page three
page five
page eleven
A Visor staff member shares a memorable spring break experience
Devastating earthquake rocks Southeast Asia, killing and displacing thousands
Senior reflects on his high school volleyball career and looks forward to the future
visor
the
archbishop hoban high school n Issue 9 n May 1, 2015
Seniors asked the big question...
Cover by Joey Santucci Cover by Joey Santucci
The Visor was there to get the story. page six
letter to the editor Response to Student Hunting Article two
To the Editor, “Wild Heart: Senior Reflects on African Hunting Experience” was an article featured in the March 27, 2015, edition of the Visor. In the article, senior Sabrino Didado is quoted in all caps (which I assume means she was shouting) that “ELEPHANTS ARE NOT ENDANGERED”. Although this statement is technically true, it is misleading. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is a global conser vation agency that keeps the best record of the conservation status of ever y species studied by scientists on the planet. The information is their database references current scientific studies and the best counts of wild populations. According to the IUCN, African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were listed as an endangered species from 1996 - 2004. In 2004, the listing was changed to vulnerable. The US Fish and Wildlife Ser vice (USFWS) uses the term threatened, instead of vulnerable, but the meaning is the same. This species is still not stable and changes in climate and/or human behavior could
change their status back to endangered. Elephants are threatened by poaching, particularly for ivor y. Programs, like the one that Sabrina references in the article, do help alleviate stress on some populations of elephants by protecting habitat and using money to fund conser vation projects. But this is only in certain areas where funds from hunting are used to support local conser vation and anti-poaching efforts. Not all game hunting is connected to conser vation. Some actually works in opposition to conser vation. Other ways to generate revenue for conser vation do not involve removing animals from the population, such as wildlife watching or participating in a safari. While elephants have been downlisted from endangered to vulnerable, they are still in a precarious position as habitats shrink and the black market for ivor y exists. Thinking about their long term success as a species means that we need to continue to treat them as a population at risk, not one that is secure in its sur vival. Candace Bates Environmental Science Teacher
Plea for Homelessness Awareness To the Editor, The homeless are an ever persistent condition within this world. Some are led on to believe that due to the nature of this quandary there is no point in trying to aid them. Still, others would assume a far more cynical position saying that these people earn what they get. In this western society, prided on capitalism and profit-motive, one can easily say that which what one receives is the result of what they earn. However, this is not the case. After having explored project hope and meeting many people in this condition, a revelation came to pass. An avid satirist once played on the logic of, “I like what I get,” being in a way similar to “I get what I like.” As we studied this puzzle, we realized that this is the exact situation people in “stable” environments apply to the homeless. As previously stated, one can easily say the homeless are lazy or have brought this depravity upon themselves. Unfortunately, the ecology of poverty is much more involved. And as there are “Invisible Hands” that drive markets towards prosperity, one must logically conclude that there are “Invisible Feet” that
would drive markets and people down into poverty. The condition and threat of poverty is present in everyone’s lives and we all face the very same issues many of the people we met, during project hope, encounter on a daily basis. However, the barrier which separates the poor and the stable is the opportunities presented to them and the support from those around them. Therefore, we must be the helping hands the less privileged do not receive from their family and community. In doing so, we can provide the reprieve that may allow the less fortunate to revive their lives. Although the odds may seem dismal, the hope we can show people by sharing things such as a simple meal and conversing brings a priceless sense of security. We aren’t suggesting that there is a simple fix to the complex issue of poverty and there probably never will be, however, we are suggesting that the first step is to stop assuming that we earn everything we get. Greg Brown ’15 and Morgan Westover ‘15
VISOR
THE
