The Bucs' Blade: October 12 2018 Edition

the

blade

Running backs Worthington and Krizan attack the opposition p.18-19

Volume 74 Issue 1, bucsblade.com

GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

October 12, 2018

The

blade STAFF 74

A WORD FROM YOUR EDITORS

CO-EDITOR IN CHIEFS Maddie Monroe Chris Hudson

NEWS EDITOR Caleb Berko

LIFE EDITOR

Morgan Womack

ARTS EDITOR Sophia Jaeger

CO-SPORTS EDITORS Jack Reus Sam Woiteshek

PHOTO EDITOR Carlos Rappleye

REPORTERS

Nicholas Rice Gabriella Amores Macayla Cramer Elena Salik Laura Slocum Emily Jarrell Nick Garvale Nicolas Twa Ashton Voorhees Alexis Tater Paige Horist Gesa Lange Mijan Ahmad Nizam Kyle Bush Amelia Schincariol Paul Murin Addelyn Wachter Mercedes Mancilla

Dear readers, Welcome.

First off, we couldn’t be more honored and excited to be your source of coverage for everything Grand Haven High School and the surrounding community has to offer.

At the end of the last school year, many of you fellow students were left with questions rather than answers, based mainly on the rumors of policy changes and initiatives that could have affected students dramatically.

So as a publication, it was difficult for us to find anything of factual worth to publish, only having whispers and pieces of information to work with, no real facts or answers to your questions. So as we begin this school year, we hope to change that. We hope to bring you the concrete answers that you deserve and nothing less than that.

Now, as we all (for the most part) are settled in with the majority of chaos behind us, we believe that the student body should turn to the Bucs’ Blade and view this publication in a new light, with the aim to help guide each and everyone of you through our events at a school and community level and most importantly bring sense to whatever happens throughout the course of this year. We hope that you view us as a forum of quality news and information, not just some school paper.

As we expect to face criticism in our efforts to be as accurate and factual as possible, we want you to stand by us and our publication as we hope to stay as true as we can to you. If there is an issue that you feel needs to be addressed or revised, please tell us the specific reason behind your problem with the paper and we will try to hear and cooperate with you as best as we possibly can. We aim to be here for you and that’s a promise.

As always, we hope you enjoy our first print edition of the year, but keep in mind that it is never an easy paper for us. With a new set of reporters and editors it’s a very chaotic time for everyone. But even through the blood, sweat and tears, we strive to produce the best publication possible. So that you, the reader, is satisfied. While you skim through these pages, try not to focus on the small mistakes that we made. Look at the hard work put in by all our writers, photographers and editors - rookies and veterans on staff - to bring you this first issue of the Blade’s 74 volume.

All we can ask of you as a reader, is to give us feedback when it is needed and to enjoy the stories we have created for you. Because in the end, this paper is for you.

Again, Thank you for reading and go Bucs.

PUBLICATION POLICY

The Bucs’ Blade is a student-produced news publication that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well-being of its readers. It is The Bucs’ Blade’s responsibility to cover school, city, state, national and international events and issues that affect the concerns of the campus, its students or its readers.

The Bucs’ Blade operates as a designated public forum for student expression. The Editorial Board consisting of student editors is the sole decision-making and policy setting body of The Bucs’ Blade and has final say over all content decisions.. The adviser and administration have a non-review role and may offer advice on sensitive issues and will offer criticisms as warranted after publication but the Editorial Board reserves all rights to determine what material shall be published. Editorials represent the collective opinion of The Bucs’ Blade staff.

2 INDEX

The Bucs’ Blade Maddie Monroe CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Chris Hudson CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

@Bucsblade

CONTENTS OPINION 3. Staff editorial 4. Dress code 5. Dr. Ford testimony NEWS 6. Briefs 7. Salt Free Surf 10-11. New Staff LIFE 9. Fashion 12. Fall recipes ARTS 12. Artist Q&A 13. Reviews SPORTS 16-17. Sports updates 18-19. Runningback attack PHOTO 20. Homecoming highlights

@thebucsblade

Letters and submissions: Opinions expressed by individuals and in letters to the editor represent those of the author. Letters to the editor should be typed, double spaced and must include the author’s name, signature and class or position. Names of individuals may be withheld upon request, pending a vote of the Editorial Board. Letters may be submitted in hard copy to room 0205 at Grand Haven High School or via email at bucsblade@gmail.com. All letters are subject to review by the Editorial Board. Letters will not be edited except to fix space limitations. Should the Editorial Board deem a letter to be potentially libelous or containing content inappropriate for publication it will return the letter to the author with an opportunity for corrections. The Editorial Board is solely responsible for these decisions. Letters need to be received one week prior to print publication dates to be included in print.

October 12, 2018, www.bucsblade.com

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A

A

VOTE

nother Michigan election that teenagers shouldn’t excise tax, which is directly paid by the retailer and passed on care about, right? to the consumer, which would start at 10 percent.

We often assume that it’s simply policies and Just from those projected taxing rates, state projects and budget cuts that won’t apply to our current lives and plans would be open to greater funding. According to MLive. it will just all work out to be the same old, same old every day com, Money to help research for veterans would gain around that we rise and fall for. However, you might want to tune in $20 million in tax revenue, developing clinical research and to this one. treating specific medical conditions. Another area relating When it comes to this 2018 Michigan general election, it’s more closely to students is the massive benefit that the School one of the most important elections in the history of ‘The Aid Fund and infrastructure would receive - with both proGreat Lakes State.” jected to receive 35 percent of the remainder of the mariIt’s time to put an end to that previous juana tax revenue to further enhance both stagnanation. industries.

The main proposals headlining the vote Additional financial support for educathis time around has been one of the, if tion has always been a topic for controvernot the hottest topics across the country: sial conversation and a majority of the hoslegalizing the possession of recreational tility around that school funding discussion marijuana. can be taken through one simple act: going Recreational marijuana is already legal to vote on the first Tuesday in November. for use in nine different states and this proWe could go on about the significance STAFF posal, if approved, would make Michigan and every little detail about the recreational the tenth. marijuana proposition, but this election EDITORIAL This would only allow those 21 and over features more than just that. The other two Support 8-0 to use and cultivate the plant as they please proposals on the ballot, one regarding a to, as well as allowing state-licensed retailers new non-partisan committee to be formed to sell it commercially. Both of these parts of the proposed to address gerrymandering and the other allowing future votlaw extend past the medical usage allotment that is in place ers to automatically register on election day, both matter to now, despite that this type of recreational possession and cul- where we all will be down the road and what congressmen and tivation is still illegal under federal law. women we will want to be send to Lansing. We aren’t going to A vote for the legalization of marijuana has the possibility be suspended in this stage of ‘young adulthood’ forever. of benefitting more people than the stereotype of those who Speaking on behalf the Bucs’ Blade staff, we are pushing just want it to smoke for pleasure. you - the students and our readers from around the commuWhen taking into account the taxation and business from nity - to go out and voice your opinion for the entirety of the this industry, one might see just how great the possible profit state by filling out a ballot and voting for the change you want is that the state government can get back from doing this. It’s to see happen. feasible and attainable - no hallucination.

The state of Michigan needs to be led in the right direction; To start, marijuana products legal for commercial sale and that will only come from what you vote for. Just rememwould be subject to the state tax of six percent and then an ber, though it may seem small, it’s more than just one vote.

