the
tigerprint Blue Valley High School • Sept. 2007 • Vol. 38 Issue 1
Welcome to the jungle Junior soccer player plays for Wizards page 16
NAHS invents newdance page 3
Kidnapping case
heightens safety concerns
page 7
2 bvnews
Sept.2007
speakingbriefly Robotics Club begins contest preparation The Robotics Club is planning to compete in a robotics competition Oct. 20 at Wichita State. In the tournament, the team will design and build a radio-controlled machine that will perform different tasks and activities. “I think we’ll do pretty well,” sponsor Trevor Sutcliffe said. “We have a couple of smart students on the team.” On Sept. 8, the team received the materials to build its robot. The robot has to be completed by Oct. 13 and the club is still recruiting new members.
Art club plans to visit gallery, dye t-shirts Art club is beginning to prepare its meeting and activity schedule for the new school
year. The club, sponsored by art teacher Cheryl Mattke, meets each week and focuses on crafts and fellowship. According to Mattke, the club will be tye-dying shirts and making stained glass. The club is also planning to visit the Nelson Atkins Art Gallery this semester. “Art club is very much student-driven,” Mattke said. “It is my favorite time of the week.”
Renovations expected in coming months Thus far, the school year at Blue Valley has seen many changes. Students may have noticed the two new mobiles on the side of the school. It is expected that new scoreboards in the gym will be installed before basketball season starts and a coffee shop is to be constructed into the commons during second se-
mester. Next year students can expect four new science classrooms as well as new carpeting in the senior hallway. The band and vocal music rooms will be remodeled, as well as the locker rooms and weight rooms. New bleachers and a new lighting system in the gym will be installed, as well. Close to $9 million will be spent on these renovations.
Stridin’ Tigers prepare for marching season The Stridin’ Tigers marching band is preparing to kick off its competitive season later this month. On Sept. 22, the band will travel to Owasso, Okla., for a Bands of America Fall Preview Experience event. The Stridin’ Tigers will host eight other bands from across the region on the following Saturday, before rounding out their competitive season with a performance in Tulsa and a BOA
Super Regional in St. Louis. The band also plans to perform in the Blue Valley District Marching Festival and at all home football games. This will be the band’s first season with new assistant director Mark Nichols, who previously was a graduate assistant in the Baylor band program. Drum majors for the season are seniors Courtney Crape and Kati Owens. Soloists for this year’s show include juniors Danny Wood and Michael Cordes, senior Riley Shaw and sophomore Tyler Goff.
Club forms to enjoy, critique movies, arts The Media and Arts Appreciators Club, sponsored by CA teacher Theresa Middleton, is dedicated to watching and discussing various genres of movies. The MAAC will meet the twice each month for 30 minutes to watch and critique movies while enjoying snacks.
Environmental Club plans research project The Environmental Club held its first meeting last month. Many science faculty members will be helping to organize the club this year. The club plans to focus its efforts this year on Global Protocol Training with each member conducting research for submission in to a national database to be used by researchers. The club also plans to take part in highway cleanup projects as well as recycling initiatives.
FEA to begin tutoring middle school students The Future Educators of America club is meeting weekly to tutor middle school students. Members of FEA will also participate in teacher appreciation activities throughout the year.
Time Warner and Comcast Channel 18
Good Morning Blue Valley
First Broadcast
LIVE
Friday Oct 5 at 8 a.m.
Repeats at 5p.m., 9p.m., 11p.m. and midnight
YO U R S C H O O L , Y O U R S TAT I O N
currentevents3
Sept.2007
SWITCH HCTIWS kyliehennagin
staff reporter
I
t’s 6 p.m., the dance is set to start at 8 p.m., your date is coming to pick you up at 7:30, and you still aren’t done with your makeup or hair. Your $300 Jessica McClintock dress is still hanging in the closet, and your overzealous mom wants to take your picture. Now, imagine a dance w h e r e none of t h o s e t h i n g s matter. What if there was a dance where it was mandatory to dress wacky, cheap and tacky or else you wouldn’t get in? Well, now there is — Switch. Crazy hair, crazy makeup, crazy clothes and $5 are all you need to gain admission for this dance. No designer gowns and no tuxes allowed.
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“I just never liked the idea of getting all dressed up to go hang out in the school gym,” junior Tyler Duke said. All the profits of this “abnormal formal-like” dance will benefit National Art Honor Society. The money NAHS receives will not only be put towards NAHS itself, but some will be donated to help support the arts
dance. Senior Taylor Odom proposed the idea for Switch. Although it is not sponsored by Student Council, it will receive some funding from PTO. In addition, NAHS members are raising money with bake sales at football and basketball games throughout the season along with an art sale. T h i s unusual dance will be Nov. 30, from 8-11 p.m in the commons. Tickets will be priced -senior Taylor Odom lower than Homecomthroughout the Johnson County ing, Sweetheart and Prom. There community. will be no couples ticket available, Switch originally got its name which alleviates the pressure of because everything that would be finding a date. considered normal at dances like Switch committee members also Sweetheart and Prom are com- said another key point of Switch pletely switched around. From mu- is to show that you don’t have to sic to dress code, the mood will be spend money or have a date to have completely different than any other fun at a dance.
Switch is dedicated to drawing
”
away from the cliché Johnson County Look.
Band members upset over new staff parking policy jasonwood
staff reporter
Band members had a little back to school surprise this year: big yellow letters painted in front of their parking lot that read “STAFF ONLY.” Due to construction on the East side of the school where the staff parked in past years, students are no longer allowed in the band parking lot. These changes have been the cause of controversy amongst students in the school’s instrumental music programs. Some students have been complaining about the changes, saying the band lot isn’t full and has more room for students to park there, as well as teachers. “All it does is crowd the big parking lot,” senior band member Tyler Standridge said. Some students said the band lot should be available to students as well as staff. “I have to carry multiple instruments across the parking lot,” senior band member Jeff Smith said. “The closer it is, the more convenient it is for me and other band members.”
NAHS sponsors unique dance to raise money for local arts
The band parking lot during school hours can be found with many open spaces, formerly used by students. Less than half of the 40 spaces were occupied at the time of this photo. Photo by Gwen Bergerhofer.
Although some students disagree with the parking change, it is seen as beneficial to staff members. Until the new mobiles are done, the staff needs a place to park. “The staff has the hierarchy when it comes to parkingthen seniors, then juniors, then sophomores,” School Resource Officer Dennis Randall said. “It
will probably change when the mobiles are done.” Randall said that when the mobiles are completed, the band lot will probably be available to staff members and seniors in the band. Construction on the East side of the school is not expected to be completed before the end of this school year.
“Switch is dedicated to drawing away from the cliché ‘Johnson County look,’ all while dressing up crazy and having fun,” Odom said. “There’s a really cool DJ this year who’s a junior at KU,” she said. “He’s willing to play anything. So I promise, no ‘ChaC h a Slide.’”
Photo by Nina Humphrey.
