Welcome Back HHS

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Volume 28 Issue 1 Monday, August 31, 2009 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305

Welcome back HHS Check inside for everything you need to know to begin the school year.

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History teacher takes year off to manage Steve Kelley’s campaign

uring the 2009-2010 school year, a highly influential and notable teacher will be absent.

On August 3, 2009, Ms. Carrie Lucking, history, was chosen to work as the campaign manager for one of Minnesota’s democratic candidates,Steve Kelley.

Kelley was first acquainted with Lucking after his daughter had her as a teacher. In 2004, Lucking spoke during the Senate Education Committee, which Kelley chaired. Then, in early 2009, Lucking began consulting for Kelley’s campaign and soon after, was asked to take on the task of campaign manager.

Kelley made what many are calling an unconventional decision to choose a teacher to run his campaign for multiple reasons. “She has tremendous organizing experience, has worked with Education Minnesota, and is one of the most trustworthy and capable people I know,” Kelley said.

Lucking’s trustworthiness and organizational skills were not her only appealing attributes; she also has a strong foothold in Minnesota’s education system. Since starting her work at HHS in 1997, Lucking has acquired a high position in both the Hopkins Education Association and Education Minnesota orginizations.

Due to her passion for Education, Lucking is confident and excited to manage Kelley’s campaign. “Managing Steve’s campaign gives me the opportunity to make a difference, not just for the kids in my classroom, but for all Minnesota kids,” she said.

Because of the drive Lucking possesses, she is putting all of her effort into her new job. Working until midnight and getting up at 6 in the morning to continue working, Lucking manages every facet of the campaign.

While she is excited about the work she is doing, she had doubts about taking on this new challenge. “It was tremendously difficult to leave HHS, even for a year. Kids who had me in class know that I am passionate about teaching.

I cried when I made my decision to take a leave, and I never cry,” she said.

The HHS community will indeed miss Lucking, including her past students and coworkers. “I really will miss her at the high school,” said Sara Gottlieb, senior, “Mrs. Lucking is one of the hardest workers and most dedicated people I know.”

“Carrie Lucking is one of the most competent individuals I have ever worked with,” said Ms. Sara Garcia, AP Coordinator, “She will be deeply missed, but we are so excited about the contributions she will bring to Minnesota politics. Steve Kelley hired one of the best.”

In spite of Lucking’s absence, her example will continue to teach students at HHS that being involved in politics is important. “Working for a campaign gives you a chance to learn about how campaigns work, make a difference for someone you believe in, and even have some fun,” Lucking said.

Rosie Mann Managing editor

What Lucking will do for Kelley • Supervising all staff and volunteers • Communications and writing • Managing all voter contact •Managing Facebook and Twitter pages • And much more What Kelley wants for Minnesota schools • Reasonable class sizes • Up-to-date resources • Access to numerous class options • Great teachers

Newsweek ranks HHS as a top U.S. school Naomi Litman-Zelle Staff Reporter

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or the past few years, HHS has received national acclaim from Newsweek magazine as being among the nation’s top 1,500 public high schools. Only schools that, according to Newsweek’s ranking system, are in the top six percent of the nation make the list. The top 100 schools are featured in the printed magazine. The other 1,400 schools are mentioned on the list are on Newsweek’s website as part of the online article.

While being so highly ranked is a large achievement, the system used to rank the schools uses a single ratio that deals solely with the number of Advanced Placement exams a school administers.

The creator of the list, Jay Matthews, explains that they use this ratio because, “Teacher quality, extracurricular activities, and other

important factors are too subjective for a ranked list, [and that], participation in challenging courses and tests…can be counted.”

Despite Matthews’ reasoning, using this system to rank schools has turned out to be highly controversial among students, teachers, and other individuals. “A school should not be measured based on the classes its students choose to take, but rather the emphasis they place on getting an education that is adequate to each individual students’ needs,” said Aly Ketover, senior, “intelligence comes in many levels.”

The AP program at HHS has earned us a spot on the Newsweek list, but our school tends to be recognized for things aside from how many students are taking challenging classes. “[HHS] has always been known for serving it’s extremely diverse—socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and academic—student body,” said Sara Garcia, AP and Exceptional Learning program coordinator.

Though the number AP exams taken at HHS is less than that of other schools in the area, Garcia explains that, in order to offer a wide variety of classes, there must be enough people with the desire to take the class. “Enrollment is critical. We always have to ask the question: how many potential students do we have [for AP courses],” Garcia said.

