Happy Thanksgiving!
The
runswick Chronicle
All The News That Fits We Print
What’s Inside
Issue 3: Thanksgiving 2011
A Look Behind Brunswick Hockey
Headlines
A Look Behing Brunswick Hockey By Peter Khoury A Time to Reflect By Holden Fett
Around Wick
Wick Waterfountain Review Part II (P.2) By Will Peisch Veteran’s Day (P. 4) By Johnny Erdman Campus News (P. 4) By Addison Bennett
Luke Esposito ‘12, Co-Captain of Varsity Hockey Photo Matthew Savitt 2010
Meeting Louis Zamperini (P. 5) By Reed McMurchy Support Our Troops (P. 5) By Curren Iyer LaBL Interview (P. 5) By Curren Iyer “The Man” on Campus: Interview with Robert Fernandez (P. 6) By Curren Iyer
Wick Community
Big Brother (P.3) By Charlie Cassoli
Community Service Update (P.3) By Mr. Montanez
Wick Arts
Intro Improv Concert (P. 7) By Teddy Cassoli Intro Jazz Band (P. 7) By Peter Ciporin Guitar Ensemble (p. 7) By Mark Erichetti
Student Editorials
La Russa Goes Out On Top (P. 8) By Chris Keller Jets Update (P. 8) By Chris Lucey St. Louis Cardinals Analysis (P. 9) By Jonny Mills Occupy Wall Street (P. 9) By Will Ponce
Wick Sports
GA Math Team (P. 10) By Rebecca Duebler
Wick Football Beats Hopkins (P. 10) By William Fein Brown v White Soccer (P. 11) By Jack Seaton Freshman Football (P. 11) By Jack Duggan
Black Comedy Special (p. 12) By Reed McMurchy Photos: Matthew Savitt
Page 1
By Peter Khoury ‘13 Staff Writer
As the fall sports seasons come to a close, there are many reasons for Brunswick students to be excited about the beginning of hockey season. Friday night home-games, huge crowds, and big wins are all things to definitely look forward to as hockey season gets going.
This season, Curt Townshend ‘12 and Luke Esposito ‘12 will be making a documentary on the Brunswick Varsity Hockey team, inspired by HBO’s award winning series “24/7,” which covered last NHL season’s lead up to the annual Winter Classic. At Heinz Field on New Year’s Day 2011, the Pittsburg Penguins and the Washington Capitals faced off
outdoors in the Steel City. Making the game seem even more important than it already seemed, HBO gained four weeks of access to both teams’ locker rooms, practices, and film sessions. This hockey season, Curt and Luke will be filming pre-game speeches, locker room moments, bus rides, overnight trips, and all games and events in which the Brunswick hockey team will participate. For the four months of its season, the Brunswick hockey team is giving Luke and Curt an all-access pass (much like the one HBO got with the Penguins and Capitals) to everything that occurs both on and off the ice. Conducting interviews with certain players on the team, Luke and Curt are seeing to show Brunswick students what life is like during the winter for the Brunswick hockey team. Scheduled to be released in May 2012, the Brunswick Hockey Documentary will run somewhere around 60-90 minutes. Stay tuned for previews, interviews, and other special sneak-peeks as we approach the movie’s release.
A Time to Reflect: Thanksgiving Approaches Holden Fett ‘13 Staff Writer
Brunswick School is a very active place where students rarely have time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture – a world outside grades, sports, and other personal issues. But as we approach Thanksgiving and our five-day vacation, each student should take some time, even just a few minutes, to think about and appreciate how lucky he is to be in the position he is here at Brunswick. First quarter grades might have been lower than desired, and winter sports possibly are getting off to a rocky start, but those setbacks pale in comparison with the opportunities Brunswick offers us. We are all (it is to be hoped) thankful for our families, friends, and teachers, but what is sometimes overlooked is the blessing of attending a school such
as ours. For students who have been here for the long haul, imagining schools different from Brunswick can be difficult, but we all know they still exist. So this Thanksgiving, when we sit down at our tables with our families let us pause to appreciate all we should be thankful
The Chronicle and First Grade wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
for. Take a moment to think how much we owe to Brunswick, and the many advantages we perhaps take for granted. In that moment of silence, let us think about what
actions we can all take to make other kids’ lives better. Brunswick does a great job letting us know about community service opportunities. One such opportunity I found particularly rewarding was this year’s first Midnight Run. The Run opened my eyes to the life of the homeless in New York City. They really can use every item of clothing we give them. By giving them a jacket or pair of pants, we may instill new hope in their hearts, because they may realize that there are people out there who truly care about their wellbeing. So, get involved in the school’s community service! Be thankful and appreciative for all we have this Thanksgiving, but do not forget that there are other people who do not have all the advantages that we may have. Let us all do more to give back to our community this Thanksgiving.
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Around Wick
Wick Waterfountain Review Part II: Sports
The Brunswick Chronicle
The Brunswick Student’s News Source
Editors-In-Chief Jake Matthews ‘12 Matthew Cassoli ‘12 Managing Editor Addison Bennett ‘12 Sports Editor William Fein ‘13
Chief Photographer Matthew Savitt ‘12 Staff Writers
Will Peisch ‘12, will drink water from anywhere in the name of journalism. Photo Matthew Cassoli 2011
hood of a hot car, the noodle udders provide eight individual tubes that I continue my quest to are used to spray your mouth like document all hydration sources a mini garden hose. But much like provided at Brunswick School… the doughnuts in the dining hall, the noodles always seem to go away as soon as people realize they are there. THE PERFECT WATER FOUNTAINS MOST USED AWARD Burke Field House Were these fountains living, Sampson Lower Water Fountain Ever notice you spit a lot I’d be convinced they were the result of genetic modification. These water more when you’re playing sports? fountains are perfect in every way. All Well if you saw these two water seven are identical, the only difference fountains located at the Sampson being their heights above the ground. Field house’s bottom entrance, you Each fountain provides calculated would. Brunswick’s most popular parabolas of cool refreshing water fountains, these two are petri dishes at a rate of 6.5 seconds per cup. for mononucleosis. The left one is And best of all, they have one giant, there for show while the right one round metal button for even the most gives you water at whatever the uncoordinated guys who dislocate temperature is outside at a rate of their shoulders studying. They 9.24 seconds. They’re like Lenny and truly are the Dylan Troy of water George from Of Mice and Men. One is fountains, and offer the perfect drink small and finds working difficult. The for games of “Watch Classmates other is strong and covered in drool. get Angry, Happy, and/or Injured.” EVILEST FOUNTAIN AWARD Sampson Upper Water Fountain This is the water fountain MOST ORIGINAL AWARD of choice for those about to pass Upper Field Fountains This once normal water out from squash workouts, squash fountain, which used to be right next games, or heaving up the stairs to to the soccer scoreboard, now houses find the snack bar closed. The water something that can be best described here is like a squash ball, lobbed high as noodle udders. In lieu of the old to the back corner of the fountain fountain’s water, which tasted like the at a rate of 6:41. The fountain is By Will Peisch ‘12 Senior Hydration Correspondent
Will Peisch ‘12 Peter Khoury ‘13 John Erdman ‘13 Curren Iyer ‘13 Parker Odrich ‘13 Peter Khoury ‘13 Will Ponce ‘13 Jonny Mills ‘13 Mark Erichetti ‘14 Harry Parsons ‘14 Jack Seaton ‘14 Peter Ciporin ‘15
