Bruin baseball posts impressive season despite last-minute loss in South State championship Page 10
Bear Facts the
VOLUME 20, NO. 5
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
St. Joe adopts new bell schedule for fall compiled from staff reports St. Joseph Catholic School will use a new bell schedule this fall designed to make it easier for students who participate in performing arts and athletics. Students will take a total of seven classes. Two classes will meet every day of the week for 50 minutes; one period will start the day, and the other will end the day. The remaining five classes will rotate, with four of them meeting every day for 60 minutes each.
The two fixed INSIDE periods will offer fine arts stun Sample dents and athclass bell letes a chance to schedule, practice during the school day PAGE 4 and reduce the amount of time they spend in practice before and after school. “I think it is going to give families more time together because it will limit the length of after-school practice,”
Principal Dena Kinsey said. “I want families to be able to eat dinner together.” The new bell schedule comes one year after the school adopted a DENA series of bell schedules KINSEY under former Principal Doug Jones. Mrs. Kinsey said the new schedule will be easier to follow and allow for more consistency on a day-to-day basis. The schedule will offer several
changes from the bell schedules used during the 2016-2017 school year. n The school day will begin and end at about the same time every day, aligning closely with bell schedules at the three Catholic elementary feeder schools of St. Anthony, St. Richard and Sister Thea Bowman. Theoretically, all schools will end their days at about the same time. n Weekly Mass will move from Wednesday to Thursday as requested by local Catholic pastors. While students will follow a modified Mass day
After more than 50 years of combined service, St. Joseph bids retiring teachers Barbara Mustain, Cathy Thomas, Bill Walberg and Pam Walberg . . .
A FOND FAREWELL
schedule, they are expected to attend all six classes that day. n Rather than have a late start every Thursday, students will be dismissed early on the first and third Wednesday of every month so teachers can attend faculty meetings or professional development sessions. n Students will no longer have a late start on Thursdays. This means second lunch will no longer start at 1:25 p.m. like this year. See SCHEDULE, Page 4
Newest grads set sights on college By MORRISSEY CLAIRE HARMON The Bear Facts
Story by Kim Kaiser, photos by Blaine Turner
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veryone knows the INSIDE phrase “All good n Other things must come to teachers an end.” ready to leave for new For St. Joseph Catholic opportunities School students, faculty, parPAGE 3 ents and alumni, the phrase is about to hit home when four longtime teachers with more than 50 years of combined service to the school formally retire. Mrs. Barbara Mustain, Mr. Bill Walberg, Mrs. Pam Walberg and Mrs. Cathy Thomas
BARBARA MUSTAIN
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It’s important that you love what you do. And I can honestly say that I enjoyed my time here.”
See RETIREES, Page 3
INSIDE TODAY
BILL WALBERG
– Mrs. Pam Walberg, retiring teacher
ABOVE: Mrs. Cathy Thomas teaches a U.S. history class. MAIN PHOTO: Mrs. Pam Walberg, helps freshman Neziah Igwebuike in World Geography class. Mrs. Thomas and Mrs., Walberg will retire from St. Joseph at end of the current school year.
St. Joseph Catholic School now has a new group of 50 alumni after graduation ceremonies Wednesday night at Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson. The commenceINSIDE ment program n Alex Bellan capped two days of graduation events to Coast Guard that began Tuesday Academy, night with BaccaPAGE 4 laureate Mass and Senior Awards at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt. Next up for most: College in August. “The Mass and awards ceremony was a beautiful event. The church was full, and the Mass was celebrated by Father Kevin Slattery, who is the canonical adminDREW istrator for St. Joe,” St. Joe LIESS Principal Dena Kinsey said. Valedictorian Graduation was the culmination of years of work among members of the senior class. Some students attended St. Joe since the seventh grade. Others joined in eighth grade or in high school. Either way, it was a bitCAROLINE tersweet event – especially DOHERTY Salutatorian for faculty who have taught members of the senior class for much of their high school career. After the Baccalaureate Mass and awards ceremony, many seniors, their families and their friends stayed around to visit and snack on food provided by the junior class. But it was graduation night itself that garnered the most attention. Senior JoJo GrayLewis said he is proud of all he accomplished at St. Joe; he said he also is proud to call himself an alumnus. “Graduation was a very memorable night,” See SENIORS, Page 4
Bruins to stage Peter Pan,‘Bye Bye Birdie’ By BLAINE TURNER The Bear Facts
St. Joseph Catholic School students will stage two high-profile productions next year: the Peter Pan play “Peter and Students choose Mr. & Miss St. the Star Catcher” and the Tony AwardJoe for 2017, Jackye Gregory and winning musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” Every year St. Joseph’s theater deMatthew Hendley, PAGE 5. partment puts on a fall play and spring musical. One month after this year’s spring musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” theater teacher Leslie Harkins announced next year’s lineup. “I ultimately chose ‘Peter and the Star Catcher’ because it’s something that has not been done in the state of Mississippi,” Ms. Harkins said recently. “It is newly off-Broadway and provides a big cast and opportunity for Senior Stedmam Strickland wins students interested.” another state tennis title, PAGE 9. Besides the play and musical, stu-
dents will stage a third production “Among Friends and Clutter” – a competitive piece exclusively for the Thespian Society Competition. The competition for plays is similar to prose in speech and debate competitions. This is the first time in five or more years that Saint Joseph has showcased
a group competitive piece for the Thespian Society Competition. The St. Joseph community will have a chance to see the Thespian Society Competition play “Among Friends and Clutter” sometime during the second semester of next school year before the play goes to competition.
“It is our first year participating in group act for competition,” Ms. Harkins said. “I think going with a previously done play instead of an original play is a good way to get started, and it provides a nice challenge for the Bruin actors.” “Peter and the Star Catcher” is based on the 2004 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The novel acts as the backstory and prequel to “Peter Pan.” Before settling on “Peter and the Star Catcher,” Ms. Harkins, seriously considered “Footloose” for the 2017 fall play. “Bye Bye Birdie” is loosely based on events surrounding Elvis Presley in the late 1950s when he received his army draft notice. The other musical considered was “Nine to Five.” See THEATER, Page 4
Opinion
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Jesus: A teaching example for all
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hroughout history, there have been numerous influential teachers and leaders who create lasting impacts on various societies around the GRANT world. MURPHY Confucius was a great editor Chinese teacher who left an impact on philosophy all over the world. Aristotle and Plato also left a lasting impact on history in the form of philosophy and invention. In terms of our religious and spiritual history, Jesus is the most influential teacher of all time. From the very beginning, God knew he was going to send his only son to save us from our sins. He also decided that his son’s time on earth was not going to go to waste. This is why he created the most loving, understanding, and relatable teacher we have ever seen. Mary and Joseph knew they had a very special child on their hands the moment they found young Jesus in the temple teaching and spreading good news to adults even at a young age. When they realized that their child already had this ability to show such promising leadership and teaching skills as a young boy, they began to try realize his purpose on earth, foretold by the prophets and angels. I’m sure this
was a very assuring sign to them that calmed their confusion and nerves about the future. There are numerous lessons that we can learn from his teaching and examples. Although some people may think of teaching as straightforward relaying of information, Jesus made his lessons into a personable relationship with everyone he met.