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: Editors-in-chief Emily Dunn Sarah Carmon Managing Editor Joe Brennan Design Editor Joey Santucci Copy Editor Marilyn Icsman Features Editor Maddi Rotunda News Editors Christina Gorey Sports Editors Dan Dicola Photo Editor Ashely Kouri Staff Reporters Julie Ciotola, Christian Cook, Amanda Deighen, Alexander Lynch, Anna Reece, Angelina Sapp, Elizabeth Stitzel, Kameryn Zingale Adviser Natalie Tannehill
opinion
three
Spring Break Opportunity Changes Outlook on Service
E
ach year, several groups of Hoban students opt to participate in an “Alternate Spring Break,” or ASB, where they dedicate time doing service work in various places throughout the country. This spring, students traveled to Austin, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. These trips, along with all of Hoban’s immersion experiences, are preceded by community preparations and reflections led by Mr. Horinger. While preparing for the immersion trip, expectations naturally ran high, as did excitement. Participants were told that the trips were meant to change their lives, that they would remember the effects forever. But did people really know what they were getting into when they placed these expectations? During my time in Austin for ASB, we faced constant restraints-- time, experience, availability, and more. The ASB is not meant as simply a service trip, but as an immersion into a new experience and culture. In fact, immersion and understanding were the main focus of the trip, ensuring that it provided a lasting effect on not only those we served, but us as well. Those on the trip strove to extend themselves beyond normal service and truly become one with each
other and with the less fortunate. Embracing each part of the experience, however, took effort. I learned that service is what you make it, and when expectations are set high, having a positive attitude is imperative. Disappointment arose when we discovered that we could not do all that these organizations were able to do. For example, we were not capable of helping someone find permanent housing or obtain a green card. Though at the time this seemed a reasonable complaint, it is probably more unreasonable to assume that we could step in and do these jobs in a way that would actually help. The challenge for us, then, was to embrace the service we were able to do in such a way that allowed us to benefit from it as much as possible. While in Austin, we visited Casa Marianella, an organization that housed refugees. The employees there also help the residents find work and obtain the necessary paperwork to stay in the United States. We had the opportunity to hear some of the residents’ stories of how they got there and talk with everyone there. Our actual service there consisted only of gardening work, but the true value of the day came from the interac-
Just Fun Woman Talk
by marilyn icsman tions we witnessed and participated in. Becoming immersed in an experience is not always about doing the big things. Being present and aware, and making the most of what you are doing is much more important in many cases. Casa is the perfect example of this because although we were not equipped to help them in the same way as the organization, we were able to do a small task that hopefully made a difference for them, while simply being around them made a difference for us. I believe that this attitude can and should be applied to all service, in order to have the best experience possible. n
Academics Should Not Be the Only Measure of Success
W
alk by any high schooler and ask us the cause of our stress and most of us will respond with answers ranging from grades, exams, homework, or other school related items. Stress and anxiety constantly plague the minds of high school students who feel the seemingly endless stream of homework and tests will bury us alive. We feel pressured by teachers, parents and counsellors to get straight A’s and have a 4.0 grade point average to succeed in life; thus, every little homework assignment becomes a crucial obstacle in the quest for a good future because every point counts toward our final grade. Oftentimes, these homework assignments test memorization of facts or consist of tedious busy work, and the effort students put into these assignments determines if we are intelligent or not, if we will succeed or not, and if we have a bright future or not. We are all expected to learn the same way and show our knowledge in the same way. If a student struggles in school but thrives in earning in other ways, they are still labeled as unintelligent because they do not receive high marks on homework and tests. A lot of students feel that education has shifted its focus from expanding our knowledge to simply passing classes. Students memorize materials that will be on the test