4 ourvoice the
tigerprintstaff
Sept.2007
staff editorial
07-08
editor-in-chief sarah weaver managing editor brooke thurman assistant editor mitch smith news editor mitch smith opinions editor megan van sooy features editor sarah weaver entertainment editor brooke thurman sports editors braden miller sara ster photo editor nina humphrey reporters aj barbosa kelly cosby andrew fiori ally francis tori freisner noopur goel kylie hennagin allison kohn karen liebentritt nathan lindshield katie louis cole owen lauren penn steven reno stephanie roche drew rogers emily strickland kyra storm jason wood photographers gwen bergerhofer tom roudebush kelly aubuchon ashley stickler amanda blue advertising manager sara ster circulation manager noopur goel adviser jill chittum guest cartoonist mary webb The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for 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 newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration of Blue Valley School District #229. The Tiger Print encourages guest photography. Photos should be submitted to room 450 with information pertaining to the photo. Front page photo: Sophomores Nick Pearch and Ethan Reinke leave the field on Aug. 31. Photo by Kelly Aubuchon. Letters to the editor and reader responses are also encouraged. Letters must be signed in order to be considered for publication. The Tiger Print reserves the right to edit all submissions and encourages letter to be no more than 500 words. Letters should be submitted to room 450 or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Stilwell, KS 66085 email: thetigerprint@yahoo.com 913-239-4800
Take certain precautions to keep yourself safe
E
very single day approximately 2,100 missingchildren reports are filed in America, according to kidshealth.org. Nearly 25 percent are kidnapped by strangers. How can students make sure that they’re safe when they are going out to, say, the local Target? First and foremost, you should be more aware of your surroundings. Also, be sure to look out for people around you. When possible, avoid going places alone. Always be sure to have a cell phone or a way for others to contact you. But, that doesn’t mean to suspect every person as a potential abductor. Trust your instincts, if someone is trying to get your attention and they’re waving a familiar set of keys in the air, maybe that means that you dropped your keys and the person is trying to give them back to you. Not everyone is out to kidnap teenagers. There are some good people in the world who want to help out.
While not every person is a child abductor, it probably isn’t safe to meet your new friend on MySpace, who says he’s 21. If you’ve never met the person, then it probably isn’t safe to go out and meet them by yourself. Every student should know how to protect themselves in a worst-case scenario. There are plenty of self-defense classes being taught (and no, that does not mean that you need to take up karate) that give helpful tips on defending oneself when being out in public. Yes, it is impossible to stay locked up inside of your house for the rest of your life. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is safe. All that needs to be done is taking a few simple precautions before leaving the car (for more on safety see page 7). It may even become a habit and you won’t have to constantly worry about it when leaving the house.
Waiting for food takes an eternity thanks to long line myviews
S
karen liebentritt
tudents anticipate lunch everyday; it’s their favorite “class” right? But it is practically a race to get a good spot in what seems like a never-ending line. Although the lunch line has always been extremely long, it is now more of a hassle because of the changes that were made this year and it is becoming more obvious that 25 minutes is not enough time for lunch. “I wait for almost 10 minutes in line every day,” senior Kristen Ellison said. “I feel like I have no time to eat once I finally sit down.” This brings up the question of is the line really the problem or is lunch simply not long enough? Each lunch period is 25 minutes, and most students agree that they do not have enough time to enjoy it. Making lunch longer would af-
Students try to wait patiently in a sea of people while hoping to get food in enough time. Photo by Nina Humphrey.
fect the length of other classes, but not even having a whole 30 minutes to eat is something that should be reconsidered. If anything, there should be a way to have an hour for lunch and incorporate TCB time into lunch. That way lunch is longer, but the actual school day would still be about the same amount of time. Then there’s the caution tape, which was in the cafeteria at the beginning of the year to keep kids
in line. Although the caution tape is down now, and replaced with a yellow chain, it is a little ridiculous that there should be a need to put anything up at all. Despite students’ complaints, it looks like this new lunch line is here to stay and until further notice, the length of lunch isn’t going to change. So eat fast and if it comes down to it … wear your running shoes to school.
Sept.2007
Proposal to lower drinking age creates friction myviews
F
drew rogers
lash to the quiet small town bar, a local soldier just came back from the front lines. He didn’t leave everything on the lines, he still has that bullet in his arm and the shrapnel in his legs. So he walks, with a limp of sorts, up to the bar and asks for a cold one. The bartender asks for his ID. The soldier shows the bartender his military ID that says 20 years old. The bartender says, “I am sorry, but the law is 21 to drink.” The soldier says, “but I just got back from Afghanistan,” and the bartender asks him to please leave. Young men and women can die for their country but they cannot buy a drink. It is estimated that 58 percent of high school seniors across the nation have been drunk by the end of high school, according to studentsagainstdestructivedescisions.com. Thanks to the federal government, all of this alcohol consumption is illegal. It is also estimated that 11 percent of alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed illegally. Based on these statistics, it is probably safe to say there are students at Blue Valley who purchase and consume alcoholic beverages illegally. It is not hard to find someone that is 21, or someone with a fake drivers license that says 21, and is willing to buy alcohol for minors. In July the drinking age was debated in Congress. There are certain interest groups lobbying to lower the legal age to purchase 3.2 percent beer to 18. That was, in fact, the
student
statistics of 432 students surveyed
47%
have consumed alcohol
63%
53% do not drink alcohol
35%
of those 47% think the drinkof those 53% ing age should be think the drinking reduced to 18 age should be reduced to 18 Photo by Nina Humphrey.
law in Kansas during the 1970s and early1980s. However, in the late ‘70s, the government realized that teenage vehicle accidents were on the rise, so a new law was introduced in 1985. Any individual state that kept their drinking ages under 21 would lose 10 percent of their federal funding for highway maintenaince. But doesn’t it make sense for the legal age to be at most 18? You can vote at 18,
and you can sign up for the military at 17. If Congress were to change the law, the problem would turn from underage drinking to a lack of alcohol education. A father used to teach his son how to drink, how much, and when it was appropriate. He also taught his son what not to do while under the influence. For example, don’t drive a car or operate machinery. Nowadays most parents are afraid to let their kids drink even under supervision for fear of being arrested for supplying teens with alcohol. This leaves the kids oblivious to the dangers of alcohol. Without parents’ guidance, is there a way for minors to drink responsibly? It might be wise to lower the consumption age, but leave the ability to purchase to those who are over 21. It would only be legal for 18-year-olds to drink in bars, and before that age it would be restricted to the home. This might encourage parents to educate their kids about the dangers of drinking. This education, along with stressing the importance of the designated driver, might lower drunk-driving accidents. More strict drunk-driving penalties could also be another important measure to curb drunk driving in general. If you are driving while extremely intoxicated, you could be charged with “conspiracy to commit vehicular manslaughter.” If the drinking age were lowered to 18, teenagers should be educated about the effects of alcohol. We should educate our youth how to truly “drink responsibly.”
Over-populated, frustrating parking lot: Rules for survival myviews
A
mitch smith
s most students have seen and experienced, the trip to the parking lot to begin and end the day is not as simple as it could be. Perhaps if everyone could follow a few simple courtesies, it may be a bit easier to venture through. Here are a few ideas to help alleviate this mass confusion: No, your 1991 Ford Pinto (or 1978 rusted-out Chevy Silverado) is not worth six parking spaces. While the Blue Valley parking lot is seemingly overflowing with brand new cars, it is also home to its share of beaters. For some reason, the car owners who find it necessary to take up half a dozen spaces with their “cool” wheels are those with rusted-out trucks or old grandma cars, not those with brand new Mustangs. If your car is of a certain value, it makes sense to take one extra space in the very back of the lot but, seriously, could
you even tell if your Pinto got a (new) door-ding? Parking lot=brothel? I think not. Walk through the parking lot at 3 p.m., and you’re likely to see more locked lips than in a red light district in Eastern Europe. For goodness sake, isn’t there some other place where dozens of unattractive couples can spend their quality time? The fact of the matter remains no one wants to see you getting busy on school property, either go to your house or get an hourly motel. There’s a reason cars come with mufflers, you might consider getting one. Everyone has seen the remnants of the 1987 F-150’s that could have used a new muffler a decade ago. The smoke, noise and misery associated with walking through a cloud of disgusting pollution should be enough to make owners courteous enough to fix their car problems. I’m sure Jiffy Lube would be happy to help you out. Perhaps in an effort to ex-
rvaise oice
ourvoice5
your
How have your safety habits changed since the Kelsey Smith incident?
