page four
Discover the various exciting events and trips happening at Hoban this month.
page nine
page ten
Hoban students share about their own bands and unique music style.
Jonathan Sapp compares the pros and cons of local winter sports’ locations.
the
archbishop hoban high school n Issue 5 n January 25, 2013
Hoban Alumni Where are they now?
Cover by Anna Baumhoer
editorial
two Archbishop Hoban High School Students and Staff, I would like to take this time to share the heartfelt thanks for the care package that was sent to me and Men and Women of the 455 Expeditionar y Maintenance Squadron at Bagram Air Field. Being apart from our families is hard, but when you are gone during the holiday season it makes it that much harder. Little things from back home are the things that put smiles on our faces and put warmth in our hearts. Being a member of the Hoban Community is something that has brought me great joy, and it makes me proud to be a Knight knowing that these packages were sent to me and various other alumni to include my brother SPC. Greg Allen who is currently in the AOR as well. The bond from Hoban is something we all share and will be something that you carr y with you throughout your entire life in ever y single endeavor that you enter into. The base that Hoban and the Brothers of the Holy Cross instilled in me are something that I use ever y single day in my life as an Airman and as a Non-Commissioned Officer, and something that I know I will use long after. Thank you again for taking your time to send us little pieces of home, and as always GO KNIGHTS! Derek Alexander Allen, SSGT, USAF A-10 Phase Inspection Floor Chief/ USAF Unit Mail Clerk 455th Expeditionar y Maintenance Squadron Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan Go Ugly Early DSN: 447-2277
Media projects negative sentiments
M
edia outlets continually tr y to one up each other when it comes to having the latest and greatest news stories. They seek exclusivity and will attempt to reach it by any means necessar y. In the case of school shootings and other acts of violence, news reporters flock to the scene in hopes of being the first to reveal some key piece of evidence or obtain the first inter views of those involved. They hound the victims families and press for inter views with people just hours after they received the news. They also follow the shooters family in hopes of revealing some hidden motive and probe deep into the personal lives of all involved. In short, they have little respect for those who are involved as they linger around and inhibit people’s abilities to return to some level or normality. In the media frenzy that follows such events, the shooter becomes increasingly infamous as his name and picture is plastered on television screens worldwide. The news chan-
nels exaggerate such events and hype them to an absurd level in the hopes of drawing more viewers to their station. It is human nature to have the desire to be remembered and the manner that the media projects the stor y to the public encourages future mad men to go on a rampage in an attempt to one-up the previous killer. These murderers are talked about in ever y newspaper, newscast and magazine for weeks after the atrocities they carried out. Even though it is for tragic reasons, these individuals will forever be remembered in histor y whether it be in literar y books or holding the record for highest kill count. With the recent events in Newtown enforcing these statements, the media needs to gain respect for all those involved and focus more on the healing of the families instead of the ratings of their station. The families’ and victims’ names will soon pass into obscurity while the shooter’s name and legacy will echo for eternity. n
the
visor ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44305 Online: www.hobanvisor.com E-mail: visor@hoban.org AWARDS •CSPA Gold Medalist •NSPA First Class Award •Quill & Scroll Int'l First Place •OSMA First Place
The Visor subscribes to the ASNE/MCT Campus news service and to APStylebook.com. Signed letters for publication are welcome. Mailbox is in the main office. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus of the editorial board. Signed opinion represents the views of the writer only.