Another factor is the availability of teachers that are trained to teach such rigorous courses. “We look at available staffing and teacher expertise in specialty areas, such as Physics, because in the last 5 years teacher licensing in science has changed what teachers are able to teach at some levels,” Garcia said. With our AP program always expanding due to opportunities like these, HHS will hopefully continue to be noted by Newsweek as one of the nation’s top public high schools.

opinion The Royal Page 2009-2010

Editors in Chief Nate Gotlieb Danny Mann

Managing Editor Rosie Mann

News Editor Rosie Mann

Opinion Editor Dylan Browdie

C-Spread Editor Tsana Allen

Feature Editors Zahra Bashir Amy Gallop

Variety Editor Kent Wee

Sports Editors Bill Gregg Emma Peaslee

Copy Editors Tom Guthrie Scott Gannis

Staff Reporter Naomi Litman-Zelle

Photographer Ben Jolson

Adviser

Jeff Kocur The editorial represtents the opinion of the newspaper staff. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the administration, the student body or the advisor. Signed viewpoints represent the view of the writer Advertising information available by: email: royalpage@gmail.com phone: 952-988-4595 fax: 952-988-4716 Annual Subscriptions are available for $20.

The Royal Page encourages letters to the editor.

Letters are not guaranteed publication, are subject to editing for content and length, must be signed and meet deadlines. Compliments and suggestions are also welcome.

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Letter from the editors Dear Readers, Last year, the Royal Page went through a comprehensive transformation. We switched from a conventional broadsheet newspaper to a newsmagazine tailored to the needs of a high school audience.

We’ve progressed and created a news outlet that has more interesting content, better packages and relevant information. The renovations that were made had drastic impacts on the Royal Page’s standing in the high school journalism community. Recently, we were awarded a First Class ranking with Marks of Distinction in coverage and content, writing and editing, and leadership through the editorial pages.

And while we are glad that our hard work has paid off up to this point, we realize that there are still new heights to be reached. This year’s paper will include clear, concise articles, more interactive and relevant sidebars, and will reach out to the community to ensure every voice is heard.

Along with this superb print product, the staff of the Royal Page is committed to expanding our online presence. Our website, (www.royalpage.org) will be updated on a more frequent basis. This will ensure

that the HHS community is informed in a timely manner. Supplementing our website is our live sports and event coverage through Webcast America. We began live broadcasting last February with relative success; this year we hope to cover a greater volume of events throughout our school.

In order for us to improve our product, we ask that you let us know your opinions and feedback.

Please let your voice be heard. Send us letters, emails, or stop by room S200 during fourth block to express any information to us that you feel is newsworthy.

We hope you have a great school year.

Sincerely,

Daniel Mann & Nathaniel Gotlieb (Editors in Chief)

Progress in testing scores not without good reason Math department’s tireless effort pays off when the scores come in

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tandardized testing is new last year, implemented by Mr. and subject areas like reading and commonplace at HHS Brent Hering, Mathematics. science don’t lend themselves to to accommodate state The program consisted of a series Hering’s program’s style as well as and national standards. Yearly of videos, aired during Royal Links, math. Still, it’s worth a shot. tests determine a student’s and walking viewers through math probPrograms in reading and science school’s academic progress, and lems like the ones featured in the could be handled by reading or lanthe results impact a student’s fu- MCA II math exam, study sessions guage arts and science teachers, reture and a school’s reputation. hosted before and after school and spectively, so the burden of running Minnesota Comprehensive As- sample tests and other helpful mate- the program would be allotted to the sessments-II (or MCA II) measure rials gathered on the HHS Moodle most logical staff members and no performance in reading, math and site. one person had to put in the time to science. Last year’s results are in, and The effort seems to have paid off run the entire system of test prepaHHS scored higher in all three areas in the noticeable improvement in ration. than the state averages. The Test preparation styles would most notable gap comes in the have to be adjusted for the new math area where HHS sees subjects, but the very capable 66 percent of students reachHHS staff would likely handle ing proficiency levels versus Improvement in the recent- the adjustments very well. the state average of only 41.6 Improvement in the recently introduced science MCA percent of students reaching ly introduced science MCA II II exam seems well within exam seems well within reach, proficiency.

