Volume 44 Issue 6 - April 9, 2009

Sheldon drug bust

Soundoff: What is a sport?

Oregon Football’s change in ranks

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page 6

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the Talisman shstalisman@gmail.com

a student newspaper

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 44 Issue 6 April 9, 2009

U of O bumps automatic admission GPA to 3.4

For guaranteed acceptance to the U of O students will need at least a 3.4

by Jamie Burns opinions coeditor

Beginning in the fall of 2010, the University of Oregon will require students from the state of Oregon to achieve a higher grade point average than ever before in order to receive automatic admission. The current minimum grade point average required for automatic admission is 3.25. For 2010, students must have a grade point average of at least 3.4 to be guaranteed acceptance to the University of Oregon. Those with grade point averages less than 3.4 will need an evaluation to be considered for admission. The higher grade requirements were proposed in order to allow more students to be accepted through standard acceptance rather than automatic admission.

Due to the change, students between 3.25 and 3.4 will have to follow a series of procedures required for standard admissions. Senior Branden Curtis said, “Some students who were planning on automatically being accepted into Oregon might have to apply for regular admissions instead because their G.P.A is no longer high enough.” Some worry that the higher expectations will cause students to reconsider their college plans. Counselor Tia Dubé said, “I do not think the changes will affect a lot of students because we still have many students that do not have a 3.25 and will still have to go through review courses.”

Regular acceptance into the university has not changed; students are still required to obtain a grade point average

of at least a 3.0. Junior Paige Bennett said, “I don’t think the change will really make that much of a difference because people with a 3.25 will still be able to get into U of O; they will just have to do a little more work.”

The new grade point average standard allows the University of Oregon to have greater control over the number of students enrolled there, which is currently extremely high. Through allowing fewer students

with high grade point averages a guaranteed spot at University of Oregon the admissions board is able to accept students for other important attributes, such as extracurricular activities. The Sheldon graduating class of 2009 has a total of 25% of students with a grade point average of 3.5 or better. Another 20% have grade point averages ranging from 3.4 to 3.0, which is good for those planning to apply to the University of Oregon.

Jeff Toreson photo

The Univerity of Oregon has recently changed their automatic admissions GPA from 3.25 to 3.4

New online class registration system is here to stay Sheldon students will be able to choose their entire schedule for next year with the new online system

by Jaime Fazio opinions coeditor This year Sheldon put into effect a new system to register for the upcoming year’s classes. The new system creates a different way for students to register for classes. It also requires students to fill out the scheduling paper that each student gets during forecasting. Then, at specified times, students go online and “apply” for next year’s desired classes. The scheduling office’s Connie Minihan said, “We are going to be using this program from now on. It used to take two weeks for me to input all of the

students’ data and class schedules into the computer every year, and now the students can do it themselves and it takes them as much as two minutes.” eSIS (Electronic Student Information System) has been implemented into many schools in Oregon who are facing problems with lack of funding. Also, schools have added this web-based system due to decreasing resources needed, and the need for more efficient student tracking. The new system allows teachers and staff members to track and report student information and activities online.

Junior Rayven Wray commented, “The new online registering system is ok, I guess. I thought it was a waste of time, because we had to turn in the forecasting sheet that we always had to fill out anyways. It’s supposed to be online, so why would we have to fill out the sheet?” In fact, the online system is very similar to the forecasting sheet that students fill out for classes.

“The forecasting sheet shows me that parents have involvement in the student’s education,” Minihan said.

Some are worried that next year they aren’t going to get the classes that they need to graduate since some teachers are saying, “Sign up quickly!” Junior Marlene Melendrez said, “I definitely need some classes for next year since I’m doing the IB tests. And in advisory, the teachers kept saying that it is first-come-first-serve when choosing classes, so it makes me stressed thinking that I might not get the classes I want. What would I do then?” In truth, the registering online is not first-come-first-serve, it is simply choosing the classes that you want for next year. “It’s more of a request form rather than an actual set-in-stone document with classes,” Minihan said. It is really only there to help Minihan and the others in the scheduling office count how many students are requesting the particular class, “Like how many students are going to be needing Geometry, or Science Foundations next year,” Minihan also commented. Seniorsto-be needn’t worry because seniors do get “seniority” or priority over the other grade levels. Because they do need certain credits to graduate, they get scheduled first.

OSAA proposes Sheldon into a 6A-5A Hybrid League SHS may play in Midwestern League

by Jeff Toreson coeditor-in-chief The Southwest Conference has been up and running smoothly for about three years now since Sheldon and South Eugene broke away from the Midwestern League due to higher student enrollments, and joined the new 6A classification. There was a lot of skepticism when Sheldon joined the SWC because of all the expensive and long bus trips down to the Medford schools and Grants Pass. In their third year as a member of the new league, Sheldon teams have proven to people that they can compete with the Southern powerhouses and shown that they can be competitive at the highest level in the state. But just as Sheldon was establishing themselves as a dominant force in the SWC, there have

been proposals to rearrange the current conference.