TOP 3 ISSUES IN 2018 BALLOT www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

18-1 Recreational Marijuana: The contro-

versial proposal highlighting the ballot, if having possession of the drug for not medical purposes should be legal in Michigan.

18-2 Adopt New District Boundaries: A possible new constitutional amendment where a nonpartisan group draws the boundaries of congressional districts every 10 years.

18-3 Same-Day Voter Registration:

Proposal to authorize automatic and Election Day voting registration, as well as add legal requirements for military and overseas voting.

EDITORIAL 3

Dress code: DEGRADING Policy discriminates against females and hurts self-esteem

By Sophia Jaeger As a little girl, what I wore only hinted that my favorite color was purple or that rainbow striped tights brought a smile to my face. Now that I’m older, what I wear signifies something different. Something with power over how I am viewed. My attire is a billboard broadcasting to society that I’m a prude or a slut, reducing Opinion me to a simple object.

Every morning, as I get dressed this idea is enforced through the ever present dress code a set of rules teens have been fighting against for generations. Legally a dress code can only be enforced if the attire causes harm to other students is damaging to school property, causes a disruption in the education of others, or contains vulgar language /slogans supporting the alcohol or tobacco industry.

At Grand Haven High School and schools across the county, the code turns shoulders into a show of sexuality, ripped jeans into provocativeness, and the length of your arms into a measurement of how appropriate your shorts are.

It makes the body of students, particularly females, the object of scrutiny and judgment.

When getting dressed in the morning I am forced to consider not if my clothing makes me comfortable or confident, but instead whether a sliver of my skin showing can qualify me as inappropriate. Often the rush of school and the countless responsibilities of the day, have me forgetting to quietly contemplate if my clothing fits the dress code.

On days like those it’s not a choice about what my clothes might say to boys, it’s about feeling put together, confident and overall comfortable in my own skin. But even so a choice I make in the morning to make myself feel positive and ready to face the day can be so easily shifted into a weapon that shatters my self confidence.

Because when you’re sitting in class in an outfit you feel completely secure in and a slip of yellow paper is handed to you with the infraction circled and underlined it’s shame that becomes overpowering. All of a sudden all the things that you are proud to be are stripped away you are no longer a leader, you are no longer dedicated to your work, you are no longer strong you are simply a slut. It makes you feel dirty like somehow through a simple set of rules your skin is no longer a place you feel comfortable in.

There is no more concentrating on the lesson, while your face becomes heated and you try to remember if you have anything to change into shoved at the back of the locker. The rest of the day your mind is lost in the thought that you had inadvertently portrayed yourself as a sexual object when all you wanted to do was look cute.

As a young woman, the dress code is strictly applied to you, it is enforced under the implication that by showing too much skin you are causing a disruption for the boys in your class. The fact that women are blamed for their peers inability to concentrate and are punished for it is saying they are accountable for someone else’s actions. It is like saying it’s their fault that another person finds them attractive.

This very idea leads to men not being held accountable for their actions when women are involved. By teaching boys that it’s a woman’s fault for dressing in a way that distracts them, you are telling them that it will always be a woman’s fault for the actions they take. Leading to the Institute of victim blaming.

Dress code is detrimental to the confidence of young women and also creates a world in which we are okay to blame women for the crimes men make against them and as such is overall wrong and perverse.

4 OPINION

Carlos Rappleye THE BUCS” BLADE FILLING OUT FORMS: Student fills out authentic W-2 and W-4 forms demonstrating what they learn in school pays off.

Personal finance teaches real life skills that anyone can take into the world.

Personal finance should be required Going into my final school year at Grand Haven, I’d always thought that taking personal finance was somewhat of a joke - no offense Mr. Smaka or Mr. Williams - but the rumor from class to class was that it was an easy math credit that appealed to colleges a little bit more than the math & games route.

Thus, when I needed a onesemester class to be the final piece to my high school schedule, I went with personal finance.

Now, only being a handful of weeks into school, I realize I lucked out on taking Personal Finance. It might just be the most important class on my schedule, and that means something going up against the likes of four AP classes and another that I’m a Co-Editor in Chief for.

I recognize what I said is a bold claim to be making and many might not buy it, but it’s a class that will support what lies ahead, past these cinder block walls and for the years after high school.

Think of this - other subjects give you the opportunity to receive credit for college, in certain circumstances; however, few to none can prepare and teach you for a lifetime. It’s crucial and don’t doubt that.

The long-term impact that this class provides for an individual is what makes me believe that high school students should not just have the option, but be required, to take this course.

Featuring countless areas that could directly influence your stan-

Opinion Chris Hudson dard of living down the road and how to address them now and then, personal finance is simply the broad concept of having a plan for self-success and finding your specific needs.

“What we have now, with a required economics class that is based on the U.S. and macro-economics, is the big picture accounting,” Personal Finance teacher Aaron Smaka said. “We don’t have anything required to be taken at the individual level when it comes to those same terms.”

Making students go through the motions of possible scenarios in their near financial future in a required Personal Finance class is almost essential to forming a path to a better life, both in level of quality and financial well-being, over time.

I could be taking a shot-in-thedark here, but I am guessing you readers strive for that too.

If I’m blunt, this thought of making this class required could also be based on the thought of my future family and the life I want to live. As of those of us who are

sane-minded, we don’t want to live in debt and we want to succeed financially. With a mentality like that, one should know the basics of loans and when payments should be made and everything in between those parts of a budget.

May I ask, do you know the fundamentals to these core financial pillars?It’s okay. Most don’t.

According to an article from Moneytips.com, around “17.8 percent of US students” who had taken a recent test put out by the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA were considered low performers, not meeting the mark for the basic financial knowledge a teen should know.

As quoted from that piece, “proper financial education is critical for decision-making skills that drive the economy on both a personal and macro-level.”

In basic terms, this isn’t something to waste a couple hours aimlessly talking about with mom and pop, knowing that you’d want to be anywhere else but in that conversation. It takes skilled teachers, a specific curriculum that’s made for you and most importantly, time.

If someone was to tell you that your life may very well depend on this information, would you learn that topic the right way? Pretty easy answer.

You have the opportunity now to prevent yourself from getting into trouble later, which you might not know how to get out of. You never know how one thing can go a long way. www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

We will regret not listening to Dr. Ford

Morgan Womack

While watching the Kavanaugh hearings, I noticed a significant difference between the answers of newly appointed supreme court justice Brett Kavanaugh and those of Dr. Chris-

tine Ford’s.

For a majority of the testimony, Kavanaugh was livid. He answered many questions with an angry and harsh tone. He was strangely emotional for a man who is supposed to remain composed for his profession. At one point he broke down in tears at the mention of the calendars his father used to keep.

Ford, on the other hand, came off very professionally, she stayed calm and levelheaded throughout the entire hearing. She didn’t come across as angry or overly emotional.

While I was watching, it was hard for me to not tear up while seeing Ford recount every gruesome detail of her sexual assault, which made it even more upsetting for me when Kavanaugh began to voice his opinion.

Ford clearly had more of a right to act upset than Kavanaugh, be-

he reacted in the hearing proves that he can’t control his emotions, which is something an associate justice of the Supreme Court should be able to do. If a woman were in his place, she would immediately be reconsidered for the position.

