TROJAN MATTERS
The boys lacrosse team kneels in prayer before a game last season. In boys lacrosse, contact is allowed, giving them more equipment like helmets and shoulder pads.
Volume 5, Issue 2
On the cover
The role of gender in sports Photo: Ashley Freiburger
Page 18 & 19
Cover photos from archives
TROJANS
Did you know. . . Features
Sports
P. 2 - What coun-
P. 10 - Trojan
P. 16 - Stress is
P. 20 -
tries do everyday products come from?
Corrections • Mr. Josh Schaffner was omitted last issue as a new teacher • Lily Hofmeister photographed pages 8 & 9 of the Sept. issue
P. 4- Drug abuse
amongst celebrities has become an epidemic. Why is it such an issue?
P. 5 - The college
application process can be complicated and expensive. Discover the costs and helpful tips.
Matters staff provides their take on the importance of news today.
prominent in high school. Why is this and what can we do to prevent it?
of surveyed students say that they double check their news sources
P. 12 - LGBTQ+
TROJAN MATTERS STAFF Editor-in-chief Blueprint editor News editor Opinions editor Features editor
Janie Gleaves Kacee Haslett Kacee Haslett, Claire Williams Belle deCastro Carmen Sullivan
Today is International Moment of Frustrated Screaming Day. When you just feel like screaming, today is the day to do that.
This date in history. . .
alumni share their BCHS experience.
P. 17 -
See the behind the scenes of students' online resale accounts.
Looking ahead Oct 18-20 • The Pink Panther Strikes Again; 7 p.m. showtimes
What life lessons can be taken from experiences in sports?
64.8%
Photo: Lainey Scroggins
Prayers to. . . • Publications adviser Mrs. Tracy Luke as she recovers from surgery • James Warren, '15, as he is remission in from cancer
Opinion
Photo: Brooklyn Reitz
MATTER
News
Photo: Jaeden Crawford
P. 21 - Payment
scandals have rocked the college sports world over the last year. What has happened and what have the consequences been?
1792: First Columbus Day celebration is held in New York 1901: President Theodore Roosevelt renames the "Executive Mansion" to "The White House" 1933: John Dillinger, American gangster, escapes from jail in Allen County, OH 1999: The world population reached 6 billion 2016: Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs becomes the first NHL player to score 4 goals in a debut
Oct 30 • Open house
Oct 25-29 • Fall Break
Sports editor Reporting staff
Michael Mates Mary Borchers Patrick Felts
Sarah Meek Aidan Sullivan
Photo editor Photographers
Jaeden Crawford Natalie Donaldson Ashley Freiburger Katie Grote Lily Hofmeister Brooklyn Reitz
Kaylee Rulong Lainey Scroggins Miranda Stickel Gloria Vasquez Anna Wuensch
Trojan Matters Mission Statement: We promise to bring you, the students of BCHS, the most obtainable version of the truth through courage, integrity and freedom of speech. Unsigned staff editorials reflect the opinion of at least two-thirds of the staff. Columns with bylines reflect the opinions of the writer. The magazine will publish letters to the editor, but may be edited for the length and clarity. Trojan Matters is the monthly news magazine produced by the Advanced publications - Magazine class. Trojan Matters is considered a public forum and the voice of the student body. In addition, daily news updates can be found online at the-BluePrint.org. Letters/ Comments can be submitted through The Blueprint or dropped off in the Publications Room (210). Mrs. Tracy Luke, MJE, serves as publication adviser.
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News
Trojan Notes The namesakes that BCHS monuments stand for
Opinions
Features
You Said It
Sports
We Heard It
Harv Sutton’s first appearance in the Citadel Yearbook dates back to 1977, where he was titled Afro-Asian history, World history, and Seminar on Social Problems teacher. He became the Dean of Students in 1983, and taught AP US History during the 2004-2005 school year. Outside the classroom, Sutton coached boys golf from 1983 to 2000. He died during the 20052006 school year, and in the 2006 Citadel yearbook cites that BCHS lost a legend. In his later years, he would monitor the cafeteria and engage with students. Today, the cafeteria is named “Harv’s Cafe” in his memory. “I have never worked with someone who has more personality,” said theology teacher Mr. Damian Schmitt, who taught at BCHS with Mr. Sutton.
How much water do you drink a day? (1 cup = 8 oz.)
16%- maybe a cup or two 40.4%- 2-5 cups 25.7%- 6-7 cups 17.9%- 8 or more cups school-wide survey ±4% with 95% percent accuracy
Never bring a crayon to a marker fight.
Photo: Archives
Photo: Lily Hofmeister
Photo: Lily Hofmeister
We can’t take our test, it’s raining outside.
On the walk to the St. Benedict Center, students can’t ignore the enormous rock between the two buildings. The rock was named for Brother Joseph Umile, who served as school president here from 1993 to 2007. According to Mr. Sahm, who was a good friend of Brother Joe, he started at BCHS during a time of struggling leadership. “He really restored professionalism and morale,” said Mr. Sahm. “This guy was a brilliant academic, an eccentric person, and had a big heart,” said Mr. Sahm. Before leaving BCHS, Brother Joe began the Summa Cum Laude program, a rigorous three-year honors program that still stands today. Brother Joe died in 2013, but his legacy lives on as he continues to be the “rock” of Bishop Chatard.
The Dave Alexander baseball field was named in 2012 when retired teacher and coach Dave Alexander donated “a substantial amount of money” towards renovations, according to assistant athletic director Mr. Mike Harmon. Mr. Alexander was head baseball coach here from 1964 to 1977, while also serving as head basketball coach from 1969 to 1974. His donation contributed to helping the capital campaign in 2012 to purchase the synthetic turf that the baseball field is covered in today. The Dave Alexander Field is still the only turf baseball field in the city. Alexander moved to Lafayette, Indiana in 1977 to coach baseball at Purdue until 1994, and is now retired by still living in Lafayette.
•Kacee Haslett
Trojan Matters asks. . .
What does each color of cancer ribbon stand for? Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, many people wear pink to show support. However, some other ribbon colors are lesser known. Leukemia, or blood cancer, is orange. Liver cancer is represented by an emerald green colored ribbon, while kidney cancer is a lighter shade of green, and
lymphoma is a lime green colored ribbon. The light blue ribbon stands for prostate cancer, and the dark blue ribbon is for colon cancer. Melanoma is represented by a dark grey ribbon, while a lighter grey or silver ribbon is for brain cancer.
•Patrick Felts
Photo: Lily Hofmeister
Doctors recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces everyday. For Example, if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 ounces a day.
I’m just eating crunchy ranch. This really ain't it, chief. 2016 was very much a year that happened. I wish someone would hype me up the way the Seymours hype up Zach Evans. Wait, the American Revolution and the Civil War aren’t the same thing?! Telegrams are like old people phones. I got a cramp in my skull. Everyday you’re living in risks, so you might as well live it in a Jeep. "Maybe it's your ACL?" "But it's in my knee, so it can't be that." What is Obama’s first name? Can you tell the difference between Cars 2 and Fast & Furious 8. I wish I could breathe fire. I would be so good at school if it was Tetris.
If you have a question, let TM look into it. Submit questions at the-blueprint.org/contact or to Room 210.
Did you hear something funny? Submit You Said It, We Heard It quotes at the-blueprint.org/ contact or to Room 210.
design by P. Felts | 1
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
Where it comes from:
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Photo: Anna Wuensch
Mascara is a staple makeup item for many women originating back to ancient Egypt. Consumers put this substance on their eyelashes, but do they really know what’s in it? The four top ingredients found in mascara are parabens, aluminum powder, propylene glycol, and retinyl acetate. All of these ingredients are considered toxic and could cause poor side effects like rashes and itchy eyes.
