Vol 36 issue 1

New principal Trujillo enjoys high school atmosphere Page 8

Cougar

Connection Percussion group tries to raise nearly $8,000 to go Austin for PASIC. Page 5

Students write and direct their own play.

Page 15

Football player must adapt quickly under pressure. Page 16

Cypress Creek High School • 9815 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 • Volume 36 • Issue 1 • October 16, 2012

2 Briefs

October 16, 2012

This week at a GLANCE GLANCE

GLANCE

rally 7am in the commons Jersey Tuesday- Spirit P2P in LGI-2 at 2:30

Mardi Gras WednesdayNerd Day ThursdayBlue Out FridaySaturday-

Spirit rally 7 a.m. in the commons PSAT at 7 a.m. in LGI-2 HOPE meeting at 2:30 p.m. in 1752 Key Club meeting at 2:30 p.m. in LGI-1 P2P at 2:30 p.m. in LGI-2 Lighting of the CC’s pep rally at 7:30 p.m. at Pridgeon

School spirit hopes to Light the CC’s For the first time ever, Creek plans to hold the “Lighting of the CC’s,” a nighttime spirit rally scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Pridgeon Stadium. Along with the traditional morning spirit rallies each Friday and the daily spirit rallies this week, government teacher and cheer coach Nicole Cuellar received permission to hold the event. The HOLA club, Silvies, cheerleaders, JROTC and band will perform at the event.

Students can purchase glow-in-the-dark T-shirts for the event today and tomorrow during lunches for $10 each. The first 1,000 people to bring a nonperishable food item will receive a free set of shaker poms. All food donations will go to the Houston Food Bank.

Creek fails fire marshal test Spirit rally 7 a.m. in the commons

Spirit rally 7 a.m. in the commons Spirit rally during seventh period Varsity football VS Cy Ridge at 7 p.m. at Pridgeon

Saturday D-Hall 8 a.m. in the Large Gym Homecoming dance 7 p.m. at the Berry Center

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Teachers are modifying and rearranging the decorations in their classrooms after the school failed to meet some fire code requirements. A fire marshal recently inspected the school for any fire hazards in classrooms and hallways. Some classrooms had posters and signs hanging within 24 inches from ceilings or 3 feet from doors, which produces a fire risk. Extension cords could also pose a fire risk the school. The fire marshal plans to return later this month to reevaluate the building.

Debate coach adds to the trophy case Speech and debate teacher Scott Baker won the Career Achievement award on Oct. 6 from the National Forensics League. Baker currently has four NFL awards under his belt. Baker served as the NFL district chair from 2007 to 2010 and currently serves as the secretary of the Texas Forensics Association, or TFA. Baker earned his first NFL Coaching Diamond in 2005 and later earned another Coaching Diamond in 2010. He will receive his third this year.

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Features

3

Political clubs spread awareness about issues Tyler HOOKS Entertainment Editor The Young Democrats and Young Republicans plan to host a panel discussion soon and will participate in other events to help students understand politics in this election year.

“I really want to have a greater impact in our community,” said junior Caro Achar, president of Young Democrats. “I don’t just want to be a club people say they were a part of, I want us to actually have a goal. I want us to help the Democratic party as many ways as we can, even if it means passing out bumper stickers, making signs, and just increasing awareness.”

The clubs plan to discuss the debates between presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney and vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.

They also plan to host a panel discussion closer to the Nov. 6 election to share information about the political parties with those students eligible to vote.

Both clubs stress the importance of informing students about politics. Achar and Nita Waterman, sponsor of Young Republicans, said they want to give students an understanding of the parties by discussing current events

and addressing factual information.

“We want to spread awareness about the validity of things that are posted on social networking and how to decide whether those things are true or not,” Waterman said.

“

Achar said students don’t have to be a diehard Democrat to join.

“You could be undecided, you could even lean towards Republican tendencies, or be under the impression you’re Republican because your parents are,” Achar said. “What we’re trying to focus on is to get people to realize how they feel about politics, raising awareness above anything else.”

