The Roundup Edition 3 (December 2012)

The Roundup December 2012 Edition 3

roundup.brophyprep.org

2:46 p.m.

Student life after the bell I

t’s 2:44, and you’re tapping your feet anxiously as you count down the seconds before the bell rings.

Class is wrapping up, but your mind is already on all the things you have planned for after school.

The bell rings, you jump out of your seat and head to the parking lot to go home.

Your classmates pass you on either side, some of them heading off to work, others to practice their favorite hobbies, whether it be professional video gaming, longboarding, supporting sports teams or rock climbing.

This issue, The Roundup looks to life after the bell, to all the hidden talents and activities that fill up students’ lives when they aren’t on campus.

It’s 2:46: What are you doing?

Inside

• Leander, Hoffman paint picture of Red Army

• Senior Croom dedicated to indoor rock climbing See Sports, Page 7

See News, Page 3

• Math teacher Mason competes in tournaments, strives to be karate master See News, Page 4

• Club diversity fosters student involvement, enthusiasm See Opinions, Page 5

• Longboarders shred local hills after school, on weekends

Online» Multimedia

• Read more articles and view multimedia stories at roundup. brophyprep.org

See Sports, Pages 7

Many freshmen flock to AJ’s for Friday food, social scene

By Charles Louis Dominguez ’14

THE ROUNDUP With the implementation of the new late start schedule, Friday’s bell rings at 1 p.m. each week.

Students flee from their classes, beginning the weekend.

While upperclassmen drive off to various food

Soccer starts season with 2 wins. Basketball goes 2 of 3 in Week 1

places and hangout spots, a wave of freshmen can be seen walking the path to AJ’s Fine Foods at Central and Camelback.

The outdoor sitting area is a center of activity and noise, as students converse and socialize.

Indoors it is just as frantic, with people scurrying about for the lunch hour.

The line for one of the more popular items –

pizza– is quite long.

For many freshmen, this pizza serves as an introduction to Brophy.

This weekly migration has led many to ask the question, “Why do freshmen go to AJ’s?”

Freshmen were able to offer their own answers.

“It’s a good place to just meet people and have good, cheap food,” said Brendan Hinkle ’16.

AJ’s is most commonly cited as a social gathering place for freshmen, a place to meet classmates and take a break from the regular stresses of the week.

“Whenever you’re looking for a friend, they’re most likely going to be at AJ’s,” said Danny Murego ’16.

See Freshmen, Page 2

Recent events show student talent not limited to sports

Sports, Page 8

Opinions, Page 5

Award-winning news, photos and opinions online at roundup.brophyprep.org

Fine Arts Extravaganza highlights musicians, artists Entertainment, Page 10

Page 2 | December 2012

The Roundup

Alba-Rivera mentors next generation of robotics competitors Gabe Alba-Rivera teaches Loyola Academy scholars robotics

By Aakash Jain ’14 and Brett Mejia ’13

THE ROUNDUP Since the beginning of his junior year, Gabe Alba-Rivera ’13 has been teaching a group of Loyola Academy students the finer points of robotics.

“The first day of junior year I remember when they gave us a speech at the gym about the new year. Ms. Krause was there and she told us we could get involved,” Alba-Rivera said.

“That day I approached Mr. Ryan and told him I wanted to start a robotics club at Loyola. In about two weeks we started kicking off.”

Alba-Rivera meets with the seventh grade Loyola scholars on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, while Michael Sanchez ’13 and Omar Moreno ’15 work with sixth graders on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The sixth graders are preparing for a Lego competition, which will take place in December.

Presently, the seventh graders are working on a variety of projects.

“This year the seventh graders have two aspects to the team,” Alba-Rivera said.

“One aspect is every other week we go to the Microsoft store in Fashion Square

Photo by Aakash Jain ’14 Loyola students participate in robotics after school in Loyola hall on Nov. 15.

Online: Watch a video about the Loyola Academy robotics program at roundup.brophyprep.org.

and they do robot soccer showcase matches there. Meanwhile, when they’re not there, they’re preparing for our FTC competition which will be at

From Freshmen, Page 1 Upperclassmen reminiscing of their AJ’s experience list a variety of reasons for having made the weekly trip.

“Everyone went to AJ’s freshmen year,” said Greg Goulder ’13. “It was the place where everyone established who they were going to hang out with…

The Roundup

becom(ing) a crucial part of the development of friendships freshmen year.”

The presence of Xavier students is also cited as a reason for going to AJ’s.

“Brophy freshmen go to AJ’s because that’s where the Xavier Gators are,” said Casey Weinstein ’13.

Other than the pursuit of comradery, the location’s proximity to Brophy’s campus is another

News Editor Logan J. Hall ’14 Opinion Editor Aakash Jain ’14 Sports Editors P. Erik Meyer ’14 & Michael Moroney ’13 Entertainment Editor Andrew Marini ’13 Photo Editor Kevin Valenzuela ’13 Project Editor Joe Skoog ’13 Staff Michael Ahearne ’14

Jonathan Gornet ’14 Jonathon Macias ’14 Chase Bayless ’15 PJ Binsfeld ’15 Charles Dominguez ’14 Christian Guerithault ’14 John May ’13 Michael Norville ’15 Tanner Nypen ’15 Connor Vanlierribbink ’13 Alec Vick ’15

Hayden Corwin ’15 Phillip Rapa ’14 Jared Balboa ’14 Brendan Bohanon ’14 Gabriel Lopez ’13 Pratap Jayaram ’13 Anchal Jain ‘13

Contributors Dalton Radcliffe ’13 Kyle Scheuring ’15 George A. Liddy ’14 Miles Kent ’13 Ben Liu ’15 Spencer Lund ’13 Calvin DeMore-Mack ’14

Roundup Adviser Mr. Mica Mulloy ’99

Bronco Beat Contributors Alex Gross ’13

reason for the popularity.

“I went every Friday, or pretty much every Friday,” said Grant Hickey ’14. “I think it was just the place to go; it was close, you could walk there.”

Although Fridays see the most business from Brophy and Xavier students, there is a sizable community that visits during the regular school week as well.

Students who rely on carpools or other means of transportation can often be found sitting outside the storefront after school.

For others, AJ’s offers needed relief as the week comes to a closure.

“It’s just fun spending time outside of school and removing yourself from the pain and toil of education,” said AK Alilonu ’16.

Reporters Wanted

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Managing Editors Brett Mejia ’13 Roan Enright ’13

According to Alba-Rivera, the robotics competitions are not anything like the stereotypical image of people “just sitting, programming and

Attention Writers: The Roundup is looking for you. If you are a writer, photographer or graphic designer and are interested in making an impact in the information the Brophy community reads, e-mail roundup@brophybroncos.org to find out how you can contribute.

The Roundup Editors in Chief Julian De Ocampo ’13 & Jackson Santy ’13

the beginning of next semester. And it’s a national competition and it’s at the high school level so we’ll actually be competing against Brophy.”

tightening bolts.”

“The competitions usually last the entire day,” Alba-Rivera said. “The one we’re going to is actually going to be in Flagstaff … There’s a lot of enthusiasm … At the competition, people paint their faces like a football game and yell and cheer and all that so it’s pretty exciting.”

When asked about the robotics club, the Loyola students found it challenging to contain their enthusiasm.

“This is my first year in robotics and I feel really privileged to be a part of it,” said Robert Baransaka, a seventh grade Loyola student. “Gabe is a great teacher and I’ve learned so much already.”

“Robotics is just so much fun,” added Andrew Brown, another seventh grader. “I can’t wait until the competition next year, so we can beat Brophy.”

But more than competition or even robotics itself, Alba-Rivera notes that he has seen a significant change in each Loyola scholar over the time he has spent with them.

“I could talk about all of the technical improvement they’ve had and the list would be endless,” Alba-Rivera said.

“But even more important than that I feel their … working together and … knowing how to come together as one … I feel that’s the greatest improvement on both their side and my side because it’s totally changed my view of robotics as well.”

Bronco Beat CoAdviser Mr. Steve Smith ’96

Corrections

The Roundup seeks to correct any printed mistakes in a timely and public manner. Please e-mail corrections to roundup@ brophyprep.org.

Submissions

The Roundup welcomes news, opinions, sports, entertainment and photography submissions and ideas. E-mail roundup@ brophyprep.org or see Mr. Mulloy in Eller Room 331.

