The Tiger Print — October 2005

Oct. 7, 2005 Vol. 35 Issue 2

tiger print

Gas Prices on the rise Why it’s so expensive and what we can do about it. Plus, what can you buy for a gallon of gas? See pages 8-9.

Blue Valley High School

Jungle Love 14 days to the dance and no date? Here are some tips to help find someone for you sarah weaver

staff reporter

H

omecoming is approaching and some of you may remain dateless. Time is running out, but there is hope for all.

Well, some. Guys, it’s possible a girl is waiting for you to ask her. Please excuse the sexism, but it is traditional for the guy to ask the girl.

BV is all about tradition, but girls feel free to ask that hunk in your first hour because it is a new age. You have 14 days until the dance.

Now is not the time to procrastinate.

Day 1: Scout for possibilities. Eliminate those who don’t fit your mold (or that your mother wouldn’t approve of).

Day 2: Check with their friends to see if they are truly available. See what you have in common with these girls so you are able to start up a conversation at any moment.

Day 3: You have to initiate conversation, or at least make small talk. If you’re lucky enough, get some digits.

Day 4: Narrow it down to a potential date.

Nine days are left so you better have a girl in mind.

Day 5: Think of a creative way to ask. Roses are classic. The infamous asking in person is

not ideal for most girls because how many times have you heard girls coo and awe over “cute” ways boys have asked their dates.

A lot of energy will have to be exerted, but try to at least to consider asking in a “cute” way.

Day 6: Day of Action. Don’t be nervous. She is probably just as desperate as you are. There is no turning back. And if she does say “no,” please skip to next article on this page.

Day 7: Today is not a day of rest. Get out there and create a relationship. Be appreciative of your new date. She did say yes.

Day 8: Day of shopping. Yes, boys, you will have to shop. Order a corsage and try to match your date’s dress. You will need something to wear yourself. You need a dress shirt, tie, dress shoes and slacks (preferably matching).

No, you don’t need to match your date, but at least let your tie match your shirt.

Day 9: The countdown is on. Five days until the dance and you now have a date, corsage and attire. But what are your plans? It is time to talk to your date and ask her what she wants. Where does she want to go to dinner?

(See side story for insight). Are you going as a group or is one on one what you are hoping for? continued on page 3...

Restaurant Review Students share dining experiences sarah weaver

staff reporter

W

e were all dressed up and everyone was looking at us,” sophomore Taylor Hanson said. Oh, the infamous dinner plans for Homecoming night.

The dressing up. The stares. The endless decisions; what should you order? How much money did you bring with you? Will your date like it? How much should you tip?

But the biggest decision and most important of all––where should you eat?

Dinner reservations should be made days, if not weeks, ahead of time. If you are looking for a fun or romantic place to go, here is what some students said about where they plan to go for dinner this Homecoming.

“Mimi’s Café has really good chili cheese fries,” sophomore Sammy Southerland said. Mimi’s Café has a less formal environment for a laid back feel.

Girls tend to worry about ordering too much food or making their date pay too much, but one student allowed his date to order worry free.

“I ordered the most expensive thing on the menu because my date was worried about spending too much,” sophomore Ethan Schilf said. Schilf and his date went to the Cheesecake Factory last year.

“Japanese Steak House is really good,” sophomore Lisa Hoover said. It is fancy enough to go to in your homecoming attire, according to Hoover. All the cooking is done in front of you, with some showing off from the chef.

“For Homecoming [last year] we went to Nick and Jake’s.

It was awesome,” sophomore Michael Grant said.

Some students went for a cheaper dining experience.

Homecoming dinner does not have to be at some fancy expensive restaurant, but can be a little more laid back.

Some students went to friends’ houses for dinner, which is a great deal cheaper than eating out.

The lists of restaurants are endless. Pick somewhere where the environment is right, the service and food are good and where you and your date will have a great time.

Students have long wait for Homecoming dance Important Dates Concerning Homecoming

Wednesday Oct. 12: Assembly King/Queen Voting

Monday Oct. 17: Pajama Day

Tuesday Oct. 18: Jungle Day

Wednesday Oct. 19: Costume Day

Thursday Oct. 20: Sports Day Bonfire 6-8 p.m.

Friday Oct. 21:

Black and Gold Day Homecoming Parade 1:45 p.m.

Saturday Oct. 22: Homecoming Dance 8-11 p.m.

emily kuykendall staff reporter

T

he upcoming Oct. 22 Homecoming Dance appears a little later on the calendar compared to recent years. Many students wonder why the dance is occurring so late, but the answer is simple.

“There’s not a specific time we ever have to have it,” student body secretary Emily Reinhardt said.

“Ideally, we shoot for a couple weeks into October and make sure we have a home game. If it’s too soon, we can’t make it happen.”

Many students are finding this “delay of dance” as extra time to make some money for homecoming necessities. There are dresses to be purchased, reservations to be made, and even still, dates to be found.

“I think it’s a good idea that we’re having the dance later,” senior Kristin Parrish said. “It gives people more time to save their money for everything they need for the dance, and it also lets people get to know

each other better, like the freshmen.

If the dance were earlier in the year, then they might not know everyone that well and might not know who to ask.”

Setbacks could also happen with the dance being later. Students might be saving up, but since spending money on homecoming isn’t the first priority, the money may be being spent on other things, taking away what has been saved for the big day.

“Since the dance isn’t so early, it’s kind of the last thing I’m thinking about spending my money on right now,” junior Cameron Kaman said.

“I just hope I still have some left over to take my date out to dinner.”

By the time Oct. 22 rolls around, The Homecoming Dance will go on whether some students are ready or not.

This year’s theme for Homecoming is “Welcome to the Jungle.” The dance will take place in the commons from 8-11 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $8 per person or $15 per couple.

emily kuykendall Senior Emily Reinhardt tries on dresses at the Jones Store on Sept. 29. Homecoming is a bit late this year, arriving on Oct. 22.

2 news

Goin’South andrew robinson

October 7, 2005

Band prepares for Tulsa competition

editor-in-chief

G

oing through a metamorphosis of their own, the Blue Valley Stridin’ Tigers are ready to get off on the right foot under new director Avian Bear.

The 2005 show, “Metamorphosis,” features a rainbow of plumes and symbolizes someone going from a dull black-and-white lifestyle to a lifestyle with color and excitement.

To open their season, the Stridin’ Tigers headed to Blue Springs High School on Sept. 30. The band has been a perennial power at the competition, placing near the top every year. This year was no different. In preliminary competition, the Stridin’ Tigers won second place overall and first place in the 5A class. They had also captured awards for outstanding general effect and outstanding guard.

“We did pretty well; it was good for our first competition of the year,” junior Morgan Bingham said.

Following the finals performance, lightning forced the awards ceremony to be cancelled. Bear gathered the band near their buses and announced that they had captured awards for outstanding marching and maneuvering and outstanding high visual performance. Despite these awards, the band placed third out of 20 bands.

National Merit Semifinalists announced The National Merit Scholarship Corporation program released the names of its Semifinalists to the press on Sept. 16. Blue Valley High School seniors Christine Hansen, Jessica Katzenstein, Zhitao Luo and Eric Min were among those named.

Semifinalist status in the NMSC program is based on students’ scores on the PSAT, taken last October. Twenty-five Blue Valley seniors qualified for the competition by receiving high scores on the test. Twenty-one are Commended Scholars: Greg Allen, Sam Barton, Stephen Burton, Kyle Combes, Paul Conrad, Christina Dickerson, Regan Gangel, Thomas Gnoza, Tyler Hodges, Scott Kellenberger, John Liu, Thomas Nelson, Caitlin O’Neil, Matt Palmer, Clint Sbisa, Kelly Schute, Ian Smith, Angela Solomon, Tony Tonev and Steven Wallace.

Finalists will be announced in February.

National Merit Scholars will be announced beginning in March.

Scholars will be chosen from the Finalist group based on abilities and accomplishments and are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship from the program, as well as for scholarship money from corporations and their top college.

Debate squad starts season courtney jerome Senior Corey Gray marches during the BV Band Festival. Gray has been a member of the band for four years.

Tomorrow, the Stridin’ Tigers head to the Union-Tuttle Stadium in Tulsa, Okla., where they placed third in 2002.

“It draws a much wider region of competition,” Bear said.

