January 2022 Winter Sports Special Edition

the January 18, 2022

RUBICON rubiconline.com

the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 49, Issue 4

@therubiconspa

WINTER SPORTS SPECIAL EDITION

7 12

YOU SAY BLUE...

Read an SPA Faculty Fan profile on history teacher Mollie Ward and learn more about student fans.

DID YOU KNOW? From Summit School athletics (with tea) to the school song, we dug up some little known facts.

IN THIS ISSUE: • 2 Welcome• 3 Alpine Ski • 4-5 Basketball • 6 Fencing • 7 Fans • 8-9 Hockey • 10 Nordic Ski • 11 Trojan Swim & Dive • 12 Sports FAQ

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WELCOME THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

OUR MISSION We strive to capture the spirit of the community through its stories while inspiring deeper conversations.

Above all, we stand for integrity in our pursuit to inform and engage our readers.

THE RUBICON St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105 rubicon.spa@gmail.com www.rubiconline.com • @TheRubiconSPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR

Salah Abdulkarim Eve Sampsell-Jones

NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR GOOD QUESTION EDITOR IN DEPTH EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR A&E EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR MUSIC EDITOR FOOD EDITOR STAFF WRITER

Hazel Waltenbaugh Maddy Fisher Annie Bai Hobbs Lillygreen Milkii Tigro Eliza Farley Catherine Hooley Orion Kim Claire Kim Clara Garner Siri Pattison

CO- DIRECTORS OF ONLINE VISUAL AND INTERACTIVES BEATS MANAGER

Elle Chen Elizabeth Trevathan Henry Burkhardt Tommy Verhey

NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR A&E EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

Zadie Martin Zekiah Juliusson Ali Browne Eliana Mann Alexandra Cardwell

RUBICON TV

PODCAST EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR

WELCOME TO THE WINTER SPORTS ISSUE

The Rubicon is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of current events within our school community, locally, and nationally across a variety of topics. Spectator policies with regards to athletic activities have limited our coverage of sports, particularly indoor winter sports throughout the course of the pandemic. Achievements of student athletes and school teams are an event that should be recognized and reported on, which is why the staff decided to start 2022 with a focus on winter athletes.

This 12-page special issue contains coverage for all winter sports in an effort to provide a behind-thescenes look and tell the stories of every team. Many sports tend to define teams and athletes using records, times, scores, and other stats to tell their story. Of course, there’s much more to a team than their performance. The Rubicon aims to provide a better perspective by telling the players’ and teams’ stories; to tell the stories that no numbers ever could.

Sports teams rely on traditions to foster community and increase team chemistry. By focusing on certain events, games, and practices, learn more about how a team builds community and functions internally. The

Ivy Raya Clara McKoy

PG

Rita Li Kevin Chen

SPA

BY THE

NUMBERS

3 number of co-ed

7

number of boys basketball teams, the largest winter sport offering.

teams in winter: Alpine, Nordic, and Fencing

students are involved in a winter sport

smallest of details -- chants, jersey numbers, celebrations, pre-game and post-game traditions, and more -- oftentimes have a larger significance and history behind them.

With this issue, we hope to take you from the sidelines to the huddle. Dive into the sports special edition, check the game schedule, and cheer on the winter teams.

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Chief

4

PG

5

IBID PHOTO: Sophia Bietz

IBID PHOTO: Freya Brokken

LANE BYPASS. Captain Brandt Baskerville dibbles the ball, moving past the defender, into the lane, to score a basket.

1 in 4

SET IT UP. Lindsay Browne slows the ball down so the Spartans can set up a play in the Jan. 12 game against Concordia Academy in Briggs Gymnasium.

ADVISER

Kathryn Campbell, CJE PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT

Colton Werner

MEMBERSHIPS

Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association MN High School Press Association Quill and Scroll Honor Society

PG

PUBLICATION AWARDS

NSPA All-American, Pacemaker CSPA Gold Medalist CSPA Crown Award Winner SNO Distinguished Site JEM All State Gold

6

PG

IBID PHOTO: Amir Dahm

WATCH AND LUNGE. Fencers observe Head Coach Sasha Pai as he demonstrates proper technique, then practice in their pairs.

9

RUBICON PHOTO: Catherine Hooley

NO GOAL. Goalie Greta Magnuson smothers the puck as Two Rivers advances the net in Drake Arena Nov. 19.

PUBLICATIONS POLICIES PUBLICATION INFO The Rubicon

is published eight times a year. We distribute 750 copies of each issue to the Upper School which are available for free.

ADVERTISING The Rubicon does not accept advertisements.

ANONYMOUS SOURCES Although

it is always preferable to use names when reporting, there are times when it is necessary to protect those we report

on. In the case of a student, the use of grade level as a name designation (i.e. Sophomore Student) will be the preferred method of anonymity.

BY LINES credit the individual who

conducted interviews, drafted, revised and fact-checked an assigned story.

Shared bylines are given to joint effort assignments, with reporters listed alphabetically by last name. Stories that include supplemental materials include a credit at the bottom that states

“Additional reporting by” followed by the name of the reporter.

EDITORIALS articulate the collective opinion of The Rubicon staff, while mini-editorials, opinions pieces, arts reviews, and columns belong to the author.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Opinions are welcomed as Letters to the Editor or Submitted Opinions and may be published in the print or

edition. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 400 words and Submitted Opinions should not exceed 650 words.

