October 2013 Utimes

U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave. University City, MO 63130

U-Times October 2013 Volume 25, Issue 1

NEWS MAGAZINE

Homecoming Issue

Sophomores Imani Cooley and Ariana Simmons at the homecoming pep rally PHOTO BY ERIC STRAND

IN THIS ISSUE...

Opinion

2

•Staff Editorial: Homecoming •Transfers students

News

3

•Students visit Illinois colleges •Blood drive

Features 7 •New faces at the U •Ghost bikes

Homecoming •Dance 4-5 •Pep Rally 6 •Parade 7 •Game 8

OPINION

2

U-Times October 2013

2013-2014 U-Times Staff

Editors: Lily Lewis-Stump & Alice Mutrux Assistant Editor: Emily Looby Web Editor: Christine Politte Staff Writers/Photographers: Brooklyn Bass Kayla Holmes Sherrell Jefferson Sophia Kenyon Jihira Patton Anna Russell Alyina Singer Ar’Reon Watson Daniel Williamson Reneise White Adviser Mrs. Mary Williams

Philosophy The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of the issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population.

The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment.

While establishing U-Times as a public forum, student editors will apply professional standards and ethics for decision-making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. Inasmuch as the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Contact Us We are located in Room 346 at University City High School, 7401 Balson Ave., University City, MO 63130. Our email address is marywilliams@ucityschools.org.

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STAFF EDITORIAL: homecoming is no homerun As each school year begins, the homecoming celebration ensues. From the first week of school, student council is busily planning a dance, parade, pep rally and spirit week. In addition, the fall sports teams and clubs begin designing their floats.

Although some students get very excited with the theme and activities incorporated into homecoming, the general attitude in the school is negative.

In movies, getting asked to homecoming is viewed as a major stepping stone of being in high school. However, at U. City, the general opinion is that nobody cares. There never seem to be over-the-top, passionate ideas to ask someone as a date or to plan to make the dance unforgettable.

The pep rally is always repetitive and the majority of the student body does not participate in spirit week. Wacky tacky day is one of the only spirit days that inspires students to participate. The dance is

normally viewed as an underclassmen event that not many seniors or juniors attend, not to mention that the dance is always quite poorly decorated with the theme. Along with those complaints are the quality and quantity of the “food” that is provided at homecoming—chips and water, most of which runs out before half the attendees make their way to it.

So why do we have homecoming?

Besides the few people that look forward to it every year, homecoming is much appreciated by alumni. It has been a tradition at not only U. City, but at many high schools and colleges all over the United States. But if it is a tradition carried on for over a hundred years, why doesn’t student council try harder to make it more fun for the students?

“It’s ratchet,” said junior Rebekah Lyons.

“I went to the dance last year and I did not like it. The music blasts too loud and there’s

not much variety in the music; then people get too shy to dance, and the lighting is awkward.”

Some suggest that having a live band at the dance would be a better alternative to a DJ who plays songs no one cares to hear.

Others say that having better quality food, even if it raises the price of the ticket, would make attending the dance more appealing.

If the theme was followed better—which could happen with better advertising— students say they would be more interested in going to the dance. Other entertainment at the dance such as a photo booth or being able to add a favorite song to a playlist for the DJ are ideas that student say they would enjoy.

Students recognize the hard work that goes into the dance but wish that it was focused in other areas that would make homecoming more fun.

Transfers bring more diversity into district

By Sherrell Jefferson Staff Writer It has only been a few short weeks since the start of the school year when U. City welcomed 85 new transfer students.

Admittedly, parents and students were skeptical of taking in 34 students from Normandy and Riverview Gardens and the potential conflicts they might bring to the district. However, of those transfer students, there has been no sign of discrimination or problems, as it should be. Roaming the halls, you couldn’t tell the old from the new kids on the block.

In addition to the 34 Normandy and Riverview Gardens students, U. City also has 51 other students from schools such as: McCluer South- Berkeley, Cardinal Ritter, Confluence Academy and Fort Zumwalt.

Although the process of making new friends and adapting to student life seems troubling, for the staff it can sometimes be chaotic.

“Honestly, a lot of them came during registration time, which was very hectic, so I didn’t really have a chance to talk to every student, but I made sure I welcomed them and told them to have a great school year, “ says registrar Ms. Murry.

Most concerning, perhaps, was the idea that 29 students from our rival school, Normandy, would soon be walking the halls side by side with us. In recent years, conflicts with the Normandy boys and girls basketball teams have turned violent. Last year, one of Normandy’s students hurled bricks at U. City’s basketball team bus and injured a varsity cheerleader. For a while, U. City students were furious, but as time went

on, it died down.