Locker theft, crime decrease at BV, although freshmen still have trouble “Students who have their lockers locked don’t get stuff stolen from them,” said Braden. “Students who ven with enrollment higher than [have been stolen from] think they had last year, crime rates at Blue their lockers locked; they end up not Valley are down. According having them locked.” to recent statements by the School Freshmen have the biggest problem Resource Officers, thefts and other with locking their lockers. crimes are lower than they were last “I can walk down the freshman hall year. now and open about half of the lockers,” “Last year we had a lot of thefts, but Randall said. “I understand that some this year we haven’t had any thefts of the combinations are difficult and it reported, yet,” said School Resource takes time, but people leave their cell Officer Dennis Randall. “Either the phones, iPods and calculators in their people who were doing the stealing lockers.” were caught or To prevent they moved to ‘I can walk down the freshman theft from rising, some other place.”

Randall and hall now and open about half But just because associate principal the crimes have the lockers. I understand that Melissa Hansen not been brought some of the combinations are often walk down to the attention to difficult, but people leave their the hall and try the officers does cell phones, iPods and calculato open lockers. not mean that the Hansen has tors in their lockers.’ crimes have not recently been

--SRO Dennis Randall been committed. taking things out “The key part is of open lockers to ‘being reported,’ show students that though,” said School Resource theft is a real problem. The students Officer Ken Braden. “Many crimes go have to go to Hansen, who gives them unreported.” a talk about locker safety, to get their Crimes that go unreported have a possessions back. low chance of being solved.

“This year we have been asking Last year was marked by a high rate of teachers to talk to their classes about thefts, mainly in the girls’ locker room. locking their lockers,” Braden said.

These were crimes of opportunity, said “And we have not had the problems Randall. There was little supervision we had last year.” and no one to stop the thieves in the Randall wants to implement a new locker rooms. policy later this year that will involve “I would just recommend all students sending a letter home to the parents to lock their stuff up,” Randall said. “It of the students who do not lock their was hit and miss on who was stolen lockers. The letter will inform the from, but it was mostly females.” parents of the risk and that the school Students who take necessary takes no responsibility for theft. precautions generally do not have a “I would just recommend to people problem with theft. to lock their stuff up,” Braden said.

ellen thomas

opinions editor

E

Speaking Briefly

The Blue Valley debate squad kicked off its season on Sept. 16 and 17 at Washburn Rural. The team of seniors Greg Allen and Eric Min won the tournament. The squad’s second tournament was Sept. 23 and 24 at Olathe East. Seniors Sam Barton and Hoyt Banks took second place, and seniors Emily Beye and Brett Bolton finished fourth. The squad also competed at the Topeka Seaman tournament on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Blue Valley now classified as 6A

The Kansas State High School Activities Association classifications were released on Sept. 29. Blue Valley was moved from 5A to 6A. Five more students placed Blue Valley in 6A. When schools are classified, only sophomores through seniors are counted. Freshmen are not counted because some schools are only grades 10-12. The largest 5A school is Emporia, with 995 students. BV is the smallest 6A school, with 1000 students. The largest 6A school is Wichita East, with 1627 students. Although Blue Valley West has more students enrolled, they did not have as many qualifying students and qualified as 5A. “If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, whether it’s 6A or 5A,” soccer coach K. Dean Snell said.

Freshmen election results revealed

The freshman class elections took place Sept. 15 during Tiger Time.

Luke Rampy was named President. Marlee Rogers was named Vice President, Ali Rios was named Secretary and Tess England was named Treasurer. “[I plan on] doing a lot of things for the freshman [class],” Rampy said.

“I want the freshman voice to be heard.”

The race got off to a slow start, as few petitions were turned in before the deadline.

“The deadline for petitions had passed,” freshman class sponsor Chris Hansen said. “Student Council had to extend it.”

news 3

October 7, 2005

‘I visited and fell in love with it’

Students, teacher dance, sing, act at KC Renaissance Festival jessica katzenstein news editor

F

or four Blue Valley students and a math teacher, weekends this time of year mean participating in the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.

Seniors Amanda Castanon and Melissa Pilney, junior Rachelle Roman, freshman Bret Pilney and teacher Richard Gill are all involved.

“I play the role of Princess Margaret,” Missy Pilney said. “I’m in different scenes; I’m a lane performer; I’m in the joust; and I’m a judge for the Mr. Renaissance Romance festival.”

The festival occurs on Columbus Day, Labor Day and seven different fall weekends — 16 days in all.

Characters like Pilney spend up to 11 ½ hours at the festival per day, while members of the chorus, like Gill, participate for 5 ½ hours per day.

“I’m not as heavily involved as I used to be, but I’ll keep going as long as it’s still fun,” Gill said.

Most of the festival’s cast returns each year. However, neither of the BV seniors will be returning next year due to college.

“This is my last year for a while,” Castanon said, “but I might come back after college.”

Members get involved through auditions.

“I started spring of my freshman year,” Castanon said. “Missy did it the year before. I went out and visited and fell in love with it.”

Bonner Springs, Kan. is the site of the festival, which recreates Renaissance-period England. Over 300 costumed characters and 160 artisans bring the festival to life.

ashley martinez Junior Rachelle Roman (third from left) cavorts with other Renaissance Festival dancers in front of a large crowd during a performance. Participants also dance with patrons: “We get to dance with drunk guys,” senior Amanda Castanon said. “It’s really fun.”

Fashion, Sign Language, Social Justice clubs join ranks at BV sara ster

staff reporter

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erin lewis Juniors Anna Samuel and Nathan Vogel of the newly-formed Sign Language Club practice their signing. The club meets once a week on Wednesdays and aims to have fun and improve students’ grasp of sign language.

o kick off the 2005-2006 school year, three new clubs are stirring up chatter in the hallways.

The Sign Language Club, which meets on Wednesdays in Room 503 after school, is very casual, according to junior Erin Lewis. But there is a lot to learn, she said.

“It’s amazing,” Lewis said. “It’s what I look forward to.”

The club has already learned some signing basics, but it is not too late to join.

“I want to minor [in sign language], meet new people and be able to talk in sign language,” Lewis said.

The Fashion Club, which meets every Monday after school in Room 451, discusses community service and

How to find a date in 14 days (cont. from page 1)

Let her know so she is not stressed. Day 10: Make dinner reservations (and no, McDonald’s does not take reservations).

Day 11: Remind your date you are excited to go with her.

Girls need some reminding that you asked them for a

explores fashion. They are collecting clothing to give to hurricane victims until Oct. 13 and will sell homecoming dresses as a fundraiser.

“I want to give back to the community while getting ready for art school,” junior Laura Mendez said.

The Social Justice Club meets in Room 306 every Thursday after TCB time.

The turnout is about 10 students who are all looking to give back to society.

The club’s main goal is to change the way people are treated by fundraising, service projects and other events. On Sept. 23, the club set up a dunk tank at the football game where teachers volunteered themselves to be dunked by students willing to pay. The money went to Hurricane Katrina relief.

“I wanted to encourage students to think outside the box of Blue Valley,” sponsor Mark Klopfenstein said.

reason, and not because you were desperate 14 days before the dance (even if that was the case).

Day 12: Double-check everything. Check reservations and floral arrangements. Also, check plans with your date.

Girls tend to stress over plans.

They like knowing what is going to happen before it happens, so fill her in.

Day 13: Don’t be nervous.

You now have 24 hours until

the Big Dance. Don’t stress.

Hopefully you now have dinner plans, attire ready, a corsage ordered and last (but not least) your date. Now relax and enjoy watching the Tigers defeat the Sabres at the homecoming game.

Day 14: Today is your big day. Take your time getting ready. Your date is probably spending at least two hours getting ready. It wouldn’t hurt to spend 40 minutes. Pick up your date on time. This is the one time “fashionably late” is not fashionable. Now, as you stand at her front door, corsage in hand, take a deep breath and relax. Tonight is supposed to be fun. This dreadful process of finding a date might not have been enjoyable, but let the night be.

4 opinions this is your column ‘headline’ Speaking Adamantly only more ike the topic

Staff Editorial

October 7, 2005

adam lary

editor-in-chief

Warning: this article may cause conscious thought

T

he label on the back of a baby stroller: “Remove child before folding.”

Pssh. I did that last week and the baby was fine…

On the back of a package of fish hooks: “Harmful if swallowed.”

Awww, but they taste so good!

On a household iron: “Never iron clothes while

they are being worn.”

Ouch. Just ouch.

On an electric carpenter’s drill: “Not intended for use as a dental drill.”

Ok, now this is just getting ridiculous. And the scariest part? To get these labels, someone may have actually done one of these things. Give me a break.

It should be common sense not to eat printer toner (another warning label). Unfortunately, this is the way our country seems to be headed. “Ignorance is bliss” seems to be the controlling attitude among our age, and it is taking precedence over intellectual pursuit.