Staff: Editor-in-chief Kaitlyn Stepanek Managing Editor Daniel Lloyd Features Editor Anna Baumhoer News Editors Allison Griffith and James Axson Sports Editors Jack Srail and Benjamin Easton Copy Editor Emily Dunn Photo Editor Hannah Caprez Website Editor Kyle Knapp Staff Reporters Timothy Brennan, Sarah Carmon, Danielle LaRose, Theodore Lesiak, Rachel Mealy, Jonathan Sapp. Adviser Natalie Meyer
opinion
three
Driving schools teach technicalities over practicalities
L
ast month, I became legally allowed to do what many teenagers already do prior to their seventeenth birthday: drive multiple passengers at one time. While this law remains simple to teach students in their required 24 hours of classroom work, more complicated issues are merely mentioned rather than described in great depth. Though at the time, I was relieved that the instructor opted to show videos with improbable scenarios, it would have been far more convenient in my one year of driving if situational details had been thoroughly addressed. For example, driving schools barely breach the topic of police. Well, I was speeding down Graham Road in Stow and observed a police officer driving in the opposite direction. Naturally, I foolishly assumed that cops could not use their radar in such a scenario. In addition, while driving schools advise students to hand the officer their license, registration and proof of insurance, mine never showed me what the latter two even looked like. Therefore, when the policeman asked for the documentation, both my passenger and myself fumbled through papers, often handing over entirely wrong ones, until at last I had presented the correct credentials. Luckily I was released with only a warning. This experience provided me with the
proper knowledge about being pulled over, which definitely came in handy for the second occasion. Secondly, driving schools often skim only the surface of how to change a flat tire. While they teach to pull over and either call for help or replace it oneself, the video of how to actually do so was quick and unhelpful. Therefore, the first time I popped my tire I called to have it towed down the street. The second time it occurred, I was forced to call AAA and wait over an hour. By the third time, I decided it was time to actually figure it out myself, for with my luck it was bound to happen again sometime. I was at Hoban, and I started to stroll outside during seventh period to take care of it. Luckily, I ran into junior Sean Hoffman on my way out, and he thoroughly taught me. Thirdly, driving schools hardly teach how to get a stuck car out of the mud. The videos I watched just showed two people pushing on the back and, voila, it was out. However, it was not quite so easy when my friend’s car was stuck in my neighbor’s yard. After a period of failed pushing, the vehicle had dug several inches deeper into the ground. At last, another neighbor came outside, figured out it had front-wheel drive, and instead of pushing he instructed everyone to go in front of it in order to rock the SUV
by tim brennan
timon a
limb
back and forth until at last it lurched free of the hole, which remains today, and onto the street. In addition to these detailed traumas, my parked car has been hit with only a note tucked in the windshield wipers and I have hydroplaned towards traffic on the freeway. It cannot be just my manner of driving, regardless of my missing 78 out of an allotted 25 points on my first attempt to pass the test for a license. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial for driving schools to incorporate an essential, yet currently nonexistent factor into the curriculum: actual experience. If not, time should at the very least be spent covering such practical issues more thoroughly rather than watching a random twenty-minute video about which way to run away from a train.n
Pro-life initiative must refocus efforts to find success
A
s the annual March for Life Rally in Washington D.C. commences today, I must ask the question of whether or not this gathering is truly the best plan of action for combating the legalization of abortion resultant of the infamous Roe v. Wade court case, the 40th anniversary of which was remembered on Tuesday. The publicity from such an event that has drawn more than 200,000 participants per march in the past is an incredible feat. However, the overall goal of overturning the court case and making abortion illegal does little to accomplish what I believe should be our true purpose: helping the women who, unfortunately, are faced with the unimaginably difficult situation in which the decision to abort, morality aside, is a probable, and seemingly simple, solution. This choice is far from simple, however, with many repercussions that are both physically and mentally harmful to the would-be mother. While not true for all pro-life enthusiasts, many are concerned only with the necessity of a pregnant woman’s decision to keep her child. Once the decision has been made, the job, for many, is finished. However, now that we have successfully convinced this mother-to-be to go through with the pregnancy, we are guilty of leaving
her to her own devices to cope with the difficult situation and, eventually, care for the child. If she was convinced that she could be a mother before, the absence of those who promised it was the best decision will surely cause her to waiver in her convictions later. While eliminating the choice to abort a child through legislation making abortion illegal would be great, a world in which the choice was available and no one chose to abort would be immensely more so. To make this a reality, the focus must be redirected. Instead of concentrating pro-life efforts on gaining support and publicity for the march, we should be running day cares for young women who want to continue their education but have little money to pay for sitters or establishing grants that will help pay for that education. In addition to praying outside of abortion clinics, pro-life supporters can collect the necessities for early childhood, like diapers, wipes, bottles and clothes, to be donated to young mothers struggling to pay for their child. The march is a way to alert Washington to the continued opposition towards the current abortion laws. If 200,000 people can participate each year to communicate to our government, it should be simple to communicate to
“not all who
wander
are lost”
by katie stepanek the women in need that there are people willing to help and support them. Yet, each day, more than 3,000 women in the United States choose to kill their own children. That equates to the abortion of one child every 26 seconds. For the past 40 years, the pro-life effort has been focused on getting the attention of those supposedly in the seats of power. However, I would argue that the women making the decision are actually those people, because they have the ultimate power to destroy or cherish the life of their child. Maybe, if the next 40 years are focused on convincing them that choosing life is not impossible and done so through our actions of support and assistance, the pro-life initiative will be more successful in the eradication of abortive services. n
news
four
THE NEWS IN BRIEF Jan. 25, 2013 by trey lesiak, rachel mealy and katie stepanek
Hoban welcomes four exchange students from Saintiago, Chile. They will be in America from Jan. 16 to Jan. 28.
