Issue 4: The Gift of Giving

NWDEC. PASSAGE 15, 2016 VOL. 48 ISSUE 04

Giving THE GIFT OF

ALMOST VOGUE

FROM THE FIELD TO THE OFFICE

Students in fashion merchandising create new fashion with recyclable materials

Physical education teacher accepts the role of interim associate principal

PAGE 05

PAGE 11

THE NEXT STEP Five athletes sign their college letters of intent PAGE 13

PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

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Issue 4 Dec. 15, 2016

5 8-9 10 11 14-15

Almost Vogue

Students in fashion merchandising create new fashion with recyclable materials

The Gift of Giving Not-So-Late-Night From the Field to the Office

Physical education teacher accepts the role of interim associate principal

The Next Step Five athletes sign their college letters of intent

OUR PURPOSE:

STAFF:

The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of the Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. The Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every four weeks during second hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $25. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise, the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find the solution. In these cases, the editor-in-chief and editorial board will have the say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The editor-in-chief and editorial board reserve the right to refuse any letter.

PUBLICATION OVERSIGHT:

02 DEC. 15, 2016 | Vol. 48

Editor-in-Chief Online Managing Editor

STAFF WRITERS: Grace Gorenflo Jack Lynch

CONTENT MANAGEMENT: Design Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor

Shelby Beaumont Makaila Williams Cadence Elder Taryn Smith Maddy Manning

SECTION EDITORS: Opinion & Lifestyle Editor Sports & Mulitmedia Editor Entertainment Editor Ads Manager

Asher Norberg Matthew Owens Benjamin Becker Sara Babcock

Agnès Aycock Kasey Gardner Samantha Joslin Anastasia Kling Michael Rock Jackie Sayers Joshua Sherfy STAFF DESIGNERS: Rachel Albers Mia McDonald ADVISERS Adviser Assistant Adviser Assistant Adviser

Susan Massy Wes Mikel Catie Madderom

POLITICAL CONNOTATION OVERTAKES ETHICAL SOLIDARITY The district's decision to ban safety pins on shirts is legally justifiable but morally displeasing

Shawnee Mission School District and Board of Education Policies Section: G: Personnel (Licensed and NonLicensed)

+BY JOSHUA SHERFY

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he First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution extends the right of free speech and the ability to petition or protest against the government to all people, regardless of age, race, gender or occupation. When the people believe that their First Amendment rights have been compromised, it is a matter of great concern.

The week following the Presidential election, StuCo distributed safety pins in an attempt to counter some of the tension that followed the election. Some students and faculty donned the pins until the Shawnee Mission School District’s ruling to remove the pins was issued Nov. 21. The district’s controversial decision to prohibit faculty members from wearing safety pins was met with ridicule at the Nov. 28 Board of Education meeting.

The seemingly unambiguous words of the First Amendment become less clear in regard to the workplace rights of the nearly 150-million-strong workforce within the United States.

The purpose of the pins was to show support for those who were the focus of negative campaign rhetoric. This does not necessarily place blame on any candidate in particular, but the pins were decidedly political. The government’s goal of fairly representing, protecting and improving the lives of all people cannot be compromised by biased political speech, even if it supports a positive message.m It is illegal to revoke First Amendment rights from anybody without their consent.

However, private companies limit what can be said, worn or discussed within the workspace by including a code of conduct in their policies. Upon signing a contract with the employer, the employee agrees to conform to these company policies.

03 DEC. 15, 2016 | Vol. 48

For the more than 20 million Americans employed by the federal, state or local government, the standards of the private world do not apply. However, this does not mean that their First Amendment rights can be expressed without restrictions.

Employees of the federal government are subject to the government standard of eliminating “viewpoint bias.”

The role of non-elected government employees, such as teachers, to operate without potential bias toward any political party assists in maintaining fair jurisdiction. The issue that then presents itself is not a question of legality but, rather, of connotation.

Those who argue that political connotation alone cannot be used as reasoning to suppress free speech are met with an alternative argument.