Mission Statement The Brophy College Preparatory Roundup exists to inform and entertain the Brophy community by producing a quality product that contains pertinent information about the Brophy community. This newspaper will educate our Brophy community and by doing so provide an understanding of journalism theories and techniques for our staff. We will be ethical, honest, trustworthy and dedicated in our news coverage. We strive to be fair and balanced, yet not afraid to report the truth even when it is unpopular to do so. Our goal is not only to report information, but also to encourage and foster discussion amongst our community. Overall we attempt to do all things for the greater glory of God. The Roundup is a student publication of Brophy College Preparatory. Copyright 2009 Brophy College Preparatory’s The Roundup.

No material may be used without permission from the editors and adviser.

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

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The Roundup

December 2012 |

Page 3

Leander, Hoffman paint picture of Red Army

By Julian De Ocampo ’13 & Roan Enright ’13

THE ROUNDUP Every army needs its generals.

This fall, the stands at Phoenix Community College stadium swelled with The Red Army, Brophy’s student cheering section. But a select few stood proud at the front, leading the pack through high-energy chants and amplifying the energy through the crowd.

Keaton Leander ’13 and Nate Hoffman ’13 are two of the many who paint their bodies at football games and organize each Red Army affiliated event.

“When you guys go to a football game and see the student section, and you see the guys in front all painted up, those are the Red Army generals,” Hoffman said.

They are just two of the many who crowd the front row each week, cheering, chanting and dancing for the school.

“Keaton along with Nate, along with many others, are absolute super fans … There is a lot of work making sure that everything gets to the game on Friday,” said Mr. Pete Burr ’07 The two self-proclaimed “coordinators of fun” are both Student Council members who help organize events that go beyond just football.

Along with others, they act as student leaders in many Brophy sports cheering sections during basketball and soccer seasons.

Leander’s participation also extends to other aspects of Brophy’s community, such as the organization of dances and events such as the Fine

Photo by Dalton Radcliffe ’13 Brophy students support the varsity football team at an away game against Boulder Creek. Brophy defeated Boulder Creek 35-14 Aug. 30.

Arts Extravaganza.

He was also quick to point out that although he often paints his chest at the front alongside Hoffman, anybody can be a part of The Red Army.

“It’s not only the Student Council kids up there;

it’s the kids who show support every of sport and activity,” Leander said.

Hoffman noted that becoming a leader is not an official title, but rather one based on merit.

“A lot of people think that the generals are a

privilege,” Hoffman said. “But instead it is something earned … My advice is to just go to games just see what we have going on, at least the very least it is a social scene.”

Weinstein works at AZ Airtime trampoline center on weekends

By Christian Guerithault ’14 & P. Erik Meyer ’14

THE ROUNDUP On days off from school, many students play sports, do homework or relax.

Casey Weinstein ’13 chooses to do something different than most.

On Sundays, Weinstein is a safety monitor at AZ Airtime, a trampoline facility located in Scottsdale.

“It’s a pretty easy job. It doesn’t require that much energy and isn’t stressful at all,” Weinstein said.

“I prefer when I’m scheduled as cashier because I get to be busy the entire time and I can normally

do homework.”

AZ Airtime provides an opportunity for families to jump on trampolines.

“We offer a resource, fun, that provides exercise, and we provide a safe environment for people to jump instead of going out and getting themselves into other trouble or chaos,” said AZ Airtime manager Mr. Mike Vargas.

Even though his title is “safety monitor,” Weinstein occasionally does more than just provide safety for kids.

“I could end up working on the main trampoline, either of the two dodge ball courts, the foam pit,

the little kid’s zone or on a cash register, in the kitchen or at the front desk,” Weinstein said.

“When assigned to one of the trampoline positions, I must stay there for the duration of the shift, ensuring that the jumpers are being safe, following the rules and having fun.”

Weinstein was the first employee that AZ Airtime hired.

“Two summers ago, there were rumors of a new trampoline gym that was opening near the neighborhood,” Weinstein said. “I kept my ears open and kept checking the prospective shopping center where it would likely be located.”

With a flexible scheduling system, AZ Airtime is able to adhere to Weinstein’s requests of when he can work.

“With a rigorous class load, track, cross country and a social life to balance, I rarely have time to work,” Weinstein said. “So I tell them that I can only work on Sundays. I only work one six hour shift per week.”

AZ Airtime offers residents of North Scottsdale a place to exert themselves and safely have fun.

“It’s something very different that is new to the community and the community seems to be reacting really well to it,” Mr. Vargas said.

Students use Metro Light Rail for transportation to campus Students recall Light Rail experiences

By Austin Norville ’15

THE ROUNDUP Brophy students live in many areas around Phoenix, some farther away than others.

The ways students often carpool with classmates, ride in with parents, walk or take the Phoenix Light Rail.

For some, the Light Rail makes up the end and beginning of each day.

The Light Rail opened in December of 2008. It cost $1.4 billion to build, according to azcentral.com, and has now provided an alternative form of transportation for an estimated 100,000 people each year.

“I take the Light Rail to get to school and then go home every day,” said

sophomore Omar Moreno ’15.

“The craziest thing I’ve seen on the light was two very large guys got into a fight over a two liter bottle of vodka, which ended up in nobody’s hands because the police came and took it.”

For some the light rail is the only way to get to school.

For example Carlos Lizarraga ’15 takes the train every day.

There are students like Alex Rosner ’13 who take the Light Rail whenever his ride is not going to school.

“I take the Light Rail not so much in the fall semester, but in past years during the spring semester, because I’ve had to stay after school for football I took the light rail most every day home,” Rosner said.

“I get on at by Central High School and get off at Apache and Dorsey. It

takes about 50 minutes. I read books or National Geographic to pass time,” Rosner said When asked about the price Rosner said, “I live in Tempe so I have a free pass. I ride free until I turn 19, but if I had to pay, I would say it is fair.”

When asked about the craziest thing he saw on the light rail he answered, “Some guy … punched the window as hard as he could and broke it,” Rosner said.

Photo by Alec Vick ’15 The Metro Light Rail makes a stop at Jefferon and Central avenues in Phoenix. Many Brophy students use the Light Rail as an alternate form of transportation.

Page 4 | December 2012

The Roundup

Students raise funds at Vincent’s Farmers Market Cookie Project sells cookie ingredients each week

By Connor Bradshaw Van Lier Ribbink ’13

THE ROUNDUP The singing birds, sunny weather and fresh smells draw large crowds to the small alley way near 40th street and Cambelback that has become Vincent’s Farmers Market each Saturday morning.

Members of the Cookie Project sacrifice hours of sleeping in to aid their community and represent the school in a unique way.

Wild outfits, crazy music, delicious cookies and the mission that these cookies represent particularly draw crowds to the Brophy stand in the back left corner.

The Brophy Cookie Project is a drive designed to raise money for presents to give to families in need during Christmas and Easter.

“I like that were able to help needy families, interact with people at Vincent’s Market, hang out with friends and practice our salesmanship,” said Charlie Sturr ’13. “It combines all those good aspects together and it’s a good time.”

Decked out in patriotic and beach themed attire and blasting “Sweet Home Alabama,” students volunteer at Vincent’s Farmers Market every Saturday by selling cookie ingredients to those looking to help out a cause as well as make some delicious cookies.

“The guys that come out to volunteer put countless hours into it and really show that Brophy guys are committed to helping others,” said club moderator Mr. Matt Williams ’07.

Mr.Williams has been the moderator for a year now and leads the students who volunteer.

“Last year we sponsored three families throughout the year and we go out and buy them a lot of gifts for Christmas and Easter as a club,” Mr. Williams said.

“It’s one of my favorite parts of the year.”

Students who are a part of the Brophy Cookie Project are called to sell the cookie jars on Saturdays, buy presents for the selected families with the money raised and deliver the presents personally to the recipients.

“The best part of this club are the drop offs,” said Michael Williams ’13, Mr. Williams’ younger brother. “I get to see the families I am helping out and see their reactions as we give them the things they need.”

Photo by Connor Bradshaw Van Lier Ribbink ’13 Mark Nageotte ’13, Grant Gustafson ’13, Gage Buness ’13 and Mr. Matt Williams ’07 work at the farmers market for the Brophy Cookie Project.

Semi-professional gaming serves as hobby and a passion

By Charles Louis Dominguez ’14

THE ROUNDUP For some, video gaming is something that ends as a childhood pastime.