Photo: Katie Grote
he United States, in just one year, imported $2.4 trillion from all around the world to meet their consumers wants and needs. Very little thought is usually given by consumers to where their products come from and how they are made. Here are the origins of six items that are commonly used in the United States. •Sarah Meek
Egypt
T
China
83.3 percent of the American population has some generation of the iPhone. Most parts of the iPhone are manufactured in China. To mass produce iPhones in China, it costs approximately $200 to $300 per phone to make. Apple then turns around and sells that iPhone to the public for $700 to $1000 per phone.
Ethiopia is the country that exports the most coffee to the entire world. Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee per day. The U.S. is the leading coffee consumer in the world.
Ethiopia
Photo: Anna Wuensch
The origins of everyday items used in the USA
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Every year students buy school supplies. It is a basic need and most school supplies that come to the U.S. are from Germany. Americans tend to spend $8.6 billion per year on school supplies. Notebooks is just one type of paper product made by the 4 billion trees that are cut down annually.
Vietnam
Plastic is everywhere. It is made from nonrenewable energy in oil wells which are usually found in the Middle East. The biggest trend right now in the U.S. surrounding plastic is stopping the straw usage, because it hurts and even kills aquatic animals and their environment. A plastic straw takes 500 years to decompose.
With a net worth of 94 billion, Nike is one of the first companies thought of when people are looking for a new pair of tennis shoes or piece of athletic clothing. A pair of tennis shoes made by Nike can range from $60 to $300. What may be unknown about this business is that a great deal of their goods are made in sweatshops, most commonly located in Vietnam. The goods are made for almost nothing because the factory workers in Vietnam only make about $60 a month.
Photo: Anna Wuensch
Saudi Arabia
Photo: Katie Grote
Photo: Katie Grote
Germany
design by S. Meek | 3
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
College application expenses impact students, families It adds up... The average senior here applies to about 6 colleges. The average cost to apply to a university is nearly $40. Many students take the SAT and ACT twice to improve scores; the costs associated with applying to college add up quickly. The following is an college process price estimate for an average student here, not including optional prep classes or the costs some colleges require to send a transcript.
$52.50 to take the SAT(x2) = $105 $11.25 to send SAT scores(x6) = $67.50 $46 to take ACT(x2) = $92
Photo: Lainey Scroggins
$12 to send ACT scores(x6) = $72 $40 to submit an application (x6)= $240 Grand Total: $576.50
Senior Ben Schrage meets with Mrs. Nixon to discuss college options. Schrage plans to apply to six schools.
Free-to-Apply Schools
4
For seniors applying to colleges, it may feel like there are new fees everywhere you turn. Many students decide to take tutoring or prep sessions for the SAT or ACT, which can cost up to several hundred dollars. Then, you must pay to take the SAT and/or ACT. After taking the tests, you have to pay to send those scores to the colleges you are applying to. Then comes actually applying, which can cost up $90 for some schools. All these fees leave people wondering why they are all necessary and how to keep the costs down. “There is a cost to process applications as it takes time, resources and staffing. Also, it shows a student has some interest in the institution they are applying,” said Mr. Christopher Munchel, Executive Director of Admissions and Orientation at Ball State University. BSU costs $55 to apply to, a fairly average cost for state schools. To put it in perspective: Butler and UIndy are free to apply to, Purdue costs $60, IU Bloomington cost $65 and Notre Dame is $75. There are many ways that students and parents can work to keep these costs from becoming unmanageable. The first is to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver. If you are on free or reduced-lunch here, you are eligible for a fee waiver for the ACT and SAT fees as well as college application fees. This is a huge help for many families in the BCHS community. “I am applying to six schools,” said senior MaryClaire Cooke, “but without a fee waiver I would only be applying to one or two.” Free study tools like Khan Academy are good alternatives for expensive prep classes. Khan Academy is a website that offers free full-length SAT tests. It also allows students to link their CollegeBoard
account to Khan Academy to access their PSAT scores. The website then personalizes a study plan, so students can focus on material they got wrong on the PSAT, instead of relearning things they already know. On test day, students who already know where they are applying can choose up to four schools to automatically send their scores to without charge. It also helps if, during the end of junior year and summer before senior year, students start narrowing down their college search. Instead of applying to 10 schools that they might like, college counselor Mrs. Pam Nixon suggests doing research and going on visits to be able to confidently apply to fewer schools. “I feel like in the past, students would apply to somewhere between eight and ten schools, but this year I feel like seniors are narrowing their list earlier. I think it definitely has to do with application fees,” said Mrs. Nixon. Students should also keep in mind that there are many schools who have no application fees. This list includes several schools that Trojan alumni have gone on to, including Butler, Saint Louis University, Tulane University, University of Chicago, DePauw University and University of Dayton. “UD hasn’t had an application fee in many years. We want to make sure that any student interested in the university is able to apply and that the cost of applying won’t be a financial burden for any student,” said Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Dayton Mrs. Stacy Burke. Mrs. Anna Parks, Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Dayton, said “Not having an application fee allows us to review applications from a wide demographic of students and makes it easy to apply to Dayton — which is our goal!”
“We want to make sure that any student interested in the university is able to apply and that the cost of applying won’t be a financial burden for any student.”
•Janie Gleaves
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Celebrities influenced by drug addiction
W
hile musicians are traditionally praised for all aspects of their lives, some of the biggest names in music still face challenges and many have fallen victim to drug overdoses throughout history. It’s a problem that hasn’t faded. When you hear names like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Demi Lovato, and most recently Mac Miller, the first thing that comes to mind is their addictions. Their achievements don’t go unappreciated, but their drug overdoses are often the memory that lasts. Elvis Presley overdosed on pain medication at the age of 42 in 1977. Whitney Houston had traces of cocaine in her system when her body was found drown in a bath-
tub in 2012 at age 48. Demi Lovato is 26 and admits her struggle with heroin has been ongoing since her teens. She most recently relapsed in August and was revived before she became another fatal statistic. Mac Miller, who was also 26, overdosed and died on Sept. 7 2018, adding to a long list. This is not just a modern issue; it has been going on for decades. Similar drugs have been used throughout the music industry no matter what genre of music artists produce. When BCHS students heard about Mac Miller´s death, they were saddened to see such a talented man die so young. Many also claimed that they saw it coming given the themes within his music.