According to the 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, it is unconstitutional to limit free speech just because there is potential for disruption. Regardless of whether the safety pins are deemed political or not, Shawnee Mission School District officials claim that disruption was created between teachers due to the pins. District officials did not provide further details on the reported disruption and, unless challenged legally, are under no obligation to do so.

Although the decision can be defended legally, the issue remains unresolved.

District policy has not defined connotation in any manner. Wearing a shirt with a donkey or elephant printed on the front could technically be deemed political.

Just as safety pins, previously seen as a form of repairing or fastening clothing, can now be tied to bipartisan disputes.

Title: Political Activities Number: GAHB Status: Active Adopted: February 23, 2015 It is the policy of the district that students, according to district policy, are entitled to a learning environment free from political indoctrination and unwanted partisan politics. To that end, no district employee shall use, in any way, the classrooms, schools, or pupils for the purposes of solicitation, promotion, election or defeat of any candidate for public office or for any ballot question.

Examples of prohibited use include the display of political posters, distribution of political literature and wearing political or campaign buttons in schools or at school activities when the employee is on duty.

12-22-2016

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Almost

vogue

Students in fashion merchandising create new fashion with recyclable materials +BY SAMANTHA JOSLIN AND ANASTASIA KLING

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he NW art gallery was the subject of surprised peeks and double-takes as students saw mannequins adorned in unconventional dresses made of plastic bags, maps and newspapers.

Fashion merchandising students created the dresses as part of an assignment requiring them to craft gowns from recycled materials.

“Surprisingly, the recycled items are easier to work with than fabric,” FACs teacher Kiera O’Boyle said. “Plus, it’s more fun that way. The students get more creative than usual.”

Juniors Maddie Troutt and Lilly Novak partnered up for the assignment and created one of the dresses now on display in the gallery. Troutt and Novak put a unique spin on their project by using maps to make part of the bodice (the part of a woman’s dress that is above the waist), although that wasn’t originally their idea. The girls’ final product changed dramatically from their first sketch as they experimented with their vision and fixed mistakes.

Originally, they had planned to make flowers out of newspaper for the sleeves and have the back end in a simple V, but decided to go for a sleeker look with blue ribbon on the neck that crossed in the back.

“We knew a lot of people would be doing paper and plastic, so we tried to come up with something different,” Novak said. “We had to get a feel for what would work and what wouldn’t.

It’s more than sketching and throwing it onto the mannequin.”

Novak and Troutt ran into trouble when they began attaching the maps to the mannequin. They ended up having to cut the maps into an abundance of triangles to make them fit correctly on the body. Experimenting with shapes is what gave them the unique look of their dress.

“I really liked the maps on Maddie and Lilly’s dress,” O’Boyle said. “That was very creative. They had a lot of fun playing with different shapes to make the maps work. The color and everything just kind of came together.

It was really cool.”

Another unique project was made by seniors Hayden Barbour and Issy Wallis. They used chicken wire as the base for their dress to create a fuller and more malleable shape. They pinned tissue paper to the wire to craft a homecoming dress made entirely of recycled material.

“The chicken wire was a great idea,” O’Boyle said. “It helped them develop the shape and entire concept of their dress.”

Students in the class not only learn how to craft clothing, but learn how it is produced. In addition, they learn about emerging trends and career opportunities.

Due to decreased enrollment, this is the first time in five years fashion merchandising has been offered as a course.

Through the class, Barbour has realized that she would like to go into the fashion industry. During a fieldtrip to the Country Club Plaza, students met with the retail staffs of several shops. There Barbour met a buyer, who sparked her interest in the field.

“Going to the Plaza was amazing,” Barbour said. “That just made me realize, ‘Wow, it would be awesome to do what they’re doing.’”

Fashion merchandising has opened students’ eyes to careers in the fashion world. In a publication project for the class, Novak found that she enjoyed making ads, and now wants to go into advertising.

“I got way too into that magazine,” Novak said. “It was just so much fun. I’m thinking about majoring in advertising and then applying it toward fashion.”

