Blue and Gold October 23 2009

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Vampires take a bite out of Hollywood page 3

Area offers several spooky thrills

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blue & gold

Volume 87, Issue 2 Friday, October 23, 2009 1200 Broad Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840

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All three middle schools are 84 years old and have major age-related problems. Classrooms are overcrowded, the electrical and plumbing systems need replaced and the buildings have outdated wiring. photos by Katie Logsdon

Homecoming photo essay

Injury puts senior on sidelines

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Middle schools in disrepair, don’t meet state standards n By Emily Rivest

With the election less than two weeks away, the condition of the three middle schools is front and center.

Under the proposed plan, two new middle schools would be built to replace the current three. Glenwood, Donnell and Central Middle Schools all have structural problems qualifying the district to receive state money to help pay the replacement cost.

“In a renovation, you could replace those (things that need work),” facilities director Dennis McPheron said, “but it’s a matter of how much money do you really want to use to renovate an old building? These buildings are 84 years old. We should bring them up to the current standards (set by the state) to get what’s best for the students.”

All of the buildings have problems with the internal infrastructure, but each building also has its own specific issues.

Donnell Middle School

ANCIENT

Many of the bathrooms have not been renovated since the building was built.

“The biggest thing for us is space,” Donnell principal Don Williams said. “Our numbers are higher than they’ve ever been. The classrooms are too small and we’re running out of space to put people.”

To solve this problem, the proposed plans call for classrooms that are almost double the current size.

Approximately 20 percent of the current student population has a Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which explains the weaknesses of a special needs student. Students with an IEP must be in a smaller room than normal to meet state standards, which is difficult in the current buildings. New buildings will have rooms specifically built for this.

Central Middle School

GYMATORIUM

CROWDED

The upper gym is also used for assemblies because there is no auditorium.

Classrooms are half the size they would be in the proposed new schools.

“Security-wise, it’s practically impossible to lock down the building,” Central principal Rich Steiner said. “Typically (in new buildings) there are security cameras and single points of entry or buzz-in systems.”

The new buildings could use an electric latching system to automatically lock all entrances once school starts.

Also, unlike the two other buildings, Central only has one gym, making it hard to schedule classes and activities.

“In the new buildings, we’ll have three gyms for 690 students,” McPheron said. “We’ll have one for each grade level so it’s easier to have gym classes and sporting events like volleyball in there.”

Glenwood Middle School “The heating system is probably one of the main problems,” McPheron said. “There’s still a big fan that circulates the air throughout the school through the hallways and stairwells which makes it really hard to regulate heating in the building.

“If there was ever a fire, it’s going to go right back through the hallways (because of the fan).”

The school is also not handicap-accessible, which all the new buildings would be because they must follow state code. For Glenwood alone, it would be $400,000 to install an elevator.

Some former students, including sophomore Alex Ervin, agree that the schools are in need of repair.

“Glenwood is old and outdated,” he said. “The steps were crumbling, the ceilings and bathrooms were gross. Everything was old and nasty.

“I really hope it (the levy) passes. We have that $19 million so we’d just be throwing that away. We have this chance so we should take it.”

The benefits of new schools will help the students’ attitude.

“Moving over to a brand new building, you’re going to take a little more pride in it,” Glenwood principal David Alvarado said. “You’ll take more pride in your studies, and in your school. It’ll change the whole climate just by moving to a new building.”

RUNDOWN

Facilities director Dennis McPheron explains what is wrong with the electric and technology systems in Glenwood. Building two new schools would lower district operating costs for transportation and staff salaries, and would be more eco-friendly. photo by Katie Logsdon

Levy goes to voters for last chance at state funding n By Emily Rivest

Voters will have the chance to pass the school levy Nov. 3, giving the district the funds to build two new middle schools and a Millstream facility.

Because of the poor condition of the buildings, the district qualifies to receive about $19 million in state funds through the Ohio School Facilities Exceptional Needs Program.

If the levy passes next month, the district will only have to pay $54 million for the schools, 68 percent of the total cost. If the community doesn’t pass the levy again, the district loses the chance at state funds.

The two new middle schools would be built at the sites of Glenwood and Donnell Middle Schools and Millstream would be between the high school and Washington Intermediate.

Although the plan does require an investment from the voters, it will ultimately save the district money as well.

“Going from five buildings down to three, you’re looking at being more operationally sound,” Superintendent Dean Wittwer said.

“It’ll save a large amount of money, around $37,000 just in transportation costs. The savings in staffing will be very helpful.”

The opportunities in the new buildings would also help teachers, according to Director of Student Services Kathleen Crates.

“The main thing is that the schools would be built for the technology of today,” she said. “What the new buildings offer with technology, teachers get more options with that. The flexibility would be beneficial.”

Most importantly, though, updated buildings will help the students.

“When it comes to lighting, heat, handicap accessibility, security and things like that, everything would be updated,” Wittwer said.

“There would be tremendous improvement in the environment.”

Casts prepare for opening night Want to know when to catch the fall plays?

One Acts

by David Ives Nov. 6-7 7:30 p.m.

A Bad Year for Tomatoes Nov. 13-14 7:30 p.m.

Both shows are $5.

Saturday

Audience will enjoy two weekends of comedy n By Emily Rivest

Audiences will be able to attend two weekends of comedy entertainment next month when the two fall plays hit the Findlay High School stage.

The upperclassmen play, A Bad Year for Tomatoes, tells of an actress who lies to her neighbors while the underclassmen show, One Acts by David Ives, is a collection of skits.

“Rehearsals are going pretty well,” director Jeremy Brown said. “We’re starting to run the entire show. It’s interesting to put things together because when we start rehearsals we just do little chunks so it’s interesting to see how things transform together.”

Because it is his first year directing, Brown has some challenges to face.

Sunday

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“My biggest challenge will be realizing the differences in the type of students I’m dealing with in the two shows (with age and experience),” he said. “I’m very hopeful the shows have a good crowd. The kids put in a lot of work and I want people to see that.”

Sophomore Arden MacDonald likes her crazy character in the play.

“I switch personalities during the show,” she said. “When another character makes me angry, I turn into an angry old German doctor, who is a man. I like being out of my element.”

Both shows are comedies, which will help attract high school students.

“It’s a fun play,” senior Jarred Korecky said.

“The humor is definitely geared toward high schoolers. It’s dirty, high school jokes.”

One Acts by David Ives will be Nov. 6-7 and A Bad Year for Tomatoes will run Nov. 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. in R.L. Heminger Auditorium.

Tickets are $5.

YIKES

things to make you look smart today 1. The fastest time to carve a pumpkin is 24.03 seconds.

2. Michael Jackson is second on the list of Yahoo’s Top 10 most-searched Halloween costumes this year.

3. The per capita consumption of candy is 23.8 lbs.

High: 49 Low: 39 Showers

High: 49 Low: 39 Partly Cloudy

4. The National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend a record $5.07 billion on Halloween this year, an average of $64.82 per person.

5. Out of all 18- to 24-year-olds, 83 percent will celebrate Halloween.

Senior Felicia Laube and junior Sarah Black rehearse for the junior/senior fall play, A Bad Year for Tomatoes. The play debuts November 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. in R.L. photo by Katie Logsdon Heminger Auditorium.

Hats Off 2aToday is one of 10 finalists for the Pacemaker award, a top national award for high school journalism for the fourth time.