Devin Mehra ‘12 Sean Forester ‘13 Holden Fett ‘13 Logan Vorwerk ‘13 Rohan Das ‘14 Kyle Chen ‘14 Jimmy Bell ‘14 Teddy Cassoli ‘15 Reed McMurchy ‘15 Christopher Lucey ‘15 Charlie Cassoli ‘15 Jack Duggan ‘15
Faculty Advisor Dr. Brian Freeman Chronicle.Brunswickschool.org
also designed to taunt those who lost their keycard first week of sophomore year, as if to say “I’m 10 feet away but your cries for help won’t unlock the doors between us and neither will that lower-schooler playing one-man ping-pong.” WATER FOUNTAIN OF THE INSANE Sampson Field House Showers I’m not totally sure what the constructors of the Sampson Field House intended when they made the showers at King Street two, 360 degree fountains just one open door away from all locker rooms (impromptu maypole festivals?), but I think I speak for the everyone when I say this is the most uncomfortable place in all Brunswick. If you’re even thinking about its rate or temperature, (6.34 and whatever temperature you want, if you have to know) you’ve been there too long. And if by some freak accident a shower is your preferred form of drinking water, then you probably
didn’t read this article as you probably ate the paper as soon as you saw it. *Bonus Water Fountain! HIDDEN GEM AWARD Ceramic Room Water Fountain: Students of the art wing, I just want to thank you for your warm, embracing stares which made me feel accepted as I walked through your class room, as did your “GET OUT!”s. I assume you meant get out of your hearts, but I make no promises. Regardless, this water fountain has DNA from all other Upper School fountains. It has the porcelain shape of the preschool school fountains, the slightly lower than room temperature of the administrative fountains, the average rate of the dining hall water fountain (8.27 seconds per cup) and the similarly obscure location like the science wing fountains (hidden behind the kiln room door). But as I was so gently reminded by the open-hearted visual art students, the fountain is for “artists only.”
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Wick Community
Big Brother By Charlie Cassoli ‘15 Staff Writer
ferent age groups. The boys in the sen, however, the real value of havprogram are mentors to my students.” ing the older boys in the classroom More than just Maher Av- Currently there are around is so they can serve as role models enue separates Brunswick’s Pre- 30 Upper School students who par- to Brunswick’s Pre-Schoolers. As School from the Upper School. It ticipate in the program. Big Broth- Mrs. Ingarra explains, “It is imporcan be as much as a dozen years that ers accompany their “little broth- tant that younger boys know that divides these two divisions. Bruns- ers” in classes ranging from library they can find knowledge in all parts wick’s Big Brother Program aims to to gym. With guidance from home- of our community; education does lessen that divide. Started in 1984 by Mrs. Leslie Andersen, the Big Brother Program was designed as a oneon-one buddy program to bridge the gap between preschool and twelfth grade. As Mrs. Andersen explains, the goal of the program “is to create connections between our divisions.” Peter Ciporin, a current ninth grader, joined the Big Brother Program early this year. He was assigned to Mrs. Ingarra’s kindergarten class and visits 2-3 times a week. When asked about his experiences working with the class, he replied, “I love working with these kindergarteners because I remember when I was one myself, and I would be so excited when I saw an Upper Schooler. I think it means a lot that we hang Peter Ciporin ‘15 reads to a group of Kindergarten students. out with them.” From the teacher perspective, the program is equally room teachers, Big Brothers can ad- not only come from a teacher.” One of the aspects that Mrs. meaningful. According to kindergar- ditionally help the younger students ten teacher Mrs. Ingarra, “I love to with math, science, reading, and Andersen loves most is that such a see the interaction between two dif- writing. According to Mrs. Ander- small time sacrifice a few times ev-
ery week can make such a difference to a preschooler. The relationship between big and little brother is not one-sided. As the relationship between the two grows, the younger boys look forward to the days spent with their big brothers. Mrs. Andersen says that that program is not only beneficial for younger student, but it helps teach responsibility to the older participants. “The younger boys come to depend on their big brothers,” says Mrs. Leslie. “It is all a way to unite and strengthen the Brunswick community.” Teaching, supporting, and leaving an impression on preschoolers is just one of the many benefits of the program. Each big brother makes an impact on a kid’s day-today experience in school. In the program upper classmen embody the “Brunswick Boy,” a model for the youth of Brunswick to follow. The program is a brilliant part of the Brunswick community, and the preschoolers love having big brothers come to their classes and help out, and have fun. It may not seem like much, but having big brothers, has a significant impact on the day-today situation a preschooler faces.
Wick Community Service Update
During this time of year, the season of giving, Brunswick By Mr. Montanez Head of Community Service has traditionally been extremely Mr. Montanez, head of Community Service supportive of those in need. This year at Brunswick, talks about Brunswick’s is no different. On Friday, November accomplishments this year and plans for the Holiday Season. With the giving season rapidly approaching, it is nice to know that our Brunswick boys have been giving consistently for the past two months, and that they have exceeded all expectations in helping our local and surrounding communities during these tough times. The boys have already donated and distributed clothing to the homeless. Advisories have organized activities and tutoring in schools and after-school centers. Intramural programs have spent time at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club as well as the Eagle Hill School. Service is being done, and the community is excited about it. The boys and our teachers should be applauded for all that has been accomplished so far.
baskets, each designed to feed a large Greenwich or Stamford family that is in need during the upcoming holiday. Students will put together a total of 159 baskets that will be distributed to
Greenwich. It is important to note that the Upper School is not alone in this endeavor, as Brunswick’s Lower and Middle Schools will be conducting food drives as well. The baskets and the drives represent yet another fabulous community service opportunity for the boys. Community service has come out of the gate running this year. In the first quarter alone, the school has completed nearly 200 hours of hands-on service geared to give students first-hand experience with people in immediate need in our surrounding area. By exposing us all to the authentic struggles of others, we are able to appreciate our own situations that much more. There is no doubt that we are all “SUPA BUSY,” but it is important to take a minute to realize that as a school, we have completed a significant amount Left to Right: Mr. Montanez, Mrs. Beattie, James Whittemore ‘13, Tommy Rosenkranz ‘13, of community service in only two and Ryan Hardin ‘13, participate in Neighbor to Neighbor food donations at Wick. months, and we have each done our 18, each Upper School advisory will 159 families utilizing or attending the part making a difference by simply put together three Thanksgiving Thomas Edison School, St. Luke’s doing a little more. Thank you to Life Works, or the Family Centers of each of you and Happy Holidays!
