” old kitchen designed to feed 600 Mr. Mark Teahan, chair of physia day to feed the 1200 who could cal facilities for the Rockhurst Student food [potentially] eat out of it every board of trustees, said. organizations such A decision has yet to be day,” Mr. Greg Harkness, princias NHS donuts and reached as to how students will pal, said. Justice League cofConversation began and pay for their food. One option eventually led to a deal with Flik, is maintaining the current polfee will remain a company that is popular on the icy, under which students pay Plates, silverware East Coast and in St. Louis. Ac- each time they purchase a food and cups will be cording to Mr. Harkness, Flik item. A meal plan, under which students would pay an initial fee used, eliminating sought Rockhurst out as part of at the start of the year and then waste be able to eat as much as they geographically. Salad, sandwhichThe cafeteria and kitchen wish during lunch, is also in cones, soups and enwill undergo complete renova- sideration. Reasons for this change intion this summer; from May 20 trees will be daily to Aug. 8, the renovation will be clude the fact that lunch is beoptions

N ew Cafeteria

New schedule in works John Avery javery@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Rockhurst plans to implement an interim schedule as early as the fall of next year, citing the upcoming cafeteria changes as the primary reason for altering the day. One of the most sigof a third lunch period. “We have to address the situation with the number of kids who are in the lunch hour...so if we go to an additional lunch period, we will have fewer kids at each lunch,” Mr. Greg Harkness, principal, said. The proposed schedule contains eight periods, including lunch. Each period is about fortyday. There is a scheduled ten minute break between second and third periods, and the plan is to include around one activity period per week, which will last a full 45 minutes. During the new lunch period, students will be allowed to eat lunch and then leave the cafeteria. They can also choose to study while eating lunch, as opposed to having to choose one or the other. “It’s a bit of a change from the culture we have right now,” Mr. Chris Bosco, assistant prin“But if this becomes a problem in terms of how students react to [the new schedule], then we have to adjust.” The new schedule maintains an ABC type rotation, with hours 3, 7 and 8 alternating. Talks have also included moving late starts to Thursday rather than Friday.

President grows as player, leader Ben Burch

bburch@amdg.rockhursths.edu

As the students of Rockhurst and leave school for the day, senior Jordan Willis, SGA president, stands alone in the SGA

that he could not take care of every single one of them; he’s not an expert on writing scripts for pep rallies or drawing banners to put up in the school. But Willis knows the experts, and instead of trying be a “typical leader” by taking over the projects, he has given the people who know what they’re doing the chance

to make his goals into successes. Now ready for football practice, Willis erases the completed goals, sends an email to Mr. Bosco asking for further objectives, and grabs his heavy Rockhurst gym bag. Before he hits the lights, Willis takes a moment to pause, realizing he is actually where he is, the man setting the goals of the school in motion.

JUMP to pg. 11

Rudy Rodriguez

in front of him. On the board are the goals Mr. Chris Bosco, SGA moderator, has given to Willis for the week. Even though it is Monday, Willis goes down the

one of the goals. I did that...I talked to him... he’s going to handle that... Willis knew that morning,

Speaking at the first pep assembly, senior Jordan Willis, SGA president, leads the school on a daily basis. Whether he is running SGA or playing on the football field, Willis is constantly working for the betterment of the school.

2 NEWS

Homecoming week filled with excitement

Clockwise from top left: Conquering the mechanical bull at the pep assembly, junior Will Ben Sims had the longest time for the day. (photo by Rudy Rodriguez). Juniors Tom McCormack and Alec Grawe, along with their dates, Notre Dame de Sion juniors Betsy Barnthouse and Mary Kate Hense, strike a pose on the dance floor. (photo by Abram Hawkins). Mr. Michael Dierks, class of 1991, and Mr. Matt Darby, class of 2000, participate in the Homecoming mass (photo by Jeff Chininis). Dressed in western attire, juniors Paul Bessenbacher and Mark Mitchell sport their apparel at the game (photo by Michael Lipford). Senior Cecil Keyes shows off his dance moves at the Homecoming dance (photo by Abram Hawkins). Posing for a picture, Mr. Erik Gustafson, senior Victor Armstrong, Mr. Chris Bosco and Mr. Ben Stueve enjoy the dance festivities (photo by Abram Hawkins). Looking for a receiver, junior Ahmad Tyler scrambles from the oppostion (photo by Michael Lipford).

October 19, 2012

Students fight hard for academy acceptance Jack Franken johnfranken@amdg.rockhursths.edu

From 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., college freshman Chandler Smith, class of 2011, has every minute planned. To him, it’s just a typical day at the United States Military Academy. This life is what Smith has wanted for years, and many Rockhurst students applying to military academies share this desire. “No other schools give you such responsibility at such a young age,” senior Mack Bartle, an applicant to all the military schools, said. Over the past several years, each military academy has only accepted one or two Rockhurst High School students each year because of the highly selective nature of these schools. “They are competitive schools to get into. Students really have to dedicate themselves in order to get in,” Mr. Rich Sullivan, assistant director of college placement, said. Most academy applicants have had their minds set on attending an academy for years. Senior Drew Daniels is one example. “I have always wanted to be in the military,” Daniels, who hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy, said. “All the guys in my family have been in the military.” Daniels plans to wrestle for the Naval academy, if he is accepted.

The entire application process involves receiving a nomination from a U.S. senator, representative, the Vice President, or even the President. Additionally, each cadet, or military trainee, is required to undergo a physical exam in which he or she is tested run, a 40-yard shuttle run, a basketball throw in which applicants throw a basketball from a kneeling position, and timed pull-ups, pushups and crunches. Because the academies are all-expense paid, admission is the most gifted applicants. The Naval Academy accepts only around seven percent of its applicants, while the Military Academy accepts about 11 percent of their applicants. One reason the academies receive so many applicants is the reward for graduation. Upon Academy, students are automatand can become a marine. “I want to be a marine, so it works out,” Daniels said. The strict rules and tight schedule may seem unappealing to some students, but many military academy students enjoy it. “I like the structured life, the challenges, the physically demanding side and the vigorous academics,” college freshman Brock Hightower, student at the United States Naval Academy and class of 2012, said.

PN Dean to take new position3 NEWS

October 19, 2012

ROCK STOP

Mr. Alvey set to take on new assistant principal role next year Brennan Lee blee@amdg.rockhursths.edu

College fair With over 100 colleges and universities in attendance last week, Kansas City’s Private High School College Night was held in the Rockhurst gymnasium. Several representatives from each university were on site to answer questions about campus life, academics, and athletics. “I had hardly even heard about Miami, [Ohio], but after speaking with the representative at the college fair, it is now on my list of potential colleges,” junior John Rohr said. The college fair was meant to not only help students learn more about the schools in attendance but also to spread the realization that the college selection process is already here for juniors and seniors. Alex Stubbendieck

Freshman mixer

Nearly 427 freshmen from Rockhurst and other area high schools swarmed the gym for the freshman mixer, hosted by SGA, two weeks ago. With tickets costing will be spent towards student activities. For example, senior trips and club necessities will receive some proceeds. Last year, proceeds from the dance went to Operation Rocklin. “The [freshman mixer] is for the underclassmen only, and acts as a classidentity event,” Mr. Chris Bosco, assistant principal Sam Clifton

Club fair The freshman class assembled in the gym for the annual Club Fair on Oct. 3. The fair is designed to give the new students an opportunity to learn about the dozens of clubs at Rockhurst. Every club had a table with a presentation showing the purpose and activities of the club in hopes of attracting freshmen Each freshman received a worksheet with questions about particular clubs; answering all the questions on the worksheet earned each student a candy bar. Jack Hilliard

Rockhurst will be introducing a new position, the assistant principal for faculty development and formation, at the beginning of the 2013 school year. Mr. David Alvey will be stepping down as dean of position. Mr. Alvey will be responsible for ensuring faculty development on educational, personal and spiritual levels. According to Mr. Greg Mr. David Alvey Harkness, principal, Rockcally for developing faculty formation. “It’s been very common among schools of our size and Jesuit schools to have some member of the administration who deals ment of the faculty,” Mr. Harkness said. In fact, according to Mr. Harkness, the Jesuit Secondary Education Association, or JSEA, has been encouraging the concept of this position recently. Although the new position for faculty formation was being talked about, the idea of the spiritual aspect of the position came along when Mr. Tom Norman, coordinator of Ignatian formation, decided to retire at the end of this year. “The timing was very good with Mr. Norman retiring,” Mr. Harkness said. “With [his] retirement, that also gave us the opportunity to take faculty development and also include spiritual formation, introduction to mission,

What do you think about Mr. Alvey’s new position?