The most recent proposal promotes a Hybrid 6A-5A Midwestern League which would help adjust to the struggling economy and cut down on travel costs by adding local 5A opponents into Sheldon’s conference.

The Midwestern Hybrid League would consist of Sheldon and South Eugene as the only 6A schools due to current enrollment with Thurston possibly moving up a classification as their enrollment is very close to the 1480 student cutoff. The rest of the League would consist of 5A schools Willamette, Springfield, Churchill, North Eugene, and Marist, who is opting to move up and play in a higher league even though their enrollment meets the 4A classification. Athletic Director Matt Binkerd is in favor of the new hybrid proposal. “I think you will see some old rivals rekindled which will bring excitement to the student body,” said Binkerd.

This new league would separate Sheldon from the current Southern Oregon League which is proposed to move into a

Hybrid 5A-6A League as well. Sheldon teams will not be completely separated from the Southern Oregon League schools, because there will only be one other 6A school (South Eugene) in the new Hybrid Midwestern league which means they will still have to play the five 6A schools from the Southern Oregon League to make the competition fair.

The only problem with a Hybrid 5A-6A League is how will playing a 5A team as a conference game affect a 6A teams’ seed if they get to the state playoffs? Because how is that fair to non-hybrid league teams that play their conference games against all 6A schools? Those are the only questions the OSAA is trying to figure out.

Freshman Austin Wheeler said, “I wouldn’t like it if 5A schools joined our league because they wouldn’t be competitive; I like the way it is now.” This new arrangement would affect Wheeler as well as any other student-athletes who are scheduled to graduate after the class of 2010. “I think this will be a very positive thing for Sheldon, and every other 4j school,” added Binkerd.

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News

the Talisman

Myths of the criminal justice system Members of the general public hold false beliefs regarding the overcrowding of jails and other issues

by Molly Morris centerspread editor There are many false beliefs about the criminal justice system. One is that the Criminal Justice System is expanding at a time when there are so many cuts being made in our education system. The only new detention facility being built in our area is a building in Springfield that was funded through a ballot measure.

Another false belief is that cuts are being made to the Eugene Police. No cuts have been made in the Eugene

Police Department, but the Lane County police have had to make cuts in their jail personnel. Junior Bailee Jensen stated, “There should be more money in the justice system because if we keep letting criminals out, they’ll know that it is easy to get away with their crimes.”

A third misconception is that there is overcrowding in the jails because the jail is filled to capacity. The reality is that there are not enough people working at the jails to keep up with the amount of offenders. There are only a few sections of the jail that are being used because of the small number of people still working at the jails. The Serbu Center is also only about 25 percent full. There is just not enough money to keep personnel working, so in a center that can hold about 72 kids/teenagers, only about 18 are being held.

The jails are on a type of rotation cycle; some misdemeanors are not even filed so the offenders stay only a few nights before they are released. Sheldon High School police resource officer John Savage stated, “Only the highest level

crimes are being held for their full sentence.” Even the man arrested during the drug bust a few weeks ago across the street from Sheldon, who had many drugs in his possession and a record of jail time, only stayed two nights in jail.

One particularly dangerous spot for teenagers to go is up McGowan Creek Rd. near Marcola. This is a popular 4-wheeling spot for young and old alike. The activities range from shootings to stolen cars, six of which surrounded a woman who was found dead a few weeks ago. Even more recently there was a type of shoot out between two men in which one was shot by the other, no one died though.

There has been more than one murder up there and many believe that teenagers need to be aware of the danger that they are putting themselves in by driving up there. Senior Christina Wadnizak said, “I believe that students should be aware of their surroundings so they can be safer.” Police seem to agree that McGowan is very unsafe so they are patrolling the area much more frequently and closely.

Drug bust across the street makes news A recent drug bust at Ron’s Island Grill brings the issue of drugs at Sheldon to the forefront

by Kendra Olvera staff writer On March 4, 2009, the Sheldon High School police resource officer arrested twenty- four year old Matthew Pankey. Pankey and two other men allegedly hired a fifteen-year-old to sell drugs to Sheldon students. The two other men, twenty-one-year-old Christopher Pankey and twenty-three-year-old Daniel Grossman were both cited. The fifteen-year-old is a former Sheldon student and was charged with selling marijuana near Sheldon.

Three students were seen buying from the fifteen-year-old.

A fight broke out between the men and the fifteen-year-old shortly after 12:30 p.m. at Ron’s Island Grill. The fifteenyear-old went into the bathroom to call his mom because he was afraid Matthew Pankey was there to collect for drug sales. The boy’s mother showed up and told the men, “Don’t you ever talk to my son again.” The police were contacted on a school radio by a Sheldon staff member, who was eating at the restaurant. A policeman and narcotics detectives responded and found the men and the mother in

a verbal altercation. Senior Rhiley Rivera said “It’s sad that kids get mixed up into these kinds of situations.”