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In terms of our religious and spiritual history, Jesus is the most influential teacher of all time.” Throughout the Bible, there were many instances where Jesus spoke in parables or relatable messages that people could easily understand. As a Catholic school, our teachers strive to imitate Jesus’ teachings in everything that they do. Their call to service is fueled by the burning passion to convey knowledge to their students. Personally, I have had many teachers throughout my Catholic school experience who are strongly rooted in their faith. The most influential teacher for me has been Mrs. Kristi Garrard. Mrs. Garrard first taught me in fifth
grade social studies at St. Richard school. If you ask anyone who knows her, they will tell you they rarely see her without a smile on her face. She is always there to help you or encourage you, no matter what the situation is. She is one of the most cheerful people I know, and it always brightens my day when I see her in the hallway. To me, she is one of the best examples of what Christ wanted his future teachers to become. I’m sure everyone has had at least one teacher in their life who they have greatly appreciated or valued. Teachers, besides your parents, are the people who have the biggest impact of forming you into the person that you will become. Although we may become frustrated with the hundreds of assignments that we are forced to do, teachers do really care for all of us. It is their job to teach you and they truly love to see us succeed. We should all try and imitate the skills we see our teachers display everyday. They work their hardest to ensure our well being, even when they give us a detention for not doing homework. So, I encourage each and everyone of you to display the patient, caring and loving characteristics that Jesus once displayed thousands of years ago. You never know when someone is watching or looking up to you, imitating what you do or attempting to make the world a better place.
What my teachers taught me
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rs. Pam Walberg, Mrs. Barbara Mustain and Mrs. Cathy Thomas have announced their retirement. It saddens me to know BLAINE that these teachers won’t TURNER bless anymore students assistant editor at St. Joseph with the knowledge and wisdom they have bestowed upon hundreds of students throughout their time at our school just as they have blessed me. Each one taught me at different phases of my high school experience. And each one taught me more than just the subject they’re required to teach. Through my life-changing experiences with these teachers, they have each positively impacted the person I have grown into today. Mrs. Pam Walberg taught me Mississippi Studies and World Geography my freshman year. Although I attended St. Joseph for seventh and eighth grade, I was still nervous about my first day of high school. As I walked to into the gym to find my homeroom teacher, I sat with my friends and we compared schedules. I noticed that several of my friends also had Mrs. Walberg at first period. We walked anxiously to her classroom where she greeted us with us the warmest smile I have ever seen on the face of a teacher and a pleasant “Good morning.” Immediately, I felt my anxiety melt away.
She truly set the tone for high school. And without any other words, she let us know we were in good hands. Just the simple, genuine warmth of her greeting let us know that her class would prove to be a true learning experience. Mrs. Walberg not only taught me about the history of Mississippi and the differing cultures of the world, but she also showed me that actions speak much louder than words. Mrs. Mustain taught me sophomore religion. Her class was really eye-opening for me and was like no other class I have taken at any point at St. Joseph. Although we still took notes often and were tested on what we knew about the Catholic Church, she still made time to teach us how to look within ourselves through prayer. Our weekly bell work was to find one or two verses in the Bible, copy it, and at the end of the week reflect on the verses we had chosen. In the beginning, I truly considered this to be a chore. Most times I would just open my Bible and copy a couple of lines and continue talking to my friends. It wasn’t until after a few weeks that I realized that the random verses I had chosen had an over arching theme. Although I just wrote down the first thing I saw, it helped me to find God’s message for me that week. After I realized that, I began to look forward to that weekly assignment. After we did our bell work, we also took time to listen to music or watch
videos and meditate. We also had to memorize different prayers monthly. At first, I thought it was a little elementary but I began to appreciate this exercise as well. In the end, I learned to how truly look within myself, meditate, listen to God, and make changes in my life that led me to be a better student, person and most importantly a better practicing Catholic. Mrs. Cathy Thomas currently teaches me Advanced Placement United States History or APUSH for short. Throughout the year, we have had discussions on controversial topics pertaining to the historical and current events. I was refreshed to have a teacher who was willing to allow students to take a stance on something and defend their arguments. She taught us to defend our point of view without the argument becoming personal or offensive. She allowed us to challenge common thought and allowed us to not be afraid to express ourselves. She has taught me a skill that we can all use: the art of being polite while disagreeing. We all have opinions and just because someone’s opinion differs in thought from you, does not mean that they are wrong. As someone who is on the downside of my high school career, with only one year left, I am truly blessed to say these amazing women have touched my life and impacted me for the better.
Appreciating great teachers
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eaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. The best teachers tend to be approachable, as opposed to intimidating. JOHN DAVID Sometimes shortTOPIK tempered teachers make opinion page effective ones; they editor prepare us for shorttempered bosses. Learning to cope with them is a valuable experience that should not be denied to anyone. My very best teachers were easy to get along with, although it certainly helped if I paid attention in my class and did my work. They are professional without seeming distant. Professionalism requires a certain amount of boundary-setting, which is difficult when dealing with older students where the age gap is often not all that wide. Under a different set of circumstances, they might actually be your friends. My best teachers always seemed to effortlessly walk that very fine line between being an authority figure and being someone I felt I could talk to. They have a good sense of humor. They do not take themselves or their subject matter too seriously. Few things are more
off-putting than faculty members who think they’re much smarter than anyone else in the room (or any room) – unless it’s those who think their subject is the most important of all and expect students to feel the same way – other classes be damned. My best teachers not only understood that their course was just one of several we were taking, but also had a great, self-deprecating wit, often making jokes at their own expense and even sometimes making light of their subject. Humor can sometimes help students grasp the material better. They seem to enjoy what they do. The teachers I remember as the very best were those who clearly loved teaching and got a kick out of associating with students every day. They are demanding without being unkind. In my experience, however, most students want to be challenged; they don’t mind if a lot is expected of them. They
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The best teachers tend to be approachable, as opposed to intimidating.”
BEAR FACTS The
Grant Murphy Editor
John Topik
Opinion Page Editor
Blaine Turner
Managing Editor
Joe Pearson Sports Editor
Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Douglas E. Jones, Principal
just do not want their professors to be jerks. My best teachers were demanding without being mean-spirited. They seem comfortable in their own skin. Perhaps one reason students tend to like these faculty is that they like themselves, without being in love with the sound of their own voices. The best teachers are confident without being arrogant, authoritative without being condescending. They are tremendously creative. They are always willing to entertain new ideas or try new things. Innovation is the term that seems applied almost exclusively to the use of technology. My best teachers were truly innovative, coming up with creative ways to help us understand and remember what they were trying to teach. What made those teachers innovative was not tools or technology but their minds. They make teaching look easy. We all know it is not. Ultimately, great teachers are like great athletes, dancers, or musicians. We learn quickly just how difficult it is to play a sport or an instrument at a very high level. We can not control whether or not we have them or to what degree. There is some truth in the idea that certain people are just born teachers because they are blessed with these traits in abundance.