This is not the case for Paine Harris ’13, a semiprofessional “Dota 2” player.

“Dota 2” is an online action real-time strategy game.

Players can gain early access to the game through an invitation process. Those seeking to play the game find friends who are in possession of “keys” that allow people to access “Dota 2” through Steam, a gaming service.

The objective of the game requires destroying the enemy’s base, providing a steep learning curve for players.

It’s a team effort, Harris said.

“With a lot of video games nowadays, it’s easy to just run in and play by yourself, getting the most points, but this game is really about communication,” Harris said. “The most appealing aspect to me is being able to work with four other guys towards a common goal.”

Harris currently dedicates much of his time outside of school to the game, playing semiprofessionally.

“Professionally for me would be being financially independent through the game, so only devoting

your time towards that, practicing every day,” Harris said. “Semi-professionally for me is practicing when I can and playing in a league where there is a potential cash prize.”

Still, money and winning are not the main goal for him.

“It’s definitely a hobby,” Harris said. “It’s not something that I could see as a career; I could see it as a very serious hobby.”

Through Steam, Harris said he has currently dedicated around 700 hours to “Dota 2.”

When asked what keeps him coming back he cites the variety that the game offers, and being very interested in the mental stimulation that it entails, comparing it to chess.

“If you meet up with another person who plays “Dota 2” and they’re into it like you are, you can spend hours just talking about games,” Harris said.

Although it has not been released publicly yet, he imagines that it’s going to be extremely wellreceived, already having garnered a small but dedicated community.

“It’s definitely going to be a very, very popular game when it’s officially released,” Harris said.

Although it is not currently as popular as games such as “League of Legends,” seniors Miles Kent ’13 and Cole Walsh ’13 are among a small Brophy community that plays “Dota 2.”

Math teacher Mason competes in tournaments, strives to be karate master

By Nick May ’13

THE ROUNDUP Children and adults competing in and watching a martial arts tournament Nov. 10 fill a quiet, dully lit conference room at the Hilton Scottsdale hotel.

After waiting for her peers to display their skills, Ms. Jessie Mason stepped up to show off her black belt karate abilities.

“I’m a first degree black belt,” Ms. Mason said. “Black belt is the highest rank you can achieve, but within the black belt, there are 10 different degrees. First degree is the lowest, that’s what I am, and 10th degree is the highest.

Ms. Mason practices a specific type Photo by Nick May ’13 of martial arts known as Shaolin Kempo.

“I do Shaolin Kempo through Ms. Jessie Mason competes in the Shaolin Kempo martial arts competition on Nov. 10.

Z-Ultimate studios of Self Defense. the trip yet, but I plan to in the future,” was about 19. I had gone to pick up It’s based out of China, and the studio Ms. Mason said. my youngest brother from martial arts Mason has only just recently begun and I’d shown up early to watch him travels to China every few years to train with the monks there. I haven’t gone on practicing Shaolin Kempo. practice. As I watched, I immediately “I first started martial arts when I

knew that I wanted to join martial arts too,” Ms. Mason said.

Ms. Mason has been able to compete and win at a high level after just a few years of training.

“I’ve competed in tournaments twice now. In the most recent one, I took fourth in black belt women’s sparring.

Honestly I don’t remember how I did in the first competition, that was years ago, when I was a lowly orange belt,” Ms. Mason said. She has accelerated at her sport quickly but said it has not been easy.

“The black belt tests are pretty intense. My test was eight hours with six of them outside in a black, heavy weight uniform, on a day that was over 100 degrees,” she said.

Achieving her black belt took a toll on Ms. Mason physically.

“At the end, I was on such an adrenaline high that I only felt the exhilaration of becoming a black belt. The exhaustion, soreness and inability to move a muscle without extreme pain didn’t hit until

two days later,” she said.

While martial arts takes up a large amount of Ms. Mason’s time, she also has other hobbies.

“I have a couple of other hobbies, the main ones are writing and rock climbing.

I’m editing the final draft of a novel that I’ve been working on since grad school, and hope to have it published in the next year or so,” Ms. Mason said.

Being trained in the martial arts might also help Ms. Mason gain respect from her students.

“I think it’s cool that Ms. Mason practices karate. I definitely try to be good in her class in case she uses her skills on me,” said Mark Esslinger ’13.

Fortunately for her students, Ms. Mason has never used her skills on one of them.

“Nope, I’ve never used my martial arts on a student. I wonder if the administration would let me,” Ms. Mason said.

Opinions The Roundup | December 2012 Staff Editorial

Community recognizes more than just athletic talents The Issue: It can be easy for talented students to become overshadowed in a large community.

Our Stance: We commend the student body and administration for embracing different talents over the past few months.

W

hen we come to Brophy, we are basically taught from day one to show our school pride and support for the Broncos.

During orientation, freshmen go through “cheer camp” and learn tried and true ways to express enthusiasm for the football and basketball teams.

However, last month a different type of cheering echoed through Brophy—for a much different reason.

Last month’s Fine Arts Showcase had the entire school cheering for the creative souls that make Brophy tick: the actors, musicians and artists who don’t typically have audiences nearly as large as the football team.

Compare two recent events: the semifinal playoff football game against Mountain Pointe and the Fine Arts Extravaganza.

Both had packed audiences. Easily more than 1,000 supporters turned out at both of these events to support the talents that run through the Brophy community.

On Friday night musicians, photographers, writers and painters packed the stands to cheer for the football team.

The next Tuesday night, football players and coaches were among many who packed the Mall to watch student bands perform.

The Roundup applauds Student Council and the greater Brophy community for vocalizing their

Photo by Dalton Radcliffe ’13 Miles Kent ’13 performs stand up comedy at the Fine Arts Extravaganza Nov. 20 in the Brophy Art Gallery.

support for all types of talents.

Brophy isn’t just a community of athletes—it’s a community of students who shine in their own ways.

The steps the community has taken to embrace all talents are commendable and should be continued into the future.

We always call ourselves a community, and as of late we’ve been putting it into action through our support of every student.

Students, continue to get to know what your

peers love to do, and continue to support these activities.

Show up to a play or choir or orchestra performance next time it rolls around and appreciate the skill involved.

Check out the drawings and photographs that are often displayed around campus, and give the artist some props next time you see him.

Arts enrich our lives in many ways, and if you’re not willing to support them, then the only one missing out is you.

Most importantly, remember that some of the most talented students in our community don’t always wear jerseys.

Staff editorial written by Julian De Ocampo ’13 and Jackson Santy ’13.

Staff editorials represent the view of The Roundup. Share your thoughts by e-mailing roundup@brophybroncos.org or leave comments online at roundup.brophyprep. org.

Club diversity fosters student involvement, enthusiasm Robotics, politics, high school experience, club music, service. engagement is often just as You name it; Brophy essential and rewarding as has a club for it. taking AP classes, playing Such diversity not only sports or attending Mass. encourages students to Personally, the experiences I become more involved have had as part of the Science in the community but Bowl Team and Key Club have also affords them the been some of the greatest and

By Aakash Jain ’14 chance to seek new most meaningful of my time The Roundup interests. at Brophy so far.

Though justifiably Clubs allow us to embrace overshadowed by other aspects of the the Grad at Grad theme of being “Open

Question THE ROUNDUP

What is one of your favorite activities to do after school?

Not only does having such a wide range of clubs encourage students to expand their horizons, but it also fosters a sense of community among the student body.

In addition, clubs encourage students to develop a sense of teamwork.

Even leadership qualities can be fostered in a student club. In fact, what better atmosphere is there to cultivate student leadership?

Furthermore, each club is unique in terms of what it brings to the table.

Service clubs, like Key Club and NHS,

promote humility and the importance of serving others.

Academic clubs, like Academic Decathlon and Knowledge Masters, encourage students to challenge themselves intellectually and learn new things with their peers.

The list of clubs at Brophy is so long that it can sometimes be overwhelming, but that is perhaps one of the school’s greatest gifts to its students.

“Hanging out with friends.”

– Danny Murego ‘16

“Going out to lunch with friends.”

– Connor Zautke ‘15

of the Month

By P.J. Binsfield ’15

to Growth.”

They allow us to step out of our comfort zones and try something new— maybe even make some new friends.

If we are lucky, we might find something we really enjoy, even excel in. When that happens, students really begin to thrive.

When we meet people with similar interests and spend time with them, it offers us the indispensable opportunity to learn from each other and grow as individuals.