“It’s very exciting and such an honor even to be nominated,” producer Carrie Lammers said.

“It motivates us to strengthen the program and try to get nominated again next year.”

Lammers

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“It bothers me administrators lock the building on Thursdays because students need to go to their locker and talk to teachers before classes and if they’re quiet they should be allowed to.” senior Brice Tarbox

30,000

opinion

square feet of space will be opened at the high school if Millstream moves

Friday, October 23, 2009

Staff policy

OURVIEW

Levy needs voter support Current middle schools among worst in the state District administrators have one more chance to pass the levy for three new schools before $19 million in state money will disappear.

After the levy was defeated by just 483 votes in an August special election, it is important citizens approve it this time around to fix the district’s disintegrating middle schools.

Too many voters seem to be focusing on the financial aspect of the new schools rather than the positive impact they will have on the community.

The district’s current middle schools are run-down and dated. The 2007 flood and over eight decades of aging have taken their toll on the three buildings and their infrastructure.

Building new facilities will save the district money over time, because transportation and staffing costs will be lower going from three schools to two.

Better schools will not only improve the overall quality of the district but also the community by attracting businesses.

Run-down schools are a major turn-off for companies looking to relocate to a new city.

However, some residents think board members are playing up the conditions of the middle schools as a scare tactic to pass the levy.

There are no scare tactics here. In order to qualify for the funding, the school district’s facilities rank in the bottom

quarter of the state.

Students and teachers in the district’s middle schools deserve better than the current crumbling facilities.

Unfortunately for teachers and future middle school students, the levy competes with two other taxes on the November 3 ballot.

It is understandable this is bad timing, but money may not be as big of a concern with the school levy.

The owner of a $100,000 home will only be paying $11 more per month beginning February 2010 if the levy passes.

This is the equivalent of a family meal at a fast food restaurant.

Taxpayers may also be concerned that their money will not be put to good use.

However, the district’s countless awards for excellence in financial reporting should assure voters their dollars are being spent wisely.

If the levy does not pass this time, the Ohio School Facilities Commission will withdraw the funds offered to the school district and administrators must reapply for the money.

This means the money could go to another district. It would be a shame to miss out on such an opportunity to receive funding because voters do not see the importance of new facilities.

It’s time for the citizens to realize that while the new buildings may come at a cost in a bad economy, this new tax is a small price to pay to construct new schools for the children and the future of the community.

Locking students out of building on Thursday mornings unfair n By John Sisser

?

I seem to remember a time, not too long ago, when students were welcome and even encouraged to arrive to school early, get help with homework from teachers or socialize as they pleased.

I used to enjoy the extra 15 minutes set aside every Thursday morning for teacher collaboration as a time to get some extra work

what’s the problem

done in the building.

But when teachers started complaining about students being too loud in the hallways, administrators shot this down in a heartbeat.

Now, the school, except for the cafeteria, is locked off to students until 7:35 a.m. not allowing anyone in to go to lockers or visit teachers.

What’s wrong with this situation?

For most districts, getting students to attend school alone is a major problem. Apparently this isn’t the case for us. We have to lock off the building because students get here too early.

I shouldn’t have to play Mission Impossible, dodging walkie-talkie-clad assistant principals and security guards, just to get into the school

and finish up some work in the morning.

However, maybe this whole situation is about something much bigger than just Thursday mornings.

Teachers and administrators should have better things to worry about than whether or not students are in the hallways before school.

Administrators spend so much time trying to keep students out of the building, it’s no wonder we don’t want to go to school. On top of my workload and stress, locking me out makes me feel like teachers think students are too much of a burden to deal with.

It is true that some high school students are notorious for being rowdy, and it may be difficult for teachers to get any work done

Blue & Gold is a monthly student publication for the students of Findlay High School. Blue & Gold is a public forum which is funded by advertising.

Letters to the editor

As an open forum for students, letters to the editor are welcomed by the staff, but we request that they be 300 words or less due to lack of space. All letters must be signed. Blue & Gold staff reserves the right to edit letters without changing the meaning.

Letters may be dropped off in room 286.

Staff editorials

All editorials without a byline reflect at least two/thirds opinion of the Blue & Gold staff but are not necessarily the opinion of the administration.

Contact us

Blue & Gold 1200 Broad Avenue Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 427-5474 About us

Blue & Gold is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, Quill & Scroll and the Ohio Scholastic Media Association.

The staff

when there are teenagers roaming the halls making noise.

But if a few students are causing that much of a problem, then teachers and administrators should step in and punish them, not everyone. A few troublemakers shouldn’t force the school to be locked up in the morning.

I take offense at being told I am not allowed to go to my locker or get my work done, in a school of all places.

It is understandable that the school will always have necessary regulations, but this goes too far. When it comes to the issue of clearing the hallways for teacher meetings on Thursday mornings, isn’t there a more respectful way to do this?

John Sisser Editor in chief Kim Maples Feature editor Emily Rivest News editor Lexi Perrault Sports editor Katie Trinko Taylor McGonnell Co-photo editors Sam Malloy Advertising editor

letters

to the

Hannah Gray Katie Logsdon Brady Miller Morgan Grilliot Abby Kehres Kieley Ray Photographers

editor

Column told only one side Dear Editor, I was reading the column about the president’s speech and I was livid!

American parents have the right to choose what they want their children to see (or not see, in this case), not the school. Parents are also allowed to complain to the school if they disagree with any of the curriculum.

It seems to me that Obama is trying to instill his liberal beliefs into the American youth. Being raised on conservative ideals, what Obama is doing is completely against my moral values.

When George H.W. Bush gave his speech, liberals were up in arms against it. Parents had every right to complain.

The point that was made about skipping core curriculum is also not logical.

History is history and science is science.

One talks about what happened, the other tells why things happen. The president’s speech dealt with neither of these.

The questions after the speech were not at all necessary. I do not have to help the president if I choose not to.

After all, the president works for me, I do not work for him. Obama should be trying to help me.

The questions should have said things like, “What do you want the president to do?” and, “How can he help you?” That is what the Constitution was based on and that is how it should stay. The saying goes, “We the people,”

not us the government.

Basically, there are two sides to every story.

Both sides should be heard.

Respectfully, sophomore Brad Becker

Cafeteria needs more options Dear Editor, While schools are supposed to recognize and accommodate people and students of all cultures, beliefs and traditions, in some ways, the high school seems to have failed to accomplish this in relatively obvious areas.

One of the many groups of people at the high school are vegetarians. Those who don’t believe or agree with the consumption of ani-

mals find themselves with a lack of potential choices when attempting to determine a suitable meal in the cafeteria during their lunch.

While the cafeteria does have some nonmeat options, these options are lacking in all variety and nutrition. If the school truly values its self-opinion of having many open opportunities and healthy options, then they should offer these to vegetarians who are in fact not only a large group among teenagers, but also a growing one.

The way I see it, the school lunches need a healthier variety of options for students of all different types of dietary preferences, including vegetarians.

Respectfully, junior Ashleigh Pierce

Maggie Malaney Leah Cramer Michaela Marincic Reporters Emily Lentz Autumn Simmermeyer Artists

YOURVIEW

If you could vote in the election, would you support the school levy?