Some of you might be saying “What is he talking about? We have some of the highest test scores in history.” Let me tell you something: I don’t care what the stats say about our test scores or our IQ’s. Recreational thought is no longer encouraged. Instead, shows like Tommy Lee Goes to College and The Apprentice: Martha Stewart occupy our free time. Other nations are creeping up on us and will one day leave us in the dust if we don’t act now.

So who’s to blame? Only ourselves. We keep our minds in a perpetual state of ignorance. Knowledge is the most powerful tool to humankind. It separates us from all other species on earth. Look at the world around you. Look at the progress we have made. It has taken thousands of years to get where we are today, and we have thousands of years ahead of us.

Pardon the cliché, but we are the future. Truth is one of the few noble pursuits left to us. I urge you not to let the future slip through our fingers.

When was the last time we had an Einstein or a Freud? A Hubble or a Wright? Will our generation be remembered for its intellectual prowess or its lack-luster ability to process complex thoughts?

If we continue on the path we are following, I’m afraid the latter may be the result. We need to turn the tables and start making some progress.

Think for yourselves. Ponder the mysteries of the universe. Show me that I’m wrong. But for starters, just remember not to use the “silence” feature on your smoke detector.

“Recreational thought is no longer encouraged.”

Life in the Check Lane garret griffin

Solution to current traffic problem is to wait Only new high school, time can give relief to drivers

I

t was 7:20 am on Aug. 31. Junior Leann Stilley was on her way to the west parking lot when she was stopped in traffic in front of the school.

Suddenly, another student rear ended her, wrapping her exhaust pipe around the back tire and crushing the other student’s hood.

This is just one result of the heavy traffic outside BVHS that needs to be remedied.

This year, enrollment is up by more than 100 students, resulting in blockage of the front circle drive. Parents dropping off their sons and daughters are using up both of the lanes in the circle drive, forcing buses and other cars to wait behind them, creating a domino effect. But what is being done about it?

“We’re pretty limited because we don’t have a lot of space,” school resources officer Dennis Randall said.

Many solutions could alleviate the problem. One possibility would be to move the drop off area to the west parking lot. This would give parents more room and relieve some of the congestion in the front, allowing buses to drop off students unhindered.

Randall has already been out directing traffic, but says he can’t do it all the time because of other responsibilities.

“We have issues other than parking,” Randall said.

“Directing traffic would take me away from other responsibilities.”

Another issue is parking. Students can barely back out of their spots without hitting another car.

Currently, the district gives parking priority to seniors, then juniors, then 16 year olds with valid licenses, and finally 15 year olds with a valid license and an exception parking permit, issued to those involved in extra curricular activities. Over 600 passes were issued this year (not including exception permits), almost filling the 693 available spots. If passes were limited to only juniors and seniors, congestion would hardly be a problem. Anyone younger could just ride the bus like they are supposed to, eliminating the problem of parents dropping off their kids.

Principal Scott Bacon, on the other hand, sees the problem resolving itself.

“Last year the same thing happened,” Bacon said.

“It kinda worked itself out.”

The last solution, though not the best, would be to just wait for the new high school to open in a few years.

“It’s a cycle,” Randall said. “We’ll get some relief when the new high school opens.”

Until then, students will have to be more careful while driving before and after school, and parents will have to learn to deal with morning traffic. Though Stilley’s experience was unfortunate, it should be a lesson to all students to pay attention while behind the wheel. Hopefully, it will “work itself out.”

R October 7, 2005

!

aise

your VOICE

opinions 5

What do you think about breathalyzers at school dances?

“I think that is ridiculous, and it takes away our trust.” - sophomore Craig Cook

“It’s good because if you’re going to drink, don’t be stupid about it.”

- senior Matt Tierney

“I think it’s stupid because if they want to drink, then they should be able to drink. I’m not saying I’m one of those people.”

- freshman Emily Hanson

“I think it’s stupid.” junior Erika Gillard Compiled by Autum Fuller

Breathalyzers not a solution to drunk students at school dances Lawrence School District proposal not popular in Blue Valley area matt killen

staff reporter

T

hree Lawrence Free State High School students showed up drunk at a school dance last year.

The Lawrence schools and its Superintendent Randy Weseman responded by requiring breathalyzer tests for all students attending school parties.

Although this seems logical, it’s not right on a number of levels. It forces those who don’t drink to take a test they don’t need to take. According to School Resource Officer Dennis Randall, it is obvious when a student is drunk. So why test everybody when you can test those who are acting suspiciously? Students that don’t drink may feel offended by having to take a breathalyzer test, because it suggests something that they are not. By saying all students who go to the dance have to take a breathalyzer test, one is implying that a lot of students show up at the dances drunk. Although it is constitutional- schools have jurisdiction over school activities such as dances- it is clearly unfair. Students from other schools feel that

any test is an invasion of privacy.

The new fad for alcohol testing is the hand-held breathalyzer. These new testing devices give school officials the ability to administer a test quickly and easily. The devices are small enough to put in one’s pocket.

Lawrence schools had planned to use one of “But there are too these quick tests and many problems then administer a true with having the breathalyzer test for those who tested positive from test for Blue Valley, the first. This is a common or any other school, practice for students who to consider such a are suspected of being movement.” inebriated. The difference, of course, is that most schools don’t use the initial test, just observation.

Using the traditional test is expensive. For every person suspected of being drunk, it costs an additional $3 to $4 to pay for each mouthpiece, which can’t be re-used. The costs for the mouthpieces on top of

the costs for breathalyzers make breathalyzer tests impractical.

After sitting down with the Lawrence Journal-World, Lawrence High juniors Megan Glotzbach and Anna Allen were alarmed. According to Glotzbach, fewer people would show up at dances. And Allen feels that any breathalyzer tests will not stop kids from drinking.

The upside is obvious; fewer kids would be under the influence at dances. But there are too many problems with having the test for Blue Valley, or any other school, to consider such movement.

Using the initial breathalyzer also has an upside. It eliminates the guess work. Without it a school official has to be lucky, and the student has to be very, very foolish. However, local officials aren’t buying into the new trend.

“I don’t think it would be fair, and it’s not cost effective,” Officer Randall said.

The Lawrence School District had the right intentions but the wrong idea.

Cafeteria prices up from last year

the staff

tiger 2005-06 print U

Students feeling the pinch and not happy colin brown

staff reporter

Blue Valley High School

Managing Editors: Adam Lary Andrew Robinson News Editor: Jessica Katzenstein Opinions Editors: Ellen Thomas Adam Lary In-Depth Editor: Andrew Robinson

Entertainment Editor: Matt Galloway Sports Editors: Hank Driskell Frank Lasley Photo Editor: Emily Kuykendall Artist: Garrett Griffin Adviser: Susan Agee

Staff Writers: Colin Brown Nina Humphrey Matt Killen Emily Kuykendall Griffin Page Sara Ster Brooke Thurman Sarah Weaver Photographers: Lindsey Hanson Autumn Fuller

The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for the students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this newsppaer do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229.

p, up, up; that’s what has been happening to lunch prices during the past year. All around the lunch room price tags have gotten bigger and bigger.

On April 12, 2005 the Board of Education approved an increase in lunch prices in order to address rising food prices and preparation costs.

People have been complaining about the recent rise in the cafeteria.

But how high can prices go before the costs become unreasonable?

Planet Sub sandwiches increased 50 cents, chicken baskets are up 25 cents, “A” meals are up 10 cents

and pizza slices are even putting bigger dents in our wallets.

Gatorade is a quarter higher in the cafeteria than in the vending machine.

“I’m spending like $6 or 7 a day,” senior William Scribner said.

If Scribner bought lunch all 162 days this year, he would end up spending approximately $1,055 on lunch.

Although the complaints have been many, the board says that prices are “comparable to area school districts.”

Prices don’t look to increase for our school lunches as much as the gas for our vehicles, but the gas for our bodies is still going to keep rising.

6 opinions

‘Johnson County bubble’

October 7, 2005

Lack of political literacy sets alarming precedent for the future jessica katzenstein news editor

J

ohnson County bubble. Definition: being generally impervious to the fact that people around the world are starving; caring too much about appearances; lacking political awareness.

This definition cannot be applied to everyone in this area. Certainly not everyone Do is wealthy, and not everyone is indifferent to politics. you know who your However, a significant senators are? number are unaware.

Quick: name the two senators of Kansas.

Did you answer Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts? If so, Answers: Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts. congratulations. If not, 103 people surveyed read on.

The lack of political awareness in this school can be disheartening. As an example, some students do not know what the First Amendment says.