“I’m sure Mr. Alvey will be able to handle any dilemma regardless the job title. The next dean of students will nior Matthew Brocato said.

and personal life, and really try to develop the whole person.” With Mr. Alvey taking this position, that means that he will be stepping down from his job as dean of students, a position he has held for 19 years. “If you ask my preference, I’d much rather work with students,” Mr. Alvey said, “but why do this? Because it needs to be done, and I’m the best person to do it.” According to Mr. Harkness, the need for the poMr. Tom Norman sition was expressed to principal, seeing that he came from a school, Xavier High School, where a similar position was held, and there was never a doubt in his mind who he wanted to hold the position. “When I started thinking about this job and the job description, it kept popping up in my mind: [Mr.] Alvey would be the ideal man for the job,” Mr. Harkness said. While the current job description for right now will serve merely as guidelines, Mr. Alvey will be working with the faculty to make sure that they are achieving all that they want.

“Mr. Alvey has had a student body, almost always in a positive manner. will no longer be present [in the same way],” senior Hunter Seabaugh said. “I am very excited that [Mr. Alvey] is taking the position. I’m very excited that they are making the position,” Mr. Michael Wickenhauser said.

Assistant principal job description

the job description,” Mr. Harkness said. While currently no decisions have been made on a new dean of students, Ms. Peggy Martin will head the search committee. Ac-

Coordinates all mission and identity programs for faculty Serves as chair of Ignatian Identity team Coordinates professional development for faculty Manager of orientation and

to look inside the building for the new hire and hope to have a decision made at the earliest by Thanksgiving.

A sneak peek into the future

Kansas City mayor speaks at breakfast Hank Elbert helbert@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Peter Daly

Serving as an officer in the Kansas City Police Department, Mr. Dan Coupe, class of 1972, speaks at career day about the career path he chose.

Day sparks career conversation Peter Daly peterdaly@amdg.rockhursths.edu

As the juniors and seniorsquickly approach the work world, Rockhurst’s career day students to pause from school for a little while, thinking about their future and what they might choose as a possible career. fall for the upperclassmen. Students went to four career presentations on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Dozens of careers were offered to the students, including law enforcement, journalism, lawyer, entrepreneur and many more. Career day gives the upper-

classmen vital information about their future, allowing them to see an inside perspective into potential jobs. It also gives students an idea of what major they should pursue while in college. The presentations consisted of a speech made by either a Rockhurst alumni or parent in speakers were given 25 minutes to tell the students a little bit about their career, why they chose it, and what to do if interested in that career. According to Mr. Eric Berg, organizer of career day, the most popular careers for this year’s career day were physician, business owner and engineer. He said that the careers chosen for career day each year vary depending on the level of student interest. “I think from the things that I can gather, this year’s career day was a success,” Mr. Berg said.

On the morning of Thursday, Sept. 27, Mr. Sly James, mayor of Kansas City, Mo., visited Rockhurst to speak as a part of the Rockhurst Breakfast Series. The event was well attended; around 100 people came to hear the mayor speak. Mr. James spoke for around 45 minutes, discussing some of his personal initiatives for the ber, and the place of Rockhurst graduates as leaders in the Kansas City community. The mayor’s audience was made up of alumni, faculty and even some students. “We had a higher than usual amount of students attend this particular talk,” Mr. Mark Blanck, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said.

Giamo Jackson Carter

Mr. Sly James, mayor of Kansas City, speaks to the audience at the alumni breakfast on Sept. 27.

second year of the breakfast series, which invites various alumni and other community members to speak at Rockhurst. The series will pick back up in early November when Mr. Greg Cotand general counsel for Sporting Kansas City’s Sporting Club, speaks in the McGee hall.

Freshman use day for service

Joey Caruso

Working on a Snack Pack at Harvesters, freshmen John Godfrey and Connor Law add goods to the bag. Snack Pack feeds 17,000 local kids who are on food programs.

4 FORUM

October 19, 2012

Cafeteria changes offer many benefits for school PREPVIEWS changes that will be brought to the cafeteria and food service at Rockhurst next year will be superb assets to the school. Though some downsides to the initiatives do exist, the changes deserve praise for the positives they will bring to the school in years to come. The current food system is as strong as it can be with the resources that are available to it; however, the current kitchen designed to feed a much smaller school population. An increase in the resources that go into Rockhurst’s food service is necessary to improve the quality of the school’s meal options. The new plan that is being proposed by the administration accomplishes this quite successfully. A key success of the new plan is the way in which it meets the dining needs of students. Though school lunch may, at day, in reality, it is becoming a central meal for many students. With the busy lives that many families lead, dinners that consist of an entire family sitting down together are, in many cases, rare. Thus, the school lunch is becoming an increasingly important part of a student’s day; it may be the only chance he has to sit down and have quality conversation and

interpersonal interaction. The new cafeteria and lunch schedule for this sort of interaction. A full 45 minute lunch period allows students who might have had to rush through a 25 minute lunch in the past to engage in better conversation with their peers as they enjoy a much needed break in their day. Additionally, youth of the current generation often have tastes in food—tastes honed by cantly more often than did teens of the past. The more varied the new food service will meet this need. The new lunch schedule will not have entire grades together in the lunchroom; this has positives and negatives. The inter-grade interaction that will be stimulated by this environhowever, if a student needs to meet with a classmate to discuss co-curricular matters, the new lunch format may make such a As an outside company will be handling all aspects of

For students, the early weeks of the school year are some of the busiest as preparations are undergone for the year ahead. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the annual Homecoming dance forces another item onto the growing to-do list: locate and ask a date to the dance. But don’t just ask; ask creatively. In today’s teen culture, there is an increasing pressure to ask a date to a dance in an elaborate and creative way. While such wild invitations are commendable, they should not be seen as an essential part of the high school dance experience. Students have a busy lives without taking the time to plan creative requests. It should not be an expectation that all dance invitations must extend beyond a simple “Will you go to the dance with me?” That is not to say such requests are bad.

Excessive gadgets dilute daily life For me, the typical school night consists of sitting in front of a laptop, constantly visiting Facebook, my two fantasy football teams, ESPN, and, in times of extreme boredom, Yahoo. Next to my planner I have my sively vibrating across my planner as new text messages are

Vanity Fair By: Van Schloegel Abram Hawkins

cafeteria work and food service, parents will miss out on some opportunities to get involved at Rockhurst. There is not an abundance of opportunities through which parent volunteers can interact with students, and removing the need for parents to volunteer in the lunchroom is a slight detraction from the already sparse number of chances. Additionally, the new plan may pose a threat to the success of student-run food services, such as NHS donuts and Justice services will be allowed to endure, they will likely receive less business as they face competition from daily breakfast options ing in the new cafeteria. However, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by further positives of the new system.

scenario that involves people in a dangerous position or an alteration of property. From car painting to crazier stunts, students must refrain from doing anything that could damage property. If Homecoming invitations are fun and creative without doing harm to people or property, then kudos to whoever does the asking. However, students should not put implementing a crazy Homecoming request over other, more important responsibilities. And students who have neither the time nor the resources to go over the top should not have to worry; a sign or a simple face-to-face request is enough to invite someone to a high school dance.