Sophomore Connor Seymour, who belongs to the Young Democrats, said he likes meeting other students with similar political beliefs.

“I wanted to join to meet like-minded people who shared my opinions on things like taxes, immigration and the middle class,” he said.

The clubs plan to go in depth and help students figure out where they stand on politics, but Achar said that’s just the beginning.

“What I think we need to figure out [is] why people are Democrats and why more people should be Democratic,” Achar said. “Not only is being a Democrat just supporting somebody, it’s understanding why you support that person.”

Young Democrats co-sponsor Kimberly Stelly said she applauds students who are involved in the political clubs.

“The fact that young people are interested in politics, they’re politically involved, that’s wonderful,” she said.

I just don’t think that they understand how [politics] affect people.

Nicole Plane, senior

”

Senior Nicole Plane, vice president of Young Republicans said she thinks people are misinformed about the parties and believes students don’t know much of what’s going on.

“I just don’t think that they understand how [politics] affect people,” she said.

Young Republicans president Josh Vandevort said his goal is to engage more students.

“I want to expand the club, because last year it was pretty small,” he said. “And get more people politically active, and involved, not just bystanders.”

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4 Photo Essay

October 16, 2012

All that silver glitter

Counselor love: Standing outside the library the counselors form a heart with their hands that match the theme of their shirts. photo by Dairyn Salguero

UCTV organized a lipdub which involved about 60 clubs and organizations that danced to the song “All-Star� by Smash Mouth.

Girls in blue: The girls in track stand down mainstreet ready to perform the routine they put together for the lipdub. Photo by: Gennesis Gonzalez

Keys ready for the camera: Key club members and president senior Susana Penate hold handmade paper keys in their hands when it is their time to be infront of the video camera.

Photo by Gennesis Gonzalez

Put your hands in the air: Speech and debate students participate in the lipdub with their group. Photo by: Dairyn

Salguero

Cougar band: Band members were stationed in the gym ready for the UCTV cameras to capture their moment .

Photo by: Jenna Moreland

UC through the camera: The UCTV students organized the lipdub to show our schools spirit.

They walked through many parts of the school to capture the many groups that participated. Photo by: Jenna Moreland

Run to the party: FFA members run to the auditorium after their group was filmed. All groups met there to shoot the ending of the video. Photo by: Jenna Moreland

cchspress.com

Features

5

Percussion bangs for bucks Colin MORRIS Features Editor The roar of the drums echo Cougar spirit across the stadium during the third quarter of every football game as the drumline pounds the familiar beats that the crowd in the student section has learned by heart.

This fall, the percussion group plays for more than just to rile up the fans in the stadium. It plays to raise nearly $8,000 to play on one of the biggest stages possible for a high school drumline.

On Nov. 1 and 2, the 31-member percussion section of the band will go to the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, an annual event which draws percussionists from around the world. This year’s convention takes place in Austin, so the drumline applied for — and won — one of only two spots for a featured performance. The members started preparing their show in July.

“We knew we were going to the convention for the drumline competition, and then we found out that we were chosen to do the

Half time concentration: During the halftime show, sophomore Josh Meyer plays the marimba. Photo by:

Jenna Moreland

ensemble performance,” said senior and snare captain Connor Moore. “So I think we were all kind of overwhelmed. We were like ‘Wow, how are we going to do this?”

The students now have to juggle extra practices on top of their regular band practices and other activities.

“Well, we have our normal marching rehearsals and we still go to all of them,” Moore said. “Basically we have practice every day that we don’t have a game and except Sunday. We usually go into the commons and disrupt the entire school.”

Sophomore and drumline member Avery Armstrong said being committed takes up a lot of everyone’s time and affects family life, too.

“We pretty much just handed over our lives,” Armstrong said. “When I’m not at school, I’m usually at band.”