The Knights for Life, Hoban’s pro-life club, left yesterday for their pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. and will be participating in the annual March for Life Rally today.
FRESHMAN-SOPHOMORE RETREAT Over the winter break more than one hundred freshmen and sophomores came together to grow in their faith and learn some valuable lessons in the very first freshman-sophomore retreat. On Jan. 4, students from Hoban spent the last day of their vacation at the school in a new opportunity to grow spiritually beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. “It was a good experience for the underclassmen,” senior Justin Spear said. “I like that they were able to experience a spiritual retreat without having to wait to be a junior or senior.” Upperclassmen volunteers led the retreat which included small group discussions, student witnesses and interactive games. However, unlike other retreats such as Kairos, the underclassmen were only at the school for one day. “It was a bit awkward at times,” senior Elisa Dimeo said. “Witnesses tried to make things meaningful, but since it was only one day, kids weren’t really able to get out of their comfort zone.” Even still, after being split up the majority of the day, the girls and boys finally came together in an end-of-the-day mass in the Holy Cross room as the premiere freshman-sophomore retreat came to a close and students went home with the lessons their peers taught them.
MOCK TRIAL
J
FOR E SAL
RENT-A-JUNIOR
This year, the bidding for Rent-a-Junior begins on Tuesday, Jan. 29 with the festivities continuing on Wednesday, Jan 30. The event will feature 13 junior groups, the talented senior group from last year’s event and Mr. Yanko and Mr. Milo’s annual musical performance. Some groups to look forward to are “Boy and Girl,” a two-person group consisting of Jake Tersigni and Deanna Demechko, a junior girl group starring Ms. Minks and “Wild West 6” with Kevin Outwater, Austin Keith, Tristian Rothenbuecher, AJ Fisher, Jonathan Freeman and Brennan Bell. Last year’s juniors were able to raise about $3,500 which was divided as funding for Project Hope and the class of 2013’s prom. Start saving money and join the fun next week to help the class of 2014 have an excellent prom!
Graphics by katie stepanek and rachel mealy.
Two years after a state championship win and returning from a state runner-up showing the year before, the mock trial teams set off on another case and another chance at bringing back the hardware. In this year’s case, the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys attempt to make their case to a series of court of appeals judges while witnesses from both sides bring drama to the courtroom. The case, Dakota Allen vs. the State of Ohio, focusses on the confession of the 15-year-old Dakota Allen to the arson of a school athletic supply room and the death of a janitor, Sheldon Brown. Taking place in Phillips, Ohio, the case goes deep into the past, behavior and mental capability of the defendant and also the bias of the lead detective on the case. “It is an extremely difficult, yet exciting and important case,” Associate Principal for Student Services College Counselor Kevin Hillary said. “Mock trial has never had a case where a death has been involved.” After prepar ing for months, the team’s first test is at the district competition on Feb. 1, where five S IOR teams will be representing Hoban and students from all grade levels will suit up and throw down in the courtroom. UN
news
five
Winter production fails to portray Troubadour’s true talent by danielle larose
O
n Jan. 11 and 12, the Hoban Troubadours performed this year’s Winter One-Act play, Brecht and the Butterfly. A two-part performance, the first portion consisted of three one-act plays: The Jewish Wife, In Search of Justice and The Informer, written in the early 1930’s by Bertolt Brecht. Meant as a political reaction towards the controversy concerning the Nazi Party, the plays show the fear instilled by the anti-Semitic attitudes of the time, along with the indecision this resulted in. The play opens with sophomore Amanda Deighen as the Jewish wife of a German doctor, played by senior Matt Kannel, packing to leave for Amsterdam and preparing to confront him about it. Having not read the summary provided in the playbook beforehand, the monologue left much to piece together. Though Deighen showed the hesitation and conviction of a determined wife about to deal with an oblivious husband, there was a clear disconnect between her emotions and
the student audience’s understanding. Further wavering continues in In Search of Justice where a judge in the German court system (senior Matt Rossi) is faced with the decision of convicting an elderly Jewish man or the three members of the German military who beat him. This portion required strict attention to the details in the dialogue, again providing vague information unclear to playgoers who had done no prior research. Despite the convincing performances by Rossi, along with the rest of the cast, Justice was hard to follow. In The Informer, a quarreling couple (sophomore Emily Dunn, junior Peter Kratcoski) argues over their views in the changing political climate and later fear their son (sophomore Nate Fahey) has reported their conversation to Nazi officials. Out of the three numbers, Informer was the easiest to follow, namely for the worry and caution portrayed by Kratcoski. His representation of agitated anxiety displayed how little one was protected in his own home and by his own family during this time.