“No, because the existing schools are fine and the city is already in financial trouble. This would just tax the people even more.” senior Luke Opperman

“No, because the schools still work fine and we have more important issues to worry about right now.” senior Alyssa Hilkert

“I don’t support it because they are basically splitting the town between the rich and the poor and it just doesn’t seem fair.” senior Brennan Logan

“No, because we already have good schools and the buildings are fine the way they are.” sophomore Thomas Womack

“I would because the schools are really old and the buildings are not up to the standards they should be.” senior Eric Smith

“I would vote for new schools because Central was damaged by the flood and the middle schools are all really old.” junior Mady Williams

Jim McGonnell Adviser

et

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“Dracula is by far my favorite vampire because in the original movie he was intimidating and the scariest of all vampires.” senior CJ Rogers

$355,000

entertainment

Friday, October 23, 2009

budget for the original Dracula film in 1931

page

senior Fhalyshia Orians

Blood-sucking monsters are pop culture’s latest craze n By John Sisser

Hollywood’s latest trend is something you can truly sink your teeth into.

From Dracula to Anne Rice novels to True Blood, vampires have a history of dominating the pop culture scene.

However, since the arrival of the Twilight phenomenon, the blood-sucking monsters seem to have taken a bigger bite of the entertainment world than usual (pun intended).

The four Twilight novels written by Stephanie Meyer have sold 70 million copies across the globe and are published in 38 languages.

Last November, Twilight was made into a movie and grossed around $384 million worldwide. The release of the second movie,

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Twilight: New Moon November 20, is expected to top its predecessor.

“Everything to do with vampires is really popular right now, but especially Twilight,” sophomore Becca Finney said. “It’s popular because there is a romance, which teen girls love, and it is a great example of a typical teenage girl and all of her emotions.”

Finney, who describes herself as the “biggest Twilight fanatic ever”, thinks other vampire shows and books are merely riding on the success of the series.

“None of this vampire stuff was ever very popular until Twilight,” she said. “It seems like vampires are just the new hit thing.

“They’re dark, romantic, stylish and really

just appealing to everyone.”

Junior Mari Hernandez agrees the craze over vampires is superficial.

“To be honest, a lot of the girls are just in love with Edward Cullen (Twilight character),” Hernandez said. “Girls always love the bad guy. Their supernatural powers and the fact that they live in disguise is really exciting. Their adventurous quality makes them appealing.”

The vampire obsession, though intensified

by Twilight, is anything but new.

Since Béla Lugosi’s 1931 portrayal of Dracula, vampires have made their way in and out of popular movies, films and books.

While Meyer’s Twilight plots may have dominated the film scene, Anne Rice’s The

Vampire Chronicles have sold 80 million copies worldwide, making them the most successful vampire book series.

Television couldn’t escape the vampire’s bite either. Shows like HBO’s True Blood, the CW’s The Vampire Diaries and older series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer have all raked in millions of viewers.

Though Twilight is the center of attention for now, some vampire purists will stay fans, even after the fad fades.

“Vampires are mysterious,” junior Suresh Sandhu said, “and we’re intrigued by what we don’t know about them and their hidden personalities. I’ve always enjoyed vampires and I always will.”

fact or fiction Fact: Vlad the Impaler, Dracula’s inspiration, was from Walachia, Romania, not Transylvania Fiction: Vampires have no reflection, made up by Dracula author Bram Stoker

Fact: Over 100 movies feature the character Dracula

favorite

vampires Béla Lugosi‘s Dracula Dracula (1931)

Count von Count Sesame Street (1969)

She Wolf forgettable, boring

My movie If my life were a movie...

Title: Jordan J. Total B.A. Horror Genre: Sylvester Stallone (in his Cast: prime) as me and Megan Fox as the woman who falls in love with me at the end

world has been overrun Plot: The with zombies, because I love zombie movies. So, I’m kicking butt and taking names. I’m the world’s last hope and it is up to me and Megan Fox to repopulate.

Rated:

R--because I don’t play by the rules.

Coming to a theater near you

n By Katie Trinko

Album: She Wolf Artist: Shakira Last release: Oral Fixation Volume 2 Why not to buy it: it Shakira’s Shakira newest English album will have a hard time living up to the success of her previous ones. Where her first albums highlighted the pop star’s vocal talents and unique beats, She Wolf’s techno sound disguises her strong voice, and all the songs sound the same.

After the unbelievable success of her last album, one would expect more from Shakira. While some songs like Did it Again and Spy are catchy and musically unique, most of the tunes are boring, leaving Shakira with a forgettable album.

Download this: Spy (featuring rapper Wyclef Jean) Grade: C-

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to check out

Edward Cullen Twilight (2008)

Wild Things brings tale to life

n By John Sisser

senior Jordan Jaskiewicz

Rudolph The Little Vampire (2000)

Mamuwalde/Blacula Blacula (1972)

James Gandolfini as Carol

Title: Where the Wild Things Are Starring: Max Records (The Brothers Bloom) and James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) Plot: The main character, Max (Records) runs away from home and finds a sailboat that takes him to the island where a ragtag band of unusual monsters live. He tames the monsters and becomes their king until he decides to return home.

Why see it: Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, Where the Wild Things Are brings the classic tale to life. Director Spike Jonze pays attention to detail and does a great job adapting the screenplay from a short story to a full-length film.

Grade: A-

Hits and Misses There are over 140 million videos estimated to be on YouTube.

Lucky for you, we’ve sorted through some to find which videos are worth a watch and which ones fail miserably. Read on:

Check it out Title: Twilight Trailer Spoof How was it: This video takes a comedic and light-hearted approach to the dramatic trailer for Twilight: New Moon.

Could have been better Title: The Onion: Obama Negotiates with Wildfires How was it: This mock newscast makes a few quick jokes, but the scene is almost too realistic to be funny. Watch it if you have time.

The Stepfather:

Catch this remake of a 1987 thriller about a new member of the family who seems too good to be true, and is.

The Stepfather is in theaters now.

The Vampire Diaries Halloween episode : This

ABC Family’s 13 Nights of Halloween: The

Cirque du Freak The Vampire’s Assistant:

hyped-up episode of the CW’s popular show is expected to reveal much more about the series’ twisting plot.

annual Halloween celebration airs all week featuring favorite movies like Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice.

The first installment of the popular book series-turnedmovie, starring John C. Reilly, is now in theaters.

Saw VI: Goreloving teenagers can’t seem to get enough of the Saw series. The sixth movie in these horror franchises comes out tonight, Oct. 23.

What a waste of time Title: Stairs are Very Nice How was it: You may ask how anyone made a video about going up stairs. The better question is how has it already gotten 20,000 views. I want my two minutes back.

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“To stay healthy, I wash my hands more often and use hand sanitizer in public places.” senior Kelsey Zimmerly

4,735

people have died worldwide of the swine flu as of Oct. 11

newsfeature

Friday, October 23, 2009

Students improve math skills with iPod technology

KEEPITBRIEF

Show choir hosts festival n By Michaela Marincic

Findlay First Edition (FFE) will host the 22nd annual Fall Fest October 31 at 7 p.m. in the Central Middle School auditorium.

Their Las Vegas-themed show features tunes such as Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas.

“Even though we have a theme, the style is similar, so I don’t think anyone will be disappointed,” senior Nick Taylor said. “FFE is known for having ballroom, Latin and tap dance numbers, and that won’t change.”

While Fall Fest features five other show choirs, FFE’s song choice and appearance will set them apart.

“Our style is different from most other show choirs,” director Kevin Manley said.

