S.H. Rider High School 4611 Cypress Ave Wichita Falls, Texas 76310 • Volume 54 Issue 5 • Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
Pg. 10
Chronicle The Rider
Pg. 4
The History Between The Lines
Pg. 7
Speak Now
Is there something that needs to change?
By Chris Greenwood
Art teacher Brian Gilbert’s life was affected by a tradition brought through the ages, and now he wants to use that tradition to inspire others. “I don’t just do it so I can make a living,” Gilbert said. “I have to do it. If I don’t produce work, I feel that I’m not living to my potential.” Gilbert not only teaches art, but he has his own separate passion for art that’s not tied to Rider. “Being an artist is something I have wanted to do since I was a little kid,” Gilbert said. “I had an uncle and an adopted grandfather figure who were artists, they were my first exposure to art.” Gilbert’s uncle was an artist before he was sent to Vietnam, and he never received any formal art training. “He came back like a lot of guys and had seen some things that affected his outlook on life,” Gilbert said. “He never had a lot of ambition, but he did like to draw. He was probably my biggest influence.” Gilbert never thought his dream to become an artist was out of his reach until his parents began to discourage him, he said.
CONTACT US WITH LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AT:
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@riderchronicle adviser@theriderchronicle.com Rm. 247
VALENTINE’S DAY: IT’S DEBATABLE Are Gifts A Must?
54% say no
“It’s not important even in a relationship because what you feel about the other person is enough.” Lily Landours, 9
46% say yes
“Valentine’s Day is a holiday. It’s like Christmas; you just kind of have to.” Caitlin Bush, 10
Continued on Page 16. Art by teacher Brian Gilbert.
Inside The Issue
Sacrifice And Hard Work
Dive In For District
Story on Page 8 & 9.
Story on Page 14.
The Rider Chronicle
Cortney Wood Co-Editor-In-Chief Shannon Pyle Co-Editor-In-Chief Miranda Darné Managing Editor Kobie Lunsford Copy Editor Myla Johnston Reporter Makayla Schnaufer Reporter Lydia Angel Reporter Shelby Walter Reporter Jared Bruner Reporter Anaya Williams Reporter Juan Casas Reporter Chris Greenwood Reporter Sierra Hodges Reporter R’yn Miller Artist Sara Barrera Reporter Victoria Hitchcock Reporter Jaidyn Lehman Reporter Lilia Ruiz Reporter Caden Veitenheimer Reporter Amy Nguyen Photographer Dalton Roberts Photographer
Stupid Cupid
Art by R’yn Miller.
The Staff Editorial
Make Your Voice Heard There are only 272 days until the 2016 Presidential Election. When the day finally arrives on Nov. 8, the United States will choose the next leader of the nation. The voice of this generation rides on the seniors. As they transition into adulthood, the seniors need to register to vote to ensure that their voice is heard and not lost amongst all of the squabble of the older generations. People don’t listen to teenagers. No one takes the time to sit and address the problems high school students face like minimum wage. No one cares because teenagers do not contribute to the discussion by voting. All it would take is one time. One time for the students that are 18 to come together and voice the concerns that are legitimate to this age. The Texas state requirements for voting eligibility outlines people are eligible to vote in Texas if: you are a U.S. citizen, you are a resident of the county where you submit the voter registration application, you are at
least 18-years-old on Election Day, you are not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole) and you have not been declared mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court. The baby boomer generation laughs at the millennials because they think the millennials are ignorant to the facts. If the seniors don’t step up and act in this election, they are only living up to their label. Teenagers matter. The issues students face matter, but they only matter if students stop whining about the situation they are in and take action to make it known. It’s too late to vote in the primaries, that voter registration deadline passed. But don’t let the election that selects our Commanderin-Chief pass while you gripe at home about the candidates. Turn the polls come November.