A search of Christopher Pankey’s car and Grossman’s bag uncovered 27.3 grams of cocaine and 7.1 grams of methamphetamines. Officer John Savage said, “I’ve been here four years, and that’s the most I’ve ever seen at the high school.” Daniel Grossman was charged for cocaine possession and delivery. Chrisopher Pankey was charged for cocaine and meth possession and delivery. Matthew Pankey was arrested on charges of the sale and possession of

marijuana and cocaine. Savage said, “If kids didn’t feel the need to smoke marijuana, we wouldn’t attract this problem.”

Students who bring drugs to school will be suspended. If a student sees someone with drugs or suspicious activity on school property, he or she should report it to a trusted adult.

Drugs haven’t been a large problem at Sheldon in the past until just recently. Assistant principal Mark Watson said, “When [students] choose to bring drugs into the school, we are forced to take action.” The school’s main goal is not to interfere in students’ personal lives, but to keep them safe.

Jeff Toreson photo

School Resource Officer John Savage, whose car is show here, has been kept busy this year.

Musical groups traveling far for competitions Band members get excited to travel far and play hard to continue to win competitions for Sheldon High

by Jordan Flowers staff writer How often do high school students get to go on trips? After middle school, “field trips” are rare, but some lucky Sheldon students are planning to go on two great trips. Sheldon’s

Elements and Evolutions jazz bands are going to Reno for a jazz festival. The Sheldon Varsity Choir is going to perform at Fullerton college then relax for a day at Disneyland. This is the second trip for the choir this year; they also went to D.C. for the Inaugural Ball, and won first place. Both trips are special, and students participating are ready and prepared to give up school time to go. But that goes without saying, trading school for fun is usually a decent trade.

Choir teacher Nancy Anderson said, “The choir is really excited this year; they are really looking forward to going and I am too.” It would seem expensive to get a whole group back and forth, but Anderson said,

“We got a great deal on JetBlue for less than $200, and the plane has leather seats and a movie screen on each one. The only thing expensive was the service with the bus that we hired in California; it costs $400 a day.”

As for the Reno trip, band director Shira Fadely said, “The band kids had a lot of help through families and fundraising to raise the money to go on the trip; some even had money in their accounts from previous trips. I think the band is really excited to go on a trip, not specifically to Reno, but I think they are just happy to go on a trip in general.”

Sheldon is performing in two competitions in two different states, with plenty of trophies to be won, and plenty of notoriety to be earned for Sheldon.

Kelsy Kangail said, “I am really excited for the trip, and I love hanging out with band people.” She also said, “The bus ride is nine hours long, and we have 30 something or more people going, so it’s definitely going to be tough travelling.”

Sheldon’s music groups definitely have their hands full with both trips, and each one is sure to be fantastic.

Who knows what other kinds of fun plans there are for Sheldon? Maybe some of the people who went on the trips will be able to tell stories about their experiences.

Features

the Talisman

April 9, 2009

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New classes for high schoolers Many people would like to see new interesting classes at Sheldon High, but the economy makes that unlikely

by Alicia Luck backpage editor

Over the years, Sheldon has had a variety of classes that have come and gone for various reasons. Conversations are always afloat about new and different electives, but because of the current budget crisis and the unknown future of electives, the choices are obviously most likely going to be limited. The question that hangs out in the air and around the hallways is whether or not certain electives and classes like art will stay in the mix since the big issue with the school’s budget has provided a dark rain cloud which looms over Sheldon along with the entire Eugene District 4j.

In spite of this problem, some students would absolutely love to see a music theory class offered at Sheldon, aside from just band students. There are a large number of students involved with music as a hobby or just for fun who do not play an instrument in a Sheldon class such as band. For these students, the only music class they have available is History of Rock & Roll and Jazz, which is not really close to a music theory class at all. Students want to learn notes and rhythms and how to creatively come up with and better understand music, not just the type of music a specific composition is and the time period it is from.

The entire district is facing a very uncertain future when it comes to school electives. There have been talks all over about cutting physical education time down in elementary schools and middle schools.

High schools, including Sheldon High School, could see quite large reductions in all school departments including both core classes and electives.

Those decisions have yet to be decided upon, much less announced.

It really could be any number of classes.

Adam Green photo In this background, If it was up to you, what class would you like to fill this empty room with? new classes for next school year seem to be the last thing on many people’s minds because of the very large budget problemthat has been haunting us all. On the other hand, deep inside Sheldon students want to have the richest education they possibly can and adding new electives such as a music theory class along with other classes students may be talking about, could help make that richer education even more possible not only in the future, but now.

