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www.trojanbluestreak.com
316-218-4600 October 22, 2010
Volume 25 - Issue 4
the trojan BLUESTREAK 1744 N. Andover Road Andover, KS 67002
A D O P T
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newsWORTHY New activity introduced for students Students practice soccer in mornings for Special K soccer team trinaBHATTARAI
EDEN VIERTHALER
Senior Bradley Nelson dribbles the soccer ball towards the goal. On Oct. 14, students practiced for their Special K soccer team.
staff writer Special K Soccer, a new team at school, can help students bond and serve as a memorable time of a student’s high school career. Teacher Jackie Bishop advocated this program just this fall. “It helps with the kids self-confidence, motor-skills, eye hand coordination and problem solving,” paraprofessional Jenna Howe said. Special K practices every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 to 8:30am, while the games are held every Friday. During the morning practice, the players prepare for the game like any other soccer team; they stretch, run laps, and practice shooting and passing. “It’s fun,” freshman player Skylar Paige said. “I like it because of my friends and it’s soccer.” Southeast High School began Special K Soccer, and now it has spread through Northwest, Maize, and the Chisholm Life Center. Every student physically able in the Functional Applied Academic (FAA) is required to participate, and small other groups cheer for the team. “Some kids get really competitive while others just do it for fun,” Howe said. Though the main rules of soccer apply, minor errors are exempt due to the players’ disabilities. For example, when the ball rolls out a foot or so, it is ignored. Pep talks and cheers encourage the players to paint on their game faces before the Friday games. However, the team lags behind this year due to inexperience. “I think we will get better with more experience,” Howe said.
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Oct. 22, 2010
The team uses funds raised from the Stadium Grounds or other activities to pay for items such as T-shirts since the administrators’ funds do not apply to this program. However, this obstacle doesn’t mean anything for the dedicated team. Despite the obstacles, the team enjoys its new activity and hopes to improve with experience. They soon hope to comeptete with other schools and succeed. “I feel happy [when I score]” Paige said.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month extends to Andover
New lunch account system The school district made the switch to the new lunch account system, Nutrikids, on Sept. 28. “It is a live system,” Food Service Director Ann Katt said. “It is linked to PowerSchool so parents can make a credit card payment directly online. Students can also scan their student ID instead of punching in their account numbers.” The district has been talking about making the switch since the beginning of this year. “We made the official decision this summer,” Katt said. With the new change, lunch workers are facing drawbacks. “There are slower lines and it just takes time getting used to it,”
EDEN VIERTHALER
Senior Amelia Wheeler kicks the ball as the final member during a drill. The Special K soccer team practiced first thing in the morning on Oct. 14.
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
The lunch workers are trying their best to adjust to the new system. “I hope everyone can tolerate us since we are just starting to learn it,” Adelson said. Lunchroom manager Carol Adelson said. The cafeteria workers are trying their best to adjust to the change. “Our staff does a great job being flexible,” Katt said. “They deserve a huge thank-you for learning the new system.”
katieSCHNEIDER
At the home football game vs. Kapaun on Oct. 22, the high school will recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At the game, the football players will have a pink ribbon decal on the back of their helmets. Cheerleaders will wear pink bows, and the Trojanettes will dance in pink outfits.
“StuCo is having a change drive. We are also decorating the stands and selling wristbands, T-shirts, clappers, pom pons, necklaces and cowbells,” Student Body President Shelby Priest said. Freshman Garrett Swanson came up with the idea for the game. “I had friends from Facebook
say they did it at their school, and I thought it would be cool if we did it here,” Swanson said. StuCo has high hopes for the game. “Hopefully we will raise a couple thousand dollars to donate to a local breast cancer foundation,” Priest said.
katieSCHNEIDER
Bailey pushes for Market Day to be in cafeteria YEK students have been working several weeks toward Market Day that takes place on Nov. 4. This year things will be a little bit different. “Market Day will be held in the cafeteria during all three lunches this year,” business teacher Julie
Bailey said. Bailey made a huge push to get Market Day in the cafeteria this year so it would be easier for the students to purchase things. There are a plethora of items being sold this year. Puppy chow, ice cream bars, energy drinks, and
caramel and chocolate popcorn are only a few being offered to the school. “The kids have been working really hard,” Bailey said. “They have put so much time and effort into this so come and support your friends.”
katieSCHNEIDER
Preview of Career Fair: W AT CAREER SH ULD YOU CHO SE? Accessorizing and retail.
Helping out with children.
Do you know what you want to major in?
You are...
Outgoing, very personable and positive.
What do you have an intrest for?
Detail-oriented but still able to step back and look at the whole picture.
Math, science and thinking outside the box.
What motto do you live by?
No.
Large state university. Do not give up even when it seems hard.
Susan Kellerman was a pre-school teacher at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. She taught three and four-year-olds. Kellerman attended De Paul in Chicago to get her master’s in elementary education. “I would say it is a great occupation if you like children,” Kellerman said. Kellerman said the country needs good, qualified educators. “Teaching is a career where you have to change gears midstream and not have it throw you through a loop,” Kellerman said.
Bonnie Hull is the owner of the boutique, The Pink Boa at Bon Bon’s in Andover. The Pink Boa sells women’s accessories, products for bachelorette parties, t-shirts, ball caps and an array of items. Bonnie Hull is friendly and outgoing and says working at Pink Boa is “a blast. It is like you are not going to work.” So, if you are a girl interested in fashion, or a boy needing to buy a gift for the woman in your life, check out The Pink Boa.
Where do you want to go to college?
Any college with an education department. What are you looking for in a career?
I don’t want to attend college. A creative place that is very enjoyable.
Follow your heart, do what you love.
Maybe.
Yes.
Easy going; you roll with the punches.
by kathrynSILL
A higher paid career that gives the opportunity to live geographically where you’d like.
Marian Beck is an accounting coordinator at Central Plains Eye Surgery, but her background is in civil engineering. She has worked in the petroleum industry and aviation business. As a professional engineer, she was required by the state to do further testing and studying to retain the title. “I like math and science, but I had a mentor that challenged me to do something that I thought I would not be good at. It was not easy, but once I took on the challenge I liked it,” Beck said. *Beck not pictured
Programmers attend Kansas State programming competition jasmineMORENO staff writer
ERICA ANDERSON
Senior Weston Jones works on programming on a computer. The programming team is going to a competition on Nov. 3. COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS | ABC PROGRAM MYBANK CHECKING | SIGN & SAVE
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Twenty-five minutes on the clock for each round, with six different rounds – that is what competitors face at the Kansas State Programming Competition. The Andover team that placed in the programming com-
petition during the 2008-2009 school year was not able to attend the programming competition last year because of budget cuts and having no money for a bus.On Nov. 3 the programmers plan to go to Kansas State University to compete with other programmers. “I am very excited; I didn’t think we’d be able to go this year,”
programming sponsor Chelli Cranmer said. The competition involves two different areas of expertise: the advanced section and the beginners’ section. Senior Evan Willford is an advanced programmer. “The programming competition is challenging, so when you get a program right, you get good
satisfaction,” Willford said. Programmers said they are confident in themselves and in the team. “I am very thrilled we’re able to go this year in spite of budget cuts,” Cranmer said. “The kids are going to do very well.”
Like a Good Neighbor State Farm is there.
Tony Durano CLU ChFC Andover. KS 316-733-1000 tony@tonydurano.com
Oct. 22, 2010
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Fundraising becomes crucial to school sports Average amount teams or activities fundraise Football
$12,000
Wrestling
$ 2,000
Softball
$ 1,500
Trojanettes
$ 3,000
Basketball
$ 1,500
-information from AHS athletic department
kalliSIKES
staff writer
Fundraising is an important aspect of the school budget, and the distinct policy changes have an effect on the entire school community. Principal Bob Baier stated his opinion on the adjustment. “I think we are at a point where we do need to monitor what goes on district-wide, so I think it is a good thing,” Baier said. Some of the changes include the requirement of each fundraiser to be on a calendar and approved by assistant principal Amanda Grier. Some fundraisers have been denied because parents have been asked for funds too many times. However, the changes have not had a large affect on all groups of students. “It really hasn’t changed anything for us, we still have our traditional fundraisers,” choir teacher Robert Schofer said Senior student body president Shelby Priest adds her suggestions to improve fundraising. “Coming up with new ideas is the big thing and getting people involved,” Priest said. Some students agree that fundraising events could be announced to the student body more frequently to keep the students educated about what is happening. “They could tell people about [the fundraising event] and when they will be doing it,” sophomore Holly Audiss said.