Check out the Chronicle Online at Chronicle.BrunswickSchool.org
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Around Wick
By Johnny Erdman ‘13 Staff Writer
Originally celebrated on November 11 to mark the end of the First World War, Veteran’s Day has quite a storied history. In 1926, Congress voted to name the day “Armistice Day,” but later, the name changed to “Veteran’s Day” to serve as a national holiday recognizing and honoring all of America’s veterans, and not just those from this world war. Around the country, Veteran’s day is recognized as an important holiday. All non-essential government workers are free from work, while the post office does not deliver the mail. It is a day meant to acknowledge and honor America’s heroes. One notable celebration of Veteran’s Day this year was the Carrier Classic, a college basketball game played on Veteran’s Day in an arena constructed on the USS Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier stationed in San Diego, California. This is the first time the Carrier Classic has been played, and it featured the number one-ranked University of
Veteran’s Day North Carolina Tar Heels squaring off against Michigan State Spartans. ESPN featured the game during a prime-time spot on Friday night. Brunswick has many ties to the Military. Numerous alumni as well as sons of faculty have served our country proudly. This past year, all of Brunswick felt that sacrifice when English teacher and Football and Wrestling coach, Lieutenant Colonel Bob Benjamin went to serve in Kandahar, Afghanistan. LT Colonel Benjamin, after many months of training in the US at various bases, has now been in Afghanistan since early July. Before leaving, Mr. Benjamin spent a number of weeks in Fort Hood in Texas, performing exercises that included weapon training, fitness tests, counter-IED training and drills, and medical testing, before flying to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, he has been overseeing the upkeep of forces, and also helping coordinate America’s withdrawal from the war. Although Brunswick Students do not get the day off for
the holiday, the day still is a special time to consider those who have given their time, effort, and possibly their lives to ensure our country remains free and safe. There are a number of ways we here at Brunswick can support our troops. The joint GA and Brunswick Support Our Troops Club, headed by Michael Chronert, is currently running a drive to send cards to LT Colonel Benjamin. I’m sure Mr. Benjamin will appreciate all our letters, so please write to him. Additionally, the Club has developed a relationship with the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic in Afghanistan, a hospital that provides care, rest and aid for soldiers serving overseas in that region. Last year they sent over paintings to cover the walls of the clinic and plan on doing the same later in the year. Furthermore, the Club will be sending supplies such as books, magazines, movies, and snacks to the clinic. The Club would appreciate the assistance of everyone in the Brunswick Community Outside of Bruns-
wick, there are many opportunities to help veterans and those who still actively serve. One example is an organization called The Kitchen Table Gang that organizes the shipment of care packages. These packages include supplies that are sent to troops recovering from injuries sustained in battle and soldiers currently stationed elsewhere overseas. Consider going to operationgratitude.com/volunteer for more information to learn how you can help this cause. Another way to support our troops is dropping off used DVDs at the local Veterans’ Administration Office, or sending them through the organization DVDs4Vets. DVDs4Vets is a national organization that distributes the DVDS to active troops. Go to dvds4vets.org for more information. This holiday serves as a reminder that it’s now a good time to give back and to make an effort to thank those who have served or who are currently serving for their sacrifices to protect our country.
Campus News By Addison Bennett ‘12 Managing Editor
The Brunswick Writing Center A few weeks ago, The Brunswick Writing Center began providing its services to the student body. Its purpose is to assist students, through the guidance of both students and teachers, with writing projects in any subject. 30-minute appointments can be any weekday morning during first period. Those seeking assistance should send an email to “writing center” on Brunswick Email. New Vending Machine The Student Government has finalized negotiations with our soft drink providers and installed a new vending machine in the science hallway. What’s new: Vitamin Water, Coke, and a little arm that delivers your beverages while you wait. IMBL Prepares For its Next Season
The papers have begun to line the walls, the bulletin boards, and urinals of the Brunswick Upper School. They are eye-catching, colorful, and incomprehensible— all adjectives sure to describe the upcoming IMBL season. There is some “good action” coming to the preschool gym. Interested players can find Mr. Mike Harris as the winter season begins. Local Elections Mr. John P. Booth’s shortlived, write-in campaign for a position on the Greenwich Town Board of Education came to an unceremonious end on election night. Mr. Booth has yet to formally concede the election to his opponents. We can only hope his demands for a recount will be heard. The GA Fall Play A collection of comedic one-acts, directed by Ms. Fuller at GA’s Massey Theater, will open on Friday the 18th
and close the next day. Both performances will be at 7pm. Faculty Art Show Now on display in the hallway between the dining hall and Baker Theater are pieces of art contributed by Brunswick’s and GA’s Arts Faculty. The paintings are definitely worth a look as you pass by for morning assembly. Guys and Dolls Underway Auditions are almost complete, and the cast list will likely be released in the coming days. Mr. Potter’s vision will come to life on Baker’s stage in early March. The notably large cast and crew will surely live up to the challenge. What Would You Do? Assembly An all-day program led mostly by students on Monday the 14th, “What Would You Do” was a joint anti-bullying initiative with Brunswick and Greenwich Academy. The effects of
Peter Geithner ‘12 Photo Matthew Savitt 2011
the powerful presentation, of course, will take time to observe. Geithner sets school record Peter Geithner ‘12 re-set the school record for Cross Country running a 15:58 at the New England’s meet.
