The Bear Facts, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015

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Good luck to all throughout the new school year

Bear Facts

THE ROAR Bruins ready for football

The St. Joseph Catholic School football team hits the field for the first time this year on Friday when the Bruins meet Velma Jackson High School in the Germantown Jamboree.

The Bruins will open regular season play one week later, at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, on the road in Tylertown when they take on Salem High School.

Sports, Page 4

Bishop to celebrate Mass

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VOLUME 19, NO. 1

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Search to begin this fall for new principal

By JOHN LEE The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School is expected to have a new principal in time for the 2016-2017 school year after the Catholic Diocese of Jackson conducts a nationwide search.

Until then, Ms. Catherine Cook, the Diocese’s superintendent of education, will serve as interim principal and build on the momentum that has led to St. Joe’s ranking as Mississippi’s best private school.

“I’m looking forward to a great year,” she said. “I know it’s going to be a good one. This is St. Joe’s 145th year celebration of existence, and we want the stu-

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dents to be aware of this and celebrate it.”

Ms. Cook, other Diocese leaders and St. I’m looking Joe Advisory Council members began discussing plans to begin a nationwide search forward to a great following former Principal Keith Barnes’ resignation this summer. Barnes had been year. I know it’s going principal for three years. to be a good one.”

Diocesan leaders thanked Mr. Barnes for his service educating students at St. Joe. Ms. Cook said the school will con– Catherine Cook, tinue on the path begun under Mr. Barnes. interim principal This year, the school will begin a new program called STREAM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Religion, EngineerMrs. Kristi Garrard, the assistant prining, Arts and Math. STREAM is an off- cipal, said the purpose of STREAM “is shoot of STEM, which the school began to bring all the classes together. In relilast year. gion, you could talk about it in a scientific

standpoint, and in science, you could talk about different scientific things in a religious standpoint.”

St. Joe also will see the implementation of the one-to-one program in which students are expected to receive Apple laptops in January for use in their classes.

Last year, Niche.com ranked St. Joe as the No. 1 private school in Mississippi.

Mrs. Garrard said she, other school leaders and faculty “want our students to be successful, and graduate from St. Joe with bright hearts for Christ.”

“We want to keep moving forward,” she said. “Changes come and go, but we See PRINCIPAL, PAGE 3

Back with a new rhythm After a week of late-summer evening practices, the St. Joe Bruin band is ready to perform and entertain

Bishop Joseph Kopacz is expected to visit St. Joe to celebrate the school year’s first Mass – the Mass of the Holy Spirit at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, in the Fine Arts theater. Parents are welcome to attend.

The Mass also marks the first time this year that students must wear their dress uniform.

They must remain in their dress uniform all day – even after Mass.

By MICHAEL CORKERN III and JOHN LEE The Bear Facts

the snare and bass drum. “It’s great because it doesn’t interfere with daily activities.”

Last week, St. Joe band members, football players, family, faculty, alumni and supporters had a chance to see the premier of the new documentary “Bruin Legacy: The Enduring Gridiron Excellence of St. Joseph Catholic School” at the Malco Grandview Cinema.

Besides featuring the history of St. Joe, including its teachers and football program, the film also focused on the school band.

In the past, the band has performed and marched during

When school began Tuesday, students, faculty and administrators were greeted with several major changes at St. Joseph Catholic School -- from a new chapel to new teachers and new technology.

The school’s Administration Building is now home to a new chapel, constructed over the summer in the space that once housed a classroom used for computer instruction as well as other subjects.

The new chapel will be the location for student and faculty adoration on Fridays instead of the conference room. Mrs. BARBARA MUSTAIN Barbara Mustain, a high school religion teacher and chair of the Religion Department, said she is excited at the thought of having a chapel on CHANCE campus.

THERIOT The effort to build one was supported by Tom Gerrets, a member of the St. Joe Advisory Council who died over the summer. Mr. Gerrets was a New Orleans native who attended Catholic school there.

“I am overjoyed about this chapel,” Mrs. Mustain said.

“This is by far the greatest gift that Tom Gerrets has given us,” she said. “Jesus finally has a home in our school now. This chapel is the heart and soul of the school.”

St. Joe also has several new teachers on campus this fall.

One of them, Mr. Chance Theriot, has returned to St. Joe after a one-year absence when he taught at Jackson Academy. Mr. Theriot will chair the Science and Math departments as well as teach high school courses.

Mr. Theriot said he is happy to

See BRUIN BAND, PAGE 3

See CHANGES, PAGE 3

You can be in the yearbook

But you have to take your school portrait first.

