The Tom Tom | February 2016

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

WINTER ATHLETES TALK PUMP UP PLAYLISTS +What it Feels

Like to Sit on the Sidelines and Watch Your Team +THE TOP FIVE SPORTS MOMENTS OF 2015

CUTTING WEIGHT + SMACK TALKING AND PLAYING DIRTY

+A GUIDE TO THE SLOPES

TOM TOM TRIES RETURNS + GALLIMORE, KOCH, BALLEZA AND GROSS: Winter Sport Profiles + REISER HITS 1,000

Winter Sports THE

ISSUE

VOLUME 54, ISSUE 6 + FEBRUARY 2016 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS 1133 MAIN STREET + ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS + 60002

FEB. 2016

CONTENTS

VOL. 54 NO. 6

JOHNNY HORTON

12 | PUMP UP PLAYLIST Locker rooms around the country are full of pre-game rituals, but nonemay be as important as the pump up playlist that can be heard ringing throughout the gym.

13 | POP GOES THE SEQUOITS Four winter sport athletes and a trainer take a Tom Tom quiz to showcase what in pop culture they like and what they’re done with.

22 | GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORES BIG From a state run to 1,000 points, the girls basketball team might just be having their best season in school history.

24 | TOM TOM TRIES: TAE KWON DO Senior Digital Director Madelynn Soberano brings a Tom Tom tradition back by stepping into the circle and learning tae kwon do.

26 | TOP SPORTS MOMENTS OF 2015 Championships and hardships headline the top five moments in sports for 2015. See which of your Chicago favorites made the list.

28 | ATHLETE PROFILES Jacob Gross, Morgan Balleza, Trevor Koch and Paige Gallimore show us how to be a true winter sport Sequoit.

FEATURES 14 GUIDE TO THE SLOPES

It’s the winter and what’s more exciting than hitting the fresh snow. It doesn’t matter if you ski or snowboard, we’ve got the info you need to be ready for the homestretch of the season. Plus, hear why Sequoits hit the slopes and what big news came out of Wilmot Mountain in January.

18 CUTTING OUT THE ESSENTIALS

Losing weight and athletes might just be one of the most controversial combinations in athletics. For Sequoits of past and present it isn’t about cutting the weight, it is about maintaining weight and doing it in a healthy manner.

20 THE LANGUAGE OF AN ATHLETE

Smack talking and dirty players can be found anywhere, on and off the field or court. With social media giant Smack High assisting to spread anonymous hatred to and from schools, one can’t help but question if smack talking and playing dirty are all for fun or if they’re making the culture of sports worse.

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

WINTER ATHLETES TALK PUMP UP PLAYLISTS +What it Feels

Like to Sit on the Sidelines and Watch Your Team +THE TOP FIVE SPORTS MOMENTS OF 2015

CUTTING WEIGHT + SMACK TALKING AND PLAYING DIRTY

+A GUIDE TO THE SLOPES

TOM TOM TRIES RETURNS + GALLIMORE, KOCH, BALLEZA AND GROSS: Winter Sport Profiles + REISER HITS 1,000

Winter Sports THE

ISSUE

VOLUME 54, ISSUE 6 + FEBRUARY 2016 WWW.SEQUOITMEDIA.COM + @ACHSTOMTOM + @SEQUOITSPORTS 1133 MAIN STREET + ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS + 60002

ON THE COVER Junior Patrick Schoenfelder is just one of many winter Sequoit athletes who spent week in and week out balancing school, sports and life.

EDITOR’S NOTE | 3 IN SEASON | 4 WHAT IT FEELS LIKE | 32 ONE|SEQUOIT | 34

EDITOR’S NOTE

FRESH OFF THE SLOPES

Winter is oftentimes categorized by snow, cold, darkness, death and bitterness. However, for many athletes the winter is an opportunity to breath life into passion through their sports.

W

inter has always been a time of the year that I’ve cherished, from the holidays and celebrations, to the music, the snow, and, of course, the sports. This “Winter Sports Issue” means more to me than maybe some of our other magazines. I say this because when I was younger I discovered a passion, one that I fell in love with and one that I will always have. That passion is snowboarding.

Before I began snowboard-

the TOM TOM staff

2015-2016 executive team

NICHOLAS DOROSAN Editor-in-Chief MADISON PADDOCK Managing Editor NATHAN BORRIES Senior Editor MADELYNN SOBERANO Digital Director PAIGE GRUBER Digital Director

PATRICK R. JOHNSON, CJE Adviser KRISTINA ESDALE Print Director GRANT HAIDER Creative Director NATHAN FORMELLA Advertising Director JOHNNY HORTON Photo Editor

department editors

DAN MEADE Sports YASMIN LARA Lifestyles LAUREN PONZETTI Lifestyles

BRITTANY BLUTHARDT Lifestyles GENNIFER GEER News JESSICA GUZMAN Social Media Director

staff journalists

Nathaniel Alexander Nick Andre Jayme Bailey Rachel Beckman Chris Bedolla Grace Bouker Daniel Brito Rebekah Cartlidge Alexandra Comer Jack Connelly Haley Edwards Abigail Ellsworth Jillian Everett Matthew Farrell Booker Grass Benjamin Gutke

Dylan Hebior Megan Helgesen Symone Henderson Kennedy Hettlinger Brenna Higgins Emily Holmes Paige Hope Lauryn Hugener Marc Huston Gabrielle Kalisz Nicolas Kilian Theodore Martinek Christina Michaels Kaleigh Miller Chloe Moritz Haley Nickles

mission statement

The Tom Tom provides fair and balanced news reporting for the Lake County area.

The Tom Tom is a student-run news organization that serves the Antioch community through a monthly print news magazine and daily online content.

Nicole Peterson John Petty Natasha Reid Matthew Rowe Alexander Ruano Abigail Russell Kaylee Schreiner Lauren Slack Shane Sorensen Jordan Staten Tyler Steele Olivia Szwajkowski Clay Vesser Jason Wood

It is our duty to encourage the involvement of town activities and sporting events. The Tom Tom is an open forum publication and strives to inform, educate and improve the atmosphere and student body at Antioch Community High School.

ing, I skied. I loved the concept of gliding over the snow at high speeds. But skiing was not my forte.

I had been skiing for years and I had it down; I was ready for a new challenge.

Snowboarding was something that I always interested in. I always found myself watching snowboarding on TV: the X-Games, the Winter Olympics, the Dew Tour and more. I learned who the athletes were and they soon became my role models, many of which I still follow today. I then began to snowboard; it was a little rough at first, but soon after I got it down and couldn’t help but to fall in love.

I know it’s totally cliché, but it’s true. I fell in love with the snow, the surroundings, the wind, and the mountains. Snowboarding made me realize the beauty of mountains and made me appreciate my surroundings more than I ever have. It made me appreciate it so much that whenever I have the opportunity to get away, I choose to go to cold, snowy mountains over warm, sandy beaches. Snowboarding is a sport that I cherish, and I will continue to cherish until the day I die.

Just like me, the winter inspires passion for our winter athletes and their sports.

And just like in the last sports magazine, one that came at the conclusion of the fall season, the end of competition is near for some our winter athletes. These athletes grew up passionate about their sports: watching, practicing, learning, perfecting and preparing for the day they would play on a varsity sport. For these athletes, just as the snow melts, so does their time as a Sequoit; however, it isn’t the end, it’s simply a new beginning.

In this issue, the “Winter Sports Issue,” the Tom Tom didn’t choose to focus on a certain aspect or element of sports. Instead, we chose to address issues and concerns relating to our winter athletes. We explored the slopes and why Sequoits love to ski and snowboard. Their passion and drive is beyond admirable, especially since skiing and snowboarding aren’t sports recognized by IHSA or the school. After all, we don’t even have a ski or snowboard club to offer these athletes and outlet for this kind of expression. Moving forward, we interviewed two Sequoits in particular about their experiences with cutting weight and the pressures of their sports on their bodies. In wrestling it is nearly an expectation to maintain, cut, or gain weight. For a Sequoit alumna, maintaining a certain weight can keep her from graduating. In our final feature of the magazine we looked at smack talk and dirty play, and why both contribute to a unique culture in sports.