The course provides students with information regarding fashion design, sales, advertising and buying, in addition to more specific jobs like textile design.

“This class opens your eyes to jobs you didn’t even know were out there,” Novak said. “It’s such a good opportunity for anyone that wants to do something fashion-related.”

NW PASSAGE | feature 05

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06 DEC. 15, 2016 | Vol. 48

INTO THE SPOTLIGHT Three repertory theater students put on their own shows

+BY MICHAEL ROCK

Josh Harris

Jonathan Alexander

Alyssa Gaul

The Cola Conflict

Who Would Believe You?

My Name is Rachel Corrie

Stage manager and master electrician Josh Harris wrote and directed The Cola Conflict performed Dec. 9 and 10.

The technical director for Theatre in the Park, Harris’ father, introduced him to live theater.

Harris was inspired to write a play during the hours he spent reading through shows backstage.

“With each show I had my own critiques and different ways I would have done it,” Harris said.

His original play The Cola Conflict was a story about a man who won a lifetime supply of Killer Cola and struggled with the consequences.

Making his vision a reality was trying at times.

“At first, it was a bit difficult to have everyone see what I was seeing,” Harris said. “But when it all came together it was very cool, and I loved it.”

Harris became involved with Thespian Troupe #888 his freshman year, working behind the scenes as a technician. However, he recently landed the role of Dr. Sanderson in the winter play Harvey.

After high school, Harris plans to branch out to other forms of media.

“I would like to eventually move into directing film and writing my own movies but I feel I’ll stay in technical theater for a while,” Harris said. “If I do stay in technical theater, I’ll most likely just work in a multitude of theaters around town until I find a place I can get a steady position at.”

Keli Rodgers, director of the theater program, has worked with Harris through all four years of his theater career.

“As with all students in the theater program, I hope they gain knowledge of the art and craft of theater,” Rodgers said. “I hope they gain confidence in their own abilities and learn to trust their best judgement. I hope they learn to lead and work in a group. Josh has gained in all these areas.”

“Writing and directing a play has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve had the pleasure to do at Northwest,” senior Jonathan Alexander said. “I’ve been trying to write things for a long time, and it’s what I want to do with my life.”

A four-year veteran of Thespian Troupe #888, Alexander’s play Who Would Believe You? premiered Dec. 2.

His directorial debut told the story of a girl who returns home from college to find that the tragedy she is still reeling from may not be over.

“It just sort of came to me in the middle of the night,” Alexander said. “The idea had been forming itself over the course of a long time, and it just sort of all came together into a cohesive story.”

After working on the play for months, Alexander enjoyed the different perspectives each actor brought to the stage.

“Everyone who I cast put their own spin onto their lines,” Alexander said. “They asked a lot of questions that I hadn’t really thought of. It was really cool to get a different view.”

In the six years of their friendship, senior Morgan Lowry has collaborated with Alexander on several stories and has seen his writing improve.

“His writing has gone from the whimsical dreams of a middle-schooler to being someone dedicated to his work and creativity,” Lowry said.

Alexander considered the production a significant learning experience.

“I feel like I learned a lot as a writer, director and an actor,” Alexander said. “I’d never seen this angle of a performance before, so it was very enlightening. It was a great learning experience to work alongside my peers and see the script in a different way; to see it come to life from scratch.”

My Name is Rachel Corrie was a one-woman show starring junior Alyssa Gaul, performed Dec. 13 and 14. The play is based on the diaries of Rachel Corrie, a peace activist who was run over by a bulldozer in Palestine in 2003 while protesting Israeli violence toward Palestinian families and their homes.

Gaul chose to produce My Name is Rachel Corrie because of her admiration for the play’s titular character.

“I loved the writing so much; Rachel felt like me in some ways,” Gaul said.

Playing in a one-woman show was a new, sometimes intimidating, experience for Gaul.

“With other actors [on the stage], you can play off of them and you have less to memorize,” Gaul said. “When you are up by yourself, it’s all up to you.”