ART BY Morgan Womack cause she was facing retraumatization of her sexual assault at every step of this long journey.

However, if the reactions were reversed, I’m sure it would be a vastly different story.

If Ford were to have come across upset during the hearing, people

would criticize her for it. It would be seen as unacceptable that she show her emotions and she would be reduced back to the role of “just another overly emotional female.”

Also, regardless of whether the Senate thought that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted Ford or not is irrelevant at this point. The way

The idea that women are too emotional is still prominent in our society. Look at the amount of female leaders we’ve had. Some people still think that women aren’t fit to lead because of that.

In my experience, I’ve dealt with blatant sexism in activities from school projects to sports.

Most of the time when I would try to take lead I was dismissed because I was perceived as being bossy. This was frustrating for me, because I felt like I was good enough to be in a position of leadership. It’s nothing compared to what Ford and other sexual assault survivors had to deal with, but I understand the feeling of not having your voice heard simply because of implicit misconceptions.

When a man is seen as sympathetic, a woman is seen as an emotional wreck. When a man is seen as a good leader or authoritative, a woman comes across as bossy. These double standards are what continue to prevent us from moving forward.

Remove the royalty titles from HOCO In 2018 the idea of homecoming king and queen is absolutely ridiculous. Seriously, the fame lasts for a short period of time and isn’t something that is Mercedes Mancilla majorly rewarding.

Along with the fact that many young people don’t even identify as heterosexual and don’t believe in gender roles, the whole idea of voting for homecoming royalty is just a glorified version of a heteronormative popularity contest.

In an ever-changing society, problems like this arise from old social norms. So as our homecoming week came to an end, I couldn’t help but wonder why in this day and age do we still use king and queen for our homecoming royalty labels?

According to a survey by trend forecasting agency J. Walker Thompson Intelligence Group found that 56 percent of 13 to 20-year-olds say that they know someone who goes by gender neutral pronouns such as www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

they, them or ze.

With this information, even someone with an ounce of common sense would realize that many Gen Z kids don’t care about gender roles or gender expression. They allow others to be themselves and are comfortable not sticking to the status quo of gender.

The same survey found that about 52 percent of Gen Z respondents said that they didn’t identify as completely heterosexual.

Around 35 percent of those respondents identified as bisexual.

The fact that Grand Haven High school hasn’t changed their homecoming titles is absolute b.s. If our school is so inclusive, then why haven’t we changed the titles by now?

“The king and queen aspect, I think it really comes down to tradition.” said Elizabeth Gervais, student senate advisor in charge of homecoming court.

She was also not opposed to changing the titles.

“I think there’s always room for any improvement you know, and [it’s important] to make sure that everyone’s feeling safe and included,” Gervais said. “This [homecoming] is for everybody, this is something that is bring-

ing everybody together, that’s what excites me the most.”

“If a student identifies as a different gender than what they were born and they want to be on the ballot, let’s say a male that identifies as female wants to be on the ballot as a female or vice versa.” Tracy Wilson said. “We’ve never stopped that and that has happened in the past.”

Overall it seems as though staff members would like the school to be as inclusive as possible, but with a school of over 2,000 students, it’s hard to reach everyone. My issue is that even when staff members want to make Grand Haven more inclusive, the administration doesn’t take steps to fulfill those wants.

Creating a gender neutral homecoming court is practically common sense in this day and age. But, for those who are still apprehensive about changing the homecoming titles, there are many different options to make homecoming royalty titles more inclusive.

I really can’t see any reason why anyone would be apprehensive about this, but maybe they’re just close-minded jerks.

Majesty, highness, eminence, or monarch are some of the many options, they stick to

ART BY Mercedes Mancilla the royalty theme of homecoming but don’t apply to a specific gender or sexual orientation.

Another solution would be to just remove royalty titles and have either a single winner or a group of people, with no gender roles or sexual orientations applied. The group wouldn’t portray a couple but instead portray a family, which is what Grand Haven is supposed to be.

I don’t see a reason why Grand Haven hasn’t changed the titles yet. The titles don’t correspond with the school’s morals and ideals. This is the time for change, if this doesn’t happen now, then it never will.

OPINION 5

Outdoor ed helping reimagine site WHAT HAPPENED: On Tuesday, October 9, Derek Warner’s Outdoor Ed classes spent the morning at Mulligan’s Hollow helping with the construction of The Reimagine Project.

This week was designated Build Week for the $500,000 project to replace the 30-yearold Imagination Station. Various community groups volunteered to be a part of the rebuild.

THEY SAID IT: “It’s important for these students to give back to the community, but also this is something that a lot of these kids grew up playing on, so if they stay in the area or if they come back to visit they will be able to see it and be proud to have put their mark on it.

-Outdoor Ed teacher Derek Warner IN THE PHOTO: Seniors Jack DeKleyen and Ethan Peters dig dirt from holes in the foundation to make room for support posts. Over 100 students and 20 teachers helped design the Reimagine Project which is expected to be finished this month.

--from Blade staff reports Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE

Walk for Light to raise suicide awareness Buc Stop reopens for ‘18

The second annual community walk for suicide awareness and prevention “Walk For Light” will be held Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Those who attend will walk seven laps around the track in honor and remembrance of the seven Grand Haven students who lost their lives to suicide in recent years.

The event welcome any students, parents or other members of the community to come and honor those they have lost, raise awareness for suicide and support those around you who are struggling with mental health.

“I think this is a really great op-

SAVE the

DATE

6 NEWS

portunity for students and members of the community to gather together and remember those we lost,” Koetsier said. “It’s also a great way to keep the conversation about

October 15-20 Applied Week

Make sure to stop into the student services office to learn more about how to get involved and begin applying to colleges.

mental health going, because it’s something that we need to be aware off.”

Koetsier looks forward to this year’s walk and hopes for a bigger crowd that is larger than last year’s 200 people and is anticipating that more students will attend.

“We have made some changes to the walk this year, we are holding it in the evening and are handing out glow necklaces with colors that represent someone that you lost to suicide,” Koetsier said. “We are also selling last years shirts for $10 and new ones for $15.”

--Maddie Monroe

October 24-26

24 - Half-Day 25 - Half-Day conferences from 12:15-2:45 p.m. & 5:30-8:00 p.m.

26 - No School Conferences held in open-house style

The Buc Stop is up and running for the 2018-2019 school year. It will be open during all lunches and is located in the same spot in the main hallway by the entrance of the lunchroom.

“A lot of things are brand new this year which is really exciting,” marketing teacher Taylor Schriber said. “We will have all new apparel every month, new displays, new lighting and a new checkout.”

Possibly the biggest addition to the revamped Buc Stop though is a feature that many won’t see. A new heat press and printer combo.

Shriber describes this as an inhouse ‘jack-of-all-trades’ and will

alleviate many of the challenges the growing school store now faces.

“We will now be able to make our own shirts and we will be able to print ads and displays,” Schriber said.

Taking on a modern approach, powered by new technology, Schriber and the staff have also reconstructed their online platform. In addition to stopping into the Buc Stop during all lunches, you can now just open up a new tab and head to https://squareup. com/store/the-buc-stop --Chris Hudson

October 25

October 30

Second annual community walk for suicide awareness & prevention Seven laps on the track Gates open at 7:00 p.m.

Event begins at 7:30 p.m.

Starts at 7:00 p.m. in the PAC, donations accepted.