On top of preparing for the event, the percussion group and parents also have to focus on raising the large amount of money to go to the convention. The percussion group held fundraisers such as T-shirt sales and selling baked goods and asked for donations from the community with the help of the cheerleaders. The recent tailgate party co-sponsored by the student council and cheerleaders also raised money for the trip.

“We’re more than halfway there,” said board member Sarah Armstrong, Avery’s mother. “The cheer squad has been phenomenal and awesome. They’re doing all kinds of things that are helping us.”

Once at PASIC, the percussion group will compete in a marching competition and will perform a 50-minute-long showcase ensemble featuring a number of marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, snare drums, field drums, bass drums and tom toms.

“We plan to perform a variety of music starting from the 1920s to present day for our showcase ensemble,” percussion director Doug Herrington said. “And for our marching show, we plan to perform music [the directors] had written themselves based on the Halo video games.”

Herrington said the percussion group will perform for the best audience they will ever play for, including many major percussion corporations.

“The audience will be full of all these

Life to student section: Sophomore Avery Armstrong and other members of drumline walk down the football field to play for the student section. Drumline plays for the student section after the halftime performance, during the third quarter. Photo by: Jenna Moreland

people that are just like them who will have a bigger appreciation for everything they’ve done,” Herrington said.

Junior and pit captain Ben Zimmerman said he enjoys how this experience has brought everyone in percussion together.

“I like the sense of fellowship that we have by being in percussion because we pretty much do everything together and it’s

a lot of fun playing the music that we have to play,” he said.

In the end, Herrington said he hopes to create a memorable experience for the entire percussion group.

“This is going to be something that they’ll remember all their lives,” he said.

“And that’s the ultimate reason why it’s so important that we do this.”

We want drumline: Mascot Chrissy the Couagr, cheer escorts, and cheerleaders dance down the sideline bringing drumline to the student section. Cheerleaders dance along to the beat of drumline during their performance for the student section. Photo by: Jenna Moreland

6 Features

October 16, 2012

Students take a twist on music Kristin RUSSELL Business Manager

Every morning, a group of musicians start their day in a class that doesn’t require any instruments — just a pen and a passion for music.

In the new Music Theory AP course, choir teacher Randall Jordan tries to broaden the musical knowledge of students who want to work in the music industry.

“I want to major in music, and I think this class is a perfect start before I go off to college,” said senior Amber Mixon, who plays flute. “I’m excited to see what else can find out about the theory behind the notes.“ Jordan said he tried to introduce the class last year but he was seven students short from the district’s required minimum enrollment. This year he has 25.

“I think it’s necessary for Cy Creek to have students who can identify music,” he said. “Not only in terms of, ‘This is my part’, or ‘This is what I play or sing’, but ‘This is how it sounds and why.’”

Jordan said his favorite thing about the class is introducing new concepts.

“It’s kind of exciting to see the looks on the students’ faces when they learn something new and cool,” he said. “I guess the coolest part is revealing the secrets to what they already know.”

To take Music Theory AP, students must have had at least two years of band, choir, or orchestra at the high school level. Students who don’t meet that requirement can get into the class by making at least a 70 on a district test over music curriculum.

“We already have some kind of knowledge of music, but

you figure out why things are the way they are,” said senior Dreyton Wyatt, a former band student who plays trumpet.

“We already know the notes and whatnot, but you piece together the theory with the music itself.”

So far students have learned scales, keys and key signatures, and music notation. Senior Martin Washburn said there’s a lot of cross-over with his previous music instruction.

“I was in percussion so I know the music, but this class is just the theory behind it,” h e said. “I knew the notes but now [I know] why they are the way they are.”

Not only will students read music, but they will also write music and understand complex structures. Jordan also assigns the students topics to teach the class.

“I love the teacher. He knows what he’s doing,” said senior Jeffery Black, who is in both choir and orchestra.

“He studied at Rice, and he does a great job of getting his point across to the students.”