The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of Saint Joseph Catholic School, is published at least once each quarter of the school year. This newspaper is devoted to the interests of the student body, faculty, parents, alumni and community of Saint Joseph. This paper’s purpose is to reflect the spirit of Saint Joseph Catholic School, keep the school community informed and help promote the school’s Christian values. All stories and photographs are copyright © 2017 by The Bear Facts and Saint Joseph Catholic School. Reproduction and unauthorized use of any article, photograph or graphic in this newspaper is prohibited without explicit written consent in advance. Contact The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927.
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
Our view
Kinsey great choice for St. Joe
St. Joseph students are about to start summer vacation, but preparations for the new school year have already begun. Classes have been selected, the last grades of the fourth quarter have been turned in, and a new principal has been assigned. Mrs. Dena Kinsey, after serving as the high school director for the past two years, was announced as the new principal at the end of Mass on Monday, March 20, the first day back from Spring Break. The news was received with great optimism, including a long round of applause from the student body for one of the most well-known teachers at our school. Tre’jan Rogers, a junior at St. Joseph and a former student of new principal, commented: “Mrs. Kinsey knows the students. And I believe that she will incorporate us into her new job.” Along with this, he said he trusts Mrs. Kinsey to guide the school to a bright future. Mrs. Kinsey has said in several interviews throughout her short time thus far as principal exactly where she wants to guide our school. She knows and cares deeply for her students as she got to know them in the class room as a religion and math teacher in previous years along with watching them play as student athletes post great victories, as well as dignified losses. As high school director, she had an inside look into how a high school is run and got to know the staff on a personal level. Because of this deep understanding, she has continuously maintained from the start that St. Joseph is truly a place to grow. She spoke about how our campus is incredibly rich in academics, arts, and sports. When asked about her feelings about the new position, she immediately replied that she is very excited to lead the school she has grown to love. She also spoke of how she plans to spread this love to the community. Our students are widely known in the Jackson area for their exceptional service work and academic achievements, especially after being voted the No. 1 Catholic in this past year. However, Mrs. Kinsey had a few concerns about how our school is often described. “I have heard so many people come up to me and say that St. Joseph is the best-kept secret in Jackson,” she said. “But why? I want to move our school forward and make us, and our good qualities, known.” Behind our new principal’s enthusiasm stands a great team of support among both the students and staff. We now have an opportunity before us to revolutionize how our school is viewed and run. With the next year comes many new changes, and everyone in our close-knit community is banding together to prepare to take a new direction in how we conduct our academic lives.
Unless otherwise noted, opinions expressed on this page belong solely to the author or authors and do not necessarily represent the beliefs and opinions of the staff of The Bear Facts; the staff, leadership and administration of St. Joseph Catholic School; or the staff, leadership and administration of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson. If you disagree with any opinions or want to share your own views, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. Letters should be no more than 300 words. The Bear Facts reserves the right to edit letters for clarity. Send your letter by e-mail to thebearfacts@stjoebruins.com. Or mail them to: Letters to the Editor, The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 391302927
Bruin News
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
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Banks heads to Hattiesburg with family Callahan, Droel, O’Hara also plan to begin new chapter in lives By BELLE McNEER The Bear Facts Besides having four teachers retire, St. Joe also will lose four other teachers who are making a big decision to pursue other opportunities. Mrs. Mary Banks, campus minister; Chris Callahan, the high school science teacher; Bob Droel, the eighth grade religion teacher; and Tyler O’Hara, the varsity basketball coach and high school English MARY BANKS teacher, are all leaving
at the end of the school year. “I’m blessed to have been a part of this community with great teachers and students,” Mrs. Banks said. “I have made friends here that I will have for the rest of my life.” Mrs. Banks has been at St. Joe for four years since fall 2013. She has helped the retreat team stage retreats for grades 7 through 10, has overseen the Gospel Service Hours program, and has served as faculty advisor for BruinTHON – an event that raises money for the Blair E. Batson Children’s hospital. Mrs. Banks, her husband and their son will move to Hattiesburg, where her husband will do his medical residency. She hopes to eventually contin-
ue working at a Catholic school. Coach O’ Hara, who teaches a sophomore English honors class and 12th grade English, also has coached the TYLER varsity boy’s basketball O’HARA team. Coach O’Hara may explore possible business opportunities. His students say he is a great teacher who has taught them much during their time in his classes. Mr. Chris Callahan teaches Physics I, Physics I Honors, Engineering, AP Physics I and II, and Robotics. He also serves as coach of CHRIS the bowling team. CALLAHAN Mr. Callahan has
been teaching at St. Joseph Catholic to Chicago, Ill., to attend a school for School for the past three years and has Christian Brothers. He hopes to return decided to work on a master’s degree in to teaching when he is finished. physics at Mississippi State University. Mr. Callahan also hopes to be a part of an astronomy research group in the near future. Mr. Callahan will be missed, but he promises to visit. “You’re not going to miss me,” he said. “I’ll come around often.” I’m blessed to Mr. Robert Droel has taught at St. have been a part Joseph Catholic School for the past two years. St. Joseph was Droel’s first of this community with experience teaching, great teachers and and he spoke fondly of his time here. students.” “I greatly enjoyed the kindness and generosity from the group of – Mrs. Mary Banks, people that make up the campus minister campus of St. Joe,” Mr. BOB Droel said. DROEL Mr. Droel will move
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Droel: It’s not easy saying goodbye to St. Joe
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here in the world is
ahead of the students, and couldn’t figure out the secret to classroom management. He reassured me that I’d be fine, Madison, Miss.? Do and I told him that I had to get off they actually have the phone to go grade papers or something. I wish I’d known then what Catholics there? And BOB I know now – papers can wait; people what in the wilderness DROEL are more important. I went to the is a Bruin? I came here two chapel and cried my eyes out during years ago with a lot of questions. Not all my off periods. I felt like an orphan only was I coming to an unfamiliar without my mentor. But thank God, St. Joe had already adopted me. place from my sweet home Chicago, Countless words and acts of but I was also essentially starting a kindness and mercy from both faculty new profession in this strange new and students are the reason I fell in world. I was about to become a teacher, but love with this school-family and am I still had a lot of learning to do. sad to leave it as I get out my GPS I’m on the journey toward becoming again and prepare to begin my new a Christian Brother. And part of this adventure on the road to Brotherhood. initial formation involves living in I’m so grateful for being sent here various communities and trying out and for spending these past two years finding my way “to God” through risk, different ministries before entering adventure, heart-break, doubt, trial and what is called the Novitiate year of serious studies and preparation for Photo by Anna Chris Nicholas/The Bear Facts error, joy, mercy, family, laughter, and most importantly, knowledge. vows. Mr. Bob Droel teaches a seventh grade religion class one day last week. Mr. Droel is leaving St. Joe after two years. He is The Brothers wanted me to spend Remember those questions I had studying to become a Christian Brother. a year at our school in Hawaii. I told before I left for Mississippi? Well, I undecided about the whole teaching my GPS. family several weeks after school them I didn’t like the