and then forget it the next day because we already got the grade we wanted. We focus on passing tests and then moving on because we feel that we have been shown the main point of school is to get good grades for a successful future. Learning has become a secondary purpose for the modern student because we are indirectly told that grades are the most important part of school. We feel the need to prove how smart we are by getting good grades. This leads to a competitive mindset towards grades, making students put more time and effort in their work. Spending all this time causes stress and anxiety to build up for us because we want to give our best in every assignment but feel we do not have enough time to put in the effort required for an A. If students do not have enough time to fully apply themselves to all assignments, they will not receive a good grades, which in turn gives the illusion that they are struggling in school. This changes the way the world looks at the students and the way they look at themselves because they are now labeled as unintelligent. Here at Hoban, I constantly see and feel the stress of my peers. On one hand, our school work brings us together because we all empathize with the stress of others. However, these standards also have a way of breaking us apart through competi-
by kameryn zingale
Keep Calm and Kam On
tion. I have seen friendships fall apart because of the need to compete for grades. This kind of thinking is unhealthy to the emotional teenage mind because the competition only adds to our stressful lives. As we go through our high school careers, it is important to carefully weigh the emphasis we place on our grades versus other parts of our lives. While we should challenge ourselves, we should not push ourselves so hard that we lose other aspects of our lives. In many cases, your own health and relationships should take priority. n
news
four
Hoban Students Recieve Awards for Holy Cross Contest by julie ciotola
S
to represent God’s people and their testimonies. The seasons symbolize the changes we go through, and the dove signfies the power of the Holy Spirit breathing life in to each of us” Artino said of her winning piece. In addition, juniors Henry Riegger, Matthew Burrington, Joe Lofreso, and Justin Bisesi, who earned second place in film. “When I found out I was so pumped that we were recognized for our video and that we won some money” junior Henry Riegger said of his exciting achievement. In addition to these prizes, sophomores Ellana Jones and Kaitlyn Clark along with junior Heather Essman won third prize for their music submission, and junior Lauren Kouri achieved third for her essay submission. “It felt so great to win and participate in such an interesting contest” junior Heather Essman said. Due to the mass success Hoban students accumulated, Mrs. Bulgrin was recognized as the teacher with the most submissions. n Alexandria Artino’s winning submission to the Holy Cross art contest
Harvard Sit-In Protests the School’s Invesments by alex lynch
S
everal dozen Har vard students staged a sit-in on campus Thursday the 16th to demand that the university, which has the largest endowment of any college in the world, divest from fossil fuel companies. It began around 10 a.m. when more than 30 students walked into Massachusetts Hall and occupied a first-floor hallway. Campus police and other Har vard officials arrived. Officers stood guard outside, blocking entrances to the facility and stopping anyone not authorized from entering. The sit-in was a part of a series of events planned around the world over the next few days that will call on colleges, governments, and other organizations to shed their investments in companies that produce oil, gas, and coal. “It’s essentially a political tactic to say that what the fossil fuel companies are doing is dangerous and reprehensible,” said a 21-year-old Har vard junior of the sit-in.
In recent years, students, faculty, and alumni from many colleges have called on their schools to divest. A key target of the movement has been Har vard, which has a $36.4 billion endowment. Nineteen colleges have pledged to divest from fossil fuels in some form, though most that have done so have small to modest endowments. In December 2011, Hampshire College in Amherst became the first college in the United States to make such a pledge. Stanford University is by far the best known and wealthiest college to pledge to divest from fossil fuels in some form. The school, which has an endowment worth $21.4 billion, said in May it would divest from publicly traded coal mining companies. At Har vard, Faust announced in October 2013 that the university would not divest, though it also unveiled several initiatives to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability.