Music love: Music theory and Choir teacher Randall Jordan draws music notes on a dry erase board for his only music theory class. Music theory is only available during first period. Photo by Andrea Anderson

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Features

7

any seasons of love, a legacy to continue Deanna NARVESON Online Editor

A hush fell over the sanctuary at Cypress Bible Church as a group of current and graduated theater students stood to honor the life of longtime theater arts director Marilyn Miller.

“Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes, five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear,” the ensemble began singing in harmony to the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.”

They sang as tears rolled down cheeks throughout the packed room.

They sang for “Madame M,” as her former students often called her.

They sang to honor the 32 seasons of love that Miller gave to the theater arts department.

“Her program was one of Cy Creek’s crown jewels,” said former principal Jim Wells, who spoke at the memorial service.

Miller, who passed away 10 days before school started of a Past time: The late theater director Marilyn Miller with a group of theater students. Photo courtesy of the Stackhouse family severe lung condition, lead the theater arts department for three and she didn’t play by the rules.” even know was there and gave students history. In April, Miller received the decades and had planned to return Crooks performed in five productions opportunities they didn’t see before.” first non-professional rights to produce for one final year before retiring.

The speakers said Miller brought the popular musical “Spamalot” from under Miller’s direction, including Among the singers stood one of “The Farnsworth Invention,” which spontaneity and creativity to every Theatrical Rights Worldwide. The Miller’s co-directors, 2002 graduate achieved first runner-up at state-level situation. She was always late to class, show will be performed in January.

Alex Garza, who said he was honored to “It’s very difficult to get the rights UIL One-Act play competition in 2011. always had on blue toenail polish, and come back to teach beside his teacher.

The sanctuary hall of the church was always poised to give a wise answer. to produce shows because you cannot “I still called her Mrs. MIller,” Garza “When students asked questions perform a play if another theater in the silent even after the said. “Though I was a colleague, remained about how they should do something, area is also performing it at the time. With I was still learning from her.” students finished singing. One by one, her famous answer was ‘just do it,’” ‘Spamalot,’ the rights for high schoolers several speakers who knew Miller This year, the department presses Stackhouse said. “That kind of trust to produce the show were not supposed to on with the theme “Remembering best stepped up to the pulpit in front is empowering. That is what I think be available until 2013,” Ocker said. “She the legacy, striving for the future.” of 200 people to speak about their students took from her, empowerment.” worked something out. ‘Spamalot’ was “The majority of us that were in teacher, mother, friend or coworker.

The Texas Thespian Hall of Fame why she decided to stay for another year.”

“She prepared students for life, she theater while she was here are writing inducted Miller into its ranks in 2011. She This winter the theater arts program taught students to think for themselves,” our college application essays about had been the first woman and the first high will use money earned by last month’s said Janet Stackhouse, Miller’s daughter, Mrs. MIller,” senior Nathan Crooks school teacher to serve as president of the performances of “Staar Waars” and said. “There was never a time in her in a letter read out loud. “She saw Texas Educational Theater Association. several car washes to pay the $500 owed class when we weren’t laughing — something in them that they didn’t Miller’s honors in the thespian community to perform “Spamalot,” said Crooks. also included the Southwestern Bell Ocker left the English department UIL Sponsor of the Year, the Educator to take over the theater arts program. of the Year, and the Founders Award. Garza, who taught technical theater, “She didn’t do it for the awards, I also took on theater arts classes. found those packed up in a closet in The school also hired Michelle her office,” said Marilyn Ocker, who Smith as a new tech theater teacher. worked with Miller and has taken “There are many teachers and students over as the theater department’s who feel Mrs. Miller’s absence,” Ocker director. “She did it for the kids.” said. “But we keep moving forward.”

When news of Miller’s death reached the internet, students wrote about what she meant to them.

“She taught me so much more than how to act. She taught me how to live my life in a way that helps me to make, mend, and maintain relationships,” wrote 2012 graduate Lizzy Cook on Miller’s Facebook wall. “She taught me how to loosen up, but also how to be responsible and reliable. She gave me a chance to grow and she tended me as I did.”