Junior Ellaina Ballou has acted alongside Gaul in other productions at NW. “Alyssa is a very committed actress,” Ballou said. “She takes her roles very seriously and is easy to work with. With each role she does, she gets better and better.”

Gaul has been involved in NW theater since her freshman year, starting as a backstage technician. She was also involved in productions with the Christian Youth Theater and Immeasurable Productions, two theater companies in the area.

Gaul plans to keep theater in her life after high school.

“I’m not sure what I want to do, but I do know that it will be a part of my life for as long as I live,” Gaul said. “Even if it’s a side passion, I love it too much to stop.”

NW PASSAGE | feature 07

THE GIFT OF GIVING The holidays are a time to celebrate all that you have. People gather to share meals and bring gifts, and some carry traditions of giving back during the holidays. Organizations, such as CCC, Student Council and Interact Club are particularly busy this time of the year. However, the giving season doesn’t end when the holidays have passed. + COMPILED BY GRACE GORENFLO, ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JOSHUA SHERFY

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Help is needed all year round 3.

1. Stop Hunger Now | www.stophungernow.org/host-meal-packaging-event/ Stop Hunger Now is an opportunity to work toward “ending world hunger,” one bag of food at a time. For organizations who host meal packaging events, Stop Hunger Now will provide the materials. The host organization provides the work force.

2. Ronald McDonald House Charities | 2502 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. 64108 | (816) 842-8321 The three Ronald McDonald houses of Kansas City provide temporary lodging to children and their families who travel to the KC area for medical treatment.

3. Harvesters | 3801 Topping Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64129 | (816) 929-3000 Harvesters provides food and household items to not-for-profit agencies in 26 counties in Missouri and Kansas.

4. Habitat for Humanity | 1423 E Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64109 | Habitat for Humanity Kansas City builds affordable housing for low to medium income families who are looking to own a home.

5. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City | 1709 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108 | (816) 777-2892 BBBSKC pairs at-risk youth with adult mentors, ages 16 and older, who can be positive influences for them and help them build successful lives.

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Info

Ink in

Adopt-A-Tot

61 49

helped a total of

tots participated in

Adopt-A-Tot this year.

families in the

Head Start Program

Northwest

5,543

CANS

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1. Luna, one of 49 Head Start children, hugs the stuffed duck she was given by the journalism students in Room 151 Dec. 9.

The annual Adopt-a-tot program provides Christmas presents and necessities to low-income families. 2. Posing for her mom, Summer plays with her new toy, Rainbow Dash, Dec. 9 in Room 126. Summer was the tot that Rebecca Anthony’s fourth hour purchased Christmas presents and necessities for. 3. Sophomore Alieu Jagne passes Canned Food Drive t-shirts to students Nov. 8 in Room 126. T-shirts cost $5 and were worth 2,000 points. 4.

Senior Anna Taylor counts donated money Nov. 18 outside Room 132. The school raised $5,692.27 this year. 5. Grinning, junior Alyssa Gaul, puts on a Canned Food Drive shirt during fifth hour Nov. 18 in Room 126. Gaul’s AP U.S. History class placed third in the large class category with 1,830 points. Her class brought in 86 cans, $106 and bought 11 shirts.

COLLECTED

RAISED

$5,692.27

during the canned food drive this year.

An Interact Impact Interact Club partnered with the Lenexa Rotary twice this season. They sponsored a Stop Hunger Now event Nov. 29 to package meals to send to developing countries. Members of the community were invited to participate.

Interact members also volunteered Dec. 2 at the Johnson County Christmas Bureau where low income families can select food items, necessities and Christmas presents.

“Not only is serving an opportunity to directly impact and improve our community, it’s also a great way to build relationships and network with wonderful people and organizations,” Interact member Kayla Craigmile said.

“We want to spread the word so that more people are aware that the ability to serve is right at their fingertips.”

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10 DEC. 15, 2016 | Vol. 48

6.