In addition to our features, we are bringing back a Tom Tom tradition with “Tom Tom Tries.” This issue our Digital Director Maddie Soberano tried out tae kwon do with her brother. Little did she know it would be much harder than her brother ever made it seem. On top of that we’ve got a pump up playlist, a fun pop culture grid and top moments of 2015. And that’s not all; this magazine is packed, so enjoy!

To our winter athletes, thank you for inspiring us every day and showing your passion and dedication in your sports and in the classroom. To our readers, enjoy.TT

NICHOLAS G. DOROSAN Editor-in-Chief The Winter Sports Issue

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IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

Senior Taylor Vickers looks to bowl a strike in a recent meet. The team took third in the NSC Conference championship this year.

TYLER STEELE

4 Tom Tom February 2016

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

JOHNNY HORTON

Senior varsity wrestler Stephen Frandsen attempts to pin his opponent during a recent wrestling meet against Wauconda.

The Winter Sports Issue

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IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

Junior girls basketball player Ashley Reiser’s 1000th point contributed to home win against the Wauconda Bulldogs.

Read more about “Ms. 1,000” on page 23.

JOHNNY HORTON

6 Tom Tom February 2016

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

JOHNNY HORTON

The varsity cheer team’s season was full of ups and downs.

But what mattered was the homestretch where they placed third at sectionals and advanced to the IHSA State competition. The team placed 17th.

The he Winter inter Sports ports Issue ssue

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Sequoit Snapshot

Varsity dancer and captain senior Brittany Bluthardt perfoms the team’s competition routine during halftime at a varsity boys basketball game. The team finished 11th at state this season.

JOHNNY HORTON

8 Tom om Tom om February ebruary 2016

IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot

JOHNNY HORTON

Varsity boys basketball player Trevor Koch drives the ball to the hoop in a game against rival sister school Lakes.

Read more about Koch on page 34.

The Winter Sports Issue

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IN SEASON

Sequoit Snapshot Junior Lakers Hockey player Jack Klem shoots the puck against the team’s goalie during one of their practices.

JOHNNY HORTON

February 2016 ctober 2015 10 Tom Tom O

TIME TO MANAGE YOUR OWN MONEY? TELL YOUR PARENTS YOU’RE READY TO TRY WITH:

WINTRUST STUDENT CHECKING Available to students 16 to 25 years of age.

FREE ATMS! Use any Allpoint, MoneyPass, or SUM network ATM in the country PLUS we’ll refund you up to five times per statement cycle for any out-of-network ATM transactions.1

IT’S SO EASY! There’s no minimum initial deposit needed, we won’t charge you any monthly fees, and you don’t have to maintain a minimum balance. Plus, if your parents bank with us, they can transfer money into your account at any time!2 AWESOME TECHNOLOGY! You practically live on your phone, you might as well be learning how to manage your money at the same time. You can with these super cool features all within our app:

online and mobile banking3 • remote deposit3 Person-to-Person payments3 • Cardless Cash3 • online bill pay3 • e-statements3 • and more!

A COOL CARD OF YOUR OWN. We offer a MyFamilyCard Prepaid MasterCard® for those under 18.4

Antioch • Genoa City • Grayslake • Kenosha • Lake Villa Lindenhurst • Round Lake Beach • Spring Grove 847-395-2700 | www.sbotl.com 1. The bank does not charge its customers a monthly card usage fee. No transaction charge at any ATM in the Allpoint, MoneyPass, or Sum surcharge-free networks. Other banks outside the network may impose ATM surcharges at their machines. Surcharge reimbursements do not apply to transactions performed on MyFamilyCard Prepaid MasterCard®. Up to five (5) surcharge fees assessed by owners of other ATMs outside the network will be reimbursed per statement cycle. Reimbursement does not include the 1.10% International Service fee charged

by MasterCard® for certain foreign transactions conducted outside the continental United States. 2. Up to $250 per day when linked to a parent/guardian’s account. 3. Third party message, data, and/or internet fees may apply. Use of online Banking is required for access to Mobile/Remote banking and Person-to-Person payments. Mobile/Internet connectivity is required. Remote Deposit requires established Checking, Savings or Money Market deposit account for personal, family or household purposes with the Bank for at least 30 days and has had no more than six overdraft occurrences within the past or current calendar year. Person-to-Person payments require a Checking account. Cardless Cash requires a checking account and debit card with the bank and is available only at Wintrust Community Bank ATMs. 4. See a personal banker for more details.

L

PUMP UP PLAYLIST Getting ready for the game is more than rituals and cheers; sometimes it’s as simple as a song to get the team ready to go.

Tom Tom Staff

T

SPOTIFY achstomtom “pump up playlist”

“DUM DEE DUM”

by Keys N Krates / SOLOW

“CRAZY IN LOVE”

PAIGE GRUBER here are 15 minutes until game time.

The team takes the court and warmsup to make sure they are ready to give their everything for the game they are about to play.

They do the traditional to get prepped for the game.

Dribble.

Pass.

Shoot.

But what about to warm them up mentally?

How do they stay focused and motivated? For many, they tune out the world by tuning into a pump-up playlist. A great way to get any athlete’s blood pumping and adrenaline rushing is with hard hitting bass, energetic tempos and motivational lyrics. For winter athletes, their pump up playlists are just as important as their pregame warmups.

Junior Logan Weber is a firm believer that Taylor Swift never fails to help get him ready and put his head in the game.

“Taylor Swift really gets my blood pumpin,” Weber said. “‘Style’ is one of my favorites. My friend Reece and I used to sing that song every time it came on.”

Junior Morgan Holub explained how listening to the songs she dances to before she performs helps her focus and get in the mindset to give 110 percent and leave it all on the stage.

only on

by Beyonce ft. JAY-Z / Dangerously in Love “I usually just put my headphones in to get my nerves out and to block out everyone around me,” Holub said. “While I listen to my competition music I do a miniature workout or jog in place to pump up. Specific songs I like to listen to outside of my comp music are ‘Beautiful Now’

by Zedd and ‘Take Me Home’ by Cash Cash.”

Music is a way to bring people together. Physically and mentally. Sometimes an entire team has a particular collection of songs they listen to together to get ready and pump up. Freshman Graci Leineberg said throwbacks are the varsity cheerleaders favorite way to get ready to perform and put them into a positive mindset.

“Our team’s song is ‘Freak the Freak Out’ from ‘Victorious,’ so whenever we need a pump-up, or when we warm up, that’s our go-to song,” Leineberg said. “We always stick to ‘High School Musical’ or ‘Hannah Montana’ type music because it’s all so upbeat and we all grew up to it. Those types of songs always put everybody on the team in a good mood to get ready to perform.” *** The Tom Tom staff has put together a collection of songs that is made up of some of their favorite pump-up jams. The playlist is easy to access and can be found on Spotify. Search ACHSTomTom and follow our “PUMP UP PLAYLIST” playlist and get ready to stand up and get that blood racing. TT

“ON MY MIND”

by Ellie Goulding / Delirium (Deluxe)

“JUNGLE - REMIX”

by X Ambassadors / Jungle (Remix)

“ELEPHANT”

by Tame Impala / Nova Tunes 2.7

“I’M SHIPPING UP TO BOSTON”

by Dropkick Murphys / The Warrior’s Code

“ROCK AND ROLL, Pt. 2”

by Gary Glitter / Glitter

“WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT”

by Twisted Sister / Rhino Hi-Five: Twisted Sister

“TROPHIES”

by Young Money, Drake / Trophies

“BACK TO BACK”

by Drake / Back to Back

“HEADS WILL ROLL A-TRAK REMIX”

by Yeah Yeah Yeahs / Project X (Original Motion Picture Soundrack)

BY PAIGE GRUBER

12 Tom Tom February 2016

POP GOES THE SEQUOITS WHAT DO ANTIOCH ATHLETES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT POP CULTURE, SPORTS AND RANDOM FACTS?