“There’s no fear in me, I don’t care that they are here,” said Simone Clerk, the injured cheerleader. “I barely know who they are. They’re just kids from Normandy.”

Despite differences, students under any circumstances should have the opportunity to receive education. If it takes welcoming transfer students from unaccredited schools, then why not bring them here? Every school needs a little diversity, something to make the school stand out. Between our variety of classes, clubs and athletics, there’s a place for all incoming students.

“Joining the softball team helped me gain friends and being class president helped me focus more on school and wanting to better myself,” said Lilian Getachew, a junior transfer student from Texas.

Policies Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not reflect the viewpoints of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons, and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the U-Times Editorial Board. The U-Times reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room 346, or to any U-Times staff member, or to marywilliams@ucityschools. org.

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U-Times October 2013

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Generosity runs in their veins Transfers join the pride JROTC sponsors school-wide blood drive

By Christine Politte Web Editor Sitting in two rows of folding chairs, they waited in the small gym. Some sat still and quiet. Some joked with their friends.

Others paged through a booklet produced by the Red Cross with “Welcome” printed across the front. Most had two things in common: they had signed up for the September JROTC blood drive, and they were nervous.

“I was scared. I went and used the restroom twice before I did it,” Marquise Williams, junior, said.

Jordan Jennings, junior, was also apprehensive but felt it was worth it.

“I would’ve wanted somebody to donate blood to me if I needed it,” she said.

One by one, the hopeful donors were called into a curtained area to determine their eligibility. According to Colonel Henson of JROTC, one of the drive organizers, 20 of the 62 would-be

Jordan Jennings, junior, relaxes as she gives blood at the JROTC blood drive Sept. 26.

donors were turned away, either for being underweight, having low iron, or because the nurses couldn’t find a vein. Windon was one of them.

“I’m so sad,” she said. “I just wanted to do it. Oh, well; I guess I’ll just do it next year.”

Each of the eligible donors was escorted to a lounge-style chair where a nurse disinfected their arm and inserted a needle.

Donors were given a stress ball to squeeze as their red-black blood snaked through a tube to a pint-sized clear bag. The average person has about 10 pints of blood, according to redcrossblood.org.

Some donors expressed concerns but were quickly reassured.

“You’re helping to save three people’s lives,” a nurse told one student. “Just breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

After the 10- to 15-minute procedure, donors’ arms were bandaged and they were given snacks and drinks before heading back to class.

Henson lauded the students and staff for their generosity in each of the blood drive’s five years. Not once throughout the twice-annual blood drives has the donation goal been missed, he said.

“We get outstanding support from the faculty, staff, and administration,” Henson said, as well as from the students. “That’s really one thing that surprised me the first time, the number of students willing to give blood.”

Although most donors started out nervous, they ended up feeling good about themselves.

“That day I went home. I was feeling really bad,” Jennings said. “But now I feel better, like a hero, I guess.”

By Daniel Williamson Staff Writer Before the school year even started, everyone knew that there would be a handful of students transferring in from other schools. The great migration of the Normandy and Riverview students had been all over the local news since August.

In the end, U. City received 34 students from the two failing districts and 51 students from other schools.

One of those students is senior Alisha Sonnier, who transferred from Cardinal Ritter and had heard bad things about U. City. However, that didn’t stop her from becoming a part of the U. City family.

“My first day was nerve-racking but welcoming,” said Sonnier.

Sonnier decided to graduate from U. City because it was close to her house and required no tuition. It may have taken time, but now she feels right at home.

“U. City is very accepting and has more freedom than my old school,” said Sonnier.

As if going into high school isn’t hard enough, try transferring from a rival school district. That is exactly what freshman Raven Johnson had to do. While this might seem frightening, the transition came naturally to Johnson. She went to Confluence, Ferguson and Normandy school districts before arriving at U. City.

After moving from school to school, she never felt nervous about transferring, but now she’s happy to be here.

“U. City is just like any other school,” Johnson says.

Some transfer students are new to U. City, but others are just returning faces.

Kendal Harris, senior, left from Pershing in third grade but held on to a dream to graduate from U. City.

“I knew I was going to graduate from U. City,” said Harris.

Students visit colleges with purpose in mind

By Reneise White Staff Writer Imagine boarding a bus at 7am on a Thursday with 20 classmates to visit seven Illinois college campuses in three days. On Sept.