Senior Reid Seymour said, ¨Hearing about Mac’s death was disappointing because I love his music. However, the majority of his songs are about drugs, so it wasn’t a huge shock hearing that he used.” Many artists have overcome addiction and remained sober for years. Country star Keith Urban struggled with both alcohol and drug abuse all throughout the 90s. He went to rehab and took time off for himself to yet again relapse. With more time away from the pressure and stress, with more rehab, Urban has been sober since 2006. Music celebrities tend to live a high-paced life that can lead to pressure and stress. The string of shows while on tour, the pressure
of making the next greatest hit, attending parties and making appearances to stay relevant and keep publicity up all create stresses for musicians of all ages. These constant pressures can push celebrities over the edge. Many drugs that have been taken by celebrities are depressants. Depressants slow down a person’s vital bodily functions while taken inappropriately, not for the intended labeled use. Celebrities continue to take theses drugs including heroin because it relaxes them for a short amount of time which is what they are looking for in their hectic lives. Urban said the way to beat addiction is to, “have good people around... and a willingness to want to live a different way.” •Sarah Meek
Demi Lovato’s “Sober” Momma, I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore And daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor To the ones who never left me We’ve been down this road before I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore Demi Lovato released her song “Sober” June 21. The song alludes to a drug relapse. Lovato has talked openly about her struggles with drug addiction. She had been clean for six years before the release of “Sober.” Then, on July 24, Lovato was hospitalized for an overdose following a 911 call from her assistant. Photo illustration of junior Reilly Thomas listening to “Sober.”
design by J. Gleaves | 5
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
Ending chronic homelessness in Indy
Why homelessness is increasing and what the community can do to help
A A
s the temperatures decrease, many people will be left in the cold. Over 1,700 people are homeless in Indianapolis and an estimated 553,742 are homeless in the United States. Although the city’s homeless population has dropped six percent since 2017, there is still so much that can be done to continue to improve these numbers. The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, or CHIP, has teamed up with Indianapolis to produce a 5-year plan to end chronic homelessness. Although not all of the facts are set in stone, the overall goal is to find a more permanent solution to homelessness. This would include increasing housing units from about 200 to 700 in Indianapolis. Many things lead to homelessness, but the most common include substance abuse, mental illnesses, disabilities, and the economy. “Those who have addiction often times find themselves with no where else to go,” said Vice-President of Mission and Ministry Deacon Rick Wagner. Deacon Rick is a frequent volunteer at Helping Our Own People (HOOP) and serves the homeless community often. Twenty-six percent of the home-
less population reported to having a substance abuse problem. Often times, shelters will not take addicts in. Thirty-four percent of homeless persons also have a serious mental illness which in multiple cases is because they are abandoned and
my, the harder is it for people to pay mortgages or rent, causing people to eventually end up on the street,” said Deacon Rick. But he also believes other “peripheral issues” are underlying problems in homelessness including domestic violence or natural disasters. A key point to breaking the cycle of homelessness is guaranteeing that everyone gets a valid education. “Many of the people you find homeless have a lower education level and therefore lower job opportunities,” he said. Deacon Rick also wants to make a vital part of this education to know what resources are available. These resources would not only include where to get a meal or show
OVER 1700 PEOPLE ARE OVER 1700 PEOPLE HOMELESS IN INDIANAPARE HOMELESS IN have nowhere else to go according to Deacon Rick. Job opportunities and health assistance are harder to find when dealing with substance abuse, mental illnesses or disabilities. The constant shift of the economy also may lead to homelessness. As the economy worsens, cost of living increases and job opportunities decrease. “The worse the econo-
of the homeless population reported to having a substance abuse problem. often times, shelters will not take addicts in. Class of 2018 graduates Leah Engler, Alyssa Behringer and Katie Duggan participate in building their homes for the previous Cardboard City.
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Photo: Kylie Donaldson
26%
OLIS. INDIANAPOLIS.
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er, but also where to get trained for jobs and attain the required skills to enter the workforce. “We aren’t looking for enough permanent solutions,” said Deacon Rick. A lot of his service is really intended to just keep these people going through another night; “Just to keep them safe, and to keep them warm, and to keep them fed,” said Deacon Rick. While this is important work, Deacon Rick believes communities need to focus more on the core problem to put a final end to the issue. “It has been more putting Band-aids on things to get them through a little bit longer,” said Deacon Rick. But as a community, there is more to do. Prevention is the number one priority society should have to decrease the number of people who have to live on the streets. By helping people maintain jobs, home security and local support, a big difference can be made. Catholics specifically have a duty to serve the homeless. Deacon Rick said, “It is at the core of dignity of all human life.” This includes the unborn, elderly, those in prison and “those who have gotten themselves in a situation to where they can’t speak for themselves, but they are human beings with dignity,” said Deacon Rick. Students have the opportunity to do this with their own service. They
may volunteer at the soup kitchen or other service organizations that help the homeless population. However, Deacon Rick recognizes that sometimes this type of outreach service can be uncomfortable. He said, “It wasn’t my first choice to work in this type of service.” He currently is assigned by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to work in this field of service, but now considers it to be one of his passions. Deacon Rick also believes it is where the Church needs to be present. “You see this is Matthew 25, ‘whenever you feed someone, you have fed me,’ so I feel a real connection to my faith when I do this humble type of service,” he said. The student body will be presented with multiple opportunities to become informed about the homelessness cycle in Indianapolis. Specifically on Oct. 23, seven homeless agencies, a representative from city hall and a formerly homeless man will be visiting BCHS to inform students about the problems and solutions to the homelessness issue. Deacon Rick is particularly excited for the event. He said, “There has been an awesome response to the fact that people who are going to be speaking to our students are passionate about being that resource to end homelessness forever.”
•Carmen Sullivan
Deacon Rick also believes [homelessness] is where the Church needs to be present. “You see this is Matthew 25, ‘whenever you feed someone, you have fed me,’ so I feel a real connection to my faith when I do this humble type of service,” he said.
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Cardboard City gives students homelessness opportunity At BCHS, students have
multiple opportunities to help spread awareness to homelessness, including Cardboard City. Cardboard City is a homelessness simulation students can participate in to experience the difficulties and hardships of homelessness. The simulation includes spending a night outside and doing so with limited resources. This year’s Cardboard City will be taking place on the night of Oct. 23, and the last day of sign-up is today. If you have any other questions please contact Mrs. Wagner. design by K. Haslett | 7
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
The BCHS annexation of Ahlfeld Sports Medicine 34 YEARS
Amount of time Dr. Ahlfeld has been in private orthopedic practice in Indianapolis
2006
Year Dr. Ahlfeld was inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame
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Photo: Miranda Stickel
Dr. Ahlfeld was a member of three consecutive Big Ten Championship Teams at Indiana University Athletic trainer Rick Santerre assists freshman Katie Keiser with her knee injury from the cross country season. Kaiser had to reduce her training and refrain from intense running for a couple weeks.
