Vol 34 issue 9

Page 1

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Lonergan awarded coaching honor by Brian Price After sixteen years of coaching track at his alma mater, Maine South English teacher Jim Lonergan has been recognized by his peers for outstanding enthusiasm and abiUty. On January 10, Lonergan was awarded the Dave Pasquini Award as the Illinois Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the year. This award, which is in memory of a former Glenbrook South track coach, was presented to him at the organization's annual clinic at Oak Park-River Forest High School. Since 1983 he has served as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Bill Drennan, helping primarily with jumping and vaulting at every level. I Many of these jumpers and vaulters have had tremendous success, including numerous conference champions at all levels and fourteen state qualifiers. Of the many he has coached, Mike Vukovich tops the list of outstanding athletes. He was the seventh person in Illinois history to break the photo by Ines Coach Lonergan 7'0" barrier and eventually finished third in the state. Other standouts include coaching. He enjoys coaching track at all Steve Stephens, whose 14'0" vault tied an levels because, he " can develop relationindoor record; Dino Gardiakos, who had a ships with the young people and see their remarkable jump of 22'3" in competition development through the four years. I conlast year; and countless others. sider many of the former jumpers and vaultAlthough he enjoys these exceptional ers I coached to be good friends." Even after the season he continues to performances, equally rewarding for him are the personal bests and individual goals that work with track athletes in his "Air Time" are achieved through hard work. The indi- clinic for pole-vaulters. This clinic has viduals who may not receive the great acco- drawn 100 vaulters, both male and female, lades but still strive to do their best and help ages 8 to 72. Among the notable participants are a nathe team are a part of his deep affection for

tional-level female and a 72 year old Senior Olympian. He started the camp seven years ago to "create something anyone could try and improve in for their own sake. I keep it low-key and the participants can go to the limits they want to." He also enjoys the fact that entry is purely on a voluntary level. Unlike other sports camps, where students' summers are scheduled by their coaches, the participants simply come to have fun and challenge themselves. Coach Drennan sums it up in saying, "Jim's great love is the pole vault. Coaches who know him appreciate his uncommon dedication to this unique event." The people he coaches feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to benefit from his guidance. Says junior jumper Kevin Geist, "He is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He teaches us a great deal and seems to know exactly how we're thinking because of his experience." His fellow coaches have also come to appreciate his abilities as a coach. Adds Coach Drennan, "Jim is the first one out at practice and usually the last one to leave. He is the coach with all the keys, with a bag of tools and with a full complement of his own gadgets which make the track program run smoothly." In addition to his duties as track coach, he also serves as sophomore girls' volleyball coach. He also contributes as the familiar voice on Friday nights announcing the Hawks basketball games. After over twenty years at Maine South as a student, teacher and coach, he continues to exemplify the ideals of "Hawk Pride."

Freedom of expression, what is it? by Elizabeth Gibbons Freedom of expression is a right inherent in the American system. Guaranteed by the first amendment, it has sparked much controversy during the course of history. Yet, many do not realize that freedom of expression is not limited to speaking and writing; it extends into art as well. The supreme court

has held that if a work of art is of merit and appeals to appreciation of culture, the artist has the right to display it publicly. This view, however, often comes into conflict with community standards, and that is where the batde begins. The controversy regarding art and freedom of expression has reached even the

acclaimed Maine South Art Department. The art department has won over one hundred sixty National Scholastic Art awards and participates in seventeen different categories ofcompetition in four shows. But can a work of art be considered good, yet still unsuitable for display? continued on page 8


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