heat – so they now have the answers. thing (it’s tough stuff). I settled in for a couple days and got started, when my mentor, the Brother sent me to Mississippi instead. They Madison is a city slightly north of My mentor and the brother with ready for the first day of school. My who brought me here, passed away told me that I’d be living with two Jackson. first impression of St. Joe (other than unexpectedly back home in Chicago. Brothers (including one Brother John, whom I was closest back in Chicago More than 50,000 Catholics live in bought me a going-away gift, a the size and beauty of the campus) was That was the roughest day of my who I knew only by his reputation for the Diocese of Jackson. GPS, since I’m notoriously bad with of how much of a family the faculty short life thus far, since the loss was so And a Bruin is a brown bear, such as being a friend of the poor). directions and so that I could “always and staff seemed to be and how this painful and unexpected. I had spoken Because I was new to all of this, those described in 2 Kings 2:23-24. carried over into relationships with to him briefly on the phone only a few I’d be teaching one or at the most two find my way back home.” So we You Bruined my life, St. Joe . And jumped in the van and made the 11and among students. And lucky for days prior and had lamented to him eighth-grade religion classes to allow for that, I put my thanks in you (“in hour pilgrimage to a state which I only me, this family was willing to open its about all the mistakes I was making in you”). me to gain classroom experience and knew from its unsympathetic media arms to a Yankee who still had no idea my first weeks in the classroom. discover if a teaching ministry was reputation and my reading of history what he was getting into. I was having trouble remembering Mr. Droel is one of several teachers indeed part of my calling. I ended books. I was scared, but at least I had I was going to need this new students’ names, was only one lesson either retiring or leaving St. Joe. up with five classes and am still
RETIREES, from page 1 plan to retire at the end of the 2016-2017 school year – and St. Joe will never be the same again. “It’s important that you love what you do,” Mrs. Walberg said recently. “And I can honestly say that I enjoyed my time here.” Mrs. Walberg, Mr. Walberg and Mrs. Thomas recently shared their thoughts and
perspectives of teaching at St. Joe for as long as they have. Mrs. Mustain, who has been out since last fall because of health issues, could not be reached for an interview. Mrs. Mustain will end a career that lasted more than 20 years. She has taught both religion and visual arts during her time here, and is famous among students
for her deep faith. An impressive career Mrs. Cathy Thomas, whose bobbed hair is famous among students who roam the halls of St. Joseph, has a long history at the school. Off-and-on, Mrs. Thomas has taught a total of 29 years
Photo by Blaine Turner/The Bear Facts Mr. Bill Walberg, who plans to retire at the end of the school year, teaches his Personal Finance class. During his career at St. Joe, Mr. Walberg has coached several athletic teams including middle school baseball and middle school girls basketball.
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including 16 at St. Joe. She graduated from Mississippi State You must University after changing her major several times throughout demand her college career. respect because Mrs. Thomas deliberated for a great while after on what she without teachers wished to do with her life. She where would started working at Lanier High before having her children and students be?” taking some time off. It was not too long, though, – Mrs. Pam before she realized her love for teaching, and ended her days as Walberg, a bit of a drifter. retiring teacher Mrs. Thomas said she will miss everyone at St. Joe. She is known for several pet peeves including forbidding anyone the job and has been at St. Joe from touching her desk or a since. She has had great success globe in her room. throughout her career as a speech and debate coach, softball coach Loving St. Joe and as teacher of the year out of Mrs. Walberg, whose husband seven southern states. She has worked for five of nearly 50 years accompanies principals. And she has seen her at St. Joseph, has plans many students pass through her aplenty after retirement – including seeing a Cubs game at class who started “as a rosebud that matured into a beautiful Wrigley Field. Mrs. Walberg hails from rose, making excellent students Normal, Ill. She has dedicated of themselves and a bright future 35 years to educating young before them.” When asked if she would students, most of which she spent at both St. Andrew’s miss anyone in particular, she Episcopal School and St. Joseph said she would miss every staff member here. She spoke of Catholic School. Her decision to teach at St. how diverse and unique each Joe was significant. During one member is, and how she is summer while finishing her proud that every one of them is 15th year at St. Andrew’s, she ready to help another. “You must demand respect,” received a call from St. Joseph about a teaching job. She was she said, “because without good friends then with another teachers, where would students veteran teacher, Coach David be?” Wissel, who coached the softball Time is right to retire team at the time. Her other friend, Mrs. Ann Mr. Bill Walberg said it is Delaski, had a daughter on Wissel’s team at the time of her time for him to retire as a full agreement to work at St. Joe. time teacher. He said he might Mrs. Walberg decided to take return to St. Joe in a part-time
teaching role. “In the event I don’t, I leave with the hope that I have accomplished the goal of my second career,” Mr. Walberg said. “In my first career, I followed my passion for sports,” he said. “But in this career, I feel that I was called by God to help guide young people and guide them in their values.” Mr. Walberg’s best memory at St. Joe was achieving things that have never been achieved at the school. Two of the three sports he coached did well under his guidance, including middle school football and middle school girls basketball. He was also proud that student scores increased this year on the ACT when he was teaching the ACT Prep classes.
Blaine Turner, The Bear Facts assistant editor, contributed to this report.
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In this career, I feel that I was called by God to help guide young people and guide them in their values.”
– Mr. Bill Walberg, retiring teacher
Bruin News
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THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
Bellan headed to U.S. Coast Guard Academy By CHARLIE LOTT The Bear Facts Senior Alex Bellan is headed to a U.S. military academy. Bellan has been accepted to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., the smallest of the nation’s five service academies. “The Coast Guard Academy puts its cadets in a position where they will be able to receive a job associated with Homeland Security,” Bellan said recently. “And right now, that’s the career path that I’m strongly considering.” Bellan will become the third St. Joe graduate in two years to enter a service
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graduate, entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and Jay Newman, a 2015 graduate, entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. ALEX Snagging a spot in a BELLAN U.S. service academy is no small feat. The Coast Guard Academy was founded in 1876. Unlike other service – Alex Bellan, academies, the Coast Guard Academy not require a congressional nomiSt. Joe senior does nation. Students are called cadets; their tuacademy for college. ition is fully funded by the U.S. Coast Last fall, Mason Fridge, a 2016 Guard in exchange for an obligation of
The Coast Guard Academy puts its cadets in a position . . . to receive a job associated with Homeland Security,”
SCHEDULE, from page 1 Even though they weren’t familiar with the details of the new bell schedule, some St. Joe students had mixed opinions about the new schedule for this fall. Abigail Hardeman said she will miss being able to arrive late for school on Thursdays when the faculty met for professional development and staff meetings. Students on those days had to be in class by 8:55 a.m. this year for the first period. Lunch on late arrival Thursdays didn’t happen until 12:10 p.m. for first lunch and 1:25 p.m. for second lunch. Rush Harmon said he liked the change. “I like having sports workouts in the morning and not having to stay late after school,” he said. “I don’t like having no break . . . and how we only get early dismissal once a month.”
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I think it is going to give families more time together because it will limit the length of after-school practice. I want families to be able to eat dinner together.” – Dena Kinsey, St. Joe principal
Staff writer Katherine Cowger contributed to this report.