If you missed this week’s class pictures, watch for a makeup session this fall.

Your photo is needed for student IDs. In addition, a school portrait means you will appear with you class in the school yearbook.

Leadership in the D.C.

The Bear Facts Opinion Page Editor Ben Payne writes about his Boy’s Nation experience – an epic, week-long program in the nation’s Capital.

Payne shares hilarious gaffes and up-close meetings with the men and women who run the country.

Opinion, Page 2

The world of inequality

Major changes in store this year

Members of the St. Joseph Catholic School band perform following a pep rally for Monday’s seventh-grade orientation. The band spent the last week practicing in the evening before the start of school. From left are Patrick Morgan, Drew Liess and Covey Lockhart.

Story by John Lee, Photo by Alaina Liess

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rom song selection to an improved stadium sound system, the St. Joe Bruin marching band will add several new twists this year to Friday pep rallies and Friday night football games.

The new lineup of music includes the Katy Perry song “Dark Horse,” Fall Out Boy’s “Centuries” and the Journey fan favorite “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Band members spent last week in the Fine Arts building at the annual band camp.

But while previous years have included practice marching, this year an emphasis was placed on performance – one reason the camp took place at night.

“It’s a lot better having band camp at night instead of during the day,” said Graham Hlavac, a junior at St. Joe who plays

Explore the concept of income inequality and changing economic dynamics in America.

The Bear Facts Editor Noah Greene writes about why income from staff reports inequality is bad for the United Seniors Noah Greene and Jack Hall States and the world economy have been named editors of the St. Joe and how it affects you. student newspaper and school yearbook, while senior JoJo Katool has been named Opinion Page 2 editor of Bruin Broadcasting.

Greene and Hall will oversee, supervise and direct reporting, writing, editing and production of The Bear Facts newspaper and The Shield yearbook.

Katool will oversee, supervise and Ancient Romans entered the direct all broadcast efforts with Bruin home of a friend on their right Sports Radio, the online streaming radio foot. The left side of the body station that webcasts all home-and-away was thought to portend evil. varsity football games.

The Latin word for left in “Noah Greene, Jack Hall and JoJo sinister, thus our English word Katool bring a wealth of experience and sinister for anything threatening enthusiasm to these important parts of St. or malevolent.

Joseph Catholic School’s award-winning

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These football games will be more like an event, and there will be much more excitement than in the past couple of years.”

– Ronnie Russell, director of the St. Joe band

Greene, Hall, Katool to lead newspaper, yearbook, broadcast efforts

Did you know?

a great staff – and student media that certainly is a program,” said step in the right Terry R. Cassreino, direction.”

St. Joe’s journalism Besides being teacher. broadcast editor, “Noah, Jack and Katool will JoJo are so good NOAH JACK JOJO return behind the at what they do, GREENE HALL KATOOL microphone for they were honored the third straight this year at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association year calling all varsity football games live with statewide awards for their work with every Friday night. Katool has been the The Bear Facts and Bruin Sports Radio.” play-by-play announcer for Bruin Sports Greene and Hall said they are ready for Radio since the streaming radio station the challenge of being co-editors of the went live in fall 2013.

Joining Katool in the broadcast booth school’s two student publications.

“I’m looking forward to a great year,” will be Greene and Benjamin Payne – who Greene said. “There is so much we can will provide expert color commentary and do to improve the newspaper and make it game analysis for each game webcast.

Sophomores Michael Corkern III and even better than it is now. We will have

Nick Zouboukos will serve as supervising producers at Bruin Sports Radio. They will produce and host the pre-game and halftime shows for each webcast.

Joining Greene and Hall at The Bear Facts will be Payne, who will serve as opinion page editor; senior John Lee, who will serve as entertainment editor; sophomore Grant Murphy, who will serve as sports editor and sports columnist; and freshman Leila de Gruy, who will be photo editor.

“We have an incredibly talented team of students who will further strengthen St. Joe’s student media program,” Mr. Cassreino said.

“These students are more than capable of taking our newspaper, yearbook and broadcast efforts to the next level,” he said.

Opinion

PAGE 2

I love income inequality

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lthough the headline is sarcastic and paradoxically worded, I believe it speaks to the state of mind of some Americans.

Unlike those people, however, most Americans would agree that income inequality is a substantial issue and is not being adequately attacked.

This is evidenced by a recurring Gallup Poll that shows 63 percent of Americans in 2015 viewed wealth or income distribution as unfair while 31 percent saw it as evenly distributed.