Students do have duties

Kids today and the economy ‘Economic crisis,’ ‘auto bailout,’ ‘Wall Street,’ ‘recession’; how are Sheldon high schoolers being affected by these economic focus words?

by Anthony Rhoads ads manager The struggling economy affects the working class and adults, but it also can affect students. The economy is in a hole. Health care is not great either; the elderly don’t have as much health care as they should. Social Studies teacher Mr. Larry Callaway said, “Some places are laying people off because they can’t afford the health care for all of the workers.”

The closing of businesses and lack of money results in a loss of jobs and leads to businesses being or about to be bankrupt because people don’t have the money or are not willing to spend what money they do have. Callaway also said, “It will take Obama awhile to fix the economy, but I think he’s on the right track. However, some people act like they want it to be fixed over night, and he can’t do that.” The travel industry is also falling due to the declining economy.

Teachers are being laid off and programs are being cut because of the recession, such as sports and clubs.

Freshman Dylan Campbell said, “Our lacrosse team can’t do as much without money; instead of charter buses we use school buses.”

The recession is also affecting gas prices. It costs more to ship and it is in higher demand. Freshman Kyle Purdy said, “I think President Obama will fix the economy by putting the unemployed back to work. The way to do this is by creating infrastructure projects and by removing tax breaks for the wealthy.” All of these points

affect students, because students are the next generation. Junior Nick Thomas said, “Money has been tight in the family and I had to fundraise

a lot more for spring break.” The decline in education, travel, and jobs demonstrates the idea that if one thing is cut it could all get cut eventually.

Adam Green photo

In our struggling economy, each and every penny counts.

Sheldon pupils today seem to have forgotten about their civil duties

by Derek Blank staff writer

Are Sheldon students lacking responsibility, respect, and maturity (also known as civil duties)? It may be a harsh way to put it, but it’s the truth. Over the past few years here at Sheldon High School, the students have gotten a bit too immature. For example, last year a student brought a gun to Sheldon: many students knew that he was in possession of a weapon on school campus, but none of the students decided to tell campus supervision or another adult here at Sheldon. Instead, Officer Savage found out about it a while later in the school day. If the students had had a little better sense of their civil duties somebody would have contacted campus supervision or Officer Savage the moment they saw or heard that “Many students show the student had a gun or any other off for friends and don’t type of weapon. think that they might be Students say that if they had told an hurting someone else...” adult, then they -Bailee Jensen would have been considered a snitch, which is not the case. There is a difference between being a responsible student and being a snitch. What causes students to fail to perform civil duties? Junior student Bailee Jenson said, “A lot of students show off for friends and don’t think that they might be hurting someone else or not acting very mature. Also, a student’s home life can have a major effect on civil duties.”

“The students here at Sheldon are also getting a bit lazy.

Too many kids are littering in the halls and off campus; it would be awesome if the students would be responsible to pick up their own trash and not take their education for granted,” said campus supervisor Darren Henry.

Campus supervisor Marques Green stated, “If the students could pick up their trash and hold each other accountable for other’s actions, then Sheldon High School would be a very clean and nice learning environment for them.” If Sheldon High School students learned a little more about civil duties, Sheldon would be a better learning environment.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Sheldon High School graduates from professional football player to astronaut and beyond.

Todd Christensen

Todd Christensen, who attended Sheldon in 1970-73, started the legacy of famous Sheldon football players. Christensen’s shined as a football player for Sheldon attracting the likes of BYU where he would end up playing college football. After a successful four years as a running back for BYU, he was ready to take his game to the professional ranks where he would play tight end. He got off to a slow start to his NFL career, but in 1983, he had a breakout seaProvided by Jeff Toreson son, catching 92 passes for a career high 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns. He then earned five straight pro-bowl appearances and established himself as one of the top tight ends in the NFL. By the end of his career he had 461 receptions, 5,872 receiving yards, and 41 touchdowns.

In 2000, Christensen represented Sheldon High School by being inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Ron Kieser

Ron Kieser colors pages for a comic called The Uniques, a comic with five volumes out so far. He also owns Ronime Studios which is a company for game design. He is currently designing a horror game, an iPhone game, and when he is finished he will start on a role-playing game.

Hunter Gray

Hunter Gray, a 2006 Sheldon graduate, has made great strides in recent years in pursuing his music career. A constant leader of worship in the high school youth group at First Baptist Church, Gray has always had a knack for reaching out to and relating with high school students. He has played on tour with well-known Christian artist Paul Wright, and has performed along side fellow former First Baptist youth group members Caleb and Sol Rexius. Born in Alabama, Gray has always had a talent for playing music. “I sing about God, my faith, and my girlfriend, and a lot of my songs are about experiences I had at Sheldon.” Gray said. “I get better by watching YouTube videos,” Gray also noted. Today, Photo by Jay Eads; provided by Hunter Gray he sings, plays guitar, drums, piano, bass, and many other instruments. He lists Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes, and John Mayer as his musical influences. Look out for his selftitled album sometime around the fall of 2009.