Not-So-Late

Night

1. After performing in the senior Christmas dance, seniors Katie McCluskey and Jordyn Burke chant for the seniors during Not So Late Night in the Main Gym. The senior Christmas dance is an annual event performed by senior drill team members and their male dance partners. PHOTO BY BRYCE REX 2. Cheering, freshman Emily Motsick peps up her class’ section with freshmen cheer. The freshmen dressed in yellow for the assembly. PHOTO BY ABBIE ROBERTS 3. Jumping up and down, juniors Jacob Cobler, Claudia Shamet and Will Gross cheer for their fellow juniors Megan Nugent, Reid Stimach, Jordan Nachbar and Jack Merritt in the class competitions. The theme for Not So Late Night was colors and the juniors were assigned the color red. “Assemblies are a lot of fun to be a part of,” Cobler said. “There’s so much energy throughout the gym and competitive spirit between the classes.” PHOTO BY MAYA LEE 4. In a lip sync, sophomore Sam Converse, dressed as Santa, stands among other sophomores during their skit. They danced and lip synced to many Christmas themed songs such as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” “I’m not shy at all when it comes to being in front of a lot of people and doing something crazy,” Converse said. “It was an amazing feeling knowing everyone was watching me and me alone.”

PHOTO BY ABBIE ROBERTS 5. Pulling the rope, senior Michaela Keller competes in tug-of-war against the sophomore team. In Not So Late Night, each class competed in several games to determine a champion. PHOTO BY NICK STYERS 6. On the floor, sophomore Henry Fears celebrates with his fellow classmates after beating senior Jake Snider in competition. After Spirit Club and the judges had a discussion, the sophomore class tied with the senior class for the Spirit Stick because Snider’s balloon tore during the competition. “When the sophomores crowded around me, I felt very special and happy,” Fears said. PHOTO BY BRYCE REX

FROM THE FIELD TO THE OFFICE Physical education teacher accepts the role of interim associate principal + BY KASEY GARDNER

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rian Vesta, physical education teacher and assistant football coach, has been named interim associate principal, replacing associate principal Tom Moss.

“I am excited to help Northwest in any way that I can,” Vesta said. “It will be fun to interact with our tremendous teachers and excellent students in a different way. I am looking forward to anything I can do to support the success of Northwest.”

As of late October, Moss’ name had been removed from his office and was no longer listed on the school’s online staff roster.

Moss, who came to Northwest in 1986 as the band director, became one of four associate principals in 2000. Only two current teachers have been at Northwest longer than Moss.

Although attempts were made to reach Moss, he was not available for comment.

Moss’ leave of absence was due to personal matters, according Gruman, who added that he has not been fired or asked to retire.

“There have been some personal circumstances and Mr. Moss needed to take a leave of absence that would extend through the end of the school year,” Gruman said.

“Those weren’t anticipated, so it’s not the rumors that have been flying around.”

She does not expect Moss to return.

As an interim associate principal, Vesta will be in charge of disciplinary actions for students with last names H-O, classroom walkthroughs, collecting building data and teacher evaluations, among other things. “[To be an assistant administrator] you need to have a building administrator certification, have a good rapport with students, build relationships and have a strong skill set related to instruction and instruction strategy,” Gruman said. “You have to be willing to adjust to a lot of different things that come your way.”

Building substitute and gymnastics coach Jessica Rood, will be taking over Vestas’ classes until he returns to his teaching and coaching positions next fall. By that time, someone will be named associate principal.

For now, both Gruman and Vesta agree that the transition is going well.

“My transition into filling this gap was a natural fit,” Vesta said.

PHOTO BY NATE THOMPSON

NW PASSAGE | feature 11

Not So Late Night Spirit Week Winners Students tagged @smnwdotcom in photos of themselves during the Not So Late Night spirit week. They were selected through Twitter polls and now have the opportunity to be featured in The Northwest Passage. Don’t forget to tag us in your next Spirit Week photos.