Though Wells said Miller had made Theater teachers Marilyn Ocker and Marilyn Miller smile at the CFISD boardroom presentation for National Thespian a pact with him to retire together last Convention qualifying events in January 2011. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Ocker.

Miller smiles with a student after a performance in school year, she changed her mind 1994. Photo courtesy of the Stackhouse family for another chance to make theater

8 In-Depth

October 16, 2012

Educator striving for greatness Principal Sandra Truijillo takes on new position Victor GARIBALDI Managing Editor New Principal Sandra Trujillo doesn’t have many of the traditional fond memories of high school.

She attended seven of them.

“I got an education, but I don’t have those memories,” she said.

Growing up, she said her dad worked for the federal government, which required her family to move to Oklahoma, Kentucky, Florida, Texas and Missouri. Because she moved constantly, Trujillo felt very disconnected.

“I would never go to alumni night or homecoming because I knew maybe four people in my graduating class,” Trujillo said.

As a result of her experience, she said she wants all students to find a niche and enjoy their time in high school.

“One of my goals is for us as a campus to start becoming more welcoming and make sure that every single student in this campus has a memory they leave with of high school,” she said.

Trujillo said her focus this year is on getting to know the students, the teachers and the culture of Cy Creek.

“This ship is already in course,” she said. “I need to find my niche. It isn’t my job to come the first year and kick the ship over.”

An education enthusiast, Trujillo said she always wanted to pursue that as a career growing up.

“I hope never to stop teaching,” she said. “I feel like I can affect change in the business of education as a principal, but I don’t ever want to stop facilitating learning.”

Trujillo said she thinks her job is almost like a laboratory.

“As a scientist, I’m always looking for a new way to try a new leadership process or a way to look at a problem through a different lens,” she said.

A single mother of two, she said both of her daughters also want to pursue teaching. They’re finishing their own education degree at Texas State University.

“The 24-year-old wants to be a special education teacher working with life-skill adults and the 21-year-old wants to be an elementary teacher,” Trujillo said. “I looked at my children when they were born and said ‘I sure hope I have two future educators,’ I think it’s the most important business out there.”

Trujillo started her teaching career in Pasadena, but most recently worked in the Leander school district near Austin, where she served as principal of Leander Middle School for 10 years. Determined to move back to Houston, she applied to become a principal in CFISD. “I had done a lot of research on all of the larger school districts and throughout all of my research, Cy Fair ISD was above all the others,” she said. “It was by far really the only place I was interested in.”

Trujillo said she loves working with older students.

“I just love being back in the high school atmosphere,” she said. “I’ve been working with middle school for a long time and it’s been a real joy, but I needed to get back to where the students were starting to think for themselves, being on their own and thinking more globally … and I love that about high school.”

Mary Ann Guidry, Trujillo’s secretary, spent time with the new principal during the summer and noticed her positive attitude right away.

“When I first met Ms. Trujillo I thought that she was a very energetic,” Guidry said. “She definitely had an idea of what she wanted to do and how to accomplish it.”

First open house: Principal Sandra Trujillo talks with lead counselor Terrie Shell and a parent at her first open house. Photo by: Dairyn Salguero

Trujillo broke her foot over the summer, which made it difficult to deal with a mix-up during her first few weeks on the job.

“One of our custodians accidentally threw all of her stuff in the recycle bin — personal papers, books, her nameplate,” Guidry said. “It was a communication error with the custodians and it was purely an accident, but we went Dumpster diving. I told her at the time that one of these days we were going to laugh about that.“ Leander ISD’s biggest high school only had around 1,700 students, about half the size of Cy Creek.

“My first impression was there was a lot of people and that I had to learn their names and that was going to be tricky,” Trujillo said.

Aside from organizing her calendar and appointments, Guidry helps Trujillo with teachers’ names.