Trends Pride & Prejudice & Zombies Donald Trump Panic! At The Disco’s Death of a Bachelor album
Fanny Packs
Editorial 2
theriderchronicle.com
February 12, 2016
Terrified, But Ready...I Guess By Cortney Wood Take a bow, the grand finale, the last lap. The ways of saying it are endless. It’s the end. Senior year. This is the first time I have written those words, and I hate that. I graduate this year, and it terrifies me. I’m the exact opposite of every other senior. Everyone I hear has their life together, and I am falling apart at the seams. I don’t know where I want to go to college, I don’t know what I want to be for the rest of my life, I don’t know how I will support myself. The anxiety that comes with being a senior should get clouded over by all of the excitement of being the “big man” on campus. But I am too consumed with worrying about life after high school to enjoy the perks of right now. As a little kid, I tended to try to have the end in sight in all things I did, but even as I entered high school, I never truly grasped that one day it would be over. It’s easy to forget that time moves forward because the days seem longer and hours drag on and on, but here I sit at the end of the first six weeks of second semester and my heart constricts in my chest. I’m a Senior. Such a simple sentence to construct, but this is honestly one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to
write about. The abrupt shift between a cushioned system that I’ve grown used to for the last 12 years ends for me in May. How do I adjust for that? As Co-Editor of the Rider Chronicle, the teachers and administration see my face often enough that I can walk into a class and without saying a word the person will say “who do you need to interview?” It’s what I do, it’s what I’ve done for the last four years. Mrs. Lee has worked with me from the start and taught me how to handle life. I would not have been able to work as hard as I have without her and the paper, and I am so thankful for her. Softball has been an amazing anchor for me because of the constant schedule. Graves, Crouch and Chambo have made me laugh and gotten me through most of my silent meltdowns without them even knowing. I’m overwhelmed. I’m drowning. I’m a Senior. I have gone to the same church since I was in the third grade and I have never moved houses in my life, so change isn’t really my thing. Since I tend to be spontaneous and my mouth runs faster than my mind, little changes from day-to-day aren’t life altering. But it’s senior year. Everything matters more now because it’s my
last. There isn’t an endless amount of time between this year and college. Sports events mean more, my teachers aren’t someone to be afraid of anymore, I finally have most things here figured out, and it’s all about to get ripped away. I don’t really know what to say or do from this point on. Time moves forward, and graduation day comes closer and closer, and I’m still stuck. There isn’t really a cure-all button I can push for the confusion in my mind, but I know that things have gotten a little easier lately. It’s not happening overnight, but talking with my interns at church and getting involved in more activities at church have distracted me and my chest isn’t as tight. I want to enjoy this year, and I think I’m getting there. I am a Senior. “It’s weird because as crazy and loud as I am, when it comes to taking pictures, I’m anything but center stage. If I’m the one in the selfie, it’s usually a goofy face in 100 different pictures on somebody’s phone because I blew up their camera roll. I don’t like pictures of me, so whenever there is a genuine picture, it’s going to be a group picture with the people I love most.” Photos contributed by Cortney Wood
Editorial February 12, 2016
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Raider of the Month Theatre is not just a class to Katie McGinn but a way of life By Sierra Hodges Freshman year: the only Thespian. Sophomore year: acting in every play she could. This year, junior year: President of Drama Club with almost 200 Thespian points. When she heard her name announced for President she was speechless. “Tears. My reaction was tears,” junior Katie McGinn said. “I was so shocked and excited. I was also nervous because I knew it was going to be stressful making sure everyone got what they needed.” For McGinn, theatre life wasn’t easy, especially since she was following in the footsteps of her sister and brother. “My brother and sister got me into acting since they did it while they were here,” she said. “My brother dragged me into it and ever since then I’ve been involved.” Hearing her name for President was just the beginning of a stressful junior year. McGinn is in two AP classes and two pre-AP classes. She didn’t know how she was going to handle all the stress, but she found the rhythm of balancing. “I go to rehearsal every day after
“Acting opens your mind up to so many new thoughts and feelings you’ve never understood. It gives you the chance to learn about yourself while being someone else.” Katie McGinn,11
school until five or sometimes later,” she said. “Then I do all my homework then it’s off to bed and the same schedule the next day.” McGinn has been in all seven productions that Rider puts on and she’s been on both of the UIL teams that advanced to State. Although it’s stressful, and she’s constantly busy, McGinn said she wouldn’t give it up for anything. “I think theatre gives everyone a way to express themselves,” she said. “It’s also helped me cope with a lot of stuff.” Knowing that she’s found something she’s passionate about makes high school more fun, she said. “I think everyone needs to be passionate about something and for me it’s acting,” Katie said. “Finding what I love while I’m in high school makes it even better.”
Standing center stage, junior Katie McGinn continues her role as stage manager in Our Town. “The stage manager, traditionally played by a male, generally knows everything that’s going to happen,” she said. As Stage Manager, McGinn interviews fellow cast members during the play. “The stage manager provides insight on being a human being and living.” Photos contributed by Paul Jefferson.
Our
N W TO
“I liked how the play was more real life centered than most plays.”
Hazel Anderson, 9
“I liked that I was able to be a part of something amazing.”
Victoria Hitchcock, 9
“I liked being able to grow more with the cast and create memories.”
Jack Pittman, 10
Feature 4
theriderchronicle.com
Febrary 12, 2016
Cosplay Material
Introduction to anime leads student to artistic hobby
Photo by Cortney Wood.
By Shelby Walter Junior Amy Levy was sitting in front of a television when her cousin introduced her to the popular show “Inuyasha.” “What’s that?” she asked. That question began a lifetime fascination with anime. Now she spends hours pressing down on the foot control and hearing the rattle of a sewing machine while making her own costumes for cosplay. Cosplay is when people dress up as a character from a movie, book, video game or TV show. Amy has spent years making her own costumes for each cosplay character. “You don’t even need money to cosplay,” she said. “You can just go in your closet, tear stuff apart and put it back together.” Many cosplayers dress up as anime characters or Marvel/DC characters. Conventions are held throughout the world to celebrate this popular hobby. Amy first went to a cosplay convention when she was 14 years old. “I went as Vriska from Homestuck,” she said. “Cosplay is just a way to be someone you’ve always wanted to be. You’re watching these really cool cartoons and this is your
Amy Levy plays the character “Nishiki Nishio” in May 2015 from the anime “Tokyo Ghoul.” He is a character with little emotion and is described as heartless but he is shown to be caring towards the end of the show. Photo contributed by Amy Levy.