Both may be edited for length and style. All pieces must be submitted and will be published with a full name.

UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS

During the post-critique process, staff members identify inaccuracies and report feedback from readers. The staff publishes corrections when an error is discovered during critique or reported

to a staff member. Corrections should be directed to the Editor in Chief or appropriate section editor.

IN PRINT: Corrections are printed at the bottom of News p. 2. Corrections will be printed in the month following the error and, if the story is also published online, will be corrected following the online corrections policy.

ALPINE SKIING THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

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PHOTO: @spaalpineskiteam on Instagram

MOVING MOUNTAINS. The alpine team regularly practices their runs and specific skills at Buck Hill. “Skiing down a slope never gets boring, even after doing it many times,” Nicholas McCarthy said. The techniques the members learned were crucial to their performance at competitions.

Alpine furthers personal progress with group effort CLAIRE KIM

THE RUBICON

As an individual sport with a solid team behind it, alpine skiing stands out from others for its unique competition.

While downhill skiing can be a leisure activity, competitive alpine skiing has elements that make it especially intense, including the impact of technique on results.

The individual aspect of alpine in competitions is rewarding, but the team as a whole is also an important factor. Alpine skiers have plenty of time to spend with each other while waiting at practices or at races, where they participate in a total of two runs.

“Alpine is a unique sport because it blends personal competition and speed with [the] outdoors and a team atmosphere,” Autumn Spaulding said. “I also like how much time there is to talk with friends on the chairlift, and alpine would not be nearly as fun or re-

warding if there wasn’t a social aspect.”

Rowan Hofmann agreed, saying “I think a big behind the scene factor can be each other’s entertainment value seeing as when we are not skiing, we are probably sitting on the lift or having a bit of down time.”

The alpine team especially bonds over its rivalry with Nordic or cross-country skiing.

While the rivalry is not serious, both teams are heavily invested in debating which sport is superior.

“I think our sport is more fun because, in truth, Nordic skiing is just running with some fancy long shoes and is really not as cool as alpine skiing. I don’t know how the rivalry started, but it’s now essential to the team,” Hofmann said.

Another distinctive feature of alpine is how technique is crucial to success. The alpine team regularly has strength training and drill prac-

tice, which come together during competitions where they must race for speed on a downhill course.

“Our coaches encourage us to always focus on a specific skill involving skiing, which we work on during practices. I haven’t been to a competition yet, but in practices, we have a lot of focus on proper form,” Nicholas McCarthy said.

After refining skills during practice, they are used effectively in competitions. “More so than other sports, alpine relies on form and mechanics.

It’s not brute force, and speed comes with form,” Spaulding said.

Although the actual races come down to minutes and seconds, the time invested by alpine skiers is what makes those differences. Whether by practicing or supporting one another, members successfully blend individuality and team spirit into a standout sport.

ALPINE

BY THE NUMBERS 473

The total number of points earned at the 1/5/22 IMAC

6

The number of members on each varsity team

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Alba Markowitz-Mulet

3

The number of alpine practices per week

SPA Q&A

A:

LIFT LIFE. Alba Markowitz-Mulet and Harper Glass ride the chair lift after a practice run. Team members have thad he opportunity to get to know each other better during downtime at races and practices. “I also like how much time there is to talk with friends on the chairlift, and alpine would not be nearly as fun or rewarding if there wasn’t a social aspect,” Autumn Spaulding said.

Q:

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ALPINE SKIING?

DATE AND TIME OPPONENTS vs. Mound Westonka/PA, Blake, 01/19 @ 4 p.m.

Breck, Minnehaha Academy, 01/21 @6:30 p.m.

Academy of Holy Angels 1/26 @ 4 p.m.

A:

LOCATION Buck Hill Wild Mountain Buck Hill

A GLANCE

McKinleyGarner

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TEAM MOMENT?

YOU CAN SEE YOUR OWN DIRECT PROGRESS THROUGH RACES.

SOME KEY MEMORIES ARE OTHER TEAM MEMBERS GOING UP THE TOE ROPE ON THEIR STOMACH, AND IN GENERAL TEAM BONDING BEFORE RACES.

I CAN GO FAST DOWN THE HILL AND IT IS VERY EXHILARATING.

MY FAVORITE MEMORY IS WHENEVER I PERFORM WELL AT A RACE.

Jane Higgins

SEASON AT

Q:

4

BASKETBALL THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

SEASON AT

RECORD: 7-1 OPPONENT

DATE AND TIME

HOME/AWAY

Concordia Academy Breck Chisago Lakes Twin Cities Academy Minnehaha Academy

01/18 7:00 p.m 01/20 7:00 p.m.

01/22 3:00 p.m.

01/25 7:00 p.m.

01/27 7:00 p.m.

Concordia Academy-Roseville Breck School SPA - Randolph Campus SPA - Randolph Campus Minnehaha Academy North

HAYES

BY THE NUMBERS

A GLANCE

24 Hayes had a 11.5

Hayes has been on fire this season and is averaging 11.5 points per game.

IBID PHOTOS: Sophie Cullen

PLAY-MAKERS. These three players have put up astounding numbers this season and have been a deciding factor in boys basketball’s near immaculate regular season run.

game high of 24 points against Hill Murray leading the team to a 13 point win

32

Hayes plays around 32 minutes per game.