BRYN NOTTOLI, trainer

ERIKA GALLIMORE, junior, basketball

AUBREY KAY, sophomore, cheerleading

DAN FILIPPONE, freshman, basketball

HYACINTHE INGRAM, senior, bowling

Favorite Kardashian?

NONE

KHLOE

KOURTNEY

KIM

KENDALL

Would you rather: never play or play but always lose?

PLAY

PLAY

PLAY

PLAY

PLAY

Favorite winter sports team?

BLACKHAWKS

BLACKHAWKS

BULLS

BULLS

BULLS

Netflix or hittin’ the slopes?

NETFLIX

NETFLIX

SLOPES

NETFLIX

NETFLIX

BDubs or Wings Etc.?

BDUBS

BDUBS

BDUBS

BDUBS

BDUBS

The Winter Sports Issue

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GUIDE TO THE SLOPES NICHOLAS DOROSAN and NATHAN FORMELLA Editor-in-Chief and Advertising Director

Local favorite is officially under new ownership.

A

fter 78 years of Wilmot being a family-owned business, the mountain is now in the hands of an industry powerhouse.

Vail Resorts officially announced January 19 they purchased local ski resort Wilmot Mountain from its original owner, Walter Sopa. Vail previously bought two other Midwest mountains, which include Minnesota’s Afton Alps and Michigan’s Mt. Brighton.

Vail appointed Taylor Ogilvie, Mt. Brighton General Manager, as Wilmot’s new General Manager and lead for the transition. Since June of 2013, Ogilvie served as General Manager at Mt. Brighton in Michigan, where he was in charge of all resort transactions as well as oversaw the company’s $10 million investment to improve the resort. Originally from the Chicagoland area, Ogilvie grew up skiing at Wilmot, and now after years of serving as a Vail employee, his career has given him the opportunity to return to his hometown.

Following Vail’s purchase of Wilmot, an employee town hall meeting was held to properly introduce Ogilvie and others who are helping with transition, as well as to answer any questions employees had.

Employees were concerned that Vail Resorts would come in and tear down Wilmot’s history and build right over it, but Vail representation reiterated their enormous respect for Wilmot’s history and skiing heritage and plan on building around it rather than demolishing it.

Ogilvie seemed to put the faithful Wilmot employees at ease when describing the new changes that they seemed to be waiting on for ages. The room was filled with relieved smiles and mass applause when Ogilvie spoke of changes in scheduling, payments, snow improvements and even the uniform.

One big enhancement that brought the younger workers to their feet was the terrain park. Ogilvie announced that they will be making the terrain park epic. Vail’s goal is to “blow people away.”

According to a press release from Vail Resorts, along with the redesigned and updated terrain parks, other expected enhancements include: best-in-class coaching and instruction for all levels of riders, expanded dining and entertainment options at the lodge area, additional development of dedicated racing programs, unified technology and social media programs, as well as investment to improve snowmaking, parking and access to provide a more persistent experience throughout the season.

Wilmot is also being included into Vail’s Epic pass, a program that allows customers to visit any Vail Resort in the country using their one pass.

Vail administration made it clear that there was history behind Wilmot Mountain and they do not want to lose it. They want to keep the same culture as well as make the necessary improvements to make Wilmot an experience of a lifetime. TT

14 Tom Tom February 2016

NATHAN FORMELLA

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The Winter Sports Issue

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JOHNNY HORTON

16 Tom Tom February 2016

DRIVEN TO THE SNOW

Skiing and snowboarding are sports that traditionally cannot be experienced year-round in Illinois; however, for those who participate, the passion to hit the slopes drives a desire for year-round excursions and outings.

T

SKIING OFFERS COMFORT, FREEDOM

hroughout the winter it can be pretty hard sometimes to find something to do since the frigid temperatures and snowy weather halts many outdoor activities. To some, however, this is the best time of the year. It is a time to take advantage of and enjoy the snowy winter, a time to take out their gear and ride the slopes, and a time to ski.

Skiing has been around for many years and is a very popular sport in the winter. It’s a great way to enjoy the winter outside instead of staying in. Some people will never even think of attempting to ski, but maybe it’s time to change that. Skiing is fairly easy to learn as you just need to maintain balance and control down a mountain.

Once you do learn how to ski, you always have something to do throughout the winter on those boring days sitting inside.

“Skiing is a great way to get out in the winter and have fun with family and fiends and keeps you from staying inside the entire season” senior Benjamin Hermes said.

Skiing also is a way to express your freedom. Unlike other sports where there are a numerous amount of rules to follow and lines making you stay in a certain area; skiing allows the freedom to go off the beaten path and create your own way. There is no right way to ski, whether you go down forwards, backwards, slow, fast through trees, or on the open path, you are still skiing.

“Skiing is a form of expression in a way that you have the freedom to really go wherever you’d like and express your own style,” English teacher Jim Hellen said.

The best thing about skiing is that it is a lifetime sport.

It is an activity that you can continue to do for the rest of your life. Some sports cannot be played throughout a lifetime because of the wear and tear on the body. Skiing is not a sport that is rough on the body though, which makes such a great sport.

“I have been skiing since two years old,” Hellen said.

“Skiing is just a great lifetime sport.”

Next time there is a chance to get out and try skiing for the first time, take advantage of it and hit the slopes.

SNOWBOARDING: A LIFE-LONG PURSUIT

Snowboarding is more than just a winter sport; it’s a passion. It’s fuels the soul.

For some, snowboarding has been in their lives since they were little, and for others, snowboarding is a recent discovery. But for all, snowboarding becomes a part of

life that they cannot live without.

Although riders soon fall in love with snowboarding after they start, their first experiences are typically intimidating and frightening. Pulling up to a ski mountain for the first time is a nerve-racking sight, especially since your mind perceives the mountain to be substantially bigger than it actually is, because you haven’t ridden down it before. This feeling was one that sophomore Griffin Hackeloer relates to.

“I remember coming up to the mountain for the first time, I had an oh my gosh I’m about to do this moment,” Hackeloer said.

Snowboarding takes some time to get the hang of, sort of like riding a bike. You’re in an environment like never before, learning how to maneuver in ways you’ve never done before. And, of course, you’re going to fall. A lot.

“My first time snowboarding I probably made it down the hill two to three times in two hours,” Hackeloer said.

But the falling is well worth it in the end.

Snowboarding is something that many people come to in different ways. Whether it be from a friend or family member dragging you to the mountain, or, like Hackeloer, it was with a school club. No matter the means of getting to the mountain, the experience is one that lasts a lifetime. For senior Collin Runyard, his experience began after watching professionals on screen.

“It’s one of those things I’ve always wanted to try, and I saw on television and thought it was pretty cool,” Runyard said.

The rush you get from snowboarding is one that can’t be described unless experienced first hand. It’s a feeling like no other. It takes your mind off of the real world and frees you. It opens you up to a new environment that once you experience it, you can’t help but to fall in love.

“I remember falling in love with the snow, the surrounds and the feeling,” Runyard said. “I was amazed by the idea that I could glide on top of the snow, it was a pretty cool feeling. By the end of the day I got a lot better, then I just fell in love with it.”

Snowboarding is a lifelong sport that will continue to drive your passion to improve and better yourself, on and off the snow. So if you’ve ever been interested in snowboarding and wanted to try it out, don’t hesitate to do so, because after you stomp your first trick or even carve your first perfect run, you’ll know there is no turning back; it’s never too late. TT

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CUTTING OUT THE ESSENTIALS Less eating and more working out, all while attempting to remain healthy and at weight.

MADISON PADDOCK

Managing Editor 5:30 A.M. he sun isn’t up yet, the air is still crisp and the halls of Antioch Community High School are empty.

Except for the fitness center.

Despite the early hour, senior varsity wrestler Nathan Dlugopolski is starting his workout with 45 minutes of speed biking. Today is a meet for the wrestling team and he needs to make weight.

T

9:30 A.M. Eight-hundred-thirty-five miles away in Oklahoma City 2013 ACHS alumna and dancer Heather Latakas starts her day as an Oklahoma City University sophomore. Today isn’t just any normal day of classe: it’s “Weigh In Day.” For Dlugopolski, Latakas and many other athletes making weight is as habitual to their sport as daily practices are. Many athletes never experience the stress of having to cut weight for their sport, but for many wrestlers or dancers it is just a part of life.