While one can reasonably considering that less than half reach... assume that HHS outperof the students that took the forms the state averages simply exam last year reached profibecause HHS students are inciency. With an overhauling of herently smarter than the rest the preparation system, a move of Minnesota’s students, our gains math scores, and I’m sure that all in- towards the proficiency rates in math from previous years’ results need a volved people would like to see this and reading seems reasonable. little more explaining. sort of improvement across the other Last year, the HHS staff set out A two percent improvement in areas tested. HHS should, therefore, to improve in state testing scores the reading section might be coinci- consider the upside of implementing for the math section as the year’s dental, but the noticeable, probably similar programs in reading and sci- goal and were successful. This year not coincidental difference comes ence, as well as, of course, continuing the staff have selected science as the in the 14.3 percent jump in math the math program created last year. area to improve, and using Hering’s scores.

The improvement might not be methods they could again be sucThis improvement likely comes as easy to come by, considering that cessful. from effort put into improving stu- scores in math would have to im- Dylan Browdie is the Op/Ed Editor dents’ scores, specifically, a program, prove on already improved scores, for the Royal Page

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A very warm welcome to sophomores

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ure, I remember my first day up at good ol’ HHS. People kept calling it “The Big House.”

My only guess as to why they might call it that was because it was larger than West Junior High. I would think to myself, “Huh.” My very first day at HHS started like any other first day of school. I laced up the new light-up sneakers, put on some cool new clothes that my mother picked out for me and smiled big as my mother snapped a few pics of her “darling little boy.” There was something about this day that was different from others, though. I had a certain spring in my step, an eagerness to venture into the great unknown.

I walked into the doors of “The Big House” and realized that I had no idea what I was getting into. I saw more kids than I had ever seen in my life in this place called “the mall.” Turning a few circles, I tried to grasp the scene. Luckily for me, my friends were nowhere to be found, so I wandered around the mall aimlessly.

The bell rang, and I still had no idea where I was. I was expecting someone to grab hold of my hand and guide me on my path to AP United States History, but no one came. Two and three-quarters minutes late, I strolled into my first class of my high school career.

Little did I know APUSH would be the hardest class of my entire life. After I walked into the classroom, the door slammed behind me on its own. Scared out of my wits, I just stood there until my teacher screamed, “FIND YOUR SEAT! Just because you are late doesn’t mean the rest of us have to wait for you!”

Great start to a great day, I’d say.

My next class was Spanish 3. Spoiler Alert: There is no English spoken in the class. Ever. This just added to my bewilderedness.

After that was Advanced Perspectives in American Literature. The only word I understood in the title of that class was American. Obviously I should take it. No brainer, it’s about our fine country, right?

Wrong.

Luckily I was able to find my seat in this one. Right as I set my backpack down, my teacher slammed an 800-page book on my desk. I asked her, “What is this for?” Right out of my mouth, I knew that was a mistake. The teacher chuckled and said, “This is for you to read. By tomorrow.” So that is what literature means.

My first lunch period was pretty much a joke. The upper classmen got their food first, leaving scraps for the sophomores. Joke’s on us, I suppose.

My last class of the day was Newspaper. I had finally found a class where I wouldn’t be made fun of for my naivety. I was accepted with open arms. I had finally found that hand to hold on to that would guide me for the rest of my years at HHS. Don’t sweat it, sophomores; I’ll share my food with you. All you have to remember is that there is one constant at HHS: Willie Jett’s impeccable style.

Since I’m feeling so generous, along with a share of my food, see my in the mall between classes for a discount on your elevator passes.

Bill Gregg is the Sports Editor for the Royal Page

calendarseptember monday

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assemblies by class

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parent open house 7-8:30pm

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25 Royal Page September issue homecoming vs. Duluth East

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INVENT YOURSELF THIS YEAR Departmental Lunch Assignments A Lunch – AVID, HTC, LTL, Social Studies, Sophomore Academy, World Language B Lunch – Business & Marketing Ed, ELL, Health, Math, Reading, Technology Ed C Lunch– Language Arts, Science D Lunch – Art, FACS, HAP, LCC, Music, Physical Education, Study Hall, Yearbook

From 7:25 to 7:50 sophomores can pick up their schedule in the Linbergh Center and juniors in the commons and seniors can pick up their schedules in the mall.

Daily PA announcements.

Future second block A days will be used to distribute information to students.