LAY UP THE SCORE

Boys basketball dominates competition through preparation ORION KIM

THE RUBICON

What fans witness on game day is typically what receives the most attention. However, that spectacle is the product of hours of preparation. Michael Jordan’s last shot for the Bulls, Mary Lou Retton’s Perfect 10, Muhammad Ali’s shuffle, and Brandi Chastain’s World Cup winning-penalty are the results of the work and preparation that goes on behind the scenes. The hours athletes spend practicing, conditioning, and forming important relationships are often overlooked.

Although it is important for athletes to spend as much time possible training so they can perform to their full potential, it is just as crucial that ath-

letes develop positive relationships. Jordan, Chastain, and Lou Retton had their teammates to support them, and Ali had his spiritual mentor Elijah Muhammad as well as his coach Angelo Dundee.

According to a research paper by the University of Southern Maine, “creating positive team culture in youth sports cultivates players who feel a part of a strong, close-knit organization, which escalates their level of play and their desire to play.”

The boys varsity basketball team is no exception. In addition to working hard in practice, the team also has many traditions, such as team bonding opportunities and pre-game routines. As for practice, the team

trains almost every day. “We will practice 6 times a week if we don’t have any games.

Practice means a lot to us because it helps to prepare for future games, as well as help us get better,” sopho-

“

I SPEND A LOT OF TIME SHOOTING AROUND AND SHOOTING FREE THROWS. I ALSO LIKE TO STAY ACTIVE AND PLAY PICK-UPS AT OPEN GYMS sophomore Ethan Carter

more Tysen Hayes said.

Players also train on their own time. Although building chemistry and learning tactics is important, the team’s performance ul-

timately comes down to each individual.

In order to improve his game, sophomore Ethan Carter practices shooting whenever he has time: “I spend a lot of time shooting around and shooting free throws. I also like to stay active and play pick-up basketball at open gyms,” he said.

Outside of practice, the team has built a strong community.

Captain Brandt Bakersville said, “There’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes, getting together on the weekend, watching films, grabbing stuff to eat, and team bonding.

All these things lead to better performance on the court.” One of the routines that the basketball team has is the 3 point club: “a big tradition we have that par-

ents set up [is] where parents take turns providing meals so that [the team] can socialize,” he continued.

Another fundamental routine happens right before tip-off.

“We will meet with our coach about an hour before to go over our game plan and what to expect from the other team. After that we will, as a team, get ourselves in the right mental state for the game,” Hayes said.

As well as team traditions, players also have their own routine. “There’s a lot of unique ways that people hype themselves up. I like to mellow out and chill by relaxing and listening to calmer music, but it’s different from person to person,” Bakersville said.

Along with ready-

ing their minds, players need to ready their bodies and warm up before a game. “I usually spend about 45 minutes shooting and about 15 minutes dribbling. I then go and meet with the team and stretch,” Carter said.

The incredible amount of preparation that the boys basketball team has dedicated has paid off. So far, they are on track to have their best season since their state tournament appearance in 2013.

5

BASKETBALL

TEAM CROSSOVER: Swing players form a new community HOBBS LILLYGREEN THE RUBICON

What do you do when you have too many people for one team, but not enough for two?

The girls basketball team has an influx of swing players (meaning they play for both varsity and junior varsity) who joined this season that can answer that question.

The large amount of swing players participating in basketball this year is different from amounts in the past. Junior Catherine Hooley wasn’t used to the unusual amount of players on both teams, but the community that formed was well worth the change. “It’s been an interesting adjustment, but I feel that the team is a real community because it’s not just the ones who have been on the team for a while, the ninth graders are really included and are really into the team spirit,” Hooley said.

In past years, two separate communities surrounding either the varsity or JV teams happened naturally, but now that the teams are connected through swing players, there’s only one.

Point guard Ivy Raya has experienced the separation of the teams and now the new connection: “The basketball team has always been a close-knit community, and now with people swinging a lot, I think it will close a distance between JV and varsity teams,” Raya said.

Captain Naomi Straub enjoys the new connection as well: “I really like the team aspect of it [basketball], it’s usually

a small team and then there is a really long season, so we get to know each other really well,” she said.

“

WE ONLY HAVE THREE PEOPLE THAT ARE FULLY ON VARSITY...

EVERYONE ELSE PLAYS JV AND VARSITY. Captain Naomi Straub

Straub had to adjust to the structure of the team as well as the coach, both of which are new.

The team set-up means that everyone practices together: “it’s very different because we only have three people that are fully on varsity…everyone else plays both JV and varsity so that makes practices less split up,” Straub said.

The many coaches of the girl’s basketball team brought the community closer together as well, having helped to not only manage the team but also serve as role models for the team. There are two head coaches: Willie Taylor, known as coach Taylor and coach Alicia Ekegren.

Taylor emphasizes community and is part of the reason the team worked on the community in the first palace, “Our coach really emphasizes saying hello to your teammates in the hallways and to have good connections with

the people you play with because it really transfers over to the game,” Raya said.

Taylor doesn’t push the community just for wins, but because he cares about the team and its players. For example, a new tradition that doubles as a community builder is connecting with teammates outside of practice and games.

“He wants us to be genuinely good people, and I think our coach really worked hard to look out for our well-being which builds a community within the basketball team too,” Raya said.