“You can just go in your closet, tear stuff apart and put it back together.” Amy Levy, 11 chance to become that person or try something new to express yourself. It’s a great way to make friends and it changes your life.” Levy said the experience is like no other. With colorful wigs, makeup and costumes surrounding her, it’s as if she were in the anime itself. “You’re in this big building chock-full of people and you look around and there’s all these different colors,” Levy said. “There’s so much to take in.” Levy said there are also local cosplay opportunities. “A good experience is the Zombie Crawl that we hold here in town,” she said. “I went as Ticci Toby from Creepypasta, and so many people came up to me like ‘Oh my gosh can we take your picture?’ It’s really fun. When people do that it makes you feel good.” That feeling is exactly what Levy feels every time she goes out in costume, she said. “They see me as the character,” Levy said. “It’s a really great feeling knowing your hard work is paying off.”
cosplay connection
“I’ve always been kind of a big nerd. I started going to Comic Cons and I saw everyone dressing up. I wanted to try it. I’ve loved it ever since.” Chloe Pak, 9
“I started doing it because I thought it would be fun.” Ashton Jackson, 10
“A few people said I look like Katniss Everdeen and I really liked the movie The Hunger Games.” Brylee Grubb Erwin,9
Feature Febrary 12, 2016
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Cold as Ice
Teachers, students take Polar Plunge, raise $700 for Special Olympics By Sierra Hodges
“If I don’t get in the water on Saturday, you all get 25 bonus points.” When junior Maddie Royal got that Remind 101 message from Coach Owens, her day was made. At the time, Owens was one of the highest earning teachers in the run for the Polar Plunge. The Remind was salvation. To save her AP U.S. History grade, Royal found a jug in the library, made a sign for the front of it and with that, she was off. In her efforts alone, Royal raised about $30 for another teacher to beat Owens by carrying around the big jug with a sign that said “Save your APUSH grade!” She said she wanted to see Coach Owens in the water, but her grade was in jeopardy. By the end of the fundraiser, Coach Owens total was $67.87. Low enough to save him from taking the Polar Plunge. In total, the school raised about $700 for the cause. “I’d been studying for that test for three hours,” Royal said. “I knew that carrying a jug would save not just my grade, but everyone’s grade, and we really needed the extra credit more.” The successful push to keep Owens out of the water paid off in more ways than extra credit. “I didn’t want to jump because it would be cold,” Owens said. “I also wanted to host an AP review session on Saturday, and if I would’ve jumped, I wouldn’t have been able to host it for the students.” For the last 15 years, Rider has participated in the Polar Plunge. It benefits Special Olympics and all their activities sponsored by the organization. Student council sponsor, Sally Mroczkowski said 10 teachers were nominated for the jump. The teachers nominated were band director Loy Studer, Spanish teacher Chelsey Fanchier-Alsup, Coach Jeremy Crouch, Spanish teacher Marina King, PALs and math teacher Pamila Brown, APUSH teacher David Owens, Forensics teacher Autumn Weber, Spanish teacher Ethan Shaw, Geography teacher Charity Hartman and math teacher Cheryl Wuthrich. The three people that “earned” the jump were Studer, Crouch and Fancier-Alsup. Royal had planned on taking the Polar Plunge, but she wasn’t able to. “I’m a student council officer so I was supposed to jump, but since I was going to be busy, I knew that I had to do something,” Royal said. “This was a good way for me to give back, by raising money for the cause.”
Getting ready to jump in the water, a group of students and band director Loy Studer show off their costumes. “I jumped because it was a good oppurtunity to do something fun,” freshman Sarah Maclagan said. Photo contributed by Mroczkowski. As she carries her jug from class to class, junior Maddie Royal raises money to save her and her fellow classmates’ APUSH grades. Student Council placed these jugs out in the student center during lunch with all of the nominees’ names on them giving students the chance to donate for who they wanted to jump. Photos by Sierra Hodges.