PREPVIEWS

to go over-the-top with Homecoming requests, then they ought to do so—as long as the requests do not come at the expense of other responsibilities or cause others harm. It is at the point of such potentially harmful Homecoming requests that a line must be drawn. Caution must be used in any

Technology overload

is an iPod Touch, which is logged into three email accounts; also, there is Facebook emitting a

Over-the-top requests Dance invites are fun, can go too far

The plan’s inclusion of plates, silverware, and cups will help keep the school clear of waste and will also make the cafeteria more green by cutting down on the excessive amounts of trash that come with the current method of serving food. The new options in the cafeteria will also help students to the daily salad bar and consistent fruit and vegetable options, options in the way of nutritious foods. As student life grows increasingly busy, having a longer and more enjoyable lunch period will help cut down on stress in a student’s day. The chance to do homework at lunch will make the typical Rockhurst workload more manageable.

Rock Reports

D B+ A

Jeff City attendance

The Friday of the football game -

team faced one of the most challenging opponents of the season. While the the minimal attendance and participa-

Freshman mixer

Four-day weekend

Nick Privitera

A huge number of Post-its Notes were plastered on this car for a dance request

beeping sound every time a notiAll the while, a Pandora playlist plays in the background... And from all this, I realize one key thing... we cannot escape the technology. This year, every student received his own Gmail account, opening several new possibilities within the classroom. With Moodle, NetClassroom and these new Gmail accounts, students can access a multitude of information online from their home, smart phones or at school. I can tweet or post on Facebook in a couple of seconds for all 767 “friends” of mine to see. However, I wonder if this unquestioning consumption of technology is always a good thing. I have not met at least 200 of my “friends” on Facephone, which has dramatically decreased my texting, I have realized the small amount of quality contact I have with my friends. We are so used to sending trivial texts, tweets, or Facebook messages to each other that we trick our minds into thinking we are communicating meaningfully with our friends when, in reality, we are not. Social media is only causing individuals to worry about what others think about them: how many friends one has, followers one can gain, or texts one can receive. But I am not sure society allows one to simply “sign out,” or unplug from social media. It is too important for my daily activities. What would I do on the weekend without my phone? What about homework help? The trivial demands of social media clutter up the the technology. What if we, instead of wasting our lives away online, spent this weekend or this next school week communicating without technology, actually planning homework at school? Think how stress-free our lives would be, even if it is just for one week. I challenge everyone to go this weekend without technology; maybe a life with limited technology could actually work.

5 How will you cast your vote? FORUM

October 19, 2012

Republican Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, is running against President Barack Obama;

Democrat a legacy of compromise with a Democratic majority

the future is what the country needs to get back on track after a largely unRomney’s favor is that he has a wealth of experience working in the private sector while President Obama As governor, Romney inherited a mess in Massachusetts that was similar to what President Obama inherited in the country at lion in debt, and unemploy-

ment rate, a balanced budget, a school system at the top of the nation, and

This record has many ney’s plans for the future

There are several new faces year; this has brought about some new changes and posi-

itor of Co ntent

Opinions Ed

itor

Rallies used to be full of energy with students in the bleachers

for this; other reasons lie with

Ryan DeLong “They put a

those doing so could make some

Everyone had a

aper II

Association Memberships

John Ave ry Sports Ed

itor

Michael R

President Obama took immediate action to help the economy, signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the stimulus

Increasing attendance at sporting events is another goal this has seemed successful; there have been strong turnouts However, cross country and swimming still have seen almost have been less attended sports in the past, attendance should be encouraged—especially with big meets coming up in each The spirit contest seems to

a myriad of tax credits, These acts, along with the president’s work to help the manufacturing base, helped turn the economy With the economy on a path of improvement, it is not the time to change the direction the leadership of the Obama/Biden administration, the goals of the last four years will move forward into a brighter future for the American

has done publicizing such special A huge amount of responsibiltion has done a good job thus they make pep assemblies a little funnier and amp up attendance at the minor sporting events, this year’s crew will move from very As major events such as the Harvest Food Drive and football

Color Wars and Homecoming dress up days saw fairly strong

Aidan Alemifar

Aaron Blanck

“I’d say that Homecoming went pretty well, but the pep assemblies have

done a great job trying to mix it Bull-riding was

Brennan L News Edito r

eardon

Disclaimer -

itor

Danny Su m

Frank Eva Backpage Ed

mers

Arts & En tertainmen t Editor

Mr. Mich

itor

W hit Coll Features Ed

ael Dierk s

ins

itor

Distributed to students free of charge

The Prep News

Prep News Prep News

InDepth Ed

NII Advis

Volume 70, Issue 2 October 19, 2012

But another disappointing aspect of the pep rallies has

choices were good, and students gave the dances positive

Newsp

tive C ommit tee

Execu

itor of De sig

Hank Elb ert

classic trash bin joust, entertaining obstacle course, and fresh bull-riding competition have treated students to good and amusing spectacles at the as-

The crowd seems somewhat

PN gel

n-Chief

Managing Ed

the country was losing jobs at a rate compara-

infrastructure and keeping teachers in the classroom and cops on the

The games played at the as-

n-Chief

Ben Burch

When President

legislation allocated funding towards building up the country’s

Homecoming dance had solid attendance and nearly exceeded

John Berr igan Co Editor-i

Curran Ste

The Prep News

composing a script for such an

Blue and White mixer and the

Managing Ed

tion that resulted in the death of Osama Bin Laden, the president has been a driving force

ment was over 8 per-

and earnest leader who has the necessary vision and experience, and President Obama has four years of falling short and empty

in them has been fairly sharp at times but has run into bland

This year’s dances and mixers

Co Editor-i

able Care Act to the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the military opera-

LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/MCT

The pep rallies have been a

student events from last year

Van Schlo e

From the Patient

aims to decrease the corporate tax rate to 25 percent, but he will close many tax loopholes in the hopes of bringing more revenue into In the end, the economy under President Obama is

Incumbent President Barack Obama is pitted against Republican Mitt Romney in the upcoming this election, President Obama is the preferable candidate because of all he has accomplished

tackle the debt by cutting federal spending by 20 per-

SGA initiatives prove strong, always room for improvement

PREPVIEWS

Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal/ MCT

Newspaper I

Joseph Caruso, Samuel Clifton, Andrew Dakan, Peter Daly, Jack Franken, Robert Healy, Robert Hilliard, Carson Jones, Brendan McCann, Jack McHugh, Hudson O’Neill, Nicholas Privitera, Connor Prochnow, Nicholas Romano, Alexander Stubbendieck, Matthew Watz

Mr. Daniel Hrdlicka NI Adviser

Prep News

Prep News Rockhurst High School 9301 State Line Road prepnews@amdg.rockhursths.edu (816) 363-2036 www.prepnews.org

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

October 19, 2012

“..And Lorenz-O was his name-O” choosing the instrument because his closest uncle had played the trumpet when he was young. The same uncle taught Gatapia some basic

Multitalented senior remains active despite early fears

Gatapia already knew how to read music. “I was able to focus more on learning the Jack McHugh instrument and implementing what I knew aljonathanmchugh@amdg.rockhursths.edu ready. It helped a lot down the road,” Gatapia said. Although he knows piano and guitar, GataWanting to try out for the musical “Urinetown” his freshman year, Lorenzo Gata- pia considers trumpet his strongest instrupia understood auditions would be held on a ment, partially because he practices it the Wednesday and Thursday. He thought only most through the Senior Jazz Lab course. He one audition was required, and opted to at- sees the trumpet as an extension of his body because the sound is produced by his own tend on Thursday. On his way into the theatre, after already ar- mouth, not internal vibrations like in a woodwind instrument. riving late due to a pep band “The show went Conor Ehman practice, Gatapia learned a well,” Gatapia said piece of disturbing news: both Junior about playing the trumauditions were required. Basically Lorenzo has pet in “Damn Yankees”, More experienced thespians urged him to go inside a huge personality. He “despite the pit catching and explain his situation to brings enthusiasm during show week. I detheatre director Mrs. Annie into everything that cided I wanted to get more Barney, but Gatapia declined, he does and his hard involved [in the theatre proembarrassed by his mistake work shows in all of his gram.]” activities. Gatapia then earned his to enter into the theatre pro-

“

from the orchestra pit as a sophomore. He played trumpet with the orchestra for the theatre program’s musical: Damn Yankees. Gatapia’s musical background began to form at the age of six, when he started taking piano lessons. He later started to play trumpet for his grade school band in fourth grade,