“We tend to do traditional music and costuming. Our music and dancing tend to be more difficult than other groups.”

n By Emily Rivest

Band will compete at state n By Michaela Marincic

For the seventh consecutive year, the Findlay Trojan Marching Band (FTMB) qualified for Nov. 1’s state finals at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.

FTMB received superior (I) ratings at state the past three years, but has never been awarded the highest rating four years in a row.

“You always want that I,” director of bands Tim Mattis said. “I would be most happy for our seniors…These guys would be the first ones to get it four years in a row, and that would be a very historic event.”

To achieve this record-breaking accomplishment, band members continue to polish their performance.

“With each time we have done the show at games and competitions we improved something or found an aspect to fix,” drum major senior Anna Sankovich said. “If we keep working hard and stay focused, we have a good chance of getting a I.”

Orchestra performs Nov. 1 n By Maggie Malaney

A Stroll Down Melody Lane is the theme for the Symphony Orchestra concert Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

Music will range from Bach and Beethoven, to Louis Armstrong, to songs from James Bond.

“I chose a variety of music to keep the program exciting and to show off how well the orchestra students perform,” director Ken Pressel said. “I like the music to be fun for the students as well as the audience.”

PODCAST

Junior Jarrad Balko listens to an assignment on an iPod Touch. Math teachers Ellen Laube and Karen Ouwenga use podcasts to help teach students lessons at their own pace. photo by Katie Logsdon

Administrators plan for possible swine flu outbreak n By Emily Rivest

With the media hype and one confirmed swine flu case in the county, administrators are taking steps to keep students healthy if the disease begins to spread.

Swine flu, also called H1N1, currently makes up 97 percent of all flu, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The flu is so widespread because many people do not have immunity to the swine flu.

After someone gets a disease once, their body begins to build up protection to it.

“We don’t have any immunity like with the seasonal flu, that’s why we see so many more people getting sick,” Barb Wilhelm, Findlay City Health Department deputy health commissioner, said. “We tend to see more

young people who are prone to the virus.

“They (experts) think the virus may have circulated in the distant past so older people may have an immunity in their body.”

School administrators worked last spring with Wilhelm to develop a plan to prevent the spread of H1N1 in the district.

“Our facilities manager (Dennis McPheron) put hand sanitizers in every classroom,” Director of Student Services Kathleen Crates said. “We’ve sent fliers out to the parents. The nurses are working with the younger kids, doing hand washing.”

The custodians are also working to keep the school environment healthy, by washing all the tables and desks often.

“Under our custodial department, all of

our chemicals are labeled to kill 99 percent of all germs,” McPheron said. “The biggest thing of all, though, with the flu is hand-washing; all of our soaps are anti-bacterial.”

People can stay healthy in the same ways as they do with the common flu.

“I wash my hands a lot, try to stay away from sick people, get lots of sleep and drink lots of water,” junior Leah Zelinsky said. “It’s good they are taking extra steps, but really, it’s just like the common flu, it’s not that different.”

The vaccine will be available Oct. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. in the gym for high risk groups which include pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, those who spend a lot of time with children under six months and those under 24 or over 65 years old.

n By Emily Rivest

n By Leah Cramer

Close to 400 students will attend the fourth annual Challenge Day Nov. 10-13 in the auxiliary gym.

Each day around 100 students enrolled in health class will go through the program, which encourages students to be more accepting of others.

“It is designed to help students look past the exterior things, like the clothes someone wears, and see people for who they really are,” Assistant Principal Kelly Legg said.

“We need to create the school of our dreams where everyone feels cared for and that’s our goal.”

Tips for staying healthy this flu season: • Wash hands often • Use hand sanitizer away from sinks • Cough into sleeve, not hand • Stay well rested • Don’t share utensils, cups, bottles or dishes • Stay home from school when sick

Program helps freshmen with high school issues

Challenge Day returns

MENTOR

Senior Heather Black helps freshman Jennifer Buetow with her homework in mentorship class. The program is designed to help ease the freshmen transition into high school. photo by Hannah Gray

Bagels, soup, sandwiches, and the freshest coffee in town!

1971 Tiffin Avenue Findlay, OH

Algebra II and Honors Geometry students are using the newest iPod technology in class.

No, they aren’t listening to the latest Lady Gaga song on the music players, they’re watching math-related podcasts Math teachers Ellen Laube and Karen Ouwenga are students in the 21st Century Academy, where they are learning how to use technology in the classroom.

“It (the academy) is a group of about 12 to 15 teachers throughout the school district who are trying to focus on bringing more technology into all our classrooms,” Ouwenga said, “but we want it to be relevant and beneficial.”

As part of the program, each teacher got six iPod Touches for their students. Mostly, they are used to watch podcasts from the Internet relating to the latest lesson.

“It (a podcast) is allowing us to mix up our instruction,” Laube said.

“Instead of the traditional, come in, take notes, do homework, we can do different things.”

Besides the podcasts, the students use iFlipr, an app for the iPod that is basically electronic flashcards made by the teachers. Both of these technologies increase student learning.

“It’s really helpful because you can draw things from many different sources, like the Internet,” junior Paige Trafton said. “If you have trouble learning things from your teachers, you might learn better from a different teacher on the Internet.

“You can drill over and over again the different problems you need help with.”

For Laube, the replayable aspects of the podcasts, which are basically another teacher online giving a lesson, is a positive.

“One of the benefits is students can view the podcast as many times as needed to learn the material,” Laube said. “Some kids picked it up the first time, while others had to watch it four or five times. We’re trying to put learning into their own hands.”

Senior Courtney Lowrey

Upperclassmen are helping the freshmen make their high school transition easier as part of the Freshmen Mentorship Program.

The freshmen eat for 20 minutes then meet in their mentorship groups for the rest of fourth period.

They participate in activities such as icebreakers and are planning discussions on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, which all the students will read.

“The goal is to help the freshmen get comfortable with the transition to high school and also to help freshmen become involved students that contribute positively to the school environment,” freshman principal Janice Panuto said. “We are providing a supportive environment for freshmen to

adjust to high school.”

The program is beneficial not only for the students, but also the mentors.

“You wouldn’t expect a senior to have fun with a freshman, but it’s a lot of fun,” senior Paige Madden said. “We play a lot of games to get to know each other.

“If they see me in the halls, they ask questions, like just really simple stuff. If I’m in the classroom they ask for help with their homework. They’ve already started to look up to me and ask questions about school.”

Freshman Ta’Tyana Lewis enjoys the connection she has with her mentor, senior Anna Miller.

“She said if we were ever in trouble, we can call her,” she said. “If we ever need help, she’s there for us.”

vp

vito’spizza

Friday, October 23, 2009

“I like Vito’s regular cheese pizza and their bread with the olive oil. It’s different because it’s more of a local restaurant. Their food has more taste to it and it isn’t just salty like most pizza or Italian places.” junior Yumi Hirotani

18

specialty and premium specialty pizzas available at Vito’s Pizza

5 page

6 page

hw

“I love haunted houses. Who doesn’t? You never expect what’s going to happen and it’s just a thrilling adventure. My favorite one would be Mansfield Prison.” sophomore Jade Garza

93%

halloween

of children go trick-or-treating every year

Friday, October 23, 2009

Halloween haunts scare thrill-seekers Ohio boasts over 80 spooky spots n

By Michaela Marincic

Raking in dollars like autumn leaves, the haunted house industry booms every October with more than 2,000 attractions grossing between $400 and $500 million according to hauntworld.com.