The second, better half of the play, entitled “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” included a compilation of poems written by children lost in the Holocaust and set to music by Charles Davidson. A musical memorial, Butterfly was a thought-provoking narrative that, with a haunting solo from junior Maddy Gooseman and a successfully harmonized ensemble, painted vivid imagery of the pain, shame and hunger experienced by the Jewish children. The program was then concluded by Yael Reinhold’s praying of the Mourner’s Kaddish, perhaps the most meaningful moment of Butterfly, if not the entire play. Overall, Brecht and the Butterfly did not reach the standards the Hoban Troubadours have come to set. Unlike last year’s Dead Man Walking, Butterfly was devoid of wider audience appeal and fell short where it should have flown. Evidently new for Hoban theater, Butterfly, despite having well-known subject matter, was a seemingly obscure production that left more room for improvement than praise.n
Exchange students introduced to American culture
L
by ben easton
Photo courtesy of Ben Easton.
ast Wednesday, four exchange students from Santiago, Chile were welcomed into America by their respective Hoban host families. The student exchange program, which consists of a nearly six week visit in America, is designed to connect individuals interested in learning about each other’s culture and daily life through first hand experience. This year, each of the exchange students comes from Saint George’s College, a fellow Holy Cross School in Saintiago, Chile. Among the host and exchange students are Tess Davey and Paula Valenzuela. “I’m ver y excited to show Paula what we do in America on weekends. We’re planning on going to a basketball game, the mall and the movies,” sophomore Tess Davey said. Other activities that host students are looking for ward to do with their exchange students include ice skating, skiing and attending the Sweetheart’s dance. While the Chilean students will be experiencing America through daily life at school and at social events on weekends, the host students will have the chance to learn about Chilean culture as well.
Carlos Olivos, Paula Valenzuela, Josefina Morales and Gonzalo Castro meet at Summit Mall. Carlos Olivos, one of the exchange students, has openly expressed his interest in sharing his culture with Americans. “My friend Gonzalo and I would like to cook a Chilean dish called empanadas one night for our host families. We feel that it would be an enjoyable experience to show others some of the foods that we enjoy in our countr y,” Olivos said.
Those involved in the program in past years have remarked that the experience is ver y beneficial for both the exchange student and the host. Hopefully by learning to extend their boundaries and make sacrifices for each other, those involved this year will find that they are not only learning a new lifestyle, but also, in the process, growing in their own.n
Where in the world New York, New York
Irvine, California Heather Lenz ‘89 Makes documentary movies
Decatur, Georgia Byron Wilson ‘94
Gina Spitalieri ‘02
Associate Marketing Director at Vogue
Teacher, headmaster, and founder of the Wilson Academy
El Salvador Laurel Marshall ‘07 Working for a Non-government organization
Since 1953, Archbishop Hoban has educated the
young adults of Akron, Ohio and has turned out some pretty amazing alumni. Over the years, these numerous graduates, with the help of their Holy Cross education, have reached out far beyond Akron and are making a difference, in their own unique way, on a global scale.
Barc
Dona B
Teachin
d are hoban alumni? By Anna Baumhoer
celona, Spain
Bowens ‘89
Afghanistan
ng English
Bryan Pfieffer ‘07 Serving in the U.S. Military
Kenya Erin Clark ‘08 Working as a nurse in an orphanage
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Involved with safari work
Graphics and Layout by Anna Baumhoer.
Rachael Brinker ‘02
>>
features
eight
VOICES IN THE CROWD
What is your New Year’s resolution? I am working on creating a theme for the 50th Anniversary episode of “Dr. Who.”
CHRISTAN ANDERSON ‘16 //
Do less hoodrat things with my rachet friends. JAZMIN JOHNSON ‘13 //
To be as good looking as I am now.
TEDDY STITZEL‘14 //
Spend more time with my family, because when I’m with my family I’m happier.
TYLER GILCHRIST ‘16 //
Live with no regrets, gain 15 pounds by June 1 and become very skilled in the love game.