Student involvement is a key element in promising the success of a fundraising event. Without the participation of the students, the event would be unsuccessful and opportunities for new equipment, camp and training would not be available. Junior Kasey Criser adds her opinion on possible changes to fundraising. “Get more students involved and tell them what would change,” Criser said. Not only does fundraising support the school budget, but it also provides the students with more opportunities. “I think fundraising is a great way for students to go on certain trips that they want to go on and trainings or purchase equipment, especially in this economy we live in,” Grier said. Some students appear to be pleased with the current fundraising system. “We are actually working on a brand new fundraiser in student council. I know the booster club does a really good job,” Priest said. Other requirements for fundraising are that the school must know what the group is selling, the sum of money estimated to be raised purpose for the event and time of year. The specific purposes of the event must also be approved four weeks in advance. “I think we do a good job on fundraising, I don’t know if there are ways we could improve because all the groups that do it, do a good job on it,” Grier said.
Scholfield’s new mysterious club reveals positive intentions staff writer
For weeks, signs have been posted all across the school hallways, all hinting at a mysterious new group regarding high school kids who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Junior Maddy Scholfield, who was keen on the idea that something needed to change in the high school atmosphere, initially started the group. “I got to the point where I was looking around and saw so many people who seemed really upset with themselves and life in general; I felt like something needed to be changed and starting this group was an opportunity to help out.” The girls began a group called Real People for Change (RP4C), to help students of all kinds stand up for what they believe in and give the opportunity to make a change in the community. In an attempt to broaden the exposure of the group, Scholfield also enlisted the help of junior Mayumi De Leon as a co-leader of the discussions that take place. Another individual approached was history teacher Adam Melichar, who is the sponsor of the group. “Basically, my role in everything is just to be able to provide the environment for these kids who are going through some tough times and be able to hopefully give them a level of comfort and be comfortable coming together to meet about the issues at stake,” Melichar said. Buzz around the school about the group has been going for weeks, however, not
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Oct. 22, 2010
“
I felt like something needed to be
“
ryanLAKE
changed and starting this group was an opportunity to help out. maddySCHOLFIELD
many are aware of the groups presence as of yet. “When we first got the ball rolling with starting everything up, we weren’t sure as to how successful everything would be with the student,” De Leon said. “Depression is something that typically everyone struggles with and when you bring it into a public forum, it might go either very successful or very wrong—all of it depends on the support group you have around you and how the situation is treated.” The issues surrounding the group altogether really go hand in hand with each othermainly regarding depression, but with a different take by everyone included and how to correct the problem that is being dealt with. “Everyone typically has the same wants, fears, and needs—with that, if we can use those same similarities among each other in discussing whatever it is that we are dealing with in our lives when it comes to depression, it will certainly help in getting our points across in a collective manner with people who may be facing the same adversity in their lives,” De
Leon said. Throughout the first few weeks of the group’s existence, the general reaction has been phenomenally positive. Scholfield is thrilled with the growth of this group and is looking forward to the future with the group. “So far, things have gone so great and a lot of people you wouldn’t expect to come to this actually did, and I feel that a lot of sensitive issues have been talked about and the future for everything in this group is looking very bright,” Scholfield said. Other students also see the benefits of the club. “I think this club aims at a lot of students in this school and can help,” junior Hannah Howe said. This organization also wants to help teen moms and support them through hard times. RP4C helps break the fear of other people’s thoughts and actually make a difference. Now with the support of each other, RP4C is ready to put their plans into action. Other ideas the clubs has include fundraisers to be held each holiday, and the club members will volunteer for different organizations. The money raised will be donated to causes to help students break the chains of being involved in drugs or alcohol, or provide supplies for teen moms. “Not only do we just want AHS students to be involved, we also to reach out to other schools like Andover Middle School and Andover Central,” Howe said. The group meets once a week in Melichar’s room every Tuesday for no set time period and is welcome for anyone to join. – Additional reporting by Brooke Leatherman
-henryHOOK
be there >> NEW CLUB MEETINGS Tuesdays, after school in Adam Melichar’s room
Students recognized as semi-finalists katherineHARTLEY staff writer
This year three students scored above a 211 on their PSAT and became National Merit semi-finalists. Sarah Beck, Evan Willford, and Conrad Holt scored in the top 1 percent of all the kids who took the test in Kansas, which is how they ended up earning the spot of semi-finalists. “Students can receive great scholarship opportunities. Some colleges offer full ride scholarships and stuff like that,” counselor Sue Coffman said. Semi-finalists receive many other opportunities and are recognized nationally by colleges. “The big thing you can receive is what the colleges offer. I know that KState and WSU waive tuition, and U of A gives out $30,000 and an iPad. There are a lot of cool things like that,” senior Evan Willford said. The three students took the PSAT during the fall of their junior year. “I prepared [for the PSAT] the same way I prepare for any test. I didn’t stress and I went to bed early the night before, nothing to special,” senior semifinalist Sarah Beck said. They then found out at about their accomplishment in September of the 2010-2011 school year. “I found out early this year. Mrs. Coffman called us into her office and told us. I was excited, but I don’t think I knew what kinda work I’d have to be doing,” Beck said. The next step for these semi-finalists is to fill out their applications to hopefully become National Merit finalists. 15,000 high school students will be chosen as finalists. “My next step is to try and become a finalist. I have to write an essay and fill out some other info and get letters of recommendation. It’s kind of like applying for college,” senior Conrad Holt said. The three semi-finalists will find out whether or not they made the cut as a finalist in February 2011.
“The semi-finalists have to fill out an application including an essay, high school record, and submit it. I also write a letter of recommendation,” Coffman said. These semi-finalists have large opportunities and plans for the future now. “I really want to go to college out of state and I hope that being a semi-finalist will help me out with that. I am planning to major in bio-chemistry and eventually go to medical school,” Beck said. These three individuals also all have unique stories and talents to share. Beck followed in her father’s footsteps by receiving her pilot’s license, Holt competes in chess tournaments, and Willford has been recognized nationally for his cartooning. Evan’s Easel During fourth grade, Evan Willford realized he had a large interest and immense talent. “I started drawing superheroes. One of my friends had started drawing and I wanted to. I liked comic books and after that I got a ‘How to Draw Superheroes’ book and found out I liked it and was good at it, ” Willford said. Willford’s cartooning ability has gotten him noticed at state multiple times. Two years ago, he won state and placed third last year. Willford plans to continue with cartooning in the future as well as studying computer science or engineering. “I plan to work for a college newspaper wherever I go,” Willford said. Sarah’s Solo Ride Following in the footsteps of her father, Sarah Beck obtained her professional pilots license along with her brothers. “I always grew up around planes so for my brother’s and I it was just about as normal to get a flying license as a drivers license,” Beck said. Beck had to take three tests, including a written and practical test. She had to finish and pass every test before she could move on to the next. “It was probably one of the hardest thing of my life,” Beck said. After receiving her license, Beck began to go on solo trips and her second
ride turned out to be a memorable one. “I was returning on my home leg during my second solo ride when I got lost. I was supposed to be navigating and I followed the wrong Victor airways (virtual airways with a system of established routes) and ended up a few miles away and low on fuel,” Beck said. “There’s no one to help you in an airplane, but I finally managed to call an aviator’s resource radio and they triangulated my position from my signal and gave me a compass direction with an address to an airport where I safely landed.” Conrad’s Chess Starting in 2004, Conrad Holt began competing in chess tournaments. “It was the Jr. Open in Linsberg, Kansas. Before that I didn’t know about the tourneys at all and then I saw an article in the newspaper and thought it’d be fun,” Holt said. Holt continued playing and seemed to have a natural talent for it. “After playing for years you develop a pattern. It’s a lot of recognition skills. So it’s easy to remember a position because it follows a certain pattern,” Holt said. Holt is still undecided about his future plans for college.
HENRY HOOK
Conrad Holt stares intently as he plays chess. He has been participating in many chess tournaments since 2004.
HENRY HOOK
How are National Merit Scholars selected?
After receiving her pilot’s license, Sarah Beck went on a few solo flights, getting lost on one of them and finding her way back.
1. It is based on abilities, skills and accomplishments. 2. The finalist’s academic record is reviewed. 3. Information is read regarding the school’s curricula and grading system. 4. Two sets of test scores are looked at. 5. The high school official’s written recommendation is read.
HENRY HOOK
Evan Willford draws cartoons for the Trojan Bluestreak. He has been on staff for four years.
251 N. Andover Road 733-5630 7 days a week 11 a.m. to midnight Carryout Available Find us on Facebook www.timbuktubarandgrill.com
Friends don’t let friends eat burgers alone! Go Trojans! Oct. 22, 2010
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aroundANDOVER
Taxes sponsor local construction
Land sits empty at Andover Road and 21st Street that will soon be a bustling retail and living space. PHOTO BY JACOB HIGHFILL
robynHERBERT
in-depth editor
Nestled between Andover Road and 21st street, the empty field across from Butler Community College will soon be buzzing with construction. Construction for the new “Andover Landing” project was awarded to Cornejo and Sons Construction at the Oct. 4 City Council Meeting. “The City of Andover solicited sealed bids from about ten different commercial contractors in the area who perform this type of work and Cornejo and Sons were the low
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Oct. 22, 2010
bidder on the project,” Andover mayor Ben Lawrence said. Construction is scheduled to begin Oct. 21 and commence around Dec. 2. “We hope the actual construction will only take about six weeks, the project is split up into two phases, which, in total, should cost about $2,425,200,” Lawrence said. Several apartment buildings will be built towards the back of the land, while retail stores will make up the land near Andover Rd. “There is a ‘green space’, or commons, around the pond, that will be available to the residents of the neighborhood, it hasn’t
been decided if there will be any type of play equipment,” Lawrence said. While the money does come from taxpayers, Lawrence is confident it will benefit all Andover residents. “The residents of Andover will benefit from the new development in the form of additional property taxes once these units are built. We will now have more people paying taxes than before, which could reduce taxes for the individuals who already reside here,” Lawrence said. Some residents, however, disagree with the benefits the Andover Landing will bring.