Walk for Light

Orchestra’s Halloween Concert

www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

Students sell surfing Seniors Nathan Wofflis, Kyle Eveland and Mason Mahackek start their own surfboard company

Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE

By Maddie Monroe and Nick Garvale

I

t’s 2 A.M. in the cold, first morning of October. Seniors Mason Mahacek, Kyle Eveland, and Nathan Wolffis huddle in Wolffis’s garage, all around a piece of curved foam that rests in the middle of the trio.

They contemplate about what size to make the nose, how much rocker to have, and what bottom contour they want.

Soon after measuring out dimensions, the boys begin shaping.

The three GHHS seniors personalize surfboards for customers, creating them in the garage of Wolffis’ home.

These surfers started shaping boards last April, manufacturing them customized for people who ride the waves of Lake Michigan.

“We started about six months ago, we wanted to design and make our own boards and we really enjoyed doing it,” Mahachek said. “Then our friends started asking us to make them boards so we decided to make it a real company.”

After coming up with the idea, they assembled a website and Instagram to start molding their company. Orders from people interested in their own wave riders normally take place on their website and social media. The trio started off making boards for themselves but before long they were

NEVER BOARD: Salt Free Surf Co. owner Nathan Wolffis working in his barn to put the finishing touches on one of his handmade surfboards. All of the companies boards are handmade in Wolfis’s barn.

PRICING

surfboard: starting at $300 up to $500 paddleboard: Starting at $900 Private lessons: $40 for three hours (board is included) Ding repairs: Starting at $20 More information at www.saltfreesurfco.com getting requests from others.

“Now we get orders all the time.” Eveland said. “-But whenever we don’t have any specific boards to make we just make whatever we want too, which is something really cool about being in charge of your own company.”

Being a high school student and varsity athletes spares almost no extra time, which makes owning a business a difficult process. Right before the fall swell comes to Grand Haven, the group tries to manage their schedule even if it means staying up late to get the job done.

“It is definitely not easy,” Eveland said. “It is much more

convenient to find time during the summer. But it’s nice because we make them right in Nate’s garage so we can go there whenever we want, whether it’s at 9 p.m. or 2 a.m. we try to find the time.”

The creation of Salt Free Surf also stems from their love of surfing, which each of them has been doing for over two years.

“You are always trying to find ways to get better, trying to find the perfect wave,” Wolffis said. “When I surf I don’t think about anything else over than that. Which makes it a really good stress relief.”

Owning a surf company can be time-consuming, stressful and chaotic. However Wolffis, Eveland, and Mahachek have a growing passion for board building. Their love for surfing drives them to be involved in the business. Along with doing what they strive for, the students balance time and creativity into their schedule.

“I love making my own boards and being able to put my own art into boards,” Wolffis said. “I found that creating my own was way more fun than just buying one, so we wanted a way to make boards all the time since it is something we all love, which is what makes Salt Free Surf so fun.”

STEPS WHEN BUILDING A SURFBOARD 1

2

Choose what type Order your materials of board you would (Eps foam, stringer, like to make glue, epoxy) October 12 2018, www.bucsblade.com

3

Start shaping your board

4

Glass your board by applying resin and fiberglass

5

6

7

Sand all edges and Decorate and paint Apply all finishing surfaces your board touches

NEWS 7

I want YOUR ad for the Blade

8 ADS

www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

FALL FASHION FAVORITES As cold weather quickly aproaches its time to trade out old summer styles for warm clothes better suited for fall

By Maddie Monroe

SKATER DRESS (RIGHT): Short sleeve or tank top dresses paired with a long sleeve shirt underneath has become a staple of recent fall fashion.

Best place to buy: Urban Outfitters, Target or American Eagle.

Price: $10-$30 BEANIE SEASON (BELOW): With cold weather and rain, beanies and simple knit hats have become very popular and go with almost every casual outfit.

Best place to buy: The North Face, Burton or Patagonia.

Price: $10-$20

ANKLE BOOTS (ABOVE): Shorter, boots have become increasingly popular for fall and winter. With most coming in plain colors like black, gray, white or brown.

Best place to buy: Hunter boots, Dr. Martens or Uggs.

Price: $100-$250 LOTS OF LAYERS (ABOVE): With fall comes cold and windy weather which makes warm clothes a neccesity. So layerable items like oversized cardigans over a t-shirt are a perfect style option.

Best place to buy: Target, Kohls or Forever 21.

Price: $15-$30

October 12 2018, www.bucsblade.com

WIDE LEG PANT (LEFT): It’s time to ditch those summertime shorts and try some more weather apropriate and trendy wide leg pants.

Best place to buy: Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 or Nordstrom.

Price: $25-$60

FASHION 9

THER NEW

FF: GHHS STA

er) rapro work O a P d n a S ght (IS acher) -Jim Albri cial Ed. Te e p (S n o rt -Renee Bo (Teacher Assistant) r te a e cher) -Deb D (Math Tea t is u q rn a ff) -Claire F stodial Sta u (C n o s n -Amy Joh

KYLE HITSMAN

Meet the new 2018 GHHS staff members Get to know the in’s and out’s of some of the fresh faces that join the Bucs’ crew For more new staff profiles visit www.bucsblade.com

JESSICA JONES

MITCH MOORE

OTHER NE

W GHHS S TAFF: -Robynn Mo ra (Food S e rv ic es Directo -Doug Oben r)

hauf (Cus -Tony Syn todial Sta ff) der (Math Teacher) -Jeff VanT ol (Custod ial Staff) -Nick Vlie stra (Scien ce Teache r)

JEANNE RANCE

By: Amelia Schincariol

By: Amelia Schincariol

By: Kyle Bush

By: Kyle Bush

Name: Kyle Hitsman Position: Facility Coordinator Where did you go to high school: Grand Haven High School Where did you go to college: Muskegon Community College and Central Michigan University Prior professional experience: Maintenance at Lakeshore Middle School; has worked with the district for 10 years.

Why did you choose Grand Haven: “It’s where I grew up.”

Name: Jessica Jones Position: General Help Cashier Where did you go to high school: Grand Haven High School Where did you go to college: Muskegon Community College Prior professional experience: Preschool teacher Why did you choose Grand Haven: “My Children are in the district.”

Name: Mitch Moore Position: Art teacher Where did you go to high school: Shelby High school Where did you go to college: Grand Valley State University Prior professional experience: West Ottawa, Wyoming and Coopersville schools Why did you choose Grand Haven: “Great local art scene and great atmosphere.”

Name: Jeanne Rance Position: Teacher Assistant Where did you go to high school: Grand Haven Where did you go to college: Did not go to college Prior professional experience: Working in factories (Medallion DNW); Ravenna public schools and Fruitport public schools Why did you choose Grand Haven: “I’ve lived near here and it was my former school.”

Favorites Meal: Tiger Roll from Wok and Roll Movie Genre: Old horror movies Place to travel: North Carolina Dream Vacation: Seattle, Washington Way to spend a snow day: At home watching movies

Favorites Meal: Anything cooked over a campfire Movie: Snow Dogs Place to travel: Saint Kitts Dream Vacation: Italy Way to spend a snow day: Watching movies

Favorites Meal: Land thai food Movie: Interstellar Place to travel: Charleston, South Carolina Way to spend a snow day: Board games

Favorites Meal: Salmon or sweet potatoes Movie: Beauty and The Beast Place to Travel: Guatemala Way to spend a snow day: Sledding

10 NEWS

October 12, 2018, www.bucsblade.com

www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

NEWS 11

A few words with...