19, the charter bus pulled away from U. City on this whirlwind trip. Deja Bowie, senior, focused on staying awake in order to see what was in store for the tours.

“I was tired and thinking about sleep, since I was up last night trying to prepare for today,” said Bowie. “I’m ready to see what’s out there other than what my mind is set on.”

After two days of visiting Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois, DePaul

University, and Loyola University, everyone was worn out. At the hotel, senior Claire Tschampel bonded with her roommates.

“The first night Drea, Lexi, and I worked out and watched TV,” said Tschampel. “The second night Lexi fell asleep while Drea and I built a fort and listened to music.”

On the last day, after visiting The Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College, and the University of Chicago, everyone prepared to go home. Counselor Mike Beezley shared with the students about how he honestly feltabout the trip.

“The trip was very well planned by Mrs. Johnson and the tour agency,” said Beezley. “I

learned what schools strengths and weaknesses are so when students ask me, I can have an answer.”

Finally the students settled in on the bus, trying to get comfortable for the long ride.

Sloan Marion, junior, appreciated the opportunity to take the trip and only have to pay $100 since the class of 1963 made a donation to fund the rest.

“I found this trip extremely useful, and it was fun,” said Marion. “I also got a lot out of going to these colleges and I might even apply to some of them. I really want to see what other trips the school will take us on.”

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After spending two years at McCluer, she was eager to come back to her U. City family.

“Nothing changed when I transferred,” Harris said, “McCluer students are the same as U. City students.”

Another addition to the U. City pride is ninth grader, Anthony Washington, who left Normandy with plans to transfer to Ritenour. That changed, however, and Washington chose U. City instead because it was closer in proximity. Washington’s friend and fellow freshman, Zeryn Wiggins, also transferred from Normandy. Wiggins and their trio’s third member, freshman Marcus Weaver, who came from KIPP, chose U. City for its accreditation. Even though they miss their friends, the three freshmen are happy at U. City.

“U. City feels the same; nothing is different from Normandy,” said Wiggins.

Freshmen transfer students Zeryn Wiggins, Anthony Washington, and Marcus Weaver stroll down the hall of their new school.

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HOMECO The U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave. University City, MO 63130

concludes a week of celebration

NEWS MAGAZINE

By Jihira Patton Staff Writer Balloons, live DJ, dancing, friends and classmates all dressed to the nines...and volunteer chaperones keeping order. The homecoming dance on Sept. 28 was not much different from previous years, except that considerably fewer students attended.

Sophomore Deandre Walker was disppointed by this year’s homecoming.

“I thought there would be more people and better decorations,” said Walker. “There was only one light on. For the first time going to homecoming, I didn’t like it. People were too busy worrying about how they looked instead of focusing on having a good time.”

Unlike Walker, junior Kayla Strong has been to two previous homecomings.

“Everyone seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves and everyone had a good vibe,” said Strong.

One of the highlights of the dance was the announcement of the homecoming king and queen, Mon’Treal Andrews and Tyerenei Davenport. In previous years, the court was revealed at the pep rally.

“I was really nervous and went to go [to the dance],” said senior homecoming queen Tyrerenei Davenport. “I felt jittery and I couldn’t dance until after I won.”

Senior Tyrell Patrick and freshman Jelani Tatum take over the dance floor with a (self-described) special, cool move while junior Cameron Keys and freshman Ryan Spears look on.

Sophomores Nia Taylor, Jillian Pritchard, Nile Scott, Kayanna Wimbs and Ciara Monoghan “turned up” and turned out for the dance.

Junior Maurice House, senior Hailey Spear, and sophomores Damian Curtois and Darrius Taylor share a laugh about the lack of people at the dance.

5

OMING

Juniors Omar Foster and Chris Andry “Beefing It Up” on the dance floor. “ I just like to dance. It makes me feel like a type of way that cannot be explained.” said Andry

Freshman Cameron Clark danced with Junior Bryannna Jones. He explained that she started to randomly dance with him.

