photo by Devin Dymkowski
the trojan BLUESTREAK
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www.thetrojanbluestreak.com 1744 N. Andover Road Andover, KS 67002 316-218-4600 Dec. 17, 2010 Volume 25 - Issue 7
>> FOR HOLIDAY LIGHT DESTINATIONS, SEE PAGE 11
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newsWORTHY 1 2
Make sure your hot glue gun is plugged in. Take out one of your colors of soft felt. Cut out a circle with a diameter of approximately one and a half inches. This is the size I like but you may vary the size to your preference.
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with staff writer Katie Schneider
Take your last color of felt and cut a circle with a two and a half inch diameter. Again, you may change this measurement if you like.
}
With the holiday season upon us, Christmas shopping is sometimes an uneasy task. However, making one’s own gifts is an enjoyable substitution. By creating your own Christmas gifts for friends and family, you get a more satisfying result as well as a little less money taken out of your pocket.
Headbands made easy 2.5 inches
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8 MATERIALS NEEDED: 3 9 4 3 1 10 4 2 6 11 5 5 7 12 6 13 StuCo sponsors Spinal Muscular Atrophy charity event 1.5 inches
Your next step is to cut out two or three circles decreasing in size according to the first circle.
You should have about three or four circles of the same color. Use the hot glue gun to secure them together. The circles do not have to be perfectly on top of each other. I like them better when they are a little to one side.
Add a rhinestone to the top of the cluster with a dot of glue from the glue gun. You do not have to use a rhinestone. Buttons, sequins, and pearls would also work great.
one HOT GLUE GUN WITH GLUE STICKS two SCISSORS three HARD BLACK FELT four THREE COLORS OF SOFT FELT five ELASTIC HEADBAND six RULER seven RHINESTONES
Repeat steps two through five with another color of soft felt.
kelseyDICK
news editor On Dec 8-10, StuCo collected money for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Stop the Bop was the beginning name indicating that the “Hamster Dance” song was to be played during passing period. Due to complications money was only collected during lunch. “The original idea of the fundriaser was to play an annoying song during passing periods and break making students go to the office to donate,” sophomore class representative Becca Butts said. Every year StuCo brainstorms ideas for charities the student body can donate to. “We tried to think of things we could donate to and Larkin’s story came to my mind. From that idea we figured our school could donate to SMA to support her disease.” Butts said. The money raised is going to Sophia’s Cure for SMA research are to find a cure. The result was pleasing. “We raised $627.22. I thought it was a KATHERINE HARTLEY good number, more than we expected,” StuCo Sophomore Class President Bill Hodge walks around the school cafeteria and collects money on Dec. 9. StuCo members sponsor Kara Flaharty said. The week before the fundraiser, StuCo walked around the cafeteria asking students to donate their showed a video in advisory classes to promote extra change to raise money for SMA. The fundraiser ended awareness of the disease. The video shared a Dec. 10 and StuCo managed to collect a total of $627.22 story of a young girl in the community with toward Sophia’s Cure. SMA, Larkin Bish.
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Cut four or five circles decreasing in size. Hot glue them together and add a rhinestone to the top.
Line up your circles and overlap them. Hot glue the ends together to create one line of circles. Take out your hard black felt. Cut a small rectangle the length of your line of circles.
Hot glue your line of circles to the elastic or plastic headband. On the reverse side of the headband, hot glue the hard black felt rectangle to secure the line of circles.
Voila! You have a beautiful headband as a thrifty homemade present. photos by Devin Dymkowski
“Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neuromuscular disease. Basically your muscles waste away. Muscles are lost to breathing and swallowing. Children with SMA cannot hold up their head or move their arms and legs,” Larkin’s mother Gina Bish said. The Bish family has overcome many obstacles while having a child with SMA. Larkin has outlived her prognosis of two to four years. She will be turning five on Jan. 11. “We cannot do anything as a family outside of the house. We choose not to take Larkin out because she is more susceptible to getting sick. She has 24/7 supervision and nursing along with a ventilator and feeding tube,” Bish said. Children with SMA are just as intelligent as other children. “Children with SMA are bright children. Larkin loves to listen to music, especially Kid Rock. Her case manager is trying to get him to come visit her in February when he performs in Wichita,” Bish said. Bish is glad Andover High School had a fundraiser to support Larkin’s disease. “I was so excited your school recognized a need to help SMA,” Bish said. Students recognize the need to research for SMA. During lunch many students were willing to throw their spare change into the bowl that StuCo members carried around to tables.
“It is a good cause. The video we watched in advisory was touching and made me want to donate,” senior Aspen Gordon said. Freshman Cale Minear contributed $60 to help SMA. He is familiar with life changing diseases because his own sister has suffered from a muscular disease, Cerebral Palsy. “SMA is a disease that takes away the kids chance to live a normal life,” Minear said. “And having a sister who has a disease that restricts her from being able to walk and live alone, my donation becomes somewhat personal and grows close to my heart.”