“We’ll talk either before or after school to give her a little history on who they are, what subject do they teach, and of someone who’s been here for a long time,” Guidry said.

Trujillo made a positive impression on junior Sami Hatcher by shaking her hand on several occasions outside by the front entrance.

“I think that she’s very approachable, amiable, and she’s a nice person,” Hatcher said. “I look forward to seeing what she does this school year.”

Trujillo said shaking hands with students is one of her personal traditions.

“I’m blessed to have this job, and I want to make sure that my students realize that I feel like my job is to serve,” she said.

However, Hatcher said she wished Trujillo would get out of her office even more and become more noticeable.

“I think people have seen her but they don’t realize that it’s the new principal,” Hatcher said. “I think it’d be nice if she was around more in the hallways.”

Outside the office, Trujillo said she likes reading education periodicals and leadership books, enjoys running and loves people.

“I really enjoy social opportunities to find out about people,” Trujillo said. “That’s why I run because you run with people, and that’s why I don’t win because I’m talking

First of many: Trujillo speaks to a parent at open house in September. Photo by: Dairyn Salguero

or laughing the whole run.”

As the new principal, Trujillo said she has some big shoes to fill. She said former principal Jim Wells is a dynamic and incredible human being and she’s thankful to have built a friendship with him.

“He comes to the games with me and he calls about once a week to see how things are going and I feel very confident with him as a mentor,” she said. “My goal is to offer the same quality of service and leadership that Mr. Wells was able to offer, just in a different package.”

Although Trujillo looks forward to a challenge, she said her new job has “exponentially changed” her life.

“I go home so tired sometimes I can’t fix supper. It’s the egg sandwich that day,” she said. “But I love it.”

She said she wakes up every morning charged and ready come back to the challenges of the job.

“How sad would it be if you had a job that didn’t allow you to grow?” Trujillo said. “I’m just fortunate that I have a purpose-driven career that I can go home and say I made a difference.”

cchspress.com

In-Depth

9

New year, new faces A glance at four new school staff members Jenna MORELAND Photo Editor

Marissa Logrono Former Lobo physics teacher Marissa Logrono is adjusting to her first year at Cy Creek.

Having taught at Langham Creek for five years, she made the switch because of her 7-month-old son.

“The school is closer to my house,” she said. “It’s nice for me to be close to him if there were ever an emergency.”

Unlike Creek, Langham has a normal bell schedule, meaning no block classes and no early release. Although schedules differ from her old school, Logrono said she still likes it.

“It makes labs for science class a lot easier,” she said. “It can help organize information a little bit better.”

Like a new student, having to learn the nooks and crannies of the campus and remembering the block schedule still confuses her.

“I tell my students all the time ‘I’ll see you tomorrow’ when I really won’t,” Logrono said.

She said Creek is significantly bigger than Langham.

“When I came to move my stuff in, I thought, ‘I am never gonna learn my way around this school,’” she said.

Logrono said not using PowerPoint sets her apart from other teachers.

“I try to make sure that I can represent the things that I’m trying to explain using everyday objects which are a little more hands on,” she said. “Physics is a little more fun just because we get to throw stuff and roll stuff and whatnot.”

Logrono loves seeing students’ reactions when they understand a topic.

“At some point, when a student starts to understand, you get to see the reaction, you get to see the progress,”she said. “It’s rewarding.”

Count

361 207 445 218 371 87

1689

A CIT

Girls

751

390

350

143

864

419

369

151

495

124

457

370

BF S TEM G LPA A IM E HS

3286

Moving from San Antonio to Houston, Master Sgt. Richard Ray left his job as a professional military education instructor to become the aerospace science instructor for the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

Ray retired from the U.S. Air Force in June of 2012 after serving for 20 years. He said teaching at Creek differs from his last job because of his newfound responsibility for kids.

“When I first got here, everything was confusing because it was different,” Ray said.