The shift from St. Vincent’s Sports Performance to Ahlfeld Sports Medicine has not gone unnoticed in the sports community here, yet many of the day-to-day operations at BCHS have remained the same. St. Vincent’s Sports Performance was founded in 1987 and has served all levels of athletes, ranging from middle schoolers to professionals. Most notably, they serve the Indiana Pacers, Fever, Butler University, Purdue University, and USA Track and Field. With over 19,000 athletes served each year, St. Vincent’s has gained a superb reputation. Athletic Director Mr. Mike Ford said, “The relationship with St. Vincent’s was the same as it had been for 30 years: good and positive.” The separation of the two parties, St. Vincent’s Sports Performance and BCHS, was due to financial reasons. Mr. Ford said, “Their director called me in the middle of June to essentially say they had to charge more for their services. It was an up charge to the tune of $108,000 more.” The issue of whether or not BCHS should stay with St. Vin-
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cent’s weighed on administration and Mr. Ford. The partnership with St. Vincent’s had been so beneficial, yet the up charge would be hard to overcome because the budget had already been set. Mr. Ford turned to long-time colleague, Dr. Steve Ahlfeld, and out of courtesy,
to hear that St. Vincent’s had raised their price $108,000 without any warning. Dr. Ahlfeld is not only recognized for his expertise as an orthopedic surgeon, but also as a former basketball player at Indiana University and a member of the Indiana High School Basketball
“The relationship with St. Vincent’s was the same as it had been for 30 years: good and positive.” Athletic Director Mr. Mike Ford
let him know about the situation. BCHS and Dr. Ahlfeld’s relationship had been growing and developing over 30 years. Mr. Ford said, “Dr. Ahlfeld helped bring the original group together to help provide our medical coverage 30 years ago.” He opened his private orthopedic practice in Indianapolis in 1984. When Mr. Ford approached Dr. Ahlfeld, Dr. Ahlfeld was shocked
Hall of Fame. He said “The most rewarding thing about providing sports medicine for athletes at Chatard is seeing athletes return from injury and accomplish their goals. I also enjoy the sense of school spirit and community that is present.” While the providers of BCHS’ sports medicine treatment have changed, athletic trainer Mr. Rick Santerre has continued to work
in the training room. Formerly employed by St. Vincent, he cited many reasons why he wanted to remain at BCHS. He said, “Chatard is a really good school committed to academic and athletic excellence. The support that parents show for the student-athletes, coaching staffs, and medical team is not found everywhere.” Dr. Ahlfeld and Mr. Santerre have had a working relationship dating back to 2001, when the two worked together at Scecina Memorial High School. This relationship has continued as Mr. Santerre was brought aboard to be a member of Ahlfeld Sports Medicine. Although he has worked in conjunction with other trainers in the past at BCHS, Mr. Ford said, “Thankfully, Rick Santerre is a seasoned professional and we have a great person to handle the challenge.” Ahlfeld Sports Medicine will provide sports medicine for BCHS for the remainder of the year. Mr. Ford said, “It’s going to last for the foreseeable future. I have a feeling it is going to be a three-to-five year commitment and who knows after that.” •Michael Mates
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With the rapid innovation of vehicles in the last decade, including self-driving and electric cars, a need for improved infrastructure in America is rising. For ages, humans have been faced with the task of planning the layout of their city. In ancient civilization, the center of a town was either a religious worship place or a town meeting center. Cities have grown and evolved over the decades, as has the way the are planned. With the growing population of cities worldwide, and the new age of automobiles, the transportation system has been revolutionized. Indianapolis is an excellent example of how a city’s roads can be planned to work efficiently and effectively. Two major roads, Meridian Street, running north to south, and Washington Street, running east to west, divide the city into 4 quadrants. At the heart of the city lies Monument Circle, which is about 450 feet north of the Washington-Meridian intersection. Interstate 465 makes a complete circle around Indianapolis, which is usually the easiest way to get to surrounding cities. To head out of the city, there are interstates heading in every cardinal direction. Interstate 70 lies to the east of Indianapolis and runs east to west, and continues through to the other side of the city and can also take you southwest. State Road 36 lies to the west of Indianapolis and runs past Decatur, Illinois. Interstate
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itself, let alone designing a city that is efficient. In order to regulate the traffic flow of cars throughout the city, a road system must get a car to its destination with as few stops as possible. One major aspect of a transportation system is a bus route. Senior Project Manager and Transportation Planning Group Director Jennifer Pyrz was part of the team that planned the IndyGo Red Line bus system. The Red Line is a rapid transport system that began construction on May 31, 2018 and is set to complete construction in 2019. “We worked as a team to identify the roads that the Red Line would travel, how it would fit into the existing roadway, where stations would be placed, and what type of vehicle would be used,” Pyrz said. “We looked for a route that provided access to the most jobs, access for minority populations, access for people with low income and/or without cars, as many riders within walking distance of the route, cost efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.” The Red Line grants access to many job centers in Indianapolis, running by Methodist Hospital, the Indiana Government Center, the University of Indianapolis, and downtown Indianapolis. Pyrz said, “The Red Line planners wanted to connect people with jobs first and foremost. People without reliable vehicles or who put a large share of their income towards paying for and maintaining vehicles will benefit most from a reliable
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N 65 takes you northwest out of the city, and Interstate 69 takes you northeast out of the city, towards Fort Wayne. Take Interstate 74 if you need to go southeast outbound. To head directly south, Interstate 65 is the way to go. To travel directly north, use State Road 31. The address system is also an innovative design within itself. The street number, found before the street name in an address, tells you how many blocks away from the center of the city you are. In our case, the center is Monument Circle. For example, Bishop Chatard’s street number is 5885, representing that the building lies 58 blocks north of Washington Street. Also, because there are ten blocks in a mile, the street number tells us how many miles away you are from the center of the city. BCHS is approximately 5.8 miles away from Monument Circle. Indianapolis firefighter Tim Hedrick must know the roads without hesitation in order to get from the firehouse to the location of an emergency quickly. “The entire city is basically set up like a big spoked wheel,” Hedrick said. “You’ve got Monument Circle as the hub, and then four streets that run at angles straight out from the circle that make up a mile square around the center. Everything else is laid out on a grid that connects the rest of the city.” Building a city from nothing is an enormous feat in
transit system.” In making the Red Line as beneficial to citizens as possible, Pyrz sought to mobilize minority populations. According to Pyrz, decisions on large infrastructure projects are often made without fair consideration of how people would be impacted; the Red Line mapping group wanted to avoid this. “Today, for any federally funded project, it is required that we consider how minority communities will be impacted by a project and that we try to mitigate any negative project impacts,” said Pyrz. Pyrz believes the steps to planning a bus system can be applied to almost anything you are planning. She said at a high level, you will want to: 1. Identify the purpose of your project and why it is needed. 2. Identify several alternatives that you think will accomplish your purpose and serve the need you’ve identified. 3. Decide how you will compare your alternatives. 4. Evaluate those alternatives against those measures. 5. Look at how your alternatives stack up against each other and then select the alternative that will best meet your community’s needs.” Pyrz seeks to help the minorities of Indianapolis to have access to a transit system. She said, “For too long, decisions were made on large infrastructure projects without fair consideration of how people would be impacted. And minority populations disproportionately suffered from projects’ negative impacts.” •Aidan Sullivan
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TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
TROJAN MATTERS Staff Opinion
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verywhere around the world people are constantly checking their phones, televisions, radios and newspapers; doing whatever they can to stay informed. In today’s society, the fear of “fake news” is something that can deter people from getting the news they want. While this is a problem, we believe news remains vital for people to stay informed. There will always be uncertainty about the reliability of news, yet we still must challenge ourselves to stay informed. Staying informed is not only a right, but also a privilege. At BCHS, 57.1 percent of students believe their news is somewhat reliable. People who live in countries
Why New mation with another source even if they believe it to be false. Media bias is another factor that can play a role in creating “fake news.” Some news organizations have political affiliations that can get in the way of their reporting. Often times this creates a slant to one end of the political spectrum. Finding non partisan news sources is important to making sure the news you are getting is the truth. Many people may say it is okay to be naive and turn your attention away from news that seems fake. Our responsibility is not to run away from this news, but to expose it and find the truth. Fake news will always be a problem with journal-
People who live in countries with dictators around the world do not have the access that we do to read, watch, listen and discern the news. with dictators around the world do not have the access that we do to read, watch, listen and discern the news. As citizens of a country where news is easily obtained, it is our right to read it with an open, but also careful, mind. Journalism teacher Mrs. Tracy Luke, said, “News is what holds our society, and especially our government, in check. It gives a voice to issues that people might not know about.” In today’s media, it is easy to find examples of “fake news” where facts are skewed and bad reporting leads to lies. It is important to always fact check news when you think it may have falsified information. Cross-checking news is very important, but 35.2 percent of BCHS students do not check infor-
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ists wanting the bigger and better story. The key in today’s society is making sure we see past the lies of journalists with an agenda and instead find the truth and honor in what they report. News is what informs us about the events around us. It keeps us connected to the world so we can know how to help, and not to let tragedies repeat themselves. Making sure each of us is a well-informed and smart reader is important. It is a crucial skill to have in a time when news is a major aspect of everyday life, not only to keep people informed, but also to share new ideas throughout the world. “News provides for open discourse in the hopes of coming to compromise, all for the greater good,” Mrs. Luke said.