JOEY CLARK ‘13 //
by anna baumhoer
S
ince February of 2005, YouTube has graced the internet with a plethora of cat videos, ridiculous politicians, dance crazes and of course, countless people falling down or otherwise injuring themselves in a humiliating way. However, in today’s social media and technology driven world, a site as vast and, honestly, comical as this has actually become a source of profit for some. Many of the goofy kids we remember from our middle school years who started off making silly movies in their bedrooms are now paid full time to create their movies. These internet sensations, often dubbed “YouTubers,” are entertaining, addictive and, considering they managed to turn a silly hobby into a full-time fun job, fascinating. A perfect example of early YouTuber turned full-time filmmaker is the currently number one most subscribed to channel on YouTube, with over 7 million subscribers and more than 2 billion video views, Smosh. The channel “Smosh” was founded on Nov. 19, 2005 by Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla in relation to their website smosh.com, which already featured flash animations. Their first videos on YouTube consisted of lip synching theme songs such as Mortal Kombat and Power Rangers, and their Pokémon theme song video was the first of their videos to become the most viewed video on the website, and it held that position for six months. Over the years, Smosh grew in popularity and began to bring in revenue from selling T-shirts on their website, and various sponsorships, such as in 2010 when they created the “iShut Up App” for Andriod phones. In 2011, Smosh was acquired by teen media powerhouse Alloy Digital and exper ts estimate that they make about $7 per thousand views. Smosh also hosts several other channels, the newest of which is SmoshGames, a collaboration between Smosh and another previous channel ClevverGames. Gaming videos are actually one of the most rapidly escalating genres on YouTube, and the current celebrity of these videos, who is also growing in popularity at an exceptionally fast pace gaining almost 2 million subscribers in under three months, is PewDiePie. PewDiePie’s real name is Felix Kjellberg, and he is from Gothenburg,
Careers stem from internet sensations
Sweden, but currently lives in Italy. He launched his channel in October 2010 and is currently the eighth most subscribed to channel on YouTube with more than 4 million subscribers. PewDiePie’s video’s mostly consist of him playing video games, particularly horror games, and videotaping his hilarious commentary and over the top reactions, especially to jump scares in some of the games. In February 2012, PewDiePie was elected “Gaming King of the Web” by fans and donated all of the proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund, in which he has become very involved. This year, PewDiePie signed with a company in order to make YouTube his only job, but has kept the specifics of this agreement ver y private. However, not everyone who has made a major profit off YouTube has made it their sole job. In fact, many celebrities today have launched professional careers off this social media website. The most obvious example would be Justin Bieber who was discovered by an agent after posting multiple videos of himself singing and playing guitar on YouTube. The first Youtuber however to really leave the website seeking profit was Lucas Cruikshank, better known as Fred. Cruikshank first made his TV debut as a guest-star on “i-Carly” and since then has starred in several movies and now his own TV show, “Marvin Marvin” on Nickelodeon. Darren Criss who plays Blaine on Fox’s hit TV show “Glee” was actually discovered by writing the music for and starring in the YouTube sensation A Ver y Potter Musical. In fact, his costar Joey Richter, who played Ron Weasley in the production, joined him last night as part of the show’s new group. Even the Annoying Orange now has his own TV show on Car toon Network, which consistently features fellow YouTuber/actor Toby “Tobuscus” Turner, the seventeenth most popular YouTuber. Eight years ago, no one would have guessed that that eccentric Nigahiga kid would actually make a living off his hilariously silly videos. These YouTubers are truly a testament, not only to how far YouTube has grown and developed over the years, but also to how our society has truly embraced social media, and even turned it into a livelihood.n
features
nine
Hoban Rocks A look at Hoban’s diverse musicians by emily dunn
INDIE Etherill (pETER KRATCOSKI)
Musical Influences: The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, Ramones, Neutral Milk Hotel, Vampire Weekend, Nirvana/Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, Jack White, Gorillaz, Passion Pit, Daniel Johnston, Girl Talk, Kimya Dawson, Weezer, Beach House, The Shins, Sleigh Bells, Frank Ocean, Matt & Kim, Crystal Castles, Modest Mouse, all my local music friends, The Foxtrot Five and Tupac. Pretty much everything I’ve come across has influenced me. Description of his Sound: I’m a singer/songwriter, but I try to utilize folk, electronic, indie, pop and rock elements. I use a ukulele in all my songs so it’s pretty calming. Best/Favorite Song: My favorite song I’ve written would have to be “Bud,” written back when I was running around with the Foxtrot Five. It was one of the first songs I was ever proud of. Where to find his Music: Etherill.bandcamp.com. I put all my music on that website for free to listen to and download. I also recently did a local project. Artists would call my friend and leave a voicemail containing a song which he made into a collection called “All My Friends Ruined Music” which will be available at Square Records on Highland Square soon. If you don’t want to do that, just ask me.