“I don’t understand why we need a new strip mall. There are so many in Andover with open lots. We should use those,” junior April Richardson said. Lawrence is looking forward to the Andover Landing and hopes construction will continue in Andover. “During this tough economic crisis, our city has continued to expand and develop the tax base, while most other cites in the county have lost residents and businesses which to me,” Lawrence said. “Says we have good sustainability with our growth and we are doing the right thing for our community.”
inDEPTH << Robberies allegedly occur at sporting events, school A troubling trend is the growing number of thefts that lately have been occurring in the school kelseyDICK
news editor
At sporting events...
A sequence of theft recently allegedly started on the soccer team. “I had just cashed a $100 paycheck before a soccer game. It was gone after our soccer game,” senior Jordan Haas said. Hass was disappointed that a thief had taken his money. He also said two other teammates recently had iPods stolen. “I was mad that someone took my money during the game while I was working,” Haas said. “And that they took advantage of me.” The money has not been returned yet, so Haas’ teammates all chipped in a couple of dollars each to help for his loss. “I thought it was really cool of the team to do that for me,” Hass said.
During choir...
About a week later, during choir teacher Robert Schofer’s class, another robbery allegedly took place. As part of her daily routine, senior Jenny Cooper put her backpack and purse outside the door of music teacher Robert Schofer’s second hour class. The following hour she went out for lunch. When she went to pay for her food she looked into her wallet to find about $50 gone. “When I opened my wallet and nothing was there, I realized I had been robbed,” Cooper said. The cameras in the hallways caught the alleged theft taking the money out of Cooper’s purse during second hour. “Although the cameras caught the theft, I have not gotten my money back,” Cooper said.
their belongings to ensure nothing was stolen. “Amy [Williams] realized she was missing $15, so I took her wallet and confronted the (alleged) thief. He ran away,” senior Catherine Crammer said. The girls reported the incident to the office. “Open lockers are crimes of opportunity,” Principal Bob Baier said. Williams then received her money back from the person she said stole it. “I was so happy I got my money back because I thought it was gone forever,” Williams said.
Tips for preventing robberies during school
•
“I don’t know what the status is.”
In weights class...
After fifth hour weights, the same day Jenny Cooper’s money went missing, another robbery allegedly happened in the girls’ varsity locker room. As four girls walked into the locker room another student walked out. The girls knew of the theft problem on the soccer team so they all checked
• • • •
Always lock your car and put valuables out of sight Mark your property with your initials Carry your purse with you and keep it in your sight at all times Only bring a needed amount of money to school ILLUSTRATION BY EDEN VIERTHALER Multiple students have experienced burglaries. “I have solved Ask someone to watch your things if a majority of the theft cases within the last month with the you need to leave help of the camera system,” Officer Lance Parker said.
>> WHATtheySAY : w
What is some advice you can give to help people not be robbed?
SENIOR JENNY COOPER
SENIOR JORDAN HAAS
SENIOR AMY WILLIAMS
“Teachers need to let students put their stuff in classrooms, and kids shouldn’t bring so much money to school.”
“Do not keep things in soccer bags. Keep them locked up in your car.”
“Keep the money locked in your locker and do not be stupid about how much you bring to school..” Oct. 22, 2010
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Pit orchestra begins practice for fall musical hollyHEIRONIMUS copy cheif
As band teacher Ray Linville hands out the sheet music for pit orchestra, members already have in mind what the three musical performances will be like. The auditorium is dark as theatre teacher and musical director Sarah Koehn makes her introduction. When she heads behind the curtains, the cue is set to begin the musical. “In pit orchestra, you get to help the actors and actresses and you help the show come together,” junior Hannah Howe said. Tryouts for pit orchestra were supposed to be instituted this year, but never occured. “Originally they wanted tryouts in case they had too many people tryout, to make a small, manageable pit orchestra,” senior Cliff Beck said. “But just enough people signed up to fill the spots.” Linville has had some difficulty trying to get students to sign up for pit orchestra. “In the past year, we have had to beg people [to sign up for pit orchestra],” Linville said. One reason for people to not sign up for tryouts may simply be out of mere shyness. “I think a lot of people are too shy; we have a good band; they just don’t know what to expect,” senior Matt Cory said. Band members who participate in the pit orchestra mostly enjoy the experience of performing and practicing. “I enjoy some parts, not others. It’s nice to have a free seat at the show, but not so nice to be hit by flying scenery,” Beck said.
However, the benefits of pit orchestra do not come without long hours or practice and lots of music to learn. “We spend 50 hours total, practicing together, and there are 30 songs in this year’s show, but not everyone plays on every song,” Linville said. The 50 hours the pit orchestra practices does not include the hours spent practicing at home by the musicians. “I practice at home usually from an hour to an hour and a half,” Beck said. The level of difficulty of the music varies between shows. “This years music books are a little thinner,” Linville said. Beck has yet to look over his music, but Devin Dymkowski believes to pit orchestra is up for a challenge. Senior Chris Osbourne, freshman Katie Wiggins and junior Tony Supancic practice their instruments in the band room for the pit “I hear [the music] is challenging, but i orchestra for the fall musical. The fall musical this year will be “Anything Goes.” Their performances will be on the evenings of think we’re up to the task,” Beck said. Nov. 13-14. Students who are in pit orchestra are in it for the reason of their love of performing music, according to Linville. “It’s the enjoyment they get from performing the music [which is why they participate in pit orchestra] and supporting the theatre department,” Linville said. “There is not a lot of recognition. They do it for themselves.” Some believe that the show may be a little weak without the orchestra. “[Without the pit orchestra] the show would have much less depth to it. There are schools that do their shows with only piano accompaniment, but it provides a much richer experience for the performers and the audience to have an orchestra,” Koehn said. Pit orchestra allows people who do not want to be center-stage release their talent. “[I enjoy pit orchestra] one of the reasons being that it’s a way for people to have someDevin Dymkowski thing to do with the musicals if they do not sing Above, senior Chris Osbourne plays his trombone in an after school pit or dance,” Howe said. “It’s another talent. We orchestra rehearsal. Orchestra members will practice after school for an help give people their own imagination.” entire total of 50 hours. Devin Dymkowski
To the left, practicing his saxophone on the marching field, junior Tony Supancic practices memorizing his music pieces for pit orchestra.
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Oct. 22, 2010
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speakUP << PDA becomes epidemic in hallways letter to EDITOR genGAUDREAU Picture this: Walking down the hallway on a Monday morning. My headphones are in each ear, and I am still half awake slowly sipping my coffee and shuffling my feet in the math hallway. Normally I mind my own business during the hours of school, I don’t say much and I keep my head down. So here I am, walking down the hallway minding my own business when I run into a couple in front of me. Usually I’m not really bothered by people in a romantic relationship showing small signs of affection. But I am not embarrassed to say that these two people in front of me are all but fornicating on the floor. Grossed out, I side step them and mutter to myself to get a room.
Nothing is more inappropriate then 15-year-old kids swapping spit in their high school hallways. I think I can safely say that no one wants to see how “in love” you are with each other. I’m not prude by any means, but there is definitely a time and place for a public display of affection, and I don’t think behind a locker section really counts as a private place. Not only is it trashy to be all over each other in front of hundred of kids, it’s kind of sad. I am 18 years old, and I have never once felt the urge to be all over a boy in front of anyone ever. God forbid you spend eight hours not groping each other in front of the student body, I’m almost positive no one will spontaneously combust if you keep your hands to yourself. There is nothing wrong at all with PDA, but when you’re an underaged high school student there’s no reason you need to play grab ass all day long. It’s almost like one day, there’s one couple. Then the next there’s a different one. Maybe I’m just being a little dramatic, but I surely don’t appreciate people hanging all over each other. I think there are other ways to show affection.
Dear Bluestreak Staff, In the Oct. 1, 2010, edition of your paper in the page 19 article about Jordan Dusenbury you misquoted me. You quote me as saying “I do chose [cast members] based on seniority.” What I said in my recorded interview was “I don’t choose based on seniority.” I have worked extremely hard during my seven years as the head of the Andover High School Theatre department to discourage and dispel the culture of entitlement that would lead upperclassmen to think they deserve a part and underclassmen to think they have no chance of being cast in a role. This simple three character omission presented a philosophy polar opposite of that which I follow when casting. I know you strive for high standards of journalistic excellence so I will leave it to you to decide what is an appropriate course of action regarding this significant error. A quick kiss, and a smile works. The small meaningful things are so much more rewarding then just full on tongue action. I just want to be able to walk down the hallway and not trip over a couple practically licking each other’s faces and drinking each other’s tongues like they’re a glass of water.