Yet, what are we doing to combat the problem?

Let’s first set the stage. In context of the global community, the top 1 percent of the richest people in the world controls 48 percent of the wealth. To simplify this even more, the top 80 richest people control $1.9 trillion dollars, which is close to the combined wealth of 3.5 billion people.

In the context of the United States wealth compared to other nations, we are the richest. In 2014, the United States ranked as the world’s wealthiest nation with a purchasing power of $17.5 trillion, a brilliant and marvelous achievement.

CONCENTRATED WEALTH

The issue, however, is how concentrated the wealth is. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the top 1 percent of wage earners control 35.6 percent of wealth. The more remarkable statistic is that the top 10 percent of Americans control 75 percent of

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the wealth.

This is bad for the economy, especially so in a capitalist system because it leads to little stimulation. For example, although the 80th richest person in the world NOAH possesses the same amount of GREENE wealth as 700 million other editor people combined, he or she does not spend as much as those people combined.

The cycle of a vibrant capitalist economy can be explained like this: Citizens become educated. They are then able to find employment. As a result of this, they have an income and spend funds on consumer goods and services.

and, subsequently, less government money is available for education and other public needs.

UNHEALTHY ECONOMY

When the cycle of an unhealthy economy begins the process of breaking, it is extremely difficult. When less government funds are provided for education, those institutions raise tuition prices and allow even fewer people the opportunity for higher education.

The most pressing question for many on this subject is why should we care?

In 2003, Emmanuel Saez at the University of California at Berkley and French economist Thomas Piketty published a study on income and increasing income as CYCLE BEGINS it related to the top 1 percent – which was later updated in 2008.

The producer of these goods and services In the study, they found that 1928 and then hires more employees, which leads 2007 were the top two apex years for to more tax revenue. The increase in tax income of the top 1 percent in which they revenue leads to more government spending grasped more than 23 percent of American on such things as education, social security, income. healthcare, etc. And thus the cycle begins The following result after both years was again. a market crash.

However, when wealth is concentrated The amount of cohesion between and tax cuts are given to the richest among market instability and income inequality is us, a healthy capitalist system turns on its remarkable. The less stable the market is, head. Instead of wages increasing for middle the less stable your assets are and the less class workers, they remain constant. stable your children’s assets will be.

This leads to workers buying less, forcing We all know that a healthy free market companies to decrease production and, in economy requires a dynamic middle class. turn, lay-off workers.

And if we truly love equality then we will The fewer workers, the less tax revenue – fight for it.

Serving as a U.S. Senate page

t was mid-September of my junior year when I received a phone call from the office of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran saying I would be his Senate page for the 2015 spring semester.

The next few months were a blur of schoolwork and extracurricular activity, all while preparing to leave for Washington in January.

My first day at the Capitol was hectic: The President’s State of the Union speech was that night. I and other Senate pages crammed the back of the U.S. House chamber to watch.

When the president finished, he shook hands with everyone he could. Just before leaving, he reached the back row where the pages were; those closest to the center aisle shook his hand.

Even though I had just arrived in Washington, the President thanked us for our months of hard work and service. It was an amazing first day.

During those first couple of weeks, the Republican-controlled Senate was hard at work on legislation. The pages also were hard at work getting to know each other and getting our bearings at the Capitol.

the budget with more than 60 votes on amendments and final passage.

Before lunch, I delivered 20 different amendments to different offices as fast as I could – at one point JACK carrying six at once. Between HALL delivering one amendment editor and picking up the next, I returned to the Senate lobby where everyone was excited because, apparently, actor Ben Affleck had been there to watch the Senate.

If I hurried, I could reach the private viewing gallery and see Affleck. I grabbed my next amendment, dashed out the lobby and entered the next elevator.

Three people already were on the elevator when I entered. So, I tried to make light conversation, saying: “Did you all hear Ben Affleck is here today?” One of the guys in the elevator looked at me and said: “I’m Ben Affleck.” I was embarrassed.

day he jokingly asked me: “How are you holding up? Are any of the pressures of policy-making getting to you?”

“No sir,” I said. “I just leave it to the senators.”

SENATE CONVERSATIONS

Shortly after becoming a page, I recognized that Sen. Cochran entered the chamber from the doors that face the central part of the Capitol. I always grabbed that door during a vote.

One of the first times I did, the senator asked me how I enjoyed life in Washington and being a page. He asked about college and pointed to his red- and blue-striped tie, which he got on the Oxford Square.