Alex Oleson Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

12 DEC. 15, 2016 | Vol. 48

Jordann Nachbar, Hannah Black Twin Day

Jake Snider Class Color day

Ashlyn Mills, Kayla Craigmile, Alieu Jangne Galaxy Day

Halli Said, Lilly Novak Blackout Day

Forks STROUD’S SERVES THE BEST CHICKEN-FRIED CHICKEN IN KC

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here is a reason that Stroud’s is an institution: quality.

Walking into Stroud’s was like walking into grandma’s house. White lace curtains covering the windows and the old photographs hanging on the walls added to the feeling of comfort and familiarity, a stark contrast to the more conventional Cheddar’s.

Every aspect of the meal was amazing. All the sides, like the crisp, home-cooked green beans, were served family-style.

And those beans were far better than the sad, limp ones at Cheddar’s. The chicken noodle soup was incredibly flavorful, far better than anything my grandma ever made. If there was a larger serving, it could be a standout entrée in its own right. The mashed potatoes could cause fights between longtime friends. The cinnamon rolls were dinner rolls covered in thick layers of cinnamon and sugar and, although they were unlike a “normal”

cinnamon roll, they were the best I’ve ever had.

And the chicken. Oh, the chicken.

I may be a bit dramatic, but it is quite possibly the best food in Kansas City. The chicken fried chicken from Stroud’s could go 12 rounds with any burnt ends in the area. It is juicy, savory, crunchy and mouth-watering.

While there isn’t as much chicken as at Cheddar’s, every bite is far more filling than the entire meal at the competing restaurant.

The only problem with the experience was the rude waitress who, until the end of the meal, was kind but made an incredibly snide remark when she didn’t think a 20 percent tip was enough. If it weren’t for the quality of the food, the entire experience would have been ruined.

Stroud’s serves the best fried chicken in the area — far superior to Cheddar’s.

Stroud’s is simply better.

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At Stroud’s, the same meal cost $16.75 plus an extra $8.75 if I chose to split the meal (this covers the addition of sides for each person). The extra cost to split the meal at Stroud’s cost almost as much as the entire meal at Cheddar’s.

The sides at Cheddar’s were not as delicious at the ones at Stroud’s, but the chicken, which is the main entree, was significantly better. At Stroud’s, the breading was not thick enough or crunchy enough, and the chicken was too thin and dry. The green beans were limp and overcooked at Cheddar’s but the mashed potatoes were a little more memorable. Pieces of potato skin were mixed in with chunks of mashed potato, providing an alternative texture to classic mashed potatoes.

Cheddar’s, surprisingly, had a more homestyle meal than Stroud’s, whose goal is to make people feel at home.

CHEDDAR’S

+BY JACK LYNCH

SOMETIMES THE MOST SURPRISING PLACES CAN BE THE MOST COMFORTING heddar’s is a slice of home overshadowed by the chaos of the Oak Park Mall parking lot.

As a national chain Cheddar’s looks more like a fine dining restaurant with its dark hardwood interior, elegantly unusual ceiling fans and signature aquarium. Surprisingly, it had the best homestyle chicken fried chicken I’d ever eaten. It did not have the “homey” atmosphere that Stroud’s did, but it did not need it.

The chicken was covered with a thick layer of crispiness, while Stroud’s chicken had hardly any at all. The hint of sweetness in Cheddar’s breading is what made it hard to stop eating the chicken. But that was okay because the order contained two meaty pieces of chicken rather than the thin piece of chicken from Stroud’s.

For an order of chicken fried chicken with green beans, mashed potatoes and Texas toast, costs $10.49.

STROUD’S

PHOTO BY TARYN SMITH

+BY CADIE ELDER

PHOTO BY MADDY MANNING

NW PASSAGE | opinion 13

The Next Step

+PHOTO BY SIDNEY HENKENSIEFKEN

ZACH REEDER Baseball | Shortstop University of Evansville

Five athletes sign their college letters of intent +BY BENJAMIN BECKER, MATTHEW OWENS AND JACKIE SAYERS

Q: What motivates you to work hard in order to win?