THEATER, from page 1 ”I chose ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ over ‘Nine to Five’ because it is almost the opposite of the 2017 musical ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’” Ms. Harkins said. “The music is more current and also allows a big cast. “Most times, I really consider cast size because I really want the plays to be something that everyone has an opportunity to participate in. It is also loosely based on an historical event which is pretty interesting.” The three theatrical productions are just a few of the offerings for the theater department during the 2017-2018 school year. Other events will include the popular Christmas concert “Gifts of the Season,” the school band’s annual spring concert and the annual Senior Art Show in the spring. This year, the department combined the spring concert and the Senior Art Show into one major event called the “Celebration of the Arts.” Although it is unprecedented for the fall play and spring musical to be announced more than a couple months in advance. Harkins hopes to give students who are apprehensive about participating in a play or musical time to decide through researching the play and musical and watching
7:55-8:45a.m.: 8:50-9 a.m.: 9:05-10:05 a.m.: 10:10-11:10 a.m.: 11:15-11:45 a.m.: 1:50-12:50 p.m.: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: 12:20-12:50 p.m.: 12:55-1:55 p.m.: 2-3 p.m.:
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– Mrs. Dena Kinsey, St. Joe principal five years of active duty. The obligation increases if the cadet chooses to attend flight school or graduate school. About 250 cadets enter the academy every year with about 200 of them eventually graduating. This year, Presi-
dent Donald Trump delivered the commencement address during graduation ceremonies. Principal Dena Kinsey said she isn’t surprised by Bellan’s plans to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Not only is his decision a great move for him, but it also reflects well on St. Joseph Catholic School. “He loves to work,” Mrs. Kinsey said. “He works hard, and he is an above-par student.” Mrs. Kinsey, along with other staff members, have played a large role in preparing our students to be accepted into the college of their choice that will set them up for a prosperous career in their adult life.
SAMPLE WEEK USING NEW BELL SCHEDULE
I really consider the cast size because I really want the plays to be something that everyone has an opportunity to participate in.”
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He loves to work. He works hard, and he is an above-par student”
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SCHOLARSHIP SIGNING
– Ms. Leslie Harkins, theater teacher other versions of it. She said she wants to take the pressure off students while in midst of school so they can familiarize themselves with the play and musical and prepare themselves thoroughly for the challenge ahead. Ultimately, the goal behind announcing this early is to give everyone in the St. Joseph community a chance to get excited about what is in store for the following year on Bruin stage.
SENIORS, from page 1 Gray-Lewis said. “The best part was walking the stage and getting my diploma and feeling accomplished. Being an alumnus of St. Joe now is a nice feeling.” Senior Francis Ho agreed. “It feels great being a St. Joe alumnus now because the school and community has helped me to become an adult for the next chapter of my life.”
Mrs. Terri Cooper, who taught many of the seniors when they were in the seventh grade, said “they still are very busy and into everything.” She said her advice is to “follow through and do what you’ve got to do.” Staff writer Sophia de Lange contributed to this report.
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Photo special to The Bear Facts Senior Sam Rooks holds a Belhaven Band shirt after signing a scholarship offer to attend Belhaven University and play for the band. Pictured with Rooks are, front row, Tim Rooks, his father, and Kim Rooks, his mom. On the back row are Casey Kirk, left, Belhaven band director, and Ronnie Russell, the St. Joe band director.
Bruin News
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
PAGE 5
Portico Magazine honors Katool, Turner By SOPHIA de LANGE The Bear Facts Rising seniors Helen Mary Katool and Blaine Turner Jr. have been chosen by Portico Magazine as two of the 25 students who will change the world. Katool, 17, was chosen for the list based on her grades, community involvement and participation in ballet. “While one person can’t change the world themselves,” Katool said, “I hope to positively affect the world by using the values and skills I have learned from my family, ballet and Catholic school.” Through dance, Katool gets to experience things most people can’t – like performing on stage, learning different dance skills and just being involved in the world of dance. Katool has received academic awards for her grades. While her junior year has been great, she said, she can’t
wait for her senior year. In her application to Portico, Katool wrote that her greatest accomplishment is maintaining a high Grade Point Average while pursuing her passion of HELEN MARY KATOOL dancing with both Ballet Mississippi and the Saint Joseph dance team. “I challenge myself in making high grades in all of my classes especially my honor and AP classes,” Katool said. After school, Katool attends dance team practice and then drives downtown to the ballet studio. Katool has taken ballet since she was 3. She usually arrives home around 8 p.m. and then starts to study for the next day. Katool has performed in 11 productions of “The Nutcracker.” She said ballet has helped her with discipline, determination and time management.
“These are the three qualities that will benefit me for the rest of my life,” she said. Turner, 17, has been at St. Joe since seventh grade. BLAINE When Turner apTURNER plied for the Portico honor, he wrote about a Thanksgiving and Christmas he headed at St. Joe to help feed the less fortunate families around the Jackson metro area. Even though the obligation was to feed one family the class raised more than any other class in the school and fed around 10 families. “I always try to give back to the community because and I am extremely blessed, and I feel that it important to help those in need,” Turner said. Turner encourages others to be more thankful and grateful for the opportunities and blessings they have especially
Introducing
Mr. & Miss St. Joe
within a community like St. Joe. “I want to change the world by helping people to become more focused on the less fortunate year round,” he said. Turner was recently elected student body president for the 2017-2018 school year. Mrs. Susie Odom, an Eng-
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They are talented, hard-working students who have the potential to achieve anything they want in life.” – Mrs. Susie Odom, English teacher
lish teacher at St. Joe, is one of Turner’s and Katool’s biggest influences. Mrs. Odom says that she sees a commitment to academic excellence in both students that make them wonderful young leaders. “They are talented, hard working students who have the potential to achieve anything they want in life” Mrs. Odom said. If she had to describe both students in one word, she said, she would describe Katool as “persistent” and Turner as “ambitious.” “Katool took on a tough course load this year along with her demanding dance schedule,” Mrs. Odom said, and she has balanced it without giving up. Turner also had a difficult academic schedule, but managed to take on new things while still participating in the activities he has excelled in like student government and band.
Who’s Who in the Senior Class
Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts Members of this year’s Who’s Who in the Senior Class: From Jason Price, Most Likely to be on SNL; Stedman Strickland and Shelby Doiron, Most Likely to have School Spirit; Caroline Doherty and Nathan Lancaster, Most Likely to win at “Jeopardy”; Coralyn Jones and Matthew Hendley, Most Likely to win “America’s Got Talent”; Bradley Reynolds and Lucy Hamil, Most Likely to be your Friend; Bergen Teeter and Winford Ross, Most Likely to be a Professional Athlete; and Emily Stevens, Most Likely to be on SNL. Photo by Kaycee Jackson/The Bear Facts St. Joseph students recently chose Matthew Hendley and Jackye Gregory as Mr. and Miss St. Joe for 2016-2017.