“Writing a newsletter.”

– Alex Le ‘15

“Climbing trees.’”

– Edward Nolan ‘15

Opinions

Page 6 | December 2012

The Roundup

Excused absence policy needs revisions, flexibility Current policy can prohibit involvement in extra curriculars and retreats I’ll be honest: I miss a lot of school.

Because I do policy debate as part of the Speech and Debate team, and because the tournament schedule is rigorous, my teammates and I must travel to many tournaments in different states across the country.

However, our excused absence policy puts a strain on my ability to continue to debate on a national level, at least if I want to participate in other activities.

According to the disciplinary handbook, “Brophy considers more than six personal excused absences or three unexcused absences per semester

excessive. A student who misses more than six on vacation. periods for a particular class because of For students who do activities non-school related activities, or a total that force them to travel, such as of 10 absences for any reason (including debate, crew, soccer or many other Brophy-related activities) may be placed extra-curricular activities, their time on a special attendance contract by the involvement and commitment can Dean of Students and receive additional potentially be punished in the form disciplinary consequences.” of missing spiritual retreats that are This makes sense; students should not integral to a student’s experience at miss a large number of days because it Brophy. makes it extremely difficult for We should change the policy to

By Joe Skoog ’13 them to stay involved in classes. make exceptions for activities, as However, the way days are long as the student can prove that The Roundup counted is not fair to all students. they can make up their work and For example, I will miss a total of seven days for stay ahead in classes. debate tournaments this semester, but because of Additionally, the policy does not account for Brophy’s 10 day limit on excused absences, I am unexpected variables such as a sudden death in the unable to attend a Kairos Retreat. I’m traveling for family, an illness or some other short notice crisis. a school activity—it’s not like I am on the beach Ten days is the limit, period.

There are always things that occur in one’s life that a stringent policy such as the current one does not take into account, but we shouldn’t have to throttle back our involvement just in case something happens.

Since we are supposed to be independent and more committed to their education, give students the tools to make their own decisions, and prove to the Dean and the school as a whole that we can engage in good time allocation and show maturity.

This is not to say that extra-curricular activities are on the same plane of importance as school, because they are obviously not. Instead, Brophy’s policy should take into consideration the many unexpected circumstances that can happen in a student’s life and the value of other activities.

So even if I miss a lot of school for debate, I should still be able to miss a little more for Kairos.

Student artists should display their work more often, off campus Influx of recent creative talent leaves me in awe, wanting more The month of November has been a very hectic with Thanksgiving and weird schedules, yet at very same time, it has been filled with a lot of art and talent, especially at events such as the Fine Arts Extravaganza.

I have noticed a lot of talented artists come out of the Fine Arts Extravaganza and after talking to many different

By Michael Ahearne ’14

The Roundup bands and many artists, it surprises me how much talent students have, yet we

don’t see enough of it in and outside of school.

Some bands are just one-time acts, only getting together for the FAE. I find this very unfortunate because they seem really talented, and I wish some of them would perform more outside of school.

At the same time, though, I can see it being tough keeping a band together and having rehearsal when you have school work and tests to study for.

The one thing that I so desperately want to see more and more of is art.

After going to the FAE, I have seen

so much from gifted students and their beautiful pieces of work they, but I don’t just want to see this beauty once or twice a year.

The more I see, the more I want.

BLAM does a great job of encouraging and showcasing art, but only releases a book of art each year.

Everyone should bookmark the BLAM website, blam.brophyprep.org, for more updates throughout the year.

There is art in classrooms, displayed in various hallways and streaming on a wide screen TV in Eller, but I think the

talent deserves more public showcases.

I wish students could have a larger outlet to show off their art to the greater community.

They are so gifted, so I wonder why they don’t show off their art to those outside of Brophy.

I think they should submit their art to outside of school activities and events, to help themselves get exposure outside of school.

I am really excited to see what art students create and look forward to the future of Brophy art.

Students defined by more than just academic achievements, GPA Involvement outside of class key to 4-year experience

stress, while for freshman and sophomores, many are trying to find themselves and what they enjoy and wish to participate in.

Besides the daily stress from A student’s life at any high school homework, family and friends, Brophy can be extremely stressful and full of students are expected to go above and surprises, both good and bad. beyond what is expected of them.

At Brophy, there is an emphasis to be With more than 50 active clubs, from an active member of the community, the Key Club to the Monty Python both in sports and extracurricular club, the average student has many of activities or both. ways to explore and see what he enjoys With the plethora of clubs and the and hopes to do after graduation. high standards for students, Students have the ability to

By Jack Macias ’14 there are many chances for a go on retreats for all four years, The Roundup student to feel overwhelmed in from the frosh retreat to Kairos as the daily routine. juniors and seniors, some of which require multiple For juniors and seniors, college applications and days away from campus. the SATs and ACTs contribute too much of the

Even though all of this might cause stress, ultimately it is what will define our high school experience.

Even though all of this might cause stress, ultimately it is what will define our high school experience.

While many students come to Brophy for the Jesuit education, this is not what ends up defining them at this school.

What do you think?

Let us know Letters to the Editor and Online Commenting Policies The Roundup provides an open forum for public comments, criticism and debate. Submit letters to the editor to roundup@brophyprep. org or to Mr. Mulloy in room E331. Letters must not exceed 300 words and must include your full name and a phone number or E-mail address. All letters will be verified with the author before printed.

The Roundup reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, style, context and inappropriate content. Letters will be printed as space allows.

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A student’s GPA is a great indicator of how you did academically and how you performed during your four years, but it does not show what the student did outside of school and what that person took advantage of during high school.

Looking back on one’s high school career 20 or more years from now, one might remember some particular classes were hard, or that one teacher was mean.

But what really will stick out is the activities that the student participated in.

At Brophy, good grades are required to get in, excel and graduate, yet that is not what defines a Brophy student.

A Brophy student is defined by a combination of his grades, sports, clubs, activities and experiences.

December: Austin Norville ’15

The Roundup Staff Member of the Month

Sports The Roundup | December 2012

Riding

Longboar d

Photo by John Esslinger ’15 Mark Esslinger ’13 performs a stand up slide on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix this October. Students longboard together after school and on weekends around the Valley.

Longboarders shred local hills after school, on weekends Students seek adrenaline, down hill slopes, camaraderie

By Alec Vick ’15

T

THE ROUNDUP

he school is one body of people until the bell rings at the end of the day.

At 2:46 baseball players go from practice to Gardening Club to club baseball practice. Football players go from conditioning to Best Buddies to tutoring sessions. The options are limitless.

Then there’s longboarders. Most longboarders at Brophy go on weekends to their local hill, or travel long ways to a hill with their friends.

Some go every day, whether that be 30 minutes away from their house, or as close as their driveway.

Streets along slopes of Phoenix mountain ranges, such as Camelback or South Mountain, are favorites among the sites of local longboarders.

A longboard consists of a board that is finely cut and shaped to the riders liking, four soft wheels perfect for their specifications on sliding, and trucks that hold the wheels in place with the board.

A longboarder typically wears an outfit with a

helmet, knee pads, slide gloves and skate shoes.

Once on the hill, the longboarder propels himself down the hill at breakneck speeds only to come into a slide or a combination of a few. “(Longboarding) is my escape from the real world. It relieves me from all my stress,” said Joey Underwood ’15.

A slide is when the rider forces the board along the pavement on the wheels. Slides come in many forms and many riders have mastered the basics, but not all too often is it that you find a rider who knows almost everything about the hobby.

“It makes me feel so powerful, like nothing can

stop me,” said Jack Werner ’15.

Longboarders come from all over when a slidejam is hosted, a tournament of longboarders.

Winners receive anything from cash prizes to bragging rights depending how big the jam is.

Although the fun of longboarding is often overshadowed by the danger that coincides with it, to the longboarders in Phoenix, a 20 foot downhill fall is nothing but a small scratch.

“I can’t really describe the feeling when I get on a longboard, of course I feel the adrenaline, but something that I think even overpowers that is the freedom,” said Michael Abert ’15.

Senior Croom defines himself through local indoor rock climbing Climbing provides mental, physical tests

By Andrew Marini ’13 & Michael Moroney ’13

THE ROUNDUP With his hands covered in chalk, Jonathan Croom ’13 swings from rock to rock with ease.

Croom frequently spends his time after school, doing what he loves, rock climbing.