Sincerely, Sarah Koehn theatre and speech instructor Editor’s Note: The Bluestreak apologizes for this error.
‘Modern Family’ takes comedy to the next level speakUP
chrisJONES It’s the oldest TV plot in the book: the comedic yet clueless father, the overprotective mother, and the out of control kids. Modern Family uses this comedic formula, takes it to the next level, and the end result is one of the funniest shows on TV. Modern Family focuses on three completely different families living different lives, yet somehow they are all one family. The main focus of the show is on the Pritchett family, with father Phil, his wife Claire, and their three kids Hayley, Alex, and Luke. Phil Dumphy, played by Ty Burrell, is the clueless father who believes he is cool and hip but always ends up embarassing himself, which adds to the comedy for the viewer. Claire, played by Julie Bowen, plays the controlling mother who always wants everything to be right with the world, which it hardly ever is.
Sure Modern Family could’ve stopped with the Dumphy Family and could have focused all on them, but that’s been done a million times before. They cranked it up a notch. Bring in the Pritchett and Tucker households. Jay Pritchett, father of Claire and Mitchell, is a wealthy business man on the backturn of life with a young latin wife Gloria and her son Manny. Gloria and Manny have come from Columbia and, because of Gloria’s beauty, have settled down with Jay in his house. The older Jay brings his comedic value from how his older values contrast so greatly with the lifestyle that he lives. He has never really been ok with his son and his life partner Cameron and his occasional racist remarks get a hearty yet sort of guilty laugh out of the audience. The fact that Jay, being the older wealthy man that he is and the beautiful latin women that she is, the audience assumes that she is just a gold-digger looking for his money; but this is not the case. Their marriage is suprisingly genuine and the life they live together with their weirdly mature son manny adds to the many comedic aspects of the show The Tucker Household consists of life partners Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker, played by Eric Stonestreet, who have adopted their baby daughter Lilly from Viet
-nam Probably the funniest character in the show would have to be Cameron (Cam). The way he lives his life and the hilariously feminine and theatrically overdramatic side that he has gets the audience laughing everytime. Accompanying Cam is his life-partner Mitchell, who is a control freak lawyer which contrasts perfectly with Cameron. The situations they go through always gets a laugh out of me. Now that the complicated description is out of the way, lets break down why Modern Family is the funniest show that you might not know about yet. Modern Family dives away from the stupid physical humor, which may be good for a laugh or two, but nothing more. It focuses on mature comedy that the whole family can enjoy and everyone can laugh at. The range of comedy that show brings means that the whole family can sit down and enjoy Modern Family together and each and every person has something to laugh at; from the problemed teenager to the elder grandparent visiting from out-of-town.
Each family brings their own equal comedic value to the show and each episode is filled with laughter from the crazy situations that they all experience together. Ty Burrell plays the part of the comedically dim father role perfectly. His over-eagerness and attempts at being a cool father always seems to backfire which always gets the viewer laughing. Modern Family, on Wednesday nights on ABC, is one of the funniest comedies on TV because it doesn’t just have the simple-minded physical humor, it has a deeper yet suttle comedy that stcks with you and will get you hooked from the first time you watch it. I Highly recommend you tune in Wednesday nights at 8, you will not regret it.
be there New Modern Family Wednesday Nights at 8p.m. on ABC
Oct. 22, 2010
9
Written off: discovering the ultimate pen for students
chadHAMMAN In preparing for an in-class writing assignment, the selection of pen is critical in a student’s writing ability. Given a pen low on ink or one that requires a tough grip to write, students can expect a slow down in the writing process. Constantly shaking off hand cramps and making scribbles in the corner to get a pen going are no way to spend valuable writing time. For these reasons, I have enjoyed the splendor of the Sharpie Pen this year. Having used several ball point and felt tip pens in the past, I felt as if I finally found the perfect match for me. However, my choice of pen was challenged by the likes of senior Bluestreak staffers Charlie Abbott and Evan Willford, both of whom claimed the Pilot G2 would eclipse the Sharpie Pen as the ultimate high school writing utensil. Of course, we had to test our respective hypotheses.In the course of doing so, we ran into the idea of testing the five most popular pens we see at AHS: Pilot G2, Sharpie Pen, Papermate Gel retractables, Bic Ultra and Bic Gel. The best would be determined based on four basic criteria. These were our discoveries: Comfort: A pen can spend hours feverishly writing on any given day. Considering the amount of time a pen must spend in an individual’s hand, comfort is of extreme importance. A pen must not be too thin, nor
too thick, not too heavy or too light. Also, the highly esteemed rubber grip is a must. This automatically eliminates the Sharpie Pen and Bic Ultra. Neither has a grip capable of eliminating finger soreness over the long term and both are rather thin. The remaining three contestants are all of similar thickness and have rubber grips. However, the Bic Gel pen has a lesser quality grip and is too light. The Papermate and Pilot G2 tie in this category. Neatness: What is the use of writing if it isn’t legible? Smoothness in writing, and the flow of ink are huge factors, but more important is that the ink doesn’t smear. Pilot G2 has a steady flow of ink, but it has so much that if bumped it can be easily smeared. A left-handed writer would find his hand smothered in black after writing with this pen for very long. Both Bics are not very dark and often run out of ink after a few sentences. These pens could not stand up to the test. Papermate and Sharpie both have very neat pens, but the Sharpie is the smoothest writer, and even has the possibility of calligraphy use. Winner: Sharpie Pen. Convenience: This is the Sharpie Pen’s biggest flaw. With no retractable cap and its small size, the Sharpie lacks the capability to quickly make notes in an agenda or on a sticky note. Also failing here is the Bic Ultra, which suffers from the same illness that killed the Sharpie. Bic Gel is also not retractable and must be ruled out. With the poor performance of both Bic pens, it is now time to rule both out as possible top pen contenders. Again in this category it is down to the Papermate and Pilot G2. This one came down to the clicker on top. The Pilot G2 easily clicked each time I tried, however, the Papermate took several tries a few times, making Pilot G2 the winner in this category. Practical Use: It all comes down to one category. Is the pen easy to write with for the average high school student? All three remain-
REPORT CARD GRADE D
National Testing Day Oct. 13
>>
GRADE C-
Spride Day Oct. 15
>>
GRADE B
football game t-shirts
>>
Day GRADE A+ Inservice Oct. 18 >>
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Oct. 22, 2010
National Testing Day for students who did not take the PSAT was uneventful and unnecessary.
Due to lack of attention paid by the students, the assembly was chaotic. There was an absence of participation during the games played throughout the day. The incorporation of T-shirts for specific games increases the school spirit.
Due to the end of the first nine weeks, the inservice day was a much needed day off for students and teachers alike.
Pap e
rma te G
Pilo t
Bic Bic
Sh
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ie
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el
G2
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Ult
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Photo Illustration by Kaitlyn DeYoung and Jacob Highfill
ing pens have specific problems in this category. The Sharpie Pen requires the writer to hold the pen with an upright grip. Holding with a slant does not work, as the pen won’t write. For slanted writers, the Sharpie is a terrible pen. The Papermate is not incredibly smooth, and it is annoying for pretty much all writers. Finally, the Pilot G2 could not be used by left-handed individuals due to the “smear-factor.” The win goes to the Papermate retractable because it can be used by all types of writers despite its lack of smoothness. The Verdict: After three days of strenuous tests, these five pens have been pushed to their limits. Two pens failed to withstand the test, while three proved strong enough for the challenge. Overall, the Pilot G2, Sharpie Pen
and Papermate retractable pens are all incredibly capable pens that any student would be fortunate to carry in his backpack. Every writer has a preference. For me, the Sharpie pen is the best overall pen because it makes my writing just a little more legible. As for the average high school student, I would recommend the Pilot G2 due to its overall performance in our four tests. I had to swallow my Sharpie Pen pride for this one, but in the end the Pilot G2 did end up being the best pen. * Thank you to Charlie Abbott, Evan Willford and any student who donated their pens for this cause. Without you, high school students would still be struggling with the dangers of hand cramps and poor legibility.
TOP 5 THINGS WE ABOUT... 1 2 3 4 5
art teacher Patricia Chambers
She is always willing to help with projects. She is great at teaching beginners how to throw on the wheel. She has a cool new hair cut.
She picks the perfect paint for projects.
She stays after school to fire students’ projects.
-Evanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EasELEVAN WILLFORD
speakUP << BLUESTREAK
editorialPOLICY The Trojan Bluestreak exists to inform, persuade and entertain its readers concerning topics of importance. The newspaper recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. The Bluestreak operates as a public forum for student expression, and the staff takes full responsibility for newspaper content and its ramifications. The Trojan Bluestreak will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, libel, obscenity, copyright infringement, unwarranted invasion of privacy or material that could disrupt the educational environment. The Bluestreak is a CSPA Gold Medalist and a KSPA All-Kansas honor recipient.
elisaMARTIN editor-in-chief morganMESSMORE managing editor ashtonSCHRAG buisness manager corbinMIHELIC sports editor evanWILLFORD cartoonist chadHAMMAN opinion editor chrisJONES assn. sports editor kaitlynDEYOUNG photo editor kelseyDICK news editor hollyHEIRONIMUS copy chief robynHERBERT in-depth editor
edenVIERTHALER features editor staff writers ericaANDERSON trinaBHATTARAI alexDURANO ryleeELLISON genGAUDREAU suzannaGEHRER katherineHARTLEY alexHERNANDEZ jacobHIGHFILL henryHOOK ryanLAKE alexLEFF ryanMINEAR hayleyPHILLIPS laurenQUAM tjRIGG katieSCHNEIDER kalliSIKES kathrynSILL
adviser kristinBAKER
staff
Drunk students hurt student spirit, school image at games EDITORIAL >> is a personal decision, however, Friday night football position: Drinking games are not the place to partake in such events. Vote: 23-0 Friday night football games are intended as a safe way for students to socialize while watching their classmates play a game down on the field. Recently, though, the stands have been filled with intoxicated students who have caused trouble and commotion in the student section. Normally, a few drunk students in the stands would not be much of a shocker to the student body. There is obviously a problem, though, when students have to be carried out of the stands and water bottles are thrown on to innocent bystanders as occurred at the Andover Central game last Friday. The problems with drunk students have been escalating since the beginning of football season. Little visible attempt has been made by the administration to halt these problems, however. The only noted attempt to quell students alcoholic ambitions took place at the ACHS game when students were forced to stay seated until the student responsible for throwing a can of tea
came forward. The culprit, of course, never did come forward, and students were eventually allowed to cheer again. This is just one of many examples of intoxicated students causing problems at football games. Several junior girls were cited stumbling around the stands, falling on top of people, and just causing a ruckus. Leadership by the student body to keep these people from drinking before and during games would be the best way to stop our most recent predicament. However, when the majority of the drunk students are juniors and seniors, leadership is a tad bit lacking. Many students have even resorted to smuggling alcoholic beverages into the stadium by pouring the drinks into tea bottles, coke cans and other forms of disguise. The administration has taken steps to crack down on drunk students in the stands. However, more steps need to be taken in order to prevent students from entering the stadium at all. One idea would be to have all students enter the stadium through a separate entrance. This way, administrators could take note as to which students may cause a disturbance later. Another use of this separate entrance would be to force students to dispose of any outside beverages. This would prevent the smuggling of alcoholic beverages into the stands, and in turn would lead to students choosing a better drink to quench their thirst. It might even produce a little more revenue for the school with increased beverage sales at the concession stand. With how far the problem has escalated already during football season, it is scary to think how bad things could get during the three month long basketball season. We need to put an end to this now, and it will take the cooperation of the students, administration and parents to do it.
Oct. 22, 2010
11
intheGAME
<<
WEIGHT ROOM EVOLUTION
1985
1990
1985- Pat Moore comes to USD385.
1995
1989- “The barn” is demolished. The weight room moves to the second floor of AHS.
2000
2000- Jack Humburg Training Center is completed.
2005
2010
2008- Workouts move to today’s 4,800-square-foot facility (pictured below)
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Weightlifting program grows, progresses during Moore’s 25-year tenure corbinMIHELIC sports editor
He is very humble about it, but strength trainer Pat Moore knows he is the man responsible for building up the weightlifting program. Believe it or not, the Andover weight room hasn’t always been one to brag about. In fact when Moore came to the district in 1985, there wasn’t much of one at all. Students who wanted to work out crossed Andover Road to “the barn,” a facility about as luxurious as its name. The barn was basically a gymnasium built in the parking lot of the District Stadium, used mostly for PE classes in the 1980’s. A section of the room was blocked off for weightlifting equipment—a fairly makeshift setup. But that’s not the worst part. It was located directly next to the old bus storage area, so the barn would often fill with exhaust fumes when buses would leave in the
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Oct. 22, 2010
morning. Up to 1989, the barn was home to the closest thing USD 385 had to a weightlifting program. When it was torn down, the weight room was moved to today’s upstairs storage area in the main building of the high school. The upstairs weight room was used until the 2000-01 school year, with Moore buying new equipment over time with his own money. That year, Moore and parent boosters fundraised to build the 2,500-square-foot Jack Humburg Training Center next to the football practice fields. The only thing the school gave Moore was the plot of land it is built on. “It was like a barn-raising basically,” Moore said. Within the next two years, Moore was hired as the school’s full-time strength and conditioning coach, and weight training became an elective class students could take during school. In that time period, the football program became more active in the weight
room. “We hoped to make the teams better, and get a little pride,” Moore said. “That’s why we called it ‘Blue Pride.’ We had a real low in sports here for awhile.” It wasn’t until coach Mike Lee was hired after the 2007 season that weights became a requirement for football players. Moore credits Lee for getting more athletes into the weight room regularly. “We’ve spent a lot of time on the weight program,” Lee said. “We have made enough changes and adjustments that if a graduate from the year before I got the job showed up in the summer or during a weights class, they would see a dramatic difference.” Lee also thanks Hutchinson High School’s football and strength coaches for helping the weights program improve. Hutchinson has recently served as a model program for other schools around the state. The Salt Hawks have won six consecutive
football state championships and cracked the top ten in ESPN’s 2009 national high school rankings. “Hutch has been very good about sharing ideas with us, time with us and allowing us to go up there and see how they do things,” Lee said. “A whole bunch of the stuff we do, we’ve gotten from Hutch, because they just do it that well. By 2008, numbers had grown so much that the weight room needed another expansion. So, administration decided to build a brandnew 4,800-square-foot facility along with the new gymnasium and classrooms. Moore and Lee agree that having the brandnew facility has helped spark new interest in the weightlifting and athletic program. “It’s a sense of pride to have a nice facility, and it’s a team concept especially getting the teams training in it,” Moore said. “It’s also a recruiting thing and a bit of an awe when people come in and look.”
WIN OR GO HOME chrisJóNES
sports writer A new football season with so much hope and promise but filled with injuries to key players and many heartbreaking losses has left the team with a disappointing 1-6 record with one final ultimatum: win or go home. “Everything that has happened up to this point doesn’t matter if we go out there and get a loss; however, we feel we can definitely win because our goal is still to make the playoffs,” senior Lucas Linder said. With the 21-7 loss to Andover Central to open district competition, the Trojans must win both games against Kapaun and Arkansas City to make the playoffs. Despite their unsatisfactory record, they see district play as a clean slate “As of right now our record is 0-0,” senior Jordan Jones said before the loss to Central. “We have a brand new start and we are going to make the most of it.” Although the official record in the standings states the team is 1-6. Jones feels it does not reflect how the team has performed. “We played Maize, Derby and Newton close. Any of those games we could have won,” Jones said. “When we are struggling,
The Anodver offensive line lines up behind quarterback Jordan Jones vs. McPherson. Photo by Anthony Lara
it makes me work harder and try to pull the team together so that we all can succeed.” Even though most people would consider the season a major disappointment, the players have only taken one thing from it so far: their resiliency. “Even with a lot of injury and sickness we have been able to come together as a team and really play well,” junior Brad Hess said. “It really shows how this team never gives up.” “We want to be remembered for sticking together through adversity,” Linder said. “We have fought through the things that have happened and still fight on.” The record can also affect a team mentally in a negative way if the team does not work together. “This has definitely been a frustrating season. With all that has happened it’s easy to be negative,” head coach Mike Lee said. “Thankfully, we have been able to stay positive and I feel we can still compete.” When a team is in a must-win situation, it shows in the practices. “Our practices are more intense and everyone is going harder,” Hess said. “Everyone is pushing themselves in every rep of every drill.” With all the injuries that have occurred to the team this season, going into the Kapaun game the team is strapped for players. “We have had so many injuries this season that if we have a couple more, were going to be in a bad situation,” Lee said. “We will just have to hope that that doesn’t happen.” Going into what could be the last meaningful game of their high school careers, the seniors on the team try to have the right mindset. “Honestly, I don’t want to think about that,” Linder said. “I’m just going to go out Friday and do the best I can’t let that happen.” Linder’s teammates also agree that they must step up in order to stop an outcome they do not want. “We just hope we can go out and play as good as or better than we played against central,” senior Blake Gumeringer said. “We want to finish the season strong and that starts with Kapaun.”