Another tradition the girls basketball team has is eating dinner with both varsity and JV players, their parents, and the teams’ coaches. To close the gap between the two teams, team dinners are strictly enforced. The dinners grow the girls basketball community, incorporating parents and coaches. “You sign up for a meal and bring it, then we all eat together before the game,” Raya said.

“They [JV players] have the same expectations that the varsity players have to show up to the games.”

The way the girls basketball team bridged the gap between its varsity players and swing players is something only possible with teamwork from all corners of the court. From the parents and coaches, to the freshmen just trying out—everyone played a part in building and connecting a community that truly represents what a team should be.

SEASON AT

OPPONENT Concordia Academy Heritage Christian Academy Breck Blake Southwest Southwest Blake Providence Academy Saint Agnes Cristo Rey Jesuit Minnehaha Academy Highland Park Twin Cities Academy Mounds Park Academy North Lakes Academy Legacy Christian Academy

DATE AND TIME 01/12 7:00 PM 01/18 7:00 PM

LOCATION SPA Randolph Campus SPA Randolph Campus

01/20 7:00 PM 01/24 7:00 PM 01/28 7:00 PM 01/29 2:00 PM 01/01 7:00 PM 02/03 7:00 PM 02/07 7:00 PM 02/09 7:00 PM 02/11 7:00 PM 02/14 6:30 PM 02/16 7:00 PM 02/18 6:30 PM 02/22 7:00 PM 02/24 7:30 PM

SPA Randolph Campus Blake Hopkins Campus SPA Randolph Campus Southwest SPA Randolph Campus Providence Academy SPA Randolph Campus SPA Randolph Campus SPA Randolph Campus Highland Park Twin Cities Academy SPA Randolph Campus North Lakes Academy Legacy Christian Academy

A GLANCE

THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

JUMP SHOT. Point guard Naomi Kempcke shoots over an opponent. The home court advantage, along with fans, is always helpful.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Lindsay Browne

DRIVE TO THE HOOP. Shooting guard Catherine Hooley goes in for a layup. Hooley is often a high scorer.

IBID PHOTO: Sophia Bietz

Q&A Captain Lindsay Browne

Q: How would you say you take on that leadership role that comes with being a captain? Is there specific ways that you do so?

A: “I think I try to always keep it positive and keep cheering people on. I think it’s a really big part [of being captain] and making sure that players don’t get down on themselves. Whether it’s telling someone where they go [on the court] or if someone misses a shot saying “oh, keep shooting!”; just trying to make sure everyone stays positive and keeps the energy up.”

Q: Are there any traditions that you especially remember influencing the team?

A: “We have a little cheer we do, like our Spartan cheer, but then we sometimes do this weird High School Musical cheer. I don’t really know why. It’s just a fun little thing we do before our games.”

Q: How would you say being a captain has been different from being a regular team player?

A: “As a captain, it’s a lot different in terms of how much communication you have with the coaches. We have more insight into the team and can give them information about adjusting how we practice.”

Q: How do you hype yourself up or get ready for games?

A: “I like listening to really energetic music. We have a warm-up playlist that we always listen to. I think it’s always been hyped up for me, having to watch the JV game before my game gets me in the mindset.”

6

FENCING THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

ON THE FENCE

Fundamentals help team shine when sparring MILKII TIGRO

“

but fencing is more than simply stabbing one another.

“While the majority of the The fencing team has sport is individual, there are a started off the season few ways fencers compete as a training and working team,” Val Chafee said. “There on fencing fundamenare relay bouts, in which fenctals and skills to prepare ers switch out between every for their first meet Jan. MENTALLY. round, and the score is cumu15. lative for both teams,.”

During practices, the sabre Val competes in épée. fencing team works on Nora Fencing, in general, retraining their muscles Shaugnessy quires three skills: speed, by doing weight lifting mindset, and discipline. and cardio workouts.

Nor Shaugnessy, a saber fencer, said, At the beginning of practice, the “The best part about fencing in my exfencing team starts off running 15 laps perience is learning how to balance in the gym for warm-ups. After warmphysically and mentally, which can help ups, they put on their fencing uniform a lot during a game. The only thing and split into different weapon groups. that’s the most challenging is staying in “It has been super fun learning how one position, squatting side-ways, unless to fence with a different sword this year you lunge at your opponent, which can because it’s a new and different perspecbe super tiring.” tive,” Nora Shaughnessy said. ShaughThe team practices at the Twin Cities nessy competes in sabre.

Fencing Club and are coached by Sasha Fencing is a unique sport because Pai. of the way it operates. Two people are placed on either side of the strip and the goal is to try to stab the opponent first, THE RUBICON

THE BEST PART ABOUT FENCING IS LEARNING HOW TO BALANCE PHYSICALLY AND

IBID PHOTOS: Amir Dahm

BEAT BACK. Annie Zhang and Belle Weng are practicing their drills. Zhang, on the left, lunged forward to reach her target.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

EPEE

FOOT FORWARD. Fencers practice their leg work during warm-ups.

The Épée is the heaviest sword compared to the other swords. It’s very similar to the foil sword, but it has a bigger guard. The target area can be anywhere on the body. The Épée requires concentration, preciseness, and speed to achieve successful moves.

SABRE

The sabre is different from the other two swords because it has a curved blade and instead of using the tip of the blade to hit the target.

FOIL

The foil is the most flexible and has a very pointy tip. The target is the chest area. It’s the fastest sword and has a length of 110 cm.

When using the foil, the goal is to get priority.