But the issue has not died down. Last spring, about 100 Har vard professors signed an open letter, which now has more than 200 faculty signatures, urging Faust and members of the university’s governing body to reconsider. A few weeks later, students protested the university’s decision by blocking entrances to Massachusetts Hall. In November, a group of seven Harvard Law students filed a lawsuit against the Har vard Corporation, the university’s governing board, that seeks to force the school to divest from fossil fuel companies. Other Global Divestment Day events were scheduled between Thursday and Saturday, including at several other area colleges: Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Stonehill College, UMass Amherst, and Worcester State University.n
Photo courtesy of The Brothers of Holy Cross
ince 2010, the Brothers of Holy Cross have sponsored “Project Hope,” an annual contest open to all high school students who attend Holy Cross schools. Students are allowed to enter writing, short films, music, and art that reflects the provided theme of the year. This year’s theme was connected with the “Year of Consecrated Life” which honors consecrated people around the world who have given themselves to God. In honor of this worldwide Catholic celebration, Pope Francis has reminded consecrated individuals to “Wake Up the World” to God’s love and compassion through acts of service and devotion. To compliment the concept of alerting the world to God, Mrs. Bulgrin instructed her students to complete a project around this theme. This assignment provided students with an opportunity to artistically express their faith and talents. Upon completion, the projects were submitted to Project Hope, along with 600 other entries from other Holy Cross schools across America. By April 10th, the winners were announced, which proved to be an exciting mes--sage for several Hoban students. Winning first prize for her artwork was junior Alexandria Artino. “I painted a tree to represent God, and the branches with letters
news
five
Devastating Earthquake Strikes Nepal by marilyn icsman and joey santucci
A
years, the majority has gone untouched, and unregulated building has continued. The death toll was likely decreased vastly since schools were not in session when the ear thquake hit. Nepal is not prepared for a disaster: food, water, and gas are disappearing quickly and expected to run out soon. Prime Minister Sushil Koirala rushed to Kathmandu from a conference in Indonesia, but delayed his speech in response to the continued shocks throughout the countr y. The government endorsed the strategy of camping in the streets despite the cold temperatures, over whelmed by the devastation and unable to provide relief or hope. The tent cities have left the streets impassable. Foreign aid has arrived in Nepal from the United States, China, India, the UK, Pakistan, and Norway, with pledges from several other countries. The area will require significant help to regain stability. Political discord in Nepal along with widespread pover ty may hinder relief effor ts. The government has been largely useless in recent years due to a ten year civil war that tore the countr y apar t, but after which the winning par ty failed to write a working constitution. Most remaining politicians spend all energy on fighting for the flailing economy but resist compromise. International aid should help solve some of the consequences of the ear thquake while simultaneously working with Nepal’s government to establish a plan for future action. n
How to Help
Donate online to one of a number of organizations providing humanitarian relief in Nepal: UNICEF- The UN children’s organization is preparing emergency supplies and care for the children affected. Red Cross- working with the Nepal Red Cross to provide emergency response OXFAM- its team in Nepal is sending food, water, and sanitation materials. Doctors without Borders- Sending medical staff and supplies, including emergency surgical teams Watch out for local fundraisers sponsored by Churches and schools in the area Participate in the upcoming jeans day sponsored by SADD to raise money for UNICEF; extra donations are welcome
Nepal is a mountainous country in Southeast Asia, located between India and China
Design by Joey Santucci
deadly ear thquake struck Nepal near its capital, Kathmandu, last Saturday, April 25. Rated a magnitude of 7.8, this quake killed nearly two thousand on impact and has since claimed more than 6,000 lives. Just hours later, a series of aftershocks began, with the worst reaching a magnitude of 6.8, a force considered devastating on its own. Additionally, the quake incited an avalanche on Mt. Everest. At least 18 hikers died and more than 40 were found injured, but helicopters continue to search the area. According to the State Depar tment, four Americans are among the casualties. The already subpar communication between cities in Nepal has been rendered almost useless, and citizens are struggling to sur vive the aftermath of this disaster. Tent cities have sprung up for the many displaced people in Nepal. Most residents of Kathmandu lost their homes, but even those who have not continue to avoid buildings due to the looming risk of aftershocks. This risk has also delayed many relief ef for ts, and the injured are being treated in any open spaces still available. The ear thquake demolished the historic area of the city, including the famous Dharahara Tower, which was built in 1832 and recently reopened to the public. The largely unmonitored construction in Kathmandu has worried scientists for years, as a large ear thquake in the area as been expected based on pent up pressure between tectonic plates. While the government reinforced some vulnerable architecture in recent