Needless to say, Ole Miss is now on my list of possible colleges.

Throughout the semester, pages were invited to joint sessions of Congress. There, we heard Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speak.

After Prime Minister Abe spoke, I ANOTHER CELEBRITY returned to the Senate lobby for other matters of great importance: my calculus Later that day, I returned to the rostrum homework. Another reason for sitting in that where we sit so I could rest before I was LASTING FRIENDSHIPS called to do my next amendment run. Then I corridor was so that I could get a glimpse of noticed someone else in the Senate Gallery. the Vice President exiting his office.

After maybe half an hour of work, I got a While we were the same age and anxious To confirm my suspicions, I turned to the pat on my shoulder and heard Vice President about school and college, we came from page from Florida. different backgrounds and socioeconomic “Yes,” she said. “That is Bill Gates. He’s Joe Biden say: “Keep studying, man!” I replied: “You got it, sir!” groups. I made friends from California, been here for most of the morning.”

One of the greatest moments I had was Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, My sponsor, Sen. Cochran, tried to make when Sen. James Lankford, the freshman Tennessee, Vermont, Utah – the list goes on. me feel welcome. One day in February, his from Oklahoma, gave his first Senate We used the Metro to travel across the office invited me to lunch with the senator, speech. He closed with a prayer in which city. We spent weekends visiting museums, his semester interns and his chief of staff. the whole Senate participated; I was in awe playing Frisbee on the National Mall, The next day we dined in the senators of his reverence and the respect I gained for exploring Chinatown and finding bargains dining room within the Capitol, and I senators and the institution itself. at the vendor’s market. We even went swing listened to Sen. Cochran talk about his I wouldn’t have traded last semester dancing as a class a couple of times. life before politics when he was head for anything. And I truly believe the civic One of my longest days as a page was the cheerleader at Ole Miss and bred rabbits. education of the Senate page program was day before spring recess, or, for the pages, After that meal, Sen. Cochran routinely Spring Break. That day, the Senate tackled greeted me in the Senate during votes. One pivotal to my time in high school.

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Boys Nation leaves indelible mark

resident Obama streamed across the row of people, shaking hands methodically and with purpose.

A smile spread across his face in anticipation of meeting each one of his guests. My roommate began shaking hands with the President.

“What’s your name?” the President asked.

“Cubaka,” my roommate replied.

The president paused, stunned by a name that sounded a lot like “Chewbacca,” the furry character from the “Star Wars” films.

President Obama’s smile disappeared, and a shushed laughter swept across the other 97 delegates excited to meet the most powerful man in the world.

I kid you not, this actually happened.

When the President met my roommate, a refugee from the Republic of Congo, he stood baffled by the unusual name.

WHERE IT BEGAN It all began at Boys State in May at Mississippi State University, a program sponsored by the American Legion – the largest veterans organization in the United States. I was selected as one of two delegates to represent Mississippi at Boys Nation in July.

Boys Nation, established in 1946, is a week-long program in which two students from almost every state travel to Washington to experience first-hand how our government works.

Boys Nation is one of the most highly regarded programs high school students attend annually. Notable alumni include

former President Bill Clinton, basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and former NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw.

As I arrived on the first day, I was greeted by many BENJAMIN excited young men like PAYNE myself ready to embark on opinion editor our week-long journey .

“Today, you represent onetenth of one percent of high school students in this country.” That was an enormously powerful line that opened our orientation.

Shortly after, we were informed our full week would include meeting the president, visiting the Pentagon and receiving the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Everything from eating with our local congressmen to walking the halls of the Capitol made this a truly unforgettable week.

But for me, one thing stood out the most: the people. Everyone I met was very different, encompassing traits and cultural differences from each of their states.

At Boys Nation, I met guys from states like California, Illinois, Maine, Montana, Nevada and Oklahoma. Each one stood out as individuals who captured and represented the trends and differences of their states. Every one was unique, from music preferences to past time activities and from accents to hair (I had the longest by far based on a vote delegates took).

My roommate Cubaka, or “Chewy” as he liked to be called, definitely stood out. I

really couldn’t understand a word he said, but that didn’t matter. Chewy never stopped talking and was always trying to teach me either Swahili or another African language.

MEMORABLE SPEECH Chewy was elected Sergeant at Arms, which basically means he was like a legislative cop for our mock Senate. With my encouragement, he gave a victory speech in which he said, in an extremely strong African accent, “I am the captain now” – mimicking the line from the film “Captain Phillips.”