“i
have to call home more often than usual.
”
-junior kyle petersen
“w
hen I walk to my car, I’m more aware of what’s going on around me.
”
-senior rachel krupco
“m
y parents limit where I go; they question me more than they used to.
”
-freshman courtney ramirez
It feels like rush hour traffic as students pile up to return home. The overcrowded parking lot makes leaving school more frustrating. Photo by Nina Humphrey.
pose themselves to different cultures, Blue Valley drivers are experimenting frequently with driving on the left side of the road. Shockingly, however, we are not British Valley High and, therefore, we drive on the right side of the road. So, next time you’re daydreaming about Westminster Abbey or Big Ben, remember that the words “bloody awful” and “knickers” are not in your vocabulary and scoot on over to the right. Newsflash, the school parking lot is not the smoking sec-
tion of a bar. How intelligent is it to light up contraband, still illegal for most of the student body, on campus? Now that I have insulted everyone in the school, I would like to take this chance to say that most every student in Blue Valley violates at least one of these rules once a week. While no one is perfect, common courtesy should not be totally abandoned in the parking lot. When we slow down and calm down, everyone arrives home with their car intact, and that’s a good thing.
“i
’m not worried about it, but it makes me more aware that something like what happened to kelsey could happen here.
”
-senior kyle braathen
compiled by karen liebentritt
6 spotlight
Homecoming a night to remember
Sept.2007
Teachers reflect on different Homecoming experiences katielouis
staff reporter
W
hile half of her school was dancing the night away at their Homecoming dance, one girl sat in a cracked, red, fake-leather booth eating a cheeseburger and fries, heavy on the yellow mustard. It smelled like a mixture of fried food and cheap coffee and around the diner she heard different conversations, music from the jukebox, the clinking of silverware on plates, and the laughter coming from her own table. She stared at walls of graffiti, where, using black and green markers, she had added her thoughts about Homecoming to the walls. That girl was Spanish teacher Jill Gouger 14 years ago. “I boycotted the dance, and instead put on my favorite ratty clothes and a group of us went to a graffiti diner where I wrote graffiti on the walls and ate a burger and fries,” Gouger said. If Gouger had her way, dinner would have only been the beginning. “I wanted to go to the dance and get my picture taken in my grungy clothes,” she said. “My friends wouldn’t take me.” She wasn’t the only one to not attend the school dance at Olathe South High School. She estimates that only 50 percent of the school participated. Gouger’s school had themed days similar to our Spirit Week. “My favorite was Hippie Day,” Gouger said. Although her school did have a Home-
Teacher Jill Gouger (second from right) and friends in high school smile for the camera. Unlike some students, Gouger and her friends didn’t go to their high school Homecoming dance. Photo submitted by Jill Gouger.
coming game, Gouger didn’t attend. “I didn’t want to sit in the cold and watch us lose,” she said. Science teacher Azadeh Taghizadeh’s Homecoming experience was quite a different story. She was right in the middle of the celebration at Shawnee Mission South. “I was the type of person who was involved in everything and friends with everyone,” Taghizadeh said. Having good friends wasn’t the only reason she participated in Homecoming.
“The nice thing about our school’s Homecoming was that the dance wasn’t formal, it was right after the football game, and we didn’t have to worry about dates,” she said. “This made it so inviting. It wasn’t the dorky thing to do.” The attendance at formal dances was low so Student Council made Homecoming casual. Another difference was that there weren’t after parties after Taghizadeh’s dance. “We never left early, it wasn’t like there was somewhere else we had to be,” she said.
Taghizadeh’s school shared some traditions with Blue Valley, like hall decorations and a huge bonfire. “We decked the halls and people really got into it,” Taghizadeh said. “People were bringing couches. We could go all out on it because nobody was disrespectful.” Overall Taghizadeh said she looks back on Homecoming positively and will always have good memories of it. “Homecoming was definitely a good experience for me,” she said.
Detailed preparations for Homecoming dance stressful for guys, girls allisonkohn
B
staff reporter
esides the first football game of the season, Homecoming is the first big event of every school year. It’s the first dance for the freshmen, it gives girls a reason to dress up, and guys a reason to finally talk to that one perfect girl and ask them to be their date. Homecoming is a month later than what Blue Valley is used to. But how does the opposite sex get ready for such a big occasion? Whether it takes 30 minutes or three hours, it definitely takes time and money. “I start getting ready in the morning,” sophomore Callie Ronan said. “I get my nails done and my mom usually does my hair. Then I do my makeup and stuff with my friends before the dance.” Ronan also added that between her dress, shoes and nails, her grand total for the evening was around $275. For the boys, the day of the dance goes a little differently. Preparation time doesn’t start in the morning,
and even including dinner, the cost was a lot less. Before the dance, I started getting ready maybe 30 minutes,” junior Brice Barnard said. “It doesn’t really take much,” Other boys agreed that they only need about 20-30 minutes to beautify themselves before a dance. In fact, when preparing for a dance at all, the boys don’t seem to think that far ahead. A few weeks in advance, tops. The girls on the other hand are a different story. “One year I bought my dress for Homecoming the summer before,” senior Jenn Hansen said. “I usually spend at least $100 on the dress, and I get my hair done,” she said. So if the boys aren’t spending a ton of money on getting ready for the big night, what impressive ideas do they have up their sleeves when it came to the asking? “Everyone else was doing something really extravagant to ask their date, so I decided, what the heck, I’ll
just do it over AIM,” sophomore Harrison Drake said. But the Internet approach isn’t for everyone. Some guys even chose to tap into their sentimental side and get a little more creative. “My idea was to have a rose delivered to each of her classes,” senior Derek Luetjen said. “And at the end of the day, I was going to be waiting for her at her locker with a full bouquet of roses and then I was going to ask her.” When it’s all said and done, what is remembered by the end of the night is not who spent the most on dinner or which girl had the most expensive dress. Whether prep time took 20 minutes or started the summer before, Homecoming promises to be a night to remember. Homecoming is on Oct. 13, from 8 to 11, in the gym and commons. Tickets are $8 for singles and $15 for couples. Student ID’s are required. Outside date forms are due in the office by Oct. 9.
Sept.2007
Un Été en France ashleystickler
photographer
As summer of 2007 gradually rolled around, students scurried to gather their last-minute belongings for long-awaited vacations. For six lucky students, this summer consisted of a two-week trip to France. The French students spent six months in advance preparing for their trip. Each month, juniors Monica Supple, Matt Ladegaard, Chau Tran and seniors Jenna Dennis, Abby Helmick and Devin Wiegers met with French teacher Carol Bar to discuss plans. Students from Shawnee Mission South and Shawnee Mission East were also involved in the planning process. According to Bar, the trip served as a great learning experience. “It opened the door to a French opportunity of total immersion,” Bar said. After all, what better way to learn a foreign language than surrounding oneself by native speakers? While in France, the French students had the opportunity to climb the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre Museum, ride the TGV train to Paris and brave the Mediterranean Sea. “We visited almost every church in sight, but the best part was seeing the Eiffel Tower shimmer at night,” junior Supple said. Five days were spent living with separate host families to gain knowledge of the culture and lifestyles. “The food was amazing,” Dennis said. “I eat healthier now.” As unique as the French environment may be, McDonald’s managed to slip under their health radar. The food offered was healthier, less expensive and served in smaller proportions than McDonald’s in the states. Having been back in school for roughly a month, Bar said she has seen a positive change in the students’ French. “Everyone is more comfortable speaking French in the classroom,” Bar said. Although the trip was educational, according to Dennis, the best experience was meeting new people. “They were so open about everything,” she said.