Visual Artist Kaitlynn Park

By Sophia Jaeger

Senior Kaitlynn Park has been in love with art for as long as she can remember and it is seen through the quality of her work. Editor Sophia Jaeger sat down with Park to talk about what art means to her and where she sees it taking her in the future.

SJ: What is art to you?

KP: It’s somewhere I can express how I feel without having to, talk or anything, just where I put my thoughts and my ideas. If I put on the paper, even if it’s not, good or anything, SJ: What hooked you on art?

KP: I’ve always kind of done it. But it was kinda like in eighth grade where my mom had gotten me this book to like, draw Faces and stuff where I really got more into it.

SJ: Where did you start as an artist?

KP: My eighth grade sketch books are so funny to look back on. Because it’s just like, I’d practice like eyes and noses and mouths and just like the way I drew them, sometimes I just can’t with that. It’s kind of funny, looking back on them cause I used to think they were so good. I kinda look at it later on and it just looks sad.

SJ: What’s your favorite style of art?

KP: I like realism, I like to capture what things are.

SJ: Do you tend to use symbolism in your work?

KP: I tend to use a lot of things that represent myself, or things that I love in each work, like, I usually use a lot of water, and then like an octopus is, my spirit animal and I tend to do tentacles and stuff like that.

Carlos Rappleye The Bucs’ Blade HARD AT WORK: Parks begins shading her sketch of a face. Drawing faces was where Park began when she started to really dedicate herself to art. When she draws she now triess not to be too serious because it’s no longer about perfection. “It’s somewhere I can express how I feel without having to, talk or anything, just where I put my thoughts and my ideas.”

SJ: Why do you relate to octopi?

KP: I don’t know octopus, their just cool because there’s this thing where some octopus eat their arms when they’re stressed. I’m just like, wow I really feel that, you know.

And just like the way they look, they’re so cool.

SJ: What is one of your favorite pieces you’ve created?

KP: My self portrait from last year. That’s the one that I’m most proud of. Because the skill in it and just the meaning behind it. Like there’s two different meanings. One thing is like I’m kind of afraid of deep water because I can’t swim. I mean I can do a mean doggy paddle but if I treaded water I just can’t. So it’s kind of like the deep water and what’s lurking beneath. You can also take the painting and like twist it to, how you feel on the inside like dragged down. Just life in general, we all go through things. In the painting you can see it as me like being dragged up like, I’m fighting the water, or that I’m like, going down so I feel you can interpret it either way.

SJ: Where do you see art taking you in the future?

KP: I want to have a little online shop with paintings and all that. But then I also want to do something else with it. Like I’ve thought about doing art therapy and stuff. I just want to be able to help people.

SJ: How can art help others?

KP: I feel like you all can relate to something and with paintings, everyone interprets differently. So even though you see a painting one way someone else might see it another way and it might bring them up.

SJ: Is this something you see yourself continuing to pursue?

KP: I hope so. I’ve been doing this my entire high school career. I’ve been focusing on art so I don’t think there is gonna be a change in that.

12 ARTS

Carlos Rappleye The Bucs’ Blade GETTING READY: Parks takes out her drawing supplies. She is preparing to finish a drawing of a face in her sketch book. Her sketch book is filled with sketches of faces that she has created over the years “My eighth grade sketch books are so funny to look back on. Because it’s just like, I’d practice like eyes and noses and mouths”

Carlos Rappleye The Bucs’ Blade STANDING PROUD: Park poses with her self potrait. She painted the potrait last year and it has become one of her favorite pieces. It can be interpreted many different ways but Park’s original purpose was to illustrate her inability to swin and how she feels there is some force constantly pulling her down.

www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

Netflix Original Sierra Burgess

is not a winner

By Emily Jarrell I am a big fan of romantic comedies and I normally end up with tears of joy rolling down my face when I finish watching them. However, after finishing the movie Sierra Burgess is a Loser, my blood is boiling and I’m livid. This is not just another high school romantic comedy, but one that is far worse and it’s not even due to the acting or repetitive story line. From a social standpoint, there are many points that are insensitive and just plain wrong.

The movie begins with a popular girl, Veronica, who purposefully gave a boy, Jamey, the wrong phone number after he hit on her.

The number Veronica gave him belonged to Sierra Burgess, who was an “outcast.” When Jamey texted the number he was given, Sierra pretended to be the girl he was supposed to be texting (this is called

catfishing) and they started to form a relationship over the phone. Sierra found out who Jamey thought he was talking to and struck up an unexpected deal with Veronica. Sierra tutored Veronica in exchange for her help in keeping this relationship, whether it was selfies, video chatting and even a date. Jamey eventually discovered the truth and chose to forgive Sierra and they became a couple.

Catfishing is disgusting and manipulative because it can hurt people emotionally and destroy trust. If Sierra couldn’t be honest to begin with then she shouldn’t have talked to Jamey in the first place. Other characters urged her to tell the truth throughout the entire movie, which is great, but at the end Sierra ended up getting the guy of her dreams through her manipulation.

Giving the audience the impression that catfishing works to start a relationship and not the message that should have been portrayed.

Sierra’s catfished Jamey because of her own insecurities about the way she looked. She was supposedly ugly because of her weight and at one point was compared to Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The movie’s attempt at promoting body positivity was appalling. They were trying to portray that a curvy girl with an unflat stomach can get with an athletic toned boy. But at the end of the movie when Jamey was talking to Sierra he told her if they were in class together he would have never looked at her in that way, but since he got to know her first he liked her.

This disregards the body positivity message and is saying you have to

Mord mit Aussicht

By Gesa Lange

By Carlos Rappleye Throughout the album, IDLES satirically tears down toxic masculinity, the idea that men can’t cry and the undeniable class divide that is ever widening in our society. With the lead singers deep, masculine voice leading on top of driving guitar riffs and marching drums, one would almost be driven to violence from the noise.

The lyrics, however, deliver a different story.

One of my favorite songs on the album, the humorously titled “Never Fight a Man With a Perm”, takes on roided up beefcakes, the song describing them as “a walking thyroid.” IDLES poke fun at these men, saying they’re generic and meaningless goons to them.

My personal climax of the album comes in the song “Samaritans”. The band moves in viciously on the “mask of masculinity”, repeating phrases meant to

www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

Joking about mental illness should never be on the table. It is completely unacceptable that such an insensitive joke was used.

From rewarding catfishing to false lessons of body positivity the movie has missed its mark. I sit in my room staring at the wall and imagine steam coming out of my ears. I’m hurt that we had so many derogatory things from a movie that came out in 2018. We are better than that, I know we are.

Staff Picks

Joy as an Act of Resistance leaves listeners filled with punky tunes, passion Let me establish this: I am no musician.

I don’t have a deep understanding of music theory, nor do I stress over the way two notes connect to one another in a song. But, I like music a lot. And I like IDLES Joy as an Act of Resistance a lot.

U.K. hard core/postpunk band IDLES caught my ear around this time last year when I heard their debut 2017 album Brutalism while slacking off in the library. They delivered, as the title states, brutal commentary on politics in their home country. While personally, those issues don’t affect me, their sound definitely left a brooding impression on me.