Teenagers and young adults make up the largest consumer group for the business.

More than 80 haunted houses and attractions in Ohio cater to this annual sensation, so here’s a sampling of area Halloween hot spots.

Putnam County’s Haunted Cornfield Classic chainsaw-wielding maniacs roam through a winding labyrinth of corn in this haunted attraction.

Operating for over a decade, this creepy cornfield teems with haunters who know how to spook a person.

“At the beginning, there are strobe light rooms and dark hallways,” junior Jacob Fenton said. “The rooms got skinnier and skinnier.

After that, it turned into a cornfield path with guys hopping out at you.”

In addition to the cornfield, thrill-seekers can explore the two levels of a dimly-lit haunted barn, filled with hidden actors waiting to scare unsuspecting prey.

“It was startling when the people jumped out at you,” Fenton said. “It wasn’t that scary, but it was fun.”

The cornfield and barn provide half an hour of horrors for $9 every weekend through Halloween at 13360 Road 12 in Ottawa.

HalloWeekends Amusement park turns terror park as Halloween invades Cedar Point.

Two new haunted houses have taken up residence in the park, bringing the total to four separate ghoul-infested buildings.

“The people (in the haunted houses) wore masks and costumes,” sophomore Meghan Peterson said. “They got as close to you as possible without touching you and whispered in your ears.”

Sections of Cedar Point’s paths are also marked off as “scarezones”—areas with individual themes, such as pirates.

“I didn’t think it was scary because there’s so many people walking around that they (the haunters) don’t really focus on you,” senior Paige Kutschbach said.

HalloWeekends take place inside the park in Sandusky every weekend until October 26.

Ticket prices range from $29.99 to $44.99.

Mansfield Reformatory Serving as a penitentiary for more than a century, the Ohio State Reformatory, also known as Mansfield Reformatory, held over 155,000 prisoners throughout its career.

don’t be ridiculous

Now, 19 years after the prison released its last inmate, the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society runs Halloween tours for the public, complete with horrifying actors and animatronics.

“They (the actors) know what you’re expecting and do what you don’t expect,” sophomore Sara Plott said. “There’s a dead body in a casket, and you think it will get up, but then someone grabs you from behind. It’s like reverse psychology.”

Between actors that spring from dim corners of the cage-like cells and the possibility of actual spirits, the Mansfield Reformatory’s Hell on Earth tour chills scareseeking souls.

“I would only go if you can take serious horror,” Plott said. “It’s definitely scary to the point where you don’t know what will happen and you just want to get out of there.”

The prison looms at 100 Reformatory Road in Mansfield, open for tours every Thursday through Sunday until Halloween at $15 per person. You must be 13 or older to enter Hell on Earth.

Time for teens to give up on trick-or-treating n

By Kim Maples

Maybe I’m just bitter, but a line needs to be drawn on the appropriate age for trickor-treating.

Since I entered middle school, at the age of 12, I’ve been forced to stay home and pass out candy. At first, I couldn’t understand why my mother said I was too old to trick-or-treat. I soon found out.

Throughout the evening, I’d open the door expecting little kids dressed as princesses and dragons and, instead, I’d find a group of teenagers, four or five years older than me, asking for candy.

Do teenagers have no shame when it comes to free food? Is it really okay to butt in on a little kids’ holiday just because you want candy?

Some of these aged trick-or-treaters argue that there isn’t an age limit on Halloween. To help solve this dilemma, here’s a list of warning signs that maybe it’s time to hang up the costume.

Fear Factory Claustrophobic passages and bridges through spinning cylinders disorient those who dare to enter the hallowed halls of Findlay’s Fear Factory.

Fear Factory is a downtown city block-long house of horrors.

“The creepiest part was the clowns because I hate clowns,” junior Shelby Smith said. “Also, there’s things that grab your ankles or jump out at you.”

The owners of Fear Factory also added Fear Forest. Over a mile of trails through spooky woods, Fear Forest provides a new thrill for Fear Factory fans.

The entrance to Fear Factory is located at the corner of Lane Avenue and Pine Avenue, while Fear Forest lies three miles south of Findlay along U.S. 68.

Fear Factory admission costs $9 on Fridays and Saturdays and $7 on Sundays. Fear Forest costs $7.

You know you are too old to trick-ortreat when: • You have to go home early to study for a Calculus test.

• You drive yourself to each house.

• The person who opens the door is a kid you used to baby-sit.

• You dress up as Vanilla Ice and, worst yet, remember when he was popular.

• They don’t make a Power Rangers costume in your size.

• People mistake you for the another kids’ parent.

• Your younger sibling stays home to pass out candy.

• You have to take a night off work to go.

• You show up on someone’s doorstep wearing a mask and they think you’re trying to rob them.

• You use your Homecoming dress as part of your costume.

• The other kids call you “mister.”

The Haunted Hydro Stained, gray stone walls enclose this former hydro-plant-turned-haunted-house and its maze of terrors within.

The plant is divided into sections connected by strobe light-filled hallways just wide enough for one or two people.

“It’s like a maze all the way through the building with the exit and enter doors right next to each other so you could see the people coming out who were scared,” sophomore Corey Bern said. “Going through, there are different themed rooms. I remember one was a bathroom where a guy would jump from the toilet. It was just completely unexpected.”

The Haunted Hydro celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new haunted house, Industrial Mayhem. This attraction and The Hydro are located at 1333 Tiffin St. in Fremont.

Tickets cost $10 to $20.

So this Halloween, don’t try to stretch out your old Spiderman costume for another year.

Let go of your childhood, stay home, hand out candy and maybe later you can buy yourself some post-Halloween sale candy 50 percent off.

SKETCHPAD Ghosts, ghouls, spiders and bats, everyone has a different image for the spookiest day of the year.

We asked students to draw what comes to mind when they think of Halloween. Here are some of their creations.

senior Robert Kelley freshman Ashley Haley

senior Stephen Linn

sophomore Kevin Misamore

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sophomore Nate McKinniss

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junior Kanae Hirayanagi

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“It’s fun being around your friends (in youth group), growing closer to them while helping each other grow in their faith.” sophomore Stacy Graham

$250,000

feature

Friday, October 23, 2009

is the cost of a new Nicaraguan orphanage built by youth group missionaries

7 page

On a mission

Church youth groups offer friends, support n

By Leah Cramer

Some teens might expect youth group meetings to be a series of one sermon after another, but actually there’s a lot more going on than preaching and Bible study.

Freshman Philip Jewett sees it as a place where he can relieve the stress and tension of his hectic life.

“Praying and connecting with other Christians really helps me settle down after a busy week,” Jewett said. “It gives me a group of people who share my beliefs to talk me through things like family issues or problems with peer pressure.”

Youth groups provide a support group for teens to help them keep their priorities in order and improve their religious life while having a good time.

“It (youth group) is a safe environment where kids can be accepted for who they are, grow in their faith, develop a close relationship with God and build friendships,” St. Michael’s Director of Youth Ministries Donna Brown said.

One thing youth groups offer is an open, positive place for discussion.

“Talking about Bible verses and topics with Gateway Church’s youth group has really helped me learn more about making the right decisions by interpreting scripture,” Jewett said. “We discuss how the Ten Commandments could apply to situations in real life.

“One huge thing that helps me to remember is that taking the Lord’s name in

vain is wrong, even though it’s something a lot of people do everyday without ever thinking about it.”