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Class educates students in theater production ryanMINEAR staff writer
In the school musical “Anything Goes,” students saw acting, singing and dancing. But there is more to the production than meets the eye. Beyond the actors and singers lie hours of work on sets, props, and costumes. In order to educate students in the art of building sets and constructing costumes, the class theater tech was added. “It’s a lot of behind the scenes work. We’ve done wigs, flats for walls, props and costumes. We did the sets for the musical. It’s all the technical stuff you don’t see,” junior Heather Richerson said. Theater tech is taught by the theatre department teacher Sarah Koehn. “[The theater tech class is] an opportunity to execute about everything you learn in a school day. Your math, your science, your humanities, your fine arts, your literature, all of that. You need all of that to execute a successful production. So re-
ally a lot of experience you use and get trained in high school,” Koehn said. The class gives students a chance to be a part of school productions and gives them time to work on their different projects. “I help work on sets. I’m in props during shows so I get help during theatre tech,” senior Sarah Base said. Not only does theatre tech have benefits for helping students with their stage work, but senior Monica Farfan thinks that what you learn in the class can be carried over to other parts of life. “I think one [StuCo] representative from each class should take this class before Trojan Nite. Before this class I never knew the safety of a jigsaw and a saw,” senior Monica Farfan said. The class is directed towards people interested in theatre but Koehn also wants to encourage others interested in other fields to take the class as well. “Anyone who is interested in theatre who wants to understand what happens
behind the scenes. I would also encourage people who are interested in art to take the class. We do a lot of artistic things like painting. I encourage people who are interested in fashion design to take the class, or architecture or any visual field,” Koehn said. Taking a class that revolves around the continual theater productions keeps students busy. “[In an average day of theater tech] we are either learning new techniques or putting those techniques to work through a project,” Base said. This class helps a program needed for students continue to run. “It definitely helps kids speak in front of an audience,” Richerson said. “It helps kids show character and personality.” ERICA ANDERSON
Senior Jordan Dusenbury works on a costume while in theater tech class. The class educates students in the art of building sets and costumes.
Board discusses changes to curriculum, addition of classes edenVIERTHALER features editor
The board meeting on Monday was filled with discussions concerning social media, new curriculums and new classes. Previously, the board accepted all suggestions except for the handbook recommendation regarding Facebook. Board member Nancy Kirkendoll understands the necessity of improving and updating the policy after attending a presentation at Fort Hays State University. “Students want instant access, instant communication and instant feedback,” Kirkendoll said. Rob Dickson talked about educating students and staff on digital citizenship within social media devices. “If we train our students and staff, [bad situations] will happen a lot less,” Dickson said. A statistic provided during Dickson’s lecture said that more than eight of 10 school districts subscribe to online educational services or learning management systems.
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“It’ll be the basis of what happens in the classroom and within the next years you will see more,” Dickson said. In addition, discussion of the cell phone policy occurred. Video footage of students was shown where they voiced their opinions on why they wanted to use cell phones during break, passing periods and lunch. Dickson said parents are supportive of the proposal; in this way there would be increased communication with their children without having the possibility of the cell phone getting taken away. Also, different district chairs proposed both two curriculums and a new class. The three proposals have unanimously passed at district chair meetings. Faculty member said they remained completely conscious of budget and incorporated a solid curriculum with core content. “There will be three new classes called business essentials, investing and banking and finance [within the business and computer technology department],” district chair Julie Bailey said.
The business essentials class is an overview of business operations and industry while investigating and banking and finance are on the application level. “Even on the business or application level they will transfer to personal uses,” Bailey said. Generally, the board was pleased with the addition of classes. “I think they are great new additions,” board member Dale Grahm said. The foreign language department proposed their new curriculum that was aligned with state standards and based on proficiency levels. The middle school level stays the same, but there is one change within the high school. “Spanish one will be in eighth grade so this way we have a Spanish five opportunity,” district foreign language chair Stephanie Garcia said. “[We are wanting to change AP Spanish to Spanish five because] the AP test is a very difficult test. Instead of the long AP exam, they can take a placement test.” The advanced placement test can give a student five hours at most while a placement test
can give 15 credit hours for the price of three. “This increases knowledge and the ability to test higher,” Garcia said. A new journalism class called convergence was proposed to the board. If accepted, it will be a semester course as a prerequisite to any newspaper or yearbook staffs. “This course is necessary because journalism has converged,” Julie Calabro said. “It is talking about how to use online media and bringing it into the 21st century.” The class would teach ethics appropriate to creating online content, blogging, streaming of audio and video and photo slide shows. Convergence deals with online media. “We would be doing students a disservice if we did not teach them convergence,” Calabro said. Nothing will be approved until next month when estimated costs can be presented. Funding will be the determining factor of each class’ acceptance into the enrollment books for the 2011 school year.