“I am required to weigh in three times a semester to check and make sure I am maintaining the weight asked of me,” Latakas, a performance major, said. “For someone who wants to be a desirable performer and get a job in the industry, maintaining a healthy and attractive appearance is necessary. It’s not the easiest thing, but it’s part of the job.”

Dancers at OCU are required to maintain a certain weight specified for their body in order to be able to be cast in shows, perform and even graduate.

For Dlugopolski, who describes cutting weight as “a lot of constant strenuous exercise and being very disciplined with [my] diet,” making weight requires discipline and pure passion. The wrestler often has to sacrifice meals and drinks for just a stick of gum or squeeze in an intense cardio session before a weigh-in.

3:30 P.M. Dlugopolski finishes his cardio just in time for weigh in and Latakas steps on the scale. The nerves set in for both athletes.

If a wrestler doesn’t HEATHER LATAKAS m a k e Latakas is one of many dancers around the country who change their diets and eating habits in order to achieve their dreams of being on stage.

JOHNNY HORTON

18 Tom Tom February 2016

weight, t h e y c a n ’ t wrestle in their weight class at that meet.

If a dancer doesn’t make weight, there is always the option of meeting with the dean and attempting to audition again the following week, but if she is too much overweight, she will be asked not to audition again. In either case, there doesn’t seem to be another option besides meeting the weight requirement.

For some, like Latakas, it may just take an extra few trips to the gym and “thinking twice about the french fries and ice cream” to cut the required weight, while for others, like Dlugopolski, it requires a strict diet of lean meats, fish and nuts.

In recent years, the topic of weight cutting for sports became much less hush-hush and more visibly controversial. In a society where body image dominates, the pressure to maintain a certain weight can be unhealthy physically as well as mentally. For these Sequoits, it is an opportunity to show that there are healthy ways to “cut weight” as well.

“I personally believe that trying to cut eight, ten or even more pounds to make a weight class is an unhealthy thing unless [the athlete has] the body fat to do it,” Dlugopolski said.

In 2012, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) instated strict regulations for college-level wrestlers, including the banning of sweat suits, laxatives, diuretics and high locker room temperatures, and limits on the amount of weight an athlete is allowed to lose in a week.

While some weight cutting is dangerous and drastic, there are certainly healthy, safe ways to maintain weight.

“I don’t think it is healthy to try to lose weight too quickly.This situation creates more incentive to make choices that aren’t very healthy in order to make sure they are happy with the number they see on the scale,” Latakas said. “But I also believe there are both healthy and unhealthy ways to go GRANT HAIDER about losing weight. In general, I find the best way to make weight is to have an overall healthy lifestyle; Wrestling is a sport known for maintaining and losing weight should be more of a long term goal, rather than for one specific event. I can’t cutting weight and cutting it quickly. really rely on a crazy diet trend that may or may not work; I have to make it a lifestyle.”

For the Sequoits, while cutting To these dedicated athletes, their sport is not just a hobby, but a lifestyle. Maintaining weight is just a small weight is necessary in some cases, it is about doing it in a positive and downfall to a sport that means the world to them. Cutting weight requires dedication, passion and discipline, but healthy manner. when it is done right it makes all the difference.

“Personally, I’ve been lucky enough not to have my weight impede my ability to perform and do what I love,” Latakas said. “But for those who have trouble meeting their weight requirements and don’t receive as many opportunities to perform because of it, I could see why they would obsess over it.”

10:00 P.M. Another day, another weigh in. For Latakas, she’ll have to do this all over in a month; for Dlugopolski, he’ll be stepping back on the scale in a few days. However, healthy or unhealthy, the numbers on the scale don’t deter these athletes, but rather, they motivate them that much more. TT The Winter Sports Issue

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THE LANGUAGE OF AN ATHLETE

Smack talk is perceived as negative to athletes, but in reality can it help players fuel their motivation to win?

JESSICA GUZMAN Social Media Director

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hen it comes to sports, a healthy dose of competition is expected.

Many athletes get their heated moments with the pressure of winning a game or a match looming over their heads, which oftentimes leads to a clash of sportsmanship. After a recent uproar in Wisconsin regarding appropriate cheering on and off the court, smack talking is now being debated on a national level with North Suburban Conference athletes debating themselves what it really means to smack talk.

Athletes get even more heated when arguments start back and forth on the bench. Smack talking is more than just talking bad about the other team’s skills, smack talking is something that becomes personal when calling out one person on the opposing team.

“One time at the end of the game, this kid on the other team kept calling me babyface and he got up in my face so I got up in his,” freshman Krystian Nikolov said. “Smack talking gets in the other team’s head and I think it really messes with them.”

Trash talking comes naturally for those who play the game and it is even more common to let some inappropriate words slip out when the stakes are higher.

Not only does trash talking come from the bench, but also with the rising popularity of fan sections. From each side of the field or court, trash talking comes in various cheers. In some 20 Tom Tom February 2016

cases, fan sections show school pride, but in other cases, as noted in two of Principal Bradford Hubbard’s emails in January, the cheers between fan sections turn into war and a sign of disrespect.

“Smack talking has to do with the hype of the game, I honestly think smack talking is a part of high school and is a part of life,” sophomore Jordan DeLara said. “It’s good to get competitive.

Yes, there is a line that should not be crossed, but it is fun being a fan. Smack talking is a big part of the competition and it can encourage the players to do better.”

For students trying to encourage their team from the bleachers, it is a common opinion that smack talking is a positive aspect at games because it gets players excited and makes them play better. Athletes use the constant cheers from their fans as fuel to do better.

Smack talking on social media adds a whole other level before the game even starts, during the game and when the game finishes. Social profiles like Smack High let students submit comments about other schools that starts bad blood before and after a big game.

“Anyone can sign up to be a representative,” sophomore Deighton Butenschoen, a Smack High representative, said. “Reps are usually chosen on the popularity of your area and how active you are on social media. Most people react to our posts in a positive way, but sometimes people are angry about what was said about their team or organization.”

Smack talking is more than slander from the sidelines or the bench, it comes from the fans that support their team. Friendly competition can quickly turn to cheap shots. Even though these comments can come off as negative, they also can encourage athletes to do better in a competition rather than knock them down. TT

TOP5

DIRTIEST PLAYERS IN HISTORY 1. Richard Seymour Oakland Raiders

2. Matt Cooke Pittsburgh Penguins

3. Ndamukong Suh Detriot Lions

4. Reggie Evans Toronto Raptors

5. Sean Avery AHL ACCORDING TO BLEACHER REPORT

GRANT HAIDER

Wrestling is just one of many sports known for its opportunities to play dirty. However, for junior varsity wrestler George Bassett, sportsmanship is important to being a well-respected athlete and team. Bassett seen above pinning a Grant wrestler in his weight class in 26 seconds, is known as one of the best in the state. He recently claimed a regional title in his weight class on his home mat.

It’s the final minutes of the game.

Your team is losing. Frustration is radiating in your head and the way your team is playing isn’t helping. What do you do? Do you talk trash to your opponents? Do you injure another player to get your team ahead? What risk will you be willing to take?

LAUREN SLACK Tom Tom Staff

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laying dirty is perceived differently by every athlete. Whether it’s kicking someone’s ankles in soccer, throwing an elbow in basketball or talking through a facemask in football, playing dirty is a way to get out frustration at another player, whether or not it benefits or hurts the team.

Senior Alexis Duehr thinks that there is a difference between playing “dirty” and playing aggressive.

“I define playing dirty as purposely getting into someone’s face and saying things to put them down or their team,” Duehr said. “Also, playing dirty can be when a player does things secretly such as whispering phrases that are inappropriate or grabbing when the official is not looking.”

Duehr is known as a dynamic player on the field and on the court.

“In field hockey, I don’t really see myself as playing dirty because I am aggressive,” Duehr said. “When someone is in my way, I try to get around them, but nine out of ten times I run into them. People think it is on purpose, but I honestly can’t stop myself that quickly so I end up trucking people over. I guess I can see that as being dirty.”