Homecoming Court

King & Queen Mon’ Treal Andrews & Tyerenei Davenport Prince & Princess Malik Johnson & Brianna Sanford Sophomore Court Rickell Miller and Janae Davis Freshmen Court Makini Morrison and Kenesha Randle

“I was feeling the scene and hit that superstar pose” said Carlos Lopez

“I enjoyed dancing and had alot of fun at homecoming.” said Asha Garrison

Spirit Days take on new personality Junior D’Mario Rogers-Miller

Freshman Raven Bullard

Senior Emmai Brown Senior Lexi Kozhevsky dressed as Alice from Alice in Wonderland

Senior Jahmahl Jennings

Freshman Zachary Clark as Aang the Avatar

Black and White Day

Wacky Tacky Day

Movie Character Day

Juniors Sophia Kenyon, Alice Mutrux, and Lily Lewis-Stump throwback to TLC

Blast from the Past Day

Black & Gold Day

HOMECOMING

6 Pep rally encourages student and staff involvement

By Emily Looby Assistant Editor Flashes of gold glitter and face paint are common sights throughout the final day of spirit week. By the time the pep rally rolls around, the whole school is geared up and ready to go.

Each year an activity is selected to put certain class rivalries to the test, as well as teacher and student. This year, tug of war was selected. The juniors and seniors battled it out on the gym floor, with the juniors coming out victorious. Likewise, the

freshmen and sophomores were paired up against each other, and after a long fight, the sophomore class representatives pulled the freshmen across the line.

“It felt like a dream come true,” said junior D’Mario Rogers-Miller. “Throughout the day, the seniors were talking trash and discussing their strategy. It felt really great to win.”

Members of Student Council selected teachers to participate in a three-legged race; teachers were partnered with teachers, students with students. As the race began,

As the spirit stick is waved about the gym, freshmen Tychianna Roah-Coleman, Stacia Saffold, Miana Syms, Diamon Hawkins, and Chelsea Collins (front row) try to out-cheer their corresponding classes.

PHOTO BY LILY LEWIS-STUMP

every pair seemed to be walking in sync their partners. However, as they passed the half court mark, the race started to get a little hairy.

“Once Marina [Claunch] and I crossed the to the other side of gym, we were feeling pretty great about finishing the race strongly,” said senior Molly Paterson. “But once we made our way back across the gym, Mrs. Aboussie and Ms. McKenna starting dragging us along with them as they came crashing to the floor.”

Many, however, would argue that math

U-Times October 2013

teacher Mr. Cloud came out victorious as he whipped off rope tied to his leg and sprinted away from partner Mr. Carter, ending the race with a sliding finish.

“The pep rally this year was in good order and went fine,” said junior class treasurer Malik Johnson. “But during the tug of war things got kind of out of control, but overall it was fun and energic.” visit utimesonline.com for more homecoming coverage

One of the competitions at the pep rally was a tug of war in which freshmen Jasmine Pointer, Mya Simmons and Amber Vincent participated in a challenge against the sophomores. “Originally, I was really nervous,” said Vincent (far right). “But once I got down on the floor my nerves went away.” PHOTO BY LILY LEWIS-STUMP

Lions roar for the ‘20’s

By Kayla Holmes Staff Writer By 8 a.m. sharp, the parking lot behind Cicero’s was buzzing with activity. Performers from school bands, cheerleaders, and dancers were warming up to take the spotlight on Delmar for the annual homecoming parade. By 10 a.m., the parade lineup was set and every float was prepared to follow the parade route down Delmar to Hanley and end on Balson right before the school’s doors.

This year, the parade and other homecoming events were coordinated by algebra teacher Ms. Lauterborn. She was responsible for organizing the lineup for the parade, negotiating traffic control and the parade route and informing the public about the parade and other festivities.

According to Lauterborn, there were more floats this year and more participation than in homecoming parades of previous years.

Lauterborn was also responsible for judging the floats this year. Once again, field hockey won first for best high school float.

Students of all grade levels participated in the parade. Senior Miquella Cochren was one of the students allowed to march with classmates alongside the senior float.

She rode on the float and tossed sweets into the crowd. Along with others, the seniors began decorating their float at 7:30 a.m. with the help of faculty assistant Mr.

Sanders.

“I enjoyed passing out candy and being there with other seniors,” said Cochren. “It was exciting seeing all of those people and happy children.”

Some teams opted to walk in the parade rather than make a float.

Cheerleaders walked beside their coach’s decorated car, taking an occasional stop to cheer.

“It was nice to actually be face to face with the crowd,” said junior cheerleader Dajah Warren. “It was more fun cheering than riding a float; I got a chance to show my spirit.”

FEATURES

U-Times October 2013

7

NEW AT THE U

New Latin teacher has passion for public education

Mr. Tuths

Ms. Favazza

“

I spend time with my three children, I love to read, and I do Zumba.”