This, ironically, caused utter chaos from delegates’ laughter and cheers.

On the last night, Rene Petit – a Louisiana delegate who literally grew up right down the street from me (I lived in New Orleans before moving to Mississippi) – and I got into a huge debate with the other guys on our floor on why the South was the wildest region in the United States.

To argue our point, we cited the popularity of SEC football as well as offered a detailed explanation “mudding.”

On a more serious note, my week in Washington taught me a lot.

The preamble of the American Legion Constitution states the organization is “to foster and perpetuate Americanism, inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation, and to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principals of justice, freedom and democracy.”

My week at Boys Nation did just that.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Our View

Remain positive and optimistic As a the student run newspaper for St. Joe, we attempt to have an optimistic view of the future and the past. This is because we have many things about which to be optimistic.

Our school and Bruin football team were just featured in a riveting documentary. We have new students seeking a fresh start at St. Joe. And we are ranked the No. 1 private school in Mississippi. All of these things are proud achievements for St. Joe. It takes everyone on campus to work together so our school can be the best that it can possibly be. Focusing on negative aspects of your school and community will ruin your day and possibly everyone else’s day.

To all of our new students who feel the excitement of a new school year and experience, we urge you to allow that feeling to stay with you through the year. For all those who do not feel this, take a cue from others who do – including our new seventh graders and transfer students.

Then have a great year.

Celebrate St. Joe’s place in education As St. Joe celebrates the 145th year of educating students throughout the Jackson metro area, we urge you to consider the indelible mark our school has left on the community.

As we begin this new school year, let’s take a look in the mirror, think critically for a moment about ourselves and be thankful for all that St. Joe has done for us and for our families.

A Catholic-based education is unique.

As we come together to learn important subjects and prepare for college, we also should appreciate and celebrate the unique Christian environment in which we all have an opportunity to learn.

BEAR FACTS The

Noah Greene l Jack Hall Editors Benjamin Payne Managing Editor Straton Garrard Opinion Page Editor Grant Murphy Sports Editor

Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Catherine Cook, Principal The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of St. 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 St. Joseph. This paper’s purpose is to reflect the spirit of St. Joseph Catholic School, keep the school community informed and help promote the school’s Christian values.

All stories and photographs are copyright © 2015 by The Bear Facts and St. 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.

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 columnists’ 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 email to thebearfacts@stjoebruins.com. Or mail them to: Letters to the Editor, The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927

Bruin News

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

BRUIN BAND, from page 1 football games, including pregame and halftime shows.

The band regularly performs the National Anthem, the school fight song and a selection of popular music.

This year, band members are attempting to improve the quality of their performance – hence the attention spent on playing rather than marching during band camp.

This is a reason why band camp is being held in the evening this year instead of during the day as usual.

“It’s definitely different this year,” said Alaina Liess, a freshman who plays the saxophone. “There will be less marching and more preparing.”

“We don’t need the time to be outside,” said Patrick Morgan, a senior who plays the alto saxophone.

“It’s not better or worse with band camp being at night this year. It’s just different, with a

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I want to keep moving forward and keep working with the band to master their music.”

– Ronnie Russell, director of the St. Joe band

different approach.”

Along with the change from marching to audio, there will be several differences in pep rallies and football games.

“I’m not really sure how everything will turn out,” said Ronnie Russell, the band’s director and chairman of the Fine

Arts Department.

“But I do know that these football games will be more like an event, and there will be much more excitement than in the past couple of years.”

Senior Tim Cook, one of several guitar players in the band, said he believes “this year’s band is going to be a lot more organized. And, of course, there will be more excitement.”

One more difference this year: X.M. Frascogna Jr., the senior partner with the law firm Frascogna Courtney PLLC, is taking a lead role in improving the audio system at the football stadium.

Frascogna said the changes will also help the band.

Mr. Russell said he wants the band to improve in quality.

“I want to keep moving forward and keep working with the band to master their music,” Members of the St. Joe band drumline practice Monday. From left are Jayla Davis, Colin Ledbetter, Maddy Davis, Graham Hlavac. Photo by Alaina Liess/The Bear Facts Mr. Russell said.

CHANGES, from page 1

PRINCIPAL, from page 1 want to keep everything the same. And this year, pep rallies and football games will have more excitement than we’ve had in years.”

School and Diocese officials are still working out the details of the search for a new principal. Mrs. Garrard said St. Joe will likely advertise for the position through the National Catholic Educators Association.

“We’re looking for someone who shares the vision and mission for and with our students,” Garrard said.