James Dutton

Lieutenant Colonel James Patrick Dutton Jr. was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. He graduated from Sheldon High School with the class of ‘87. Inspired as a young boy by astronaut Neil Armstrong, he decided to continue his education in Colorado Springs, then at the Courtesy of spaceflight.nasa.gov University of Washington and eventually Texas.

Dutton is now part of an astronaut candidate class dedicated to setting up a base on the moon, and eventually, putting a man on Mars. He is happily married with three little boys.

Alex Brink

Alex Brink Graduated from Sheldon High School in 2003 and now plays for the Houston Texans. He has won two awards playing football. He recieved Honorable mention All Pac-10 in 2004 and Second Team All Pac-10 in 2006. He began playing with the Houston Texans in 2008 as quarterback.

Courtesy of www.daylife.com

6 April 9, 2009

Opinions

the Talisman

Library: study hall faces disruptions Sheldon students are not acknowledging the rules set by the librarians

by Molly Meyer staff writer

The library has to deal with many students coming in and not following the rules.Students often have food or drinks in the library; others just come in to hang-out with friends, and many use the resources and simply don’t return them.

Bringing food and drinks into the library is very stressful to the librarians. They have posted signs prohibiting food and drinks and if they see either, they will ask you to take it and put it on the shelf.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the library because they can damage the books, computers, and other materials. If you do ruin a book or computer, you will need to pay for it. Substitute librarian Pat Kessinger said, “I get lots of, ‘I’m not going to spill’ when someone has drinks like grape juice sitting on the floor.” She

also said that most kids follow the rules after she catches them. Most people don’t have the money lying around to pay for a new computer, so why risk the chance? The librarians are being very fair on this matter.

Just remember if you break it, you buy it!

Being disruptive in the library is one of the worst things one can do; this is the biggest problem to the librarians.

When students go into the library, they expect peace and quiet and other students working, not loud and obnoxious kids running around because they have finished their projects already. The library is a place that has all the resources for students to do work. Either do work or get out. Some students have a hard time working or studying with a lot of noise. “I like going to the library because it is quiet and an easy way to get your work done,” freshman Angela Witty said. Be courteous to the others around you next time you go to the library.

The people at the textbook window also experience frustrations. Many students are frequently forgetting to return their textbooks. This usually happens after a semester or when a class ends. Students shove their textbooks into their lockers and forget about them until the end of the year.

“I’m one of those students; sometimes

it’s hard to remember,” freshman Jamie Whistler said. When you do this, the school has to use the school’s money and purchase new textbooks, so they have enough for a class set. Having all the textbooks returned results in the school being able to save the

money for something else that would be a better alternative than spending on books they already bought.

The library is simply a place for you.

It doesn’t have to be there, so give it the respect it deserves.

Jaime Fazio photo

Students during all periods of the day are in the library studying and working hard, hoping for quiet and no obnoxious students.

Soundoff: What factors determine a sport?

What is a “sport?” Some sports truly get the acknowledgement of being called sports, while others don’t get the same recognition, and instead may be seen as mere activities and nothing more. all can comprehend that level of physical expension. During baseball, unless one actually hits the ball, or unless he/she is in the outfield, there is not an incredible Each individual has his/her own idea amount of physical application. Look at of what a sport is. The arguments run Babe Ruth; he was not in “very good” randomly through our lives. Webster’s shape. There is a lot of skill required but Online Dictionary defines a sport as, as far as physical exertion, baseball is “An active diversion requiring physical where the line should be drawn; anything exertion and competition,” but is that the less physical, I do not think should be way it should be? considered a sport, but baseball, or any The definition of a sport is one of those form of it is. things people have to really consider There are also things that are physically sometimes. It seems so simple and clear demanding, like heavy metal drumming, when one just glances at the thought, but or working as a construction worker, that when we attempt to define it in words, the are definitely not sports. Even though they task requires some consideration. Junior do require that level of physical effort, Alyssa Gibson said, “I think the definition they are not competitive. Heavy metal is becoming more and more specific; at drumming could be competitive in the first, I thought a sport just had to be very case of a battle-of-the-bands situation, but physical, but then I decided there was at that point, one must look at the specific much more to it, and now I don’t even type of competition taking place. know what a sport is.”

I think, in the case of a sport, the type of As I said, everyone has his/her own idea competition muse be non-interpretative; of the definition of a sport. Some say it just in other words, the winner or loser cannot requires skill; others may say it must attain be determined by an opinion or anything a certain level of physical intensity. The interpretive. If the judge, or umpire, problem is, even chess involves skill, and or referee can be replaced with a super being a drummer for a heavy metal band genius computer from the future with would definitely meet that high physical cameras and sensors on every part of the requisite; in my opinion, neither of those competitive arena that can do the referee/ are sports. So there has to be something judge/umpire’s job for them, then it is else to it. non-interpretive. This could be done in I agree that the sport has to require a football, basketball, baseball, and even certain level of physical exertion, but chess (But we already affirmed that it had how to define that level is the issue. To to be physically demanding, ruling chess someone with very [I emphasize very] out). This is unlike dance, cheer, and limited general mobility, lifting the chess gymnastics because the scoring system piece across the board can be considered for such activities is based partially on physically demanding, so the line must interpretation, i.e. fluency, creativity, and be drawn at a level higher than chess. spirit.