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ws Matters -Mrs. Tracy Luke
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Photo: Gloria Vazquez
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News provides for open discourse in the hopes of coming to compromise, all for the greater good.
The New York Times has around 3.8 million copies in circulation each day. According to a Boston University study, the top five most read newspapers all have slight political slants. The most read paper, The New York Times leans liberal. The Washington Post, the second most read paper, also leans liberal. The third most read paper, USA Today, is a moderate paper. The Houston Chronicle leans conservative and is read the fourth most in the United States. Rounding out the top five, the Wall Street Journal leans conservative in their coverage.
How reliable do you think the news you read or hear is?
Yes
57.1%
23.9% 15.2% 2.5% Not reliable
64.8%
1.2% Very reliable
When you are skeptical about a fact or story in the news, do you check another source? design by M. Mates | 11
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
The LGBTQ+ community grows and changes as acceptance broadens. But it’s never easy—especially while attending a Catholic school. The Church teachings on homosexuality are found inside the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Many of these teachings are studied and sometimes misinterpreted, according to Vice President of Mission and Ministry Deacon Rick Wagner. The CCC states that homosexual acts “close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity,” (CCC 2357) and that homosexual men and women "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided,” (CCC 2358).
“I think many people think Catholics hate gay people—there is simply no truth to that,” said Deacon Rick. “The Church is very clear that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God and are deserving of our love and respect. Nowhere does the Church say, ‘Love your neighbor, unless he or she is gay.’” Deacon Rick also said an important piece of Catholic teaching states what exactly marriage is: a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman who both desire to get each other to heaven and are open to procreation. Editor’s note: we chose to print the columns written by grads anonymously so that anyone in their position might relate to how they feel both while they attended BCHS and in the years that follow. •Kacee Haslett
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10 10.1 million
parents said they would not be upset if their child came out to them in 2015, according to Pew Research Center.
Americans answered a Pew Research survey indicating that they identify as LGBTQ+.
BEING GAY AT BISHOP CHATARD:
three anonymous alumni write about their experience
I’m a proud alumni of Bishop Chatard High School and I am proud to be gay. The pride I feel to have graduated from BCHS and the fact, not choice, that I’m gay are things that I have struggled with over the past several years, but no bigger struggle came than when I was attending the school. I believe BCHS is an amazing school. The values on which it is founded have helped to shape me as the person I am today, and the educators I encountered impacted my life immensely. In every religion class, we are taught that marriage is between a man and woman—anything else is a sin. Knowing I didn’t have an inclination toward the opposite sex, I thought something must be wrong with me—one of the lies I told myself that caused a lot of self inflicted emotional pain. These feelings of insecurity led to lone-
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Surprise! I haven’t grown out of it! In fact, I’ve grown into it. I’m so happy to be gay. liness, isolation, and an inability to be authentically me for years. It made me become extremely guarded and distant from my classmates, inhibiting my ability to form meaningful friendships. It affected me in the classroom, on the field, in the church, and at home. I felt like I had nowhere to turn and no one to talk to. A fundamental aspect to understand about BCHS is that it is a bubble—a very small cross section of Indianapolis, many people coming from similar backgrounds with similar views. When you graduate, you learn that the world is made up of incredibly diverse and amazingly unique people, from all walks of life with different ways of thinking. Now, that’s not to say that once you graduate everything is glitter and rainbows, you magically ‘come
out’ and everything is great. Because to be honest, it’s not. It can be really hard. While my friends and siblings were extremely supportive, my parents did not take it well. I came out to people in the church who told me I was wrong. In fact, the church is where I’ve faced the most opposition. It’s been disheartening to see an institution that preaches loving thy neighbor spurn me. I was “going through a phase” and doing it for “attention.” “Oh, you just haven’t met the right guy yet, you’ll grow out it,” they said. Surprise! I haven’t grown out of it! In fact, I’ve grown into it. I’m so happy to be gay. I’ve learned that the people you surround yourself with are crucial to your identity. It is not my identity, but one of many ways in which I identify myself. I have the best friends in the world
(who are mostly straight) and a family that loves me to pieces (my parents just needed time—heck it took me 20 years to get used to it, so I don’t blame them!). If I can leave you with one thing today, it is this: no matter what your identity is—gay, straight, black, white, Catholic, Protestant, artist, athlete—I encourage each of you to own the person you are, completely and wholly. Shake off the dust of parts of you who you’ve been hiding, fearful of what others may think, and show the world what you’re made of. I wish I would’ve given people a chance to know me better, earlier in my life. I wish I would’ve given myself a chance to know me better. In all that you do, and in all that you are, please be kind. You’re doing amazing. •Class Of ‘13
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Tough skin is something I developed over the years. There’s a really great word that underlies my description of high school and the beginning of my college career—isolation. In retrospect this was probably unnecessary, but dealing with the coming-to-terms that I was gay was an exceptionally difficult thing to do... this compounded by the fact that I was living in the Midwest and going to Catholic school. I had regular nightmares about being found out and subsequently thrown out of my house. Luckily life didn’t play out that way, but after coming out, I wouldn’t say things were exactly easy. I was still very religious and clung to Catholic doctrine while also understanding there was an inherent difference in me that seemed to disagree with
what I had always been taught. I finally came to terms with myself the second year of college. I was in a dark place and wanted to end it. Tough skin is something I developed over the years. The nonchalant homophobic slurs cut deep when you’re feeling isolated. I finally worked up the courage to come out to my guidance counselor Mrs. Welch after my journalism period with Mrs. Luke one day. My own classmates often used language like that, and I was too afraid to confront them. I don’t remember the exact course of events that followed; it’s hard to believe that was almost 13 years ago now. The matter was softly addressed but it never went away completely.
The message I want to drive home with this narrative is that you are perfect as you are, and stronger than you may think. We are all unique—we have our own flaws, and our imperfections are what make us perfectly us. Being gay is not a flaw, nor does it define me. I had this epiphany when I realized I would never reconcile the religion I was born into with the person I am. I don’t need an organized religion to be a good person. That comes from within. When I came to this conclusion I felt reborn and empowered to take my life into my own hands. I was no longer in a dark place, and recognized limitless opportunity, of which, I was now in control. A lot of prejudice is born of fear
and ignorance. I don’t need validation from anyone, and if someone will judge me for who I am, that’s their own problem. Things are getting better, but there is always a need for community. Lean on your friends for support, you’ll find that more often than not. Support is more abundant than you may think. Some of the baddest queens I know used to be the toughest football players in high school, some were nerds, some were in theatre. Everyone struggles with something. You’re not alone. If you need some support or just someone to talk to, have Mrs. Luke put you in touch with me. I’m happy to help, especially if anyone may be facing the same struggles I did while finding myself. •Class Of ‘06
It gets better. As cliché as that may sound, clichés come from truth. Wake up, maybe eat breakfast, go to school, go to practice, go home, eat dinner, do homework, go to bed. Nothing unusual. Ordinary, even. Normal. Everything was normal, even if it never felt like that. You see, there’s nothing special about being gay at BCHS and I never wanted there to be. In fact, I would rather nobody know. And nobody did. I was scared. I was confused. I
was lost. I didn’t wake up one morning wanting to be different, wanting to be gay. This isn’t something I chose. It didn’t just happen. I didn’t choose the sleepless nights, the fear of someone finding out my secret, the depression—none of it I wanted, none of it I chose. The hardest part of being gay at BCHS is that it is BCHS, a Catholic school. I felt at odds with the school, at odds with what I was
supposed to be. That is wrong. Being who I am shouldn’t put me at odds with any community. To whoever is sitting in the same shoes I sat in, who is feeling the same way I did. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are not alone. To whoever thinks the world is against you. It may feel like it now. But I promise you this: It gets better. As cliché as that may sound, clichés come from truth.