Another opportunity that youth groups provide is mission trips, which not only give a chance to travel, but can also change people’s perspectives on life.

“My trip to Belize with my (St. Michael’s) church group to organize a Vacation Bible School for the kids made me realize how selfcentered Americans can be,” sophomore Abby Reed said. “Over there it didn’t matter what clothes you wore or what phone you had, but who you were as a person.

“I got to see how happy people can be without a lot of possessions and when I got back, I felt terrible about how much we have here and take for granted.”

Besides giving service and learning opportunities, one of the most important benefits of youth groups is a chance to make new friends.

“It helps build strong friendships,” Reed said. “We don’t just talk about stuff like what we did over the weekend, but we get into deeper topics.

“We discuss our beliefs and questions we might have on right and wrong when it comes to avoiding sin and standing up for others.”

Joining a youth group is a simple process.

“All you have to do is start showing up to meetings,” New Life Assembly of God Youth Director Will Krost said. “There’s an aura of acceptance and everyone’s excited when new members join.”

MISSIONARY

Senior Hannah Nelson hugs a young girl while on a church youth group mission trip to Nicaragua. Besides travel, youth groups also offer a chance to make friends and discuss scripture. photo by Hannah Gray

Local teens help Nicaraguans living in poverty n

HELP

A Nicaraguan boy watches teen missionaries work on a project. New Life’s youth group built an orphanage photo by Hannah Gray for kids there.

By Kim Maples

With an $11 trillion national debt, 9.5 percent of the nation unemployed and skyrocketing foreclosures, it’s hard to turn the national eye away from America’s problems.

But while the United States is going through hard times, Third World countries around the globe have been facing even worse conditions for decades.

To provide relief, New Life Assembly of God’s youth group takes yearly mission trips to Nicaragua, where the average income is $400 a year, compared to $50,233 in the United States.

“There’s nothing in Findlay or the surrounding area that truly represents the level of poverty in Nicaragua,” youth leader Will Krost said. “What we see is a snapshot of it. Our goal is to simply take a step outside of normal life to see how the world lives.”

Earlier this month, senior Jonathan Shaffer returned to Nicaragua a second time for a

think-tank on Christian leadership.

“A lot of people live in tin huts, the streets are covered in trash and it smells really bad,” Shaffer said. “You can’t drink the water there and the air quality in general is really poor; there is a lot of dirt and dust.”

To improve conditions, missionary representatives from America and Nicaragua met to plan for improvement projects, which includes a new hospital and orphanage.

“We already built an orphanage two years ago,” Krost said. “The next big project we have is to build an orphanage for teenagers. As they get older, we’re trying to provide a place for them and provide education.”

However, the hospital is an even more ambitious project.

“We’re doing it in phases,” Krost said.

“We’re trying to set up mobile clinics first to provide care in villages.

“We’re bringing physicians to train doctors

there in 2010. A large number of those doctors come from Findlay.”

To raise money for their projects, the youth group sells Nicaraguan coffee for $10.

The fundraiser Honduras helped students from New Life and Gateway go to Nicaragua last summer to host church events, visit ill patients and help with projects.

“I gained a completely different perspective of the world, how God works in everyone’s lives and how he cares for everyone,” Shaffer said. “People who have nothing still believe.

“I want to go back (next summer) because I really enjoyed my time while I was there. I love the people there. Nothing could keep me from going back.”

Co

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Ri

ca

Kisers adopt Chinese boy after three-year wait n

By Leah Cramer

When people visit a foreign country, most bring back small trinkets as souvenirs, but junior Tyler Kiser’s family returned from their trip to China with a new family member.

The Kisers traveled to Taiyuan, China to adopt a three-year-old boy, Jude.

“When my parents told me we were going to adopt a child, I was really excited to get to go through the experience of having a baby brother again,” Tyler Kiser said.

After three and a half years on a waiting list, the family found out in February that they were able to adopt a child, but could not pick him up until September.

“It was so exciting to meet him for the first time because we had waited so long,” mother Kristie Kiser said. “But I also felt a little sad for him because he was going to have to leave everything he knew behind.”

Jude Kiser was abandoned with a cleft palate and cleft lip, medical conditions that connect part of the lip to the nose, which were repaired with a surgery prior to his adoption.

“The most exciting thing is the reward of seeing a child alive and well and knowing that you provided him with a good family,” father Michael Kiser said.

However, sometimes adjusting to a new family can be difficult for adopted children.

“When we met (Jude) at the orphanage he said he had to go to the bathroom and then hid between the stall and the wall so that no one could get to him,” Tyler Kiser said. “He knew we were going to take him away with us.

“But the next day he was fine and now he seems comfortable with our family.”

Even though Jude Kiser mainly speaks Chinese, aside from the 15 to 20 English words that the Kisers have taught him, he still com-

municates fairly well.

“He fits right into the family (including three brothers) and interacts with everyone very well,” Michael Kiser said. “He says this one Chinese word a lot that the translators told us means happy.”

While they are helping Jude Kiser get used to American life, the family also wants him to know about Chinese holidays and traditions.

“It’s important to teach him about his culture because as he grows older, he’s going to want to know about where he came from,” Michael Kiser said. “He looks different from us so he’s going to be curious about his heritage.”

Though he looks different, he will, in time, become part of the family.

“Right now he feels more like a friend than a sibling to me,” Tyler Kiser said. “But eventually, as we have a chance to bond, he’ll begin to feel like a brother.”

FAMILY

Junior Tyler Kiser and his father, Michael, sit with Jude, who was recently adopted into the family. After three years on a waiting list, the Kisers traveled to China to bring him home. photo courtesy of Tyler Kiser

Stop in to see our new fall colors!

VON’S

1161 Trenton Avenue Findlay, Ohio

Diamonds and Jewelry

Stop in for candy, gifts, costumes and more this Halloween at Walmart

Sophmores Mark Sleasman and McKenzie Curlis

1691 Tiffin Avenue In Front of Menards

8 page

“My favorite part of spirit week was movie day because everyone dresses up in unique costumes and it made me feel like I was part of a movie.” junior Lizzy Rogers

1,364

bp

bigpicture

students attended the Homecoming dance

Friday, October 23, 2009

And the winner is...

Seniors Lindsay Atkins, Michael Alexander

Seniors Kathy Jastal, William Kreh

Seniors Cherrelle Sanchez, Marc Wadsworth

Seniors Abbey Hale, Zach Crawford

Seniors Kelsi Romatowski, Sherwin Quiambo

Senior Mark Janowiecki juggles bowling pins while balancing on

BOUNCE a ball during the pep rally. Besides Janowiecki, two bands also performed in the Trojans’ Got Talent competition.

ANCHORS

photo by Kieley Ray

JUST DANCE

Juniors Michael Popovec, Caleb Joseph, Tyler Campbell and Alex Henry dress up for Movie Character Day during spirit week. Tuesday saw the halls filled with Hollywood photo by Kieley Ray actors and legends.