Fast forward to this year, the group dropped Joy as an Act of Resistance and it was my sound track as I slowly trudged through the harsh reality of the first few weeks of school.

have a good personality if you don’t have an awesome body. Which is why again I’m livid.

I hated when their jokes about schizophrenia. Today we are more aware of mental illnesses and moving past the stigma that comes with them. Mental illness affects a lot of people around us. After the remark, it was never addressed later that if you have a mental illness that you’re still worth something and valued if you suffer from a mental illness.

belittle boys who show emotion and saying these are the reasons you father never cries. After repeating this for nearly two minutes, the song explodes into a ripping guitar solo ending in the lead singers’ testosterone-fueled voice screaming “I kissed a boy and I liked it”, creating an incredibly powerful moment.

Joy as an Act of Resistance nearly moves me to tears at its high points and encourages me to skip to the next song at its lows. The album is beautiful and moving in many ways, but in some songs, it can drag on through meaningless statements for far too long.

The album inspired me to take a look inside myself and see if I was forcing myself to be something I’m not to adhere to societal standards for men, and in the process, I managed to find a new favorite album.

It is the perfect mix of thriller and soap, with a criminal case on the side and the focus on the Gulasch-loving Dorfpolizist, the naive village policegirl and the commissar who is mad about being transferred to the countryside.

You can only watch it if you understand German though.

Grandson Blood/Water

By Mercedes Macilla

Grandson is a musician known for his politically charged lyrics and music videos. The Canadian-American artist combines rock, trap, hip-hop and blues in many of his songs creating an interesting audio experience. His single “Blood//Water” broke the Top 40 on multiple billboard charts, for a good reason too. The song focuses on political corruption and the effects it has on America’s youth.

Madden NFL 19

By Nick Twa

The newest edition to the classic NFL team vs. team game brings all of the new rookies and NFL legends into the game. This sports juggernaut allows you to play as your favorite team and compete against your friends

Great Lakes Chilli Dogs

By Paul Murin

From hotdogs to chicken tenders, this place will not leave you dissatisfied. Once you find what you like at this restaurant it will turn into a religion and you will not want to get anything else when you go.

REVEIWS 13

Fabulous fall dishes to pass You’ll be falling for these recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

By Morgan Womack

CARAMELS These chewy caramels are sure to leave your mouth watering. They’re a great snack to leave on your counter throughout the fall season, or make a nice addition to any dessert.

Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 cup dark Karo 1 cup real Butter One 14 ounce can of sweetened and condensed milk 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract 1. Butter an 8 x 8 inch glass pan.

Combine sugar, Karo, and butter into a medium saucepan.

2. Heat and stir constantly on medium temperature until the bubbles start to pop.

2. Stop stirring. Boil mixture for 7 minutes.

5. Remove from the heat, stir in vanilla.

7. Pour into the buttered pan. Cool completely (overnight is fine).

8. Cut into bite size pieces and wrap.

3. Stir in the sweetened and condensed milk. Continue stirring as the mixture returns to the popping bubbles.

4. Boil for 13 minutes with constant stirring.

14 LIFE

October 12, 2018, www.bucsblade.com

PUMPKIN BREAD Fresh out of the oven, pumpkin bread is a fall classic that can be served at a Halloween party or packed into a lunch.

Ingredients: 5 large eggs 1 ¼ cup Canola oil One 15 ounce can solid pack pumpkin 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 2 packages (3 ounce) butterscotch cook and serve pudding mix 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs.

2. Add oil and pumpkin and beat until smooth.

FRESH FALL SALAD

3. Combine remaining ingredients; gradually beat into pumpkin mixture.

Sweet dried cranberries, honeycrisp apples, feta cheese and hearty walnuts come together in a fresh autumn salad, a healthy appetizer to go with dinner.

4. Pour batter into two greased loaf pans.

Bake at 325 F for 75-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Ingredients: 6 cups of salad greens 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced thin 1 cup walnuts, chopped ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled ⅓ cup dried cranberries 1. Toss salad green, apples, walnuts, feta cheese and cranberries together in a large bowl.

www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

TANGY APPLE VINAIGRETTE This dressing is sweet with honey but the apple delivers a satisfying kick.

Ingredients: 1 cup apple juice 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons honey ¼ cup oil ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate container.

2. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing on the salad.

LIFE 15

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

BOYS TENNIS RECORD: 9-8-1 overall, 1-5 in conference play, 6th in the O-K Red Conference.

KEY ATHLETES:

RECORD: 28-13-2 overall, KEY ATHELETES: Senior Ashlyn Hall provides the assists for the Bucs offensive attack, while junior Ashley Slater heads it. Senior Avolyn Lepo is a weapon at the net, owning a team-high in blocks while also contributing in kills. Senior Baby Hang and junior Reily Sweirbut have led the way for the Bucs defensively, racking up digs for the Bucs in each game.

THEY SAID IT: “Since conference play start-

ed, we’ve been up against some of the top teams in the state” senior Avolyn Lepo said. “It has definitely shown us our weaknesses. We’ve been working hard to fix them and it will help a lot and we’ll be in a good spot once the postseason starts.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP:

The Bucs face the Grandville Bulldogs on Oct. 16, in an effort to create some momentum and before the postseason starts.

BOYS WATER POLO

Junior Noah Bachmann is back at it again, dominating his opponents with a record of 22-1 in No.1 singles. Bachmann leads the group for singles and will look to head back to the state championship.

Senior Mason Price is in No. 2 singles, helping the team when they need it most. Junior Weston Taylor is the squad’s No. 3 singles player and has been beginning to emerge as one of the team’s most important players. Taylor Bachmann has been consistent in his performances throughout the year.

THEY SAID IT: “In conference play we went 1-5 which was a little rough, but considering how young the team is we did pretty solid,” Bachmann said. “Most of the matches were very close but didn’t show on the scoreboard and that’s due to experience. Everybody has improved significantly and we are all solid players.”

FALL SPORTS UPDATE FOOTBALL

UPCOMING MATCHUP: Grand Haven has completed their regular season and finished in fifth place at reigonals on Tuesday.

EQUESTRIAN RECORD:

3-0 in all three district meets, regional

champions.

RECORD: 10-7 overall.

KEY ATHLETES: Junior Nick Wilson, has recently been showing up on the defensive end, snatching up six steals against Zeeland East. Seniors Ethan Ball led the way offensively, recording four goals and one assist in his latest game. Senior goalie Mark Nordin has been key in the net with an abundance of saves every game.

THEY SAID IT: “The season is going good; we’ve won more games than we lost,” junior Nick Wilson said. “Hudsonville is first in the state right now and we are hoping to have a chance with them.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP:

Grand Haven travels to Rockford this weekend as the Rams host the Rockford Invite.

16 SPORTS

KEY ATHLETES: Seniors Sara Sokoly and Ashlynne McKee lead the team in class wins with 11 and eight respectively, while junior sensation Paige Beland has also totalled five class wins. McKee and Sokoly bring experience, leadership and consistency to every meet and Beland has also had a successful year for the team. Junior Hannah Smith has emerged onto the scene by adding a class win to her name.