This amendment protects the most fundamental American rights, yet how many BV students can name all of them? (There are five—freedom of religion, speech and press, right to assemble and right to peaceably petition the government.)

Kansas is currently the subject of national and world scrutiny because of the evolution versus intelligent design debate. Some Kansas leaders want both theories to be taught in schools. This would affect us in innumerable ways, yet some BV students do not even know we are

I know!: 1 I only know one: 7 Uhh...: 94 We have senators? 1

under a magnifying glass.

Finally, the majority (if not all) of BV has heard of Hurricane Katrina and its devastating results. Several clubs and a current events class have raised money to send to New Orleans and other areas hit by the storm.

How many people also know that southwest India just experienced a massive flood that forced the evacuation of thousands of people and demolished over 77,000 homes? Even awareness of national events is not enough.

Fortunately, the Johnson County bubble can be breached in a few ways.

The first is to read or watch the news. Simple enough, yet so many skip past NBC and CNN in favor of The O.C. or Lost.

Yes, the news can be depressing. With car bombs and deaths and murders, news certainly seems less appetizing than a juicy TV show. So why bother watching it? The answer, to use a few clichés, is although ignorance is bliss, knowledge is power.

Then, utilize that knowledge. Get active in civil affairs; soon most of you will be able to vote, and our government is dependent upon an informed citizenry. Don’t let your ignorance doom our democracy.

Another way to pop the bubble is to care about others who are less fortunate than we are. We may complain about our “cheap” (read: non-Mercedes) cars or our lack of money for the movies, but in reality, we are better off than a massive percentage of this country. Most of us have never gone without access to food, shelter or medical care. Take a moment to think about how much we have that we take for granted, from simple amenities to a closet full of Bebe.

Finally, help whenever possible. Community service can be something other than an activity to spice up one’s resume. Help at a pet shelter, a soup kitchen, anything. By experiencing new lifestyles and seeing different points of view, one can gain a new perspective on and appreciation for the life we lead.

How BVHS students view politicsq qfreshman kelly frickleton

“I’m a democrat, and people should care because it affects them.”

qsenior schaeffer nelson

“We definitely should be more informed about it, but I’m not one to talk since I haven’t voted yet, and I haven’t put much effort into it.”

qjunior valerie hughes

“I don’t follow it, but it seems important.”

Hall monitors equivalent to ‘Big Brother’ Policies, behavior cause hall restrictions ellen thomas

opionions editor

W

garrett griffin

hoever thought that walking down the halls could be so frustrating? You take one step into the halls during class and hall monitors descend upon you, like lions on a kill, demanding to see a hall pass.

It’s like they have a sixth sense where they can feel when a student is not in the classroom. When teachers forget to write hall passes, it is hard to justify to the hall monitors why you aren’t in class.

To many students the hall monitors are exercising their sixth sense even more this year. All student movement is supposed to be tracked, whether the student is in a classroom or “taking care of business” in the restroom. But under the current attentiveness of the monitors, it is like living under “Big Brother.”

Even in the lunchroom, students are not free of that intimidating presence.

To get out of lunch, it seems like you have to have a pass, a legitimate reason, proof of identification and a DNA sample− even to go to the library.

Students cannot just move about as they wish anywhere in the school unless they have a teacher’s clearance, be that a paper pass or an object known to the hall monitors.

The hall pass system was not just made up at BVHS as a cruel and unusual punishment toward students.

It is a district-wide policy aimed at keeping track of students and cutting down on students who skip class. All schools in the district have hall passes, and lunch is more or less restricted to the building. The extent to which the administrations of the other high schools utilize their hall passes is not standardized throughout the district.

The finger of blame cannot just be pointed at the hall monitors themselves, though. They are only following orders from above. There are obvious reasons for some of the security, but a little common sense goes a long way on the student’s part to help alleviate the pressure.

Students just have to realize that they are not the only ones in the school.

Creating pandemonium in the halls during class, smearing food all over the building and waving to their friends who are in class are activities that are not acceptable or necessary.

Both parties are slightly at fault in the hall pass conundrum. Students need to be more aware of the school around them, and administrators need to ease up a little on the students. We don’t want to be goose-stepping around the school.

profile 7

October 7, 2005

Durand makes big adjustment

profile

griffin page

staff reporter

M

oving. It’s always tough.

Changing schools, making new friends, getting used to your new house; it’s all a part of moving.

Crossing the ocean and changing countries, however, is not usually part of a person’s typical moving experience.

That is, however, something that junior DupĂŠ Durand had to do when she and her family packed their bags and moved to Kansas from Nigeria. “I had never heard of Kansas before we moved here,â€? Durand said. “No one in Nigeria had.â€?

Durand moved to Blue Valley with her younger sister and mother in August from Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and one of the largest cities in Africa with a population around 15 million people. emily kuykendall The family moved to the United States Dupe Durand enjoys herself at lunch. Duran is slowly getting because Dupe’s uncle worked in the adjusted to Kansas after moving from Nigeria.

Kansas City area and her mother had The weather is also quite a difference. Nigeria has always wanted to move to the United States. Life in Kansas is quite a change from that of one in Nigeria. two main seasons. The rainy season lasts from about “The teachers watch you a lot more here,� Durand March to November, and the dry season lasts the rest said. “In Nigeria, students were more free to go where of the year. With an average temperature of around they want, and the teachers weren’t too serious. There 80 degrees Fahrenheit, snow and cold isn’t something that Nigerians are used to. were loads of distractions.� “I’m not looking forward to it,� Durand said.

Lagos, which is located on the coast, is built on Life in the Midwest is quite a change from that the African mainland as well as a series of islands surrounding Lagos Lagoon. The city is well known of a life on the African coast. The food, people and for its music-based nightlife and its many beaches. lifestyle are a complete turn around from that of Nigeria’s. It’ll take getting used, to but Blue Valley is Not your typical Kansas scenario. “There’s nothing to see here, nothing to do,â€? Durand the new home of DupĂŠ Durand. said.

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Name: Christy Reinhardt Grade: 9 FAVORITE: Food- macaroni and cheese Movie-Drop Dead Gorgeous Sport- softball Color- green Animal- hippo Pastime- Just hanging out with friends Words to live by: Be happy

October 7, 2005

GAS 3 0 1

Getting down to the basics with oil and gas Oil Basics

mandate was also enacted during that time period to ensure conservation. Since that time, the government has relaxed those guidelines.

Gasoline comes from oil, but where does oil come from? Some of it comes from the United States itself, but as of 2003 , the U. S. imported over 61 percent of its supply.

Two thirds of the world’s oil comes from the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia leading the way. After the Gulf, Russia is the No. 2 supplier and Venezuela is No. 5. None of these sources are very secure and could be interrupted because of terrrorism or poor relations with the United States.

Of the U.S.’s imported and domestic oil, more than 60 percent of it is used for gasoline. According to Newsweek, to keep our present gasoline consumption at its current level, fuel efficiency must increase by approximately 50 percent by 2025.

Oil is priced by the barrel. Last Friday it was priced at $66.79 a barrel compared to about $35 a barrel in the first few months of 2004. Naturally, this hurricane season has affected prices, but the prices were already over $49 during the first quarter of 2005.

In the 1970’s the United States had its first gas shortage and spike in prices. Those prices exceeded those of today, after inflation. At that time Congress mandated fuel-conomy standards where the average miles per gallon went up to 20. A 55 miles per hour

1

Refineries Most people believe that the reason for high gas prices is the lack of availability of oil to make gasoline or the price of crude oil by the barrel. In fact, another reason is the lack of oil refineries. In 1981 the United States had 324 refineries with a total capacity of 18.6 million barrels per day. Today the U.S. has 132 refineries with a capacity of 16.8 million barrels per day. That means during the last 24 years, oil companies have closed 192 refineries.

Some major oil companies own refineries, but some are owned by independents including Valero and Tesoro.

The reason for closing a refinery was not for lack of oil; the refineries were creating an excess of gasoline.

The reason was for profit. The oil companies closed their refineries to create a demand, which in turn led to higher prices and profits. At one time the government instigated an anti-trust suit, but the justice department dropped the investigation. President Bush suggested Tuesday at a press conference that more refineries should be built.

Adidas

Speed

Profits The profit margins for both oil companies and refineries during the past few years have been enormous. According to Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) website, margins have increased anywhere from 50 to 75 cents a gallon. He said first quarter profits in 2004 for Chevron-Texaco were up 294 percent and BP was up 165 percent. He also said that the Valera and Tesoro refineries had “record” profits.