Whoever hits first gets the priority.

EN GARDE. Andy Rose and Will Anderson go over sword techniques.

SEASON AT OPPONENT Holy Family Catholic

DATE AND TIME 1/30 @ 9 a.m.

LOCATION Holy Family

Blake

2/11 @ 5 p.m.

Blake

Holy Family Catholic

2/26 @ 9 a.m.

Holy Family

Holy Family Catholic

2/27 @ 9 a.m.

Holy Family

A GLANCE

1:1 TEAMWORK. The team circles up while coach Sasha Pai instructs fencers on a move.

FAN SECTION THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

SPARTAN POWER:

7

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECTATORS SPA FAN PROFILE: MOLLIE WARD

BY THE NUMBERS

POLL DATA FROM SPA FANS

MADDY FISHER THE RUBICON

Before the pandemic, US History and social studies teacher Mollie Ward attended SPA sports games at least a couple times every week.

“You get a lot out of it. It’s a nice way to connect with the kids and I like to see students outside of the classroom,” she said. This year will be Ward’s 20th year as an SPA faculty member.

Though safety concerns have limited Ward’s usual attendance, she still tries to catch games. “I think a lot of [the athletes] work really hard in their sports, and so having fans is kind of an acknowledgment of that hard work being worth it,” she said. Of the winter sports she has watched during her time at SPA, she particularly appreciates hockey and basketball.

Ward believes that school sports are important for bringing together the SPA community in a fun and lighthearted way— something she feels we don’t do often enough.

Unfortunately, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, while also reducing her ability to watch games, have also made some experiences less enjoyable. “I went to a volleyball game this fall, and it felt like half the time the teachers were telling kids to pull their masks up and that’s not fun,” she said. “I don’t want to go to a game to be a teacher. I want to go to a game to be a fan.”

Ward emphasized the importance of the relationship between school sports and a strong community, and the impact the pandemic has had on that connection.

“I just think it’s like we need to get together and have fun and laugh and share,” she said. “It’s a hard time to do that because of all the other restrictions. We need it more than ever, and we can’t do it.”

Data from 38 reponses.

62% OF FANS PREFER BLUE TO GOLD

FAVORITE WINTER SPORT TO WATCH HOCKEY

26%

Data from 29 reponses.

18% BASKETBALL

58%

OF FANS ATTEND GAMES WITH THEIR FRIENDS Data from 38 reponses.

FROM THE ATHLETES: WHY DO FANS MATTER?

“ “ “ “

Having fans at the game boosts morale and gives the team more motivation. Knowing that people in the community and my friends are there watching makes me really want to play well and make sure I am always trying my best.

- Lindsay Browne, basketball Fans matter because they get the energy up in the building and make you want to play better because everyone is watching you.

Fans do change my performance in a positive way because if we are playing an away game and the other team has a lot of fans I want to send them home sad because they lost, and if we have a lot of fans I want to send them home happy because we won.

- Ian Johnson, hockey Without fans, there is very little energy in the area. We can create our own but it isn’t the same. Hearing the crowd react to a goal or a big hit is energizing.

- Judah Thomas, hockey Fans help support me when I’m feeling tired and it’s hard to go on.

They remind me that there’s someone waiting for me at the finish line, and that pushes me forward.

- Johanna Pierach, nordic skiing

BLUE AND GOLD. Fan support is an essential aspect of SPA athetics. “It always means a lot to me when I see people come and support us,” junior Lindsay Browne said. Many student athletes shared similar sentiments in their poll responses.

ILLUSTRATION: Maddy Fisher

8

SPARTAN HOCKEY THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

SPARTAN 80% tried HOCKEY 35out,players filling only

THIN ICE

Small rosters and high coaching turnover

BY THE NUMBERS

6

27

The total number of schools contributing to the roster.

Games in the 2021-22 season.

37% Percent of total scheduled games played so far.

40% RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

ALL IN. All the players gather together before a game against Somerset to prepare themselves and hype each other up.

80% of the rosters between JV and Varsity.

The percent current win rate so far.

4

The number of coaches for the hockey program within three years.

6 The number of players on the ice from each team at a time.

SALAH ABDULKARIM

Hockey is a sport that requires a lot of skill, practice, and players. This year has delivered some challenges with regards to the team’s function with a smaller number of participating players and a new coaching staff.

There are six players on the ice at a time, including a goalie. Most hockey teams have a roster of at least 22 players, including two goalies and four shifts of five other field players. This year there were only about 35 players at tryouts, making it difficult to form both a junior-varsity and varsity team with sufficient players for both teams. Historically there have been plenty of players to try out and form two teams with sufficient players.

“I don’t know why we have less kids this year, but it’s definitely made the JV team smaller and even varsity. We had to make a swing line which we haven’t necessarily had in the past,” goalie Ian Johnson said.

The current boys hockey team has players from across six schools including SPA, St. Agnes, Nova Classical Academy, Great River, St. Croix Lutheran, and Twin Cities Academy.

“Everyone that comes through the hockey program has already known each other for a pretty long time.

So even though we go to different schools, there’s still good team chemistry, it feels like we all go to the same school,” forward Boden Strafelda said.

From a coaching perspective, the hockey team has struggled for the past three years. The hockey team has had four different coaches in the past three years, which has become a slight challenge for players to constantly adapt to new coaches.