Like a Good Neighbor State Farm is there.
Tony Durano CLU ChFC Andover. KS 316-733-1000 tony@tonydurano.com
Dec. 17, 2010
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inDEPTH
Christmas Around the World Get to know how exchange students celebrate
I like how I will get to meet my host’s family’s relatives.
We focus more on family than religion.
I like the decoration. They are way more decorated here than in Italy.
svenja hoger
We basically go to church in the afternoon, eat dinner, sing songs and exchange presents.
ela otto
We celebrate during the 24th. Also every day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 24 we get a small present. We get a gift for a person and then after that we act like that person and that person has to figure outwho it is.
ye eun yim
andrea campagnoli liza baudisch
We went to church and sang. Then we ate dinner together with the family.
clara reis
What is your How did you What do you like What will you favorite celebrate Christmas about Christmas in miss back home? Christmas song? back home? America? Family
“Jingle Bells”
Glenn Karnes
Foreign exchange student Ye Eun Yim enjoys a bagel while talking to fellow foreign exchange student Clara Reis at the annual Foreign Exchange Student breakfast. The breakfast was held on Nov. 3. “Jingle Bell Rock”
Family and friends
I like the time before Christmas, like the lights and the music.
“White Christmas,” but I like them all.
Family and friends
I like the decoration. They are decorative here.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
My family
I don’t know yet.
“Jingle Bells”
My family
It’s not really a big They create the trees holiday, we do not with bright lights, have presents. We get ornaments and all the a little cake but no special food. special food.
“All I want for Christmas is You”
I will miss going to church and church people.
Roll out the red carpet! 1719 S. Hillside Wichita, KS 67211 (316)669-3262 open daily 10-9 noon-6 Sunday Come find us on facebook!
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Dec. 17, 2010
340 S Andover RD. (behind blockbuster) Mon-Thurs 8-9 Fri 8-8 Sat 8-6 Sun 11-5 316-733-0480
Holidays bring longer work hours; new promotions attract larger crowds katherineHARTLEY
circulation manager
As the holiday season approaches, people begin to spend money on presents, decorations, food and the list continues. This creates opportunities to obtain holiday-related jobs. Senior Hannah Yowell has been working at Hallmark in Bradley Fair for a year-and-a-half and really enjoys being there during the holiday season. $ #" " " " & heavier during the holidays,� Yowell said. “I like that because it makes time go by faster and you get to talk with a lot of more people.� Many stores transform themselves to help celebrate the
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holiday season. Stands are put up to sell Christmas trees and garden centers bring in their stock of trees as well. $ ' ! ! " &cial trees and ornaments are sold,� sophomore Conner White said. White has been working at Johnson’s Garden Center for six months. “The closer we get to Christmas, the shorter the hours I have. The busiest time is from the end of Thanksgiving & ! % Because of the long and busy holiday hours, some larger stores such as Target and Best Buy hire just for the holiday season. Along with the busy holiday season comes the array
of great deals, which is another factor in drawing in the larger crowds. $ & ! " " ! " % & Other stores also have special deals to promote their store during the holiday season. “We have a lot of promotions. We also have an open house with deals on a lot of stuff,� Yowell said. Assuming Americans will spend as much money as last year on gifts, an average of $811 according to Time, it’s safe to say that many stores will be working overtime to meet the demands of these holiday consumers.
Senior Hannah Yowell helps a customer at the Hallmark store in Bradley Fair. The holiday season is a busy time for store employees.
The store is crazy busy every day, and staffing is a lot heavier during the holidays. hannahYOWELL
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U.S. retail holiday season sales 2005-2010 1251 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! Dec. 17, 2010
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-Evan’s Easel-
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.