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PAGE 3

We want to have a surge of St. Joe spirit.”

– Catherine Cook, interim principal

St. Joe’s Mission Statement says the school strives to equip young people for the world while preparing them for Heaven.

“I want the students to be reassured,” Garrard said. “They are our No. 1 priority, and we want them to enjoy this year as much as possible, because it’s going to be great.”

Ms. Cook said this will be a great school year.

“We want to have a surge of St. Joe spirit,” Ms. Cook said.

be back at St. Joe, where he began his teaching career in August 2011.

“My year at Jackson Academy was enjoyable,” Mr. Theriot said. “However, I missed the students and faculty so much, I decided to come back. I am extremely happy to be back.”

Other new teachers include Mrs. Susie Odom, who will teach high school English; Mr. Billy Swindle, who will teach middle school and ninth-grade English; Ms. Meghann King, who will teach Spanish and French; and Mr. Robert Droel, who will teach eighth-grade religion.

Beginning in January, the school will start a one-to-one program in which all students will have their own school-issued MacBook Air to use in class. Classrooms will be equipped with Apple TVs that teachers will use as an instructional tool.

“In January, we are projecting that all students will get a MacBook Air with a St. Joe-environment on it,” said Mrs. Mary Ann Bourn, the school’s technology coordinator, referring to the software that will limit what students can access in the classroom.

FOOTBALL, from page 4 They have spent countless hours in the heat running through and memorizing plays. The seniors have started to establish leadership roles and upcoming freshman are learning their roles on the team.

Everyone is hyped for the season and ready for the Friday night lights.

The season stats at 4 p.m. Friday when the Bruins meet Velma Jackson High School in the Germantown Jamboree at Germantown High School.

The Bruins open regular season play the following week, Friday, Aug. 21, on the road against Salem High School in Tylertown. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. that night.

To kick off the official start of practice, the Bruin football team held a midnight practice at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3.

Dubbed “First to the Field,” players hit the field for a light practice. The goal was to familiarize themselves with the plays for the first time.

Many fans attended.

“There was a great atmosphere at the practice, and you could tell that everyone was very excited about the upcoming season,” said Trey Frierson, one of several students who attended.

Several alumni also attended.

“It was fun coming back to see the old team. I think it was a great idea to have

a practice at midnight. It makes it more fun being out there during the night and not in the blazing heat,” said DaJour Evans, who graduated in May 2015.

This year’s senior class consists of Stratton Garrard, Charles King, Jonas Swan, Eric Diamond, Danny Cottingham, Jon Dale Dieckman, Josh Clayton and Mason Fridge. They will play an important role in the upcoming season.

Diamond has great hopes for the Bruins this year.

“I feel good about the upcoming season,” he said. “The guys have put in a lot of hard work this summer. You can definitely see improvement from the whole team.”

Diamond said he is very excited about being team captain this year. He has faith in his whole team and believes they can produce a winning record.

With his second season as head coach, Miller Todd has definitely seen changes and improvements to the team.

“This has been the best summer since I have been at St. Joe,” Coach Todd said. “Not only have the players been committed, but our coaches Mark Girard and Kenner Purvis put a plan together and were determined to follow it.

“We have eight seniors. They have been given some big roles as leaders on

BRUIN FOOTBALL 2015

Aug. 21: at Salem Aug. 28: Cathedral, home Sept. 4: at St. Al Sept. 11: St. Andrew’s, home Sept. 18: at St. Joe Greenville Sept. 25: Union Oct. 2: at Puckett Oct. 9: Scott Central, home Oct. 16: Pisgah, home Oct. 23: at Lake Oct. 29: Pelahatchee, home Kickoff for all games: 7 p.m. this team starting with the big brother program.

“Each senior has about four underclassmen who they will monitor throughout the season. We are only as Junior Holt Stockett practices with the football team. Photo by Noah Greene/ The Bear Facts good as our seniors.”

Linemen for the Bruin football team at practice. Photo by Noah Greene/The Bear Facts

Quarterbacks participate in drills. Photo by Noah Greene/The Bear Facts

MURPHY COLUMN, from page 4 While many students would be quick to shrug off the 2015 baseball season and take a break, that wasn’t so for Hendley. He worked as hard or harder than all the varsity players to improve his skills as much as possible before the 2016 season.

In the process, he wanted to be an example for others and push Bruin varsity baseball players to improve their own game. Indeed, his was the mind-set of a selfless player and loyal teammate who just wanted the whole to do well.