ROCK hessdalen lights (matt rossi) Musical influences: Off the top of my head, I’d say my influences are The Beatles, Alice in Chains, The Beastie Boys, Blur, The Cars, The Clash, The Cure, The Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Depeche Mode, Ian Brown, Marvin Gaye, Massive Attack, Morrissey, Nada Surf; the ones that I find the most in our music are Oasis, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, The Smiths and The Stone Roses. Description of their sound: We have a unique sound: it has an ethereal, moody, sarcastic, and sometimes funny tone; it’s interesting. Our lyrics go all over the place from the supernatural, social commentaries, talking about trying to find a place in this world and the occasional song about war and romance. Best/Favorite Song by band: I think I’d pick “Marine.” It’s the first song we ever did as a band and that was when we realized we had something special working with each other. It’s great because it has a meaning for all of us, and, since the lyrics are ambiguous, the audience gets to make their interpretation what it’s about, which is great. Where to find/download/listen to their music: We’re still working on that part of it; check out our Facebook page, Hessdalen Lights, soon for more details
Metal in your memory (Johnny Zazo) Musical influences: A lot of our inspiration comes from many subgenres of metal. A subgenre of metal is a new and innovative style of metal that merges from traditional metal, like post-hardcore, hardcore, metalcore... In the end, it’s all rock n’ roll. Description of their sound: Aggressive, Fierce, dynamic even emotional, but most of all misunderstood. Best/Favorite Song by band: The song I like the best is called “Katie.” It’s my personal favorite because of the meaning. Our rhythm guitarist’s cousin was a very talented and successful young lady, but she changed over the years and went downhill. She was one of the best piano players I knew. She was really something. Where to find/download/listen to their music: They don’t have “Katie” recorded, but they do have a song called “Addicts Tale” recorded.
Pop stepehn english music (Stephen English) Musical influences: Jason Mraz, the Fray, the Script, Colbie Caillat and Eric Hutchinson Description of his sound: I incorporate a lot of different styles into my music. I enjoy writing using a broad range of music. It makes me more diverse and allows me to offer something different at every show. Best/Favorite Song by artist: One of my favorite songs that I have written is actually pretty new. A few weeks ago I wrote the song “Worth a Try”. It’s a very simple but emotional song about accepting people for who they are. There is a video up on my personal Facebook and soon to be on my page and YouTube. Where to find/download/listen to his music: Facebook.com/stephenenglishmusic Twitter: stephenemusic Youtube: stephenenglishmusic
sports
ten
battl e of the sl o pes boston mills//brandywine by jonathan sapp
Boston Mills Boston Mills is certainly a great ski resort and offers a variety
of elements to entertain all skiers and snowboarders alike. The seven trails are all wider than most of Brandywine’s, allowing more space to ski (and fall) on. However, it is certainly more crowded and the lift lines are always longer than those at Brandywine. Boston Mills better services skiers and is the more popular ski destination because the trails are long and, for the most part, free of terrain elements. Snowboarders can be entertained at Boston Mills as well with the two medium- sized terrain parks. These parks, however, are dwarfed by those at Brandywine. The social atmosphere at Boston Mills is slightly more friendly, and it is easier to learn there as opposed to at Brandywine because of the latter’s apparent lack of tolerance for beginners. Finally, the rustic and oversized lodge is both functional and comfortable, providing ample room and fantastic service. Overall, Boston Mills is a better resort for all types of skiers and snowboarders in general, but may lack some of the specific elements more advanced skiers and snowboarders desire.
Basic Information
Trails: 11 Lifts: 8 Busiest Run: Outer Limits Green Trails (easiest): 3 Blue Trails (moderate): 3 Black Trails (most difficult): 3 Terrain Parks: 2 Skiable Acres: 48 Ratings On a Scale of 1-10 Quality of Terrain Parks: 8 Quality of Lessons: 7 Quality of Food: 7 French Fries: 8 Lodge Comfort: 7 Customer Satisfaction: 8 Overall Satisfaction: 7
Basic Information
Trails: 7 Lifts: 8 Busiest Run: Buttermilk Green Trails (easiest): 1 Blue Trails (moderate): 2 Black Trails (most difficult): 3 Terrain Parks: 2 Skiable Acres: 40 Ratings On a Scale of 1-10 Quality of Terrain Parks: 6 Quality of Lessons: 9 Quality of Food: 8 French Fries: 7 Lodge Comfort: 9 Customer Satisfaction: 8 Overall Satisfaction: 9
Brandywine Brandywine is also a great ski resort that caters to a variety of
people. It has a much larger percentage of snowboarders and typically is known for being a better snowboarding resort then Boston Mills. Brandywine’s 11 trails allow more variety but are all smaller and less wide than Boston Mills’ trails, leaving less room for inevitable error. With slightly less people, the lift lines are less crowded and allow skiers and snowboarders to enjoy more time on the hill. Brandywine better services snowboarders because of the two large terrain parks and the less crowded atmosphere. At Brandywine the common crowd is typically younger, in their mid-teens, and tend to not bother anyone else.