six n Hoba
centerspread
by christina gorey
Design by Christina Gorey
Promposals
As the school year nears its end and seniors look forward to their last summer before college, a large majority are also preparing for prom. But before the dress, the tux, the hair, and the party, come the promposals. From a romantic night on the beach to a heart-warming welcome home, the Visor takes a look at a few of the promposals of Hoban’s senior class. n
Ian Hamlin and Emily Arison “ I was so surprised that he asked me during the Banglaball assembly. I wasn’t expecting it and the flowers and the letters spelling out prom were so adorable. I’m so lucky? And I couldn’t wait to say yes!” - Emily Arison
Evan Nichols and Sydney Mitchell “I wanted to stay away from making a big deal out of the promposal, but I also wanted to make sure that she was caught by surprise. Apparently, it worked too well because she at first thought I just gave her a picture of a random person.” -Evan Nichols
Henry Stitzel and Erin Gibbons
John Monsour and Annie Tomei “Anna Masica told me she needed something from her car during Extravaganz and I walked out and John was there holding flowers and gave me yummy cookies. I was so surprised!” -Annie Tomei
Kyle Knapp and Faith Chrostowski
Christian Backer and Tess Powers “Christian Backer surprised me at a friends house with flowers and sour gummy worms, holding a Words With Friends poster that spelled out ‘Prom’. It was really sweet!” - Tess Powers
Tony Incorvati and Nicole Armour “I was eating corn flakes and started finishing her sentences when she came in; it took her a second to realize I was making Winter OneActs references but thankfully she remembered.” -Tony Incorvati
“I wasn’t there for the majority of it so I had to coordinate everything with her friends so she got each letter of prom and that I would show up at the last minute with the question mark. It was on her birthday also, so that made it even better.” - Kyle Knapp
Danny Tassiello and Libby Stitzel “I thought I would use the park right by my house which has an overlook above the Cuyahoga River. Libby and I then walked out onto the overlook and her reaction was priceless when she saw Mike Rosen, John Dalessandro and Bella Tassiello holding up “PROM?” down by the river.” - Danny Tassiello
“I went over to her house in the morning with Alex Hall and set up signs that led from her bedroom to the kitchen. I was in the kitchen with my “Prom” sign along with a hot breakfast when she walked down the stairs.” - Henry Stitzel
Danny Bott and Alex Hall
Nate Fahey and Courtney Smith “Well I put in a lot of work, and I was worried that the plan wouldn’t work 100%, but when I saw the smile on her face I knew it was perfect.” - Nate Fahey
Remy DeYoung and Lauren Kil “ I asked Lauren Kil on the beach at night. A kind thanks to Claire Fatica, Marissa Delagrange ,Megan Kavcar and Ted Stieber would be great as they were exceedingly helpful in doing this.” - Remy DeYoung
“Mr. Yandek told me and couple of friends to help with extravaganza. We went outside to help and Danny and his friends surprised me and sprayed me with silly string. It’s scared me, I think I screamed. I’m excited to go with Danny!” -Alex Hall
Ryan Geary and Tess Davey “For my promposal to Tess, I surprised her at the airport with flowers one Friday night when she arrived from Puerto Rico. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her coming down the escalator.” - Ryan Geary
centerspread
seven
The Cost of Prom by libby stitzel
Everyone wants to look their best at Prom, but sometimes this look comes with a high cost. Students schedule countless appointments for hair, outfits, makup, and all other items of vanity. As appointments are made, the cost of prom quickly rises to shocking values. However, these expenses can be brought down with a few simple changes. The Visor shares its ideas on how to bring the cost of prom down drastically. n
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A great way to get a glamorous updo without the cost is to have a friend, relative, or even yourself do it! You won’t have to spend a dime to get your gorgeous locks all pinned up by those closest to you!
The Visor
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@thevisor
Just like with hair, you, a relative, or a friend can do your makeup as well! This, another completely free option, is the best way to go!
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A larger group may choose to rent a party bus or limo for the night, but don’t be afraid to drive yourself! You’ll only be driving a few places throughout the night anyways!
Before you go splurge on a brand new tux, dress, or shoes, look to your relatives and friends and see if they have anything you can borrow! If this deoesn’t work out, look into renting a simple tux or dress rather than buying one- you could save hundreds!
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Bring the cost of your corsage or boutineer for your date down by avoiding fancy bracelets, ribbon, or add ons that will up the price. The flowers will most likely be dead by morning, so why spend a fortune on them?