“

“Naturally, being a scared freshman, I ran away,” Gatapia said. Now known for his enthusiastic personality, Gatapia overcame his timidness from freshman year, and remains very involved in student government, music, and theatre at Rockhurst. After missing the “Urinetown” auditions,

“She Stoops to Conquer,” a part he jokingly described as “exhilarating”. Although minor, the part fueled his interest in performing, prompting him to join the improv troupe. Part of what allows Gatapia to excel in different co-curriculars, especially improv, is his outgoing attitude and ability to infuse energy into any project. “Basically Lorenzo has a huge personality. He brings enthusiasm into everything that he does and his hard work shows in all of his activities,” junior Connor Ehman said. Gatapia has been involved in student government all four years at Rockhurst, this year as the publicity chair. Besides being the mas-

termind behind the SGA twitter account, he is in charge of publicizing all events important to the student body. His theatre background directly translates to success in the SGA. “If it comes down to a last minute announcement, or writing a script for a movie,” senior John Fox said, “Lorenzo, with his theat-re back-

ground and bubbly personality is a big aid in helping communicate that to the school in an interesting way.” Over the timidness of his freshman year, Gatapia now plays a central role in a variety of co-curriculars. “I’m glad I did eventually get over the stigma provided by that pia said. “It made me feel comfortable with crowds and responsibilities.”

Evo

IV E

P PRE

williamoneill@amdg.rockhursths.edu

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sophomore

junior

senior

Photo by Ethan Rhoades

Hudson O’Neill

4.5 out of 5

Screen Size

Band performs well in first show; plans to take talent to France

Prep News Rating*:

Price w/out Contract

As a... freshman

Mr. Michael Kern directs the Jazz band during the annual Autumn Sampler concert.

With the introduction of the new iPhone 5, the Prep News compare the features between four of the most popular smartphones out on the market. We chose to compare the Apple iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX, and the HTC Evo 4G LTE. Each of these phones is the top smartphone of its respective company.

Droid

Timeline

Smart Phones Review iPhone 5 Galaxy S3

* based on voting by Prep News Executive staff

8 megapixels 1.3 megapixels

8 megapixels no camera

Stats acquired form

year with jazzy swing, the Rockhurst Jazz Band performed their annual Autumn Sampler concert, Rose Theatre. The concert was also the start of preparation for the band’s future summer trip to France. The show saw appearances by the Wind Ensemble, Odyssey Jazz Combo, Orchestra, Senior Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, and Senior Jazz Ensemble groups. “The Autumn Sampler went great,” Mr. Michael Kern, Jazz Band director, said. “We [the band and choir] broke up for the mentals and vocals on two separate nights.” Doing the performance on addition to the concert. The jazz band concert consisted of performances of songs such as: “3 Pieces,” “Children of Sanchez,” and “Straight, No Chaser.” The headline performances came

from Houston Smith sophomore saxophonist and Lorenzo Gatapia senior trumpeter. concert people like Houston Smith made me think that if we can do this now, by the time we are in France we will be very impressive,” junior Edward Wilkinson, saxophonist, said. The France trip that is being developed but it is planned to take place from May 30 to June 7. On the trip, the band will be joined by the french class, but the two will be doing separate activities. The Jazz band will play four concerts in three cities: Paris, Avignon, and Nice. The concerts will be held in places like Jardin Du Luxembourg and other venues. France will be a bigger stage than the school year concerts. It will be a chance for the Jazz Band to do concerts in a whole new diverse setting. “[The France trip] will give us a real look at how good we can be outside the Rockhurst community,” Wilkinson said. “This chance is very exciting.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

October 19, 2012

Choir pitch perfect in concert First performance successful despite lack of familiarity among new members

Sampler

Hudson O’Neill williamoneill@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Performing at the Autumn Sampler, the choir is directed by Mr. Samuel Anderson.

Jullian Torres

Travel

Improvements add realistic aspect to already successful game

Watching like a Hawk How I Met Your Mother

Thorsten Heinze/Abaca Press/MCT

EA Sports FIFA 13: it’s in the game

Barney Stinson, played by Neil Patrick Harris, continues to be legen...wait for it...dary.

Brennan Lee

The Office Chris Haston/MCT

blee@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Additional reporting by Sam Holland, sophomore, and Ralvell Rogers, junior.

- Jim and Pam, played by John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, converse during an episode of “The Office.”.

work-

PREPVIEWS

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Danny Devito and Glen Howerton pose as police officers in an episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/MCT

Eric Mencher/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT

Breaking Bad -

Jack McHugh jonathanmchugh@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Bryan Cranston, who plays the lead role of Walter White, poses at an award show..

INDEPTH

October 19, 2012

8-9

Concussions: the danger of sports Recent re search uncovers impact of head t rauma John Berrigan

The Concussion

jberrigan@amdg.rockhursths.edu

The Fear

Fear is part of sports. Fear of failure and fear of injury are powerful mental constraints to an athlete at any level of competition. The best competitors have learned to overcome their fears. However, there is a new fear that is lingering in the back of the heads of athletes, resonating in the minds of professional franchises, and trickling down to college and high school athletic directors: “Do concussions make football, soccer, lacrosse or hockey too dangerous to play?” Worries about the dangers of concussions and repeated head trauma have quickly become nightmares. Forbes magazine estimated that the millions of dollars in damages paid in lawsuits from former players against the NFL will be comparable to those the tobacco tobacco led to cancers of many varieties. Mr. Malcolm Gladwell, best-selling author and writer for The New Yorker, contends that, because of concussions, sports like football are simply too violent Play” that football’s reliance on violence to be entertaining makes it comparable to ESPN the Magazine wrote in its article “Football is Dead, Long Live Football” that parents are already pulling their kids from contact sports to prevent them from “The thing that I worry about is that we make such a big deal about it because it’s happening in the NFL, so consequently people think it only happens in sports. No, it doesn’t only happen in sports. Concussions can happen anywhere,” Coach Tony Severino, head football coach, said.

A concussion occurs when the head or neck is hit and moved so forcefully that the brain slams into the interior wall of the skull. While, in the public’s mind, concussions are closely related to only football, according to Mr. Paul McGannon, athletic trainer, concussions can happen in every sport, and at Rockhurst concussions occur most frequently in football, lacrosse, wrestling and soccer. Recent research has shown the concussion to be one of the most potent injuries in all of sports. What makes the concussion

college player looked like 20 years ago, and a college player today is what a pro or maybe even more so looked like 20 years ago,” Coach Severino said. perts around professional sports to determine what has caused the number of reported concussions to increase. There is considerable evidence that athletes are bigger and stronger than ever before. However, awareness of concussions is also at its peak, and concussions in the past may have gone unreported or undetected. “There’s no doubt that kids are bigger, faster, more talented than ever before. Speeds are increasing every year, and I think all those add up to why we’re seeing more concussions,” Mr. McGan-

non said. “But you don’t know if concussions back in the day were dismissed as ‘Oh i got a ding’ or ‘I got my bell rung,’ and people were allowed to just return to play.”

as a country. We’re a country of people that Coach Severino said. As parents hear the opinions of people like

keep their kids out of football. Kids who don’t play in grade school don’t play in high school or college or the NFL. Future Adrian Petersons and Tom Bradys may never get to touch a football because of the possibility of brain damage caused by concussions. This danger applies to any contact sport. that people don’t understand. As soon as be more concussions [in soccer]; as soon as there are more people playing lacrosse there’ll erino said.