On any given weekday afternoon Croom can be found hanging upside down on a rock wall at AZ on The Rocks.

He also climbs at Phoenix Rock Gym with the AZ Inferno climbing team.

Croom does not climb up the walls while strapped into ropes; he is able to climb without the support of cable, which is called “free climbing.”

However, Croom doesn’t just climb up the walls, he climbs upside down, as well as jumps from rock to rock in ways not typically seen by the average person.

“It is a great test both mentally and

“To me, climbing is like moving meditation.”

—Mr. Neil Murphy ’06

Online: Watch a video of Croom rock climbing at roundup.brophyprep.org

physically and it really is a great all around sport,” Croom said.

When asked to demonstrate his

workout routine he just smiled and said, “Oh yeah, it’s really nothing special.” He jumped from pull-up bar to pull-up bar using solely upper body strength.

“To me, climbing is like moving meditation,” said Mr. Neil Murphy ’06, another avid rock climber and Alumni Service Corp member.

Chalk coating his hands, and climbing shoes strapped on tight, Croom doesn’t hook into a harness; he free climbs with nothing but a cushion to catch him if he were to make the 20-foot fall.

Croom practices his swings and lunges on the rock surface with no fear of what would happen if he slips or falls.

“I typically spend three to four days a week at the rock walls,” Croom said.

“Some places I’m looking to go to college are great places for rock climbing, like at Colorado College.”

Gaining his strength from his workouts and just repeatedly climbing since the sixth grade, Croom said he has turned a hobby into passion.

The Roundup

Page 8 | December 2012

Basketball begins regular season with ups and downs Basketball starts season with win over Mountain Pointe Brophy 52 Mountain Pointe 39

By Christian Guerithault ’14 THE ROUNDUP

The Broncos started off their basketball season by not letting Mountain Pointe lead at any point in the game on Brophy’s way to a 13 point victory Nov. 27 at home.

Max Kufel ’15 and Tim Kempton ’13 led the Broncos along with a team effort on defense.

“Our zone helped us,” said head basketball coach Mr. Tony Fuller. “They’re a very athletic team so we tried to see if they could shoot. Fortunately for us they did not make many shots tonight. I’m sure we’re going to see them again.”

Kufel led the Broncos in scoring with 16 points, he also tallied six assists, four rebounds and a steal.

“We really played well tonight, we pushed the ball, we moved the ball around really well and I think that’s how I got my advantages on the court,” Kufel said.

Broncos drop 1st loss of the season against Horizon

Brophy 66 Horizon 79

By P. Erik Meyer ’14 THE ROUNDUP

Kempton scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Thursday, Nov. 29 at Horizon High School.

“It was a good individual performance, but basketball is a team game,” Mr. Fuller said. “Great

players make their teams better, they carry their team to great heights.”

Despite Kempton’s performance the team lost by 13, 79-66.

“He had a good game, but we can’t be a one man team, we have to move the ball,” Mr. Fuller said.

“Obviously we came up short as a team,” Kempton said. “We didn’t play up to the standards that we set for ourselves.”

The Broncos kept the game close throughout the first half, trailing by two at halftime.

Broncos rebound after loss, knockoff Westwind Prep Brophy 72 Westwind Prep 32

By P. Erik Meyer ’14

The Broncos walked off the court Friday, Nov. 30 with grins on their faces after beating Westwind Prep by 40 points.

One night after their first loss of the season and giving up 79 points, the Broncos turned the tables.

Westwind shot 26 percent on 11 of 42 for the game.

Kufel finished with 18 points, five rebounds, five steals and shot 50 percent from the field.

“We moved the ball and got other people involved,” Mr. Fuller said. “Tim was fabulous in that after coming off last nights game where he scored all the points and we lost, he took it upon himself to move the ball and get it to his teammates and spread the wealth and we were able to get a win.”

THE ROUNDUP

Soccer kicks off new season with 2 wins and top five matchup Broncos score early goal, hang on to beat Tolleson Brophy 1 Tolleson 0

Tolleson was finally able to break down the line and win a corner after a defensive clearance.

The rest of the half was a constant change of possession with both teams struggling to keep possession of the ball for extended periods of time.

By Nick May ’13

THE ROUNDUP Riggs Lennon ’13 scored in the fifth minute against Tolleson, which would be the only point of the match and seal a 1-0 Brophy win.

The goal came after Justice Kelly ’13 headed a corner by Ryan Grotjohn ’13 to the feet of Lennon.

“It’s always great to score for the team.

It always feels good,” Lennon said.

After 15 minutes of constant pressure,

Five second half goals power Brophy to rout of Chaparral Brophy 6 Chaparral 0

By Nick May ’13

THE ROUNDUP Lennon scored a hat trick and had an assist in Brophy’s 6-0 win over the

Chaparral Firebirds.

Chaparral’s best chance of the game came after a long throw in led to a close range header, but it was batted by the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Phil Mourikes ’14.

Brophy went up 1-0 in the 25th minute after Grotjohn drove a corner to a near post. Lennon made a run to the near post to deflect the corner past the keeper.

Just 45 seconds after the start of the second half, Grotjohn floated a through ball over the defense to Lennon who beat the keeper with his footwork and tapped in his second goal into an empty net to make it 2-0.

Six minutes after the game’s second

Photo by Nick May ’13 The team prepares for game against Tolleson Nov. 27. The Broncos won 1-0.

goal, Cesar Alcantara ’13 passed to Adam Mosharrafa ’14 who played the ball to Colin Zaccagnio ’13, who struck the ball from 10 yards past the

keeper for his first goal of the season and the third goal of the game.

Sports Online: Read complete game articles and analysis, and see more photos at roundup.brophyprep.org Twitter: Follow The Roundup’s sports reporters for in-game score updates @BrophySports

Students bring commitment and discipline to gym through strenuous exercise

By Michael Moroney ’13 and Joe Skoog ’13

THE ROUNDUP For some students, working out is as much about mental health as it is about physical health.

“What I love about a hard workout is that it helps me find what I am made of. Once you hit exhaustion, you have to dig deep inside,” said Austin Groen ’13.

After years of never working out, Groen decided to change his lifestyle when he started working out as part of the Brophy wrestling team in his sophomore year.

“I was tired of my unhealthy lifestyle,” he said. “I

started lifting weights and eating wholesome foods and my life is radically different because of this change.”

Groen’s weightlifting includes power and Olympic lifting, as well as gymnastic and aerobic workouts for well-rounded workouts.

Other Brophy students workout with a similar motivation, including Demetrios Tsirigotis ’13, who said he works out five to six times a week.

Tsirigotis began seriously exercising after participating in the Spartan Run last February, which is fitting because of his large build and Greek ancestry.

“It has actually turned into something I enjoy a ton and something that I can constantly get better

in,” he said. “There are always ways to be better with weight training.”

Tsirigotis said he likes to vary his workouts with a mix of cardio and weight training.

“I think that variation is the most important part of working out. When you find workouts that you like, you take some from them and then add to and improve them,” he said. “By introducing variation in your workouts, your body doesn’t have time to really adapt to one exercise, and this stimulates more muscle growth.”

Like Groen, Tsirigotis also said that to commit to staying in shape, the right meals are key.

“The best way to stay in shape is by maintaining a healthy diet with little to no processed food,”

Tsirigotis said.

Groen works out every day at CrossFit Scottsdale, where he goes through the intensive CrossFit program that incorporates a myriad of exercises into competition.

“I started CrossFit after seeing the CrossFit Games on ESPN,” he said. “It is a combination of Olympic and power lifting, gymnastic movements, sprints, and any other functional moves.”

Groen finished third in his first ever CrossFit competition in October, when he competed against men of all ages, including Brophy Spanish teacher Mr. Christopher Ramsey.

Students meet up at Village Racquet and Health Clubs for fitness and socializing Private club provides fitness venue outside of campus

By Chase Bayless ’15

THE ROUNDUP On any given day, the vibrant scene at Villages Health Clubs across the Valley consists of Brophy students.

There are four Village Health Clubs located in the Phoenix and Scottsdale

area with the Camelback and Gainey branches being the most popular.

The Village is just one of the many different places students gather at to exercise and socialize.

Frequent attendees of the Village say it is a place students can hang out and have fun after school and on the weekends.

Groups of students can regularly be seen socializing and playing sports together.

“It’s a great place to meet up and

exercise with friends,” said Stephen Casillas ’15.

The Village has sports facilities, workout equipment, group exercise classes, pools and much more.