Junior Brenden Prentiss said, “Things like Athletic Director Matt Binkerd said, “I wrestling and rugby are things you can think it is important to include all things get roughed up in; full contact. Those when defining a sport, as long as it is definitely count as sports.” competitive.” Although I do see Mr. I think the least physically demanding Binkerd’s point, I highly disagree. So my sport, which everyone can understand, definition of a sport, which takes its place and one that can still be considered a full- among many of those wandering around fledged sport is baseball. Almost everyone the world, is; “A physically demanding, has played some form of baseball as a non-interpretive activity, requiring an kid, whether it be whiffle-ball, softball, equal or greater overall amount of corporal T-ball, or just actual baseball, and nearly exertion than baseball.”

by Adam Green features editor

of athletes has changed over the years along with what fits into the category of “sport.” One trivial dispute within the main argument is the question of whether or not an activity that is judged based on What is a sport? Is it defined by the creativity is considered a sport. Most physical capabilities that are required, sporting events that we see today in our how the activities are judged, or by the media and communities have a winner fun that is involved? The real definition and a loser based on an a point system of a sport in the dictionary is “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess generated from the history of that activity.

For example, basketball has a winner and often of a competitive nature, as and a loser because of the final result of racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, how many points you make from baskets, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, for example, free throws, three-pointers, etc.” Other sources say that a sport is a physical activity that is governed by a set and lay-ups. There are those activities like cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. If all of these activities are teams that go to competitions with the final winner and loser determined from a considered to be sports, such as fishing, group of people based on their creativity then why do people question if dance or in addition to their skill. Are the judges cheerleading are sports? These sports require physical prowess and require skill, evaluating with their own biased opinions or by giving scores based on certain and they are performed in a competitive criteria that need to be met? Does that atmosphere. Then why don’t people mean that we could take that group of consider them to be sports? Senior Michael Leupold said, “Cheerleading and people out, place a different group in, and have a new winner and loser? Barber dance aren’t sports because, even though said, “Activities that are judged based they are physically demanding, they are on creativity are sports because you are just entertainment for the crowds during competing with different people from recessions of the main sport event.” On diverse levels, from other schools, with the flip side of this argument, junior different skills.”

Amanda Barber said, “Cheerleading is Sheldon’s dance and yoga instructor a sport because you have to be willing Nanci McChesney-Henry said, “A to participate with others on a team, be sport could be anything that requires coachable, and you are being physically competence and has competition active.” and various states of rivalry.” Like The argument of what a sport is differs McChesney-Henry, many people have a from person to person, generation to very broad idea of what activity fits in the generation, and even from state to state category of a sport. and country to country. The number

by Brittney Schooley features editor

Greg Cantwell photo

Sheldon’s varsity cheerleaders perform at the Homecoming Assembly.

Sports

the Talisman

April 9, 2009

7

Bellotti resigns; Kelly head coach The winningest coach in Oregon football history steps down; will assume Athletic Director duties

Bellotti will fill the athletic director position at the Bellotti won’t be completely absent from the gridiron, university on July 1, which has been held by former however. On March 30, the athletic department announced insurance mogul Pat Kilkenny since that Bellotti would be named the February 14, 2007, and until then, “I just went from being quarterbacks coach on a temporary Bellotti will assume the title of “senior basis. This move was announced, counselor” to Kilkenny. Kelly officially in the passenger seat according to Kelly, because they took on the head coaching role on March to driving the car, but didn’t want to start spring practices 30, the day before the first day of the without someone coaching the

by Michael Chase Ducks’ spring practices. “[The timing nothing else is going to quarterbacks. Bellotti coached coeditor-in-chief of the announcement] was because it change...” quarterbacks from 1989-94 while was the last possible time before spring serving as offensive coordinator - Chip Kelly under former head coach Rich Brooks. ball to tell the players,” Bellotti said.