The term “playing dirty” is often perceived as a negative, as if playing like this means an athlete is a mean player and only wants to hurt people. Within many sports, the dirtiest player is seen as the one who everyone is out to get, or the one who needs to be taken down. The dirtier player can also be seen as the toughest player, the one who nobody wants to mess with in or out of the game.

Senior Stephen Frandsen agrees that playing dirty isn’t actually playing dirty at all.

“It’s more of playing with attitude,” Frandsen said. “A lot of it is really just putting an exclamation mark on things and letting them know who is in charge of the situation.”

Frandsen sees the difference within sports first hand, as he is on both the football and wrestling team.

“In wrestling, leading with your head or cranking on something harder than really needed would be considered dirty. The intent is never to injure your opponent, but there is definitely times where making them uncomfortable sends a message that you aren’t messing around,” said Frandsen.

Other athletes see playing dirty as a chance to hurt the other team in order to get their team ahead. Getting in an opponent’s head can be

beneficial, but it can also have a negative impact on your team’s performance.

“Getting in another player’s head will most likely make them perform worse than they usually do,” Duehr said. “Playing dirty can make you look like a bad person in general and people think of you differently. It’s not enjoyable to play against dirty players.”

Senior Peter Tognarelli doesn’t view himself as a dirty player, but does admit to not always following the rules during football games.

“Playing dirty is like cheating,” Tognarelli said. “Once the play is over, you’re not suppose to take shots at the other players. But it happens anyways; it comes with the intensity of the game.”

Referees are not exactly every athlete’s favorite person. To the athletes, they often times seem to make the right calls and are always out to ref against your team. Sometimes, it’s better to make sure the referee doesn’t see the intentions of the players.

“It’s best to hide your dirty-playing from the refs,” freshman Krystian Nikolov said. “If they don’t see, it’s like it didn’t even happen.

But once the ref gets involved, you need to calm yourself down before really screwing yourself over. Nothing is worse for you than arguing with the referee.”

In any sport, playing more aggressive can either make or break you. There are different levels of intensity, and the more aggressive of play, the dirtier it will get. Playing dirty is a risk that many athletes take to benefit their team, although many choose to play it safe instead of taking that risk. How do you play? TT The Winter Sports Issue 21

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lady sequoits’ future LOOKS BRIGHT The journey to state is about ready to begin with the conference championship game at home on Thursday.

DAN MEADE Sports Editor

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he girls varsity basketball team has had a dominating season so far and have high hopes for the playoffs. With a winning record and the NSC Prairie Division title, it is hard not to know about these successful Sequoits. Taking charge and controlling the conference, the girls are currently headed into the state tournament on top and plan to keep it that way the rest of the season.

The Lady Sequoits had an extremely successful season last year, but ended up falling just short of state last after losing to Montini in super sectionals. The girls are eager to give it another shot this year by making a run toward the playoffs in hopes to surpass last year’s accomplishments. The team’s goal: making it to the final four at state this year.

“Our plan is to win conference, regionals, sectionals, super sectionals and then make it to state,” said senior shooting guard Alexis Duehr.

With the way the ladies are playing this year, there is no reason they can’t achieve their goals of making it to state. The girls are a successful team and all, but the girls aren’t just great by chance.

“I think what makes our team so good is our chemistry with each other and we are also a very experi-

22 Tom Tom February 2016

enced team compared to others,” Duehr said. “We set goals for ourselves before every game and work hard to make sure we reach them.”

With every player on the team contributing to every win, the team brings teamwork to a whole another level.

“What truly makes us so good is how well we work with each other on the court,” sophomore power forward Julia Murillo said. “We work hard, play hard and communicate so well during games. And communication is a big key to our success as a team this season.”

The girls are close on and off the court. Spending most of their time with each other, they have become a close team, which contributes to their compatibility on the court as well.

“These girls are my second family,” said junior point guard Ashley Reiser.

The girls have many qualities that make them a dominant team that are sure to be a threat down the road this season. Be sure to keep track on the girls varsity basketball team as they try to pave way through the playoffs again soon, using their hard work, teamwork and passion for the game to lead them to their ultimate goal: state. TT

ms. 1000 Girls basketball star Ashley Reiser breaks new barriers this season with the Lady Sequoits and secures a nearly unreachable record as a junior.

DAN MEADE

B

Sports Editor

asketball star Ashley Reiser accomplished something every basketball player hopes to accomplish during their high school careers on the court: she nailed her 1,000th point. And the best part is, she is only a junior.

On Wednesday, January 20, the Lady Sequoits faced off against the Wauconda Bulldogs when Reiser sunk her 1,000th point. Going into the game, she was at 983 total career points. She scored 18 points that game, landing her at 1,001 when the buzzer rang.

Reiser knew since the beginning of the season that she was on track to hitting 1,000 points by the end of this season, but it was not until she actually reached 1,000 that she realized the great milestone she had worked so hard to accomplish.

“It was an incredible feeling,” Reiser said. “I was so ecstatic. I couldn’t shake the ear-to-ear smile off of my face.”

Although Reiser seems to be unstoppable on the court, behind every great player is an even better team.

An all-time great like Michael Jordan and the soon-tobe-retired Kobe Bryant would not be where they were today if it weren’t for their great teams backing them up, and Reiser gives credit where credit is due.

“The charisma with this team is something special,”

Reiser said. “None of us care about the stat book. At the end of the day, all that matters is whether or not we have have fun, and win of course. I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of this team and to spend so much time with these girls.”

Whether it is on or off the court, Reiser has had much help and support from many loved ones to get to where she is now.

“The girls, coach Borries and coach D’Andrea have made my basketball experience at ACHS something I will never forget and I don’t know if I could ever thank them enough for that,” Reiser said. “Also, my parents have supported me every step of the way and have helped give me the opportunity to be the best I can be.

But most importantly, without Amy and her endless encouragement and support, I would not be the human being or basketball player that I am today and I am forever thankful for her.”

Even though Reiser has already accomplished so much, it doesn’t stop there. She stays determined and plans to keep improving her game day to day with her team that she has grown so close to.

“My personal goal for the rest of high school is to keep having fun while playing and enjoying the game with my second family,” Reiser said. “For my team, the ultimate goal is to keep doing the best we can and, of course, make it to state.” TT

The Winter Sports Issue

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TRIES: TAE KWON DO MADELYNN SOBERANO Digital Director

JOHNNY HORTON

24 Tom om Tom om February ebruary 2016

I was pretty caught off-guard when I got a text in the middle of the night from Editor-in-Chief Nick Dorosan asking if I wanted to try martial arts. Why would the executive team want me, the most uncoordinated and clumsy staff member, to try and do martial arts for a story? Then it clicked; it was because I am the most uncoordinated and clumsy staff member.

After a few weeks of convincing, I finally gave in to bring a tradition back.

I told my brother I would be joining him for a night class at his martial arts studio at USA Martial Arts located at 942 Tiffany Road in town.

I wore running shorts and a t-shirt when I got into my freezing car in mid-January. I turned on “POWER” by Kanye to build up my self-confidence, until I pulled into the parking lot where a sudden wave of anxiety took over my body.

If my younger brother could do this, I could do it too and be better at it, right?

Man was I wrong. I was welcomed by USA Martial Arts owner and instructor Master Brian Van Patten with open arms. Going into the dojo in running shorts and a t-shirt, I was quickly given a white, oversized robe that I kept tripping over, and a white belt. Not having any idea how to tie one of these belts, I was helped by Patten’s son, which immediately drew attention to myself. Also, the fact that I was the only female in the building didn’t help to not draw attention to myself either. I started breaking a sweat while we we ran a few laps around the dojo. After that I knew it was too late to turn back.

I felt pretty out of place and out-of-shape. I hadn’t practiced or done anything that required much coordination since my field hockey season ended and even then I didn’t have any sort of athleticism. On top of that I had the pressure of my brother and my father looming over my head.

My dad was a brown belt at Illinois State University before he folded up his robe, boxed away his belt and went off to state police academy.