Entertainment
PAGE 6
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ offers fun ride
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s an avid fan of the first installment of what is starting to begin to look like a promising series, I went into the theaters with high hopes on the opening night of “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2.” KIM KAISER The first film was directed entertainment and written by James Gunn, editor and although he co-authored with Nicole Perlman, the one that started it all, he has now taken the full responsibility of penning a box office hit in the latest addition. With the return of all of our favorite characters included but not limited to Peter Quil, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and a toddler of a Groot, we are many slightly forgotten and altogether met with
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I enjoyed this film even more than its first counterpart.”
new faces. Throughout the film, new and old personalities alike are met across a range of planets and situations. From the introduction of an entirely new race of people that consider themselves the gift of the galaxy to the salvaging of a character that previously left many fans on the fence, the new addition to the story effectively tied up many old plot lines and introduces plenty more. The movie proved itself to be an incredibly multi-faceted one. I found myself, with the entirety of the audience around me, running the It was a fantastic gamut of emotions from absolute elation to some mixture of the actionof the most tear-jerking moments in a sci-fi film I’ve experienced to date. (And I’ve watched East Drive packed and the mellow,578 Lakelanda good deal of sci-fi films) It was a fantastic Suite D mixture of the action-packed and the mellow, and and because of this, we saw Flowood, MS 39232 because of this, we saw many characters showing more than just the one side of themselves that many characters showing 601-936-9371 fans generally associate with them throughout. more than just the one side1-800-924-3029 Of course, behind every great movie is a great writer and a great director. In this case, the Fax: 601-936-9374 of themselves that fans Cell: 601-209-0935 same man did both. The script was beautifully generally associate with them done – perfectly hilarious through its imperfect characters and also remembering to touch on Email: wlee@southernbusinesssolutions.net the fact that many audience members forget throughout.” underneath green and blue skin alike that all of
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those in the story are inherently human, or at least bearing a human mind-set. The directing also managed not to fall into any other the usual Hollywood stereotypical directing choices such as the over-glorification of fight scenes, trying too hard to get that ‘perfect’ camera angle and the moment when the whole team of misfits comes together in some sort of intense circle. And while this third example can in fact be seen during the movie, it was obviously only done as a parody of the famous clip from the Avengers movie, seeing as it was quickly ruined by one character being knocked out by a piece of rock during the otherwise highly potent scene.
Special to The Bear Facts
Of course, being a Marvel film, it had its own set of tropes to fall into, and it did just that in the presence of several cameos and three extra scenes played throughout the end credits. All in all, I can personally and honestly say that I enjoyed this film even more than its first counterpart. I intend to wait rather impatiently for the third installment now, which was strongly hinted towards in the three scenes during the credits, and one day add it to my own collection of movies. I would highly recommend to anyone, though I have to give a warning to those with younger people in their families: the comedy can be rather crude at certain parts of the film.
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Bruin News
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
‘Fast and Furious’ sparks interest in cars By GARRET GROVE The Bear Facts It was the Saturday before Easter. I was in a Regal Theater just outside of the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Our parents had just dropped my brother and me off in an elaborate theatre. After we got our tickets, we went in line and, out of pure habit, to get the traditional snack of popcorn to share and to get an ICEE for myself. We sat down in our plush, brown leather seats, effortlessly reclining back using the electronic controls. The film we saw that day was none other than “Fate of the Furious.” As many already know, it was the eighth movie in the “Fast and Furious” lineup. The series in it entirety has pulled in roughly $4 billion in revenue. And it’s not hard to see why. The first “Fast and Furi-
ous” movie that I ever watched was “Fast Five” initial release date was April 29, 2011, during the time that I was in fifth grade. It appealed to me not just for its action and Dwayne Johnson’s debut in the franchise, but because of the cars are so pivotal to the story of the series. For as long as I could remember, I’ve had a great interest in cars. I’d spent countless hours twiddling my thumbs playing numerous Need for Speed games on my PlayStation 2 when I was younger. Thinking on it now, I probably could have spent less time playing the same scenes over and over again in the games if I bought a memory card for the console. Yep. You read that right, younger students. You had to buy a removable memory card to save your data on video games back then,if any older readers can remember. Mine
was red. Bryant’s was blue. My interest in cars of course was not limited to just video games. I’ve also drawn my own cars for years, the hobby first really taking root when I was in the fourth grade. I even created my own car brand and car models for the cars I drew, with specifications ranging from 0-60 times, engine size, horsepower, torque, etc., even going so far as to draw up the engine bay and interiors. To be perfectly honest, the designs were two-dimensional and simple at first. But after a while, they actually started to look pretty good. My uncle, who is an engineer, has always provided me with support in my drawings throughout the time I had been designing cars. However, the only thing I haven’t had more of in the past few years is time. High School has eaten up so much of my free time, especially when
taking into consideration the extracurricular activities I’ve been doing recently, like being first trombone in the orchestra pit for the successful spring musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” I also read car magazines. I started reading them in my fourth grade year as well. My favorite publications included Motor Trend and eventually Truck Trend magazines. I have gotten a great deal of good information on cars from these magazines, and, when I was younger, I dreamt of working for Motor Trend. Although I of course wouldn’t pass up the chance even now
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a great interest in cars.”
to do this in my career for a few years. Because of this great interest in cars that really began to bloom the year before I watched my first “Fast and Furious” movie, both the “Fast and Furious” franchise and its cars have really appealed to me through the years. I will always be a fan of Paul Walker’ Nissan Skyline, one of the most iconic cars in the films. But Vin Diesel’s (aka. Dom’s) 1971 Blacked-Out Plymouth Roadrunner GTX Hardtop is my new favorite car, as it grabbed and held my attention throughout the entire movie. I, of course watched the sixth and seventh movies as well. But I didn’t really start going backwards in the sequence of movies until my sophomore year. All in all, and three popcorn buckets later, the movie was great and I really enjoyed myself.
PAGE 7
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I felt like an 11-year-old kid again watching this action-packed car movie.” It was a movie that will stick with me, not because I’m writing a story on it, or because I liked it, but because of what it gave me. I felt like an 11-year-old kid again watching this actionpacked car movie and it gave me a glimpse back into my childhood. Not many movies have ever done that. And with only two years left as a child, it’s great to have a glimpse back into what shaped me then and continues to have an influence now.
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Bruin Sports
PAGE 8
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
Reynolds and Ross sign to play collegiate sports
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By JOE PEARSON The Bear Facts
It (playing college basketball) takes time and effort. It’s not something you can instantly be good at.”
Seniors Bradley Reynolds and Winford Ross recently signed with colleges to continue their athletic career. Ross signed to play basketball for Holmes Community College, and Reynolds signed to play baseball and pitch for William Carey University in Hattiesburg. – Winford Ross “I’ve always dreamed of playing college signee for Holmes Community baseball since I was a little kid, and I’m glad that Photos special to The Bear Facts College the opportunity has come forth for me to play,” Bradley Reynolds,left photo, and Winford Ross, right photo, sign to continue playing athletics in college. Reynolds said. At St. Joe, Reynolds was the Bruins ace pitcher, recorded 6 and 2 and 3 thirds innings. posting a record of 10-1. In his last high school Reynolds gave up only one run to the Loyd game on the mound at D.M. Howie Field, he Star Hornets in a 4-1 Bruin victory, adding an emphatic exclamation point to a great career on Photo by The Bear Facts Staff I’ve always dreamed of the mound for the Bruins. Ross, a 6-foot, 7-inch senior, signed with playing college baseball since Holmes Community College to play basketball. “It takes time and effort, It’s not something you I was a kid.” can instantly get good at,” Ross said. Ross’ dedication has begun to pay dividends for him. Ross was a force in the paint for the Bruins. – Bradley Reynolds He always provided fans with highlight-reel like signee for William Carey blocks and dunks.