“I don’t work as hard as I do for self recognition,” he said. “I work hard because it takes a whole team to

succeed and win a state championship.

I want to be ready to do my job when the time comes so we can accomplish our goals.”

The coaching staff and players around him noticed his hard work.

They appreciated his selfless attitude.

And they were quick to credit him with setting a valuable example for the rest of the team – and even the school.

“The fact that Matt has worked as hard as he has knowing he wouldn’t play (in 2015) speaks highly of his character,” Coach McCall said.

“Matt has been a leader on and off the field,” he said. “He has been as dedicated as anyone else and will

“

He has been as dedicated as anyone else and will definitely have a chance to compete for a starting position next year.”

– Gerard McCall, Bruin baseball coach

definitely have a chance to compete for a starting position next year. I personally can’t wait to see him get on the field and become a leader for this team.”

All good things come to those who wait.

Yes, it is a trite expression. But I and others – including varsity baseball players – still can’t wait to see what next year brings for Matthew and the constantly improving Bruin baseball team.

Grant Murphy, a sophomore, is sports editor for The Bear Facts.

BASEBALL, from page 4

round, the competition became a little tougher against Union. The Bruins swept Union, but it would take a 10-inning Game 2 to decide the series.

In the South State semi-finals, the Bruins faced Taylorsville, a club the Bruin players wanted to play all season.

In the first game, the Bruins lost 18-2.

But the team bounced back in the second game and forced Game 3.

But a 5-1 loss in Game 3 at Taylorsville ended the Bruin ball club’s year.

The 2016 season will be a promising season. Eight starters will return from last year, and the Bruins will still have a great pitching staff with a lot of depth.

Bruin Sports PAGE 4

Follow St. Joe football every Friday

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Tackling the heat

THE BUZZ

Bruin Sports Radio returns

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Bruin football players prepare for challenging season that starts Friday at the Germantown Jamboree

Lady Bruins aim for state title

By BENJAMIN PAYNE The Bear Facts

For the third year, St. Joe journalism students will webcast every Bruin football game live this fall – starting with the Jamboree at 3:45 p.m. Friday at Germantown High School.

Senior JoJo Katool will call the games for Bruin Sports Radio, St. Joe’s streaming radio station. Fellow seniors Noah Greene and Benjamin Payne will provide analysis.

“We are looking forward to another year of providing our students, parents, alumni and faculty all of the action from every home-and-away football game,” Katool said.

You can listen to each game by visiting the school website: www.stjoebruins.com. You also can listen live on your cell phone with the TuneIn Radio app. Look for Channel ASOAudio 13.

Cross country eyes fall start

The Bruins Cross Country team begins practice today, Thursday, Aug. 13, and looks forward to the first meet on Aug. 29 in Choctaw.

The boys have four returning seniors and hope to race into the finish line at state this year. The girls team is going to work hard and strive to push through for another great year on the run.

Swimmers make splash

Story by Grant Murphy, Photos by Noah Greene

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INSIDE s the sun beats down on Bill n 2015 football Raphael field, schedule PAGE 3 sweat dribbles down the face of head coach Miller Todd.

Bruin football has started.

Last season, the Bruins finished the year 4-8. Despite last season’s disappointing record, the St. Joe football team has been practicing all summer to prepare for the 2015 season. The players woke early every day and spent time at the field house for summer workouts.

See FOOTBALL, PAGE 3

Above: Bruin varsity football players go through drills during two-a-day practices last week under the direction of Coach Mark Girard. The St. Joe Bruins begin play Friday afternoon against Velma Jackson High School in the Germantown Jamboree.

Top photo: Quarterbacks Jack Garrard, left, and Reed Collins practice passing the ball in two-a-day varsity football practices last week. The season officially begins on the road Friday, Aug. 21, against Salem High School.

The Lady Bruins are spiking into a new year with exciting changes and a strong base to bring home the district and state championships.

“I expect the best and most successful season since I’ve been here,” said Toni Harris, fourth-year head coach of the Lady Bruins volleyball team Since taking over the volleyball proTONI HARRIS gram four years ago, Coach Harris has worked hard to mold a team that redefines what St. Joe volleyball is about.

Harris has worked hard to prepare this year’s 19-girl team for the new season.

The Lady Bruin Volleyball team has been off to a strong start since practice began late July. This year there are only three seniors – but each one brings a lot to the table.

Last year, the team went 22-12 and lost some of its strongest players: Bridget Abadie and Lucy Miller Loveless. But rising seniors Katelyn Hanneke and Arianna Marshall are ready to pick up the slack.