6 BV students practice French during summer
spotlight7
Smith case causes parents to worry stephanieroche
staff reporter
Many students feel like they are living in the “Footloose” community. Only it is not a preacher enforcing the rules, it is their own parents. Parents seem to be cracking down on their children since the murder of Overland Park teen Kelsey Smith in June. Smith, 18, was strangled after being kidnapped from a Target store near Oak Park Mall on June 2. Searchers found her body near Longview Lake four days later. “When I heard what had happened to Kelsey I was very sad and scared,” sophomore Emily Thomas said. “It is scary to think that something like a murder of a young girl could happen so close to home.” Thomas’ parents, like many, have become more cautious and aware of their children’s whereabouts. “Every time Emily or her sister leaves the house, I worry about what could happen to them,” parent Mike Thomas said. “I still worry about both my girls.” Students are also worried about traveling alone. “Anywhere I go anymore my parents know about and make sure I am not going there alone,” sophomore Natalie Schaefer said. “It always makes me feel safer to have a friend with me.” Another popular rule among parents is setting a curfew. “My parents always had a set curfew for me, but they never paid much attention until now,” junior Andrea Romero said. “I have to be home by 10 or I am in trouble.” Local organizations have made self-defense a priority by offering courses to a variety of students to promote awareness and prevent attacks. The Blue Valley School District hosted a class put on by The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation this past summer. “I remember when I took a self-defense class a little while ago,” sophomore Erica Bowden said. “We had to scream as loud as we could and practice some moves they taught us on the instructors. It was a great experience and I am glad I took the class. I feel a lot safer.” Some parents require their children to take self-defense classes. “Emily’s older sister was required to take a defense class before joining her sorority and that made me feel better about her going to college,” Mike Thomas said. There are also some easy tips to learn, but the hard part is remembering to do them all of the time. “I want to carry around pepper spray with me and would feel better if I did, but I don’t have a key chain to put it on,” junior Kari Rapp said. “But I always make sure I have my cell phone with me and that it is on.” Even something as simple as the way you hold your keys can help. “When I am walking out to my car, I carry my keys in between my fingers,” sophomore Natalie Apple said. On Aug. 10, another woman was forced into her car by a man in Indianapolis. Cidney Smith was in her car at a mall when an intruder forced her to the passenger side. Smith performed some tasks that day which saved her life and could save someone else’s if they are ever abducted. If the captured person has a cell phone they should try to call 911 without the abductor seeing them and drop hints to the police about where they are, what type of car they are in, and any other information they think might help the police find them. If the car ever slows down they should open their door and roll out. Remembering these tips and suggestions could help or maybe even save someone’s life.
newbie nerv
8spotlight
Sept.
Laura Wilcoxon graduated from KU with a master’s in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s in Secondary English Education. Jill Chittum is the new journalism teacher. Her high school journalism teacher was a big part of her life. They are still friends to this day.
Brian Mowry is new to Blue Valley teaching social studies. He was surprised to find out that he is teaching along side his former spanish teacher, Cynthia Urschel. Photo by Ashley Cook.
Old ties connect new teachers, strengthen connection to BV andrewfiori
staff reporter
Many new faces come with each Blue Valley school year. Along with the 353 new freshmen, this year’s staff includes 17 new staff members. Brett Potts, the new assistant principal, Mary Steichan, a new speech therapist, and 15 new teachers. Make sure to keep in mind that not all are exactly new to the teaching world. Cynthia Urschel has been a teacher for 17 years now. She worked at Olathe East for a majority of that time. This year is her first at Blue Valley High School along with another new social studies teacher, Brian Mowry, who once was her student. Urschel said she was immediately excited when she saw the name. “I am thrilled that I am working with Brian this year,” Urschel said. “It makes me laugh when I remember Brian from my class. He was in one of my Spanish 3 classes and was very talented. He always used to hang out with his group of friends and was very comical.” Mowry attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., where he majored in social science. This eventually led to him moving to Israel to earn his master’s degree in Middle Eastern studies. After graduation, he moved to China and lived there a few years. He then moved back to Kansas, and decided to teach Middle Eastern Studies. He was very happy to see Urschel’s name on the new teachers list when he signed for Blue Valley.
“At first I was very surprised to see her on the new staff,” Mowry said. “It was cool being able to talk with her at the new teacher staff meetings as well.” But Mowry will have difficulties adjusting to the change that working with former teachers can bring. “I still cannot stop calling her Senora for some reason,” he said. “It’s one of the habits I’m going to have to try hard to break.” Mowry said he looks forward to working on the staff and hopes to accomplish a lot at Blue Valley. Ashley Miller, like Urschel, is another new Spanish teacher. She graduated from BVHS in 2002. She has to now work with the teachers who once taught her. “It’s kind of weird,” Miller said. “It is really tough now that I have to call my teachers by their first names. It is going to be hard to get used to.” Miller graduated from Missouri State in Springfield. She was inspired to teach Spanish from her high school Spanish teacher, Anita Lemons. “Senora Lemons made Spanish so much fun for me. She was my main reason for becoming a Spanish teacher,” Miller said. “She is also my mentor now so I am very happy about that.” Lemons said she is happy to see Miller again. “I am always happy when one of my former students decides to become a teacher,” Lemons said. “I’m glad Ashley decided to join us here at Blue Valley. I am very excited to be working with her and hope to have a good year together.”
Courtney Domoney studied French at KU. She lived in France during college. She has also taught French at Prairie Star Middle School. Edith Campbell was inspired to become a teacher by her son’s teachers. She looks forward to helping students discover and explore possibilities. Jena Lorence graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Biology and Secondary Education. She is excited to be a Tiger. Matt Shipley graduated from William Jewell College and majored in mathematics and secondary education. He is willing to help any students. Kimberly Spencer was mainly influenced to become a teacher by her older sister’s stories of what it was like to be a teacher. Larry McKenna is the new physics teacher. He looks forward to working in a big school like BVHS. His last school only had a total of 75 kids. Manal Siam is excited to get to know her students, yet fears she will struggle learning their names. She is can’ t wait meet her fellow colleagues. Mark Nichols’ favorite quote is “I can’t prove it, but I can say it,” from Stephen Colbert. He attended the University of North Texas and Baylor University. Matt Sage was first inspired to teach math from his high school mathematics teachers. He attended the University of Nebraska. Greg House graduated from Emporia State University and majored in Social Studies and Psychology. He looks forward to teaching at BVHS.
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spotlight9
.2007
Word from the wise Freshman 101 according to senior
ves
sarahweaver
editor-in-chief
men find high school ifferent than expected
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ways expect to have a handful of unusual peour Continuing Algebra class, but you didn’t rew distracting sitting behind the guy growing a He has obviously had this class more than just fore. Or maybe you are afraid of the football the gallon of water in his right hand and lookhe is about to bash you over the head. mmon theme as one freshman that wishes to mous said. scary, I thought the upperclassmen were intimiuld beat me up.” navigate a route through the hallways and shuffling d shoulders puts the pressure on the underclass-
was going to be stuffed in trash cans, but h school is a good experience because f people,” freshman Samone . shmen have probably realgh school is not literally a tween the classes. When student of this school, diately positioned into and jump right into an activities. ke this: we’re put into breathes a sense of all, whether that be llege or making the
goals for a successful ving in underclass-
wrestle well for all four be successful in programneering.” freshman Alexander Zakeri
is an eye-opening experience for freshbuilding, all new teachers, new faces, ivities, insecurities, a time to carve your me to create a new you. et a job like my dad- he sells trucks,” e Hartl said. ake all honors and enjoy the freedoms of e classes and making new friends from diffreshman Sarah Moore said. eshman like Michael Alvarz, school is a means
o save up my money and get a job to buy a pick-
High School welcomes every freshman with a doms. We aren’t here solely because of our ambiemics. High school is also about experiencing differnd interacting with people older and younger in a ment. le peak early. For others, high school doesn’t dere and much refinement takes place in and after s.