Reid claimed that the price of crude oil contributed to higher prices at the pump, but a lot of the increase could be attributed to “corporate greed. “

Hurricanes Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have played a role in the current oil spike. Many refineries are located in the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricanes knocked out an estimated 10 percent of the refining capacity. However, the demand for gasoline didn’t decrease; it increased as residents tried to flee the area and consumer demand throughout the country remained steady.

This higher demand and diminished lack of product again resulted in higher prices at the gas pump.

Stick

1 can of hairspray

1 bottle of Listerine Deodorant 1 bag of Cypress Mulch 1 bottle of Maybelline nail color 1 can of spray paint

1 tall latte at Starbucks

1 large bag of Fritos

1 bag of Halloween candy

A gallon of gas can buy you...

With the ever-rising gas prices, Americans are spending more than ever on gas for their cars. The Tiger Print decided to put together a list of 20 items that a person could buy for the same price as the current price of $2.70 a gallon:

griffin page

Half-gallon of Blue Bunny ice cream

staff reporter Pumpkin Decorating Kit

500 sheets of printer paper

Febreze Air Freshener

1 box of Frosted Flakes 3 songs off Itunes

1 box of Easy Mac

in-depth 9

October 7, 2005

In the carpool lane

8 in-depth

brooke thurman

staff reporter

With gas prices on the rise, a logical way to save money is to carpool. Sophomore Megan Van Sooy has carpooled for the past two years. She sees a lot of benefits to carpooling.

“Since the gas prices are so high, you save money,” Van Sooy said. “[You also] help the ozone layer.”

Approximately 25 percent of the student body carpools 20 states have a carpool to school. A lane on selected highways majority of the and interstates. Neither students who Kansas nor Missouri is carpool are one of them freshman and sophomores; however, there are juniors and seniors who ride with friends. Sophomore Rachel Krupco drives to school and doesn’t want to carpool. She says that it would take a lot for her to carpool.

“I would carpool if gas were $4 a gallon,” Krupco said.

“Otherwise I wouldn’t want to carpool.”

F.Y.I.

1 pack of Double Stuffed Oreos 1 Hot wheels car 1 can of smoked almonds

What is your number?

Average MPG

Average Cost per fill up

Small cars

35

$20-25

Family Sedans

27

$25-30

Large Sedans

19

$35-40

Small SUVs

19

$35-40

Two-Row SUVs

17

$45-50

Three-Row SUVs

15

$55-60

Pickups (4-Door Crew)

15

$40-45

Car

Information gathered by reporter Brooke Thurman from students and fueleconomy.org

It’s Electric!

Hybrids offer friendly alternative to traditional fuel-based cars matt galloway

12 pack of Coke

MPG

entertainment editor

C

ome and listen to a story about a man named Jed, a poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed. Then one day he was shootin’ at some food,/and up through the ground came a bubblin’ crude.

“Oil, that is. Texas-T.” If only our generation were as lucky as Jed Clampett’s. No, the days of randomly finding oil are far, far behind us.

The earth is quickly becoming a driedup sponge when it comes to fossil fuels. Penny-pinching at the pump and cost cutting in the pocket book have returned in an unprecedented fashion last seen in the 1970’s gas scare.

However, alternative means of getting around are picking up in both popular-

ity and efficiency.

For example, the hybrid vehicle has become the international face of rebellion against high gas prices. Hybrid vehicles are those that use at least two power sources, typically gasoline and electricity. Their environmentally friendly design and economically friendly gas prices have driven them from the sideshow attraction at car shows to the main event at automobile conferences.

When purchasing a new car or truck, the green motor revolution is having an extreme influence. Whether they are looking to protect the environment or trump the pump, consumers are causing hybrid sales to spike in the United States. Com-

munication Arts teacher Mark Rabbitt recently hunted for a new car and admits to the advantages a hybrid car can provide.

“The biggest thing is the gas and its prices,” Rabbitt said. “I’m not an expert on hybrids, but with prices where they are now and where they are going, you have to consider investing in one.”

Newly-released 2006 hybrids range in costs of $13,000-45,000. They usually cost $3,00 to $4,000 more than a conventional car, according to David Greene as reported in Newsweek.

There are also alternatives to that alternative. Diesel powered automobiles are breaking the negative stereotypes that have followed them for years and are beginning to catch on in the U.S. Already massively popular in Europe, the diesel powered vehicle provides 30 percent better mileage, overall, than comparable gasoline-powered cars, and are the most efficient high-

way vehicles on the market today. Gone are the days of cloudy black smoke and gasoline that reeks of something foul; classy companies such as Mercedes and Volkswagen Hybrids Currently are develAvailable oping diesels. They -Honda Accord typically -Honda Civic cost $2,000 -Honda Insight more than -Toyota Prius compa-Ford Escape SUV rable gas -Lexus RX 400h SUV powered -Toyota Highlander counter-Mercury Mariner parts.

-GM Silverado Fossil -GM Sierra fuels are b e c o m - Source:Hybridcars.com ing fossils themselves.

Transportation revolution will change not only the direction of our cars, but the direction of our lives as well. Do not settle for Beverly Hills prices; go alternative.

10 entertainment

October 7, 2005

EntertainMatt

S t i l l

The Late, Late Shows disappoint matt galloway

entertainment editor

W

e’ve all b e e n t h e re .

Rushing at the last minute of the last hour on the last n i g h t before a major project is due is just part of the teenage experience. Often times, students turn to the media to keep them awake throughout the night. It is at this time that one learns to truly appreciate the abyss that is late night television.

Let’s take a look at some of the bottom of the barrel programming on in the middle of the night.

12:17 a.m., Style Network – Dr. 90210 gives us a 70-yearold woman looking to regain her youth with a facelift and some botox injections. She is 70, how young is she expecting to look? The glory days of her 50s?

Watch your back, Joan Rivers.

12:24 a.m., Hallmark Channel – Chuck Norris plays a savvy detective who uses his southern instincts to solve a mystery. SEE: Episodes 1-203.

12:30 a.m., E! – SNL in 1993: “You’ll notice the Rolling Stones tour bus as the one going 40 in the fast lane with its blinker on.” And over a decade later, we’re still cracking old jokes.

12:37 a.m., TBS – “Anaconda”.

I know I’d pay money to see Jennifer Lopez brawl with an oversized snake for 90 minutes.

1:23 a.m., BET – You know, if Mike Jones donated $5 to Hurricane Katrina relief every time he dropped his own name, New Orleans might already be rebuilt.

1:35 a.m., ABC – Carson Daly’s show hasn’t been axed yet? Being the older, lamer version of Ryan Secrest should be cause for cancellation alone.

2:05 a.m., TBS – “Bugs don’t take prisoners.” Big props go to “Starship Troopers” for giving us that classic line in cinema history. “Starship Troopers” is the “Star Wars” of our generation, if “Star Wars” lacked compelling storylines, used lame punch lines and was filled to the rim with boring characters.

3:11 a.m., Channel 2 – An infomercial for the Total Gym. For the first time in his career, “Mr. Graveyard Slot” Chuck Norris plays a different character: creepy old gym rat.

3:30 a.m., Animal Planet – When it comes to dry, humorless voiceovers, Keegan-Michael Key of The Planets Funniest Animals has nothing on Bob Saget.

So what is the moral of this story? Late night programming should be avoided at all costs.

Nobody should have to endure that many D-list celebrities advocating acne cures.

If you have to stay up all night, rent a good movie, make some coffee and stay far, far away from Chuck Norris.

Rollin’?

ABOVE: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and lead singer Mick Jagger embrace during one of their many concerts. (printed with permission from vh1.com)

‘Bigger Bang’ not a swan song for aging Stones andrew robinson

editor-in-chief

T

heir first hit came before Blue Valley was built. Lyndon B. Johnson was the President and this group came in at #48 in the 1964 Music Charts with “Never Fade Away,” and never fade away they have.

The Rolling Stones have been “starting us up,” getting no satisfaction,”” telling us it’s only rock ‘n’ roll” and making hits for the past four decades.

The band which includes rockers names that sound more like a group of Tuesday night BINGO players, Ron, Charlie, Mick and Keith all are hitting their mid-60’s with a bigger bang. They opened their most recent tour to accompany their new album A Bigger Bang with two-shows at an even older Fenway Park in Boston. The tour’s closest stop to Kansas City is in Omaha on Jan. 29, 2006.

As far as the album goes, its first international single is a slow-rocking ballad titled “Streets of Love.” “Sweet Neo Con” takes shots at the current Bush administration with guitar riffs and rhythms that Stones fans have grown to know during the last four decades. This album definitely fits the great mold that the Stones have formed in their traditional rock tunes.