Design by Libby Stitzel
Looking to get tan but don’t want to spend all a ton of money? Try tanning wipes or lotion! Ranging from 5 to 30 dollars, they’re an inexpensive way to get a subtle glow!
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features
eight SUMMER CONCERTS
SATISFY MUSIC NEEDS
that will
y o u r
ROCK
Summer is the perfect time to kick- back and enjoy your favorite type of music live in concert. This summer, Ohio is hosting a wide variety of concerts from country to hip hop to rock. See below for just a few of the popular headliners coming this summer. n
by maddi rotunda and kameryn zingale
Design by Maddi Rotunda
Dave Matthews Band (Riverbend Music Center on June 5th) Barenaked Ladies (Jacobs Pavilion on June 6th) Third Eye Blind with Dashboard Confessional (Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on June 23rd) Awolnation (Bogarts on July 1st)
ALT/ INDIE
Glass Animals (Grog Shop on June 15th) Phox (Taft Theatre on June 10th) Hozier (Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on June 16th) Imagine Dragons (Nationwide Arena on June 18th) Belle and Sebastian (Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on June 14th)
COUNTRY POP HIP-HOP Scotty McCreery (The Rose Music Center at the Heights (June 19th) Brad Paisley (Blossom Music Center on July 17th) Lady Antebellum (Blossom Music Center on July 20th) Tim McGraw (Blossom Music Center on July 31st) Rascal Flatts ( Blossom Music Center on August 28th) Toby Keith (Blossom Music Center on August 9th)
Good news for all the Swifties out there! Taylor Swift will be performing at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on June 3rd as part of her 1989 World Tour. Starting off her show will be upand-coming artist Vance Joy.
After releasing his latest album, Cherry Bomb, on April 13th, Tyler, the Creator will be headlining his tour with special guest Taco. See him in Cleveland at the House of Blues on June 17th.
OTHER CONCERTS: Snoop Dogg (Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati on June 7th) J. Cole (Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on August 11th) Wiz Khalifa with Fall Out Boy and Hoodie Allen (Blossom Music Center on with June 16th)
features
nine
BEST & WORST
Sports, theatre, service hours and a variety of other extracurriculars keep Hoban students busy inside and outside of Hoban’s hallways. However, many students also work part-time jobs. These jobs can be a way to learn important skills for the future and earn extra money to go towards college. Follow The Visor as we take a look at some of the jobs held by Hoban students. n
HIGH SCHOOL JOBS
by christina gorey
Luke Lauterjung ‘16 Robek’s
(B+ on a good day)
“One time, I had a customer order one of our vegetable juices, so I put on gloves and went to make it. While I was putting a lemon in the juicer I accidentally dropped it, so I went to throw it away. Without changing my gloves, I went about getting a new lemon and slicing it put it in the juicer. Furious, the customer demanded a refund and refused my offer to make up to him a free one in a larger size. I cried on the job, I was so mad/sad.”
Gabbie Klejka ‘15
Subway
(C-)
“ Subway wasn’t the easiest job to work at. I often had to close or open the whole store by myself. The managers were very strict about doing everything as quick as possible (like cleaning dishes, and making a sandwich), but also wanted everything to be perfectly clean. It’s hard to do both. Customers can be rude as heck too.”
(A)
“I love working at Chick-fil-a! My co-workers are so nice and it is a very fun environment. I love seeing all the little kids. Once, a little boy took the broom and started sweeping for me, and then later he followed me up to the counter and said “broom”. It was so adorable!”
Megan Dunn ‘16 Handel’s (A-) “I like working at Handel’s because it’s fun to see little kids get excited over ice cream, and I get free ice cream, so it’s a win win.”