Lunchtime To-Do List _____LifeTouch school ID / pictures in the commons _____Buy a locker / lock at the para desk in the commons _____Deposit lunch money into PIN account in the cafeteria _____Buy a parking permit at the para desk in the commons _____Athletics registration in the athletics office, 2nd floor Lindbergh Center _____Enjoy the entertainment of former HHS student and disc jockey Ross Marcus and his company, A-List Entertainment.

IMMERSE YOURSELF

HHS clubs give students a chance to get involved Trap and Skeet Club emphasizes the Operation Smile TV Club French Club positive influence the shooting sports can Deeply R oyal P ro S e ta rt Culinarians have in a person’s life by providing a safe, Leagu Quiz Bowl Math comfortable, and positive environment.

Goo K n itt i n g Clu d fo b Competitions are held in May against Tap Club r No International Club t hin Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Armstrong. gC Dare 2 Be Real l u b LGBTQ Keep the Drive Club P Advisor- Mark Czech

K nowledge Masters National Honor Society b o Clu d n e t Sailing Club Nin Envirothon lub

DECA ebate

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Backpack

FCCLA

Comedy Club is a group devoted to practicing and performing improvisational comedy through participating in the ComedySportz High School League and performing additional fundraising shows throughout the year.

Advisor- Sara Garcia

photos courtesy of Hopkins High School

Tutors

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Chess Club

In Robotics, students team up with engineers and design staff from local industry to build a robot for competition. Students interested in engineering, computer sciences, communication, and design are encouraged to join. AdvisorsTim Amlie and Aaron Larson

INFORM YOURSELF Important policies that have undergone change

Attendance: Absences are documented by a phone call or note from a parent/guardian, now within two days of the occurrence of the absence.

A new policy regarding unexcused absences is being implemented this year as follows: • First unexcused absence: Teacher will talk to the student informing them a letter will be sent home should a second unexcused absence occur.

• Second unexcused absence: Teacher will meet with the student and a letter will be sent home.

• Third unexcused absence: Teacher will meet with the student and call parent/guardian.

• Fourth unexcused absence: Administration will meet with the student, draw up a contract, and will also call parent/guardian.

• Fifth unexcused absence: Administration fails the student and call the parent/guardian. The student will remain in class with the opportunity to earn credit back.

Tardies: For every three tardies, a student will be assigned detention.

Passing time: Has been increased from six to eight minutes.

Royal Links: Has been eliminated as a part of the HHS curriculum. Information that has previously been discussed during Royal Links will take place during classed time as needed.

Countdown to the next break:

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Stories by Tsana Allen, C-spread Editor

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Stories and photos by Zahra Bashir and Amy Gallop, Feature Editors High School Stereotype: “The Perfectionist” Interests: Soccer, running, and snowboarding Pets: None Michaela Perske student taught at HHS last spring with Mr. Matt Kappel, science. She’s teaching three classes of chemistry at HHS and two classes of physical science at North Junior High.

MR. WILLIAMS, English High School Stereotype: “The Social Student” Interests: Track and field, eating, sleeping, and dancing to hip hop Pets: “Do dust bunnies count?”

Jarrin Williams worked at HHS from 2001-2005.

He has a speech degree with a journalism minor from Southern Illinois University, and a English degree from Western Illinois University.

“I loved learning and being the teachers pet in elementary school. In junior high, I cared more about the social aspect, but in high school, it was a combination of both.”

“A [friend] wanted me to help coach a track team, and I knew immediately I wanted to teach. I was surprised at how much I had to offer young people.”

“I am looking forward to having my own classroom...During student teaching I did a lot of following and learning from other people, and I’m just excited to get in there and do my own thing.”

“I loved numbers and I was one of the few girls that was really involved in those classes, and I really thought [Science] was a good fit.”

MS. PERSKE, Science High School Stereotype: “The Jock” Interests: Spending time with his seven and nine year olds.

Pets: none Bill Kuehn is an HHS alum. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus and worked in the business field for 15 years. He then went to night school at St. Thomas to become a history teacher.

“I love History because history is all about us and history is so personal.

It’s a story about us. I mean, whatever you did yesterday is history.”

“I graduated from [HHS]…I was the Lion for the entire football season.

I was the mascot. There were some embarrassing moments but it was fun.”