My thirteen-year-old brother is now following in my dad’s footsteps, already have earned an orange belt after only a few months of training.

Tae kwon do supposedly ran in my genes. Maybe I would be secretly good at this and surprise everyone. Yeah, no. I realized that this wasn’t my secret passion, especially after I fell trying to do a roundhouse kick in the warm up.

“Please, just stop yourself now, Madelynn,” my brother Matthew said to me as he turned red with embarrassment as he saw my pathetic body laying on the blue mat, yet again. “Just please try and keep up.”

I rolled my eyes in disgust.

We spent the first ten minutes of class warming up. I didn’t realize how tight the belt was around my waist until after I was supposed to accomplish several pushups and sit-ups were involved in such a short ten minutes. The thing was just as tight and restricting as my prom dress.

Doing pushups and sit-ups in my prom dress would not have been a good idea either.

Each set was counted in Korean; I don’t know Korean. Yeah, this is really working out in my favor.

After the surprisingly tiring warm up, we moved onto practicing kicks and loosening muscles that I’ve never worked before.

Front-snap kick.

Axe kick.

Roundhouse.

Side kick.

Crescent kick.

Repeat.

Repeat? Really? Repeat. Uhhh.

One move after the other, I constantly doubted my stability in my left knee that is missing an ACL. I couldn’t help but say to myself: smart idea, Sobes. Smart idea.

I was afraid of making a fool of myself, but had the reassurance from other students the whole time. They walked me through step by step in

order to help me to complete Taegeuk One, the first form to tae kwon do. This form consists of different types of blocks, kicks, punches and much more.

Bruce Lee makes it look much easier in the cheesy, poor quality martial arts flicks.

I was expecting to be paired up with my brother in the next activity, but was partnered up with a second-degree black belt, Mark, one of Patten’s older students. He taught me how to step spar, which involved attacking and defending myself in real-life situations. One-on-one with a second-degree black belt was not at all mentioned when I signed up for this. Luckily for me Mark was helpful and had a lot of patience when dealing with me.

At the end of the session, we practiced kicking a punching bag in front of the whole class, one by one.

My anxiety was already high. Now it was through the roof.

I quietly prayed to myself as one student after the other ran up and kicked the seven-foot-tall bag. As my turn slowly approached, I took a deep breath, ran toward the red punching bag, kicked, missed and fell. I fell in front of the class, my brother, Johnny Horton who was there taking pictures, and, when I looked up, there was my dad. He was laughing at me from the viewing balcony. I got up from my embarrassing mess up and slowly walked to the end of the line.

“Don’t worry, all of us were in the same position that you were in once,” Patten said.

The whole class began to clap for me and I took a bow admitting my defeat.

Overall, I learned that it takes modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. These are the tenets of tae kwon do. I left the class tired and sore, unable to catch my breath or move my legs.

I have a completely new respect for my younger brother who puts a substantial amount of time and effort into this sport, especially at 2 a.m when I hear him from downstairs practicing fly kicks in his room. Finally, being shown up by my not so little brother was something that I had to face sooner or later. Even with all pressure and expectations from others, martial artists are able to keep focus and strength in order to succeed. Me on the other hand, not so much. I mean at least I tried, right? TT

JOHNNY HORTON

The he Winter inter Sports ports Issue ssue

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TOP FIVE

MOMENTS OF

ALEXANDER RUANO Tom Tom Staff

Take a look back on last year’s five greatest sports moments.

1. ROUSEY GETS KNOCKED OUT

UFC FIGHTER HOLLY HOLM UPSETS THE NATION BY KNOCKING OUT FAN AND BOUT FAVORITE RONDA ROUSEY.

AP SUBSCRIPTION

Whether or not fans blame it on lack of preparation from Ronda Rousey or the well thought out game plan of Holly Holm, Holm’s devastating head kick will forever be remembered in sports history.

Undefeated UFC fighter Ronda Rousey fell from Holm’s head kick KO. Rousey was by far favorited due to her past wins and quick KO tactics. However, underdog Holm was not going down without a fight. The UFC females bantamweight title fight kicked off with fists flying, with Holm quickly taking the advantage as she landed twice as many hits on the champion.

Rousey was not expecting such a fight from a beginner MMA fighter. Then the biggest blow of the year occurred late into the second round.

As Rousey struggled to stay up, Holm delivered her unbelievable left head kick.

26 Tom Tom February 2016

AP SUBSCRIPTION

2. BLACKHAWKS WIN THE STANLEY CUP THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS BEAT THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTING FOR THE NHL CHAMPIONSHIP .

Another unforgettable championship was the nerve-racking 2015 Stanley Cup Final where the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to secure the sixth championship title for Hawks.

“I was pretty confident that the Hawks could win the Cup due to their great lineups and game strategy,” junior Nathan Sanchez said.

“Although I thought it would be closer, having them win in four games was definitely less nerve-racking compared to all of the super close games.”

Chicago was up in the series 3-2 and had the home ice advantage. The game started off slow as both teams defense was impenetrable during the whole first period. The opportunity opened up early in the second period when Duncan Keith was the first to score. Tampa Bay fought back with everything they had, but they were no match for Chicago’s defense. In the third period, Patrick Kane secured the win with another goal, and the Hawks were Stanley Cup champions yet again.

3. USA BRINGS HOME FIFA WORLD CUP TEAM USA WON THE WOMEN’S WORLD TITLE

BY BEATING JAPAN. The summer was full of hot weather and intense action as the United States Women’s National Team traveled to Canada to compete in the World Cup tournament. With temperatures on the field rising above 100 degrees, the trials the women went through to advance to the finals seemed never ending. But they reached the championship game where one of the most memorable sports moments of 2015 occurred.

U.S.’s Carli Lloyd scored the first goal in the 2015 World Cup final against Japan after only 3 minutes elapsed in the game by burying the ball in the back of the net. Only two minutes later, Lloyd got another goal putting the U.S. up 2-0.

Just as the excitement started to settle down, Lauren Holliday capitalized on a defensive miscue and volleyed the third home goal to really put Japan in hot water.

In a split second, viewers around the world stood still. Many couldn’t believe their eyes as Lloyd caught Japan’s keeper off-guard and scored from the halfway line. Once-in-a-lifetime is the only way to explain Lloyd’s World Cup hat trick. Although Japan scored several minutes after and scored again early in the second half, Tobin Heath snatched all hope from Japan as she scored a goal in the 54th minute.

After 93 minutes, the U.S. women’s team was crowned World Champions.

Sophomore Monica Wilhelm, the starting varsity girls soccer goalie, was very excited to see her favorite team, her national team, play in the World Cup Championship.

“I was screaming,” Wilhelm said. “I get really into watching soccer and I knew that the goal was a good start to take the lead. When U.S. was labeled World Champions, I actually got kind of emotional. Knowing your country is the best in the world is truly a great feeling, especially when I hope to be in that position one day.”

AP SUBSCRIPTION

4. PATRIOTS WIN SUPER BOWL XLIX THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS BEAT THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS TO WIN THE NFL’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE: THE SUPER BOWL. Although there are plenty of championships every year, 2015 kicked off with Super Bowl 49. The National Football League Championship pitted the best of the best against each other that year: the New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks.

The game was neck and neck for the first half, tied 7-7. With 30 seconds left in half, New England scored a touchdown. However, the Seahawks did not let up. Quickly, Seattle flew down the field and scored with six seconds left in the half tying the game 14-14. After several points scored from each team, the Seahawks were down 28-24. After an amazing

drive, Seattle found themselves on the oneyard line with a minute left in the game. The whole nation stood watch, eyes glued to TV, waiting for the deciding play. With 25 seconds left, Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson hiked the ball and the unbelievable happened.

Patriots rookie Malcolm Butler intercepted the pass and leapt out of the end zone, saving the ball from being a safety. The world was amazed at what ultimately cost Seattle the title of a lifetime.

“It was truly unbelievable,” sophomore Kristian Huber said. “I could not believe my eyes; they literally threw the game away.”