“We’ve had some issues with coaches in the past…I like the coach now and I hope we can sustain him for a while...It’s hard to just figure out a new coach all the time, it’s hard to get into a routine and get used to it,” Johnson said.

The team currently has a 4 win, 6 loss record and plays next on Jan. 22 at home against North Branch at 7 p.m.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

IN CHECK. Forward Boden Strafelda fights off a defender in his way while receiving the puck.

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

CELEBRATE GOOD PLAYS C’MON. Players embrace to celebrate a goal for the Spartans.

FACE-OFF, GAME-FACE ON. Forward Will Black fights for the puck in a face-off while teammates wait, ready to go.

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

EASY DOES IT. Judah Thomas handles the puck while skating down the rink.

Q&A

SEASON AT RECORD: 4-6

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

OPPONENT

DATE AND TIME

HOME/AWAY

Providence Academy Minneapolis Boys Hockey St. Francis Breck Chisago Lakes Johnson Holy Angels/Richfield Simley St. Paul Johnson Champlin Park Highland Park Fairbault

01/18 7:00 p.m.

01/20 7:00 p.m.

01/22 7:00 p.m.

01/25 7:00 p.m.

01/27 7:00 p.m.

01/29 1:00 p.m.

02/01 7:00 p.m.

02/03 7:00 p.m.

02/05 7:00 p.m.

02/08 7:00 p.m.

02/11 7:00 p.m.

02/15 7:00 p.m.

AWAY AWAY HOME HOME HOME AWAY AWAY AWAY AWAY AWAY HOME HOME

A GLANCE

CAPTAIN GEORGE PELTIER Q: At what age did you begin playing hockey?

A: “I began playing hockey at age 5 with my brothers and dad on a pond in our backyard. I have loved the sport ever since.”

Q: Who inspires you to play or improve?

A: “My dad has been my coach from day one. He always gives me advice to improve my game after watching me play. I am so grateful for his input and help.”

Q: What was your most fulfilling moment playing this season?

A: “This season, I am playing with my two younger brothers. It has been awesome to get and give assists to them. We have always talked of being on the same team and this year that came true.”

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

9

UNITED HOCKEY THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

NEW CO-OP, NEW MENTALITY CATHERINE HOOLEY THE RUBICON

Last year, girls hockey switched from a coop with Visitation to a co-op with Saint Agnes, Providence Academy, De La Salle and Minnehaha. Although the United team has only been together for a short time,

“

BECAUSE WE GO TO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS, IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO FIND TIME OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL TO HANG OUT. forward Charlotte Goings

they have already built traditions and a work hard play hard mentality into their sport, creating a unique chemistry with

Connection despite a new roster

each other.

“When we first found out that we were splitting with Visitation, it was very difficult for everyone because we were really good friends with all of the girls. When we started skating with everyone else in the co-op, we started bonding really fast and we all became really close friends,” captain Lucie Bond said. Being a senior, Bond thought it would be harder to adjust to the new team, but the other players ended up having a similar philosophy on the rink as the SPA players.

“Practice is a mix of fun and hard work because we usually do a lot of work and then end with a game or something,” forward Charlotte Goings said. All schools came in with the mentality of a competitive and hard-working spirit combined with the objective of keeping it lighthearted.

Dedication is important to the team, but it is also

a goal not to overwork the players and take the fun away from the game.

Not only do they bond on the rink, but they also find time to work on their team chemistry behind the scenes. “We get bagels on every game day that falls on a Saturday,” goalie Greta Magnuson said. The team doesn’t just spend time together when they have to, like bus rides, but they make an effort to take time out of their days and spend time with each other.

“Because we go to different schools, it is especially important to find time outside of school to hang out. We don’t have classes or lunch together, so this is a way of getting to talk about more than hockey,” Goings said.

For their latest away tournament, the team got to stay in a hotel together.

“Staying overnight with the team turned us from close friends and teammates into a real family.

We really understand

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

DEFEND THE GOAL. Goalie Greta Magnuson gets ready to block a shot as the defense crashes the net. “The new co-op didn’t affect the team too much because we have the same amount of friendship and chemistry as we did before,” Magnuson said. The defense and Magnuson worked together to successfully block the shot.

each other,” defense Heidi Deuel said. The team plans to continue their traditions and hard work for the rest of the season in hopes that it will have a positive impact on the way they play.

TEAM MVP IMAC ATHLETE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

LUCIE BOND SUBMITTED PHOTO: Lucie Bond RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

RUBICON PHOTO: Hazel Waltenbaugh

PEP TALK. The team meets during a timeout to discuss strategies for their game in an attempt to make a comeback. “We all have different ideas on how to better the team, and the way we play is really collaborative. The final score of the game ended up being 2-6 and was a tough loss.

FRESH ICE. The United Hockey team skates onto the ice in preparation for their game against Two Rivers. “Our warmup playlist gets me really hype,” said Deuel. The team plays a game called “Jungle” before every game as a way to get into the right head space.

BROKE THE RECORD FOR MOST ASSISTS IN A GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY GAME

7 STARTED PLAYING HOCKEY AT

SEASON AT

AGE

RECORD: 11-6 OPPONENT

DATE AND TIME

HOME/AWAY

BRECK

1/18 7:00 p.m.

HOME

ROCHESTER MAYO

1/25 7:30 p.m.

AWAY

EVELETH-GILBERT

1/28 7:00 p.m.