You are enough. The world needs you. Your friends need you. Your family needs you. I need you.
To whoever is scared about what others might think, don’t be. When I started coming out, everybody was nothing but supportive. It’s scary and it’s hard, but it gets easier and it gets better. And to whoever is reading this and thinking they are not enough: You are enough. The world needs you. Your friends need you. Your family needs you. I need you. I remember the low point I hit and, thankfully, I made it past that. You are someone’s everything. You are someone. Never forget that.
•Class Of ‘17
design by K. Haslett | 13
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
Cheating at BCHS
Photo: Ashley Freiburger
the prevalence and consequences
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“Apparently we aren’t doing enough, because people are still cheating.” -Mr. Joe Breitbach
As colleges become harder to get accepted to, grades “Our students here have a lot on their plate,” said sciare more vitally important for students. The increasence teacher Mrs. Amanda Horan. Stress and pressure ing amount of pressure placed on high school stuto get good grades are some things that Mrs. Horan believes influences students to cheat. dents can result in a disregard for academic integrity. With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, In a recent survey of 24,000 students of 70 nationwide high schools, 95 percent admitted to cheating in BCHS students are expected to do well. “Pressures to some form. “Cheating is very prevalent at Chatard,” do well, to graduate, to get good grades, to have a cersaid math teacher Mr. Joe Breitbach, “students may tain GPA, to go to a certain college and the high exnot do it in the traditional sense, but it happens all pectations of the atmosphere of Chatard makes a lot of people focused on grades,” said Mr. Breitbach. the time.” According to the Bishop Chatard handbook, cheatMany students, including Good, have noticed other ing is defined as, “any intentional deception by which students cheating before. Mrs. Horan describes seeing a student passes off someone else’s academic work as many students on the first floor copying homework his/her own.” This includes copying off of another during passing period. Both parties, the cheater and the one cheated on, are student’s homework, whether it be through face-toface contact or via sending photos of assignments. considered responsible. “Everyone needs to protect BCHS’ school-wide policy is that any form of cheattheir work because in college you can get expelled for ing will result in a zero for that assignment. cheating whether you let someone cheat off of you Students who are caught cheating three or more or you are the one doing the cheating,” said Mrs. Horan. times will receive a 3-day in-school suspension. Although this punishment may sound intimidating However, precautions are taken by many teachers enough to prevent cheating, students continue to here. Mrs. Horan takes cheating seriously and tries cheat. A recent study from Ad Council shows 95 to prevent it. “I always have at least two versions of percent of cheaters do not get caught. Approximately every quiz or test so two students sitting next to each other never have the same version.” Mrs. Horan also 56.3 percent of students admit to cheating at BCHS from a school wide poll sent to students Sept. 9. spreads students out amongst her classroom in orMany students fail to prepare for assessments and der to decrease any temptations. Mr. Breitbach simrely solely on cheating for a passing grade. “My first ilarly separates his desks for tests and quizzes from thought on why students cheat is because they don’t his usual rows. But according to both teachers, the easiest way study, but I know a lot of kids that do study and still cheat,” said honors student senior Steven Good. to prevent cheating is to have students understand There are two types of cheaters according to Good: their responsibility of academic integrity and realize those who don’t study and those who do study but they are only cheating their education from commitare afraid of failing. ting such acts. •Carmen Sullivan
88%
of students here admit to having cheated on homework school-wide survey ±4% with 95% percent accuracy
9%
of students here admit to having cheated on a final exam
56%
of students here don’t consider copying homework “cheating”
design by J. Gleaves | 15
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
THE ROLE
STRESS PLAYS
Photo: Brooklyn Reitz
IN STUDENTS’ LIVES
The average BCHS student experiences school, sports, extracurriculars and social media pressures, in addition to managing relationships with teachers, family and friends all in one day. Then, they are expected to wake up and do it all over again the next day. Why do these seemingly mundane aspects of life cause students so much stress? On a school survey, students ranked their stressors. Regarding how much school stresses them out, 32 percent of the students said that school stresses them out the most. Junior Libby Kolbus said that most of her stress comes from too much school work with not enough time. Meanwhile, junior Patrick Mastrian differed, “I just look at the bigger picture. My life isn’t going to based off of one assignment.” If students tend to stress because of their academics, they are advised by teachers to ask questions and seek help before or after school.
English teacher Mrs. Jackie Bach said, “When students are stressed or overwhelmed, I am flexible and can extend due dates.” However, her high expectations for her students do not change. In addition to the school workload, students also take on sports and extracurriculars. Sophomore Ellen Keefe said that she stresses
realize what they can and cannot handle and when they need to say “enough is enough.” Another common stressor in the lives of students is social media pressures tied to technology. Theology teacher Mr. Damian Schmitt said, “Social media and technology make it nearly impossible for students to separate themselves from
“I just look at the bigger picture. My life isn’t going to be based off of one assignment.” - Patrick Mastrian -
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about finding the time to complete all of her school work while being in season for volleyball. On the contrary, junior Wyatt Schrader said, “One of the reasons I play sports is because they serve as a good outlet for all the stress.” If students stress because of their commitments outside of academics, social studies teacher Ms. Brenda Seager advises students to
the pressures all over the internet. It opens them up to criticism at an early age.” If students stress because of social media and its connection with technology, freshman Sara Kelly said that students should take breaks from social media when needed and to not “take everything they read so seriously.” She explained that this would help relieve
students from outside pressures they see on Instagram, Twitter, or other social media platforms. Whether students choose to acknowledge it or not, friends and social acceptance is another root of stress. Mr. Schmitt believes that the number one stressor in students’ lives is social acceptance. Senior Katie Barnes said, “Friends help you get through high school. If they aren’t there for you, it is stressful because now you have to find someone who will be.” If students stress about their friends and social acceptance, Barnes advised students to not care about how many friends they have, but to always “open yourself up to others and truly be yourself.” Students stress out. It is a part of life. Although it can be gruesome, stress is what pushes people to be their best. “People stress because they are only looking at one moment in their whole lives,” Mastrian said. “There are so many more moments in life that they can look forward to.” •Belle deCastro
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E UR LT CU LE SA RE Something borrowed, something new... Here’s a problem most people have faced: you have something that you don’t need anymore, maybe because you outgrew it, maybe you don’t like it anymore, or maybe you just flat out have no use for it. But the question isn’t whether you should keep it or not, but instead what you should do with it. Throw it away? Just let it sit around? Sometimes, it can be tough to know what to do. But an increasingly popular choice with how to get rid of unwanted stuff has been to resell it yourself. Reselling has been around for a very long time, in the form of things like yard sales. But, it has found a new niche in the last few years with teens. Of students surveyed here, 31.4 percent have bought clothing or shoes from a peer, and 28.5 per-
cent of those students have sold to their peers. This spike in popularity among young people can be attributed in a large part to social media. Social media has been the dominant outlet for selling due to the ease of the internet without the concern of buyers and purchasers on a website like eBay. Instagram has been far and away the most popular platform for resellers, with many accounts dedicated to reselling clothes and shoes having started in the last few years. Senior Molly Keating started one of these accounts last year, and it has gained nearly 300 followers since she began it. Keating says that she started selling her clothes because she “knew it was becoming popular locally,” and she knew that she “had
Step 1
Senior Molly Keating selects gently used clothes from her closet for resale.
stuff that people would be interested in.” One of the biggest draws to resale culture has been the money. Selling without a third party like eBay involved means that no unnecessary costs, such as shipping cost or sales tax, are involved, maximizing profit. Ali Dulin, a junior at Guerin Catholic High School, has made the most of it, claiming to have made “around $4,000” since starting her resale Instagram account in January of last year. Dulin said that “a lot” of her customers are multiple time buyers. What keeps the customers coming back is the high quality of the products and the trustworthiness of the sellers. Keating said that “I know that the girls are reliable, and that their stuff is good quality.”