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Bruin Sports
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
Strickland takes sixth state title
PAGE 9
Spring football prepares players for fall By KILAND HARRISON The Bear Facts
Senior Stedman Strickland returns a serve during a tennis match against Germantown at the Ridgeland Tennis Center. Strickland has won six straight state titles and two golden tournaments, a feat never accomplished by any athlete in the MHSAA.
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After these matches, the rest of the Bruin tennis team locked in and grinded with East Webster, but could pull through another match. This brought the team’s post season hope to an end for team play and without dropping a game – other enior Stedman ended their season 5-4 overall. wise known as a golden tournament. The next thing on the team’s mind Strickland Strickland had done this once before – Stedman Strickland, was the individual state championships in his 10th grade season when 1A and accomplished an 2A tennis wasn’t combined. He also in Oxford. Here, the Bruins senior tennis player played had a good showing. Both the mixed unbelievable feat likes being the team leader because he doubles team of Corkern and Wolf and looked up to the seniors when at this year’s state tennis always matches, the Bruins went on a 3-0 boy’s doubles team of Jack LeDoux he was an underclassman. winning streak in the regular season. and Nicholas Brilley made the second Under the direction of Coach tournament: He won Highlighting this run with a huge 4-3 round. Melissa Hall, the Bruin varsity tennis his sixth straight state The second seeded boys doubles team is made up of six boy and six girl win over St. Andrew’s, the 1st time the Bruins accomplished that in more than team of Nick Zouboukos and Stockett players who play singles, doubles, and championship. six years. had a long three-set match in the mixed doubles. The tennis team ended regular Among those six titles, semifinals against third-seeded Tupelo Coach Hall is in her second year season play with a 7-0 sweep in their as head tennis coach and has put a lot Christian Preparatory School’s doubles Strickland had two golden of thought and time into her practice only district match against Leland. team. This match put the Bruins at 4-3 on the tournaments, winning an methods and coaching approach. The Bruins couldn’t get things regular season. The 2A Bruin team had a tough working in the third set however and entire tournament without schedule. The varsity team this Going into the playoffs, the team ended up loosing a tight match. year was made up of a strong mix took on French Camp where the The highlight of the season was losing a single match. of seniors, juniors, sophomores and Bruins fought hard and came out with Strickland’s golden tournament in the Strickland is a four-star recruit and state tournament where he was able has verbally committed to Delta State freshman. The Bruins were led by six- a 5-2 win to advance to the second time state champion, Strickland. round of playoffs. to cruise though all of his matches, University to play tennis. He signed The Bruins kicked off the year The second round was a tough road especially his quick last match while with the Fighting Okra on April 12. with a pre-season tournament at the match where the Bruins took on East being watched by the Bruin tennis Strickland has been playing tennis Country Club of Jackson. Going Webster, a post-season rival of the team, family, and his next year coach since he was 3. forward, the Bruins had regular season tennis team for many years. at Delta State. “It’s my last year to play high school matches against such powerhouses The Bruins started fast with a 6-1, The seniors will be deeply missed tennis,” he said, “so I want to make the as Germantown, Madison Central, next year, but the Bruins are looking to best of it and do my best for the team.” Northwest Rankin, and Warren Central 6-0 win in doubles one with Holt Stockett and Strickland and a 6-3, 6-2 have another strong successful season Strickland indeed did this by not high schools. win in mixed doubles with Michael in 2018. losing a match this year and winning After getting through these tough Corkern and Mary Scott Wolf. the individual state singles title
It’s my last year to play high school tennis, so I want to make the best of it.”
Story by Nicholas Zouboukos, photo by Jason Price
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Track season comes to a close after great year By JACK CLEMENTS The Bear Facts
“I was thoroughly impressed,” said Coach Max Holman when asked to describe the progression and accomplishments of the Bruin track team this season, “Almost everyone showed significant improvement as the season progressed. I have high hopes for next season.” This year the Bruin track team comprised of 30 -plus members was competitive and performed well all season long. There were many young seventh- and eighth-grade runners who gained valuable experience that will help them in seasons to come; freshmen ready to assume a bigger leadership role on the team because of their outstanding ability; sophomores and juniors who contributed greatly to team success; and five seniors who finished out their last season of high school track strong. This season the team practiced hard. Improvement was the No. 1 one goal, and everyone from sprinters to discus throwers improved from the beginning of the season to the end. Team members who were unsure of their abili-
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Almost everyone showed significant improvement as the season progressed. I have high hopes for next season.”
– Max Holman Bruin track coach
ties gained more confidence throughout the season. And those who were confident gained more as well through hard work at practice. The team performed well at regular season meets, with the vast majority of players scoring points and some even placing in the top five. Individual runners and field events did well at all the meets. Bruin relay teams also had impressive showings at regular season meets. This year, the Bruins took seven team members to State Meet, and all them represented the school well and set new personal bests.
Senior Winfred Ross was a state champion in the high jump with a personal best of 6-feet, 6-inches. William Turner, a freshman, placed fourth in the 3200 meter, with a new personal best of 10:05.79. Seniors JoJo Grey-Lewis and Kelsi Bouldin each placed fifth in the 400 meters. They each set a new personal record. The men’s 4-by-400 meter relay team, comprised of senior Francis Ho, sophomore Max Harmon, Grey-Lewis, and junior Terrence Myles, finished fourth with a new school record time of 3:36.64. The men’s team finished 10th out of 34, and the women’s team finished 28th out of 32. The team will lose five seniors at the end of this season, meaning the upcoming juniors, sophomores and freshmen will have to rise to the occasion. Next year, Coach David Wissel says he expects even more improvement, better finishes in regular season meets, a larger team at state, and a better finish at state. He believes that if the team continues to practice hard all of these things will be possible. You can look forward to another great season by the Bruins next year, just like this year.
As the end of the school year has arrived, spring football offered a chance to get a sneak peek of the upcoming Bruin football team. The football team, coming off a successful 9-4 season, looks to rebuild after losing many key players. These key players include 13 seniors who graduated this week. Senior Holt Stockett who played linebacker and tight end for the Bruins last season, said that spring training is important because “it’s a great time to work on fundamentals of the game and do things that you really don’t have time to do during the regular season.” Spring training and the spring games set the tone for the regular season. It builds a solid foundation, gets the players ready for the season and makes the team more disciplined as the season goes on. Spring training started Monday, April 24, and continued up until the start of exams. The practices lead into summer workouts so the team can hit the ground running in August. Spring training is a vital part of football. It helps players get back in shape as they prepare for the season. This is also a time to look for changes within the team as well. Coach Todd Lott said he has “looked forward to spring training and hopes to find a couple of key players who will step up after the loss of the seniors and become the leaders of the team.” A change that has already been implemented by Coach Lott is allowing football players to work out and lift weights all year round instead of just during the summer. This already has the pushed the team a step ahead from last year. Also a key change to the Bruin football team is the loss of Coach Johnny Nichols who took over as head coach at St. Andrew’s. Coach Nichols was the offensive coordinator for the Bruins. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity Coach Lott gave me last summer to coach these great group of young men,” Coach Nichols said. “And even though we are going to be on opposite sides, I am looking forward to seeing this program do great things.” Other changes include the addition of local private schools to the 2017 schedule. The new schedule adds home games against Canton Academy and Jackson Academy as well as road trips to Tri-County Academy and Jackson Prep. This schedule changes are a result of the Bruins losing three Catholic school opponents that they played last year: Natchez Cathedral, St. Aloysius and St. Joseph Greenville. With all the new changes the team is more than ready to get next season underway. Sophomore running back Chandler Thornhill said: “I am really looking forward to stepping up next year and continuing to get better as a team.” The Saint Joseph football team will be hard at work this summer preparing for the season-opener on Aug. 18 when the Bruins hosts the Newton Tigers at 7 p.m. at Bill Raphael Field.