AWAY

NORTH SHORE

1/29 TBD

AWAY

BLAKE

2/1 7:00 p.m.

AWAY

ST. PETER

2/4 7:00 p.m.

HOME

A GLANCE

4 COMMITTED TO WILLIAMS COLLEGE FOR HOCKEY

“

I GIVE A LOT OF CREDIT TO ALL OF MY TEAMMATES BECAUSE I WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN MOTIVATED TO GET BETTER IF HOCKEY WASN’T FUN. captain Lucie Bond

10

NORDIC SKIING THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

SNOW GOOD SKIING Getting into gear with Spartan Nordic EVE SAMPSELL-JONES CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR

The Nordic skiing season was off to a pretty ski-free start, namely because there was no snow to be heard of at the beginning of the season, but the team was still giving everything they had to workouts and weekly Frisbee games. Now, they’re out on skis, and between a wide variety of skill levels, a playful rivalry with the alpine team, and true prowess over the snow, Spartans Nordic is ready for a season to remember.

“So far this season there hasn’t been any snow, so we’ve been running and using the weight room at our practices. Every Friday we play a fun game like soccer or ultimate frisbee, but we can’t actually ski yet, which is unfortunate.” captain Eleanor Smith said in December. “Once there is snow on the ground we usually practice at the Highland 9 hole golf course, which is about a mile from school.”

Though there may be accessibility issues in equipment when it comes to sports like Nordic, it aims

to get rid of those issues when it comes to skill level. The team is inclusive, and every year there are new people who don’t know how to ski yet. It creates an environment where people can hone their skills and technique, no matter how long they’ve been skiing, as well as have a fun experience.

“There are quite a few really talented skiers on our team, but there are also a lot of people that joined to make new friends or learn to ski. When I was a freshman I was new to SPA and had a friend that was joining the Nordic team, so I decided to join both to become better friends with her and to meet new people- I was definitely not very good at skiing as a freshman.”

Smith said. “The coach also does a really good job of letting people go to races when they feel ready, so there isn’t much pressure for newer skiers to perform super well at races, which I think is a really good thing.”

The Nordic team also hosts an interesting tidbit of Spartan lore- the eternal Nordic-Alpine rivalry.

Both teams ski and share

a general culture, but the difference is essentially that Alpine skiers move in a general downhill direction and Nordic skiers move on flat or slightly hilly ground. While this might seem to be a tiny difference, it usually keeps Alpine and Nordic skiers in separate spheres, except for in rare cases when they can’t avoid each other. Case in point: high school athletics. This has led to the half-joke, half-team spirit rivalry between the two Spartan teams.

“We each think our sport is better than the other, but only one of us is actually right… it’s not alpine.” Smith said.

“The Nordic team is tons of fun and practices are a really good workout.

I’m sure the Alpine team would tell you the same thing but which team is bigger? Nordic.”

Regardless of the soundness of their argument, the Nordic team still offers a fun and new experience. Though skiing may be the last thing on people’s minds when they think of high school sports, it’s definitely still worth looking into.

2.5

1.3

IBID PHOTOS: Freya Brokken SMILING SKIER. Marie Schumacher works out at Highland Golf Course during practice Jan. 13.

SEASON AT

OPPONENTS DATE / TIME vs. Minnehaha Academy, Blake, Breck, Mounds Park Academy, Providence Academy

01/18 @ 4 p.m.

01/20 @ 4 p.m.

01/25 @ 4 p.m.

02/01 @ 4 p.m.

02/03 @ 4 p.m.

02/08 @ 4 p.m.

02/14 @ 4 p.m.

LOCATION

Como Park Battle Creek Park Battle Creek Park Battle Creek Park- CONFERENCE Como Park- JUNIOR VARSITY CONFERENCE Theodore Wirth Park- SECTION MEET Battle Creek Park- COSTUME RELAY

A GLANCE

NORDIC

BY THE NUMBERS

5

The kilometers raced by the varsity team.

That’s about 3.1 miles.

The kilometers raced by the junior varsity team. That’s about 1.6 miles.

The kilometers raced by the sixth grade team. That’s about 0.8 miles.

RACE TO THE TOP. Two skiers traverse the hill at Highland Golf Course to join the team while coach Max Lundgren assembles the group. There isn’t much pressure for newer skiers to perform super well at races, which I think is a really good thing,” captain Eleanor Smith said.

SWIM AND DIVE THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

TROJAN SWIM & DIVE

RUBICON PHOTO: Salah Abdukarim

BY THE NUMBERS team 398 Total score after

4th in 4 Ranked the Maroon and

5

3

21.6 Average amount of

2

meet on the 8th

Coaches in the past three years

11

Gold invite 2022 Tiger Division

points scored

by SPA swimmers at the last meet

A DIFFERENT ELEMENT. Sophomore Connor Overgaard dives into the water. “In terms of competition, swimming is a fight for every hundredth against yourself and for your team.

It’s literally a different element humans were never built for.“

Na placed 5th in the 200 yard free relay

Bangoura placed 2nd in the 200 yard medley relay

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAVE

Trojans swim through adversity ANNIE BAI

THE RUBICON

As the Trojan Swim team’s season begins, they find themselves yet again with a different coach for the third season in a row. After last year’s Coach Sam left, the team now needs to adjust to new coach Dan Hansen and the assistant coach Charles Spencer quickly with their first meet coming up soon against Como Park on December 15th. “Where did Sam go? No one really knows.” junior Tuco Dixon said.