“I jumped to support the Special Olympics and the kids that participated with me.” Brylee Grubb Erwin, 9
“I jumped because it was a good opportunity to do something fun but also help out the community.” Sarah Maclagan,9
“It was exciting and an absolute wonderful time and I was just honored to be able to jump in the pool.” Coach Crouch, History Teacher
Feature 6
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February 12, 2016
Don’t You Forget About It
Younger generations still love to watch 1985 hit movie, The Breakfast Club By Miranda Darné While flipping through channels, a young Scotty Coppage finally stopped on a movie that caught his eye, The Breakfast Club. With the allure of what high school is supposed to be like, he was immediately drawn. Watching the four characters go into school on a Saturday just for detention left him awestruck. Speech and debate teacher Scotty Coppage said he’d never seen anything like the Breakfast Club since watching it for the first time. “I was in 4th grade and it was on TV,” Coppage said. “I was just blown away by it because, when you’re younger, you think high school is going to be the greatest adventure of all time. I just loved it. I think the movie is timeless.” Even though the movie came out in 1985, popular websites like Netflix still encourage those subscribed to watch it. “I came across the movie on Netflix,” senior Karla Alvarado said. “I remember someone on the dance team dressed up and posed like one of the characters. It’s so universally known I decided to finally watch it.” Alvarado said she originally didn’t want to watch the movie because she thought it was going to be a stereotypical, cheesy high school movie but felt completely different after watching it. “I thought it was going to be just a basic high school movie where the popular kids are the bad kids and the good kids are the nerds,” Alvarado said. “It was completely different because it was just them getting to know each other and getting vulnerable. It was real and pretty intense in some parts, so I thought it was really good for a teenage movie.” Even though the movie was said to be an exaggerated experience of what high school
was like by the movie’s critics, Alvarado said she thought it was very relatable to how high school is today. “A lot of people can relate to the movie because of the problems that the kids face emotionally,” Alvarado said. “The characters feel neglected or feel like they’re not as important to their parents or are out-of-theloop of things at school. I think what they’re showing in the movie is that academics aren’t the only thing that matter.” Those who watch the movie see the difference in social groups between the five characters. “The angsty teens were able to open their eyes to the individuality of a common high schooler,” senior Luis Escobedo said. “Brian, the brainiac was able to somewhat relate to John, who was a criminal. They discovered the vast amounts of perspectives of other individuals outside of their social group.” Escobedo said he didn’t hesistate to watch the movie regardless of the fact that it came out in 1985 and lacked the quality movies have today. “John Hughes wrote it so it would be really cheap to make because he was going to get to direct it and it ended up being this big iconic movie,” Coppage said. “There are movies like it, Easy A and Clueless, but there’s nothing at that level. A lot of movies even try stuff like what John Hughes did, but no one has really come close.” Because the movie not only reflects the teen angst in the 80s but issues that aren’t talked about often, it still remains an iconic movie that all ages can relate to. “I love the Breakfast Club, and I think it has more substance than John Hughes’ other movies,” Coppage said. “People keep discovering this movie and rediscovering it, and you’re constantly finding something new each time you watch it.”
Back to1985 January 21, 1985
Although he was sworn in privately on Jan. 20, Ronald Reagan swore in for his second term again publicly on Jan. 21 with George H.W. Bush as his vice president.
March 7, 1985
Recorded on Jan. 28, 1985, the chart topping song “We Are the World” hit stores on March 7. Written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, this song featured over 40 artists with the purpose of raising money for USA For Africa.
April 23, 1985
Coca-Cola announced they were going to change the Coke formula, calling it the “new” Coke. Consumers were so apalled that the original coke was brought back shortly after in July 1985.
September 14, 1985
Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia were first introduced in The Golden Girls, which aired for the first time with an episode titled “The Engagement” serving as its pilot.
Entertainment February 12, 2016
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7
Sacrifice And Hard Work
"Come support us please!" senior Brea Harrison said. "We need more people in the crowd because it makes us all more of a family. We say 'One Family, One Team,' and we mean it." Photo by Dalton Roberts.
Lady Raiders work together to continue record setting season; girls push each other to success
'You Say' RAIDERS
Raiders' favorite moments from this year The Old High Rider game was one of my favorite moments this year because the game was intense and the band was there and there was so much spirit and pride. It was awesome.
Lydia Harmon, 11
They're all really close and it really translates to the court.
Teresa Vu, 12
They've been playing together for quite awhile and they know each other so well and I think that's a big thing to have. They really appreciate each other.
Pamela Brown, PAL and math teacher
8
By Cortney Wood
“Being ranked fourth in state is pretty cool, but when I think of rankings, it’s whatever, because the number 20 team can come in and knock out the number four team,” third year varsity player senior Nicole Linn said. “It means a lot to hold those titles, but you can’t let them get to you. You just have to take the whole thing one game at a time.” After a win against Boswell by a score of 6840 on Feb. 5, the Lady Raider Basketball team continues to push toward their goal for State. “I try not to think about the ranks and all of the awards and stuff,” senior Brea Harrison said. “I just want to play, have fun and try to get to State. I’m looking forward to winning with my sisters.” Beyond the court, the Lady Raiders Basketball team has developed a relationship that transcends a mere team bond, Linn said. “It’s just cool because when I first moved to Wichita Falls from Iowa Park in the sixth grade, I didn’t know any of these girls,” she said. “I started playing basketball with them when we were on the same basketball team at McNiel and I’ve built relationships through this. It’s not just a court thing or in the locker room either. We all have the same values and end goals so we just fit well together.” Harrison said the girls on the team fit together like a puzzle “once we all come together.”
Continued on next page.
Sports
GOT THEIR HEADS in the GAME Top 5 Lady Raider Basketball moments this year
Leija Corbri Jazmin Heather Airielle
I never thought I would get hurt, so coming back from my injury this summer with my ankle was incredible. I got 19 points in a game and that was my game high so far. We have played really well as a team and we have beat the other teams by at least an average of 30 points. Team dinners are probably the best because we get to relax and be ourselves rather than tensed like we are on the court. The Allen Tournament was a big moment where we all stepped up and played as a team together. We proved to everyone that we aren't just some small town team.
February 12, 2016
As she faces Old High, senior Brea Harrison helps earn her team the spot as sixth in state. "I try not to think about the rank and all of the awards," she said. "I just play and have fun. And of course, look towards state." Senior Corbri Wingfield said each game they play sets them up for the next challenge. "When we practice, it's for the next level of play-offs," she said. "We want to get State, and because of that we always work beyond what we have in front of us like for the game the next day." Photos by Dalton Roberts.