Fun Fact: Favazza is a Girl Scout Leader

PHOTOS AND COPY BY AR’REON WATSON

By Johanna Hill Guest Writer Most people would not expect a Latin teacher to scuba dive or have history with the Mafia, but Mr. Tuths, the new Latin teacher at U. City, has surprising connections to both of these things.

Tuths, whose name was changed from Tuozzo by his great-grandfather to avoid Mafia association, started teaching for the first time in August. After earning his graduate degree from Washington University, he returned from his native Boston to teach at U. City High School.

“I really value public education, so I wanted to become a public teacher as opposed to a private school teacher,” Tuths said.

So far, U. City seems to be a good fit.

“I have really, really great students,” Tuths said.

Latin is the perfect subject for him to

Mr. Walz

“

Ms. Woods

I play guitar, read, hang out with my wife, and watch Breaking Bad.” Fun Fact: The last job Walz had before coming to U. City was working for Habitat for Humanity.

Ghost bike inspires road safety in community

By Alice Mutrux Co-Editor Imagine: you’re riding home on your bike after a long day at work spinning pizzas at Dewey’s. It’s 11:20; you’re only a block from your house and seconds away from being struck by a drunk driver on the side of the road.

You are 19 year old Samuel Scott, a teen who lost his life while traveling via bicycle in 2012. According to www. bicyclinginfo.org, there are over 600 bicycle-related fatalities each year, but it’s Scott, a U.City teen, whose story hits a little too close to home.

On the corner of Delmar and Bemiston now stands an eerie bicycle, eye-catching in its simplicity and somber in

teach to those students, Tuths says. While it is considered a dead language, he still thinks Latin is very important.

“It is the foundation of all romance languages, like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian,” said Tuths.

Aside from that, he says that Latin is hugely influential in the English language.

When he’s not busy with Latin, Tuths enjoys baking. He is especially interested in making pizza and makes it using his own recipe and a sourdough culture from Italy.

Cultures are substances used in order to make bread (and pizza dough) ferment and rise.

“Imagine a jar of what looks like pancake batter in your fridge, and you have to feed it every six months with flour and water to keep it alive,” Tuths said.

He also has an advanced certification in scuba diving, which he earned while on vacation in Florida with a group of three

“

Mrs. Ellis

I participate in pageantry, I cook, and I work out.”

Fun fact: Woods is obsessed with weddings, she loves Beyoncé, and cupcakes make her happy.

its meaning. Stripped of its gears, cables, and chain and painted an appropriate ghostly white, this “ghost bike” serves as a daily reminder of the tragic event to all who pass.

The first ghost bike was created in St. Louis in 2002 and accompanied by a hand-painted plaque that read “Cyclist Struck Here.” Since then, hundreds of ghost bikes have been erected around the world in countries as far as Australia, Germany, and Brazil, to name a few.

“It is a reminder to cyclists and drivers to be mindful on the road,” said Mr. Stuart, English teacher. “I stopped and looked at it because I ride my bike past it.”

Ghost bikes are generally junk bikes that are donated or obtained by the service group that will install it. Often, a ghost bike will be denuded of its workable parts, making it less likely to be stolen. Then, the paint and finish is removed and the bike is spray-painted white. Simple signs commemorating the dead are bolted to otherwise bare street signs and the bike is adorned with fake flowers. It requires no permit to place a bike on public property; all it takes is a little bit of preparation. However, the impact these bikes have on those who pass works to gain advocacy

friends.

“The week during which we [the group of friends] were going through our guided and then independent dives for certification, we stayed at a camp site in a large tent that the four of us shared,” he said. “We decided once we were done with the required dives that we wanted to explore Florida a bit.”

His group proceeded to pack supplies into trash bags, swim out to an uninhabited island, and stay there for two nights. They even ate conch they caught themselves.

Whether out exploring Florida or teaching students about the imperfect verb tense, Mr. Tuths is an energetic, fun guy, his students say.

“Mr. Tuths is an energetic and helpful teacher,” said junior Porcia Rhodes. “He is very hands-on with his work and actually helps students with anything they need help with. I love coming to his class.”

“

I go to all the Mizzou home football games and the Ohio state games, since my husband’s family is from there.”

Fun fact: Ellis loves the Cardinals and the Blues.

for bicycle street safety. Not only do ghost bikes serve to commemorate the death of an individual; they also work to save lives in the future.