Photo by Ashley Cook.
Welcome class of 2011 to what will be your home for the next four years. As a voice of the upperclassmen, I find it necessary to tell you how everything should look from now on. We know you are excited to be here at big ol’ Blue Valley High School, but before you start screeching in your high-pitched voice (boys, don’t worry, you will grow out of this) there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, congratulations. You have entered a school of tradition and pride, yet most importantly: you didn’t get sucked into the dreaded west or God forbid northern territory of the school district. You are now a Tiger and as they always say, it’s a great day to be a Tiger. Now that you have entered this realm of tradition it’s time to learn what it is all about. You need to know we are awesome, so act like it. This means go to the games, dress up on spirit days and show your “Tiger pride.” It’s the one time in high school where you can paint your face, wear torn up black and gold attire and actually look somewhat decent, if not cool. Plus, freshmen, you get the privilege of standing behind the mighty class of sophomores, who are allowed to stand behind the juniors and we all know how lucky they are to stand behind the great class of 2008, the seniors. Speaking of seniors, respect us. We have gone through four years to get where we are now. We deserve and demand respect. Although sometimes difficult, we will respect you until you lose our respect of course. Here are simple ways to respect those above you: 1. Move out of our way. There are a lot of you, a ton of you actually, and you all find the need to be in our way nearly all the time. Regardless of the fact your mommy still drives you, you should know we drive on the right side of the road. Now apply that to walking. This may be a hard concept to master only being freshmen and all, but you can do it. Let’s work on keeping the freshman hall from becoming the hallway from hell. Thank you. 2. Avoid eye contact. Okay that may be extreme. However, there is absolutely no need to make any sort of rolling of the eyes or disgusted face as upperclassmen cut you in the lunch line, which by the way — we can do. 3. This rolling of the eyes brings about another good point: attire. Once again, congratulations on the whole puberty thing, it’s a big deal. (If you don’t quite understand, Ms. Rose or Mr. Brown will tell you all about in Health next year. Yes, get excited.) Like we said, congratulations on your well … growing up. However, we don’t want to see it. Cover it all up. Now for a not so pretty topic: PDA. For those of you that don’t understand, PDA stands for public display of affection. Please Don’t Act upon these feelings or shall I say hormonal changes that you have developed over the last, let’s say, six months. Just because you have more freedom and more anything doesn’t mean you should be sticking your tongue down anyone’s throat. That’s gross and completely unnecessary. We know there are bad examples all around the school, such as those incompetent sophomores that simply can’t stay off of each other and never learned that PDA doesn’t need to be happening at school. Needless to say, we’re so proud of you for finding your life-long partner at a time in your life when your parents still drive you to the movies, but, come on, we don’t want to see you two making out. I’m sure you will be together for another week or so, and while you are stay off of each other. It’s gross. So far the class of 2011 hasn’t driven us up the wall…yet. In all honesty, some of us might admit we like the class. I applaud the freshmen on keeping their hallway clear and managing to not anger any large amount of upperclassmen. Keep your chins up youngsters; it’ll be your graduation day before you know it.
10 foreignexchange
Sept.2007
Foreign Exchange BV becomes more cultured
Caroline Mortensen, 15, and her sister, Regitze Mortensen, 13, visited BV foreign exchange student, Viktoria Torssell, Tuesday, Sept. 4. The two sisters had a 10 hour flight from their hometown Århus, Denmark. Photo by Kelly Aubuchon.
Maho Shirokawa Japan may be hours away, but it is home to senior Maho Shirokawa. Last summer she attended an English school in Canada where she stayed in a dorm. As an exchange student, she prefers the house over the dorm from last year. According to Shirokawa, in Japan, the mother does everything from cooking to cleaning to doing the laundry. Here in the states, Shirokawa has to help her house mom with the chores. However, she does not mind this at all. “She’s so kind,” Shirokawa said of her house mom. When it comes to the Japanese girls back at home, Shirokawa said they are really interested in American boys. She said the Japanese girls want to look more like the Americans, so they change their hair color.
Maho Shirokawa and friends traveled to Canada for a school trip. Photo submitted by Maho Shirokawa.
one has a car. The transition from her school in Germany to Blue Valley has been a big change. “I love the school,” she said. “It’s great. I like Mr. Bacon, too. He’s really passionate about his job.”
Linda Schaekel The U.S. is a second home to junior Linda Schaekel, who is an exchange student from Germany. She flew into Kansas July 18, but it is not the first time she’s been to the states. When she was 6 years old, her dad was transferred to Missouri. She and her family lived there until she was 8 then they moved back to Germany. According to Schaekel, America has more drive-thrus and almost every-
Fabio Vakuda
Linda Schaekel poses in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Photo submitted by Linda Schaekel.
Coming to the U.S. was quite an adjustment for senior Fabio Vakuda from Brazil. The Kansas heat and humidity came as a surprise to Vakuda. According to Vakuda, Brazil’s weather is cooler. Vakuda noticed the people from Kansas looked different from Brazilians. Most of the girls he sees here are blond; whereas, in Brazil, girls are much darker.
When it comes to schools, Blue Valley is also different from what he is used to. In Brazil, Vakuda attends a very small private school. The amount of students at Blue Valley was quite a shock to him. Vakuda said he came to the U.S. because he “wanted to learn English and to know about the culture.”
Viktoria Torssell Sophomore Viktoria Torssell is used to being away from her home in Denmark. Although it is her first time in the U.S., it is not her first time away from home. To r s sell attended a boardi n g school last year for the whole school year. Torssell said she was interested in coming to the U.S. this year in order to improve her English. She is excited to enjoy the whole
experience as an exchange student. The majority of the people in Denmark have an interesting view of Americans, she said. “Some people think America is very snobby,” she said. “But I like it very much.”
Urte Klink
Although it is her first time in the U.S., senior Urte Klink from Germany is not surprised by what Kansas has to offer. She joined the cross country team. According to Klink, there are no sports like cross country in Germany. Practicing everyday is something new to Klink. “It’s really hard,” she said. “But, it’s okay.” She said Blue Valley is really different than the schools she is used to in Germany. Blue Valley’s Tiger pride came as a surprise. “ I n Germany, we d o n’ t h a v e school spirit.” When it comes to free t i m e , Urte said she and her friends go to parties, play soccer, and go to the cinema — like the typical American teenager.
What’s On?
Sept.2007
redcarpet11
Networks add variety to lineups, spinoff of other network shows allyfrancis
staff reporter
H
Photos courtesy of ABC, CBS, and The CW
ave you been flipping through your TV channels lately and not finding what you wanted? Soon, your problem will be solved. Starting this month, new shows will be premiering on networks all across television. If you are looking for a good laugh, say no more. These two shows are sure to solve your problem. The Big Bang Theory starring Kaley Cuoco, revolves around two brainiacs, Leonard and Sheldon, who aren’t as smart as you would think in the girl department. Leave it to their pretty new neighbor to teach them a thing or two. This show premieres on Sept. 24. On Oct. 2, another laugh-out-loud new show Cavemen will be premiering on ABC. You can watch as three sophisticated cavemen learn to cope with the contemporary society in Atlanta. Also on ABC this fall, is the spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice. The show stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Montgomery, who has just moved to Southern California to work at her friend’s Health clinic. The show is sure to bring a whole new vibe and a lot of fresh faces to primetime on Wednesdays when it premieres on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ABC will also be rolling out another great show, Samantha Who?, which tells the story of a woman who wakes up from a coma with retrograde amnesia-meaning that she can function, but she can’t remember anything about her own life. Samantha Who? will be on ABC this fall
on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. Bionic Woman will be premiering on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. this fall on NBC, starting Sept. 26. Bionic Woman, a remake of a 1970s TV show, is about Jaime Sommers, who was a struggling waitress. Jaime was in a devastating car accident and her only hope for survival is a cutting edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence, Jaime will have to learn how to use her extraordinary abilities for good.