Don’t expect for A Bigger Bang to be the Stones’

last album. During the announcement of the launch of The Bigger Bang Tour lead singer Mick Jagger told reporters that they had already begun work on a new album and it was 85 percent complete.

It is tough to guess when the Rolling Stones will finally call it quits. The last few years it seems there has been an ongoing race between Aero-smith’s Steven Tyler and the Stones’ Mick Jagger to see who becomes the ultimate rock’n’roll ironman.

The Stones have withstood the ultimate test of time, keeping the band together t h r o u g h thick and thin. Time, however, will only tell when the beat runs out on this world icon.

‘Twizzlin’ through Time With Halloween on the horizon, timeline gives look back at interesting, bizarre history of candy

O.K., Smarties: What is Blue Valley’s favorite candy?

nina humphrey

staff reporter

• In the 1600’s, the • The cavemen came native Americans introduced the first up with the idea of candy by combining form of chewing gum; which was made from honeycombs with spruce trees. honey.

• In 1892 a German immigrant brought candy corn to America.

• In 1950 the jellybean became the most popular candy around.

13% Snickers

• In 2002, Hershey industry became the number one candy maker worldwide.

17% Skittles

21%

Reeses

49% Other (100 students polled) • In 1200 BC, cocoa was first grown by Indians

• In 1864 the first candy store opened

• In 1908 the first lollipop was sold on a stick.

• In 1956 pop rocks were invented by a research scientist.

• A statistic from 2004 showed that 64 percent of the consumed candy in America was consumed by adults.

entertainment 11

October 7, 2005

Falling from grace?

As networks release their fall television lineups, busts, successes become clear brooke thurman

staff reporter

A

new season of television has begun with many returning hits and a flock of newcomers.

In an attempt to fill the void left by Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS is introducing the new comedy How I Met Your Mother. With a Monday evening packed with comedic sitcoms, CBS is sure to be the place to turn for some good laughs.

After a dynamic showing at the Emmy’s, ABC is bringing out another batch of series to join the huge success from last year. Invasion is filling the time spot behind Lost and adding a little more science fiction to the network.

The network is also debuting Commander and Chief. It’s basically another legal/ political drama only with a woman as president.

A very disappointing 20042005 season didn’t help improve the fall line-up on

FOX. They are introducing Prison Break and Bones, but nothing really stands out about those series. The one new show worth watching is Reunion. The premise of this show is flashbacks from 1986 to the present that are tied

What fall shows ar e students look ing forward to the most?

1 - Laguna Be ach - 18% 2 - Family G uy - 16% 3 - Lost - 8% (100 students

polled)

together by a murder mystery.

With a cast of fresh faces and a time spot behind The O.C., this show has a lot of potential.

The only network that is not worth watching is NBC. The only new show that has some remote interest value is The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. This is just a side-

kick to the other Apprentice, only it gives Stewart air time to win back some admiration from the American public after spending five months in jail after being convicted of obstructing justice and lying to investigators.

The WB is adding Supernatural and Just Legal to its lineup. They will be joining WB Veterans 7th Heaven, Gilmore Girls and One Tree Hill. With 7th Heaven in its tenth and possibly last season, the network hasn’t added another wholesome drama to fill the show’s place.

Supernatural is a spooky drama that doesn’t use the recurring alien theme. It gives it some originality but not a very special show. Just Legal is just another series to go along with all the other legal shows on television.

In a nutshell, the best bet while looking for a new series to latch onto is, Reunion on Thursday nights at 8. Other than that, stick to shows not in their first season.

To the Edge of Hell and back Choose wisely: The right choice of legendary Kansas City haunted houses will provide memorable time for everyone sara ster

I

staff reporter

screamed the whole time,” sophomore Kelly Nichols said.

Nichols’ reaction is common among those who visit haunted houses during the Halloween season. And there are many houses to pick from.

In the Kansas City, Mo. area the most popular haunted houses are Catacombs, the Beast and the Edge of Hell.

The Edge of Hell was established in 1975. The highlights of this haunted house is a five-story slide at the end and the two largest anacondas in North American captivity. Resource officer and haunted house enthusiast Ken Braden appreciates the legandary house.

“I mainly go because of

my kids,” Braden said.

“The whole aura about it is what I like the most.”

Also, by Full Moon Productions located just two blocks away and established in 1991 is the Beast. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to get through, if you don’t get lost.

Made in 1988, Catacombs Extreme Scream consists of two haunted houses merged together, creating a two-hour thrill. With over 40 different scenes this haunted house is truly haunted. Dennis Kingsolver, one of the owners, died in an “accident” involving an elevator shaft while inside the old warehouse.

The only problems with the haunted houses are the price.

The price can range from $15 to $30. After thinking

COUNTDOWN to

HALLOWEEN :

0 months, 23 days, 12 hours

about how many people work there and all the detail and technical work that is put into it, everyone seems to, in a way, “break even.”

“It was kind of expensive,” said Nichols. “But I think it was totally worth it because it is seriously such a great time.”

Inside the haunted houses there are over 45 actors anywhere from 16 to 60 years old. They are paid $8 an hour to jump out and scare people walking through being a way to earn some money in the evenings.

“The people who work there are really good at scaring you,” said Nichols. “I loved it.”

The haunted houses are open on the weekends. The last day for the Beast and the Edge of Hell is Saturday Nov. 5, and the last day for Catacombs is Monday Oct. 31.

c i t i r C

r e n r s Co with...

nina humphrey

staff reporter

Inmature Instigator

Y

oung 17-year-old Kaci Brown has just recently toured with the fashionably lame, Backstreet Boys. Her new album NSTIG8R (pronounced Instigator) is not far from an unreligious Sara Mclachlan and an immature voice of Gwen Stephani. It features animated sounds between hip-hop and catchy rap music. If your seventh grade sister’s birthday is coming up, here is a great cheap gift to please her for a few months.

Rejecting the critics

T

his punk-pop, better-than-Ezra sounding band, has taken a step up to the lyrical level. Using more good old-fashioned relationship drama in this new album, it probably appeals more to listeners and comforted many. Although this one-of-a-kind band is not going to be the next Green Day, they make an exciting concert-going band. Track one is the most played/popular song out of the entire album, but does not reflect much talent at all because of the repetitive sound throughout the CD. You might find your younger brother singing to this as he dances disgracefully.

Going for the Golden

S

witchfoot is now performing on a new kind of level, no longer for church garages, but on a world stage of religious rock fans. Because of Switchfoot’s success over the recent year, they also have become blatantly open and confrontational about the gospel. Some say that their philosophies have changed due to their increasing audience: In addition to their latest CD, Nothing Is Sound, they also have two new band members. Nothing Is Sound is not what one may call much of an experimental CD. The vocals are touchy and have the voice of the lead singer from the Strokes.

The Tiger Print staff wishes every Tiger an early Happy Halloween!

12 sports

October 7, 2005

lights

the

Friday night full of traditions, spirit, football hank driskell

co-sports editor epending on the weather, he wears shorts or pants, black, his authentic Tiger shoes, long black socks, the main color of the opponent is the color of his underwear, one white undershirt, his Jacob Tupper t-shirt, his face paint and his Tiger hat.

Some people might say this is the attire of a man that has gone insane. However, many Blue Valley students would say this is definitely senior Patrick Cocherl on a Friday in the fall. The latter of the two would be correct; this is Patrick Cocherl, BVHS football super-fan.

Friday mornings mark the beginning of days full of pride and traditions. A majority of students and teachers decide to show their pride through what they wear. Players are required to wear more formal

D

attire, while students often come to school in radical outfits, like Cocherl’s, demonstrating their support.

Tiger football often ranks high in students’ lives, such is the case with Adam Blue.

“Everything’s second to Tiger football on Friday nights,” he said.

As soon as school is over, cheerleaders and parents begin to decorate the stadium. Cheerleaders put up spirited signs, and parents cover the north fence in the stadium with the traditional sheets containing their sons’ names and numbers.

Students begin to tailgate as soon as the parking lot clears after school, cooking out and tossing the pigskin around with fellow fans.

“I don’t leave school,” said Cocherl, “There’s probably 40 or 50 people tailgating before every home game.”

As Friday evening finally arrives, the atmosphere

is out of control. The stadium holds thousands of ecstatic BV fans, some of which are students.

“We have 200 to 300 students show up, but still not enough,” Cocherl said.

The cheerleaders bring the huge run-through to the field, which they make on Wednesdays from 3:15 until as late as 9:30, and raise it to the fans. Friday night is then set into action. The many traditions define BVHS football and the community surrounding it, as they have for many years.