A: Making my mom proud. I strive to be the hardest worker on the field and to make

Five athletes sat side by side ready to take the next step in their athletic careers. Each made a short speech of gratitude to the crowd that included parents, coaches, friends and teammates. Then the athletes picked up a pen to sign their letters of intent, committing to continue to play the sport they love.

her proud. She pushes me to my limit every day. She’s proved so much for me and my brothers, and I couldn’t thank her enough for it.

Q: What inspiring thing has a coach said to you?

A: My old coach Jim Flack used to have the simplest speeches that really got me motivated and loving the spot at such a young age.

+PHOTO BY MADDY MANNING

Q: Why did you choose Evansville as your University?

A: The coaching staff and players welcomed me with open arms. The education is really

great there as well. The main reason was it’s been a dream of mine to play college baseball with my brother and having him there will make the experience unforgettable.

BRITTA COLEMAN Volleyball | Outside Hitter Fort Hays State University

JAVIER PEÑA

Q: Why did you commit to Fort Hays State University?

A: They have a really good volleyball program, but besides that, I want to major in

+PHOTO BY SHELBY BEAUMONT

Baseball | Middle Infield and Shortstop Butler County Community College

geology and minor in volcanology, and they have both those things there. When I was initially looking at colleges to send my videos to, I focused on schools that had my major, because it’s not as common.

Q: What is your favorite memory with baseball?

A: Sophomore year, we were playing SM East and we were down by two runs, coming

Q: What is the hardest part about volleyball?

A: Being mentally tough. It’s all about thinking ahead and knowing what’s going to

into the last three innings, and I was up to hit in a pressure situation. I had played the year before on varsity, but just a few games. I hit a double down the left field line, got on second. I scored, Nate Reeder scored, and then we ended up winning that game and going to the championship game.

happen if the other team does certain things.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about playing volleyball in college?

A: I’m looking forward to taking it to the next level. Ever since I was a freshman, and

Q: Who are your influential figures?

A: My dad. He’s always supported me, he’s always taken me to my games. When I was

I started thinking about it, I’ve always been like “I can do it,” and that was the one goal I set for myself. And just being able to say, “I did it,” is super important to me emotionally.

younger, he would always take me to the fields so I could practice, hit me ground balls, do everything.

Q: How do you feel when you’re playing baseball?

A: I try to not think. I like to just go about the game how it comes to you. If you try to

think too much during baseball, you’ll mess up. I try to just keep it simple, and go with the flow.

DYLAN NEDVED

JOE TODD

Baseball | Third Base Hutchinson Community College

Baseball | Pitcher Neosho County Community College Q: Who has been you biggest fan throughout your whole career?

Q: What’s the best thing about baseball?

A: I play baseball whenever I need to relieve my stress. I play it to have fun, play it to be

Q: What do you like the most about playing baseball?

Q: Are there any athletes you look up to?

A: I don’t look up to any professionals. I look up to my coach. He’s a really successful

Q: What did you decide on Neosho?

Q: What do your teammates do to push you?

A: They mainly just yell at me. But whenever I’m in the weightroom, trying to get that

serious. It’s just the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.

A: My parents. I can’t choose one. My dad’s the one who pushes me to get better and better, but my mom is the reason for my mental strength. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.

college athlete and he played two professional sports. He came from a poor background and had to work hard his whole life, so I look up to him. He’s my biggest inspiration

A: The thing I like most about baseball is how it developed me as a person. Whether it is my attitude on the field and off, or the patience as well as the craft needed for the game and life.

+PHOTO BY ABBY RYAN

14 DEC. 15, 2016 | Vol. 48

A: Deciding my pick was tough. The deciding factor was the coaches. They understood where I wanted to go and they understood me as a person also and not just a player.

+PHOTO BY GRACE ROEDER

last rep, my teammates are sitting there, pushing me, cheering me on. It gives you that extra adrenaline that you need to get it done.

NW PASSAGE | sports 15

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[This game] was special because West is a rival school. We wanted to show that our school spirit is like no other. People are sleeping on this team.”

— SENIOR WILL HAUSER