Check out the Chronicle Online at Chronicle.BrunswickSchool.org
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Around Wick
Meeting Louis Zamperini
News Program when I entered, im- ment to improve one’s conditioning. mediately perked up and asked me One of his favorite memoif I had any questions. After I intro- ries of running was when he came Louis Zamperini, the subduced myself and asked about how upon an old, hunter’s cabin in the ject of Laura Hillenbrand’s New he was feeling, Louis started telling Sierra Nevada Mountains on a jog. York Times’ Best Selling Book, Unbroken, and Brunswick’s all school reading for the past summer, is a true American hero. Louis was invited to speak to the school on October 24th about his amazing life experiences described in Hillenbrand’s book. En route to Greenwich on a red eye flight from California, however, Louis, who is ninety-four years old, became dehydrated and ill. Upon his arrival in Greenwich, out of precaution, he was admitted to Greenwich Hospital on the morning before his presentation at Brunswick School. Reed McMurchy ‘15 visits Louis at Greenwich Hospital. As a result, Louis was un- a story about his experiences run- Louie discovered a Civil War Era able to speak at Brunswick. In- ning Cross Country. Even though he rifle under the floorboards. He took stead, John Naber, former Olym- went to the Olympics for the mile, he it home, and he found it still worked. pian in his own right and one of said he far preferred Cross Country Unfortunately, later in his life, someLouis’s closest friends, gave an ex- because of the constant change of one stole that rifle from Louis. He cellent talk about Louis and the scenery. Louis asked about the al- believed it to be of significant value. affect Louis has had on his life. titude of Greenwich and then went Louis and I then discussed Later that day, I visited Louis on to say that 6,000 feet was an ideal his experiences scouting, a favorite in the hospital, and am pleased to altitude to train because the thin- hobby of his when he was younger. report he seemed to be recovering ner air required endurance, physical On his path to reaching Eagle Scout, quickly and was feeling much bet- stamina, and it was an ideal environ- Louis recalled the importance of ter. Louis, who was watching a Fox
earning merit badges, awards which teach about life, self reliance, and important survival skill lessons. Louis felt it was even more important today to learn these skills, as he felt more hardship and natural disasters were occurring than when he was a boy. Louis said the lessons he learned while scouting served him the rest of his life, and had helped him survive his terrifying experiences in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He continued his talk about survival skills, recalling a memory from his days in the air corps when an optional survival course about fending off sharks was offered to all 2,000 men at his base in Hawaii. He happened to be one of only fifteen to attend. He said this thought comes back to him many times, as he believes this was the key to his survival while on the raft in the Pacific. Louis concluded our meeting commenting that that one must always be prepared. Louis elaborated further, saying that he always believed that there will be a future crisis confronting society and that one must be vigilant and prepared to deal with it in whatever form it comes.
By Curren Iyer ‘13 Staff Writer Curren: What is LaBL? Sammy Mehra ‘13: LaBL is a project started by TERI in order to give light to rural indian Villagers. TERI surveyed the Indian Villagers about how TERI could benifit their lives in any way. The most common request by the villagers was simply a source of light. So TERI took the initiative by establishing The LaBL project. LaBL lets villagers rent solar powered Lanterns for a very cheap price. (less than 5 cents a day) But these long-lasting lamps will easily pay for themselves in more ways than one. Curren: When was LaBL founded and by whom? Sammy: TERI was formally established in 1974 with the purpose of tackling and dealing with the immense and acute problems that mankind is likely to face within in the years ahead on account of the gradual depletion of the earth’s finite energy resources which are largely non-renewable and on account of the existing methods of their use which are polluting Curren: What inspired you to found LaBL at Brunswick? Sammy: I worked with the LaBL
initiative in the TERi headquarters in New Delhi India. I wanted to bring the project home with me, and show what I was doing in India for six weeks. I think LaBL is one of TERI’s most creative and selfless projects that TERI has started. Describe some of your experiences working with TERI in India. Sammy: I worked in India as an intern for the LaBL project. I met many interesting people, and worked in association with dr. K R Pachauri the General Director OF TERI international who in 1997 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Bill Clinton. My Job at TERI was to create a universal handbook so that any school could get involved in the LaBL initiative. I worked with two of my contemporaries (Devan Malhotra, and Akhil Singh) worked on the Handbook and it is now being used in high schools around the country. We three are working together to help TERI expand to an international level. What are some of the goals for LaBL this year? Sammy: LaBL at Brunswick has a goal this year of raising enough money to give light to one whole village.
By Reed McMurchy ‘15 Staff Writer
Support Our Troops Interview
By Curren Iyer ‘13 Staff Writer Curren: When was SOT founded and who founded it? Aliya Boyer ‘13: Last year I founded the GA half of the club in able to inform the girls about what it means to be in the military and how it affects those people, as well as to create a better SOT club by combining forces and ideas. Curren: What inspired you to form SOT? Aliya: My father is a Commander in the Navy and I have always looked up to him for being one of those special people who dedicate their lives to helping protect our country. While he was deployed in Iraq for around seven months in 2007, I realized that there was no one else around me to act as an informed support group for military members and their families. I wanted to help be that support for everyone else experiencing what my family and I went through, and to hopefully alleviate some of the worry, fear and difficulties associated with it. By forming SOT, we are trying to get our peers educated
about the military, and to help them appreciate the immense amount of work they do to help keep us all safe. Curren: What are some of the goals for SOT this year? Aliya: Our first task of the year is to collect items and send letters to Mr. Benjamin, who is currently in Afghanistan. Our other goals for this year are to continue helping the brain trauma clinics in Afghanistan by making more artwork to brighten up the trailers and small buildings the clinic is based in, as well as gathering donations for the different appliances they need. Another goal of ours is to help inform our classmates of what life is really like for a soldier, and want to get them more directly involved, and not just sending packages. We know it is very hard for soldiers stationed in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan to have regular correspondences with us here, but we would love to try and find some soldiers willing to do so. We also want to take a group to the airport and welcome returning soldiers home. Editor’s Note: More SOT coverage available online at chronicle.brunswickschool.org
LaBL Interview
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
Around Wick
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“The Man” on Campus: Interview With Robert Fernandez By Curren Iyer ‘13 Staff Writer Curren: When was the Free Press started? Robbie: The Free Press was started by the Society. Back when we were in freshman year, the Society was really popular, and there was even an anti-Society society. I believe it started before I was in freshman year. I remember when I was interviewed freshman year, it was dark in Mr. Booth’s room. I was actually rejected that year. The year after, I got in, however. I had never really planned on working for the society, but Alexei Bulazel passed on the burden to me, fearing that it was going to die. I was happy to take this as my duty, to create a real paper, unlike The Chronicle. How
can you attend a school with such a substandard newspaper that you wouldn’t have the desire to make your own. Curren: What are some of the goals of the Free Press? Robbie: It’s in the manifesto, which I included last spring. It’s to provide interesting and artistically stimulating publication to the school. It allows students to promote their intellectual thoughts. If you look at our goals in comparison to those of The Chronicle, you ask, what information can a school newspaper give you that you can’t provide for yourself? The answer is not much. What better than to allow a pulpit from which students can display their own opinions and the news, you know? It’s not like FOX news
though. I like to shake things up, you know what I mean? The Free press has always been more about the message than the means of describing it. I mean look at our paper, it’s the lowest grade paper, lowest grade ink. It’s not supposed to be aesthetically pleasing. Curren: What inspires your style in writing and announcements? Robbie: It’s like “Damn, The Free Press isn’t out yet. It needs to come out soon.” We don’t have any staff writers really. I’m not really inspired though. It’s not like “divine intervention” or anything. Nah, I’m not really inspired. It’s just my own desire. I love to see it and I love to make people laugh. Curren: Do you plan the
announcements for assembly? Robbie: No, no! They come out much better when I don’t plan them. It’s not really the words I say that make people laugh. It’s more of the demeanor I have. I’m not afraid of self-deprecating humor (Luis agrees). And also, in case you wanted to know, Bulbasaur is the greatest pokemon in the world. It’s half dinosaur, and half plant! I mean, do you know any other pokemon that’s half creature and half autotroph? That’s how badass it is. Curren: Who’s going to take over once you leave? Robbie: [Laughs] Now I have a question for you, Curren. Why didn’t you submit an article for The Free Press?