Loss to Central puts Trojans in do-or-die situation vs. Kapaun
The football team charges onto the filed after Jordan Jones’ tries to pump them up before the Central game on Oct. 15. The Trojans lost 21-7. Photo by Alex Durano
“
There is a point in the season where the team just has to practice and play because they love the game. mikeLEE
When preparing for the game against a tough district opponent such as Kapaun, who have a 6-1 record, every rep of every practice is the key to success. “Kapaun is a good team with a good record,” Lee said. “They have looked very good on film and we definitely need to bring our best effort to win.” If an unfortunate outcome happens on Oct. 22 and the Trojans are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, there is still one more game to play. “There is a point in the season where the team just has to practice and play because you love the game,” Lee said. “The players, especially the seniors, have to realize that they need to take advantage of
”
the time they have left. Their last game is coming up soon and if, unfortunately, it is the Ark City game, they still need to play with a passion and a drive.” So the stage is set and what needs to happen is quite simple; win against Kapaun and Arkansas City, and the Trojans are going to the playoffs. “The big picture is still there and that is getting to the playoffs we just have to take care of our next to games and that records don’t mean a thing,” Linder said. “If we win we are still alive.” The Trojans will play this deciding game on Oct 22 and win or lose; they will face Arkansas City on Oct. 28.
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Oct. 22, 2010
15
Golfers lucky to call Crestview home Two girls’ golfers place at state
JACOB HIGHFILL
Despite not making the 5A state tournament as a team, juniors Audrey Meisch and Jessica Morrison played well enough to qualify for state on Oct. 18. Meisch shot 86 to tie for 11th while Morrison carded an 87 for a 13th place tie. Late in the round players dealt with wind and rain, which delayed the tournament for over 30 minutes.
corbinMIHELIC sports editor
Athletic Director Gary Merritt has no trouble openly expressing his appreciation for Crestview Country Club. “We have been blessed,” Merritt said. “There is no other way to say it. We have been blessed with the ability to have [Crestview] as our home course.” For the eleven years that he has been on the job, the Andover golf programs have been lucky enough call Crestview their home course. But what makes it so special? There are many answers, and ones golfers with any kind of experience likely understand. First, Crestview provides not just one, but two challenging courses. The North course holds a reputation as one of the top courses in the Wichita area, annually hosting a professional event for the Nationwide Tour. “The North Course in particular is in incredible shape,” girls’ golf coach Jason Teeter said. “The South Course is nothing to sneeze at either. They are both really nice.” The combination of challenge and variety helps mentally prepare players for tournaments at tough or different-styled courses. With 36 holes, players have the ability to see a different tee shot every day of the week. “I think it is a benefit to see different holes and have different experiences in practice,” Teeter said. “Also it helps us not impose much on the members when we are out there. We can kind of go out and hide on one nine and they aren’t necessarily going to be bothered and can play their rounds.” Its practice facility is another attribute that Trojan golfers appreciate. Players have access to chipping and putting greens, a doubleended driving range as well as a hole set aside for shots within 100 yards.
“The practice facility there is second to none, obviously,” boys’ golf coach Ryan Harshaw said. “We have a variety of different areas to practice.” The athletic department must write a letter to the Crestview Board of Directors every year asking for permission use the course for after-school practicees. However, the club has been fairly favorable toward Merritt’s annual request. “I think a lot of their motivation is that a majority of our players are members, or their parents are members,” Merritt said. “We are their community school.” Negotiations usually allow players to use the course four days and the practice facilities three days each week throughout the season. Regular Crestview members pay several hundred dollars each month in dues, so the 75 dollars that each player pays per season is a pretty good deal. What is even better is that members haven’t really acted adversely toward nonmember players or coaches. Harshaw credits good behavior for this “Over the years, my assistant coach, myself and our players have maintained themselves with good golf course etiquette,” Harshaw said. “That has helped develop a good relationship with the members and the pro shop.”
“
We have been blessed with the ability to have [Crestview] as our home course. garyMERRITT
”
Suspensions plague boys’ basketball team ryanMINEAR staff writer
Every time one gets on ESPN to see the latest sports buzz, it seems that some team or some player has just violated a rule. Just recently the University of Southern California was penalized by the NCAA for rule violations in football, men’s basketball, and women’s tennis. This resulted in many penalties toward the athletic department, including ridding them of their 2005 national football title. Rule violating and controversy does not just happen at the professional and collegiate levels but it can also happen at the high school level. In the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) handbook Rule 33, Sec.202 1, Art. 4, the rules state from the first Tuesday following Labor Day through the last Friday preceding Memorial Day, no more than three players from the same school squad may practice or participate together on the same outside team. Partcipation by more than three squad members on the
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Oct. 22, 2010
same team shall make them ineligible for the remainder of the school year and any further middle/junior and senior high school basketball, unless reinstated by the Executive Board. Four players from the boys’ basketball team participated on the same team. “In order to reinstate them, we asked KSHSAA if they could be reinstated if we had them sit out a game and they said yes,” Athletic Director Gary Merritt said. The four players were revealed by an official source as seniors Landon Oberg, Grant Ralston, Trent Garman and sophomore Tyler Kvasnicka. “It sucks that I have to miss the first home game, but I feel lucky that we don’t have to be suspended longer,” Oberg said. The suspended players hope that their one game suspension will not adversely affect the team and it’s ability to compete in the season opener. “I definitely think the underclassmen will have to step up because they will be missing all four seniors,” senior Grant Ralston said. Senior Steven Clausing will also have to sit out because of
being a transfer student. The suspension not only affects the players on the teams, but also the fans who have been hoping for successful season. “I think it’s a little ridiculous. They’ve been playing on that team to help them get better and they aren’t playing during the season,” senior Charlie Abbott said. The four players will sit out for Dec. 7 game against Goddard. “I think it will hurt us a little, but we’ll bounce back,” Oberg said. While the one game suspension is frustrating for everyone involved, most agree that missing an early season game will be much less harmful than having to pay several years down the road similar to what USC now has to experience. “It’s an unfortunate situation,” Merritt said, “I think it’s bad for the kids because I know how badly they want to play, but in turn I understand KSHSAA rules and that’s why we selfreported and took self-action.”
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
XC team prepares for regionals chrisJONES
staff writer As the long and tiring cross country season for the Andover team heads into its final stretch, the most important meets still lie ahead; regional competition. “Heading into important meets like these, we still try to keep a calm atmosphere at practice but the team knows that it is important,” Head coach Mike Lee said. Going into the upcoming regional meets, the team has experienced issues including injuries and underachievement; the team feels people need to step up. “Pretty much our whole varsity team needs to step up,” senior Kaitlyn Phillips said. “We have lost people throughout the season and the people competing need to pick up the slack.” Preparing for such important events would seem to add extra pressure to a team struggling to move on from losses, but Lee tries to avoid this. “We have a lot of extra practice because we have Saturday meets, but we like
to keep a relaxed but consistent mood at practice,” Lee said. “We still need to perform at a high level.” The team also knows the importance of the rest of the meets ahead, and they are prepared to work hard in order to succeed. “I expect the team to finish high for both girls and boys, we have done well this season and I expect the same,” Lee said. The senior runners, heading into their last regional meets, are setting their expectations at a high level. “I hope a lot of people on the team place, our expectations are high,” senior Michael Just said. “If we just compete, we will finish well.” The younger runners on the team also try and help their older teammates prepare for regional meets. “I just try and support my team and help them anyway possible,” sophomore Brandon Fasholtz said. “If I practice at a high level, other people will too.” As Phillips prepares for the most important meets of her cross-country
season, she also has other things on her mind. “On the same day as the cross country meet, I have to take the ACT,” Phillips said. “Its a lot of stuff to deal with.” As regional meets near, coach Lee is confident in the runners he has and how they can compete. “Our team runs at a high level,” Lee said. “I expect we will have several runners in the 18 second range which is a good competition time.” The team is also confident in their abilities. “If everyone steps up and does their job, we will compete well and finish well,” Just said. “Hopefully we have some runners compete at state.”
be there>> Cross Country Regionals
Oct. 23 @ Lake Afton
Freshman adds talent to varsity tennis team ryanMINEAR staff writer
Volleyball team struggles through season into post season Senior Elisa Martin and junior Kelsey Dick blockes a tip from Central setter Meredith Meir in a match vs. Andover Central Oct. 12. The team begins postseason play against Kapaun Mt. Carmel at Saturday’s Emporia sub-state tournament after struggling through the season to a 4-26 record. “It’s toughest one I’ve every been through. It was tough because the girls were in a lot of games and they just couldn’t win,” coach Sue Coffman said.
A freshmen with some of the top talent on an athletic team is a rare gift that many sports teams have. Freshman Abby White is one of those gifts the tennis team received this year. “For a freshman, she’s a really good tennis player. I can tell that she plays a lot of tennis,” tennis coach Mark Cross said. White played number one varsity doubles this year. “The coach chooses if for us but I like doubles because it’s not all onyou shoulders and the strategy is different,” White said. “The game becomes a team effort.” White’s doubles partner was Brianna Sanders.