Although it’s exceptional to see a ghost bike on the streets of St. Louis, it is not uncommon to spot one on the corners of big cities. On NPR, Ryan Knuckle recalls personally setting up at least 20 bikes since co-founding the New York City ghost bike project in 2005. “When we put up the first ghost bike we said we hoped we’d never have to do it again, but then we did. It was just in a span of a few weeks.” said Knuckle in the “Around the Nation” segment titled Where Cyclists Once Rode, Ghost Bikes Stand Vigil.

Samuel Scott’s ominous memorial on Delmar reminds commuters every day to watch out for cyclists. Since organizations supporting the message of ghost bikes have popped up worldwide, small changes have been seen to the bicycling community. All these organizations can do is hope to contribute in some way to the safety of bicyclists and, if anything, remind drivers to share the road with their bi-wheeled companions.

PHOTO BY LILY LEWIS-STUMP

8

SPORTS

Lions’ victory is the cat’s meow

U-Times October 2013

Sports Shorts

players to look for

SOCCER PHOTO BY SOPHIA KENYON

Linda Zhang, sophomore, prepares to take a swing at a tennis match against Kirkwood on Sept.

19. Though they are 0-11, the team is not discouraged and keeps positive attitudes for the rest of the season.

-Alyina Singer

The football team tears through the banner before the start of the game. Junior D’Mario Rogers, varsity captain, was especially enthusiastic upon the start. “Being a captain of the football team is an honor in itself but everything was much more surreal on homecoming,” said Rogers. “I have wanted to be in that position since the eighth grade, so it was very humbling.”

PHOTOS BY SOPHIA KENYON

Football team reigns in first homecoming title in three years

By Sophia Kenyon Staff Writer “Looks like this is going to be a high-scoring game, folks,” Rod Jennings announced to the bursting crowd at the homecoming football game on Sept.

28th.

The announcement followed U. City’s return touchdown, just one minute after opponent Seckman’s initial six-point goal in the first quarter. U. City’s 35–19 lead over Seckman at halftime provided an effortless segue into the halftime show.

The marching band, led by drum major Rebecca Lyons, junior, played four songs before the Golden Girls took center field.

The early prediction from Jennings, secretary of the U. City board of

education, would follow through with a strong finish from U. City, ending in a fierce 55–10 defeat. Deja Bowie, senior, watched the game from behind the end zone with the rest of the Golden Girls.

“I’m proud of the football team because everyone doubted them. I even doubted them,” said Bowie. “And they proved everyone wrong.”

The strong victory had everyone in the crowd on their feet, the Lions’ eight touchdowns reigning in a title that hasn’t been won since 2010.

Though the homecoming game has been the first win of the season for the varsity boys, head coach Carl Reed is confident to attribute the win to the team’s focus in practice.

“You’re always going to play how you practice,” Reed said. “If you have a bad week of practice, you’re going to lose. If you have a good week of practice, you’re going to win. They came out really focused and were really motivated to win the game.”

Junior D’Mario Rogers, defensive end for the varsity football team, praised his teammates in their win.

“Our victory started with a great week of practice,” Rogers said. “We buckled down and knew what we had to do to translate the mission to the moment.”

Yabsra Belayneh, junior, is a transfer student from Ethiopia who has brought notable passing skills with him. Belayneh, the left midfielder, often compares American soccer to the game played in his home country.

“Soccer is better in America,” Belayneh said. “There are more talented people.”

-Brooklyn Bass

TENNIS PHOTO BY SOPHIA KENYON

After playing varsity field hockey freshman year, sophomore Kara Richardson, goalkeeper, returns for the 2013 season ready to secure the goal.

“I wanted to improve my skills so I tried out for a club team,” said Richardson. “I haven’t had an off-season since.”

-Sophia Kenyon

FIELD HOCKEY

PHOTO BY SOPHIA KENYON

Prior to the kick-off of the game, varsity captains D’Mario Rogers, Ronnell Perkins and Alex Schlitter head onto the field to shake hands with Seckman’s captains.

Rebekah Lyons, junior, commands the crowd as drum major during halftime. “I was excited to come up with my own routines,” she said. “I got to show off to everyone that I can dance, because people wouldn’t expect me to be able to.”

Senior Ronnell Perkins pulls off the first of three touchdowns of the night. The Sept. 28 game was his returning game from an almost month-long injury. “It felt good to come back and help my team to a win,” said Perkins.

CROSS COUNTRY PHOTO BY KRISTEN HINES

With a dwindling number of participants, senior Eric Strand has stepped forward to represent U. City’s varsity cross country team.

“We need seven girls and seven guys on the varsity team to compete,” said Strand.

“So we are competing individually.”

-Alice Mutrux