sports
eleven
Senior continues athletic career with Division I college
A
by hannah caprez
Photo by Hannah Caprez
t 6’2, Meghan Donahue is easily recognizable on the court. Donahue is a senior and is in her third season as a varsity player. She has been playing basketball and working hard at it since the first grade. While she is ver y modest, others who know how hard Donohue works notice her impact. "Meghan is an incredibly hard working Knight. She is always the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave," head coach, Scott Callahan said. "She is remarkably tough (mentally and physically) and mature beyond her years. For her size, she runs and moves as well as anyone in Ohio girls' basketball." While Coach Callahan had many words to describe Donohue, she simply said, "I'm not a person that thinks I'm that great, but I think it's important that I work hard at practice to get better ever yday." Donohue is also known on the basketball cour t by her well ear ned nickname 'Bonesaw.’ She earned this name from her aggressiveness on the cour t, including her ability to block shots and dominate in her position as post. "I don't mind the
Meghan Donohue shoots a free throw during a game earlier this season. nickname," Donohue said. "It's nice to be recognized for my effort on and off the court." The team is about half way through the season, and Donohue is averaging 17 points, nine rebounds, one block and three steals per game. She has also managed to score in double figures in ever y game
while leading the team in rebounds. Next year, Donohue is taking her skills to Division I Sienna College in eastern New York. “I am looking for ward to my college season next year, but I will miss the Hoban community, and, most of all, my team.”n
The Hoban Pop Culture Grid Athletes Nicole Race
Freshman, Gymnastics
Madison Horning
Sophomore, Girls Basketball
Sophomore, Wrestling
Sarah Davies
Junior, Swimming
Sean Merle
Senior, Boys Basketball
What do you sing in the shower?
Beach
I don’t sing in the shower
Beach
High School Musical
Beach
Anything Taylor Swift
Beach
Beach
Tattoos on this Town
Anything by Justin Bieber
Unknown talent?
On a snow day, you can be found...
Bucket list for 2013?
Your team’s locker room smells like...
I can dance
Snowboarding
To grow
Sweat
I make really good grilled cheeses
Watching the Kardashians
Get my license
Maddie Diestel’s perfume
I can barefoot ski
Sledding with my buddies
To meet Taylor Swift
No one knows because it’s a secret Invisibility
Nothing. At all. Playing zombies with Drew Lakos
Go to Swenson’s at least 8 times this summer Be more like Mr. Traxler
A bunch of sweaty guys
Chlorine
Christian Waite’s feet
Compiled by Sarah Carmon
Owen Mellon
Beach or snow?
sports
twelve
Hoban coach of nineteen years approaches milestone win by jack srail
C
oach TK Griffith started his coaching career at Hoban High School right after college at the age of 21. In his 19 years as head coach, he has only had one season with less than 10 wins. As an English teacher at Hoban, Grif fith has a passion for teaching that can be seen on the court. He does not just coach the game of basketball, he coaches the game of life as well. Griffith was a member of Hoban’s lone State Championship team in 1989 as a senior at Hoban and is no stranger to winning. His accomplishments include five North Coast League Championships in seven seasons, a Final Four appearance, two Regional Final teams, a District Championship over St. Vincent-St. Mary in 2008 and, in 1999, the Knight’s were 20-0 and were named Associate Press State Champions. Griffith has won Coach of the Year in the Plain Dealer once, the Touchdown Club twice and the NCL three times. Griffith and his teams have had all of this success despite being in arguably the toughest tournament district in Ohio which includes talented teams like St. Vincent-St. Mary, Buchtel and Alliance. “The relationships and memories make the coaching worth it," Griffith said. "We've been in a tough spot due to the Lebron influence at St. V since 2000, but we have persevered and have built a reputation as a respected team who builds a program and develops players." Grif fith could potentially add another
milestone this season to his plethora of accolades. With an all time record of 288-137, Coach Griffith is only 9 games away from accomplishing his 300th win. With a 7-1 record already this season, the Knights are off to a great start to reach this goal. The team defeated St. Vincent-St. Mary this season for the first time since 2008, and the first time at St. Vincent-St. Mary since 1995. One aspect that has made Griffith such a successful coach is the way his inner teacher carries onto the court. Coach Griffith stresses that in order to win, a team must work as one unit with synergy. He teaches his players more than basketball; he teaches them how to battle through adversity in life and to have an attitude of gratitude. He also gives players the motivation they need to perform on the court. “He’s a coach who always gave you the confidence that you had a chance to win no matter who you played,” 2010 graduate Norman Jesser said. “He believed in his players and the confidence he had in all of us made us feel great. We knew he would pick us over anyone else.” Griffith puts together practices that are extremely competitive and he pushes his players to practice harder than any other team on their schedule. Although the Knights’ practices may not be a cakewalk, it shows on game days that they are the most disciplined team on the floor. “Basketball is a journey of pain and frustration, but dealing with it and making it through the pain by immersing yourself