The sports facilities such as basketball, tennis and racquetball and squash courts are many of the students’ favorites.

“My favorite thing is playing pick-up basketball games,” said Zane Adelson ’15.

One aspect of why students said they

are drawn to the Village is fitness.

There are some students who use the amenities to train for sports and others who use it to stay fit.

There are strength training areas with weights and all types of exercise equipment available.

Two big rooms are filled with everything from squat racks and bench presses to pull-up bars and everything in between.

“I like to lift and play basketball at the

Village,” Casillas said.

They have advanced work out systems and machines such as Kinesis, which is meant to increase muscle strength and leanness.

Some of the cardio options include treadmill, stationary bikes, elliptical machines and stairclimbers.

After a workout, students said they like to recover in the locker rooms that have saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and showers inside.

The Roundup

December 2012 |

Page 9

25th consecutive state title caps off quarter century of swimming dominance

By P. Erik Meyer ’14

THE ROUNDUP Brophy swim capped off their “Drive to 25” campaign this year with their 25th consecutive state championship.

“It’s truly a culmination of 30 years of work,” said head swimming coach Mr. Patrick O’Neill. “We started in 1980 with the winning tradition that we’ve had, and we have lost it once in the last 32 years.”

Since 1980, Brophy swim and dive has won 31 state championships, the only year without a championship is 1987.

“We’re standing on the shoulders of a lot of great athletes and a couple of really, really good coaches,” Mr. O’Neill said. “We’re happy to be just a piece of the 25 years.”

The team has featured two Olympians, John Simons ’79 and Gary Hall Jr. ’93.

Mr. Hall could not be reached for an interview.

“It’s a privilege to be involved with such a well-respected program,” Mr. O’Neill said. “The reason we’re successful here at Brophy is because more of our kids work harder than all the other swimmers in the state, that’s just a fact. It’s a privilege to be involved

with kids who have such a great work ethic.”

That legacy that began in 1980 has carried over to this year’s team.

“Twenty-five consecutive titles means that Brophy swimming is going to compete wherever it swims,” said Ryan McCoy ’14. “We’re not going to stop competing until we get the W.” As the season progresses, it is a habit for the team to look ahead to the state meet.

“It’s a little bit harder to get them to focus on the dual meets, especially when there really is not a big challenge in some of them,” Mr. O’Neill said.

“What we really focus on is invitational meets. We have 20-30 schools up against us, so month to month we really try to focus on the invitational.”

The athletes however, said they haven’t forgotten what it takes to advance to the title though.

“I don’t really try to look ahead, just try to stay in the moment and see what I can do better and work out, “McCoy said. “I just try to keep focused on my next race and how that’s going to go.”

Mr. O’Neill said the outlook is bright for the continuation of the streak.

“We’re only losing six of the 18 kids who were here this year and there’s a

Photo courtesy of Brophy Swim Team Brohpy record relay swimmers Brad Dorsey ’14, Jonas Fowler ’13, Ryan McCoy ’14, Luke Williams ’13, TJ Decker ’13 and Colby Palivathuhal ’14 pose for a photo at the High School Classic in Tucson.

tremendous group of eighth graders interested in applying to Brophy who

have strong swimming backgrounds,” Mr. O’Neill said. “We’re looking good

for the next couple of years.”

Tymins determined to succeed in the world of golf through diligent practice

By Logan J. Hall ’14

THE ROUNDUP To the members of Paradise Valley Country Club, some normal sights consist of kids splashing in the pool, endless rows of golf carts and Austin Tymins ’13 on the putting green.

He spends countless hours on the driving range perfecting his strokes and earning his team nickname “the hammer.”

Paradise Valley country club regular Phil Meyer ’14 said that he sees Tymins on the course almost

every time he goes to the club.

“Every time I go to PVCC, I see Austin Tymins tenaciously perfecting his golf game and becoming the best player he can possibly be,” Meyer said.

The varsity golfer practices his game there four days a week and even plays rounds on the weekends.

Tymins and the game of golf have a history together, spanning as far back as 15 years.

“I went out to the golf course for the first time when I was three years old, but I actually started playing tournaments when I was nine,” Tymins said.

Tymins was part of the Brophy varsity team that

took state last year. This was the first state title that the team has had in 12 years. This year the team took third.

“My junior year we won the Arizona High School State Championship, and I was on that five person team,” Tymins said. “This year I didn’t play as well, and our team came in third by three strokes.”

The golf course means far more to Tymins than to the average golfer.

“It provides me a chance to really consider myself and just reflect,” Tymins said.

As for college golf, Tymins has offers from east coast schools such as Swarthmore and Amherst

College. He said he is undecided as is even considering walking on to the best school he gets in to.

There is more to life for Tymins than just golf.

He is an avid participant in intramural sports and regularly attends football games.

“I play all the intramural sports. I’m an excellent handball goalie, one of the best in the school,” Tymins said.

Tymins said he also likes watching television outside of golf and considers the show “Nashville” his favorite.

Veteran team manager Levine prepares for busy schedule ahead Connor Bradshaw Van Lier Ribbink ’13

THE ROUNDUP Scott Levine ’13 has tried out for the Brophy varsity soccer team two years now without the hope of even playing a second on the field.

Despite that he holds a role on the team that no other player could do: team manager Levine is the only team manager with

a year of experience under his belt.

“I have a love of sports,” Levine said.

“But I’m only a decent athlete at best. I like soccer and it’s a great way for me to get involved here at Brophy.”

Levine has been soccer’s team manager since his junior year and was with the team every step of the way throughout their run to the championship game.

“Frankly speaking, in the past we had managers who didn’t really understand

their role, so they played the part of bench-warmer,” said Mr. Marc Kelly ’87. “While he does warm the bench for others, as a true man-for-others would, Scotty willingly takes on new duties and responsibilities and I know that if I ask him to do something, it’s done with the finest attention to detail.”

Some might say team managers aren’t a true part of the team, or they don’t contribute to a win.

According to the soccer team this

Out of Left Field

couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“There are a ton of pros for having a team manager,” said David Lane ’13.

“He makes practices move a lot quicker, he can motivate the team at times, and he is good to have around.”

Levine, who said he was motivated to become a team manager by John Medici ’12, goes to every practice, game and tournament to do the behind the scenes work.

“Each day I do little things like pump

By Alec Vick ’15 THE ROUNDUP

Eli or Peyton Manning?

Pepsi or Coke?

College Football or NFL?

Class or Swag?

Freddy Erlandson ’15 Basketball

Peyton

Pepsi

NFL

Class

Jamessa Snooka ’14 Volleyball

Eli

Gatorade

College

Swag

Fergus Shanks ’15 Soccer

Peyton

Coke

College

Swag

Brock Christy ’15 Swimming

Peyton

Coke

NFL

Class

up soccer balls, clean up the locker room, take stats and give the occasional motivation speech to those willing to listen,” Levine said.

This year Levine is already hard at work, preparing for the early part of the season and his teammates say they appreciate it.

“The whole team recognizes Scott as a member of the team and if we win state this year he would get a ring along with the rest of us,” Lane said.

Want more #Sports?

Need more scores, stats and analysis? Looking for more photos and team previews?

We’ve got just the place.

roundup.brophyprep.org Twitter: @BrophySports

Entertainment The Roundup | December 2012

Packed venues of musicians fill FAE schedule

By Julian De Ocampo ’13 & Roan Enright ’13

THE ROUNDUP

W

aves of instruments flooded onto campus for the annual four-hour long Fine Arts Extravaganza held

Nov. 20 The FAE served as a showcase for the musical talents of hundreds of students across all grade levels.

Choirs, orchestra and individual instrumentalists including, accordionist Michael O’Gara ’14, played in the Chapel.

The larger Black Box Theater was home to many of Brophy’s larger ensembles such as jazz bands, Weapons of Mass Percussion and Wind Ensemble.

But after 7:40 the theater became a more informal space organized by Keaton Leander ’13 that housed many larger student bands.

City Kids, a band of juniors with previous FAE experience, kicked the night off. They were followed by Reed and the Gentlemen, a band featuring Will Harris ’15.

Saint Rosemary, consisting of Leander, Jeff Bennett ’13, Mark Miller ‘13, Michael Lucero ’13 and Xavier senior Carlee Chappell played next. The band, featuring many longtime Brophy musicians, played to a packed crowd.