So maybe somewhere other than Stilwell, Kan. there is a place you can just relax and enjoy life on a Friday night. However, at BVHS, enjoying life means spending your night at the stadium, watching the Tigers play football, a n d carrying on the old traditions while possibly creating some new ones.

Cheerleaders, fans, band all add to spirit Along with the crazy fans, there are the cheerleaders. This group gets together all throughout the week in preparation for the games. The cheerleaders practice their cheers during school and meet after school to make signs for the football games.

“I love getting the fans excited during the game and cheering for the team,” junior cheerleader Amanda Dirks said Their cheers help get the fans riled up and into the game.

frank lasley

co-sports editor Die-hard fans show up at 5:30, an hour and a half ahead of time, to get psyched up and ready for the game. Bringing their jukebox and pumped up attitudes, these fans are ready to offer plenty of support for their fellow Tigers out on the field. Getting decked out in Blue Valley colors not only on their clothes, but their faces and bodies as well, “adds to the experience.” Going the extra mile in showing their school spirit means pulling out all the stops when it comes to game attire.

Dressed from head to toe in school colors, some students wear black and gold socks, black shorts and black and gold shirts. For those that prefer to go above and beyond the norm, body paint is an option.

Kicking the game off with the National Anthem and the fight song are the Stridin’ Tigers. The marching band practices every day in preparation for the football games. Working on the national anthem and halftime show takes plenty of work, but the group is happy to do it.

“We work on memorizing all of the songs for the games, but in the end it is worth it to play at the games,” senior Aaron Ogilvie said.

October 7, 2005

Quite Frankly

sports 13

A League Of His Own Blue Valley student finds sport outside of school matt killen

staff reporter

A Intensity; we’ve taken it too far frank lasley

co-sports editor

I

ntensity in sports continually increases in high school. To compete, athletes must commit to their sport. Athletes must commit to improving their physical shape by going to workouts and camps. There is no in between as far as commitment to a sport. It’s all or nothing. To even compete among other athletes, there has to be an intense drive for competition.

Is this intensity going to far? Well, let’s put it into perspective. The point of sports is to have fun, correct? How fun is working hard every day for the sole purpose of beating someone else? How fun is building up to one moment, one play, one shot, and failing? Well, of course it’s not fun, but is that one moment, one play, or one shot, the pinnacle of life?

Chances are most likely not.

Competition is not bad, and neither is intensity.

Competition makes life exciting and eventful, but working hard for the sole purpose of being good enough to beat another person or team should not be what is driving the desire to work hard and improve.

Intensity or doing one’s best should be the driving force for self-improvement.

If intensity is used to be the best that one can be, it has served its purpose and served it well. If intensity is put forth into only being better than someone else, the intensity would be better used elsewhere.

An athlete has the ability to control whether or not he or she is working the hardest and doing the best he can. If an athlete does the best he or she can, that is all anyone can ask for. What makes sports exciting is the fact that every athlete is attempting his best performance.

The best may not always be enough for a win, but it should be enough for selfsatisfaction. Doing ones best should bring about pride and delight. There is no shame if one’s best effort is not enough for a win, what truly matters is that an athlete has done everything possible to perform to the best of his or her ability.

t the end of a hardfought rugby game, junior Blake Malcolm wipes the sweat off his forehead and wipes the dirt out of some newly-made cuts. It may seem like a rough, uncommon sport but Malcolm says it’s all worth it.

Malcolm started playing rugby last year and is a member of the Kansas City Junior Blues Rugby Club. Malcolm plays with students from Rockhurst, Aquinas and other area schools.

But why would Malcolm play such an uncommon sport?

“I saw it on Fox Sports Nets and it looked like a cool sport, and I also knew some people who played it and they said it was fun. It looked like a cool sport to try,” Malcolm said.

The sport began when William Webb Ellis became tired of soccer and decided to pick the ball up and run with it. The first game was between Richmond and Blackheath in London.

garret griffin Rugby, like soccer, can be played in both spring and fall.

The Blues play in Minor Park Fields in downtown Kansas City.

Rugby games can last as long as 25 minutes per-half, depending on the situation (league play, tournaments etc.), with a running clock. “ I’d say it’s the most physically demanding sport because it has a running clock and there’s really not time to re-group,” Malcolm said.

Rugby may be more notorious for injuries than anything else, because players don’t wear padding. Malcolm has only suffered minor injuries and states that most injuries are cuts and bruises, although he has witnessed a separated shoulder.

One-on-One With BV’s Sports Stars Sport: Cross Country

Biggest competition you’ve been a part of?

State sophomore year

Any pre-game rituals?

Rub the coconut Buddah

Favorite sports movie?

Friday Night Lights

Any family history related to the sport?

My parents were runners

Cap’n Crunch; original, peanut butter or crunch berry?

Original

Name: Amr Abu Alnadi

players selected by coaches

Name: Ashley Kuzmich Sport: Tennis

Biggest competition you’ve ever been a part of?

Against Blue Valley North

Any pre-game rituals?

Listen to music

Favorite sports movie?

Remember The Titans

Any family history related to the sport?

My whole family plays.

Cap’n Crunch; original, peanut butter or crunch berry?

Original

For Everyone To See

profiles compiled by autumn fuller

Despite setbacks, Blue Valley running back Tywon Hubbard excels on field, off colin brown

staff reporter urdling obstacles in life and hurdling defenders on the football field have become very common events in senior Tywon Hubbard’s life. All of the Blue Valley football fans see what amazing feats Hubbard accomplishes on the field. He was a second team all Eastern Kansas League running back as a junior and has drastically improved from last season, already having 636 yards on the ground in the 2005 season.. But nobody sees what Hubbard has overcome off the gridiron.

One day about six weeks ago (Hubbard doesn’t remember the exact date), Hubbard was driving home from a friend’s house when he suddenly went blind in his right eye.

“I flipped out! I was driving and all the sudden everything to my right went black,”

H

Hubbard said. “It definitely wasn’t a copasetic situation.”

Even though Hubbard has become legally blind in his right eye for reasons that an optometrist can’t even understand, he is still out on the field every practice and every game.

“It’s funny because I think I make a good catch and run with two eyes, and then I see him take a pass 60 yards against Great Bend with one eye,” teammate Stephen Blumhardt said.

“Playing with one eye doesn’t let me cut as good as I want, but I think it makes me run fools over a lot more,” Hubbard said.

During a recent trip to the optometrist, Hubbard found out that his eye looked to be improving on its own. Even though he can see objects two to four inches in front of his eye now, it is still a mystery as to why he lost his vision.

willian werth Senior Tywon Hubbard stands with his mother, Tracy Wilcutt, on senior night Sept 2. This game marked the beginning of Hubbard’s senior season.

14 sports

October 7, 2005

ROAD It’s a TRIP

School groups face excitement, boredom of long bus journeys

colin brown

staff reporter

C

ramping has set in. He has only 10 inches between his 6 foot 2 inch body and the seat in front of him. With only a leg rest to support his feet, the cramping continues. He puts on his headphones and listens to the latest from Jack Johnson to try to alleviate the boredom of a five-hour bus ride.

This experience is common for athletes or other club participants who go on a long road trip. It is usually a big event for that student or organization and a great respite from school.

When the football team traveled to Great Bend on Sept 9 the players left so

early they only had to attend first hour.

Even students could leave on the spirit bus at noon just to watch the game.

The band went on a trip to the Grand National Championships in Indianapolis that took 12 hours. Even though they were encouraged to study on the trip, band members missed three days of school.

It can sound like great fun going on a long road trip to a big school event; however, when the event that the whole trip is planned around takes place, do the long hours of sitting effect the participant?

“We didn’t place at the Grand Nationals and a big reason for that was the long, strenuous trip,” said junior

band member Tom Student fans riding the spirit bus to the football game on Sept. 9 at Great Bend prepare for a long five hour Martin.

Fatigue is not a haul. Students spent time listening to music, talking good thing when with friends and watching movies during the drive. you’re getting ready for a performance where you need all of the energy you have, senior Kevin Allen said, “When we went to Great Bend a lot of us felt really tired, and that wasn’t really a good thing knowing what adverse situations we were about to face.”

The football team squeaked out a win at Great Bend, but if it were a home game, would the results have been different?

“Even though mckenzi foster Great Bend was a great team, I think we could have beaten somewhere a lot closer.

“If (Grand Nationals) were held in them by at least 20 (points) if we were Kansas City we’d be less tired and playing in our own stadium,” senior more focused,” he said.