BRUIN BASEBALL, from page 10 in position to take the lead after an improbable top-of-the-seventh comeback. Loyd Star threw the pitch. Frierson hit it, sending the ball in the gap between the third baseman and shortstop. When the left fielder misplayed the ball, Frierson turned a single into a triple – sliding head-first
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into third and driving in the go-ahead run. Bruin fans exploded in the stands and along the first-base fence line as St. Joe took a 1-run lead. When the next batter flew out, it was Loyd Star’s turn at the plate. At this point, the Bruins needed a quick three outs to win the game, the South State championship and a shot at the state championship the following week. This next inning was a defining moment for the Bruins’ extraordinary season. For such an immense moment, it’s hard to believe that it all came down to one pitch. Senior pitcher Michael Buck took the mound and snagged the first out – a ground out to Stephen Wolf at third base. Next up, Loyd Star hit a ball to left field. When the ball bounced off Nick Louvier’s glove, it turned a single into a triple – placing the tying run at third. Now it was time for the Hornet Fans to celebrate in the stands and along the fence line. When Loyd Star tied the game
at 9, Buck found himself in an impossible jam: The bases were loaded with one out and the winning run on third. With the pressure building, in stepped Loyd Star’s senior first basemen Bradyn Brister. With a full count, Buck’s 80 mph pitch sailed high and to the right. Ball four. The winning run walked into home plate. The Bruins fell silent and slowly walked toward the right field corner in Loyd Star’s Smith Field – the same spot where Bruin players and coaches met in last year’s South State loss to the Hornets. Teammates and coaches wept. “You can always learn something from failure. No matter what you do in life, failure can always teach you.” Coach McCall said. Despite the loss, the Bruins showed great character in their comeback in the last inning. This loss won’t stop McCall along with the rest of his team. He vows the Bruins will be back next year, and out for blood.
Photo by Leah Murphy/The Bear Facts Bruin baseball players line up for national anthem at D.M. Howie Field.
PEARSON COLUMN, from page 10 Rising junior Eli Carter started a few games immediately following Welch’s late-season injury. Josh Bailey, another rising junior, made several postseason appearances as a relief pitcher. Stephen Wolf, also a rising junior, was a fairly regular designated hitter for the Bruins late in the season. Frierson, Ledbetter, Carter, Bailey and Wolf form the core leadership of next year’s team. The future rides on the shoulders of these and other young players who will see plenty of action on the diamond next season. “I’m excited about next year,” said rising junior Brady Johnson, who sat out his sophomore year because he
transferred from Rosa Scott. “We all have to step up and work hard for next year so that we can be ready to compete for another state championship. And I think we can.” With a month of summer baseball set for June – a time for young players to gain valuable game experience – the Bruins are ready to prepare for next year and put the heartbreak loss at Loyd Star quickly behind them. McCall, himself caught up in the high emotion of the moment following Loyd Star’s win, was already prepared to put 2017 behind him. “Next season starts today,” McCall told his players.
Bruin Sports PAGE 10
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
OH SO CLOSE Bruins mount impressive comeback in Game 3 of South State, but lose emotional heartbreaker and championship by 1 run
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Story by Charlie Lott, photo by Leah Murphy
ROOKHAVEN –Standing 60 feet and 6 inches away from the raggedy dirt mound, junior Trey Frierson was about to answer the prayers of many Bruin players and fans. It was two outs at the top of the seventh inning. The Bruins, down 8-6, were at bat. The bases were loaded. Frierson faced a full count. All he needed was a single to tie the game and keep the Bruins’ hopes alive. “Last year, I was in the same position at Loyd Star,” Frierson said. “There was a runner on second base. And I had to get on base or drive in the runner to keep our season alive. And I struck out to end the game.”
Up to this point, the St. Joe Bruins had a commanding performance in the state baseball playoffs. After a 21-4 regular season record, the Bruins ripped through playoff games against North Forest, Enterprise and Taylorsville – running their overall season record to 27-4. The Bruins entered the South State Championship series facing Loyd Star, a team that lost one game all season. After losing the first game in the best-of-three series, the Bruins won the second – setting up a do-ordie third game on the road at the Hornets’ home field. Despite a slow start, the Bruins found themselves See BRUIN BASEBALL Page 9
Bruins look to future after graduating 10 seniors
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t doesn’t seem right. It shouldn’t have happened that way. Someone must have paid off whomever controls fate. Tears streamed down the faces of every person on the Bruin baseball team. Parents and coaches cried alongside the players. A season that started with so much promise suddenly came to an abrupt end in the late afternoon of Saturday, May 13, when the St. Joe Bruins fell to the Loyd Star Hornets by 1 run in the last game of the South State championship series.
Team members made their slow walk to the right field fence of the home-standing Hornets. In the matted grass of the outfield, with Loyd Star fans cheering and JOE piling on the field, Bruin PEARSON players cried. sports editor “I’m proud of you guys. I think you left it all on the field,” Coach Gerard McCall said, himself fighting back tears. “Hold your head high.” It was the top of the seventh inning,
the Bruins down 3-8, when St. Joe staged an unbelievable comeback. Spurred by junior Trey Frierson’s triple, the Bruins scored 6 runs to take the lead entering the bottom of the 7th. Three outs stood between the Bruins and playing in the state championship series at Trustmark Park the following week. All the Bruins had to do was get three outs and they would have a chance at a state title. But the Bruins were unable to keep the Hornets off the board. The Hornets tied the game. And with the bases loaded, the Hornets drew the game-
winning walk. “After the season had ended, it was a hard feeling knowing that high school baseball was over for me,” said senior catcher Cole Welch, who finished the last game of his career behind the plate with a broken foot. “It was more than just the four years playing with most of the seniors,” he said. “Most of the seniors played together from the fourth grade. We had become like family, and we always had each other’s back.” And that raises an important point: The Bruins graduated 10 seniors –
including Welch – who contributed an awful lot to the team’s success this year. The starting lineup usually contained eight seniors. Next year, the Bruins will have to rely on young players to perform at a high level and in highintensity playoff games. Rising senior Trey Frierson will be the only returning starter for the team. Frierson batted leadoff for the team and played short stop. Collin Ledbetter, another rising senior, played sparingly as a courtesy runner for the team. See PEARSON COLUMN Page 9