Bellotti noted that he started to consider The change has been praised Duck fans knew that change was coming when the stepping down after the Las Vegas Bowl of 2006, in which by players, fans, and members of the media, and has University of Oregon announced that Mike Bellotti, he said he was “disgusted” by his team’s performance. It been described as an end of an era, but also the start of “the Dean of the Pac-10 Coaches” and the winningest was in the offseason following that dismal performance a new one. ESPN.com’s Bruce Feldman wrote in his coach in the Pac-10 in the last 14 years, would be when the university hired Chip Kelly, an offensive blog, “I am a big believer in Chip Kelly. The Ducks also stepping down and fulfilling the role of athletic director, juggernaut from the University of New Hampshire, a have amazing facilities to recruit to and, as I said, there and handing the head coaching job over to Chip Kelly. Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division is a cachet to the program now that is playing well with The university announced that the change would be at 1-AA). Kelly made an immediate impact on the Oregon recruits. I’m not guaranteeing any national title, but I think Bellotti’s discretion, and the change would take place offense, including clobbering national powerhouse they have a legit shot at becoming a real powerhouse.” “according to his timeline.” However, hardly anyone Michigan 39-7 at Ann Arbor, and turning Dennis Dixon Mike Bellotti’s name will always be synonymous with expected the news that would be announced on Friday, from a questionable quarterback to a Heisman Trophy Oregon athletics. Now the page turns to a new chapter: the March 13; Bellotti would be stepping down immediately frontrunner. In both of Kelly’s two seasons as offensive Chip Kelly era. And judging by Kelly’s prior success as an and handing the head coaching reins over to Chip Kelly. coordinator, the Ducks have led the Pac-10 conference in offensive genius, Duck fans have nothing to worry about. scoring offense and total offense. “Its an extreme honor and I’m just excited to get going,” Kelly said about his new job.

Kelly also said about the change from offensive coordinator to head coach, “I just went from being in the passenger seat to driving the car, but nothing else is going to change.”

Mike Bellotti was always considered one of the most approachable football coaches in the nation, and plans to continue this style as athletic director. Kelly noted, “I know I’m going to need help through this, and [Mike’s] just going to be a hop, skip, and a jump away,” with which Bellotti added, “Just a short 9-iron.”

Who was the man behind the curtain with this decision?

Soon-to-be former athletic director Pat Kilkenny. When Kilkenny was hired in 2007, the public was aware of the fact that he was hired as an interim athletic director, just until the university could find a permanent replacement.

Now that Bellotti has agreed to fill the position, Kilkenny can relax, knowing that he made impressive contributions which the university and Duck fans will always remember, such as the rebirth of the baseball program and the building of the new Matthew Knight basketball arena. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for Oregon Michael Chase photo athletics and our football program. We couldn’t have Michael Chase photo New Oregon Athletic Director Mike Bellotti will a better outcome. The future’s bright,” said Kilkenny. New Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly begin his assigned duties on July 1. took over the program on March 30.

Three-sport athletes a dying breed

The number of student-athletes who compete in three sports every year has declined in our generation

by Drew Miner staff writer

Today’s athlete is considerably different from that of older generations and the generation before them. Today is marked by an increase in the number of athletes who only participate in one sport. There are a number of factors that could possibly be contributing to this: today’s hectic schedule, more competitive teams, selfish coaches perhaps, and even a heavier class workload than our predecessors. The real question is if people should accept it, and if they are willing to see more competitive athletes in one sport and ultimately eliminate the well-rounded three-sport athlete.

No one can deny the trend of kids transferring to just a single sport. Zach Manley, once a three-sport athlete, made the decision to transfer to focusing on one sport. “I saw potential to play baseball at the next level, and to do that, I had to put added amounts of time into that sport. Other sports just didn’t allow me to do that on top of my already-hectic academic schedule.”

Manley is a prime example of athletes today. It’s not that people as athletes don’t want to play a multitude of sports; it’s that to be competitive people have

to limit the number of sports they participate in.

Another factor that could play a role in the decline in multisport athletes is the growing economic downturn.

“People just simply can’t afford to pay for three sports these days,” said junior athlete Kim Long. “Sports these days include a very high number of added costs that people of our grandparent’s generation didn’t have to deal with, like physicals, and insurance, and the added cost of gear.”

Three-sport athletes are still out there though folks; they aren’t extinct yet. Junior Derek Nielsen, a participant in football, wrestling, and baseball, manages this hectic schedule. Neilsen said, “Taking high-level classes and juggling the likes of three sports is challenging at times, I never get a rest and I am always up late studying because practice doesn’t allow me to do otherwise.”

The decline of the three-sport athlete is a growing epidemic.

Student athletes today have more challenges and demands than that of their parents and grandparents generation, both academically and athletically. More athletes are specializing

in one sport, and being more competitive in that sport; however, in doing so the well-rounded athlete is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Should people allow for more competitive athletics to form and in turn eliminate possibly more athletic players? It is up to athletes and coaches to decide the direction of athletes in today’s world.

A message from the Talisman The Talisman is run by students for students. The views expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily those of the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High School, or those of the Sheldon community. If you have any letters to the editor, please e-mail the Talisman at shstalisman@gmail.com, or drop a letter in our box located in the office. We kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.