THEY SAID IT:

McKee

“We all get along super well and it’s like one big family,” McKee said. “We help each other out and we’ve known each other since before high school so our relationship helps our confidence and how we do in meets.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP: The Lady Bucs will soon look to showcase their skills at this weekend’s state championship. Undefeated in all of their district and regional meets, the team will no doubt look to finish off its perfect season in the best way: with a state title.

RECORD: 2-5 overall, 0-5 in the O-K Red Conference.

KEY ATHLETES: Junior running back Connor Worthington has been one of the Bucs’ top contributors, barreling over opponents with his physical running style. Junior running back Owen Krizan has served as a compliment to Worthington’s physicality as he is more of a scat-back. Krizan has added value to the defense too. Senior quarterback Collin Takas has provided consistency in the poclet as well.

THEY SAID IT: “Obviously

I’m not thrilled with the record where it is right now,” Takas said. “But I believe there is a culture shift happening right now in the football program and this will lead to future success for our football program.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP: Grand Haven will host Grand Rapids Union in their final home game of the year on Friday, Oct. 19. The game will also be senior night for the departing players.

October 12, 2018, www.bucsblade.com

Making sure every Buccaneer fan stays informed about the current ongoings in all of the fall Grand Haven sports programs

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS GOLF

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY RECORD: 2nd in the O-K Red Conference, ranked in the top 15 in the state.

KEY ATHELETES:

COURTESY PHOTO/GRAND HAVEN TRIBUNE

RECORD: Finished the regular season 5th overall in the O-K Red Conference.

KEY ATHELETES: Freshman Caydee Constant

finished with all conference honors. Senior Ally Kingma earned All-conference honorable mention, while also acting as a team leader alongside fellow senior Jamie Gretzinger. Both Constant and Kingma played pivotal roles in team’s success, as they were the two players the team could depend on for low scores.

THEY SAID IT: “We all worked really hard and im-

proved as a team and individually.,” freshman Caydee Constant said. “Our team is so encouraging. Everyone of us worked to succeed and try to better our scores.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP:

The Bucs completed the regular season and finished regionals on Tuesday.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Senior Andrew Ireland, who acts as a leader for the team and is the No. 1 runner. Senior Dominic Weatherwax recently set a personal record at the Allendale Invite with a time of 16:01.7. Sophomore Cole Rowden has built off his phenomenal rookie season with an equally amazing sophomore year. Other captains on the team, as well as varsity runners include seniors Kyle Eveland and Nathan Wolffis, who act as motivators for the team. Additionally, key newcomers like freshmen Ben Pease and Jon Tysman have emerged in Martin the second half of the season and have added valuable depth to the team.

THEY SAID IT:

“I think that as the season progresses we’re gonna work a lot better together and close some of the big gaps on our team,” senior Aidan Martin said.

UPCOMING MATCHUP: The Grand Haven runners will look to defend their conference title as they partake in the O-K Red Conference championship. on Oct. 18 at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RECORD: Tied for 2nd in the Ok-Red Conference.

KEY

RECORD: 6-2-3 in the O-K Red Conference, 7-3-3 overall.

KEY ATHLETES: Senior Sam Scarpino and sophomore Charlie

VanSingel have the led the way for the Bucs offensively, as the duo acts as the team’s main providers for goals. Defensively, seniors Trevor Kalis and Jax Mast have been doing stellar work while Brenner Kar has been solid in the net. Senior Jack DeKlyen has captained the Bucs successfully as well.

THEY SAID IT : “We have been pretty banged up but people

are getting healthy and we are starting to click,” DeKlyen said. “The whole team is excited for the chance to compete for an O-K Red championship this week and ready for the playoffs to come the week after.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP: The Buccaneers begin the post-

season against Mona Shores on Monday Oct. 15, looking to build off of last year’s reigonal run. www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

RECORD: 1-3 in the O-K Red Conference, 4-4 overall.

KEY ATHELETES:

Junior Kathryn Ackerman, who continues to lead the team with outstanding times in the IM and freestyle events. Sophomore Georgia Basil’s distance swimming ability provides depth for the team as well. Sophomore Ocean Veldhouse has built off her strong freshman campaign with an equally dominant second season in the backstroke event.

THEY SAID IT: “We are in the middle of some hard training right now,” Ackerman said. “Most of us aren’t going to have our best times. This training should set us up to really successful at our upcoming meets.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP:

The Bucs will travel to Grandville for next meet on Oct. 18.

ATHELETES:

Senior three-time All-Conference runner Gabby Hentemann has continued her dominance in her final season, leading the team once again. She and fellow senior speedster Abby Buitenhuis have combined for a onetwo punch, making them one of the best duos in the conMaracek ference. Senior standout Gina Maracek has added depth as the team’s No.3 runner, while also contributing much-needed depth to the team.

THEY SAID IT: “So far we’ve been making progress,” senior Gina Maracek said. “We’ve had some workouts that the girls have killed and their effort has shown in their races. We haven’t peaked yet which is a good thing because we want to save that for conference and states.

Overall it’s been great and the girls have been amazing.”

UPCOMING MATCHUP: The Grand Haven bunch will look to continue their excellent performances by attempting to capture the O-K Red Conference title on Oct. 18.

SPORTS 17

RUNNING BACK

Addy Wachter THE BUCS’ BLADE UP THE MIDDLE: Worthington takes the ball up the gut in annual Bucs’ pride game. The Ju nior is known for his powerback abilities and strength. “I don’t really base my play off of anyone, I would say it’s pretty unique,” Worthington said.

Junior Connor Worthington possesses the strong qualities to fuel the Buccaneer offense

J

By Jack Reus

unior fullback Connor Worthington is a power running back who has an amazing ability to break tackles and run through defenders to pick up yards. He has been responsible for numerous game changing plays and uses his competitive drive to improve both his game, as well as his team.

“He is a tough gritty style player, you will never hear him complain and he is always competing,” Collin Takas said. “He’s probably the best running back I’ve played with.

He has that undeniable will when he has the ball in his hands and is a tough force to stop.”

Although, the running back possesses many qualities to succeed in high school football and possibly beyond, he doesn’t take inspiration from anyone in particular. www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

“I don’t really base my play off of anyone, I would say it’s pretty unique,” Worthington said.

In fact, surprisingly, Worthington doesn’t even watch football on his own time.

“I don’t watch a bunch of pro football or college football, I do what’s best for me,” Worthington said.

It’s no question that Worthington’s unique, individual style of play has paid off as he has had quite the debut in his first season as a varsity football player. He is the team’s leading rusher having put up 505 yards and two touchdowns on 94 carries through seven games.. Even though Worthington’s stat reel is top notch, it is clear that stats are not his main priority, rather improving as a player and therefore improving the team.

“I don’t worry about stats too much, I just strive to do my personal best,”

Worthington said.

Worthington feels the team aspect is the best part of sports and that there is no other sport quite as unique as football. “[The best part of football to me] is the team for sure, other sports like baseball, it’s more individual where you can win but you can have a really bad game, it doesn’t really feel as good, but football you are with the team, it’s a total team sport,” Worthington said.

In the locker room and on the field, one will find that Worthington is a humble, quiet kind of leader who you can rely on greatly both on and off the field.

“From my perspective, he’s quiet, he’s more of a leader by example, not necessarily by what he says, but he’s a kid of integrity, he’s going to do the right thing even if he’s by himself, he’s going to do what’s right,” Nelson said.