editor-in-chief- features editor-
elisaMARTIN edenVIERTHALER
managing editor- circulation manager-
morganMESSMORE katherineHARTLEY
buisness manager- pop culture editor-
ashtonSCHRAG genGAUDREAU sports editor-
corbinMIHELIC cartoonist-
evanWILLFORD opinion editor-
chadHAMMAN
assn. sports editor -
chrisJONES
photo editor-
kaitlynDEYOUNG news editor-
kelseyDICK
copy chief-
hollyHEIRONIMUS in-depth editor
robynHERBERT
EVAN WILLFORD
staff writersericaANDERSON trinaBHATTARAI alexDURANO devinDYMKOWSKI ryleeELLISON suzannaGEHRER alexHERNANDEZ jacobHIGHFILL henryHOOK ryanLAKE alexLEFF ryanMINEAR hayleyPHILLIPS laurenQUAM tjRIGG katieSCHNEIDER kalliSIKES kathrynSILL
adviser kristinBAKER
staff
Students increase giving, especially around holidays EDITORIAL >> in charity and giving is a positive aspect of our position: Participation high school that sets us apart from other public schools. Vote: 22-7
The Andover School District has long been committed to making a difference in the community. This has been especially true this year. The holiday season has often been called “the season of giving,” and that is evident throughout the high school right now. Throughout the months of November and December, organizations throughout the school have sponsored charity events such as the Red Cross blood drive, Open Door Urban Ministries food drive, and Stop the Bob SMA charity fundraiser. The student turnout for each of these events has been astounding. The blood drive surpassed National Honor Society’s goal of 57 blood donations with a grand total of 69
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donations and 207 lives saved. The food drive also saw tremendous student participation, as AHS defeated Andover Central in the food drive after losing in 2009. Donations totalled to more than 16 cans per student. One new fundraiser sponsored by student council, “Stop the Bop,” a fundraiser for the disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy raised a grand total of $627.22 during lunch in just three days. The season of giving has not yet come to an end, and more opportunities present themselves to students out of school as well. It is easy to ignore the red barrels at the entrances of supermarkets and shopping malls, but just a few cents each time goes a long way. Many area businesses also have begun asking for simple $1 donations in addition to a purchase to help support various charitable organizations. Many students in the Andover area are very fortunate, and it is our responsibility to help those less fortunate than we are, especially during the holiday season. Every little bit goes a long way, whether the donation is through time and service, or through monetary gift. Make a difference this holiday season; it will be more than worth your time.
Risky Reminder
Winter car wreck provides incentives to drive safely
henryHOOK A typical trip to Kansas City was put to ruins in a matter of seconds, creating an everlasting image of horror. After staying in KC for the weekend, my family and I proceeded to drive back to Wichita. The memory is still vivid. On the way back we stopped at a gas station to refuel, get a drink and use the restroom. After returning from the pit-stop my sister and I argued for what seemed to be a century about which of us get to sit in the middle. I being the argumentative person I am, I pleaded and provided reasons why I deserved the seat. But my mom, being the intermediate that she is, ended the dispute and allowed my sister to take the side seat. This small, meaningless, indecisive decision could have been the deciding factor of life or death. After getting situated and comfortable, my mom proceeded to drive and merge onto the highway. My sisters immediately plugged in their headphones and fell asleep. My brother and I kept awake focusing on the road. Five minutes passed and I was stuck in a deep trance, thinking of how fun a birthday I had, and how thankful I am for my family and my life.
This perfect thought was immediately interrupted with the most terrifying, bone-chilling scream I have ever heard. My mom woke up my sisters just in time for the impending wreck. Within seconds our car had done a 180 and approached the top of a hill. The next strand of memory is confused and vague, but the feeling has remained untouched. My back flew to the hood of the car, my foot was cut, my breath was lost and my heart accelerated in speed. My life was turned upside down, literally. Time paused, and all I was thinking about was my family members and how important their lives actually were to me. The phrase “my life flashed before my eyes,” applied directly when so close to death. I thought about everything from my parents’ divorce, to my dad moving, and all the things I haven’t tried in life. Every emotion that could be felt was: anger, grief and pain. Three flips and we landed towards the bottom of the hill in the ditch. My sister spoke in a raspy voice in agony saying that she couldn’t breathe. On the left was my sister Katie; had been pushed against the side of the car repeatedly upon being flipped. Luckily, she said, it was her and not me. My mom and my brother were the only two to be seat belted and strapped in. They were prepared for the crash, [hand grasped on to surrounding objects.] My mom did a voice check and everyone was ok. Sure, there were a couple of scratches and bruises but nothing major and that’s what mattered. Worried followers pulled over in a attempt to check on us. They helped each one of us out individually and packed us into
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GRADE A
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basketball GRADE B+ first games >> Dec. 7 Pat Sprenkel’s announcements every day
GRADE A+
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cramming GRADE C+finals Dec. 13-21 >>
GRADE A
Choir concert Dec. 14
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”
My back flew to the hood of the car; my foot was cut; my breath was lost, and my heart accelerated in speed.
REPORT CARD StuCo SMA fundraiser donations
their Suburban. We enjoyed this relaxing moment after such a horrendous incident. Ambulances and police arrived within minutes to check for injuries. Unfortunately, minutes later another car hit the same patch of ice we did and slid down the hill into the innocent helpers’ Suburban after we got out. After that the ambulance arrived and took us to the nearest gas stop. We each made our calls and arranged a ride home. My brother and I walked over to the dumpsite where they stored our car and collected our belongings. The car was destroyed; steering fluid was seeping in, and the wheels were broken. It was as if car was compacted into a cube. To this day, I am thankful that my family and I lived. We were truly blessed time after time to survive such a horrible wreck with little to no injuries. Never take your family or anyone around you for granted, because you don’t know what you got till it’s gone. The lesson learned in the long run is to never drive when there’s a risk of black ice. It’s not worth your life or the loved ones around you. Black ice conditions put drivers under their most vulnerable of driving states; disguising a thin layer of ice for what seems to look like a wet road. When driving this winter take every precaution. Clear all ice off your windshields, check the weather daily, and avoid any potential hazards. Don’t forget to buckle up because like my mom says “it’s like a hug from your mom.” We weren’t aware of the black ice patch, but we were one of the very few carloads to survive such a calamity.