If you are fan of the Gossip Girl series, written by Cecily Von Ziegesar, look no further. This fall, every Wednesday at 8 p.m., you can watch the story unveil as privileged prep-school teenagers Blair Waldorf and Serena Van der Woodson live for fashion, scandal, shopping and partying at Manhattan’s trendiest clubs. Even though keeping track of friendships, jealousies, hook-ups and turmoil isn’t always easy, Gossip Girl always does its best. Gossip Girl premieres on Sept. 19
on the CW network. Also this fall on CW is Life is Wild, a new show about a girl, Katie, who is forced to live with her blended family in South Africa for a year. When Katie’s dad learned of the urgent need for vets in South Africa, he took it as a sign that he should move his struggling family there. The adjustment to this strange land will be difficult, but you can enjoy the ride if you tune in every Sunday at 7 p.m., starting on Oct. 7.
Other New Shows ABC-
Big Shots-Thursdays at 9 Carpoolers---Tuesdays at 7:30
Pushing Daisies--Wednesdays at 7 NBCJourneyman--Mondays at 9 Chuck---Mondays at 7 p.m. FOXBack to You---Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Don’t Forget the Lyrics--Thursdays at 9 p.m. The CWReapers---Tuesdays at 8 p.m., Aliens in America--Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
12 redcarpet
Sept.2007
HSM 2 ends summer with bang noopurgoel
I
staff reporter
t has become the center of all conversations. Just mention Zac Efron and it is guaranteed that there will be a mob of screaming girls and angry guys nearby. Blue Valley High School is among this frenzy of High School Musical mania. There were parties, countdowns and plenty of girls loading up on magazines. Some guys even admit to watching and being fond of the movies. “Do I like it? I love it,” senior Christopher Sayegh said. “The singing, the dancing, the actors, it’s just fantastic.” With its huge number of fans this epic movie is well on the way to becoming a Disney classic. On Friday, Aug. 17, the movie premiered with nearly 17.2 million adoring fans watching. These supporters made the movie the most-watched cable telecast ever. The record was previously held by ESPN’s Monday Night Football. It also took the record for the most watched made-for-television movie in tv history. The second showing of the movie brought in 8.4 million viewers, and the third showing brought in 7.4 million viewers. Besides the first three showings of the film, Disney also put out a
sing-a-long version and a dance along version. The dance-along version had the cast demonstrate the choreography to the songs, What Time is It? and All For One. A pop-up version of the film is expected out in Dec. “I was at a party with 12 other people waiting for the movie to start. We had a countdown right to the last second,” junior Emily Nichols said. “I’ve got lots and lots of High School Musical stickers from that night.” The merchandise from the first movie raked in anywhere from $500 million to $1 billion. There were two live shows, a musical and a concert, and an ice show that comes to Kansas on Nov. 30. Then there were the DVDs and CDs that grossed around $3.5 million each. After those, production lines started to churn out High School Musical video games, books, Tshirts, backpacks, lunch boxes, lamps, plates, dolls, stickers, unmentionables, and much more. “I’m going to buy High School Musical panties,” junior Crystal Peterson said. This teen epic has become the obsession of many, ranging from six to 18 years in age. One might wonder what makes the movies so great. Some say they just watch it for the singing and
dancing, but most confirm that they keep their eyes glued on the screen so that they don’t miss a second of Zac. “I would have to say that Zac Efron’s hotness appeared more in the second movie,”Nichols said, “His face is the background on my cell phone.” The huge fame High School Musical received in the U.S. inspired the production of movies like it in Asia and South America. Don’t worry Americans, you can get another dose of the Wildcats in about a year. It’s no joke; High School Musical 3 is in production now, scheduled to premiere sometime in 2008. There have been rumors that it may even hit theaters this time. Whatever is decided about the fates of Gabriella, Troy and Sharpay, Disney can be sure to get big ratings on any of these immensely popular movies. “High School Musical is like the best thing to ever happen to Disney,” junior Kelly Frickleton said. “I think they should make a High School Musical thrill ride at Disney World so that I can experience it every time I go there.” Like it or not, High School Musical is here to stay. The shows will keep playing, the merchandise will keep selling, and the girls will keep drooling.
Junior Kelly Frickleton, a High School Musical superfan, shows off her large collection of High School Musical collectibles. Like many students, Frickleton said she enjoyed the first movie and became even more excited for its sequel. Photo by Gwen Bergerhofer
Final Harry Potter book ignites students interest, breaks record emily
T
strickland
staff reporter
housands of kids, teenagers and adults queued up in bookstores all over the world this summer, waiting for the clock to strike midnight to finally receive the book many of them had been waiting months for. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final installment in the epic tale of Harry Potter. The longawaited novel has been one of the most widely circulated books ever published. The initial print run for Hallows was 12 million copies, and more than a million copies were preordered through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. What is the big deal about Harry Potter? How could people be obsessed with a book so much, that they dress up like the characters to wait for the book in the stores at midnight? “Even though I didn’t go to any Harry Potter parties, my book was delivered on July 21,” junior Collin Kessler said. “I guess Harry Potter is such a big deal because I’ve been reading the books since I was nine years old. The books are such a big part of my life. I mean, they took up
over half of my childhood.” The first novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, debuted in 1997. Ten years later, the series is the biggest literary sensation ever. Being the final book, Hallows sparked a lot of emotion about the series coming
“
“Well, I read the first ones, but I guess they just never really interested me that much,” junior Jacqlyn Swyden said. “I’ve heard they’re really good, but predictable. Harry Potter always wins in the end. However predictable the series might
i was sad the books had to end,
”
but everything has to end sometime
to an end. “Sure, I was sad the books had to end, but everything has to end sometime,” Kessler said. “But I don’t want anymore books, because Hallows had such a great ending. J.K. Rowling answered all my questions, and I was happy about who did and didn’t die.” However, some students have not fallen under the spell of Harry Potter.
-junior Collin Kessler
be, Harry Potter has captured the imaginations of millions. “What I really like about Rowling’s style is how vividly she describes everything. The imagery is great,” Kessler said. “I’ve read all of them multiple times, and I always find huge things I’ve forgotten about. The fact that you can read them over and over again makes them more interesting than regular books.”