A huge high for the Grand Haven football program is the fact that Worthington is a junior which means he will still be around for yet another year to cause a ripple in the O-K Red next season.

“He will work harder to become the very best and he’s also a great leader and will pull the rest of the guys with him to reach their p o t e n t i a l ,” Ta k a a said.

WORTHINGTON BY THE NUMBERS: -94 carries - 505 rush yards (Leads team) - Averages 5.37 yards per carry -2 Touchdowns - Longest run: 82 yards

SPORTS 18

ATTACK

Calling It Like I See It Sam Woiteshek

Don’t fight the feeling

Macayla Cramer THE BUCS’ BLADE CUTTING IT UP: Junior Owen Krizan escapes to the edge in a crucial O-K Red conference game against Caledonia earlier in the season. Krizan’s speed and elusiveness have been a staple in the Buccaneer’s ground game throughout the season.

Junior Owen Krizan’s explosive ground game provides just the spark that the Buccaneers need to prosper

By Ashton Voorhees If Grand Haven football’s ground game was described as ‘thunder and lightning’, then junior Owen Krizan would be considered the lightning of the attack.

Ripping off big gains is the hallmark of Krizan’s running game. He has big play potential, blazing speed and the instincts to explode into the right gaps. However, that’s not all that Krizan offers for his team; he lives for his team to come out on the winning end.

“I know that I want to do whatever I can do to help the team,” said Krizan. “My goal is just to play good every Friday night.”

But, Krizan brings much more to the field than the desire to win and the attitude needed to achieve those goals.

“He’s competitive, he’s athletic,” head coach Joe Nelson said. “And he’s pretty football savvy as far as how smart he is in football situations.”

Breaking arm tackles and bursting down sidelines is made easier when defenses have to key in on another player.

For some teams, that means passing www.bucsblade.com, October 12, 2018

the ball to a big wide receiver down the field. But in Grand Haven’s case, you can just hand the ball off to 6-foot-2

KRIZAN BY THE NUMBERS -Team high 95 carries -438 rushing yards -Long rush of 58 yards -Nine receptions -Team high 184 receiving yards -One receiving touchdown -Team high 57 total tackles halfback Connor Worthington, who eats defenses for breakfast and runs the ball up the middle for fun.

“They can hit in different places on the line,” Nelson said. “And when one

gets rolling they’re obviously keying one back versus the other and it’s hard to key more than one person. So when they’re keying Connor, Owen can pop something big, and when they focus on Owen, Connor is left open, so it’s nice that they’re different, different styles.”

The contrasting styles between Krizan and Worthington means trouble for defenses, something that head coach Joe Nelson uses to his advantage to elevate the game of the team.

“It’s huge and important that they compliment each other, and the other side of that coin is that if we’ve got our run game going that usually means our offensive line is probably doing pretty well also,” Nelson said. “If we can control the front well and block people we can usually get our running backs going downhill and getting down the field, which is a very good thing. So that’s really important for the whole team because it’s easier to get a push up front because of those guys and without the guys up front, the guys in the backfield won’t be going anywhere.”

Do me a favor real quick. Whatever collegiate or pro football game you’re watching, take a look at the uniforms. Yes, the colors are cool but look closer. Do you see that swoosh in the upper right corner?

Yep, that’s Nike and they’ve got you.

Today in school, look in the halls and most have a swoosh on. If not, don’t worry it’ll be later in the week.

That’s Nike and you’ve taken the bait.

Okay, back to the game. The commercials are on. Who’s this guy narrating as the LeBron James and Serena Williams montages are showing?

That’s Colin Kaepernick, a mediocre quarterback, but notorious for starting to kneel for the national anthem.

Oh and that’s Nike. And they’ve got you hook, line and sinker. They’re everywhere aren’t they?

Nike incorporates all athletes in the commercial, but everything draws back to Kaepernick. They indirectly reference the topic with their message at the end, saying to “believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything”.

People have reacted with shock and fascination, threatening to boycott the company by never wearing their clothes again.

However, they have forgotten the amount of consumers Nike has.

High schoolers, athlete or not, are infatuated with Nike. Sure some of us may be passionate about kneeling for the anthem, but it’s not going to stop us from buying their merchandise. Nike, current or vintage, is too stylish to pass up.

Everyday people use their variety of gear for workouts. Going for a run? Put on a tight Nike shirt and shorts with your Nike tennis shoes.

Here’s the thing everyone: Nike doesn’t need your support. They have $34.4 billion dollars worth of it (Nike, Inc.). Instead, they got what they really wanted.

Your attention. Regardless of where you fall on the issue of Kaepernick’s actions, you’re hooked.

Nike has struggled with its domination recently. By no means is the company irrelevant, but it stopped manufacturing golf clubs and has sat by while other athletes have made rival companies bigger names (see Steph Curry and Under Armour or Lionel Messi and Adidas). Oh yeah, they’re non-existent in baseball.

So they needed a big push.

Insert Kaepernick, perhaps the world’s most polarizing sports figure who we love to hate and hate to love.

He’s pioneered a new movement in America, whether you like it or not. Nike isn’t taking sides on the issue, only exploiting it to make more money.

The brilliance of the movement? Others have followed, Nike or not.

Nike is a global empire. According to NBC News, its sales have gone up 31% since the ad started to air.

Besides, how long can you really go without buying another pair of Jordans?

Or running shoes? The temptation is too strong to fully withdraw from.

Let’s call this for what it really is here - the controversy has become a nationwide temper tantrum where those of us who disapprove hold our breath and pout. We might even yell, stomp and kick.

However no one will truly slam the door and run away because there’s no other place to go but home. Yes you can circle around the block of different sports apparel brands, but you will always come back to where it all began in Nike.

For those of us who love the brand, we are rewarded with satisfaction and justification. For those of us who remain impartial, we are rewarded with equal neutrality in return.

No matter who or what Nike uses as its spokesperson, they will be the king of their domain. It’s not worth the tirades and infatuation to change that fact.

But if you must, just do it.

SPORTS 19

HOMECOMING WEEK CREATES

myths and

MEMORIES

Filled with fairy-tales and fables, homecoming week leaves students prideful and entertained.

Carlos Rappleye THE BUCS BLADE Addy Wachter THE BUCS BLADE FIRE UP BUCS: The cheerleading team TEARING IT UP: Seniors Chris Akselberg and Carson Wagasky leap into the air during the homecoming dance. The dance puts on a show during the pep astook place on Sept. 29, 2018. sembly. The event kicked off with the team and concluded in a race across the gym floor.

Addy Wachter THE BUCS BLADE (ABOVE) LOUD AND ROWDY: The student section shouts towards the field from the stands during the homecoming game. While the Bucs lost 55-6, the student section never lost their spirit.

(LEFT) SCOOT THE GYM: English teachers Jared Kram and Dacia Albaugh are pushed across the gymnasium floor during the pep assembly. Members of the homecoming court raced against teachers during the chaotic event.

20 PHOTO

Addy Wachter THE BUCS BLADE FULL FORCE: Sophomore Sean Antone puts his all into tug o’ war. The senior team won the match, with the juniors coming in second.

Carlos Rappleye THE BUCS BLADE DIPPING OUT: Senior Allie Keyser pulls away from the junior powder-puff team. The seniors beat out both the sophomores and the juniors to win the night.

Addy Wachter THE BUCS BLADE www.bucsblade.com, October 12