Sophomore dance team member Bailey Croy performs during the Homecoming pep rally. The dancers prepared two routines for the annual spirit event.

photo by Taylor McGonnell

HARMONY

Sophomores Alex Zoll, Greg Ornella and Landon Frost in the band Second to None share the mic singing All These Things I’ve Done by The Killers. The group won the talent competition, Trojans’ Got Talent.

photo by Abby Kehres

sp

“The pressure of playing on varsity as a freshman has made me a stronger player. It gives me a different confidence on the field that I didn’t have before.“ freshman Regan Campbell

12

sports

Friday, October 23, 2009

9 page

freshman played or started on varsity fall sports teams

Group improves sportsmanship n By Lexi Perrault

SPRINT

Running back sophomore Ben Kupferberg heads for the end zone against Lima Senior. Findlay won 33-7 and moved into second place in the league.

photo by Katie Trinko

Football controls own destiny n By Lexi Perrault

With a Greater Buckeye Conference (GBC) league championship up for grabs, the football team is battling to defend its title.

Despite their loss to Sandusky, they are still in the running with the Blue Streaks and Napoleon for the GBC crown.

The football team has to win their last two games against Marion Harding and Napoleon.

“We will win the GBC or at least share it,” senior Tee Redd said. “We have to have Sandusky lose but we can’t control that, we just have to win out.”

Napoleon must also beat Sandusky tonight to keep the Trojans in the GBC fight.

“The odds are pretty good that Napoleon will win,” Redd said.

“Napoleon has a great team this year and I can’t see them losing until week 10, when they play us.”

Sophomore Ben Kupferberg hopes the team plays as well as they did last week.

“We need to do exactly what we did against Lima during our last two games,” Kupferberg said. “We need to execute with the running game to open up the passing game, which will keep our offense on the field.”

Students are working to improve school spirit and sportsmanship by becoming involved in a new organization called Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT).

The group was formed in September by athletic director Nate Weihrauch and principal Victoria Swartz.

“We come up with ideas that promote leadership, sportsmanship and integrity,” junior Jessica Girard said. “With the help of school officials and parent volunteers, our ideas are able to be put into action.”

Currently SALT consists of mainly upperclassmen hoping to improve athletics.

“One of our missions right now is to find underclassmen that we think would benefit the group,” Girard said. “You don’t have to be a student athlete to join SALT.” One of the goals of SALT is to encourage student support for all sports teams.

Senior Clay Paul, along with SALT, are working to promote cheering at events.

“At games only two rows of students are involved,” Paul said. “SALT wants everyone to be involved because a great atmosphere during sporting events is a once in a lifetime thing. You can’t replace it.”

On Oct. 24 SALT is raking leaves for the elderly as a service project.

“We wanted to help out others and be a good example to the rest of the community,” senior Molly Parsons said.

Boys’ golf loses by stroke n By Michaela Marincic

One stroke kept the boys’ golf team from returning to the state tournament during last week’s districts.

After coming this close to state, the team will work through the winter to better prepare for next year.

“We’re going to spend a lot of time over the winter continuing to putt and working on the short game,” coach Scott Grant said. “It’s tough losing the seniors, but at the same time they did a great job pushing the younger kids and helping them develop.”

Sectional tournament next for seven-time GBC champs n By Lexi Perrault

With seven consecutive Greater Buckeye Conference championships under its belt, the volleyball team is gearing up for the sectional tournament with a positive outlook.

Senior Kristen Davidson believes determination will help them win the sectional title tomorrow at Otsego High School.

“There is always a worry because it could be my last game,” Davidson said. “All of us will go out with confidence that we can beat any team in the state and that will help us win the game.”

Head coach Ryan Shifley is also confident in his team, but knows they will face difficult opponents along the tournament trail.

“It’s anybody’s game at the sectional tournament,” Shifley said. “Our toughest competition is Bowling Green. They’re our archrival and are always good.”

Though senior Krystan Krucki believes Bowling Green will be a challenge, she is more worried about St. Ursula after losing to them earlier this week.

“We did a lot of good things,” Krucki said. “We just needed more intensity. In a way, the loss is a good thing because it gives us motivation to make sure that they don’t beat us again in tournaments.”

Shifley is content with improvements made throughout the season.

“The team is improving on serve receives and getting points out of what we call broken plays,” Shifley said. “If a pass doesn’t go to the setter our girls will get it under control so they can still get the point.”

HEADS UP

Junior John Shrader heads the ball away from two Ashland players. After ending an 113-2 season, the boys’ soccer team has a goal of making it to the regional tournament. photo by Hannah Gray

Boys’ soccer ready for sectionals n By Maggie Malaney

As Greater Buckeye Conference champions, the boys’ soccer team is looking forward to post-season tournaments.

The team ended the regular season with an 11-3-2 record. They played the first round of sectionals against Anthony Wayne yesterday and hope to move on to districts.

To advance they must get by two teams they have already played.

“If we play to our potential, we could win the sectional,” coach Bill Geaman said. “But this will be very difficult with both Anthony Wayne (tied) and Perrysburg (lost to) in the sectional.

“They are tough competition.”

If the team wins sectionals it will move on to districts in Ashland, Ohio Oct. 31.

“We can make it to districts because we have a quality team,” junior Drew Short said.

“We will need to play fast and capitalize on all opportunities to play well.”

The team has to work on consistency though, if they want to win tournaments, according to Geaman.

“We can beat the lesser teams, but we are struggling against the better teams,” Geaman said. “We have the potential to win as long as we keep our focus and remember all we have worked on this season.”

Although they suffered three losses this season, senior Stephen Perkins is confident they have a good chance to advance to the regional tournament.

“We have good depth and the ability to play more quickly than other teams when we are focused,” Perkins said. “We have the potential to go far.

“We’ve made it to regionals the past two years. We want to get that far again.”

District tourney loss ends girls’ golf season n By Leah Cramer

SLAM

Freshman Kayce Krucki spikes the ball at the Volley for the Cure game. The team raised $3,000 for breast cancer awareness. photo by Taylor McGonnell

Districts marked the end of the golf season for the girls team.

They placed fifth out of 10 teams with a score of 387, 18 strokes from making it to state.

“Considering it was freezing cold, there was a lot of wind and it was raining, we played pretty well,” junior Lauren Mains said. “We learned from districts how to manage a course

in bad weather and are going to use our talent and determination to make next year our year.”

With a season average score of 173, they won the Northwest Ohio Girls Golf League, beating four other teams.

“Winning the league was a good accomplishment,” coach Scott Grant said.

“Anytime the season ends, you can look back on things like that and be proud.”

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bg sports

Football battles for GBC title

page 7

&

Senior sidelined with knee injury

Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Medial meniscus

Lateral meniscus

A torn ACL injury put senior Kelsi Romatowski on the sideline her senior year. She hopes to return to action before the end of the teams’ post season tournament run. photo by Taylor McGonnell

n By Lexi Perrault

Secondhand Sports, started by junior Chelsea Risser’s family, is collecting used softball and baseball equipment to distribute to players of any age that need it.

Risser and her family started Secondhand Sports to help athletes afford equipment in the tough economy.

“We have received around 100 e-mails about Secondhand Sports, so hopefully we receive a lot of gear,” Risser said.

Chelsea’s father, Chris, hopes Secondhand Sports will give more kids the chance to get involved with baseball and softball.

“People should donate equipment to help less fortunate and new players,” Chris Risser said. “It has been a tough time for everyone and this way more kids are given the chance to play.”

To donate equipment, clean it and bring it to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge at 604 Fishlock Ave. in Findlay, on November 3 or 17 between 6:30-8 p.m.

The equipment will be distributed at softball and baseball drafts before the season starts.