Design by Sarah Carmon
Claire Strobach ‘16 Chick-fil-a
ten
the
BOARD
“
BOAT
Win the NCL, beat our rivals, go farther in the playoffs and have a winning record.” These four goals were outlined by coach Dan Clem in the Lacrosse team’s chapel session before their game against Benedictine High School. Slightly over halfway through the season, the team still has a running chance at meeting their ambitious goals. Beating Benedictine High School 11-5 secured their chances at the North Coast League (NCL) Championship while also defeating a rival, and two days later, they beat longtime rival Revere High School 12-10. If the team beats both Walsh Jesuit and Green, they will have defeated all of their rivals. The team’s record is 5-7 as of press time, but the team faces off against Walsh and Wooster High Schools Wed. April 29 and Thurs. April 30. In order to become the NCL champions, the team still has to defeat Walsh Jesuit and Notre Dame Cathedral Latin. In order to meet their high expectations, the team needs strong leadership, and finds it in the team’s senior captains Danny Bott and Matt Merle.
by emily dunn
Bott got his start playing lacrosse in the fourth grade with a Medina team. The youngest of seven siblings, three of them Hoban lacrosse players, he has been surrounded by lacrosse for years. “In my sophomore year, my older brother [Charlie Bott, ‘06] coached a team from Toledo and we beat them in overtime,” Bott said. Bott has played many positions but one of his strongest-- and his personal favorite-- is defense. “It’s hard to keep kids focused,” Bott said of the largest challenge the team as a whole faces. “We’ve had a tough season schedule-wise, we’ve played some really tough teams. It’s hard to keep people focused as the academic year winds down, but our coaches do a great job and the other seniors do great when it comes to helping us out. The underclassmen are ver y supportive, too.” Merle got his start on the field in his freshman year at Hoban. He was the first in his family to play lacrosse. Merle excels in offensive positions, and is one of the team’s top scorers. “Coach Clem puts a lot of pressure on me to play well and set a good example for the team,” Merle said. “Matt is a good captain because of his dedication to the team,” Coach Clem said of Merle’s abilities. “Matt showed up and worked hard at all of the non-mandator y workouts in the offseason. He shows the kids how to work hard to get better and helps them buy into the team’s philosophy.” Overall, Merle is optimistic about the team’s performance this season. “We’ve performed well overall,” Merle added. “However, there is always room for improvement.”
HOBAN Lacrosse by the numbers Varsity Record: 5-7 Goals Scored: 79 Top 5 Varsity Scorers: Owen Mellon ‘15, Danny Bott ‘15, Zach Shoemaker ‘15, Kevin Swaney ‘15, James Parisi ‘16 Top 3 JV Scorers: Jack Keller ‘17, Jacob Wagner ‘17, Graham Mellon ‘17
*All stats are current as of press time
Photos courtesy of: Kayla Buzzi
sports
Danny Bott ‘15 charges down the field, ready to strike.
This year’s schedule was one of the team’s most difficult to Matt Merle ‘15 (left) scores a goal the Revere game as date. They schedKevin Swaney ‘15 (right) looks on. uled all seven of the teams that were seeded ahead of them in last year’s playoffs in an effort to test themselves in the regular season. The schedule has not been the only difficulty this season, however. “Our biggest obstacle has been becoming a team,” Coach Clem said. “We have had some arguing and fights internally and have had a few players put themselves before the team. We need to come together.” Nonetheless, the team still has been working hard towards success. “My proudest moment this season was beating Benedictine handily,” Clem said. “It was great seeing that progress finally starting to show; the lights finally started to click on for the players.” Clem has high expectations for next year’s season. “I am looking forward to seeing the progress of the upperclassmen,” Clem added. “It’ll be interesting to see if they can continue to make the progress that these seniors have.” g
sports
T
eleven
lesLEIN Up
his year, the Hoban Boys Volleyball team has had a successful season and is currently ranked 4th in the state. The team is led by five seniors which include the three team captains: Tommy Leslein, Joe Belair, and Adam Radabaugh. Leslein, a four year starter on varsity, has been a significant factor in the team’s success.
How would you describe your Hoban volleyball career? TL: It’s been a progression. As a freshman, there was a lot of pressure on me starting my first year. Being surrounded by upper classmen was intimidating, yet a terrific learning experience as well. Sophomoric, and junior year was all about making a name for myself and making a statement as a team. Those years were most crucial in the college recruiting process. Junior year was when I assumed my role as a leader; being one of the most experienced on the team. Now, it being senior year, my only focus is for success as a team.