And as the team fills in the space between them and State, head coach Ramsey Ghazal said it’s all about getting back to the basics. “Having good defenses and making sure we are making our shots will make it hard for the other teams,” Ghazal said. “If we can do those two things, get those two basic things down, we can really get a strong shot at State.” Ghazal has coached at Rider for the last six years and in that time frame Rider has passed the “barrier” from not exceeding district to well surpassing it. “Because they know each other so well, I think they all feed off of each other on the court,” he said. “They know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and I think that they use that to better their playing abilities.” Alongside their 14-0 District record, Linn said that the girls “fight for a spot for play time because we are an elite team,” and through this, they push each other past their limits. “The toughest thing about having a team like this is that you are going to have some players that on other teams would be stars,” Ghazal said. “They would probably get 20 shots and 30 minutes of
game each time, but when you are one a really good team like we have, some of the girls have to sacrifice some things like that to really fit a role that will help your team win. It’s that kind of sacrifice that I find very commendable.” Three girls have committed to play college ball and senior Mercedes Brooks was nominated for McDonald’s All American. The entire team understands the sacrifice Ghazal spoke of. “My first thought is to make sure we are up enough to give everybody else the opportunity to get out there so everybody can at least touch the ball,” Brooks said. “I don’t like it when there is somebody out there just standing in the corner because I know that if that was me, I wouldn’t like it either, so my first thought is to get everyone involved.” Because of that sacrifice, Harrison said each part of the team affects the outcome of each game. “Each person plays a role and like Coach Ghazal always says, ‘we make big things happen,’” she said. “It’s a blessing to play with people you have a relationship with, like a sisterhood, and I cherish it.”
MUST HAVES
What the girls absolutely need before a game
Karlea Ritchie "I always have to drink chocolate milk. It's weird, I know, I just have to. We have to do this team chant that one of the girls' dads taught us because we have this superstition that if we don't do it, then we will lose."
Madison Mays "I have to eat sugar. It doesn't matter where it comes from, it could be candy, sweets, whatever. I just have to have sugar and Gatorade."
Mercedes Brooks "I have to have Sour Punch Straws before a game because my sugar drops in games. People joke with me and ask 'why are you eating sugar before a game?', but I just have to."
Sports 9
GOT IT ON LAUCK
Mom on campus makes school easier for senior By Lydia Angel Panic rushed through her when she realized that she was only halfway through her day. She still had to go through Anatomy, Physics and volleyball practice. Overwhelmed, she thought “I can just go see my mom.” When senior Sydney Lauck is having a bad day, she doesn’t have to wait to go home to talk to her mom. She can just go to the guidance office. “It was weird at first, but I got over it,” Sydney said. “It was awkward because you’re like, ‘okay, that’s my mom, she’s here at school’, but I got used to it and it turned out to be a good thing.” Guidance counselor Jill Lauck loves being available for her daughter at a moment’s notice, she said. “I like getting to see her,” Lauck said. “I like to be able to see how she’s doing, if she’s having a good or bad day and just seeing if she’s happy.” Some of Sydney’s friends think that having their mom work at their school would be weird, but Sydney thinks it’s helpful, she said. “It’s actually nice,” Sydney said. “She’s always there if something happens. I can just go in her office if I have a problem.” When Sydney started high school, she took mostly pre-AP classes. That changed her junior year when her mom realized how stressful those classes can be. She saw her daughter experience that stress first hand. “She told me if I needed or wanted to do AP, I could try, but I didn’t have to,” Sydney said. “With me here, she realized how hard it actually is.” Lauck hasn’t always been in the guidance office. When she started her job 23 years ago, she was a teacher. “I taught English and French,” Lauck said. “I taught both because we needed a French teacher and we also needed an English teacher.” While she was teaching, she discovered that she was more concerned with her students’ personal
feelings than getting them to learn everything in the classroom. “My first experience, I’ll never forget, was a student who was missing school a lot,” Lauck said. “His friends would come to class and tell me that he got kicked out of the house again. That stuck with me and got me really thinking about their emotional well-being.” Since her mom is well acquainted with students and issues at school, Sydney said she is better prepared to offer advice at home. “She’s done this for a long time so she can help me,” Sydney said. “Especially with the experience she’s had with kids coming to her with certain problems.”
“Yes. My mom is pretty cool. If I ever need help in the subject she teaches, she can help me.” Dayana Valdez, 10
“No. Just like parents need breaks from their kids, kids need breaks from their parents too.” Naomi Fuentes, 10
We asked
Through all these years senior Sydney Lauck and her mom, guidance counselor Jill Lauck, have stuck by each other’s sides. Photo contributed by Jill Lauck. Photo by Kendi Malone.
Feature 10
Would you want your parent here?
theriderchronicle.com
35% YES
&
y’all said...