Genin Harkey, one of the teams’ key seniors and captain, is optimistic for her last season at St. Joe. “I’m looking forward to an exciting year for the team,” Harkey said “We are competing against GENIN HARKEY teams from the Northern districts, which is a change this year. So I’m expecting more wins and a good year to build up our younger players.”

One of the biggest changes the girls are ready for is their competition for this season. Traditionally, the girls played schools from South Mississippi; this year, the team will face schools from North Mississippi.

The team already is gaining momentum. With continued hard work and dedication, the ladies hope to bump, set, and spike themselves to the state title.

“This is a serious advantage,” Harkey said. “This means we will face generally easier teams and give us a chance to improve for key games later on.”

Bruin baseball to build on recent successes

By JOJO KATOOL The Bear Facts

When Coach Gerard McCall took the job as head baseball coach for St. Joe, he wanted to make winning a mind-set.

Winning requires hard work every day; players have to respond to adversity.

McCall noticed shortly after he took the job in May 2014 that the summer team The Bruin swim team started seemed to fold in the late innings. When practice Monday, Aug. 3. something bad happened to a player, he Swimmers are ready to dive into would hang his head. a new season and hit the water So, going into the off season workouts in preparation for the 2015 swim and pre-season practices, the goal was to season. make the team mentally tough and learn how to finish strong.

Even through tough adversity in the beginning of the 2015 baseball season, much

success was earned.

The Bruins started the season 2-3, but went on to win the next 16 out of 21 games to finish 18-7 on the year.

In those 16 wins, the Bruins captured some historic victories. The Bruins defeated 6A powerhouse Warren Central 4-2 and also beat St. Andrew’s 5-4 for the first time in baseball in 21 years.

In district play, the Bruins finished 6-1 and were the back-to-back District 6-2A champs – a feat that had not been accomplished since the 1980-1981 seasons.

In the Mississippi High School Activities Association 2A playoffs, the Bruins were awarded the No. 1 seed out of District 6. In the first round, St. Joe easily swept Mize in two games. In the second

Senior Jon Dale Dieckman at bat in a spring 2015 game against Canton High School. Photo by Frances Patterson/special to The Bear Facts

Students must turn in forms

Matthew Hendley: Setting an example for others

Students who plan to participate in any sports for the 2015-2016 school year must complete a series of forms as soon as possible.

These forms are mandatory and must be on file with the school. The forms include an Informed Consent Form, a Concussion Information Form, a Medical Release Form, and a Diocesan Release Form/Athletic Participation Agreement.

Students and parents can download the forms from the school website, www. stjoebruins.com.

They also can contact Coach David Wissel for more information.

ll good things come to those who wait.

While admittedly a trite and sometimes overused phrase, it nevertheless applies to St. Joe junior Matthew GRANT Hendley, a young, MURPHY Sports Editor rising Bruin baseball star.

Other than fellow ball players, few people – including students, teachers and even parents – are aware of his hard work and dedication to the sport and the Bruin team.

Hendley transferred to St. Joe last fall after spending his whole academic career in the Madison County public school

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See BASEBALL, PAGE 3

system. He is a devout Catholic and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Madison.

His faith plays a huge part in his life – and is a main reason he is at St. Joe. “I believe God plays an important part in my life,” Hendley said. “After all, (Jesus) did die for our sins so I could live.

He is the No. 1 person I always thank whenever something good happens, whether it is in school or in sports.”

Hendley took all honors classes last year: Honors Chemistry, Algebra II Honors, English Honors and World History Honors.

He strived then and strives now to do his best in everything.

“St. Joe was definitely a different environment than what I was used to at the public school,” Hendley said. “But as

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I work hard because it takes a whole team to succeed and win a state championship.”

– Matthew Hendley, a junior at St. Joe the year progressed, I found out it is the perfect fit for me.”

Besides a rigorous academic schedule, he spent much of his free time last year involved in Bruin baseball. While

Hendley also plays basketball, baseball is the sport he loves. In fact, Hendley has been playing baseball since he was just 4 years old.

Which brings us to Bruin baseball.

The 2015 team enjoyed great success under the guidance of first-year Coach Gerard McCall. The team posted an 18-7 record and made it to the third round of the South State playoffs before losing a three-game series to Taylorsville.

But as much as Hendley loves the game, he had to patiently wait on the sidelines while his friends played ball.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association rules required Hendley to sit out a year because he transferred from Madison County.

See MURPHY COLUMN, PAGE 3