What is your favorite part about being on the team? TL: Being a role model to the younger players in the program and preparing them for the years coming. Another one of my favorite things is the unity of all my teammates and coaches. We have grown together throughout the years and we are all chasing one common goal. Do you plan on playing volleyball in college? TL: I am committed to playing Division III volleyball at Baruch College in New York City.
Photo courtesy of Dan Dicola
What has been your greatest challenge? TL: All three years we have come up one game short of making it to states. It is extremely disheartening, but more importantly, it motivates us each year to improve. My greatest challenge is trying to help my team get back up after heartbreaking losses and hardships.
Design by Joey Santucci
What is your greatest accomplishment as a volleyball player? As a team? TL: Being recognized as Second-Team All State my junior. As a team, I’d say our greatest accomplishment was making it to the Regional Finals for the past three years.
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Joe Beyer Named New Athletic Director by joe brennan
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n July 1, Joe Beyer will take over as the new athletic director for Hoban sports. Mike Del Medico, who has held the position for the past five years, will begin working as Vice President for advancement and planning. “I intend to carry on Delmedico’s legacy with excitement, respect, and positivity,” Beyer said. This year, Beyer made an impression as coordinator of athletic operations, working both in the school and at sporting events. “I’ve had to make sure that a lot of paperwork runs smoothly and work at games as a site manager,” Beyer said. As athletic director, Beyer
will take on more responsibility in the coordination of Hoban sports. Although this may present new challenges, he is more than qualified; Beyer has helped to manage athletics at both the University of Akron and his alma mater, The Ohio State University. As a freshman at OSU, Beyer studied architecture and was hired at the campus rec center, where he quickly found his niche as a facilitator of athletics. He worked a full-time sports management job for five years while attending the college. Once he graduated, he became the facility and operations manager for sports at Akron U. “My
job there was similar to the stuff I’ve done at Hoban,” Beyer said. After years of experience at the college level, Beyer chose to instead work in a close-knit, high school athletic program. Although he attended and played baseball at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (NDCL) in Chardon, he took a job at Hoban last year and was pleased by our studentathletes. “Everyone just seems to have pride to play for Hoban,” Beyer said. As the new athletic director, he will apply his extensive experience in sports to manage Hoban’s athletic program. n
Cavaliers sweep into next round of NBA playoffs
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he Cleveland Cavaliers are an absolute NBA championship contender along with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. At the beginning of the regular season, Cleveland had high expectations to live up to. With additions such as Kevin Love and LeBron James, the Cavaliers were expected to be one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference, and they finished number two. This is certainly the year of “The Land.” With the momentum that the Cavaliers have built-up, they are likely to meet Golden State in the NBA Finals. The only threats that stand in Cleveland’s way are the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. Star point guard Derrick Rose returned to the Bulls in time for the playoffs, and is the largest threat on the entire team. Atlanta’s best player is not a player at all: it is head coach Mike Budenholzer. Budenholzer was recently named
coach of the year, and he knows how to set up a communicative and offensive team. NBA analyst Charles Barkley isn’t too sure if the Cavaliers have any advantage over the other talented teams in the NBA. “I’ve been in the NBA for over 30 years and I’ve never seen what has never been a clear cut two or three teams (that can win it all),” Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said to the media. “This year there’s like seven teams who could actually win the championship.” What Barkley does not understand is that LeBron will stop at nothing to bring home a championship to Cleveland. Cleveland has been notorious as the “cursed city” for years regarding sports. It’s up to the Cavaliers to end the curse, and with LeBron and Irving at the frontlines, it is possible. More possible than ever before. This has been a great season for the Cavaliers. Irving set
HOMEBOYARDEE
by dan dicola the bar high when he had a record scoring 57 points against San Antonio in the regular season. In 2007, it was San Antonio who shut-out the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers have never won an NBA Championship. With the return of King James, The Land has more reason than ever to step up and take it all.n