Mr. Robert Fernandez ‘12 enjoys one of Brunswick’s finest publicaitons. Photo: Matthew Savitt 2011
Check out the Chronicle Online at Chronicle.BrunswickSchool.org
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
By Teddy Cassoli ‘15 Staff Writer
It was a big house at the Baker Theatre on the night of the Upper School fall concert. Of course, the Kirsch Intro to Improv group stakes claim for drawing in the crowd. Our group performed at that morning’s assembly to give a preview of the concert. We felt good and Annie Burke, Ben Young, and I played short solos to give you a sample of the fun sound you could hear that night. Someone must have liked it, because a lot of people came out and supported all the groups that performed. If you came to the concert, you were well rewarded. You heard a ton of jazz talent – horn players, guitarists, drummers, keyboarders, and pianists. It was a fun show displaying our bands and singing groups, with each group on their game and sounding just about as good as possible. The Kirsch Introduction to Improv group consists of senior Ben Young and freshmen Jarett Odrich, Matt Marvin, Tom Dunleavy, Andrew Kjorlien, Owen Gerber, Annie Burke, and me. We played a song by The Bar-Keys called Soul Finger that includes great sax parts and a
Wick Arts
Intro to Music Improv
Teddy Cassoli ‘15 and Tom Dunleavy ‘15 play with Intro Improv in the Fall Concert Photo Matthew Savitt 2011
Intro Jazz Band
By Peter Ciporin ‘15 Staff Writer
To most Brunswick instrumentalists, playing in the “Blue Notes” is a great honor. Owing to limited openings, joining this elite band can be difficult, most notably for interested underclassmen. For those freshmen interested in the Blue Notes but who are unable to join, one option that provides a smooth transition into the Big Band is the freshman jazz band. This year, Brunswick has a large freshman jazz band; many students joined with the ultimate goal of reaching an eventual place in the Blue Notes in mind. The freshman group has been working hard to improve since the start of the school year. At first we were given the piece “Blues by Five” to learn and memorize. “Blues by Five” is a relatively short and easy song that all Upper School Jazz Bands have also learned. The piece was assigned in order to warm us up for the year after many of our long and busy summers. After learning a couple more short songs such as “Tenor Madness” and “St. James Infirmary,” we took on our first full length piece: “What’s Cookin’.” The song was hard work, but by the time the fall concert rolled around, after weeks of preparation, we felt confident to show the school what we had learned. Other than preparing for that first concert as well as our second
one on December 13, we have been working on many scales and improvisational techniques during our class time. So far, we have learned the Bflat concert major scale, the Bflat concert blues scale, and the chromatic scale from concert Bflat up the octave. With these scales memorized, particularly the blues scale, everybody in the band is now able to create a satisfactory improvisational solo, especially using Mr. Raaen’s sheet of blues riffs and rhythms for guidance. Recently, in addition to our group pieces and improvisational studies, each band member was given a solo piece to work on. Even those who play the same instrument were given separate pieces to learn and perfect. Eventually, we will be tested on the quality with which we play these solos in order to display our improvement over the year so far. We have a few more weeks of practice before our next concert in which we will most likely be playing two songs, “Out Back at the Barn” and “Shufflin’ in F.” With our improvisational studies along the way, I believe that we will definitely see an improvement by the time of the concert. Also, at this rate, we will all be much better musicians by the end of the school year, and hopefully at some point within the next few years, many of us will have the opportunity to join Brunswick’s “Blue Notes.”
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sweet guitar solo that was nailed by Owen Gerber. Each member of the group was sharp on the song and aced the soloes section making us sound great. That was the result of all the practice we put in playing the tune, finding connected improv solos and timing them all together. It’s a lot of fun to bang it out on stage. All the groups demonstrated talent and preparation. It looked like we all had a great time making great music. Some special recognition goes to the guitar ensemble’s awesome rendition of 100 Years by Five for Fighting, Katie O’Neill’s fantastic vocals, and What’s Cookin’ from the Intro to Jazz Band with Theo Chambers and Sal Cavicchio nailing their solos. As usual, the Blue Notes closed the show and blew everyone away. With the fall concert over, all the groups are already preparing for the Holiday concert in December with Christmas carols and other festive songs. I’m not allowed to reveal what we are planning to play, but I can tell you that it already sounds awesome. You should definitely catch the Holiday concert for more great music.
Guitar Ensemble
By Mark Erichetti ‘14 Staff Writer
Guitar Ensemble is a very interesting and fun class taught by Mr. Raaen. The class is made up of sophomore guitar players Tyler Spaulding, Mark Errichetti, Bradley Wilpon, Gordon Smith, and Ashim Vaish. This is our second year of playing so we have made the transition from playing beginner songs to challenging modern songs and jazz. In class, Mr. Raaen does a great job of balancing class time between learning new songs and note reading. This past fall concert, we performed 100 years by Five for Fighting with the help of violinist Tommy Hull ‘14, drummer, Austin Milunovich ‘14, and pianist Bradley Wilpon ‘14. In the upcoming concert, the Holiday concert, we are playing a much more difficult song called Fix You by Coldplay. It contains challenging chords and even a
guitar solo. Although Fix You is not a “Holiday” song, it is very popular and well-known song that I’m sure the students will love. The Guitar Ensemble is also working on their Strolling Strings piece. Strolling Strings is a tradition that Mr. Raaen started where the guitarists walk around the school playing classic Christmas and Hanukkah songs for classes and teachers. All the guitarists are improving rapidly on their improvisational skills. At least once a week, we play a simple blues song and work on our solos. We are hoping that towards the end of the year, all the guitarists are able to comfortably solo, like the guitarists of music improv or Blue Notes do in the concerts. If anyone is interested in guitar or has a little experience in guitar, I recommend Guitar Ensemble for next year; it’s a great class and a great break in the day from all the stressful academic classes.