Despite this major change, the team feels optimistic for their upcoming season, “We have quite a few new swimmers this year, so I think we have a chance at being even more competitive in our conference than last year.” sophomore Rishi Bhargava said. With the coaching change, the students have more or less gotten into a consistent training schedule practicing technique drills daily. Many new swimmers are still getting a feel for the sport so students of all levels are welcome to try out.

The limitations on practices and meets caused by Covid still remain, this year, there is no bus offered for the swimmers which makes transportation to their training pool difficult for the younger students that can’t drive yet. Luckily the team captains senior Pah Na and junior Tenzin Bawa have been a huge help in providing transportation as needed.

It is because of the combined effort of these helpful team members that the SPA Trojans can continue, “Collectively, with teammates from highland, we prevented the co-op from disbanding.” Bhargava said.

The swimmers all have their favorite moments both in and out of the pool.

“My favorite moment of all of swim is the annual photo that my friends and I take on picture day.” Dixon said.

Between school, practices, and meets, the swimmers still find time to enjoy and have fun with their team members. “The swim team has such a great team culture.

One of my favorite traditions is Post-meet bagels and “tea parties” on the pool floor.” sophomore Connor Overgaard said.

The swim team is always looking for more students to share these experiences with, email the team captains if you are interested in joining.

RUBICON PHOTO: Salah Abdukarim

STRIKE A POSE. Senior Pah Na jokingly poses for a funny photo as he jumps off the diving board.

SEASON AT

OPPONENT

DATE AND TIME

LOCATION

CENTRAL

1/20 5:00 p.m.

HARDING H.S.

CENTRAL, COMO PARK, HARDING, HUMBOLDT, PAUL JOHNSON

1/27 5:30 p.m.

HUMBOLDT H.S.

CENTRAL, COMO PARK, HARDING, HUMBOLDT, PAUL JOHNSON

1/28 6:00 p.m.

ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY

A GLANCE

?

Who do you think will be the MVP this season and why?

“

Personally, I think that our team will be hard carried by Connor Overguard, Rishi Bhargava, Miles Kao, and Gabriel Bangoura.

-Tuco Dixon

“

I’m a flexible swimmer who basically swims whatever event would be most beneficial to my team depending on the meet. That is everything except breaststroke—I leave that to Rishi.

-Connor Overgaard

“

I think Gabriel Bangoura will be the MVP on the swim team because this is his first year on the team, he’s been an exceptional swimmer and a great teammate.

- Tenzin Bawa

“

I think it will be Pah Na because he always swims the events nobody else wants to, and it helped us to not lose a meet. He also has good team spirit.

-Gabriel Bangoura

“

We are all competitive swimmers. Gabriel, Connor, and I were all mentioned, as well as Miles Kao who goes to Highland.

-Rishi Bhargava

12

SPORTS FAQ THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022

DID YOU KNOW...

SIRI PATTISON STAFF WRITER

Over 100 years of tradition across two schools; brush up on your St. Paul Academy and Summit School trivia with these facts.

SCHOOL COLORS In the early years of St. Paul Academy, the Blake School’s colors were also blue and gold.

To solve this issue, the schools decided to bet their respective rights to the colors on a football game. SPA won the game, forcing Blake to change their school colors and establishing SPA’s signature navy blue and “old gold.”

SPA’s school spirit has taken on different forms throughout the years. In addition to the mascot and the Spartan Beat (which are thought to have emerged in the ‘60s), SPA has had at least a couple school songs.

SAINT PAUL ACADEMY SCHOOL SONG: Saint Paul Academy, noble and strong.

Thy sons with reverent voices raise their song. ____________, with eager hearts they give.

Loyal and true to thee, as one they live.

Years may pass over us, soon our pathways part.

May boyhood’s days be ever near our hearts.

FOOTBALL FIGHT SONG: On, on Academy, march to victory!

Fight right through that line and make the way to pay dirt pay!

RAH, RAH, RAH! On, on you Blue and Gold Win for SPA. Fight, fight, fight your way to victory!

MANDATORY FOOTBALL The first principal of St. Paul Academy (founded in 1900), made football mandatory for all students. This tradition lasted for over 40 years. Wheeler also sectioned the student body into the Blues and Golds, providing opportunities for the two groups to athletically and academically compete.

VARSITY LETTERS In 2018, SPA switched the letter “A” on sports jackets to say “SPA.” The “A” stood for the Academy, a longtime moniker for SPA.

DRAKE ARENA Now home to the SPA boys hockey team and St. Catherine University’s Wildcats, was built in 1967. It was funded by Carl Drake, who was a SPA hockey captain himself in the 1930s.

SPORTS AFTER THE MERGE After the 1969 St. Paul Academy and Summit School merger, the boys hockey and girls tennis teams excelled, as well as the soccer program under Buzz Lagos. The SPA boys competed in the state tournament for 13 consecutive years in the 80s and 90s.

ATHLETICS AT THE SUMMIT SCHOOL

TITLE IX

Girls at the Summit School played half-court basketball, tennis, golf, field hockey, and sometimes even fencing, modern dance, and ice hockey. Summit School would have “play days” with other all-girls schools, which included sports competitions by grade level, as well as lunch and tea.

In 1968, SPA launched a reevaluation of its athletic programs to ensure gender equality under this title.