George Curtis Alderman suggested.

Events have to be held somewhere, According to senior Jon Kemmerer, and somewhere can be very far away. the results at Grand Nationals would Adverse conditions just have to be have been different if they were held considered part of the game.

Having a GREAT TIME, the road trip to Great Bend

7:45 a.m.school begins

12:30 p.m.- Arrive at Salina Central High school for a short walk-through

10:30 p.m.-Eat dinner at local restaraunt

7 p.m.- Game begins

2 p.m.- Eat lunch at local restaraunt

9:30 a.m.Leave School

4 p.m.-arrive at Great Bend High School

10 p.m. Game ends (Tigers win, 15-13)

3:30 a.m.-Arrive back to BVHS

11 p.m.-Depart Great Bend

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sports 15

October 7, 2005

In Full Swing Lady Tigers golf looks for EKL tourney win; ‘consistency’ is key to improvement sarah weaver

weeks left.”

The first leg of EKL was he girls’ golf team Sept. 22 at Lawrence, where moved into the second they accumulated 353 strokes leg of EKL Wednesday putting them in second Oct. 5 at Swope Park, but place. Junior LeAnn Stilley results were unavailable at along with sophomore Mary press time. Senior Ashley Keegan, scored personal bests.

Ratliff, Senior Anna Frazier, Senior Ashley Ratliff shot a 79, junior LeAnn Stilley, freshmen her personal best. The girls Mary Keegan, sophomore trail Blue Valley North by 17 strokes, but had a 25-stroke Stacey Yowell over and junior “Last year the team lead Blue Valley Kelsey Frerking had around 20 medals, West, who traveled to Swope Park to but this year they have is in third defend their doubled that and there place.

“We have second place are two weeks left.” n e v e r standing. (before) beat The team Aquinas and finished in first place with 188 strokes, on Sept. 29 at the Northwest,” Laughlin said.

“In the years past we have Olathe South Tournament at had good golfers, but now we Heritage.

“Our coach was told we were are winning as a team. This the team to beat,” sophomore year the team has personal dedication and consistency.

Stacey Yowell said “As a whole team we have Our team has more depth than won 53 medals,” coach Jim other teams. Anna Frazier is Laughlin said. “Last year the solid and consistent,” he said.

The girls travel to Heritage team had around 20 medals, but this year they have for Regionals on Oct. 10.

“We didn’t lose any seniors doubled that and there are two staff reporter

T

courtney jerome Lady Tigers Anna Frazier, Ashley Ratliff and Mary Keegan practice at the driving range at Iron Horse Golf Club to hone their golf skills for upcoming tournaments. All three returned from last year’s season. These three have been apart of the continuing improvement and advancements made by the Lady Tigers golf team. last year. Some schools had to rebuild their whole team because they lost their seniors,” Yowell said.

Junior Varsity has placed first in three tournaments this season at Blue Valley North West, Miege and Aquinas.

The JV squad includes: Gabby Mellen, Abby Helmick, Kodi Miller, Kalya Pollock, Sarah Shoemaker, Samantha McClellen and Summer McClellen

Upcoming Events...

Oct. 12- Varsity Soccer vs. Baldwin at Blue Valley West

Today- Varsity Football Oct. 14- Varsity Football vs. Blue Valley Northwest vs. Miege at Miege Oct. 10- Girls Golf Regionals at Heritage

Oct. 15- CC EKL at Miege

Oct.21- Varsity Football Oct. 11- Varsity Volleyball vs. Sumner Academy at Quad at Blue Valley North home

Tigers’ seasons heat up as regionals approach Football colin brown

staff reporter The Tigers got revenge on Aquinas from the ‘04 season and dismantled the Saints, 34-9, Sept. 30.

The darkside forced five turnovers while the offense rushed it into the end zone four times. Tywon Hubbard had 183 yards rushing.

The Mustangs came to Blue

Valley Sept 23 and were shut down. Trey Hobson scored one of his two touchdowns on the first play of the game with an 85-yard reception.

The defense posted a goose egg in the 21-0 shutout.

The football team battled Great Bend Sept. 16, the number two team in 5A State at the time. The Tigers were down 13-12 with two minutes to go but drove down the field thanks in part to crafty

quarterback Brandon Rusnak.

With 10 seconds left, Cam Kaman kicked a 22-yard field goal for a 15-13 victory.

Girls’ Tennis andrew robinson

editor-in-chief With the Regional Tournament staring them down on Monday, with the Lady Tigers Tennis team has prepared its resume well. Most recently, sophomores Karaline Nunnally and Courtney Kreamer placed ninth at the EKL tournament this past Saturday. Brianna Ortbals earned second in the Topeka Invite. The Lady Tigers also earned second place at the Mill Valley Invitational behind the first place finish of sophomores Karaline Nunnally and Courtney Kreamer in the number one doubles spot.

CrossCountry adam lary

editor-in-chief Last Saturday, the C-C team competed at Bishop Miege. The girls’ varsity team placed first out of 10 teams with 65 points, beating Olathe East by one.

Sophomore Devin Wiegers and freshman Devin Freeman both finished in the top 10. Wiegers placed third and Freeman placed fifth in the 4K race.

The boy’s varsity team placed fifth out of 15 teams.

Senior Amr Abualnadi placed third in the 5K and junior Patrick Cooley placed tenth.

The cross country team traveled to the Mill Valley meet yesterday at Shawnee Mission Park. Results from the meet can be found on the cross country website at www.bvhscc.com.

The team raced at Ottawa on Saturday, Sept. 24. The girls’ varsity dominated the meet with six of the seven runners in the top 10.

Wiegers placed first, Freeman placed second, sophomore Brook Gorthy placed fourth, freshman Nicole Upah placed sixth, sophomore Allie Proll placed ninth and sophomore Mindy Smith placed tenth.

Girls JV also placed first in the meet with five runners in the top 10. Junior Krista Chesley placed first, sophomore Masha Lynd placed second, freshman Emily Kissick placed third, senior Devin Bennet placed fourth and freshman Courtney Rhodes placed seventh.

The boys’ varsity had two runners in the top 10.

Cooley placed ninth and Abualnadi placed tenth.

At the Rim Rock Invitational on Sept. 16, the girls’ team placed fourth out of 32 teams in the women’s 4K. Wiegers placed fourth out of 217 runners and Freeman placed thirteenth. The boys’ team placed seventeenth out of 31 teams. Abualnadi placed sixteenth out of 212 runners.

Boys’ Soccer joel driskell

co-sports editor The Tigers were lucky enough to have a three game stretch of home games..

The team played GardnerEdgerton at Blue Valley West Oct. 3 and punished them 9-0.

On Sept. 29 the Tigers and Jaguars of Blue Valley West squared off. The Tigers lost 0-3.

The Lawrence Lions traveled to Stilwell where the Tigers defeated them 5-0.

The Tigers had two tough games on the road. Sept. 27 they played and defeated the Ottawa Cyclones 4-1.

Volleyball matt killen

staff reporter

After a rough start, the volleyball team has stepped it up. On senior night, Sept.

26, the Tigers swept a quad between Turner, Wyandotte and Schlagle. On Oct. 1, the Lady Tigers won the bronze division. This moves their overall record to 8-16.

The Lady Tigers play at St. Thomas Aquinas on Oct. 6, along with Bishop Miege and Blue Valley West. On Oct. 11 the Lady Tigers host Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Northwest and Notre Dame De Sion. The team will wrap up the season at Turner on Oct. 18 before regionals on Oct. 22.

16 life in pictures

October 7, 2005

Weekend Wind Down

emily kuykendall

The bell rings at 2:50 p.m. on Friday and you couldn’t be any happier. Finally, the weekend. A time to get away from the books, the stress and two more days to put off the homework.

Senior drill teamer Kim Varner prepares for the band competition which took place at Blue Valley High on Oct. 24.

courtney jerome

Senior Jenna Southerland warms up by a bonfire at a fellow students land. Many students choose to get out of the house when hanging out with friends. The bonfire served as a perfect opportunity for kids to get outside during the colder weather.

Junior Katie Hastings cleans off menus in between seating customers. Hastings works as a hostess at Sunset Grill and can be found there there almost every weekend.

emily kuykendall

emily kuykendall Seniors Adam Blue, Patrick Cocherl and Jon Teel cheer on the football team. The three can usually be found in the stands as early as 5 p.m. at any game decked out in their Tiger gear and ready to cheer on their peers.

Sophomore Wes Kuykendall distracts himself from cleaning his room by playing a game of Madden on Xbox. emily kuykendall