The Blue Notes were among the bands to perform at the Fall Concert. Photo Matthew Savitt 2011
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Student Editorials
La Russa goes out on Top By Chris Keller ‘15 Staff Writer After 33 highly successful years as a manager in MLB, Tony La Russa decided to retire after winning his second World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. It was his third World Series victory, following his last with the Oakland Athletics in 1989. La Russa ended his career with 2,728 victories – the third most in MLB history. He finished 35 games behind John McGraw, who is second with 2,763 wins. In a press conference in St. Louis, La Russa said, “It was just time to end it. It’s time to do something new.” He is the first manager ever to retire immediately after winning the World Series. La Russa was as relaxed as ever during the postseason, according to Cardinals’ insiders. He had already decided that this season would be his last. The Cardinals were certainly not the favorites going into the playoffs, given that they weren’t even expected to make the playoffs at the end of the
regular season. They miraculously beat out the Braves for the NL wild card, after being 10 ½ games out in late August. Once the Cardinals got into the playoffs, they came back after
being down in the NLDS and beat the Phillies, who were considered by most people to be the best team in baseball. They easily defeated the Brewers and then the Texas Rangers in the World
Series, capping their epic postseason run. During the World Series, La Russa said of his Cardinals, “Sometimes we’re not good enough, but our heart is always good enough.” This proved to be true after they beat the Rangers in game 6 having one out left in the bottom of the ninth inning. From there, they took their momentum into game 7 easily defeating the Rangers 6-2. La Russa recognized his good fortune throughout his career saying that he had never been in a non-ideal situation in his 33 years as a manager. He stated that he would stay away the Cardinals in the near future. “I really think, this is a fresh start,” La Russa said. He also said that he would not be managing again, but would try to open a business or own a minor league team. There is a very good chance that we will see Tony La Russa inducted into the Hall of Fame sometime in the near future. He was one of the greatest managers of all time, and he has three World Series rings and six pennants to prove it.
Jets Update
Dolphins. With the Dolphins as their springboard, the Jets were By Chris Lucey ‘15 thrust into Stage Four, which was Staff Writer pure terror. The Jets finished out the The Jets’ faithful gave a regular season by decimating the best sigh of relief as their beloved gang- of whatever the league can throw green broke from their last huddle at them. And when the stars have in a victory formation against the Bills last Sunday. The resulting and decisive 27-11 win confirmed that the Jets have successfully traversed the most difficult segments of what fans have come to know as “The Five Stages of Rex Ryan.” Stage One was first described the same place the majority of the “Five Stages” were mentioned, the back page of the New York Post. Rex is going where every Jet has gone before and has pre-ordered twenty-two super-bowl rings right before the start of OTA’s in April. Stage Two coincides with the beginning of the NFL regular season; the Jets stumbled right out of the gate and, for the next three weeks, the ink of the NY Post ran red with Rex Ryan’s blood. But just as all hope seems lost, stage three seemingly aligned and the bravado initiated a visit to sunny Florida and seems to have been backed up, Stage the decidedly less talented Miami Five rears its ugly head. Triggered
by the opening kickoff of the AFC championship game, the Jets wish their fans a merry offseason by falling one game short of football immortality. Hopeless as it may seem, Jets fans have greeted regular season dominance with open arms. They’ve
than being last in the AFC East, and will begin to brace themselves for heartbreak this February. But the Jets fans may rejoice, because Rex Ryan has just modified the flight plan. The abbreviated training camp after the lockout was characterized by assimilation of new faces, and farewells to the faces of old. Seasoned wideout Braylon Edwards was passed over in free agency to clear cap space for Plaxico Burress, Tony Richardson (fullback and loyal 15 year veteran) was denied his final chance at a super bowl to open up the starting spot for a University of Kentucky standout known as John “The Terminator” Conner, and five year veteran wide receiver Jericho Cotchery gave way to Derrick Mason who also gave way to Jeremy Kerley. With equilibrium being attained with the returns of wideout Santonio Holmes and cornerback Antonio Cromartie, only one thing has really changed: one of the least efficient red-zone football teams in the game comfortably put the Mangini era in has found its legs within the 20 yard the rearview mirror, have convinced line, and added a leg in what can now themselves that a silver medal is better be known as “Rex Ryan’s Six Steps to a super bowl champion.”
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The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Student Editorials
St. Louis Cardinals Analysis By Jonny Mills ‘13 Staff Writer They were 10 games out from qualifying for the playoffs with one month to go. Down to an elimination game 4 different times; down to their last strike 2 different times; no team in the 110 year history of Major League Baseball had ever overcome such obstacles. But somehow, the St. Louis Cardinals defied the odds and emerged as world champions of baseball in 2011. The Cardinals were not up against regular odds. On August 26, this team was 10.5 games out of the wild card. They were barely above a .500 team, and had about a 1% chance of making the playoffs at this point. They did. In the subsequent playoffs, they faced 4 elimination games. Considering they were playing good baseball at that point in the season, let’s give them a 60% to win each of the four games. They won all four. Finally, the Cardinals were down to their last strike in two different scenarios in game six of the World Series. In the first scenario, with his team down by two runs with 2 strikes and 2 outs, David Freese hit a game tying triple barely out of the reach of Nelson Cruz’s glove. Later in the game, in the 10th inning, the Cardinals were down to their last strike again, and Lance Berkman came up. With the tying run on second base, he hit a
game-tying single. The Cardinals later won the game on a David Freese walkoff homer. Let’s approximate that the Cardinals had about a 10% chance of tying the game with Freese up and a 30%
Ruth, who once said, “You just can’t beat the person (or in this case, a team) who won’t give up.” Albert Pujols, the Cardinals superstar, defines this mentality perfectly. In the MLB draft,
of tying the game with Berkman up. To find the percentage of all the events occurring, we would need to multiply (.01 x .6 x .6 x .6 x.1 x .3) x 100. That is less than a .007% of happening. Now, these numbers might not be precisely accurate as there are too many variables to take into account, but the idea is clear. How did they do it? Was it just luck? Not according to Babe
when he thought he would be drafted in an early round, Pujols was drafted 13th round. 401 players were drafted before him. He then made the Cardinals roster and became a superstar. Then, during the steroid era, some people accused him of taking steroids just because he was so good. Just a little while ago, in the World Series, Pujols had a slow start and over half of the nation voted he
was “choking.” The next game, he hit 3 homers. This mentality of persistence has rubbed off on his teammates. For example, this year’s World Series MVP David Freese was charged with a DUI in 2009 and wondered if he would ever play Major League Baseball again. Pujols took Freese under his wing, and Freese gives great credit to Pujols for “setting him on the right path.” This personality was a major factor in the Cardinal World Series Championship. Back to the Cardinals’ run: in every series the Cardinals were the heavy favorites to lose the series. In a best of 5 series, they lost the 1st game to the Philadelphia Phillies and were quickly down 4-zip against Cliff Lee. Somehow they rallied back and won the series. Then they beat the Milwaukee Brewers. In the World Series 22 out of the 26 sports experts on ESPN picked the Texas Rangers to win the World Series. They managed a miraculous comeback in Game 6. None of it would have mattered if they lost game 7, but they didn’t. They had a 2 run deficit early in game 7, but they were not easily fazed. In one final comeback, the Cardinals rallied and beat the Texas Rangers to win the World Series. Yes, talent is important in sports, but the “never-give-up” mentality of the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals is what separated them from the other teams in baseball, and won them the World Series.