The Harry Potter books capture more than imaginations, they really have changed the world. In 2006, when the Kids and Family Reading Report released a survey finding that 51 percent of Harry Potter readers ages 13-17 said that while they did not read books for fun before they started reading Harry Potter, they now did. “I’m glad kids read no matter what,” librarian Pat McRoberts said. McRoberts said kids don’t like all of the books assigned in Communication Arts, so the fact that Harry Potter holds students’ attention is a nice change. “It’s great when kids decide to read more by the same author, and that happened to me with John Steinbeck after I read Grapes of Wrath,” he said. “The great thing about Harry Potter is that they have the same effect on an entire generation. J.K. Rowling has done more for literacy around the world than any single human being. Anyone who can persuade students to read should be treasured and what [Rowling] has given us in Harry Potter is nothing short of miraculous.”
tigerturf13
Sept.2007
Football Preview Football team starts out 2-0
bradenmiller sports editor
K
ansas class 5A state runner-ups in 2005, Kansas class 5A state champions in 2006. What’s next for the Tiger football team for the 2007 season? After losing 10 starters to the class of 2007, there’s going to be new faces ad starters who will step up and fill those shoes. Led by junior quarterback, Tanner Purdon, the Tigers are hoping for a great season. “If we play like we’re capable of playing, then we can go as far as we want,” Purdon said. Purdon replaces last year’s Simone Award winning quarterback, Zach Rampy. Rampy led the Tigers to a state championship in 2006, but Purdon said he is not feeling nervous or a lot of pressure on himself. “We have a stifling defense, so there is really no pressure on the offense,” Purdon said. “This will be my first chance to make a difference in the game’s outcome and I’ve worked all year round, so I know I’m ready to play.” Even though the tigers have many new faces at the starting positions, the team isn’t too worried about the season. The Tigers started their season, Friday, Aug. 31, against Manhattan. Entering this season, Manhattan was ranked second
Junior tight end Connor Combes makes the game-winning touchdown against Manhattan on Aug. 31. Combes also had another touchdown earlier in the game. The Tigers beat the Indians 23-22 after hard fought game. Photo by Tom Roudebush.
in 6A. After looking a little shaky in the first half, the Tigers went into the locker room trailing the Indians 6-7 with two field goals by senior Chris McDermott. The third quarter was low scoring, but the only points
scored was another field goal by McDermott, and the Tigers led 9-7 heading into the fourth quarter. With about 1:20 left, Manhattan had a 22-16 lead. The Tigers started in their own territory, and on third down, Purdon
found McDermott for a big gain. A few seconds later, the Tigers were on the Manhattan 10 yard line. On fourth down with about 15 seconds left, Purdon found junior Conner Combes in the end zone for a touchdown.
With the extra point tacked on the board, the Tigers won 23-22 in a thrilling win over the Manhattan Indians. On Friday, Sept. 7, the Tigers traveled to Hays, KS to face another Indian team. Hays had the ball in Tiger territory the majority of the game, but never getting passed the 20-yard line. The Tigers pitched a shutout, winning by a score of 12-0. The Tigers scored all 12 points in the fourth quarter, but late in the third quarer, sophomore quarterback Anthony Abenoja marched the Tigers down the field with strong running by senior Matt Otterstedt and junior Trevor Cornley. As the fourth quarter started, Otterstedt ran into the end zone for six. After a Hays punt, the Tigers went down the field, with a long catch by senior Michael McIntire, which led to a McDermott 25-yard field goal. Late in the game, the Tiger defense pushed Hays deep into their territory, and put the game away, sacking the Hays quarterback in his end zone, recording a safety. Defense was led by senior linebacker, Jay O’Dell, with 10 tackles, and senior defensive end, Danny Schons with nine. The Tigers are 2-0, and now await their next opponent, Bishop Miege. Gametime is at 2:00 tomorrow at Shawnee Mission North district stadium.
Freshman attracts right kind of attention Freshman Brent Mason plays on sophomore football team
coleowen
T
staff reporter
he guys in the huddle see him as their quarterback, not just a freshman. He’s a leader by example, not by voice. Blue Valley football has always been the same, but after losing 21 starters to graduation last year, everyone knew younger players were going to start. No one could have guessed a freshman was going to play sophomore football. “I always try to think that whatever happens, happens for the best interest of the team,” freshman quarterback Brent Mason said. “If I were to play with the freshmen again this year, I would have gained valuable experience by practicing with the upperclassmen.”
Mason said he is well appreciative of the fact that he has a great opportunity. He also took advantage of the opportunity when the sophomore team took on Blue Valley Northwest on Aug. 30. He didn’t throw for any touchdowns but had some key throws to keep drives alive. The Tigers ended up defeating the Huskies 16-7 in a fourth-quarter comeback. Mason was pumped after the victory. “I feel great!” he said. The one thing Mason said he enjoys about this whole experience is the chance to push himself to become a better football player. He has the kind of work ethic that gets him noticed. “Brent Mason keeps his composure and doesn’t slack off in practice or games,” sophomore receiver Corey
Chesley said. Mason’s work ethic isn’t the only thing that sets him apart. Mason wears the number six. Former Blue Valley great, Zach Rampy, wore the same number while breaking many records. “Brent shows a lot of potential,” sophomore head coach Nick Madelen said. “He stepped into a bigtime role as a freshman and showed a lot of poise.” Mason has played football for four years and plans to play for the rest of high school, but it’s not the only sport he plays. He plays baseball and basketball as well and plans to try out at Blue Valley. “What I look forward to the most is the support of my friends,” Mason said. “When I play, it doesn’t seem as meaningful to me if my friends aren’t there.”
Freshman Brent Mason is playing on the sophomore football team as quarterback. Photo by Tom Roudebush.
14tigerturf
Sept.2007
Senior snaps 20-year-old record Loats runs fastest mile in school history by slim margin bradenmiller sports editor
On your mark…get set…GO! On Saturday, May 26, the state track meet continued from the previous day at Wichita State University. The men’s 1600-meter race began with the shot of the gun and senior Ben Loats started his record-breaking run. Four minutes and 24.2 seconds later, Loats crossed the finish line. “I just remember looking at my parents and coach when I crossed the finish line and the first thing they told me was that I broke the record,” Loats said. “At the time, I was exhausted from the race, but I was excited for breaking a 20-year record.” Loats beat the Blue Valley record by one hundredth of a second. Loats has been running since seventh grade track, but never really started training until his freshman year. Loats usually runs six times a week when in season, taking Sunday off. “I either run early in the morning or late at night, it depends on what time of the year. I try and keep it to running on
grass and other surfaces than concrete,” Loats said. “I’ve done countless laps around the cross country course behind the school, just to avoid running on the roads,” Loats said. In the off-season Loats’ biggest concern is staying in shape. He works out and lifts to maintain his physical shape. Many athletes, no matter what the sport, listen to music to get them pumped up before they perform. Loats listens to his music often or talks with his buddies to keep his mind off the race and to help prevent him from becoming nervous. Loats also tries to stay positive during his races. “During a race, I have no idea what’s going through my mind, I just try to focus and think about nothing else,” Loats said. With a 4:24:2 time now the Blue Valley record for the 1600meter race, previously set by Dave Watkins in 1987, Loats is already excited and anxious for the upcoming season and hopes to break his old record.
Behind the school on the cross country course Aug. 30, the Tigers hosted BV Northwest and Olathe East for the first meet of the season. Senior Ben Loats finished first in the two mile race with a 10:43 time. “It feels good to show that my hardwork and training has paid off,” Loats said. Photo by Kelly Aubuchon.
name:
Kiley Johnson birthday: grade:
sports spotlight
height: team: position: quote:
July 15 12 5’5” varsity volleyball outside hitter
“don’t worry, be happy”
career highlight: Johnson said winning the Louisburg tournament and beating BV Northwest for the first EKL win in seven years was a proud moment. more: She has played club volleyball since eighth grade. future: She wants to continue to play in college.
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tigerturf15
Sept.2007
Sports Briefs
Volleyball team takes first one player. Other varsity players to watch: juniors Brianna EKL win in 7 years The Tiger volleyball team started their season Thursday, Aug. 30, against St. James Academy, Ottawa, and Mill Valley. The Tigers fell to Mill Valley 27-25 in a deciding third game. They then took on Ottawa and blew them away winning in straight sets. The Tigers fought hard, but came up short against St. James. On Tuesday, Sept. 4, was an EKL dual. Blue Valley North rallied to a victory. With great efforts against St. Thomas Aquinas, it wasn’t enough, being shutout two games to zero. With a win over Blue Valley Northwest, the Tigers won their first EKL game in seven years.