“I think we play well together, and you get used to one another, an we get to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each other,” White said. In her first year in high school, White placed in the top three in almost every tournament. “[My mathc winning strategy is] I just tell myself that if I lose a point, it doesn’t matter,” White said. “What matters is this point.” As a freshman playing against experienced, varsity upperclassmen brings many challenges. “[Abby’s weakness is] probably being a freshman,” Cross said. “Sometimes its nerve racking. When the going gets tough, she can get nervous.” Other players recognize that her mental toughness is building and be-
ginning to carryover from practice to matches. “She’s kind of relaxed at practice, but she gets more serious during a match,” freshman Abby Kaff said. White understands the importance of focus and attention to detail. “I think about how I am going to stroke the ball. When I serve I get nervous because it can effect the whole point,” White said. But coaches, players and fans do not see much nervousness. They just see a young player with good skill and tremendous potential. “I’m hoping to play number one doubles with Mel [Mihelic] or number two singles next year,” White said.
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Questions with fall athletes
What is your grade and sport?
What is the best memory of this season so far?
What is your favorite animal?
What do you dislike most in the world?
What is the best joke that you have heard?
freshman tennis player
“All the fun times we had at league for tennis.”
“Dog.”
“When people ride their bikes in the middle of the road.”
“I don’t know.”
sophomore cross country runner
“Dressing up for cross country.”
“Horse.”
“Horses.”
“KU football.”
freshman soccer player
“Being prince for Trojan Night.”
“Zebra”
“People doing bad things.”
“I don’t know.”
junior football player
“My first touchdown.”
“Dog.
“School.”
“I don’t know.”
senior golfer
“Winning league for golf; I’m going to miss all the golf girls.”
“Panda.”
“Shots. I hate needles.”
“Jordan Jones saying that he won Trojan Night by himself.”
“Homecoming.”
“Platypus.”
“Rumors.”
“I don’t know.”
Abby White
Kade Baker
Bryce Williams
Tyler Goering
Lauren Fahsholtz freshman volleyball player Sydney Staehr
Soccer prepares for upcoming playoffs alexLEFF
sports writer
With the playoffs approaching quickly the soccer team looks to be victorious over the McPherson team. “McPherson is good. We just need to come out ready to play, but I really think we could beat them,” junior Devin Blose said. If the soccer team wins the game against McPherson, they will clinch the home field advantage. “Playing at home is more comfortable and you know your own field,” senior Andrew Amaro said. But if they lose they will not clinch home field advantage, and they will take the trip up to liberal, to play in the playoffs. “We are not intimidated, but we would like to avoid the drive up to Liberal,” junior Austin Valdivia said. In the 2007 season, the soccer team went to the state game against Buhler, but unfortunately the soccer team was defeated in a close game 0-1. With a 8-5-2 record the soccer team looks the go back to state and take a trophy home with them.
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Oct. 22, 2010
“I think [the team] can take it all this year; we have the talent,” senior Taylor Spencer said. The team has hopeful intentions of succeeding this season and bringing a trophy
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Two things that our coach stresses the most is that we need to play fast and make good decisions. devinBLOSE
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home. “Taking the trophies home means a lot to us. It shows our hard work and it gives us bragging rights,” Valdivia said. With a heavy senior load, the soccer team has very high expectations for the rest of the year. Their past years on the team will contrib-
ute greatly to their season this year. “[Us seniors] have a lot of experience,” Spencer said. The experience level is high, especially with seniors like Spencer, Tyler Drumm, Lane White, Jordan Haas and Andrea Campagnoli. The most recent addition to the team is Drumm, coming back from an injury. Drumm suffered from an ankle injury this season. “[Drumm] means a lot to the team,” Valdivia said. Though the team has once again recieved vital seniors from recoverey from injuries coach Tracey Repp encourages a clean and quick mindset when playing during a game. “Two things that our coach stresses the most, is that we need to play fast and make good decisions,” Blose said. If the soccer team lives by the coach’s advice, then they should have no trouble defeating McPherson or any other team in the playoffs. Hopefully they will return home with the state trophy in hand. DEVIN DYMKOWSKI “We are really good, so every team should Senior Jordan Haas jumps for the ball against Campus High School watch out,” Spencer said.
on Oct. 14. This game was also senior night.
Students use talents to decorate school with metals class projects tjRIGG
staff writer
Walking through the shop building, one would find some of the many projects the metals classes have been creating this year including a project for the school’s entrance. Senior Matt Dubus has made several projects this year including various sports team logos. “I have made the Oklahoma University symbol, seven KU Jayhawks and the Power Cat,” Dubus said. “I also made [history teacher Adam] Melichar a Trojan Nite trophy.” Metals teacher Dean Lindteigen actually retired mattDUBUS in 2003, but when the school asked Lindteigen to come teach, he said yes. He had good reason for doing so. “I just love working with my hands and working with students,” Lindteigen said. Lindteigen and the metals students have even done a project for the entrance of the school. They created two black Trojan heads that will go around the words “Andover High School.” Principal Bob Baier encouraged this new
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inDEPTH<<
feature. “It adds to the overall look of the school,” Baier said. The process of making these projects is very timeconsuming. Lindteigen estimated that some projects take 30 to 40 hours to design, while others may take only eight hours. “Kids are constantly designing different things,” Lindteigen said. The design process could take much of any metals student’s time. Many students need assistance in making the design process run smoother. Dubus said that because the design process takes so long, he is prepared to help others with designing. “When it comes down to it, I will help them with it,” Dubus said. Lindteigen and Baier both are considering adding projects made by metals students at the district stadium. However, the projects would have to have the logos of both Andover teams. “Since I have students from both [Andover] schools, we have to include both logos,” Lindteigen said. All of Lindteigen’s metals classes are blocked classes; every class takes up two class periods. Even with this, time is still very limited, but the potential for great projects remain. “The possibilities are just endless,” Lindteigen said. “The time is limited.”
I have made the Oklahoma University symbol, seven KU Jayhawks and the Power Cat. I also made [history teacher Adam] Melichar a Trojan Nite trophy.
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EDEN VIERTHALER
Metals students create Andover Trojans yard decals. The yard decals can be bought at school events or sporting events.
Oct. 22, 2010
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Teacher spends many extra hours at school ericaANDERSON staff writter
This teacher is much more than a teacher; he has been deemed a super hero, by his colleagues because of all the work he does. Band director Ray Linville practically lives at school, arriving here at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. and leaving at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. His extreme dedication does not go without recognition, because he recently won the South Central Kansas Music Educators Association (SCKMEA) High School Music Director of the Year award. “[He] won based on his years of his musical success and his ability to teach regardless of natural success. He works way more than he gets paid for, [he is an] extremely good role model,” drum major Josh Woody said. This award is not something for which he applied; his fellow staff members, Choir director, Bob Schofer and Theatre teacher, Sarah Koehn, nominated him. They noticed his immense dedication for his profession and thought he deserved an award for it. “[Linville is] probably one of the best band directors in the state, and I don’t think people realize that,” Schofer said. Koehn said Linville runs a highquality program; and is constantly at the school, more than everyone else. She also knows he works during all
the seasons, including some holidays, to provide his students with a quality opportunity. “Obviously Mr. Linville’s dedication is mammoth, gargantuan, also enormous,” Koehn said. The students and staff agreed Linville definitely deserved this award. “He totally deserves it because he’s always helping the students to succeed,” sophomore Bryce Newton said. “He’ll do anything and everything to help the students.” Though Linville spends so much time working for his bands, he is humbled and takes little credit for it. “[He] spends a lot of time in preparation and also reflection trying to always find better ways to do things, he also gives of his time freely to students,” co-band director, Kevin Findley said. The AHS band is excellent with Linville as the teacher, Baier said. He said Linville teaches the students very well, and whenever they need help he is there for them. “AHS band is looked at as one of the top in state because of him,” Principal Bob Baier said. Linville is very passionate about what he does, and he does it purely for the students and for the music itself, Baier said. “He has the philosophy that he needs to do whatever it takes for [the students] to succeed and he does,” Baier said.
For Linville, directing is not a dying passion, but a growing one. He has been teaching band for 22 years, 10 being at Andover. Linville said he won the award, not only due to his success as a teacher, but due to the students’ success in the band. “It is nice to be recognized; I don’t do what I do for recognition,” Linville said. “I’d rather the students get the recognition and I’d rather just not be known.” Linville does not only teach at the high school, but he teaches at five schools of all ages. “The students play very well,” Linville said, “It gives me a lot of pleasure.” Linville is a truly dedicated teacher; who really does everything for his students. He is a teacher willing to give all of his free time to better the band. “The big thing I’d like for this is just that the students receive as much of the recognition as I do because when the band plays somewhere, I don’t play a note,” Linville said. “There is not anything I do that gets graded; it is totally the student performances. “So when I’m conducting, my conducting baton doesn’t make any sounds, it’s the students [that] make every note. I appreciate it, but it is all about the students.”
ERICA ANDERSON
Ray Linville stands among his students’ chairs on Oct. 12 in the band room, in which he spends much of his time.
Staff, students see change in schools cleanliness:
Smith heads the custodians, making school cleaner
alexHERNANDEZ staff writter
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Tracy Smith works her normal shift as the head janitor. She efficiently vaccumes classroom after school for the school day to come, allowing students to learn in a clean enviroment.