MR. KUEHN, Social Studies

High School Stereotype: “The Closet Mu sic Lover” Interests: Music Pets: Chloe, a yellow lab

High School Stereotype: “The Band Geek” Interests: Going out to eat, watching movies, playing videogames and playing hockey Pets: Kit Kat, a hurricane Katrina rescue cat

Andrew Bast graduated from St. Olaf college in Northfield, Minn. His first job as a teacher was at HHS from 1999-2000. He enjoys playing baseball and loves music.

Kyle Miller graduated from the University of Minnesota. He originally wanted to be an engineer, but after his first year of college, he realized that music was his true passion.

“I love students who care about the subject area and are inspired to know more.”

“When I was in high school, I went to a couple of music camps. One of them was at Interlochen in MI, and I had an incredible experience; I loved my conductors, so I decided I wanted to [teach orchestra].”

MR. BAST, Orchestra

MR. MILLER, Band

“I was in the symphonic band and the jazz ensemble [in college]. Those rehearsals were the only things in my schedule that I actually looked forward to and enjoyed doing.”

“I was a band geek, that was it. I was involved in everything band.”

variety

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Battle of the Burgers M

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Story by Scott Gannis, Copy Editor

y Saturday nights usually end like this: in a pile of my own sweat and tears, wallowing in my own self-pity.

The end result was the same, but this Saturday was entirely different, and not just because I left the house.

I took part in an epic quest that would finally eliminate all gray matter in the battle between good and evil. It was up to me to differentiate Burger Jones, Five Guys, and Smashburger to see which one rose above the rest.

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urger Jones is a trendy, sit-down restaurant in Uptown Minneapolis that is the most visually appealing of the three burger joints if one excludes the burgers themselves. I had the “White Trash” burger, a maelstrom of cheese curds, chicken fried bacon, and creamy Velveeta that was cheesier than making a cheesy joke about the cheesiness of something. The burger itself was simultaneously terrific and terrifying and cost me thousands of that day’s Weight Watchers points.

Outside of the imminent quintuple bypass coming my way, there were other issues I had with Burger Jones. Everything is a la carte, which means that fries don’t come with the burger. Considering the fries were a salty mess of straight hooey, it’s for the better, but still disappointing.

On the plus side, Burger Jones has the best menu of the three, with everything from chili cheese fries to Southwestern veggie burgers and such great linens for

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s soon as one walks into Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Edina, it is clear no detail is too miniscule when it comes to making the customer happy. The cashier walks each person through the plethora of food options available to order. Despite this seemingly repetitive and taxing job, I didn’t see a single employee who looked like they were going to put their hands in bubbling, hot oil, which can’t be understated in the food industry.

Directly to the cashier’s right is a sign specifying where the potatoes used that day originated from. It’s a very unique and friendly addition that makes the Five Guys experience more personal than other burger joints.

I had never heard of Rigby, Idaho until I went to Five Guys, but if I ever become obsessed with potatoes it will be one of my first pilgrimages.

What really sets Five Guys apart from Burger Jones

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olden Valley’s Smashburger is still trying to find itself. It could go the route of the classic neighborhood joint like Five Guys or provide a more sophisticated burger atmosphere like Burger Jones.

It does neither but succeeds by blending elements of both; in ways it’s a more expensive, flashier version of Culver’s.

The food gets to you fast like Five Guys,

napkins that Martha Stewart would flutter with excitement. Despite the stuffy atmosphere, the service was impeccable.

I really liked the “White Trash” burger but didn’t like the pretentious atmosphere or the bunk fries. Unless one is “jonesing” for fascinating burgers and fake people, I wouldn’t recommend it.

and SmashBurger is priorities. Burger Jones is vaguely pretentious, and SmashBurger is unsure of its identity, like a tweener deciding between the Jonas Brothers or Jay-Z. Five Guys knows what it is, and it isn’t about aesthetics.

The food is the most important aspect of a journey to Five Guys. The double-bacon cheeseburger with a kilo of fries I ordered was the cheapest meal of the three, provided the most food, and came along with the pleasant atmosphere of a classic burger joint. Burger Jones might have had a slightly better burger, but my double-patty “Famous Burger” was more filling and the fries were some of the best I’ve ever had.

Five Guys might not offer all the amenities of Burger Jones, but the reason I go out to eat is for the food, not to nibble on a burger while discussing the intricacies of non-profit organizations and existentialism.

but it flirts with being a traditional restaurant. I’m not sure if I was supposed to tip, so I didn’t. Since I didn’t feel served like I was at Burger Jones, it made no sense to throw more money away than I already did on the food. The food was pretty good but also dissatisfying.