Tennis teams defeat Mill Valley, Olathe South The girls tennis team started their season off with a bang on Thursday, Aug. 23, with both varsity and junior varsity teams sweeping Mill Valley 12-0 and 11-0, respectively. The varsity girls then went on to beat Olathe South on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 9-0. Freshman Ashley Teifel contributes as the team’s number
Ortbals and Shelley Sparling and sophomores Katherine Nunnally and Emily Jones.
Soccer triumphs over nationally ranked Aquinas The Tigers’ varsity soccer team got their season off to a dismal start with a 5-0 loss to Shawnee Mission West on Aug. 25. On Aug. 30, the team went to Gardner Edgerton. The Tigers came out victoriously with a good team effort. On Sept. 4, the Tigers went up against the defending 5A state champions, St. Thomas Aquinas. With two goals scored by junior Martin Craig, the Tigers won 2-1, giving Aquinas their first home loss in five years. On Sept. 6, the Tigers traveled to Bonner Springs. With five goals scored along with pitching a shutout, the Tigers increased their record to 3-1; the first time in Blue Valley history. With seniors Quintin Liberty and Andy Heyen as captains, and standout players such as junior Mohammad Ramahi and senior Craig Cook, there is no reason the team should have a losing record this season.
The Lady Tigers volleyball team huddles for pep talk before its triumph over BV Northwest for the first EKL win in seven years. Photo by Tom Roudebush.
Golf team loses close one to Blue Valley West After getting off to a rough start, the girls’ golf team has made an astounding comeback. In the most recent tournament, which took place Sep. 6, was held at Heritage golf course for the BV cup. With the teams lowest scores ending with Stacy Yowell shooting an 85, and Mary Keegan shooting a 91. Overall,
the team had some good scores, which resulted in them losing the cup by only seven strokes to Blue Valley West.
Senior runners lead team to victory at BV quad The Blue Valley Cross Country team started out strong in their first race of the season, the BV quad, on Aug. 31. On
Sept. 8, the team participated in the Paola Invitational. There were great times from all runners. Following the Paola race, the team will also participate in the Community America Invitational, Ottawa, KC Rim Rock and Shawnee Mission West. Everyone has been training hard and with seniors Ben Loats and Devin Wiegers lead ing the team, it promises to be a winning season.
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Sept.2007
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striving fo’ kansas city wizards select bv junior for youth squad mitchsmith news editor
W
hile professional athletics remain a farfetched dream for most high school students, one Blue Valley junior is making strides towards his goal of playing professional soccer. Junior Mohammad Ramahi spent much of his summer playing for the Kansas City Wizards Junior Team. The team, comprised of some of the best high school athletes from across the region, placed second in the prestigious SUM Cup in Commerce City, Colo., in July. Ramahi said he found the experience life-altering.
Junior Mohammad Ramahi (right) is a member of the The Kansas City Wizards Junior team. On July 19, the KCW Juniors took on the D.C. United U17 squad, losing 0-3 prior to the Major League Soccer All-Star game in Commerce City, Colo. The team took second place in the 10-team tournament. Photos courtesy of the KC Wizards.
“It was a huge change in the sense of the organization of the team and how much more professional the atmosphere was,” Ramahi said. Wizards Youth Development Director Chris Cissell agreed, complementing Ramahi on his performance on the team this summer. “[Mohammad] is a terrific soccer player, he has the ability to combine tremendous pace with fantastic [skills],” Cissell said. “He has a great understanding of the game and plays with a lot of passion.” Ramahi, also a member of Blue Valley’s varsity soccer team, said he hopes his experiences
translate to on-field success for the Tigers. “I feel that I can now bring more experience to the team and use this to help become a leader,” Ramahi said. This comes after he received Honorable Mention All-EKL and Honorable Mention All Sun Country honors as a sophomore on the team. While committed to using experiences to benefit the high school team, Ramahi will rejoin the Wizards this November, where he will play through next summer. Eventually, Ramahi hopes that all his hard work will translate into future opportunities.
“I’d like to take soccer as far as it can possibly take me and possibly play Division I in college or even the pros,” he said. “Playing in college on the West Coast would be a dream of mine.” In addition to his experiences with the Wizards, Ramahi has also competed in the Olympic Development Program as well as with the KCFC soccer club. Although he is not paid as a part of the Wizards program, it allows Ramahi several opportunities to be seen by college scouts, a major factor in his decision to try out for the team. “This next year, I’ll get to go to college showcases at Disney as well as the Blue Chip College
Showcase,” Ramahi said. Ramahi also excels in the classroom. Despite his busy athletic schedule, he is able to find time to serve as a Tiger Mentor and is on the Principal’s Honor Roll. “I’ve gotten a lot better at managing time between soccer and school over the years,” Ramahi said. Cissell said he believes that Ramahi’s soccer career has the potential to continue far beyond high school. “If he continues to develop and progress, he has all of the tools necessary to go on to the next levels of soccer,” Cissell said.
new faces on soccer field bv alum makes up part of coaching staff ajbarbosa
staff reporter
After the departure of Coach Greg Gehrig, and Coach Tim Cunningham’s promotion to junior varsity, Blue Valley’s soccer program was in need of two new faces to head the two C-teams. The new coaches are Rob Triano, a BVHS alumnus, and Luke Denney, a former goalkeeper for Rockhurst University. “My whole graduating class had a ton of school pride,” Triano said. “We were the first class that had the option of staying at Blue Valley or transferring over to be the first graduating class at Blue Valley West.” “For me, coming back to Blue Valley was a matter of my good relationships with Coach Snell and Mr. Whitehead, and coaching for the school I graduated from,” he said. After graduating highschool in 2001, Triano attended Doane College in Crete, Neb., where he proceeded to take the college’s overall goal-scoring record. Triano seemed optimistic about potentially trying out for MLS or USL teams in the future. “I’ve tried out for a few before,” Triano said, “I’m going to start again, and I’m going to give it another shot.”
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As of now, it isn’t clear yet whether or not Triano will remain coach at Blue Valley, or if his career will lead him in different directions. “It’s hard to say whether I’ll stay or not, seeing as I’m not a teacher, my career might take me somewhere else,” Triano said. “But I’d love to keep coaching.” The other new coach, an Omaha native, Luke Den-
three successful years there and got degrees in Criminal Justice and Education, before becoming a teacher, and beginning his competitive Mixed Martial Arts training. “I lift and run every day throughout the year,” Denney said. “During the soccer season, coaching only allows me to train once or twice a week, but during the off-season, I can train in the ring from three to five days a week.” Denney is also fairly recognizable from his showcase of tattoos. Even with many different tattoos, he can’t clearly classify one as his favorite. “Because I’m in martial arts, I’m very interested in the Asian culture,” Denney said. “A lot of them have significance in that culture as well as significance to me.” Even with almost completely contrasting backgrounds and lifestyles, the two new C-team coaches said they both have the same goal for their teams. Denney and Triano said they want to build each and every player to a JV or varsity level player by the time the season is over. “I have an enormous amount of confidence in the two of them, and I think that they both can develop the players to JV and varsity levels,” Coach K. Dean Snell said. “They both can affect this program as a whole.”
i have an enormous amount of
”
confidence in the two of them. - K. Dean Snell
ney, was brought up with a significantly athletic background. Because of different seasons, Denney was able to play football, basketball, and soccer every year throughout his high school career, while training in judo on the side. He was recruited to The University of Nebraska on a football scholarship in 1997, the year that the Huskers won the national title. He then was recruited to Rockhurst University in Kansas City as a goalkeeper for the soccer team. He played