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Oct. 22, 2010
Let’s face it, putting a few hundred children together for eight hours, five days per week creates a mess the likes of which one would find at a zoo. Something that few people think about is what happens to the mess. The school does not have maids, it has custodians. Heading the custodians is Tracy Smith. “I enjoy working for the district at whatever capacity they need me,” Smith said. Smith last year was in charge of all ten buildings. This year she was given the head custodian position at the school and so far, staff members said they are impressed. According to them, the overall cleanliness level of the school has improved greatly. “[The school] is consistently more clean than last year,” science teacher Sherri Schaake-Bushell said. Bringing desperately needed talents with her, Smith is not afraid to check to make sure the job is done, and done right. Also, she is not afraid to tell custodians they need to do it again either. “The ceramics room doesn’t look like the Badlands this year,” art teacher Lana Kaylor said. After the final bell, custodians are seen cleaning the commons,
sweeping rooms, and vacuuming hallways. Students have noticed the change, as well. With Smith’s custodial experience, ability to work well with others, and quick thinking help the school look squeaky clean. “Overall I’ve noticed a positive change in the cleanliness of the school,” sophomore Allegra Branch said. A mutual feeling of appreciation between the staff and Smith makes the job easier for them and her. Meeting with administrators of the school once a week to discuss upcoming events and what needs work, Smith is working hard to keep school’s cleanliness up. “We think she’s had a great first nine weeks and we are looking forward to letting her continue to make AHS a better place,” principal Bob Baier said. The most difficult part of the job for Smith is keeping the building up to date with district policy. She works through obstacles with a level head and does not allow things to eat at her, just taking it in stride. “I think she’ll get our school in tip-top shape,” Baier said. Smith’s dedication makes it easier to come here five days a week, seven hours a day without having to deal with messes everywhere. “I think that the students are super over here, the custodians are appreciative when trash or lunch trays are put away. I think that 98% of the students go out of their way to make things easier for us,” Smith said.
CARTOON BY EVAN WILLFORD
genGAUDREAU
New ‘Halo’ game recaptures columnist
cultureSHOCK<< Everyone’s eager anticipation for the new “Halo” video game finally comes to life as soon as the game is released. Why should you spend sixty dollars on a video game? That’s always the make or break question The difference between the first Halo game and this Halo game are distinctly different, and in some of the most positive ways. The character development is so much broader in this game. Each characters personality evolves as the campaign itself evolves. With the new campaign, comes new weapon choices. Some options shown included the Air Assault Load Out (pistol, rifle, 2 frag grenades and the jet pack) and the Operator (shotgun,
pistol, 3 frag grenades and the armor lock ability). If you kill someone, their weapons will fall and be up for grabs as usual but the armor ability will not. The new campaign actually evolves into an interesting story plot. With twists and turns that keep you sucked into the game. What makes this “Halo” different from the previous three is that in the story plot you’re controlling Noble 6, a member of an elite super soldier squad attempting to regain their reign on the planet. Even the preview for the game before it was released set off this sense of a new and refreshing game, unlike any other “Halo” that has been released before. With this new game, really does present new gaming opportunities to really recapature the Halo audience. I really recomend it to anyone that’s ever played a “Halo” game. Absolutely, the most favorable game of the four.
Oct. 22, 2010
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Blockbuster Busted Former movie beast on last leg
ter a “destination” store any more to pick up a movie when they can have it delivered to their home on demand and without ever leaving the couch or even going to the mailbox?
ryanLAKE It looks like the bottom has finally fallen out of Blockbuster. After numerous failed attempts at attracting new customers, the company is finally spiraling out of control. Sad as it is, the end is near for Blockbuster, and all that pressure it has been placing on Netflix will be lifted. In the end, Netflix will be left standing to fight another day.
HENRY HOOK
Junior Paige Hamilton chooses from an array of 40 toppings. Orange Leaf on 37th and rock opened in early September.
Orange Leaf: Students love new yogurt laurenQUAM staff writer
With low prices and low calories, Orange Leaf is a new, healthy substitution for the typical ice cream sundae. Wichita was introduced to Orange Leaf when one opened about two months ago on 37th and Rock Road. Orange Leaf is a franchise and has many other stores all over the nation. “I like Orange Leaf because it’s a cool place and they have really good frozen yogurt. They also have amazingly cool spoons,” freshman Emma Magee said. One of the things that appeals Andover teens to this new place is the appearance. With bright colors, fun and funky chairs and a somewhat retro vibe, its a very hip place to hang out and eat some frozen yogurt. They have unique spoons and bowls, as well. “My favorite is confetti cake because it’s healthy but tastes like sugary ice cream,” junior Holly Berdan said. With 39 flavors, that rotate in and out, it my not be difficult to find a flavor that’s delicious to you. They vary from mango pomegranate to classic vanilla and chocolate. Store’s most popular flavors are peanut butter, chocolate and cheesecake. “The toppings they have are really different, but they’re also really yummy,” sopho-
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Oct. 22, 2010
more Sarah Clark said. Not only does Orange Leaf have a wide variety of flavors, but it also has an array of toppings for which to choose. With a total of 28 toppings, customers are sure to find a great way to top off their frozen yogurt dessert. “Orange Leaf is better than normal ice cream because it is a healthier alternative and gives people variety beyond ice cream,” store manager Danny Pham said. Not only is Orange Leaf super tasty, but its also super healthy. All of the frozen yogurt contains less than 40 calories per serving, and seven of the flavors have 0 calories. They are all very low in sodium, carbohydrates and sugar as well. “I like Orange Leaf the best because you get to serve yourself and make your own dessert just the way you want it,” Clark said. Another unique aspect about Orange Leaf is how customers create their desserts. There is no limit on how much frozen yogurt allowed and people can have a very little amount if they just want a snack since its self serve. “Orange Leaf is awesome because the environment is super-duper cute and it makes me feel like I am getting a healthier choice,” sophomore Taylor Mahan said. Whether it’s the atmosphere, or the fact that it’s a healthier option, students around Andover are loving Orange Leaf.
Blockbuster is an American-based chain of DVD, Blu-ray, and video game rental stores. There were over 6,500 Blockbuster stores in the U.S. and 17 countries worldwide at the start of 2010. However, as the year has progressed, the numbers of these stores have decreased significantly. The reason: competition from other concepts in video renting like Netflix and Redbox, Blockbuster has seen significant revenue losses. The end conclusion? The company filed for bankruptcy on September 23, 2010. Now you have Netflix and Vudu’s streaming services showing up in televisions, Blu-ray players and set top boxes. Amazon is delivering its rentals to TiVos and DVR boxes. iTunes is renting movies digitally the same day as DVD releases. Why should anyone have to en-
The signs are very clear as to why the company has sadly fallen—the only thing over the past few years that the company has used as its crutch is the game rentals. Nobody else offers this service and it will be dearly missed by gaming nerds all across the globe. Much like the print media and retail stores refusing to change, Blockbuster has been a victim on an online company finding new and inventive ways of bringing a product to a customer. And due to its size and outdated corporate culture, there really is no salvation for Blockbuster at this point. Try as it might, the future of Blockbuster is bleak, at best. For Blockbuster, there is currently no prospect for growth. Not only is it incapable of breaking the Netflix shell, the brick-andmortar stores are failing, and there is little chance it will be able to capitalize on the future of movie rentals--downloading. The way I see it, Blockbuster has two options: sell off the company as soon as possible or spend huge sums of cash on research and development and strategic partnerships with distribution companies to make downloading movies a viable alternative to Netflix. But unfortunately, I simply don’t see this happening. I think Blockbuster will try to stay the course in the hopes it can find a way out. It won’t. I’ll give it two years before this company goes under.
Brad Minear commits 5% of his earnings from ALL real estate transactions to one or more of 11 charities in Wichita and beyond. Clients select the specific HGH charity and Brad presents a donation and a CertifiCate of appreCiation to the charity on behalf of the client. These include:
Camp Barnabas | Cerebral palsy research foundation Choices Medical Clinic | Compassion international fisher House | Heroes at Home | Kansas food Bank pregnancy Crisis Center | rainbows United Samaritanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purse | Union rescue Mission to learn more about those being helped by HGH visit
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Oct. 22, 2010
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DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Junior Ryan Hoover blocks Central Senior opponent Boston Stiverson during the fisrt part of the Andover Andover Central Football Game on Oct. 21. DEVIN DYMKOWSKI DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Senior Landon Oberg reaches for a receopton during the first half of the Central football game last Friday.
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Senior Cody Hanna hurdles a pile of players to attempt on making a tackle at the Central Game. Senior Kaitlyn Phillips tumbles durnig the Central game performance during half time.
ALEX DURANO
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Above, Junior Tyler Goering takes a breaking run down field to attempt to make a touchdown. Left, Junior Tyler Goering sheds tackles as he trys to make a touch down, while Central Joe Washington tries to take Tyler down.
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Oct. 22, 2010
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Above, Senior Monica Farfan demestrates her Andover team spirit during the start of the second quarter of the Andover Central Game.