AP SUBSCRIPTION

5. WARRIORS WIN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP CURRY AND THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS BEAT LEBRON AND THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS FOR THEIR FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP IN 40 YEARS. Everyone loves a good underdog story, but the 2015 NBA finals ending was remarkably unbelievable. After generations of frustration, the Golden State Warriors dedication finally paid off. The Warriors lead by Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr won 67 games and defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in an epic battle in the NBA finals.

For the first time in 40 years, the Warriors brought home the National Championship title. Golden State won the first game by only eight points, then Cleveland quickly shot back winning the second and third games. However, Golden State beat Cleveland in the next two games, 103-82 and 104-91, to take the lead in the series.

Finally the opportunity arrived and Golden State swallowed it whole as they defeated Cleveland in the sixth game to win the series. For the first time since 1975, the Golden State Warriors went to sleep as national champions. TT

AP SUBSCRIPTION

The Winter Sports Issue

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THE GUY IN THE HEAD GEAR:

JACOB GROSS

NICKLAUS ANDRE Tom Tom Staff

F

or senior varsity wrestler Jacob Gross, wrestling has been a part of his life for a long time. Since he was five years old to be exact.

Gross wanted to be just like his father. His dad wrestled when he was younger, which made Gross want to follow in his footsteps. So, like his father, he decided to strap on the headgear and step into the circle.

He’s come a long way since he started, getting stronger physically and mentally each year with his skills increasing each time he gets on a mat.

In 12 years, Gross sees his greatest accomplishment being when he placed seventh at the Asics Nationals. While there, not only did Gross beat two state champions, but he also beat one of them by pinning him in 26 seconds.

According to Gross, most coaches grew up wrestling and have had ten plus years of coaching experience—both as a wrestler and a coach, which should help them to motivate and push their athletes beyond their limits, to make them better, to show compassion when their athletes are down, and to critique them to improve their technique. Growing up, his favorite coach was his dad because his dad has all of these exceptional coaching qualities. His dad is the reason he started wrestling, the reason he has improved, and the reason why he still does well today.

Gross stands by the phrase practice makes perfect, because he feels the better he is in practice, the better he is in a match.

Wrestling is a sport where technique cannot be overlooked. Gross has learned many skills and different moves throughout his wrestling career.

Practice is a good way to keep that technique as best as it can be. Gross and his teammates spend more than 15 hours practicing during the school week, each with their own way to train. Gross likes to break down and focus on every part of a move and help his teammates to do the same. Doing that helps him make sure every part is as perfect as it can be, and that his teammates are prepared for success.

Sometimes in a sport, something extraordinary has to happen for the win. Gross did exactly that in what he considers to be one of his most nail-biting moments in his wrestling career. Last year at the 2015 IHSA sectionals Gross was wrestling for third place in the consolation bracket.

If he won, he would be on his way to state; if he lost, his season would be over. Gross was down by four points in the third period with 30 seconds left. With his season in jeopardy, Gross knew he would have to do something quick, and he did. He tried a move called “the flying squirrel;” A

28 Tom Tom February 2016

move where you jump over an opponent with your arms wrapped around his waist to throw him on his back. Gross was successful in attempting this on his opponent and won his match.

Overcoming obstacles is a common thing in sports with one of the most common obstacles being injuries. Gross has wrestled through broken fingers, dislocated shoulders, concussions, a bruised spine, and much more.

He believes that in wrestling you need to push past your injuries until you are physically unable to push any more. He also believes that that his team’s constant determination to work through injuries makes wrestling much different from any other sports.

Being so passionate about a sport like wrestling can create dreams and desires for one to want to achieve. One day, Gross hopes he can get a scholarship for wrestling. TT

JOHNNY HORTON

At press time, Gross was recently crowned a regional champion in his weightclass. The Antioch wrestling team also were named IHSA Regional champions on their home mats.

BRITTANY BLUTHARDT Tom Tom Staff

F

MORGAN BALLEZA

Balleza performs a drop tilt during the varsity dance team’s performance. Balleza is known for her innovative and high-skilled performances both on the dance team and in her studio.

or junior Morgan Balleza dance is not only her sport, but also her passion. At 18 months, Balleza was brought to a local dance studio, unaware of how dance would impact her and her future.

“My mom loved dance when she was younger, and put me in a Momand-Toddler class when I was very young,” Balleza said.

Over the years, one class a week became ten and a mother-daughter bonding activity turned into a full-time commitment. It is not strange for a dancer to begin at such a young age, especially because of the competitiveness and the time it takes for a skill to be perfected. Dance is not an instantaneous process of growth, but continual and gradual over years of practice. Balleza has spent hours between five different studios over the years, eventually accomplishing her ultimate goal: a place on the Aspire Dance Company (Center Stage Studio). Aspire is known for it’s intensity and professionalism within the dance world, especially in the Midwest.

Balleza drives countless hours every week to spend time at the studio of her dreams, as well as making time for the varsity dance team, something she’s been a part of since her freshman year.

“I felt very accomplished and super excited [when I made the team],” Balleza said. “I really looked up to the upperclassmen.”

To make any varsity team as a newcomer in high school is a significant accomplishment, but to perform consistently at every game and competition is above and beyond the norm. It is often that the upperclassmen looked up to Balleza because of her excelled technique and style. Beginning with “Edge of Glory” her freshman year, to “Little Me” this year, Morgan has experienced a variety of changes within her time on the team, but continues to push through and be a leading figure each season.

Balleza has truly connected with this year’s varsity routine, as it is lyrically based, her favorite form of dance. With every routine and any introduced skill, there are new challenges to overcome.

“A strength I have is my motivation and work ethic,” Balleza said.

“Once I know I have to accomplish something, I don’t stop until I can perform the skill well. I’m very critical of myself. If something isn’t going right for a while, I start to become frustrated.”

Looking forward, Balleza still has one more year left at Antioch, as well as another season with the varsity dance team. She hopes to join a dance team in college or a more advanced company, but is unsure about majoring or minoring in the art.

“My favorite thing about dance is the overall experience,” Balleza said. “I’ve made many friends and role models through dance, and I’m thankful for that. Also, the feeling of being under the stage lights and performing to my best ability, is amazing to experience.”

In one word, Balleza describes dance as extraordinary. Her incredible love for dance is expressed through her shining performances and her outstanding leadership qualities in and off of the stage. TT

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THE DUDE ON THE COURT:

TREVOR KOCH KALEIGH MILLER Tom Tom Staff

H

e is the leading scorer.

He takes risky drives to the basket.

He puts his heart and soul into every game.

He is Trevor Koch, starting guard for the boys varsity basketball team.

Koch is easily recognizable on the court as a team leader, one who creates plays for his teammates and gets everyone involved in the game.

When he’s not in the game, Koch is usually losing his voice on the bench calling out screens and shots from the other team. At practice, Koch works to every whistle and hits every line during running drills.

But what makes the man behind his impressive athletic career?

“I would consider myself a team leader,” Koch said. “Sometimes I get too mentally involved in the game, but I am always working to create success for both my team and myself.”

Like many other high school athletes, Koch’s love for his sport began at a young age. After being placed in a park district league by his father at just five years old, Koch remembers his love for basketball only growing from there.

From his small park district team to the high school varsity team, Koch has always attempted to go above and beyond the expectations.

“I always work my hardest during practice,” Koch said. “To contribute to my success, I try to stay on the straight and narrow and not do anything stupid.”

It might be difficult for some to be as focused and committed as Koch, but coming from such a supportive family allows his smart behavior to come naturally. Koch’s parents come to every game and are always the loudest in the crowd, and he couldn’t be prouder.

“My parents have always played a very supportive role in everything I’ve done in my entire life, especially sports– they hate missing even one game,” Koch said. “They [went] Puerto Rico and my mom even said she wished a blizzard would cancel her flight so she wouldn’t miss my games.”

Koch’s relationships with his teammates are just as good as his relationships with his parents, as he basically considers them family. Koch loves spending time with his team and greatly values the special bond they have that allows them to work together so well.

“We are all very close—we love to joke around and have fun together,” Koch said. “Our connection off the court leads to production on it.”