The meal had me reaching deep into the depths of my man purse for my emergency billfold.

Already disheartened, I chewed my way through food greasier than Jared Allen’s mullet. It’s fairly delectable, but I got a side cramp just sitting there.

The food saves Smashburger from getting written off completely, but it fell short of the other restaurants. It’s hard to pass judgment on an eatery that’s more confused than Robert Pattinson’s hair, but Smashburger left me despondent and desiring something more.

Most popular food at the Fair Information and photos courtesy of MinnestotaStateFair.org

10 Gyros and falafel 9 Pork chop on a stick 8

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French fries Cheese curds Ice cream

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Martha’s Cookies

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Last season’s success fuels optimism for HHS football

A Look at Fall Sports

Nate Gotlieb Editor in Chief

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ometimes, it is better to be underappreciated than highly touted.

This is a lesson that the HHS football team is learning fast. After a superb eight win three loss 2008 season, the team is faced with quite the predicament of filling the spots where last year’s stars once stood.

With the departure of offensive stars Sean Borman, Terrell Sinkfield, and Montez Wilkerson, the team is left with a quarterback, wide receiving core, and running back with little to no varsity experience Most look for the defense to step up for where the offense is lacking. “The defense will be the best this year,” said center Nick Logeais, senior, “(the defense) will be quicker and stronger than last year.”

The defense will be led by senior linebackers Gavin Grady and Logan Hanson, who both were members of last year’s first team defense. Grady was especially strong last year, recording 63 tackles and recovering three fumbles.

While most maintain that the team’s strength is on defense, captain Ben Christopher, junior, anchors an offense that, he believes, could surprise people. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had just as much success on offensive this year as we did last year,” Christopher said.

However, this year’s team will feature mostly a slower paced offense. Although none of their running backs have any varsity experience, the coaches believe they can run the ball behind a very strong offensive line.

The team plays an absolute brutal schedule this season. Their eight opponents went a combined 56 and 27 last season. Highlighted in the schedule is last year’s state champ Wayzata, on their homecoming night, as well as 2006 and 2007 state champion Eden Prairie (who is 39-1 in their past 40 games).

But the game many players are looking forward to is the rematch with Minnetonka. “We’re really looking forward to beating Minnetonka again,” Logeais said.

Last year, in the section semifinals, HHS football beat the Skippers in dramatic fashion. After being down 21-0 at halftime, the team stormed back with great offense and gritty defense. Following, a last second drive, kicker Scott Lee kicked a game winning field goal with five seconds left, propelling HHS football to victory.

Although this team may not have the offensive power or late game heroics, they have the intangibles to post another strong season. “We have more energy, and better team chemistry than last season,” Logeais said.

Look for the HHS football team to play tough and with passion, and ultimately surprise a few people this season.

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1. Senior Nick Logeais (center) listens for the cadence during a scrimmage at football practice.

2. Seniors, Meghan DeYoung and Emily Petersen, compete for the ball at varsity soccer practice.

3. HHS Royal revs up the fans with the cheerleaders at fall sporting events.

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4. Jumping in the air, senior, Emma Henke prepares for the spike.

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Top 5 things HHS sports fans should know 1.

This summer, HHS was placed in the Lake conferencefor the 2010-11 and beyond. Although the conference features power opponents such as Eden Prairie and Bloomington Jefferson, the conference includes schools like Apple Valley and Channhassen. This means thirty-minute one way drives for these athletic contests.

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After the revived HHS cheer program had eight girls last year, the program is flourishing this year and increased its numbers this year to 18. At this rate of growth, the cheer team will have more participants than the football team does (120) by the year 2020.

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The new HHS kicker, Zach Brengman, sophomore, has been kicking barefoot so far during practice. He’s battling to win the starting job and most of the team has been impressed by his accuracy. However, considering the brutal average tempature in fall in Minnesota, he’s going to have one bruised foot if he keeps this up the whole season.

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The boys soccer team looks to have a promising season after defeating the defending state champions, Orono.

With the return of seniors John LaRoy, Nick Curley, Alex Rust, Sam Kessler, Willie Versen, and junior Michael Fields, experience won’t be an issue for this squad.

5. The HHS varsity volleyball team returned four girls and welcomed seven new girls including 7th grader Samantha Seliger Swenson. Along with being a varsity volleyball player, Swenson is also the daughter of volleyball coach Vicki Swenson.