in the team is the goal. Kids who have been able to do this have cherished the experience. Many times kids who didn't play much or thought about quitting are the ones who, years later, missed it the most,” Griffith said. Griffith notes that this job has been a dream come true for him because he grew up around the Hoban family. He values the fact that he can have a job that allows him not only to coach the game he loves, but to have a positive impact on his players’ lives. “It's been a dream come true for me. I was a Hoban ball boy as a youngster and to be the coach is a privilege and honor. I wish we weren't stuck in VM's district, as I believe we would have made several more tourney runs for Hoban; but sometimes fate has other plans for us and I think there is a lesson in how we judge winning and success that I have learned,” Griffith said. Griffith’s program and influence has made his past players grateful for the experience they had and many see him as a father figure and role model. “We started going to Hoban camps when we were in second grade. Coach TK taught us the fundamentals of the game and it was always a dream to play for him,” Kyle “Pepper” Sokol ‘09 and Lucas Sokol ‘11 graduates said. “When the opportunity to play for Coach Griffith at Hoban finally came, we began to realize our goals that we had as 10-year-olds had been made. He is a great role model for players on and off the court.”n
Hoban’s wrestlers win every day in practice by competing hard against each other. Their practices are strenuous and highly competitive, consisting of learning new moves like “the Flying Squirrel” and “the Windmill Ankle Pick” and drilling them over and over again to achieve perfection. They also use a variety of arduous conditioning methods such as running with elastic bands, completing a rigorous circuit or even playing a great game of dodge ball to help improve endurance and scrambling skills. An essential part of the sport is the extreme discipline the wrestlers have to maintain a certain weight in order to compete at their desired level. Dieting is a crucial part of the sport, but it is not required by the coaches. Rather, it is an individual choice to stay at a certain weight. This often makes wrestling an even more physically demanding sport than other sports. Not only must the athletes have discipline on
the mat, but with their eating habits as well. Despite the challenging aspects of the sport, the boys know how to keep it enjoyable by nicknaming each of their coaches after famous personalities. “There are not many of us, so we bond a lot. Coach Feador is Batman, Coach Lann is Brett Farve, Coach Suber is Mr. Freeze and Huber is Yoda,” senior Jolewis Washington said. Washington went on to describe how wr estling has taught him skills not only for the mat, but for life as well. “It’s all worth it in the end when you get your hand raised. Every time that happens, all you want to do is get back in the room and keep working to beat the next guy. The thrill of working hard and sacrificing pays off. When you lose, that drive is doubled and you want to work even harder to win. You must overcome losing. Wrestling has taught me how to sacrifice and discipline myself to achieve success.”n
Wrestling season continues with noteworthy feats
I
by allie griffith
n the midst of a season where basketball steals the majority of the school’s attention, wrestling is an extremely underrated winter sport at Hoban that is certainly worthy of recognition. With talented veteran senior wrestlers Michael Belknap, Jolewis Washington and Nick Schondel leading the way, Hoban’s wrestling team should not be overlooked. The team has had a plethora of successes this season. At the Hudson Holiday Tournament, senior Michael Belknap placed 1st at 145 lbs and junior Kevin Swaney placed 2nd at 132 lbs. Also, senior Jolewis Washington, senior Nick Schondel and sophomore Terrel Grant each performed very well at the Chippewa Invitational, earning 1st, 3rd and 4th place respectively. Since moving up to the 145 lb weight class, Belknap has only lost two matches and is ranked 8th out of 138 wrestlers according to the Ohio Wrestling Rankings. Besides the accomplishments at meets,