The Solution

There are ways in which heightened awareness about concusions have helped make sports safer. “I think it’s safer to play football because now more and more you have medical profesand we’re recognizing things that could

A study done by the University of Michigan found that of retired NFL players over the age of 50 who had played in the league for the average career span of an NFL player, at least three seasons, 6.1 percent reported having received a diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, other memory loss disage, and the study found for the group aged 30-49 that NFL players were 19 times the national average. It is not simply the big highlight-reel hit that does all of the damage. There is considerable evidence that the everyday hits endured in practice can be the most dangerous aspect of contact sports. CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a type of brain damage associated with multiple blows to the head. In the last year and a half, three former NFL players- Ray Easterling, Dave Duerson, and Junior Seau- committed suicide, purposefully shooting themselves in their chests in order to preserve their brains for research. Research has found evidence of CTE in each of the men’s brains, and doctors have identiand dementia that drove Easterling, Duerson, and Seau to take their own lives. “The speed of the game and the size of years. A high school player today is what a

John Berrigan

“It was a screen play, and that leaves me pretty vulnerable,” junior Ahmad Tyler, quarterback, said. Tyler took the snap, dropped back, and waited. The offensive line abandoned their pass blocks in order to be in position to caravan the receiver, senior Victor Brancato, to positive yardage. Tyler waited. The defensive line licked their chops, and rushed unabated, right at Tyler. At the very last moment, Tyler lofted a pass over the defense and into the hands

Incoming student takes ImPACT Concussion Baseline Test at the beginning of his freshman year.

of Brancato. However, all of Tyler’s waiting allowed two defensive players enough time to do serious damage to Tyler’s body, smashing him into the ground. “I tried to get up and then I stumbled. I was really dizzy, and I knew something wasn’t right,” Tyler said. Tyler had experienced a concussion. He had run the screen play to perfection, just like it is written up in the playbook. The screen is an age-old football play, conceived with the birth of the forward pass. It is no more dangerous than a hand-off or a toss play, yet Tyler was still left seriously injured.

Player sustains trauma to the head.

After a blow to the head, energy is transmitted from the skull to the soft tissues of the brain.

rule changes regarding head and neck contact in the effort to make the game safer. “In 50 years around this game I have seen a lot of good rule changes that have helped in the

The brain moves freely inside the skull, banging against the bone and bruising the brain.

es that will help in the safety more erino said. The most important part of concussion safety will always be making sure that the athletes understand the seriousness of head injuries and are aware of when they are hurt. “As long as athletes

McGannon said.

Illustration by Curran Steck

As unfortunate as Tyler’s concussion was, it was essentially unpreventable. The Rockhurst athletic training staff’s goal for Tyler was now the prevention of further injury to the head. The first step--removing the player from the game. Tyler was immediately sent to the sidelines and would not see another snap for the rest of the game. “We have a really simple approach, and the first thing is to take the athlete off the field,” Mr. Paul McGannon, athletic trainer, said. On the sidelines, Dr. Joe Waeckerle, board-certified sports medical physician

who helped write the NFL and NHL’s concussion policies, runs the athlete through a series of tests to confirm that the athlete has indeed suffered a concussion. “He asked me if I remembered what was going on, if I knew the score of the game, what quarter we were in, and if there was any pain in my neck or my head. And then he did some balance tests with me, and that’s what I messed up on,” Tyler said. If the suspicion of a concussion is confirmed by Dr. Waeckerle, the athlete must remain on the sidelines and away from any kind of strenuous exercise until his concussion-induced headache or neckache subsides. Once the pain does subside--often one to two days after the injury--the athlete will run controlled workouts under the supervision of Mr. McGannon and Dr. Waeckerle.

I think it’s actually going to be a good thing that supports football

The Trend

jberrigan@amdg.rockhursths.edu

How a concussion occurs

voted millions to brain research

Cutting-edge concussion policy keeps players safe

The Danger

There is a reality that sports like football put kids at risk for injury. A study done by the University of North Carolina found that durtained blows to the head during one play that are greater than that of a car crash. “If you were to get in your car and not put on your seatbelt and drive at 25 miles an hour into a brick wall so that your forehead struck the dashboard of the car, that would be a hit of 100 Gs. If you reversed your car and went and did it over and over again so that you hit the brick wall 30 to 40 times at speeds between 20 and 25 miles an hour, that would

be the equivalent of a football game,” Mr. Gladwell said. “If you reversed your car over the course of the next three months and drove it at 25 miles an hour into a brick wall 1,000 times, that would be the equivalent of a college football season.” Football coaches and owners across the country worry that football and other contact sports may be crippled by the concussion phenomenon. “As a coach I don’t want to put a kid at risk

These workouts vary in difficulty and are designed to test whether or not the head or neck pain returns during exercise. This process can potentially take weeks. In the case of Tyler, it took one week. Along with the workouts, the injured athlete will also meet with Dr. Waeckerle for more cognitive tests similar to those run immediately after the concussion. “We’re really blessed to have Dr. Waeckerle on our staff here. He comes to school Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall sports season, and he’ll check the injured student-athlete to make sure he is progressing,” Mr. McGannon said. Once the athlete has proven able to exercise strenuously without pain, he will retake the ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment Cognitive Test) concussion test. The goal of the test, according to ImPACT’s website, is to be, “used

4 The athlete undergoes an initial concussion test by Dr. Joe Waeckerle, sports physician.

by medical doctors, psychologists, athletic trainers and other licensed healthcare professionals to assist them in determining an athlete’s ability to return to play after suffering a concussion.” According to Mr. Joe Delehunt, Rockhurst’s ImPACT administrator, Rockhurst was influenced in choosing ImPACT because of its reputation in professional sports and hospitals. “We discovered that [ImPACT] was already partnered with many of the teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA and the NHL,” Mr. Delehunt said. “They were already affiliated with Children’s Mercy Hospital... and everybody we talked to at Children’s Mercy said, ‘Yes if you’re going to partner with somebody, this is the real deal.’” After the athlete retakes his ImPACT test, his results are evaluated by Dr. Waeckerle, who will determine whether the ath-

5 Once initial headache subsides, athlete performs exercises until the pain goes away.

Athlete re-takes ImPACT Concussion Test. The results are evaluated by Dr. Waeckerle.

The brain’s soft tissue swells but lacks room to expand, causing pressure in the skull.

Symptoms -Headache -Dizziness -Confusion -Nausea

hearing and seeing -Lack of concentration

Info from Dr. Michael Terry/Chicago Tribune/MCT

lete can return to practice. “It’s a part of a multiple-faceted decision-making process where the ImPACT result is combined with the analysis of the athlete by Dr. Waeckerle and myself as an ongoing process. It’s an important step, but it’s not the only factor,” Mr. McGannon said. This ongoing process involves closely monitoring the athlete for the rest of his career at Rockhurst, ensuring that extra care is given to athletes who have had previous head injuries. Even though the process cannot prevent the initial injury, it is the best effort the school can make to prevent further damage. “Its the best that we have right now and at Rockhurst for sports medicine we like to be the best in everything we do, and this is as cutting edge as it gets for head and neck injuries,” Mr. McGannon said.

6 If approved by Dr. Waeckerle, the athlete returns to practice and is monitored closely for the rest of his career.

10 FEATURES

October 19, 2012

Retreat reaches landmark Tradition begins Kairos-100 among students K airos in December of 1993. Kairos-0,

departs in November

Robbie Healy

rhealy@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Frank Evans

fevans@amdg.rockhursths.edu

by Rockhurst, Kairos is unique; it is the only optional one. Rockhurst’s 100th Kairos retreat is approaching quickly, which will be a milestone in Rockhurst’s 2 0 years of participation in the retreat. Father Thomas Pesci, SJ, former Rockhurst

self. They were both wearing the same pale blue, Polo Ralph erly run Kairos. Rockhurst’s Kai-

retreat

house. niors in tow,

for area high schools as well as -

John Berrigan

Showing off his swag, senior Joey Luber poses in his Wednesday shirt

O’Laughlin were also wearing the same blue shirt. All of this

some of the Kairoses. That man

retreat at Rockhurst. He

few teacher chaperones

start a Kairos program at Rockhurst after chaperoning the retreat while working at Loyola

part of Kairos history in the spring of 1994. The retreat was an

which he still retains. Now, almost 100 Kairoses

sible.

Shirt or the Pale Yellow Polo,

The success of the retreat sought out by multiple schools -

of the senior class; about 40 guys

they bring a whole new inspiration to the retreat, which makes

Good samaritan rides across Michigan Sophomore fights trash, raises money through biking

SophomoreTrevor Sieben poses prior to the start of his bike ride from Ann Arbor, Mich., to Harbor Springs, Mich.