Occupy Wall Street
By Will Ponce ‘13 Staff Writer It started on September 17th in Zuccotti Park in New York City, a strategic location because the park is not owned by the city. The Occupy Wall Street protesters gathered to speak out against the massive wealth inequality in America. Since that day, the Occupy Wall Street movement has metastasized throughout the country. The vast majority of wealth in America is concentrated in 1% of the population, so the protesters refer to themselves as “the 99%.” The protestors chose to name their movement “Occupy Wall Street” because they view the financial district as a symbol of the greed that has led to America’s financial disparity. What started out as an isolated protest in New York has since become a nation-wide movement. Protests have occurred in nearly every state. The movement has also spread to many college campuses, with protests taking place at a wide variety of schools.
Occupy Wall Street protesters have no defined leader, nor do they have a concrete list of demands. The movement has evolved so that people now appear to be protesting just for
diverse group of individuals united in their frustration against America’s government, American greed, and the perceived establishment of Wall Street. In the beginning of the protests,
the sake of protesting; the protest lacks a clear goal. It is basically a very
New Yorkers regarded the movement as a novelty, and even welcomed it as an example of the American tradition
of freedom of expression and freedom of the right to protest peacefully. After months of constant protests, however, the general public has become less sympathetic. The area inhabited by the protestors has become an unsanitary and dangerous zone. Some high-end restaurants have offered food to the protestors, but this has caused even more problems, as it has attracted homeless people seeking free meals. In the beginning of the protests, many people said that the effort was a parallel to the “Tea Party” movement. Unlike the tea party, however, the Occupy Wall Street movement is different in that is lacks the unified agenda exhibited by the Tea Party. One can only wonder whether the Occupy Wall Street protests can endure without the unifying focus and leadership of other protest groups like the Tea Party. While the protestors are still stationed in New York, it is debatable whether they are hardy enough to stick around for the harsh New York winter ahead.
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The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Wick Sports
GA Math Team By Rebecca Duebler ‘12 Guest Writer
The GA math team is an institution, albeit one that not many people know about. Most people only know us from our yearly pi(e) sale. We meet at seven every Tuesday morning in Ms. Pasquet’s room to prepare for math meets, which happen every month at Wilton High School. Our captains this year are Liz Frank ‘12, Arushi Jauhari ‘12, and Nandita Makam ‘12; Guggs (Mrs. Guggenheimer) – who is probably the nicest person I’ve ever met – is our fearless leader. Do I enjoy math? Of course I do. I wouldn’t be on the math team otherwise. Would I wake up at six purely to do math? Probably not. The truth of the matter is that my favorite part of math team – and not
to put words in my friends’ mouths, but I think that they would agree – is the group of people are part of it. We’re all friends outside of math team, and when we get together we’re all gleefully nerdy. There’s a closeness within math team that doesn’t exist in any other GA clubs that I’ve been a part of (or that I know about). This is especially true for me and the other seniors, as most of us have been part of the math team since freshman or sophomore year, and we’re all best friends outside of math team, too. The people on the Brunswick math team can brag all they want about scoring higher than we do, but they don’t have our connection and closeness. There are about five of us who go to almost every meet, and then a few more
who come relatively often. For us, this is a chance to hang out and do something that we enjoy. The competition is really secondary, although we’re still pretty competitive people. This year, however, math
A team and a B team, with six members each. The A team can only have three seniors at most. This is meant to give underclassmen a chance to be on the A team, but for us this is a serious problem. We could have a full A team of seniors, but so far this year we’ve been scrambling to find underclassmen. The last meet was cancelled due to the snowstorm, but if it had happened, we wouldn’t have been able to field a full team. We used to have more than enough people, but math team has recently dwindled to the extent that we might not even be able to have a math team anymore. Here enters my shameless plug to any GA underclassmen who may be reading this. Please join. We’re team is in peril. The rules of the Fair- a great group of people, if I say so field County Math League allow an myself, and we have fun together.
Wick Football beats Hopkins By William Fein ‘13 Sports Editor
“You make a choice to win, and you win.” On Saturday, at Hopkins, the Brunswick football team did exactly that. Plagued by injuries all season, they were determined to claim their first victory, and did, striking early and often on route to a 45-14 win against Hopkins. Junior running back Kevin Nathanson terrorized the Hopkins defense, running for 130 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nearly untouchable, he ran behind a strong offensive line. Coming back from injuries, juniors Sean Forester and Nick Ulanoff joined Brad Seaton, Will Hayden, and Willie Rosato on a line that opened holes for Nathanson all game. The Bruins’ win was a total team effort. Sophomore Jimmy Knight led the team at quarterback, throwing a touchdown to senior receiver Joe Beninati, and running for another. Beninati, along with senior receiver and co-captain Donqutae Robinson, helped anchor the passing game. On defense, the Bruins were equally solid. Holding Hopkins to two touchdowns, they tackled well and played both the run and the pass with ease. Aggressive defense and a dominant offensive perfor-
mance gave Brunswick its first victory of the season. “I was extremely proud of the way the boys played on Saturday,” head coach Jarrett Shine explained. “They executed the plays (almost to perfection), but most importantly
echoed the sentiment. Admittedly, it has been a tough year for the Bruins. Injury to such key players as Todd Stafford, Carson Winn, Dylan Troy, Dylan Wadsworth, Nick Ulanoff, Sean Forester and others has slowed the Bruins’ offense and
Joe Beninati ‘12 Photo Matthew Savitt 2011
they played with the fierce attitude we were looking for all season.” The will to win has been hard to come by, especially in a tough season. Though the season has provided Brunswick with plenty of adversity, their attitude on Saturday was a demonstration of their unconquerable will. The scoreboard
crippled their defense. With underclassmen stepping up, the Bruins struggled to win games in the supercompetitive Erickson League. After a couple of heartbreakingly close games, it is great to see the Bruins rewarded for months of hard work. It was really a team effort, and one that could help the Bruins
finish the season on a high note. On November 11, Brunswick hosts Trinity-Pawling under the lights to end the season. The Bruins see no reason why they cannot end the season on a two-game winning streak. Saying it plainly, Forester clearly expressed the attitude of the team: “We should beat them.” Winning the last two games would be a consolatory end to a difficult season, but it would show promise for next season. The Bruins know that they are better than their record demonstrates, and they are determined to prove it against Trinity-Pawling. They will work hard every day in practice, and a large crowd would help them to end the season on a winning note. Said Shine, “It’s senior night, so I am hoping all of the students and faculty come out to support our boys for the last game of the season.” Every Brunswick boy should plan on going to what could be the Bruins’ first home win of the year. Vince Lombardi said, “winning is a habit,” and it looks like Brunswick might just have caught it. As for the quote at the opening of this article, that piece of inspiration comes from Charlie Sheen, for whom winning is more than a habit. Good luck, boys, but don’t get carried away.