Even though the fundraiser changed to a change drive after the first day, students were still generous, donating more than $600 in change. The basketball players played really well but the student section could have had even more people attending. Every day Pat Sprenkel does the morning announcements, and she’s always happy and cheery and experiments with funny voices. She puts in a good effort. Some students study a lot and put in a great deal of effort, but the other half don’t study at all and just “wing it.” On a stage covered with beautiful poinsettias, the various choirs put on an entertaining and well done holiday show.
TOP 5 THINGS WE ABOUT... English Teacher Kenneth Dusenbury
1 2 3 4 5
He’s super chill and has a good sense of humor.
He’s really intelligent and logical.
He’s really easy to get along with. He’s a great listener; he will always listen to your stories and problems. He avoids assigning busy work and explains the purposes of assignments and discussions.
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intheGAME
Youngsters see valuable varsity time corbinMIHELIC
sports editor
It probably didn’t help the boys’ basketball team’s chances to win when it was forced to sit every returning varsity player for the season opener vs. Goddard. Due to the suspensions of all three seniors for violating KSHSAA’s outside competition rules, the team started a freshman, three sophomores and a junior for the first game. The young lineup was obviously outmatched in its 58-45 loss. “I thought we had a chance [to win], but since we were all young we didn’t have that good of a chance,” sophomore guard Brady Carter said. “We stuck with them.” However, through through that defeat, the young group gained game experience that could prove to be valuable later in the season. “We took a lot of positives out of this, especially with the younger kids getting the experience,” coach Ryan Harshaw said after the game. “Now as a coaching staff we have a little bit more confidence in putting those kids in later down the road.” Carter, fellow sophomores Mason Biberstein and Conner White, junior Robert Peare and freshman Austin Beahm got the start in the opening loss. Carter used his first start as a coming-out party of sorts, as he scored 17 points and nailed five three-pointers to keep his team competitive. “In the first half I had horrible shots, but then I started making them,” Carter said. “Once I got the range down I figured I could keep making them again.” That performance carried over in an 11-point effort in Saturday’s 63-51 loss at Wichita West.
Through two games this season 16 players have seen the floor in varsity games, including ten different players in the scoring column. When it comes to wins and losses, the team knows having its seniors back is be a tremendous help both mentally and physically. Trent Garman, Grant Ralston and Landon Oberg all returned for the game at West and will start regularly. “We bring varsity experience that we are obviously lacking this year,” Oberg said. “We are a young team, so I think that helps a lot.” Harshaw said the seniors will most importantly provide leadership to their young teammates. “They bring experience, they bring athleticism and of course leadership,” Harshaw said. “That’s the team we are going to go into battle with every night.” Overall, Harshaw praised the efforts of his players who competed without that senior help. “I’m proud of the way they played,” Harshaw said. “Thery had to learn under fire, so I’m just really proud of the way they stepped up and played.”
be there >>
Upcoming boys’ basketball games Dec. 17 at Valley Center Jan. 4 vs. Andover Central Jan. 7 at Arkansas City Jan. 11 vs. Hutchinson Jan. 15 vs. Garden City
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
Sophomore Brady Carter takes the ball up the court in the Dec. 7 home game vs. Goddard. Carter scored 17 points in the game, which featured three sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup.
Unbeaten start sets tone for girls’ basketball team chrisJONES
asst. sports editor A season filled with high expectations has started just as planned as the girls’ basketball team won its first two games decisively. “It feels really good to start the season this way,” senior Alexa Fritz said. “It just shows how good of a team we are.” The Lady Trojans started the season off with a 49-37 win against Goddard, a 6A school, followed by a dominating 62-17 performance at Wichita West. “Like I said before the season, we are a very competitive team,” coach Max Hamblin said. In both perormances, smothering defense and a fastpaced offense hgave the team a clear advantage. “We are a team that is in shape,” Fritz said. “That is really going to help us throughout the season.” Boasting a 2-0 record, the team believes the preseason DEVIN DYMKOWSKI practice is mostly to thank. “We worked really hard throughout the offseason,” Junior Kelsey Dick penetrates toward the basket in the girls’ basketball game vs. Goddard. Hamblin said. “You need that kind of offseason work pays The team came out on top 49-37, and followed it up by rolling over Wichita West 62-17 on off in the season.” Saturday. With a long season ahead for the team, they know that
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there is still room for improvement despite their impressive record. “All we need to do is keep working hard and keep getting stronger,” Fritz said. “If we do that we will be okay.” With a full slate of difficult and intriguing matchups, including Andover Central, the team and the Hamblin are excited for whats ahead. “Central is always an exciting game because they are such a big rival,” Hamblin said. “Other than that we have to take it game by game because with such a tough schedule, you cant look past anyone.” Despite the impressive record, their are still some weaknesses according to the team. “We are all taller but we are not very big,” Fritz said. “Alot of the other teams we play have big strong girls.” Despite having a smaller team, Hamblin still believes his team has great ability and potential. “If you are not big, you have to be faster than a bigger opponent,” Hamblin said. “We also need to work hard and be tough on defense.” As the season progresses, the team is excited about the potential it has. “If we play hard and work as a team, we are going to be a hard team to bear,” Hamblin said.