Equipment that will be accepted... bats mitts helmets cleats bags batting gloves baseball socks sliding pads sliding shorts baseball pants Questions? call 567429-9844 or e-mail secondhandsportz@ yahoo.com.

Girls soccer hope for sectional win n By Leah Cramer

Hopes are high for the girls varsity soccer team’s semi-final sectional game tomorrow, Oct. 24 at Graham Stadium.

The team got a bye the first round, meaning they will only play one game instead of two.

“It feels good to win the bye,” senior Ashley Miller said. “It gives us a big advantage because now we get extra time to practice and prepare for the tournaments.”

In order to win sectionals and make it to districts, the team has to beat Defiance.

“Our junior varsity team beat Fremont, and Defiance is seeded below them, so I’m confident we can win sectionals,” head coach Mark Laux said. “ I also expect to win districts because we’re the top-ranked team and already beat Lexington, the second-ranked team this season, 4-0.”

If the team makes it to regionals, they will face the Sylvania district winner.

Game time weather

Showers 7:30 p.m. tonight, Oct 23 football vs. Marion Harding

5

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger, a 2000 graduate, has 51 wins, the most by any NFL quarterback in their first five seasons.

Tom Brady set an NFL record on October 18 against the Tennessee Titans with five touchdowns in one quarter.

Articular cartilage

Group collecting used gear

?

Mickey Mantle has the highest number of home runs during a World Series with 18.

Volume 87, Issue 2 Friday, October 23, 2009

BENCHED

??

Did you know...

“Anthony Wayne, Perrysburg and Northview are the top three seeded teams from that district,” Laux said. “I would expect a tough game from any of them.”

One way the team is preparing is by scrimmaging the junior varsity boys team.

“It helps us learn to play at a faster pace,” senior Shannon Mills said. “We’ve also been working a lot on finishing scoring opportunities we get.”

A challenge the team will face in achieving their goal is playing to their full potential throughout the whole game.

“They need to work on fighting through adversity,” Laux said. “If they’re not having a good game, they tend to get frustrated and give up a little a bit.”

However, the team’s strong point is how well they work together.

“Our strength is in our chemistry,” Miller said. “We connect well on the field and know how to play each others’ strengths.”

n By Lexi Perrault

When senior Kelsi Romatowski found out an injury would prevent her from playing volleyball her senior year, she still found a way to contribute to the team.

Throughout the volleyball season, Romatowski has supported her team at every game and practice-but from the sidelines.

The injury that put her on the bench was an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear in her knee.

“On the first day at nationals during club season I landed on my foot wrong and my knee gave out,” Romatowski said. “My knee didn’t pop so we hoped it wasn’t an ACL tear but we found out later it was.”

Her ligament was not completely torn, but still required surgery.

“The ACL is a unique ligament because when it is damaged it cannot heal itself so we use tissue from another part of the body or from a cadaver to reconstruct the ligament,” orthopedic surgeon Jim Davidson said.

An ACL tear typically requires up to six months to be completely healed.

“Most athletes are out for at least four and a half months and then with a brace after that for a full year,” Davidson said.

Romatowski is hoping to get back on the court in two and a half weeks by doing intense physical therapy.

“I do physical therapy at FASTAR (Findlay Area Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation),” Romatowski said. “I am working on getting faster, on my footwork and also getting my strength back.”

Although Romatowski was injured before the fall sports season started, head coach Ryan Shifley kept her on the team.

“She was a two-year letterman and would have made the team as one of our top return-

ing players,” Shifley said. “She is a really positive leader and is an asset especially with our new freshmen, because she teaches them and helps them out.”

Instead of working with her teammates on the court, Romtowski has been giving advice from the sidelines.

“My teammates are willing to listen to my input,” Romatowski said. “I see a lot of things that they don’t.

“I’m able to help with strategy and technical things. It’s nice because they still treat me as part of the team.”

Junior Morgan Winans appreciates Romatowski’s help at practices and games.

“We don’t have her talent (on the court) but we have gained a lot because we now have someone to go to for advice,” Winans said.

“It’s like gaining another coach and yet keeping a teammate at the same time.”

After showing support throughout the season, Romatowski was able to get in one game to serve.

“It was awesome,” Romatowski said. “It felt good to get on the court, even though I didn’t do much.

“I knew my teammates were there to support me.”

Although the injury robbed her of her senior year of volleyball, Shifley is confident Romatowski will play in college.

“She’ll get recruited for college during the club season,” Shifley said. “I’d be thrilled if she can play now, but she needs to be healthy.”

The senior has learned a lot from watching from the sidelines.

“I’ve learned to play every game as if it’s your last game and you can’t take things for granted,” Romatowski said. “”It showed me how much I loved volleyball when I found out I couldn’t play.”

GBC title motivates cross country team n By Maggie Malaney

After the boys won the Greater Buckeye Conference and the girls took second, crosscountry runners are confident about postseason tournaments.

Districts are tomorrow, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. at Pearson Park in Toledo, Ohio where they have already run this season.

“It’s a beautiful course with lots of scenery, so the race doesn’t seem as long,” senior Molly Parsons said. “We’ve run it before. I’m looking forward to seeing times drop and us hopefully qualifying for regionals.”

Coach Mark Gleason agrees that both teams have a good chance to qualify for regionals, Oct. 31.

If they run well enough, some may even move on to state. “(Freshman) Matt Waaland has a great chance to go to state,” Gleason said. “He has been running very strong all year and if he continues to, he has a chance to qualify.

“On the girls side, both (sophomores) Erin Gwinn and Sara Plott have a chance to qualify for state.”

Waaland, who is in the top 20 in the region, is looking forward to the experience state has to offer.

“The experience is really good to have because I’m hoping to get there all four years,” Waaland said. “It will be good to know what it’s like so I’ll know what to expect.”

While experience is good, Gwinn said having a positive attitude is important.

“If I believe I can go to state, then I’ll be telling myself while I run that I can pass the girl ahead of me, or that I can go faster,” Gwinn said. “This sport is 90 percent mental and if you don’t believe in yourself then you won’t reach your full potential.”

Having young runners with strong potential is good for the teams’ future.

high school sports with the most injuries 1. Football

The annual cases of football-related concussions in the United States is estimated at 300,000.

2. Wrestling

Wrestlers sustain an estimated 99,676 injuries and 8,741 skin infections per year.

3. Boys soccer

Head injuries account for up to 22 percent of all soccer-related injuries.

4. Girls soccer

Girl soccer players suffer concussions one and a half times more than boys.

5. Girls basketball

Girls basketball has the second highest number of ankle injuries annually.

ALL OUT

Cross country runner sophomore Zach Brown hopes to improve his best time of 17:30 at tomorrow’s district. The team competes at 2 p.m. at Pearson Park in Oregon. photo by Abby Kehres

“They’re going to continue to improve as they get stronger and older,” Gleason said. “Having this year at state will be a great experience for them to have under their belt.”

Gleason is already looking forward to a strong season next fall.

“Both teams were very young this year with a lot of first and second year runners,” Gleason said. “They have improved each week and have gained confidence in their ability.

“This will come into play next year when they come back.”

Personal best times this year

16:17

freshman Matt Waaland

20:08

sophomore Sara Plott

20:10

sophomore Erin Gwinn

Who will win the World Series? in a random poll of 100 students

45% Junior Matt McDaniel was injured during the Lima Senior game but was able to return to action.

Football has the most injuries of any high school sport.

38% 9% 8%