They were followed by underclassmen band Soldiers of Virtue.

The theater filled with students as the final act of the entire night, Backstreet Brophy (Quinn Grady ’13, Kyle Chalmers ’13, Jake Kufel ’13, Jake Petty ‘13 and Austin Groen ’13,) took the stage.

The act performed the hits of boy-bands of decades past such as the Backstreet Boys to a raucous crowd.

“I felt Backstreet Brophy’s performance went incredibly well. The crowd, girls especially, seemed really into it and sang along with all of our lyrics,” Grady said. “I think Nick Carter would be proud.”

The mall stage, organized by Jared Grady ’15, greeted new visitors early in the night with the sounds of The Band Real, a jam band coalition of various Musician’s Exchange Club members.

After an intermission, the stage was once again filled with sound as senior band You Wouldn’t Believe took the stage to play a number of alternative hits from bands like Walk the Moon and The Arctic Monkeys.

They were followed by sophomore band The Burgeois, who quickly charmed the crowd with their rendition of The Strokes’ beloved single “Someday,” which added an additional violin to the song.

A jazz combo of various students took the stage after to close out the night’s outdoor musical

Photo by Dalton Radcliffe ’13 Kyle Chalmers ’13 performs with Backstreet Brophy at Fine Arts Extravaganza.

entertainment.

As with last year, the basement of Romley Hall housed the Brophy Art Gallery, which was opened to the public and served as a venue for smaller, often acoustic acts.

These acts ranged from stand up comedy performed by Miles Kent ’13 and Joe Skoog ’13 to a Barbershop Quartet consisting of Nick Centrella ’13, Jeff Bennett ’13, Matt Naslonski ’13 and Phillip Rapa ’14.

But most of the night consisted of acoustic sets such as that by White Noise Radio (Matthew Montes ’15 and Hayden Corwin ’15,) who covered songs by The Pixies and Nirvana.

Additional acts included a performance

by Leonard Gutierrez ’14 and Mr. Paul Fisko, The Mixed Society (Steven Soto ’13 and Xavier students Laura Berens and Meg McCauley,) Chuck & Charles (Charles Dominguez ’14, Greg Goulder ’13 and Kayvon Seif-

Naraghi ’14) and Jacob Browning’14.

Nick Kush ’13 and former Brophy student Matt Mclean, decided to bring in an amp into the acoustic environment.

“Matt and I are friends and we play a lot of music together,” Kush said. “We are the two consistent players in our many projects that we play around in.”

Kush added that they did not play any original material because they “are saving it for the ultimate band vision in mind.”

The duo is currently looking for additional musicians, especially drummers, who would like to join them.

Later, Brendan Bohannan ’14, the cocoordinator of the BAG performances with Kent, performed an acoustic guitar set covering different indie artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel and Father John Misty.

“I tried to make my performance different by

handing out percussion instruments to people down there to almost create a drum circle of sorts. I also attempted to bribe people to come by giving out free candy,” Bohannan said.

“I think the Romley basement provides the perfect atmosphere for this kind of live performance. I have always appreciated when performances are personal,” Bohannan said, “and I think Romley is very personal because of a smaller size and a lack of a physical stage.”

Charles Dominguez closed the night after a long night having performed involved in two jazz bands, wind ensemble, orchestra and two sets in the BAG. Editor’s Note: Charles Dominguez ’14 is a staff member on The Roundup. He was not involved in the making of this article.

Literary and visual submissions draw large crowds for FAE

By Tanner Nypen ’15 & Brett A. Mejia ’13

THE ROUNDUP With more than 400 individual pieces of art and photos and about 15 different literary speakers and authors, the Fine Arts Extravaganza gives an inside look into just how creative Brophy students can be.

As the coffee started to brew just after 6 p.m., students, parents and faculty

gathered in the Student Activities Center, the ceramics room and Brophy’s Art Gallery located on the bottom of Romley Hall to enjoy photos and 2D and 3D art by students. The photos consisted of many elements, themes, locations and characters.

“I think it looks really crowded, and more and more people come to it I think, more and more faculty come to it because they can bring their kids now,

which I think is awesome,” said Mrs. Debbie Cronin. “Parents figured out that they can come and their kids can come…, I really like that.”

The visual art in the ceramics studio and Brophy Art Gallery was created with various mediums such as pencil, charcoal, print, pastel, clay and many other materials. Visitors voted for their favorite artists in each venue, earning cash prizes for the winners.

At around the 7 p.m., BLAM’s literary readings began. Led by BLAM Literary Editor Julian De Ocampo ’13, Managing Editor Jack Flynn ’13, Media and Publicity Editor Alex Chen ’14 and others on the BLAM staff, the event helped create an environment for authors to share their voice.

“We have students reading their poetry, prose and creative nonfiction, all that good stuff and they have the opportunity

to read it out loud,” Flynn said.

The performers were then graded on their presentation of how each contestant read their stories and poems

by BLAM co-moderators Mr. John Damaso ’97 and Mr. Chad Unrein.

The winners were rewarded with a cash prize.

Editor’s note: Julian De Ocampo ’13 is the Co-Editor in Chief for The Roundup and had no part in writing this article.

The Roundup

December 2012 |

Page 11

Apple primary choice of workout meal for Holland Teachers Pet: Dr. Joseph Holland

By Jack Macias ’14

THE ROUNDUP Mr. Hubbell’s question from November 2012’s “Teacher’s Pet”: What is an essential piece of clothing every man should have?

An essentially piece of clothing very man should have are boots.

What was an aspiration of yours when you

were a kid?

I wanted to be a priest.

Where did you attend college?

I did my undergrad at TCU, and I went to grad school at Northwestern University.

What did you study in college?

I did undergrad in chemistry and minored in biology, and in grad school, chemistry.

How can students get a reputable grade in your class?

Students have to take very good notes, study hard

and use their time wisely when they are in class.

What is your favorite period of the day?

Ha, I can’t do that, I can’t choose favorites. I would say lunch, definitely lunch. I enjoy all of my classes.

Why did you choose to teach chemistry?

It is a really fun subject and you do lots of fun stuff while it’s challenging. It’s a really good opportunity to see people try hard and do their best.

What are your hobbies?

Some of my hobbies are powerlifting, Xbox and

“Battlefield.” I like going to church and church groups, stuff like that.

Where do you lift?

I lift at Gorillas Gym. What is your pre-workout meal?

My pre-workout meal is usually an apple. A piece of fruit and then sometimes if it is going to be a particularly hard day, I will drink a Monster.

Pose a question for the next teacher?

Who is your favorite saint, and why?

Bekric spends time outside of school playing ‘Leauge of Legends’ Tanner Nypen ’15

The Roundup Saturday morning Edin Bekric ’15 powers up his computer, selects his favorite music playlist and clicks on the “League of Legends” icon on his desktop.

“It’s relaxing, and it’s a good time waster,” Bekric said.

He plays “League of Legends” on his home computer with friends on weekends. Bekric first started playing this game through his friend Austin Berry ’15.

“This is a game that Edin would like, so I started that and got him into it,” Berry said.

Bekric he will usually play with two to three friends.

He most often can be found playing on his home desktop with his wireless headset for talking to friends over Skype or using his Lenovo school laptop.

“League of Legends” is a MOBA, multiplayer online battle arena, game.

Teams of five versus five fight on the

‘field of justice.’ The field of justice is the map that Riot Games, the maker of “League of Legends,” put into the game.

The goal of the game is to reach the other team’s base and destroy their nexus. However each team has several turrets that protect the nexus.

Each player selects one champion to play as on this map, and then picks one of the three lanes on the map.

“The champion that I play most would probably have to be Lee Sin,” Bekric said “He’s such a versatile champion, he has range, he has a slow, and he’s just an all-around good champion.”

Players build the items for their champions depending on how they play.

One example is AP, or ability power.

Some items increase this stat for that champion allowing for the champion’s abilities to become stronger and do more damage.

“My favorite aspect of the game is…I would have to say the option to pick any champion and go off into the field of justice and play against anybody across

the world,” Bekric said. “It kind of connects you with other players and it’s kind of its own community.”

All the players have picked their characters and the game begins to load.

In the action Bekric watches his screen, deciding his plan as he sees the other team’s champions for the first time.

The game loads, and he buys his starting items and begins clicking furiously with his mouse and his character moves to the top lane.

This 40-minute game has begun and Bekric is ready to lead his team to a victory.