•Patrick Felts
Keating uploads her pictures up for sale on her Instagram account @mollyksclothingandmore
Step 2
Keating takes a photo of a romper she will post on her account. It was originally bought for $30, but she is selling it for $20. Keating also makes a note to her buyers if there is a small rip or tear in the product
Step 3
design by B. deCastro | 17
TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
Gender in Sports Examining how boys and girls are treated in athletics It would be difficult to come by a person who hasn’t heard about Serena Williams’ US Open loss in September. Through the course of the match against Japanese player Naomi Osaka, Williams received a warning for being coached, was later penalized a point for a racket smash, and then docked an entire game when she confronted the official about his calls. Later, Williams would claim that she would not have been penalized had she been a man. The ensuing discussion about sexism in sports has been a powerful one, with knowledgeable sports professionals on both sides of whether or not sexism caused the game deduction. In Brebeuf Jesuit’s girls soccer game against Carmel High School in September, Coach Angela Berry-White was ejected after calling out an official for what she believed to be a poor call. Berry-White was quoted by the Indy Star, saying, “There is no gender equality. I am held to a different standard, and that standard is not equitable.” The debate has essentially come down to: Are women in sports held to different expectations than men? A key reason often cited in the athletic sexism debate is the pay gap between professional female athletes and professional male athletes.
The highest paid Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player, Sylvia Fowles, makes $113,500 a year. Her salary is less than a half of a percent of National Basketball Association (NBA) player, Stephen Curry, who’s $37.4 million salary is the men’s chart-topper. While this comparison cannot be ignored, perhaps the larger problem is this— the NBA puts about 50 percent of its revenue towards player salaries, while the WNBA returns less than 25 percent of its profits to its players. The NBA as a whole brings in thousands of times more revenue than the WNBA: $7.4 billion a year brought in by the NBA, compared to approximately $55 million the WNBA makes annually. Simply because less money is being brought in by the WNBA, it is logical that WNBA players would be paid less than NBA players. However, it is seemingly unequal that they would make so much less as a ratio of the total revenue compared to the NBA. A large part of the reason that the NBA brings in so much more money than the WNBA is viewership. At BCHS, 53 percent of students watch NBA games on television, compared to six percent who watch WNBA games. This is due in part to the fact that WNBA games are televised much less. This lack of air time prevents the WNBA from gaining revenue, which
All Photos from Citadel Archives
The physicality in boys versus girls lacrosse changes the sport drastically. The only protection in girls lacrosse is goggles and a mouth guard, compared to boys lacrosse with shoulder pads, a helmet, and a mouth guard. “Girls lacrosse is thought of as a low-contact sport. However, everyday after practice, girls come off the field with bloody knuckles and bruises,” said junior lacrosse player Molly Grant.
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53.1%
OF BCHS STUDENTS WATCH THE NBA
6.3%
OF BCHS STUDENTS WATCH THE WNBA school-wide survey ±4% with 95% percent accuracy
The ways boys and girls lacrosse sets up the ball after a scored goal is different. Boys lacrosse has face-offs where they try to be the first to scoop the ball up. Girls lacrosse has a draw where they try to flip the ball into the air so they can catch it first.
in turn prevents them from being able to earn Mr. Cameron Huffman agrees, “I traction to get more games televised. It’s a cycle think that with both boys and girls, that has gone on for decades. you’re just trying to impart life lesIn high school, the potential for athletic sexism sons on them and trying to make is most prominent in how seriously sports are them understand things much larger taken: how much money each program is allot- than the sport.” ted, how many students show up to each game, Although coaching remains a constant and even small things like what teams are al- for girls and boys sports, the game play may lowed priority to the facilities. It all comes back not. Senior lacrosse player Izzy Corns said, to how seriously the players take the game. “Boys lacrosse is full contact; it is a game of “I think girls can be just as competitive as boys. power and strength, whereas girls lacrosse is I think certain people take a game of finesse.” sports more seriously than Her teammate, others, but I don’t think it’s senior Colette Paua gender thing. It depends ta reiterated, “Peo“I think certain people take on the culture of the team ple often think sports more seriously than and the person who wants ‘You have less to win the most,” said jucontact because others, but I don’t think it’s a nior basketball player you’re girls,’ but gender thing.” Edreece Redmond. really I feel like girls -Junior Edreece Redmond Junior Timmy McNeand boys lacrosse are lis, who plays basketball just completely difand football, agrees that ferent sports. There it’s not necessarily a “genare different rules and der thing.” McNelis said, “It different equipment.” depends on the sport and how the athlete feels Girls lacrosse has many more contact-reabout the sport. For example, I like football and I lated fouls that can be called than can in boys take it very seriously. However, if Edreece played lacrosse. However, in a game like basketball, football, I’m sure he’d still take basketball more where the rules remain mostly the same for both seriously, because he loves basketball.” genders, differences in foul calls are more easily JV girls basketball coach Matthew Bradley has observed. coached both boys and girls. He has observaCoach Bradley said, “In my experience, girls tions similar to McNelis’, that it depends on how who are more physical and stronger are penalthe athlete feels about the sport. “In the past, ized more than boys who are bigger and stronI haven’t had a girls team where they all take it ger. I had a sectional game where a girl got two serious all of the time because there are lots of offensive fouls in the first half, simply because softball or volleyball players who also happen to she was bigger and stronger than the girl they play basketball,” said Coach Bradley. put on her. It’s not her fault; she didn’t do anyCoach Bradley said that although there are thing illegal. I think physicality is allowed more nuances in the game, he hasn’t had to change in boys basketball with moves. Girls get really his coaching style based on what gender he is scrappy, but boys are allowed to do more strong coaching. Head coach for girls and boys tennis moves than girls.” •Janie Gleaves
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TROJAN MATTERS
October 12, 2018
Sponsorship scandals corrupt collegiate athletics
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n February of 2018, an FBI report about corruption in college basketball was published by Yahoo Sports. The report detailed many under the table payments to players at top level college basketball programs including North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, and Louisiana State. While the developments were surprising to many outside of the basketball world, those involved in college basketball were not surprised in the least. Mark Titus, a former basketball player at Ohio State and host of “One Shining Podcast,” reported, “For decades, it’s been the worst-kept secret in sports that the highest level of college basketball has been controlled by agents, shoe companies, runners, and rogue coaches. It would be nice if the NCAA stopped feigning ignorance and finally started to do something about it.” Shoe companies have been one of the worst offenders, paying players excessive amounts of money. Yahoo also reported that in 2016, Adidas paid anywhere from $43,500 to $73,500 for Dennis Smith Jr., a top
recruit, to attend North Carolina State University, who is sponsored by Adidas. The thought process is that if the company pays an athlete to go to a school that they sponsor, then once he becomes a professional, he will be more inclined to sign a shoe contract with them. The sus-
State, Auburn, Arizona, and Southern California, alongside Gatto, were all arrested by the FBI in August of 2017 as a part of their college basketball investigation into incidents like that of Dennis Smith Jr. A separate investigation last year accused then-Louisville coach Rick Pitino of paying $100,000 to a recruit named Brian Bowen, which cost him his job. This was also confirmed in Gatto’s testimony, where he also accused the University of Oregon, a Nike school, of offering an “astronomical” amount of money to Bowen. However, since last year, there have been virtually no other punishments from either the government or the NCAA for the other top level programs, despite reports and accusations. No head coaches or officials from schools listed in February’s report have been arrested, suspended, or banned from the tournament, despite the FBI report listing them for violations. Sophomore Sam McCarthy-Young said, “They should be fined or put on suspension from the tournament. Something definitely needs to be done.” •Patrick Felts