65% NO
*130 students surveyed
February 12, 2016
‘Gotta Train ‘em All’
Senior Renee Lonon to continue athletic training in college
By Makayla Schnaufer Everyone watches as the players run up and down the field, kicking the ball into the goal. Then it happens. A player takes a penalty shot and rolls her ankle. That is when it’s senior Renee Lonon’s time to shine. As the player is moved off of the field, she is left in the hands of the varsity athletic trainer. Lonon tapes up and ices her ankle, then sits her down on the bench. Lonon is one of the athletic trainers who takes care of the school’s athletes. She has also decided to pursue athletic training in college. Head athletic trainer coach Dan Brown said he enjoys seeing students like Lonon become athletic trainers. “I think training has helped her get a better focus as to what she wants to do as far as college and what she wants to do with her life,” Brown said. “The aspects of athletic training fit their interests very well. There are so many different fields you can go into with athletic training.” Lonon, who’s responsible for soccer and football, has been a trainer since her freshman year and
“Renee is super sweet and she is always there for us. She is really smart, and she is always prepared.” Emily Chupka, 12
plans to pursue athletic training as a major and eventually a career. “I wanted to do something medical and this fits perfectly,” Lonon said. “I always wanted to play a sport, but I am not really good at it, but with this I can still be around it.” In order to help the athletes, the athletic trainers go through plenty of preparation, taking Sports Medicine 1 and 2. “The girls have to show interest in [the training room] and learn the things we try and teach them; about blood care, proper hydration of the athletes, and different taping techniques,” Brown said. While Lonon greatly enjoys athletic training, there are certain difficulties that she faces because of it. Brown asks his trainers to be extremely reliable, making it more difficult to participate in other activities. “If the greatest trainer in the world is not at a practice or game at the right time then what point is it whether they are good or bad?” Brown said. “A trainer has got to be where they need to be when they need to be there.” One of the most difficult things
“When I got injured she was really helpful. She wasn’t frustrated, she was very calm, and she knew what she was doing.” Alec Coe, 11
to do alongside athletic training is work. “I personally don’t have a job,” Lonon said. “That allows me to be there when the athletes need me. I don’t have to miss practice to go to work.” Fellow senior Alison Fields, though not attending college for athletic training, has been involved in the program in high school. As someone who competed in athletics before becoming a trainer, Fields has gained a greater appreciation for trainers and what they do now that she’s in their shoes. “There is a lot of work that goes in behind the games that people don’t get to see,” Fields said. “We don’t just show up and leave. We are there 30 minutes before players and leave 30 minutes after.” Brown believes that Lonon will “excel in this field because of the characteristics that she possesses.” “Renee has such an intelligent aura about her that she will fit in well in athletic training,” Brown said. “I like seeing students like her become athletic trainers because she is going to broaden this field.”
Senior Renee Lonon acts as athletic trainer for both soccer and football. She plans to pursue a career in athletic training in college because of her experience in high school. Photo contributed by Renee Lonon
“She is always willing to do whatever it takes to keep everyone on the team healthy and safe during the games.” Oby Okeke, 12
“When I broke my nose, Renee was there with a bag of ice, and when I got a cleat mark on my butt, she chased me down to make sure I put ice on it. ” Madison Davis, 12
Feature February 12, 2016
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February 12, 2016
‘More Than A One Man Show’
Older players pass on knowledge to teammates throughout successful season
As the only freshman on the team, Ty Caswell scored the winning points in the Rider/Old High game in double overtime. “It felt really great because that was such a big game,” Caswell said. “They are our biggest rivals and it was incredible to win it for us.” Photo by Dalton Roberts.
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TJ Vasher
His 40-yard dash time is 4.6 seconds. His vertical jump is somewhere between high 30s and low 40s.
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Jorge Vargas
He is quarterback for the JV black and shooting guard and post on basketball.
February 12, 2016
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By Cortney Wood They had gone into overtime twice and just needed 2 more points to beat Old High. As the only freshman on varsity, Ty Caswell said the pressure was on. “I was nervous since it was my first Rider/ Old High game, but once it started, I got in a rhythm,” he said. “I tried to do the same thing I always do. I was out there playing just like a normal game.” Following the down-to-the-second 65-64 win, head athletic coordinator Marc Bindel tweeted “That said, how about the heart of @ ROHObasketball. We are more than a one man show. ROHO magic in full effect tonight! #OFOT” With the current *7-3 district record and advancement to playoffs, the “tough start” to the season shook the team’s confidence, junior Conner Chamberlain said. “We started off the year not really knowing how the season was going to go because we had two tough losses against Chisholm Trail and Denton, but I had faith in our team,” Chamberlain said. “We’ve been going pretty well lately and it’s been a big confidence booster for the whole team. We all feel we can get really far in playoffs with how we are playing now.” Along with the practices that strengthen their skills, Caswell said he is influenced
by the older players on the team and the conversations they have strengthen him as a player. “I’ve been playing basketball for a long time, but I really am just trying to learn as much as I can and take in every moment from the seniors,” Caswell said. “I want to take away what they’ve learned over their four years and use that going forward.” With two district games left in the season and with playoffs in mind, senior TJ Vasher said the time left with Raider basketball is “bittersweet.” “You do something for so long that you never want it to end, but I’ve realized that there are bigger and better things for me, and I have to move on from here,” Vasher said. “It makes me sad at times, but I’m also pretty grateful for the time I’ve had here.” With four years on Varsity, Vasher said playing against older players was intimidating but, through the challenges he faced, he acquired experience that he wants to pass on to the rest of the team. “With this being my last year with basketball, I’ve been trying to give the younger guys the knowledge I’ve gained over the last four years,” Vasher said. “I want to make it so they can have many successful years long after I’m gone.” *as of 2/8/16 Against four Old High players, junior Eli Portman goes for a shot to get a lead and ultimately win the game in double overtime. Photo by Dalton Roberts.