Koch’s positive relationships are key contributions to his athletic success. While every layup,

free throw and jump shot are triumphs in Koch’s sports career, he remembers a specific game as a turning point in his playing of the game.

“One of the best moments playing basketball was my first game on varsity, junior year,” Koch said. “I came out to prove that I belonged on the team, and I feel like I truly did, as we ended up winning that game and I knew that I contributed to the victory.”

Koch has always tried to challenge himself in everything he does. He goes above and beyond at practice, maintains decent grades, and is successful in his extracurriculars, something the average high schooler may not be able to balance; however, Koch prides himself in the extra effort that he puts in in every area of his life, and recommends it to all aspiring athletes.

“If you just put in average work, you won’t see results,” Koch said. “Always put in the extra effort because it will show and you’ll be happy with your results.”

Koch certainly lives by these words, and it is clear to everyone around him. It is truly obvious that beyond the high points, captain status, and well-known face, there is a hardworking young man who will do anything to leave a positive impact. TT

JOHNNY HORTON

Koch and the varsity boys faced a tough loss both home and away against North Chicago. The team will face off against Grant Community High School at GCHS on February 19.

30 Tom Tom February 2016

NATHAN BORRIES Senior Editor

W

earing No. 23 on the basketball court didn’t stop after 2014 alumna Paige Gallimore lost to Carmel in the IHSA sectional game, marking an end to her high school basketball career.

Lucky enough for Gallimore colleges reached out, begging for her talent and leadership, and hoped she would play at their college. Roosevelt University, located in Chicago, was the winner. Gallimore would soon sign with the school where she could wear No. 23 once again.

“College sports are a lot more demanding than high school,” Gallimore said. “The game itself is also faster with a lot stronger and better players and teams.”

It is not all fun and games walking onto a college floor.

“High school was also a time to really enjoy the sport you were doing and have a great time,” Gallimore said. “I still have fun playing in college, but now I consider it as more of a job than an after-school activity. For me, basketball runs the entire year, so I am in the gym almost three hours a day. It takes up a lot of my time, but I couldn’t picture my life without it.“ The transition to collegiate athletics was bittersweet for Gallimore. She still enjoys looking back on the memories of high school and being a part of a successful basketball program.

“The most memorable moment was when I scored my 1,000 point at Lakes,” said Gallimore. “I still remember watching my layup go through the net. I felt as though all my hard work that was leading up to that moment had finally paid off.”

With many memories and good times behind her, Gallimore’s athletics still play a major role not only in her life, but also in her family members’ lives as well. Junior Erika and sophomore Brandon Gallimore are both a part of Antioch’s basketball programs. The support of each other’s athletics is one that many families strive for.

“I really do not remember a weekend in my entire life that my brother or sister or me did not have some kind game,” Gallimore said. “Whenever I do not have a game I always make it a huge priority to make it to their games. It has really brought my entire family together. My brother, sister and I are always competing against each other in all sports when we are together. It’s a lot of fun to hang with them. We all get along really well and I think sports have really helped bring us closer.”

From her family’s support to her new teammates at Roosevelt, Gallimore is surrounded by the best people in her life and the best thing in life: basketball. When it gets difficult, she remembers to keep working-hard, making friendships and baskets along the way. Although there had to be a bittersweet ending to Gallimore’s career as a Sequoit, the legacy of her athletic career will be remembered by Sequoits for a long time. Gallimore is the perfect example of “Once a Sequoit, Always a Sequoit.” TT

JOHNNY HORTON

PAIGE GALLIMORE

THEN NOW The Winter Sports Issue

31

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WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO

WATCH YOUR TEAM

FROM THE SIDELINES

BY WESTON FOX AS TOLD TO DANIEL BRITO

B

eing the 6-foot-4-inch junior starter last basketball season, I had big expectations for this upcoming season. After leading the team in rebounds and blocked shots as the man in the middle, I couldn’t wait to get back on the court. *** The season was beginning. I woke up and got dressed in my dress pants, shirt and tie. As I tied the knot around my neck, looking at myself in the mirror, I came to the realization that I was getting dressed for no reason. I was getting dressed to play basketball, yet I wasn’t going to get to step foot on the court again in my high school career; at least not in my jersey, or as a playing member of my team.

Memories of my junior season on varsity rushed through my head forcing the adrenaline to pump through my veins. I remembered the games we won and the fun times we had.

I thought of Thanksgiving because Thanksgiving reminds me of basketball. I thought of no school, lots of food and basketball. However, this time was different.

This time around, I wasn’t going to make the same memories because I didn’t feel the adrenaline in the same way. Instead, all I could feel was a bitter taste of letting others and myself down. I knew when the doctor told me I would not be able to play basketball that things would be different. But, once the weather started to get cold and football season ended, I naturally got back into basketball mode. The sad truth was that I wasn’t actually ever going to be in that mode.

As I arrived at school people talked to me about the team because they assumed I was still a part of the team: the traditional “good luck tonight” followed by “how did the game go” the next day. It was like I was there, but really wasn’t. I was torn between both worlds.

I didn’t have the usual game-day hype

32 Tom Tom February 2016

throughout the day.

I didn’t have the mentality that I could leave all that pressure on the court that night.

In all reality, I may sit on the bench and cheer as a Sequoit, but I’m really just another spectator cheering on the team as they make plays on the court.

Even before the game, when coach is talking about the plays, I get caught up in the moment and find myself preparing to execute them.

Then I realize, those plays aren’t meant for me because I’m going to be on the bench watching them happen.

This new role was kind of weird because the minute I was on the bench in dress clothes instead of my uniform it was like I was no longer a player and something more. When we played Marian Central the coach came up to me and said, “How are you doin’ coach?” Seriously?

Coach. That’s me? It was an experience I didn’t think would happen, and, that isn’t really me.

I’m a player. I’m on the team. In the end, it was kind of funny because he shook my hand and I didn’t say, “oh, I am not a coach”; I just let it happen. I was glad to be there and support everybody, but there was just a different approach to every game knowing I wouldn’t be playing.

I knew I still meant something to the team and that I was still going to be helpful. But I definitely felt useless being on the bench while I watched everyone go around and warm up.

I was really hyped to watch the team play, but then realized I would not get my number called.

It was especially hard during the game to watch the bad times.

It hit me.

The hardest thing happens when you know the team could use you and you could really help them in that area that they are struggling in. Now in areas of the game that I used to help

out a lot in, like rebounding, I watch from the sideline feeling crippled not being able to step into the game and help benefit my team.

I rub my knees a lot during the games. I just want to be the best teammate I can be. I wish I could get out there, even for five minutes. I envy all the guys that can go out and play every day.

It’s definitely frustrating to sit there and watch the team, especially when we are losing, but not in the way you’d expect. When you don’t have that jersey on, it’s not the same. I can’t help them on the court, so now I have to push myself to help them when they step off of it.

I knew I needed to step up my role on the bench to get all the guys pumped and to do whatever I can to help us win the game, mostly because I can’t physically go in and help. I’ve learned staying positive and helping to maintain mental focus is most beneficial to the team when calls or plays do not go our way.

My surgery was a really big process; it was a really big surgery. They said the full recovery is close to a year. I am at the point where I test myself. The last thing I want with this is a relapse because I tried to push myself. I understand that this time off makes it better for the future when I can play competitive basketball once again.

The doctors have cleared me for little activity here and there. The big problem with competitive sports is the risk of getting injured again.

Being a big man, and going one-on-one with big guys in the post can cause a risk for getting re-injured. The intensity and stimulation of always pushing yourself to get better and get more in shape is not good for the healing. Externally I am healed, but internally my brain is still healing and will be for awhile. I might feel ready, especially because I am starting to feel better, but I’m not. Playing at the competitive level right now would not be the smartest thing to do. Instead, I’ll stay sitting and watching; I’ll be supporting my team in a whole new way. TT

JOHNNY HORTON

The Winter Sports Issue

33

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. . .

E V E T S S THIS I OUR ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. Scan here to listen to hear about Steve and why he loves being a Sequoit. http://tinyurl.com/zc5lx9k

JOHNNY HORTON om T Tom om F February ebruary 2016 2016 34 TTom

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