Van Schloegel vschloegel@amdg.rockhursths.edu

span. Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 cycling from national Samaritan, an organi-

Photo Courtesy of Trevor Sieben

sion trip. Fr. Don Vettese, SJ, a Jesuit -

A rbor to Harbor -

100 miles

“

FEATURES

October 19, 2012

At first I thought, ‘Who would vote for me?’ But I just had this feeling inside me telling me to run and do something different, and I know I would have been letting myself down if I didn’t.

“

I learned that Rockhurst was a different type of school that bred a different type of student. I think it was made hard for me at first, but I think that was part of the program.

“

Jordan Willis,

“

Alex Stubbendieck alexstubbendieck@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Sitting in the library computer lab, back against the wall, she dents’ work, making sure they write down the symbols and

‘Built Rock Tough’

When I first came here, I didn’t expect Rockhurst to make me successful, but I wanted it allow me to grow into a person that could be successful, and it has done that.

“

Senior fills roles while staying true to unique personality pg. 1 JUMPfrom

had in the program,” Mr. Matt Nolen,

Willis is not typical in many of the things he does in life. He isn’t a fan of the spotlight, yet he is SGA president, a position in which eyes are always on him. He is kind and gentle, yet he excels on the tion based around aggression and attacking the opposing quarterback. He is quiet and careful with his words, yet he around the school, Willis has worked

Although Willis looks like a football player physically, the people who know sport. “He is so nice you just wonder how he team,” senior Victor Armstrong, football team manager and friend of Willis, said. In fact, Willis’ kind personality has held him back at times on the football

second semester of his freshman year. He wanted to grow as a student, as a football player and as a person, and he lis was not an easy one.

feeling inside me telling me to run and I didn’t.” With some help from talks with his

Willis won the election. Now, as the president of SGA, Willis has taken his job seriously, trying to implement his plans and the plans of his His biggest goal has been to try to get ment, greatly expanding the numerous student committees.

controlling person, Willis has found a way to be his own type of leader in SGA,

at it,” Coach Nolen said. Another job for the football coaches has been to get Willis ready for the next

an asset. “He’s more of a leader-by-example, a quiet leader... He’s not going to get up

type of students,” Willis said. “I think it that was part of the program.” Willis struggled adapting to the highfreshman year. He didn’t talk much to

after his freshman year. He realized the importance of his academics and began to do well in the classroom. He became has carried the cross and done readings at class masses since his sophomore League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, in his junior year. Willis also joined the football team his -

the beginning of his junior year. Since his top football programs like USC, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and stayed strong to his commitment to Kansas State. “I think nowadays we take the college football process too far with the commitment here and then decommitment there,” Willis said. “I like to keep it simple; pick the school you like, stick with it, go to it, and play the game.” Despite his already busy schedule year-round football training, Willis decided to run for SGA president at the for attracting attention to himself, Willis

size and strength.

among other people while he just makes sure the right pieces are in place.” around the school, Willis has little time

7 p.m, but he doesn’t feel like this time is it for the promising future that he now but I wanted it to allow me to grow into a person that could be successful, and it has done that,” Willis said.

name on the ballot.

Height: 6’5” Weight: 256 lbs Future College: Kansas State University

Year: Class of

New teacher brings fresh language to students

“

projector correctly. To most people, the symbols would mean nothing but oddly drawn lines but to Ms. Shu Chun Shao, the new Mandarin Chinese teacher, these symbols represent just a few out of thousands of others that make up her naMs. Shao, originally from Taipei, Taiwan, is breaking new ing Mandarin into the foreign language department. Teaching four courses of Mandarin I, Ms. Shao hopes to darin Chinese program. “We hope that we will moor continuing to learn Chinese,” Ms. Shao said. Originally inspired by her father to become a teacher, Ms. Shao left the world of corporate banking in New York behind to ing an education degree from for two years at the Afrikan Centered Education Collegium Campus until its closure last year and Johnson County Community College, where she still teaches Mandarin part-time. “My father was a teacher and then became a banker later,” Ms. Shao said. “I chose the same order… I enjoy teaching when I can make learning meaningful and interesting.” Including the basic language learning in her class, Ms. Shao about Mandarin-speaking areas. She is serious about teaching the important to talk about the Chinese culture and try the food to get a true understanding of the language. copying the symbols from the board, Ms. Shao analyzes their though there is a long and grueling road ahead before any of the students will be able to speak Mandarin, Ms. Shao would not want to be anywhere else than helping her students learn.

M s. Shao -

2013

Position:

Defensive End, SGA President

12 FEATURES

Planting a Rose of creativity quence.

said.

Connor Prochnow -

connorprochnow@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Erupting in thunderous applause, the audience rises to its feet in support of the cast.

the curtain. Eloquentia perfecta.

perfecta.

Eloquentia

of the original design for the

“

“The dedication and gener-

high in the air,

50t

throughout the Eloquentia perfecta.

dent, said.

I wanted a viable theatre and fine arts program so that we could achieve the Ignatian ideal of developing a well-rounded student

case “eloquentia perfecta,” or

rsa

r y o f t h e G re e n

lea

cation.

the school at the

In the fall of of

trustees

to continue to -

With recent increases in stuPhotos Coutesy of the 1990 Rockhurst Quarry

feature of Jesuit education. And -

Fr. Tom Cummings

“

peterdaly@amdg.rockhursths.edu

nation and spirit for the greater

Peter Daly

Theatre provides stage for expression

Students find joy in club

tor, said.

October 19, 2012

ferred to as the “Rose,” has

Top: The original Rose Theatre sign Bottom: Fr. Tom Cummings, SJ, signs the contract to begin construction on the Rose Theatre.

Desire to serve leads to the Rock Whit Collins acollins@amdg.rockhursths.edu

said.

lages and preach in the chapels.

for students.

participant teaches

M r. Alamilla

Born in Belize City, Belize Spent two years in Jamaica Studied theology at St. Louis University

Crossing normal workout boundaries Students utilize unique fitness program

hurst students since it opened in the spring of

Van Schloegel vschloegel@amdg.rockhursths.edu

ences to their peers.

15 thrusters, 15 pull-ups, 9 thrusters and 9 pullJoey Caruso

Lifting weights, Leo Jurgenson works out at Sky’s Limit Crossfit on 73rd and Wornall in Waldo, Mo.

SPORTS

October 19, 2012

Four years’ work leads to success Senior’s enthusiasm, effort translate to leadership Joey Caruso josephcaruso@amdg.rockhursths.edu

After the varsity football team goes through their pregame ritual and listens to Mr. Tony Severino, head coach, give them a motivational speech, house, huddles up, and starts jumping up and down, getting pumped up. The team storms crowd erupts in cheers and screams. It is in that moment that senior Henry Mascaux, varsity football player, realizes that this is the culmination of all the work done by him and his teammates. Mascaux quickly progressed through the Rockhurst football program, starting his football career on the freshman “A” team. His sophomore year he was moved onto varsity, where he participated in special teams. Mascaux’s junior year, he continued playing on special teams but also earned a spot in the defensive linemen rotation. Now, in his senior year, he is a starting defensive end and tackle. Seeing players before him such as Cornell Ellis, class of 2010, helped Mascaux maintain focus throughout his transition to varsity. “Ellis had such a great work ethic in the weight room and I try to mirror that. Everyone said he was a beast, and I wanted to be like that. I wasn’t blessed with being super-big or anything. I just got in the weight room and worked at it,” Mascaux said. His determination and enthusiasm was noticed by his coaches. “[Mascaux] has a great enthusiasm for the game, and his motor never stops,” Mr. Matt

Nolen, defensive line coach, said. “He has become a good player through hard work. His number one characteristic is work ethic.” Coach Severino tells his players that they need to have a great devotion to the team. Striving to become better players is a shared idea within the whole team, and some people take it up a step. “Coach Severino always talks about having a great work ethic. So many kids try to mirror that like [senior] Jason [Nix], E.J. [senior Emmanuel Gelvin] and [junior] Luke [Arbanas]. We are all really hard workers,” Mascaux said. His motivation to do his best not only helps himself, but also the entire team. “Henry inspires me to work harder. Seeing him give it 100 percent all the time makes me want to work just as hard. He motivates the

entire team,” Arbanas said.

in particular is indicative of his work ethic. Besides participating in lineman workouts with his teammates, he also boxed. With senior teammate Jordan Willis, he trained with Mr. Mark Simoneau, a former Kansas State University football player and Super Bowl champion. Through this hard work, Mascaux was able to make himself and the team better. This training prepared him for becoming a starting defensive lineman. Mascaux is not always the player to receive all the credit for making the big plays but he contributes on each down. “I like when people say Jason Nix or Jordan Willis had a great game. The reason they had a great game is because Henry is able to pick up the pieces and make everything work,” Coach Nolen said. Currently, Mascaux is planning on playing football in college. He is looking at West Point Military Academy, Kansas State University, the University of Minnesota, Pittsburg State University and Northwest Missouri State University.