Ty Caswell
His dad played college ball and his mother had the opportunity to play collegiately.
Sports theriderchronicle.com
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Dive In
For District
Swimming team breezes through District on to Regionals By Jared Bruner It’s Thursday and senior Elaina Terrell and the other Rider swimmers just finished warming up. She sits and waits for her event to be called. “Girls 50-yard Freestyle.” That’s her cue. Terrell gets up, puts her swim cap on and steps behind one of the diving boards. As she slips her goggles on and prepares herself for the dive, she stands silently for a few moments. “Swimmers Ready.” Terrell steps on the board and stares at the water. She sets herself. She’s focused and ready. 3... 2... 1... The buzzer sounds. She dives. On Jan. 21, the swim team went to McMurry University in Abilene to compete in the District 5-5A championship. 10 students from Rider competed: six girls and four boys. All of them made it through to Regionals. Terrell has been on the swim team all four years. She swam for three and managed for one. She found out about swimming after one of her teachers told her about it. She wanted to try something new so she decided to join. After District she and the rest of the team moved on to the next level. “When I found out the whole team made it to Regionals, I was really excited for them all,” Terrell said. “We’ve all worked really hard and everyone deserves their
Words
spot at Regionals.” Senior Shane Peterson, another 4-year swimmer, knows what is to be expected at District and Regionals. Peterson believes the success they’ve had this year is because of their coach. “Coach Zahl has been pushing us a lot harder than he usually has in previous years,” Peterson said, “and in return everybody has been doing a lot better. He’s very diligent about us finishing our work.” Coach Oyvind Zahl has one new thing that he implemented this past year called USRPT. It stands for “Ultra Short Race Pace Training.” According to usaswimming.org, one of the foundations of this concept is the Principle of Specificity, which states that “training must be specific to the sporting event in order to achieve performance improvement.” “It’s a new thought of how to prepare swimmers for races,” Zahl said. ”It seems to work. It makes practice shorter but a lot more intense.” Zahl has been coaching swim for the WFISD since 1998. Alongside Rider, he coaches students from three other schools: six from Old High, one from Hirschi and one from Burkburnett. “The Rider swim team has done better this year,” Zahl said. ”I haven’t changed much. I have had a really young team at Rider in the past two years. They are just getting stronger and faster.”
Junior Luke Ward dives in for the 200-yard Freestyle during the meet against Decatur High School. Senior Elaina Terrell prepares to dive for the 50-yard Freestyle against Decatur High School. Photos by Sara Hamlin. Sophomore Brandon Malone turns during the 200-yard Individual Medley against Decatur High School. Photo by Jared Bruner.
from the seniors
“I would like to thank Coach so much for what he’s done. I am also thankful for my teammates for always encouraging me. The other two seniors have been the best thing throughout my year.” Yesenia Gonzalez, 12
“I’m really proud of everyone and how hard they’ve worked. And I’d like to thank Coach for always pushing us and making us try for our best in and out of the water.” Elaina Terrell, 12
“I’d like to thank Coach because he’s pushed me way farther than I thought I could go. I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me all the way through it and coming to every swim meet. I also want to thank my teammates. We are one big family and I love them all.” Shane Peterson, 12
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February 12, 2016
Seniors Lead With tough start to season, players continue to improve By Chtis Greenwood Boys soccer begins the 2016 year second in the district with high hopes to take first. Coach Joshua Hill has hopes “that there will be more highlights to come.” “My favorite thing about coaching this team is the relationship that I formed with the seniors,” Hill said. “This is their last go around and they’re giving me all they have.” Hill said the team has grown from kids that weren’t sure of themselves to players that are “taking charge.” “The seniors are getting everyone to become motivated by putting the leadership skills they developed over the years of playing soccer onto the field,” Hill said. “It’s been very rewarding to see them evolve.” Hill said his favorite highlight of this season was when the team overcame adversity at the start of the year. “We’ve had a tough start,” Hill said. “Instead of making things worse, we’ve stuck together and turned things around. Now we’re on a winning streak and second in the district.” Hill has gathered multiple ways to help the team practice from his time playing college soccer. “As a coach, I try to keep it as systematic as possible. I like to have them run through the same warm up at the same time,” Hill said. “As a player, there was certain things that I liked to do, like visualizations to put yourself in a potential situation.” Senior Excellence Shaka’s favorite thing about being on the team is being on defense. “The best thing about playing defense is being on the right side and working together with the team,” Shaka said. “I really enjoy working with everyone on the field.”
February 12, 2016
As goalie, sophomore Carlee Vassar said she has to stay on her toes the entire game. “My teammates and coaches get me to focus because they always encourage me,” she said. Photo by Nathan Savage.