"It would be nice if the NCAA stopped feigning ignorance and finally started to do something about it." ~Mark Titus picions about Smith’s recruitment were confirmed in court when James Gatto, an Adidas representative, was put on trial for crimes related to the FBI investigation earlier this month. However, Smith ended up signing a shoe contract with Under Armor once he was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Punishments in the FBI investigation have been few. The only true punishment so far came when assistant coaches from Oklahoma
Sponsors of Big Ten and Big East Conference Schools Butler University, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, Xavier University, Villanova University, University of Illinois, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota
Indiana University, University of Nebraska, Rutgers University Seton Hall University, St. John’s University, University of Maryland, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin 20
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Sports
Sports teach
easy it can be to slack off and give up when things get difficult. “We talk a lot, particularly during workouts, about how improvement requires discomfort, and we try to empower each other to work through challenges and support each other.” Miss Curtin’s approach to coaching takes after her dad who was a her team. “I hope my cross counlong-time track and cross coun- try girls maintain their dedication try coach. His emphasis on hard to supporting others and pushing work and the value of positivity each other to do their best, whethhas sculpted Miss Curtin’s coach- er that’s in other sports, school, or ing perspective. She hopes all her life,” she said. While cross country is normally runners will come to understand the power of positivity and learn to considered an individual sport, “celebrate the little victories on the the importance of teamwork is still present. Bartz has found way to achieving larger goals.” Senior Heidi Bartz has run cross comfort and support in this netcountry since her sophomore year work of teammates. “If I’m having a bad race, just a and has experiencourageenced the first“We talk a lot, particu- little ment will greathand strength of a positive larly during workouts, ly increase my attitude. Her about how improve- confidence and make me more growth and ment requires dismotivated,” she progress both on and off the comfort, and we try to said. “A little support goes a long course has empower each other to way and you’re taught her valuable les- work through challeng- so much stronger than you think.” sons that she - Miss Mallory Curtin, girls cross country coach Like Miss Curcan even relate to in the classroom. “I’ve grown tin, varsity football coach Mr. more confident and proud before Rob Doyle pushes his players’ and after each race because it’s al- development on and off the field ways over before I know it. I’ve by stressing teamwork . While built a stronger mental attitude that winning is certainly a priority for I’ve even been able to apply to my the team, Coach Doyle’s balanced perspective on coaching looks beschoolwork,” she said. As a coach, Miss Curtin loves yond the scoreboard. “My goal for seeing this encouragement affect every player is that they become
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Photo: Jaeden Crawford
While students spend hours a day in a traditional classroom and learning environment, it is often outside of school—perhaps on a court or field—where the most valuable lessons are absorbed. Sports provide an outlet for physical exercise, but the idea that athletics provide an opportunity to develop mental strength is often neglected. Although the possibility to learn is always present in athletics, it takes careful and dedicated coaching to instill lessons that will last a lifetime. Girls cross country coach Miss Mallory Curtin strives to spread a positive energy through her coaching and has come to recognize the value of athletics as a teaching tool. She enjoys watching her girls build confidence and transform their physical abilities as their season progresses. “Kids who start the summer conditioning struggling to run one mile can run seven by the end of the season,” she said. “It’s a really clear example of ‘hard work pays off.’” Miss Curtin has developed a unique way of keeping positivity at the forefront of these young runners’ minds. During practice each day—when it’s typically around 80 degrees and humid and there’s plenty of things to complain about—she asks the girls to share three things they’re grateful for. “I typically wait until we’re a few miles in and people are getting worn out, and I say ‘Let’s talk gratitude!’” she said. These gratitude talks help the team stay focused on positivity and provide a chance for everyone to bond and get to know each other better. “Attitudes are contagious,” Miss Curtin said. All sports require perseverance and grit, but distance running challenges an athlete's mind in a unique way. Miss Curtin understands how
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life lessons
men that can be counted upon to be great sons, brothers, husbands and fathers,” he said. Mr. Doyle credits his father and college coach as being major influences on his coaching identity. “They always placed more importance on the quality of the man, and then the quality of the player naturally follows,” he said. He hopes to teach his players more than football plays, but also to build better men, “strong men of integrity,” that will positively affect the world beyond high school. “We are looking for men with the courage and strength to tackle the most difficult tasks life has to offer while remaining kind and humble in all we do,” he said. This message of humility carries with it responsibility and a call to be dedicated to whatever challenges one may face. Coach Doyle said, “Opportunities must be seized. No excuses. Men of action will see a need and fill it.” •Claire Williams
design by C. Williams 21
PHOTO: KAYLEE RULONG
Trobotics team excels
Trojan robotics. Trobotics. The club doesn’t get the crowds or recognition of athletic teams, but has been to the state championship four years in a row. With almost 30 students participating in the club, Trojans and their robots are preparing for a successful season ahead. The Trobotics club, run by physics and Principles of Engineering teacher Mr. Gary Pritts, designs, builds and competes in Vex Robotics competitions. Every year, the organization designs new games where the robots have to compete in a two-on-two competition against other schools’ robots. The tasks for the robots range from picking up and moving balls, to landing the robots on platforms, which is called “king of the hill.” This year, the games include stacking cones on poles and launching balls to spin flags towards the team’s colors.
design by C. Sullivan
There are many different jobs for the students on the team. Senior Savanna Zhang works as a mechanic. The mechanics are in charge of building the robots. This year, like last year, the team is planning on having three robots. She said, “It is fun to just be with the robots,” and also said she enjoyed being on the team. S ophomore Ethan Bowers is a programmer. His job is to write the code used to make the robots act when the driver directs them or when a sensor forces them to move. “Programming takes patience because you’re going to get it wrong a lot of the time,” Bowers said. Finally, there are the drivers that
control the robots during the competitions. The Trobotics team goes to multiple competitions throughout the school year, and ultimately they hope to reach the state competition. The team has been in the state championship for the last four
Competed in state championship for the past
4
years. Last year, the team participated in the largest event for any state in the country. Senior Cianna Grummer does a little bit of everything, but is primarily a driver, which is one of the most high pressure positions
on the team. She said, “Trobotics is really fun, and now I plan to do something like this later on in my life.” The team helped her discover her passion for engineering. The Trobotics team applies the curriculum Mr. Pritts teaches in all of his classes and tests it in real world situations. The Principles of Engineering class did a brief unit last year on robotics. “Learning how to launch the balls from the robot in relation to the initial velocity and the angles is something we talk about in physics,” said Mr. Pritts. It all connects back and makes what students learn in class apply to life. •MARY BORCHERS
years