The Big Game: Rivalries that make sports great chrisJONES Baseball has the Red Sox vs. Yankees. The NFL has the Patriots vs. Jets and the Cowboys vs. Eagles. College Football has Oklahoma vs. Texas College Basketball has North Carolina vs. Duke and the NBA has the Lakers vs. well, everyone. Even Andover has Andover vs. Andover Central. As sports have evolved throughout the years, no matter what has changed, there is always one thing that fans look forward to each year that make sports special: the rivalries. Fans love rivalries. The games keep fans interested and keep them passionate about their favorite teams. It is one of the best and most satisfying feelings for sports fans to see their favorite
team defeat the team they hate into submission. What truly makes a rivalry memorable is a time-tested battle between two teams, pure hatred and passion between the fans and players alike, and games that provide the sports world with moments that will be remembered forever. Probably one of the best things to happen to the game of baseball has to be the ongoing rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. This clash of baseball’s best organizations has lasted since 1901 and truly gained traction when the Red Sox traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees. These two teams have given the baseball community some of the best moments in baseball history. In more than 2000 meetings, the series has been relatively even in matchups, but the Yankees lead in world championships 27-7. What makes the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry truly the best in the sports world is the pure hatred that the fans and players share for the other team. Every game between these two storied franchises receives national attention, each inning is an all-out war, and all that is on the line is one in the win column and bragging rights until the next time they meet.
Come playoff time, the rivalry intensifies even more. Two of the most exciting and intense playoff series in baseball history came with these two teams playing in 2003 and 2004. The 2003 American League Championship series went to the final game and into extra innings when Yankee player Aaron Boone, a little known bench player, hit the walk-off home run to send the Yankees to the World Series; they would eventually lose to the Florida Marlins. The very next year the two teams seem destined to meet again, and this time was, arguably, the greatest postseason series in baseball history. The Yankees came out to lead the series three games to zero and left the Red Sox one game from elimination. The Red Sox stormed back to win four straight games and propelled themselves into the World Series, where they would eventually win their first world series in 86 years. These games and moments are what truly make a rivalry famous; it gives fans a reason to watch and, most importantly, a reason to hate the opposing team. Pure hatred for the other team fuels a rivalry. As a fan, you do not want your rival team to ever succeed and when your team plays them, you will give no mercy.
Oklahoma fans hate Texas fans; Celtics fans hate Lakers fans; North Carolina fans hate Duke fans; and football fans hate Jets fans. Great sports rivalries can even spread to a smaller, high school stage. Since Andover split into Andover and Andover Central, an intense rivalry has been destined to happen. Every game of every sport featuring the two schools brings out the whole community to watch the battle unfold. What makes a rivalry in sports interesting is both team having an even shot at winning. Nobody likes a lopsided series. This is why Andover’s football win in 2008, the first ever against Central, was such an exciting event. Everyone at that game witnessed history and everyone at that game will remember how he or she reacted when that final pass fell incomplete and the final whistle blew, signaling the Trojan victory. Now that Andover has become more prominent in football, and basketball is always a battle, this rivalry is truly great. What makes a rivalry great is everyone is involved: the team, the fans, and the organization gets into it. Everyone loves a good rivalry game; it is the game that a team marks on their calendar at the beginning of the season, and it contributes to the true greatness of sports.