‘Stronger In The Long Run’ Lady Raiders continue to play as one team even with multiple players injured By Lydia Angel Girls soccer season is in full swing and the coaches are excited. “The season has been good,” head varsity coach Wiersema said. “We have a very diverse team.” During this season, injuries have plagued the players. “That’s something that we as a team battle through, and they’ve done a great job,” Coach Wiersma said. “We’ve only lost twice, and we haven’t had our full team healthy at one time this year.” Wiersma said the injuries didn’t hold the team back and instead it gave them motivation to push on. “One thing it does is make us stronger in the long run,” Coach Wiersema said. “People come off the bench and they get good playing time and develop confidence.” The team is able to stay on track due to the four captains Makena Wood, Kayleigh Gunkel, Oby Okeke and Madison Davis. “They are respected players that have a heart for the team and are willing to put the team before themselves,” Coach Wiersema said.“They’re a classy group. They try and do what’s right, and do it the right way.” As a team, they enjoy their time together and make the
best of things. “We have good team chemistry,” Coach Wiersema said. “They’re all laughing and getting on their phones, texting and stuff like that. Just the laughter makes it so much fun.” They all work hard and are able to stay on their feet through the hard times. “I think the make-up of the team is great,” Coach Wiersema said. “They’re a lot of fun to work with and they get along, the chemistry is good.” Coach Wiersema said the season is going great and he and the rest of the team will miss the seniors next season. “I’m going to miss them as people and athletes,” Coach Wiersema said. “They’re very good. We’re going to definitely miss the talent. Because of all the injuries, a lot of teams would have used that as an excuse, and this group of girls doesn’t.” Although they’re serious when it comes to their sport, head athletic trainer Coach Dan Brown said that they’re a great team to be around and to work with. “They work hard,” Coach Brown said. “They take their sport very seriously. They take care of business and they will put you in the dirt on the soccer field.”
Sports theriderchronicle.com
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History Between The Lines Art teacher continues to produce pieces for public By Chris Greenwood Art teacher Brian Gilbert’s life was affected by a tradition brought through the ages, and now he wants to use that tradition to inspire others. “I don’t just do it so I can make a living,” Gilbert said. “I have to do it. If I don’t produce work, I feel that I’m not living to my potential.” Gilbert not only teaches art, but he has his own separate passion for art that’s not tied to Rider. “Being an artist is something I have wanted to do since I was a little kid,” Gilbert said. “I had an uncle and an adopted grandfather figure who were artists. They were my first exposure to art.” Gilbert’s uncle was an artist before he was sent to Vietnam, and never received any formal art training. “He came back like a lot of guys and had seen some things that affected his outlook on life,” Gilbert said. “He never had a lot of ambition, but he did like to draw. He was probably my biggest influence.” Gilbert never thought his dream to become an artist was out of his reach until his parents began to discourage him, he said.
“I know a lot of people that are my age
that have art degrees and that, once they got out of college, they stopped producing art. Art is something that I’m driven to do.”
Brian Gilbert, Art teacher
“It wasn’t until I got into high school and got older that my parents started telling me things like ‘you should think about something else’,” Gilbert said. “They were also telling me being an artist isn’t realistic and to pursue a history degree because I like history so much.” But after a year in Cameron University, his passion urged him in a different direction. History wasn’t his calling, art was. “I moved away from my family and enrolled in school the next year,” Gilbert said. “I started taking art classes at Cameron University and the encouragement that I got from my professors is what really helped me to stay on the path to become an artist.” Gilbert said that art “isn’t the easiest thing” to make a living at, but if you find an audience that’s appreciative of it, that’s an accomplishment in itself. “You probably hear teachers say that they aren’t making
enough money,” Gilbert said. “They aren’t paid for their work and it’s all true. I am fortunate that I’ve been able to sell my work. “If young artists start their career with a mindset of being rich and famous,” he said. “They should get their thought process checked, because art isn’t an easy thing to excel at. “I know a lot of people that are my age that have art degrees and once they got out of college, they stopped producing art,” Gilbert said. “Art is something that I’m driven to do.” Senior Jake Vance said that he has seen amazing art from the Art I classes that Gilbert teaches. “I haven’t been here that long with the Art I students, but from what I’ve seen, it’s a two-way street,” Vance said. “Gilbert does what any teacher would do and he strives to make sure that they’re learning, but it’s their choice whether to accept it or brush it off.” Vance said that Gilbert’s grading prepares students for the college art professors that “could be very harsh” when it comes to critiquing art work. “He’s very impartial,” Vance said. “He really doesn’t have favorites and that he’s a successful artist himself definitely helps him be able to teach art.” Art teacher Jesse Baggett admires Gilbert’s artwork. “I’ve seen Gilbert’s prints and I think he is really good, really creative,” Baggett said. Looking back at his past, Gilbert said he “couldn’t imagine not being an artist.” “When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up I would say an artist,” Gilbert said. “A lot of my subject matter tends to be western, but someone described it to me as a kind of cultural heritage. Even though I might not have a show coming up or have an overstock of inventory, one of the things I’m constantly thinking about is what am I going to do next.”
“A Bible and A Gun.” Art by Brian Gilbert. “Lucky” was created over the Christmas break alongside “Rimfire.” The horizontal lines contrast with the outlines of the horse shoe. Art by Brian Gilbert.
“Rimfire” is another western culture themed art piece made by Gilbert during his teaching career. He printed it over the Christmas break. Art by Brian Gilbert.
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February 12, 2016