Andrew Dakan andrewdakan@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Daniel Pericich Senior Daniel Pericich, varsity cross country runner, knows what it means to be a student athlete. Pericich is the number four runner on varsity and is part of the Senior Jazz Band and Pep Band while holding a 4.02 GPA. “He is very much a lead-by-example kind of guy... He works unbelievably hard, not only in practice but does every little thing outside of practice,” Mr. Michael Dierks, varsity cross country coach, said. Pericich is considering the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Missouri S&T, St. Louis University and Saint Thomas University. He may study engineering or medicine.

Jim Brazeal

Senior Jim Brazeal, varsity soccer player, boasts a 4.01 GPA and “He’s relentless... [Jim] has a good idea of what the work rate needs to be, and the team goes how Jim goes,” Mr. Chris Lawson, varsity soccer coach, said. Brazeal’s other co-curriculars include being the co-chairman of the Rockhurst Spirit Club and being a member of the National Honor Society. Brazeal is looking at Texas Christian University, University of Kansas and Miami University (Ohio). He will likely study engineering. “You need to be comfortable knowing that your schedule will consist solely of practice, games, homework, eating, and sleeping,” Brazeal said.

Alex Lombardo

Senior Alex Lombardo, varsity swimmer, boasts a 4.05 GPA, courses this year. and the 200 yard medley and freestyle relays. “He is an absolute tireless athlete... He’s a kid with tremendous character, and that’s what pushes him in the pool,” Mr. Paul Winkeler, head varsity swimming coach, said. Outside of school and the pool, Lombardo runs track and was the president of the French Club last year. Lombardo is looking at University of Virginia, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Miami, Tulane University, Dartmouth College and Bowdoin College. He plans on studying international relations with a minor in French or English.

Dalton Prins

O ver the Years

Senior Dalton Prins, center, is one of the football team’s many student athletes. Prins takes three honors courses this year and has a 3.6 GPA. “We would not be where we are at without Dalton,” Mr. Tony Severino, varsity football coach, said. Outside of football, Prins is the treasurer for SGA and the director of community service for the Patriot Club. He also is a part of the National Honor Society and is involved in this year’s Freshman Retreat. Currently, Prins is looking to study engineering at the United States Naval Academy, the University of Tulsa or MIT. He is also looking at the medical program at Yale University. “It’s very crucial for a younger athlete to learn how to manage their time and take care of their homework so that it comes easy for them later in their high school careers,” Prins said.

Football back on pace, aiming for state title Joey Caruso

string. Junior Luke Arbanas, tight end and

josephcaruso@amdg.rockhursths.edu

In the heart of the season, the varsity football team is right where Mr. Tony Severino, varsity football coach, expected them sight. “We want to win a state championship,” Coach Severino said. “We want to win our district, get to St. Louis and win the state championship. That is always our goal.” The team will have to likely go through there. The team lost to Blue Springs 38-24 but was able to come back the next week, beating Hutchinson 35-31. The team has had a multitude of injuries throughout the season. Senior Giamo Jackson Carter, fullback, had an injured ham-

game and was out for six weeks. Senior Connor Kuhlmann, running back, broke his wrist. “We haven’t played with a full group since day one, but even then we didn’t have Giamo,” Coach Severino said. Another problem for the team has been “ We do have a starting quarterback. I have [four] of them. Each of them possesstion,” Coach Severino said. Junior Ahmad Tyler is able to escape and get out on the edge. Sophomores T.J. Green and Ian Brown are able to sit back in the pocket and throw the ball. Junior Trey Vickers is a combination of the three. starting quarterbacks, but I just try and focus

on doing my job,” Arbanas said. Coming into the season, the defense was supposed to be the strength of this team. were able to run the ball straight at them and pass it deep over the top of the defense. “We are getting better,” Mr. Matt Nolen, defensive line coach, said, “The defense is starting to meet expectations.” Tonight’s game against an undefeated Columbia Hickman, ranked 7th in Missouri by maxpreps.com, is another necessary stepping stone for the team to make it into the games separating the team from reaching their goal: another state championship, a trophy, and a banner on the wall.

O n track

SPORTS

October 19, 2012

Stride for stride, rising to the top

Sophomores on pace for XC greatness

Connor Prochnow connorprochnow@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Carson Bode

You aren’t running to get your best time. You’re running to help the team.

Sopomores William Thompson (left) and Carson Bode (right)

Cross c o un t r y prepares for districts -

Aqua-Hawks develop one ‘step’ at a time

New strategy gives team new goals

Carson Jones carsonjones@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Nicholas Romano

nicholasromano@amdg.rockhursths.edu

“

Sophomore

Abram Hawkins

- Racing in the K.C. Metro Championships, senior Daniel Pericich and sophomore Carson Bode run down the home stretch.

Illustration by Curran Steck

SPORTS

October 19, 2012

Freshman dives to new depths Illustration by Brendan McCann

Knopke exceeds expectations Samuel Clifton samuelclifton@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Trailing 40 points behind the COMO swimming and diving meet in Columbia, freshman Daanything less than a perfect dive. He steps onto the springboard while he visualizes his next dive. “Keep my toes pointed, and avoid splash,” he thinks to himself. “First place depends on this.” The anticipated dive was a tough one: a front one-anda-half full twist. Although the pressure was on, he quickly felt security from the thought of the countless successions of the dive at practice. Knopke jumped up, landing perfectly in position, and soared through the air, completing the treacherous dive with excellent A round of applause echoed throughout the building, prais-

ing Knopke for his immaculate

ethic is just as good as every-

ing the second place diver by nearly 15 points. Freshman David Knopke began his diving career at the age of 5. His father, an avid diver and former dive coach, encouraged David to give the sport a try. petitively for Mission Hills Country Club, where he soon began to realize his love for the sport. At the age of 8 he was asked to participate in an exclusive boys dive team at KU. Knopke ment, his career took a turn for the best. “After one of my meets, me and my dad were approached by KU’s head coach. I was so surprised, and I decided to start diving for their club team,” Knopke said.

about him is he knows how to stay strong and focused. He has learned to correct himself from past mistakes and push through many challenges,” sophomore Zach Cook, diver, said. Despite Knopke’s achieve-

during the dive season and four has done nothing but improve. In fact, he has participated in numerous Junior Olympic Trials and national tournaments, taking 19th place in diving nationals for the 14 and under division. “I notice that David’s work

greater goals, some of which staying healthy throughout the entire year, and building stronger relationships among his teammates. “As a freshman on varsity, I sort of feel obligated to do really well at meets, which is very intimidating, but I’m learning how to cope with that. I plan on trying my hardest to increase my Knopke said. Nevertheless, Knopke has been proving his abilities throughout the past meets. He has already achieved two AllAmerican scores: 407.6 at the Ozark Invitational and 406.55 at the Columbia Invitational. in Missouri.

Stanley stays with team, moves into leadership role Nick Privitera

nicholasprivitera@amdg.rockhursths.