Knowlen provides added boost for wrestling squad chadHAMMAN
opinion editor
Last year, the wrestling team sent two wrestlers to the state tournament for the first time in five years. This year’s team is far from being short on talent; head coach Brett Fiene said he thinks there are six or more wrestlers capable of making a state tournament appearance this year. The team just received an added boost with the addition of freshman phenom Kael Knowlen at the 103 weight class. Knowlen, who just moved to Andover four weeks ago, has already made an impact on the team. “[Kael] came and visited the school last year, so I knew he was coming,” Fiene said. “I knew he was pretty good because he wrestled with the varsity team as an eighth grader when he was in North Dakota.” Wrestling at the high school level as a middle school student is impressive as it is. But Knowlen comes from Bismarck High School, a team consistently ranked among the tops in the nation “They were really good; I think they were ranked 17th in the nation when I was there,” Knowlen said. Among the opponents Knowlen has faced thus far this season is the top-ranked wrestler in 6A at the 103 weight class, Goddard’s Dakota Leach. The result was a pin for Knowlen. “I got him in 40 seconds,” Knowlen
said with an unmistakable grin showing on his face. “I was high off of that win the whole day. It was pretty exciting for me.” Knowlen said the pin was not easy, but he got Leach in a position he liked and finished the job. “He had really good positioning, but I faked him out and got him to lose his position. Then I just got him in a head lock and got the pin,” Knowlen said. Knowlen has experience in big time tournaments as well, winning the Miner’s Invitational while in North Dakota, and placing seventh at the Iowa Preseason Nationals this past summer. “I just try to give it my all out on the mat,” Knowlen said. “It’s like a fight out there, and you just can’t get turned on your back.” Knowlen is a welcome addition to an already talented team. Other newcomers such as 215-pound junior Forrest Scott have contributed to the team’s four wins in duel matches so far this year. “We work harder than any team in the state, and I really believe that,” Fiene said. Fiene also noted the team is competing in the toughest league in the state, with almost every team ranked in the top 10 in Kansas. That makes for great preparation for the post season. “It’s about our average guys stepping DEVIN DYMKOWSKI up and being really good, and then our less talented guys stepping up and being aver- Kael Knowlen, a 103-pound freshman, wrestles against a Circle High opponent on Dec. 2. Knowlen is 8-0 in his duel matches thus far and has age,” Fiene said. “Everybody has to step high hopes for the remainder of the season. The team will compete next at Mcpherson on Dec. 16 and then Jan. 13 at Valley Center up.”
Dec. 17, 2010
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>>
cultureSHOCK The best gifts for the
Holiday Season Old Gifts vs. New Gifts
10
Dec. 17, 2010
Rylee Ellison and Ashton Schrag
Game Boy Color
Nook
Easy Bake Oven
Laptop
Heelys
Uggs
Karaoke Machine
Beats by Dr.Dre
Tamagotchi
iPhone 4
Razor Scooter
Digital Camera
Nintendo 64
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Leappad
iPad
Trampoline
Designer Handbag
Skip It
Toms
Holiday Christmas light destinations:
Staffer explores various places for the best lights EASTBOROUGH
THE SINGING HOUSE
Eastborough, a small suburb of houses, is known for trimming the outside of their homes with twinkling lights and wreaths draped in red bows. The 20 mph speed limit allows neighbors and passersby to gain the full experience a vast number of houses decorated for the holiday season. This town is filled with winding roads; you turn to find houses embellished with Christmas decorations. The intersection of Hampton road and Lynwood Boulevard is lined with houses that are difficult to miss because of the ornamented lawns and residences. Coyner 8 Lynwood is a dwelling with lights of many colors climbing up the trees and getting lost in the shrubbery. Other houses around this area are adorned with prickly wreaths, traditionally hanging outside their front doors. Lit up reindeer graze in the grassy lawn, snow-white lights dangle from gutter like icicles and luminaries reflect the walkways. When you are in a small town, you feel as though the community influences neighborly holiday cheer.
Cars are pulled up to the curb of a local house in Andover that every year is decorated to flash lights with holiday music playing on the car radio. In the Terradyne development, the entrance off of Central Avenue leads to 542 N. Parallel Drive with a sign in the front lawn reading “Tune in to 95.7 FM.” Twisting the knob to the correct station on the radio, Carol of the Bells begins to play, thus beginning the rhythmic lighting to music. The show begins with a subtle flickering of lights on both sides of the garage. Once the music increases in tempo, so do the light that flash on and off, switching from multicolored to bright white in a vigorous pattern, dancing across the rooftop and the lawn. As the pace of the lighting and the music quickens, so does my excitement. Once the music ends with a big finish, all of the lights come to a sudden stop and are turned off. This house inspires the urge to decorate my house with lights for the holidays.
THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE On a typical drive into Wichita, one may see a Christmas light phenomenon off of Central, past Webb Road. The house 2 N. West Parkway makes the statement of every child’s Christmas vision. Pulling through the U-shaped drive-by, families in their cars pass by the wooden lawn decorations. A train supposedly heads towards the North Pole with smoke rising out of it’s steam engine and candy canes stand in the lawn across from a post office with Santa’s elves delivering toys to the children. Snowmen smile at the passengers as they ride by and Santa and his sled are about to take off. The last display seen is a Nativity scene in the town of Bethlehem, featuring the shepherds, angels, three wise men, Mary and Joseph and the little baby Jesus asleep in the manger. Many popularly know this house as the Christmas house. The Christmas house accepts donations in order to help raise funds for the Wichita Children’s Home. Though parents and children gaze at the multicolored lights trimming the edges of the house and the intricate designs illuminated by the glitter of the decorations, Bill Hanna, owner of the house, tells the story behind the house’s magnificence that reminds us what Christmas is really about. “We have decorated this house for more than 20 years. My wife, Janice, who passed away in August, started it. It was her vision and her dream,” Hanna said. “She taught Sunday school for 35 years, and she always wanted to make kids happy.” - HOLLY HEIRONIMUS
bluestreakCALENDAR
a preview of upcoming local and school events
Dec.19 Nutcracker Ballet @
Sebits Auditorium/ Friends University, 2100 W University Blvd 2 p.m.
Tickets $15 Adults & $12 Students/Seniors
Dec. 26 2009 Arc Lights on St. Paul @ Douglas Ave &
St. Paul, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tickets: Free, donations accepted
Dec. 20 Horse Drawn Carriage Rides @
Bradley Fair, Rock Road at 21st Street. 6 to 10 p.m. Runs everyday of the week.
Holiday Fun: Choosing Gifts for Geeks @ Pixel Time is at CityArts, 1:00 PM ; register for a free ticket so a seat will be reserved.
Ticket: Free
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
In Eastbourough, the towninside a town, at the intersection of Hampton road and Lynwood Boulevard lies a house decked out in lights. Coyner 8 Lynwood is a dwelling with lights of many colors climbing up the trees and getting lost in the shrubbery.
Dec. 17
Dec. 18
Illuminations @
Holiday Movies @ Old
Botanica, 701 North Amidon Avenue 5:30- 8:30 pm, each night
Tickets $7 for adults, $3 youth. Children under 2 are free.
Dec. 21
Dec. 22
Dec. 23
Dec. 24
First day of Holiday Break!
Blow your own Ornament @ Karg Art
Snow & Ice Tree Treasures Family Holiday Workshop @ Explora-
Christmas Eve service with the Heart of America Men’s Chorus @
Tickets: Free, Donations excepted
Dec. 27
DEVIN DYMKOWSKI
At 2 N. West Parkway, Bill Hanna owner of the “Christmas House” decorates the house with wooden lawn decorations. The Christmas house accepts donations in order to help raise funds for the Wichita Children’s Home.
Glass, 111 N. Oliver St. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. December 13, 2010 – December 31, 2010
Tickets: Fee at door
Dec. 28 Donate or Get Involved with Heart to Heart @ Westlink
Church, assisting those in need in our church and community during the Christmas season
tion Place, 10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Dec. 31
Winter Wednesday @ Sedgwick County
Wyatt Earp Meets Little Richard Simmons at the Holliday OK Corral by Tom Frye @ Mosley
New Year’s Eve
Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley St.
Tickets: Adults $26
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Tickets $15
Dec. 30
Tickets: Cost to at the entrance of the zoo
Tickets: Free
Plymouth Congretional Church 11120 West Kellogg Street, 8 p.m.
Dec. 29 Zoo,5555 Zoo Blvd., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Town Warren Theatre, 353 North Mead Street All day long.
Jan. 1 Student Visions: The Museum in 75 Years @
Wichita Art Museum, Tue-Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sun Noon 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $7
Dec. 17, 2010
11
ERICA ANDERSON
Les Chanteuse sings “Christmas jazz trio” consisting of “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, “The Holly and the Ivy” and “Silent Night.” The choir has been practicing these songs for two months in preparation for the Christmas concert. The girls sang two more songs.
Christmas Carolers: Accompianist Laurel GLENN KARNES Delmont prepares to play the next song for the choir students during their annual Christmas program. “I enjoy participating in the concert because i love Christmas music and Schoefer and Delmont help us alot with our performances,” sophomore Maegan Johnston said.
choir students serenade audience with holiday music
GLENN KARNES
Junior Kyle Consolver, Kristin Morgan, Will Haver-Strong, Kimmie Clark, and Josh Sprenkel serenade the audience during their annual Christmas program. The choir group performed Monday in the auditorium for their friends and families and tried to bring christmas cheer to their listeners.
Junior Paige Hamilton, Zanna Stephen, sophomore Sarah Clark, and junior Holly Heironimous hum during “Go Tell it on the Mountain”, one of their many songs during the choir concert. The choir group performed on Monday in the Auditorium for students and families.
Junior Renee Pederson performs her flute while choir students perform behind her. . The students have been practing for this program for months since their last performance in October.
Choir director Robert Schoefer speaks to the audience attending the choir’s Christmas program. “Mr. Schoefer put a lot of thought into this Christmas program, and it really paid off,” sophomore Sarah Clark said.
GLENN KARNES
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Dec. 17, 2010
GLENN KARNES
ERICA ANDERSON