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Michael Chase Jeff Toreson Anthony Rhoads Jeff Toreson Brittney Schooley Adam Green Molly Morris Jamie Burns Jaime Fazio Michael Chase Alicia Luck Gabe Anderson Derek Blank Jordan Flowers Brendon Kieser Molly Meyer Alisa Taylor Kendra Olvera Drew Miner Greg Cantwell

Backpage Advisory differs for IHS Advisory is for meeting graduation requirements for Sheldon and an extension of projects period for IHS

by Alisa Taylor staff writer Advisory, the time that many students dread, is more complicated than one might realize. Those in Sheldon High School can shed some light on the terror that many feel leading up to an advisory meeting. The endless lectures about how to do well in school and the constant onslaught of graduation requirements leave some more puzzled and confused than before they went in. While regular students are filling out life-goal sheets and updating four-year plans, IHS students are doing their school’s own version of advisory which involves planning future college aspirations and career paths.

For IHS students, advisory is a continuation of their projects class in which they talk about life goals and plans. Is it fair to put so much pressure on these high school students - both regular students and IHS students?

Advisory meetings serve the purpose of preparing students for graduation. Some will say that their advisory meeting is a fun time that they get to spend with friends, and

others will say that they count the seconds until it is over.

When students reach senior year and have finished all graduation requirements, they don’t have advisory anymore, unless they haven’t finished their requirements.

This is a time when most students need the advisory sessions. Those students who have put everything off until the last minute need someone there to guide them in the right direction. Junior Bekah Blake said, “Advisors aren’t my favorite thing to do, but they help me for later in life.”

Junior Jordan DeMoss, a member of IHS, said, “I’m really glad for projects class; it really helps me prepare for college.”

IHS students attend projects period during each advisory session when regular students meet with their advisors.

Advisory teacher Mrs. Crisalli said, “I have been with my advisor students for three years now, and even though they are chatty, I enjoy the time we spend in class.” Advisory should be looked at as a reward rather than as a chore.

Despite harsh reactions from some students, advisory classes do help. For those in regular classes, do everything that you can to make your advisory class fun for all involved. For IHS students, continue to try and get everything you can from your projects teacher for the next step heading toward your future. Advisory is in its fifth year of existence and is constantly being developed. If one thing is to be said about advisory and projects, it’s that they will be around for a very long time.

Chinese lillies decorate the garden areas

Students walk by the planters every day not realizing the plants that are right under their noses

by Gabe Anderson staff writer Sacred Chinese lillies are bringing good vibes to Sheldon High School. They are growing in the garden areas that are spread out around our school. Anyone can stop and smell the flowers; there’s one garden area across from the scheduling office, another in between the math and IHS hallways and one more directly across from the computer lab hallway. These lillies are such beautiful flowers; when they sprout you will see the luscious colors come out from the top of the plants. Campus supervisor Darin Henry said, “The colors are delightful and you are sure to enjoy looking at the white, purple, and yellow lily.” The Chinese lily is a beautiful flower that originated from China and has been cultivated for over three thousand years. It came to America and is now growing in many gardens today.

The Chinese lily is well known and respected as the emblem of summer and abundance. Sophomore Donovan Rubio said, “I have Chinese lillies growing in my garden all the way from May to the beginning of July.” Henry said, “The beautiful lillies are going to be sprouted in our greeneries for only a few days.”

We, the students of Sheldon High School, are privileged to see these beautiful flowers grow as we walk to class and it’s about time we notice them.

Junior Liddya Moore said, “The Chinese lily is very pretty and the vibrant colors are wonderful to look at.”

Alicia Luck photo

The Chinese lillies are getting ready to bloom for just a few short days this year.

Halo is given a new life in Halo Wars Halo Wars disappoints many gamers after the success of the Halo trilogy

by Brandon Kieser staff writer Halo Wars is a game made by Bungie that is supposed to be a prequel to the Halo trilogy. It isn’t the normal firstperson shooter like the other Halo games. It uses realtime strategy; a type of game where one selects their units and sends them off to fight and conquer. Other examples of this gameplay might be Starcraft and Warcraft.

Some Halo fans hate the game because it just isn’t Halo anymore. Others love it because it has Halo in the name. Supposedly it’s a direct rip off of the Star Wars real-time strategy called Empire at War. Halo Wars is based during the early times of the war between the UNSC (United Nations Space Corps) and the Covenant. It has a variety of controllable units. For the UNSC one could have units such as Spartans and Marines. There are vehicles known to fans such as the Scorpion and the Warthog, and one could also have the airborne Hornet. For the Covenant, one could have basic units such as the Jackal, Grunt an,d the feared Hunter. For vehicles, one can have the Ghost and the Wraith, and the airborne Banshee. There are many more playable units, but those are some examples previously seen in the games.

Senior Robert O’Rourke rated the game an 8 out of 10. He also said that he liked the “detailed videos between the levels.” He said the plot wasn’t very clear, but he hasn’t beaten the game yet either. On the other hand, senior Mike Leupold rated the game a 4 out of 10, and overall, he didn’t really like it.