A group of soccer players bunches up in front of the goal, a classic mistake. Junior Luke Stanley recognizes the error and spreads wide while encouraging his teammates to do the same. Stanley receives a pass and proceeds to dribble past his defender. With a swift kick, he places the ball in the top left corner of the goal, just past the reach of the goalie. Stanley has been a varsity player since his freshman year. This season, he made the decision to continue his Rockhurst career instead of playing for the Sporting Kansas City club team. His presence on the Rockhurst team has gained importance because of his new role as an upperclassmen leader. Despite combating injuries this season, Stanley has played a key role in several games. “Luke is a very talented, creative, attacking player in our program...I think he is probably only one of three players in my time to start and play as a freshman in a state championship game,” Mr. Chris Lawson, head soccer coach, said. Because of a rolled ankle and 100 percent playing capacity. However, this has not hindered

him from making important plays in the games in which he has participated. Stanley scored the tying goal in the Aquinas match and the game-winner versus Cherry Creek and has made a few late-game assists, as well. He hopes to return to full strength soon. Facing a tough decision this season, Stanley had to choose between playing with the Sporting Kansas City club team or continuing his Rockhurst career. Several teammates chose to leave Rockhurst for the club team, but Stanley was the only player that decided to stay at his Rockhurst. “The choice between Rockbut I stayed here because I like the environment better. I enjoy playing for Rockhurst and wanted to continue doing that,” Stanley said. His current teammates and coaches are glad with his decision. Although he has been a decisive player in several games, according to Coach Lawson, Stanley has not reached his potential in the program yet. His have held Stanley back this season, but there is still time to improve. As a junior, a large expectation for Stanley is to assume

Young team grows as season advances Matthew Watz matthewwatz@amdg.rockhursths.edu

ership of the seniors. With 22 returning swimmers and divers, the upperclassmen have a lot of experience; many of them have been a part of three state championship teams. Coach Winkeler also commented on the success of this year’s JV team. “When we have a JV team

Having already won three invitationals this year, the Rockhurst swim and dive team is working toward a ninth straight state championship. The victories came at the DeSmet Invitational, Park Hill Invitational, and the Ozark Invitational, with the best performance coming at meet, that,s pretty good,” Coach DeSmet. Winkeler said. At the beTeam memginning of the bers see the season, accorddedication othing to Mr. Paul er teammates Winkeler, head have to the coach, the team program as a had many young primary reason swimmers who for the team’s really had to success. Giamo Jackson-Carter work to hone “One of Swimming backstroke, senior some of their the strongest Louis Behnen races for the abilities. Now, aspects of our wall at the Blue Springs Meet more than halfteam is our way through the work ethic,” juseason, he believes they are on nior Grant Byers, swimmer, said. their way to accomplishing this. The relay teams in particular “Our younger swimmers have have been a strong suit of the really developed,” Coach Winkel- team this season; the squad has er said. “They are learning how three of the top relay teams in to compete and how to handle the state. themselves.” “Everyone on the relay is The young swimmers and counting on one another, and divers of the Rockhurst team this brings us closer together,” are stepping up and taking a sophomore Alex Albracht, memgreater role in the program. One ber of the 200 meter medley and high-achieving underclassman is 4x100 relay teams, said. freshman AJ Iseman. With this season’s squad’s work ethic and relay dominance, the 200 free, the 100 backstroke, the swim and dive team hopes to have a shot at winning a ninth said. “My goal every time I race consecutive state championship. is simply to win, and with my “I believe that we will be a teammates always cheering me contender for state,” Coach on, I can achieve any task put in Winkeler said. “Our desire and front of me.” commitment have been evident These young swimmers con- this season, and we just need to tinue to develop from the lead- maintain them until the end.”

Soccer team shooting for state Jack Hilliard

roberthilliard@amdg.rockhursths.edu

Ryan Fielder

Beating the defender, junior Luke Stanley advances towards the goal.

the responsibility of leadership. According to Coach Lawson, because Stanley is one of only seven returning lettermen and a state champion, he must lead “The team with Luke as a leader should be pretty good. If he plays how I know he can, the team should have no problem with scoring and getting a good amount of chances in a game,” junior Cole Stevenson, former Rockhurst teammate, said. Stanley’s leadership will play an important role in the team’s pursuit of a state championship. “I plan on spending the rest of the season pushing myself and my teammates to our limits in order to be the best possible,” Stanley said. “The ultimate goal is to win state.”

With only two games remaining in regular season play, the soccer team will transition into postseason in less than two weeks. The team has a 12-8 recoming in overtime. From August to October, the team has traveled all over the midwest, from the Jesuit Classic in Denver to the Gateway Classic in St. Louis. These tournaments provided the team with many positive aspects. “We have played some really good, nationally ranked teams from Colorado and St. Louis. We showed them and we showed ourselves that we can compete with anyone in the area,” junior Kyle McLagan, varsity defender, said. With the majority of the schedule already wrapped up, the team has now turned its focus to what aspects of the team need work in the next two games before the district tournament begins on Oct. 29. “In these last few weeks going into districts we’re focusing on building up our chemistry

Jeff Chininis

Dribbling past a defender, senior Jim Brazeal attempts to score.

Good communication will be a key factor in our success as a team,” junior Sam Joseph, varA major part of this year’s motivation comes from last season’s early postseason loss in the district tournament. With this year’s postseason tournament approaching, the team is trying to avenge last year’s district loss. “Last season was last season, and we have been thinking about that for the past year. Now is our chance to do what we didn’t last year and what we have been training for nonstop,” junior Luke Stanley, varsity striker, said.

BACK PAGE ELECTION

2012

If you could vote, who would you cast your ballot for?

53%

17%*

30%

*12% other, 5% undecided

Politics aside, which candidate is more likeable? 48% 52% Presidential Candidate Illustrations by Lee Hulteng/MCT

Students develop political opinions over time the deciding factor was the economy, while healthcare came in a distant second place. Students and faculty also agreed on having a balance between central government and states’ rights, in addition to a foreign policy geared towards diplomacy intertwined with a strong military. In an election where typical partisanship and divisiveness are clear-cut, it is necessary to shed light on the issues that unite the community. One of the most noteworthy statistics taken from the survey was political alignment with students and faculty members’ parents. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors views were most similar to their parents, while seniors and faculty were less aligned. For example, 50 percent of seniors were not aligned with one or two parents—much higher compared to 32 percent of freshmen. It is important to note when looking at this statistic that, as students go through Rockhurst from freshman to senior year, the possibility of curriculum geared towards social justice and tolerance grows, which aids students in developing their own informed opinions. So, whatever side of the political spec-

Danny Summers dsummers@amdg.rockhursths.edu

With the 2012 presidential election in less than 20 days, the Prep News felt obliged to report on the political opinions of the Rocka Jesuit education on politics. After every ballot was tallied and analyzed, the political leanings of Rockhurst were clearly apparent. In terms of votes, Governor Mitt Romney won in a landslide among the students. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors favored Romney over President Obama by around 68 percent to 32 percent. The more moderate seniors still favored Romney, but only by 58 percent to 42 percent. As opposed to students, the faculty and administrators supported of Obama by a tally of 65 percent to 35 percent. An interesting facet of the survey was the fact that candidate likeability went in favor of the overall loser of the poll. As in every political election, whomever can relate to the American people as a whole generally has a better chance at succeeding. However, Obama got a slight 52 percent to 48 percent nod over Romney, according to both the students and faculty. Although the school was split mainly on party lines involving candidate support, key issues for voting remained similar. For instance, the issue that was most commonly

66% Both

Are either of your parent’s political views aligned with yours?

20% One

14% Neither

21% Democrat

What is your party affiliation?

49% Republican

10% Independent 20% Other/ Undecided

the Jesuit education provided by Rockhurst of “men for others” but also in the development of political opinions based on a certain moral standard.

Senior

14%

49% 34% 17%

Junior

49% 37%

Sophomore

55% 27% 18%

Freshman

57%

Margin of Error: +/-1.08%

25% 18%

Senior

56% 38%

Junior

13%

31% 13%

52% 35%

Sophomore

55%

60%

Freshman

22% 18%

Which issue outweighs others in your mind? A. Foreign Policy B. Domestic Issues C. Balance

Statistics compiled from the dates of Oct. 9, 2012 to Oct.11, 2012. All students, faculty and staff were surveyed.

Which method of governance do you prefer? A. Federal B. State C. Balance