As the game goes on Bekric begins stockpiling gold by killing his opponents.

Soon his team will cause enough damage to their enemies to force them back to a final defense of the nexus.

Bekric and his team kill all the enemy champions, gaining a window to destroy the nexus.

Bekric’s team has not wasted this

Photo by Tanner Nypen ’15 Edin Bekric ’15 playing Leauge of Legends on his Tablet.

window and they destroy the nexus and win the game.

“I would call myself mediocre (as a

player), because there is still a lot to learn,” Bekric said.

»broncobeat.brophyprep.org

Eclecticism characterizes 2012’s best albums, singles

By Julian De Ocampo ’13

THE ROUNDUP

List-making is part of the fundamental order of human nature, isn’t it?

We rank to understand, we rank to put things in context and we rank because it’s fun.

Music taste is never entirely independent; we rely on critics, peers, charts, rankings and more to help form what we do and don’t like.

I have been writing The Roundup’s best albums of the year column for three years now, and I have to say I’m going to miss it.

This isn’t the perfect list, but I hope someone out there can find something that really connects with them through my suggestions.

I did not listen to every good album in 2012 by a long shot, but I heard so many works that have enriched my life and helped function as a soundtrack to my final year of high school. I hope this list provides at least a few suggestions next time you’re looking for a song or album to listen to.

So without further ado, the best music of 2012:

Singles: 5. The Mountain Goats – “Cry for Judas” 4. Cloud Nothings – “Stay Useless” 3. Sky Ferreira – “Everything is Embarrassing” 2. Frank Ocean – “Pyramids” 1. Icona Pop (feat. Charli XCX) – “I Love

It” A pure distillation of euphoric energy, this is what pop music should sound like.

Albums: 10. Grimes – “Visions” 9. Kendrick Lamar – “good kid, m.A.A.d city” 8. Chairlift – “Something” 7. Titus Andronicus – “Local Business” 6. Dirty Projectors – “Swing Lo Magellan” 5. Purity Ring – “Shrines” 4. Lana Del Ray – “Born to Die”

Top Three: 3. Japandroids – “Celebration Rock” Celebratory music is supposed to be big, isn’t it?

Celebration music should have cues for horn sections and be danceable and have as many musicians on the stage as possible.

But Japandroids have never been about the odds.

They’ve always been just two guys on guitar and drums respectively thrashing their instruments so that you can feel some sort of catharsis.

“Celebration Rock” is a celebration of celebrations, the idea that we can rescue ourselves from any pain simply by appreciating the craft of rock-and-roll.

The guitar is full and destructive, as is the propulsive and often manically militaristic drum beat that matches. Every song is peppered with

shout-along sections put on this earth for the sole purpose of fist-pumping.

Japandroids have always made radical statements: that you don’t have to be big to seem big, that you don’t even need to really demonstrate a rudimentary knowledge of music theory to make a classic rock anthem, or most importantly, that you don’t have to make dance music to make party music.

2. Frank Ocean – “Channel Orange” Frank Ocean is an anomaly.

He’s an Odd Future member who shies away for their purely hedonistic tendencies, opting instead to sing heartfelt ballads and meticulous narratives.

He’s a gay male with high art ambitions who makes hip-hop/R&B music, genres previously noted for homophobia.

He topped sales charts with an album so good that it might also be topping critical charts this year.

His most popular song, “Thinking Bout You,” is a subtly crafted masterpiece that has won over a wide audience despite being decidedly unmanly and playing with gender roles.

His debut album, “Channel Orange,” features anomaly after anomaly, with continually inventive and remarkable songs on every issue from privilege (“Sweet Life,” “Super Rich Kids”) to his own sexuality (“Bad Religion”) while peppering in a few remarkably inventive narrative exercises (“Lost”).

I could keep going on about the ground broken by “Channel Orange,” but I think the message is clear:

We need more anomalies like Frank.

1. The Mountain Goats – “Transcendental Youth” For more than two decades now, The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle has worked on what is oftentimes the most underappreciated skill in music: storytelling.

His prolific career has left us with a numerous concepts albums that have culminated in “Transcendental Youth,” a loose concept album about fictional characters living in Washington state.

Loosely based in folk, but far more upbeat and full, the album moves like poetry with Darnielle’s trademark nasal yelp and manic acoustic strumming acting as the common denominator.

Darnielle, who has come far from his early days recording solo tracks onto a boombox, is joined by a full band that never steals the show, but rather works to make a great thing even better.

The expanded arrangements that Darnielle has created with help from a gorgeous horn section help elevate his insightful lyrics to another level.

Whether he’s writing about a drug junkie in “Lakeside View Apartment Suite” or spouting inspirational one-liners in just about every other song on the album, Darnielle’s lyrics are pointed, clever and intensely true.

By the end of the album, we are left with the image of a master lyricist at the top of his game.

Page 12 | December 2012

The Roundup

Xavier

Gator

Jaela Robinson ’15

I’m happy with the outcome and I’m hopeful Obama will do something about our economy, so I am good with it.

By Austin Norville ’15 What was the best political ad THE ROUNDUP you saw and what was the worst?

To be honest, Austin there were no For Roundup purposes can I get good ads. They were all irritating to your name and year?

My name is Jaela Robinson, I am a watch.

Besides Speech and Debate, after sophomore.

Going with the theme of this you leave the campus what is your edition, what is your favorite favorite activity?

I go to piano practice after I finish thing to do after school?

My favorite thing to do after school is homework.

What is your favorite piano song to go to Speech and Debate.

What is the funniest thing that to play?

My favorite piano song is called, has ever happened at Speech and “Legend of Madrid.” debate?

Can you play “Gangam Style” on Funniest thing would be when someone was running their piece and I the piano? started making faces at them during it. I wish I could but I can’t. I could learn it though.

They ended up not finishing.

Why not, it is a very popular Since the election just recently happened, what are your thoughts song?

It’s never occurred to me to learn on the results?

My thoughts on the election are, something like that because… Well I don’t know. I’ll learn it sooner or later.

By Christian Guerithault ’14

THE ROUNDUP

Infoplease.com Have you ever had an essay to write and never knew where to begin your research?

If the answer to the question above is yes then Infoplease.com is your solution.

Infoplease.com is a database that consists of encyclopedias, atlases, thesauruses and other materials used to obtain information about almost anything.

If you would like your research from a specific source such as an almanac, encyclopedia, biography, dictionary or even spell checker then you can narrow your research by selecting one of the choices from the area next to the search bar.

Infoplease.com can be a student’s best friend if they are stuck on a paper and have no idea where to begin their research. Even though the sources may have reliable information, not all sources are primary sources so cite them with caution.

Sporcle.com

Do you ever find yourself bored and looking for something to entertain yourself with?

Sporcle.com is a website where you can take many fun quizzes for free.

If you are looking to test your knowledge about a topic, Sporcle.com has a large variety of subjects.

If you are interested in sports you can take different quizzes about a specific sport, if you are interested in geography you can take different quizzes about the world. These are just a few examples out of many.

It does not matter what your interests are, Sporcle.com will have a fun and entertaining quiz for you.

Campustours.com Not every student can afford to travel around the country visiting colleges.

Why should a student not apply to a college just because they are unable to tour it in person?

For those who are unable to tour colleges they want to, Campustours. com is for you.

Campustours.com is a virtual alternative for visiting many universities around the country.

Just go to campustours.com and search for the university that you would like to visit.

Some of the information presented on the page consists of degrees offered, type of school, tuition, enrollment statistics and much more.

Of course nothing may be as good as experiencing a school’s atmosphere in person, but this is a good alternative to not seeing it at all.

Words from the Wise ... “‘Coach Galante?’That guy’s a nut! He yelled at me!”

-Mr. Gary Galante

“If I comment on Jane Schaeffer then I’ll end up in The Roundup, and then I’ll be in trouble.”

-Ms. Deborah Kauffman

“I expect to see what I just said in the next Roundup edition.”

-Ms. Deborah Kauffman

“Goldilocks, she’s a thug.”

-Dr. Sam Ewing

“All I do is crush dreams on ‘Call of Duty’ nightly.”

-Mr. Scott Heideman

“Hugs, love and unicorns are not included in GDP, but they make us happy.”

-Ms. Kelly Guffey

“Looks like we’re gonna have some sunshine! ” -Brett Mejia ’13

Have you heard any wise words lately? Send them to The Roundup at roundup@brophybroncos.org