The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
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Wick Sports
Brown v White Soccer By Jack Seaton ‘14 Staff Writer Everybody hears about the varsity teams at Brunswick School, but one thing that many people don’t know about are the sub-varsity teams. Two such teams that stand out are the Thirds soccer teams—yes, there are two of them. These two teams make up one of the most ruthless intra-school rivalries that Brunswick has seen. Both Brown and White teams have shown their superiority over other schools with their athletic record this year. Thirds White has a 6-1-1 record, while Brown holds a 7-0-1
record. This rivalry has become so heated, and the Brown vs. White game so anticipated, that not even a game between Real Madrid and Barcelona, or even a World Cup final, could distract from the palpable tension leading up to their game. In the 2010 soccer season, the Brown team barely succeeded in grabbing the victory after the extensive penalties that followed the 3-3 draw in regular time. To this day the losers of that game are haunted by that penalty shootout and look to make amends this year. This year’s game will take place on Tuesday, November 8th.
Coaches Withstandley and Kirsch (coaching the Whites) are looking to take revenge on the Thirds Brown team of coaches Hall and Shepard. This game not only determines which team has more skill, this game determines which team will be known as the fourths team and which team will be known as the thirds team. As a member of the Thirds White team, the probable outcome of this match is clear to me. With the likes of Andrew “Pieguy” Davis ‘13 and top goal scorers Rob Hash ‘12, Mark Jackson ‘12, and Hale Johnson ‘14 leading the charge, White is looking
nearly unstoppable. This season has been quite a season for Thirds White. Starting the season with a rough 6-1 defeat to Avon led some to question White’s resolve, but the team turned the season around winning or tying the subsequent seven games. Most notable were an 8-4 win over Millbrook, a 6-0 win over the Gunnery school, and a 2-1 comeback win over Greens Farms. The Thirds White squad has been an exciting team this year, and its success bodes well for future varsity wins. Editor’s Note: at the Thirds challenge game, Thirds White was unfortunately defeated by Brown. Better luck next year.
Freshmen Football: An Amazing Season
By Jack Duggan ‘15 Staff Writer This past Monday, the freshman football team finished up a very successful season. Under the expert coaching of Mr. Montanez, Mr. Pendergast, and Mr. Scheufele, the team went 5-1-0 with a total of 185 points scored. The opponents could only get a meager 52 points off of the impenetrable defense. Both the offense and defense were full of all-stars. On offense, quarterback Billy O’Malley, wide-out Charlie Cobb, and running back Lazare Zoungrana proved tireless each game. Linebackers Alex Russell and Andrew Basile led the defense. The line consisted mainly of the same people on both offense and defense and was a very strong and reliable force on both sides of the ball. The freshman team opened up the season at home against a very athletic Avon Old Farms team. The Bruins pulled ahead at the beginning of the game and never looked back, ultimately defeating Avon in a 28-0 shutout to secure the team’s first victory. The second home game of the season, played against New Canaan Country Day School, paralleled the first. Brunswick’s freshmen went ahead early and sustained that lead throughout the whole game. The final score was a very familiar 280. The next game was played in the Bronx at the Horace Mann School
and the game was almost over the moment the Bruins stepped off their (late) bus. Brunswick went ahead early and kept adding on as the game progressed. Blocked punts and several interceptions helped pad the win. Horace Mann had a lot of trouble tackling the Brunswick runners. Running backs such as Richard Walston scored with ease as they slipped through the Horace Mann defense. The final score was an astonishing 50-12. This game marked the mid-way point of the season. So far it was looking good. The next game was played against a very tough Westhill School at Brunswick. This was a mentally and physically exhausting game. At halftime, the Brunswick Bruins were ahead by two touchdowns, but early in the second half, Westhill answered with two quick touchdowns of their own. Brunswick’s undefeated freshmen dug deep. The team kept their heads high and pulled through, ultimately winning the big game 30-16. After a week of rest, the Brunswick freshman football team went up to Avon Old Farms for a rematch. Avon established a lead and held it throughout the first half. The Brunswick team outscored Avon in the second half, however, they were not able to close the gap and suffered their first and only loss of the season. However, the Bruin’s ended the season strong. In the final game
of the season, Horace Mann traveled down to Brunswick looking for revenge. However, both the Bruin offense and defense were ready for the challenge. Brunswick pulled out a solid 37-0 win. This concluded a very successful 2011 freshman football season. Coach Montanez closed the season by reminding
his players that, “One of the most important things about this season is not that we won, it is that we won with class. There was never a time where one of you wasn’t picking up the opponent if they needed help off the ground.” This aptly summarizes the remarkable 2011 Brunswick freshman football team.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
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The Brunswick Chronicle Thanksgiving 2011
Gobble Gobble! By Reed McMurchy ‘15 Staff Writer
Br unswick’s first play of the season, Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy, was a spectacular success in early November. The actors and actresses were both funny and real, ultimately giving incredibly strong perfor mances. Black Comedy was first perfor med on Broadway in 1965, and according to Mr. Potter, director of the play, “explores the tr uth through darkness.” This is accomplished through the creation of the perfect stor m of anxiety using comedic antics, surprise, and stage crafting Taking place in London, its characters feature Brindsley Miller, a young sculptor, and his debutante fiancée, Carol MelKett, who have bor rowed some expensive, antique fur niture from his neighbor Harold Gor ringe’s f lat without his per mission in order to impress an elderly millionaire ar t collector coming to view
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Black Comedy
Brindsley’s work, as well as Carol’s father, Colonel MelKett. When the power fails, however, Harold retur ns home early, and Brindsley’s ex-girlfriend Clea shows up unexpectedly. As events unfold, Brindsley must deal with a string of incredibly awkward, chaotic situations. The eight-member ensemble put on strong perfor mances over
three nights. Brindsley, played by Ashish Ramachandran, and his fiancée Carol, played by Ashley Richards, led the cast in a comedic romp of misdirection in the dark as they prepare for the coming of millionaire ar t collector George Bamberger, played by Eric Mer tz, all the while tr ying to retur n bor rowed fur niture
and to replace it with their own. Miss Fur nival and Harold Gor ringe are neighbors who join Colonel MelKett in the dark. Fur nival, Gor ringe, and MelKett are hilarious characters whose par ts were played by Lauren Eames, Ray Tier ney, and Har r y Quinton; they the audience in tears of laughter. Clea, Brindsley’s ex-girlfriend and played by Cassidy Gifford, added to the unraveling of Brindsley as the night continues to become more complicated for him. The two share a few hilarious scenes where the excellent acting abilities of both Cassidy and Ashish were showcased. Black Comedy was perfor med brilliantly and provided a strong beginning to Br unswick’s dramatic year. Mr. Potter, the cast, and the crew did a fantastic job on Black Comedy and I look forward to their next work, the musical Guys and Dolls, which will be presented later this winter.