“I’m coming from a collegiate environment of teaching where students are adults and are responsible for themselves as opposed to me being the adult and really guiding the students.”

Ray said his most important principles are to educate, mentor and coach.

“My job is to mentor,” He said. “I can give you the academics, but now I need to mentor

Christy Groschke

Student Boys

Richard Ray

Former Cy Falls Sky Dancers assistant director Christy Groschke took on the role as Silverados director.

She has 23 years of dance experience and danced on the Cy Springs Panteras drill team during her high school years. She graduated from Texas State University, majoring in English and minoring in Dance.

During her years at Falls, Groschke carefully watched the Silvies during competition season and during the spring show, “Encore.”

“I was always interested in Creek,” she said. “I would always watch them at contests.”

Because the Silvies had the same director for eight years, Groschke said she thinks this is a transitional year for them.

“This year is definitely going to be a learning year with me learning their expectations and learning mine,” she said.

Carl Blaze

1597

you on the importance of the lesson. I need to coach you through that so you’re able to apply those skills.”

He said the block schedule does not confuse him as much now as it did when he first started. Ray said he likes Creek’s scheduling because it helps the student-teacher relationship grow.

“It gives you more time to build a relationship with the kids,” Ray said. “You get to see them grow in that particular scheduled time as opposed to the traditional schedule.”

He said the JROTC program gives students a way to be involved. He said he sees a difference in the JROTC kids because of this.

“The ROTC program teaches students that they’re a part of something that’s bigger than themselves,” Ray said. “Often times we go through life thinking that it’s all about us, and really if you look at Cy Creek, it’s a team.

It takes administration, it takes the teachers, it takes the student, and it takes the parents to really make that student successful. In ROTC, it’s the same concept, you can’t work as a team.”

“But I think they showed a lot of improvement this year by being pushed hard.”

She said it came as a surprise when associate principal Maggie Wiley called her in mid-May to tell her she got the job as Silvie director.

“I didn’t think I would get the job because I’m pretty young to be a drill team director, especially in Cy-Fair ISD,” Groschke said. “I thought she was telling me I didn’t get it.”

Groschke said she looks forward to seeing how the girls do during contest season.

“The girls have always been really good,” Groschke said. “But I think they’re reaching the potential that they could have right now. So I’m excited to see how they do this season.”

Groschke said all the hard work pays off at the football games.

“I’m always so proud of them because they’ve had flawless performances this year,” she said.

With 14 years of experience working as an educator, AIM academy principal Carl Blaze has made the transition from Houston ISD to Cy-Fair ISD. At Jane Long Middle School, Blaze worked as an administrator for a campus with a 97 percent Hispanic population.

“In the real world, you don’t work with just one population,” Blaze said. “I like coming back into a school and working with more diverse population.

It’s more real world and how people work together.”

Growing up a native Houstonian, Blaze graduated from a Spring Branch ISD high school and at-

tended the University of Houston. Blaze said that because of his involvement in his high school, he heard of Cy-Fair ISD. “I was constantly involved in my high school with theater and football,” Blaze said. “We would frequently scrimmage with Cy-Fair schools. …

Throughout my career, I’ve always heard great things about Cy-Fair.”

Blaze also said he had the opportunity to work with former Creek principal Sue Heineman in a program for administrators.

“I felt very good about my interactions with [her]. So I thought this could definitely be a good place to work,” he said. “So when the opportunity presented itself, I took advantage of it.”

10 Advertisement

October 16, 2012

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or pick up an order form from the bulletin board outside

Room 1446.

And stop by the display case outside the journalism room to check out the new bling accessory items for your yearbook.

Don’t forget to purchase your senior ads by this Friday!

cchspress.com

Opinion

11

Students shouldn’t blame principal for their mistakes Staff EDITORIAL Students point their fingers in the wrong direction by blaming the principal for lost privileges.

Students need to understand that the school policies originate from parents, community members and members of the public. The policies at Cy Creek are the same policies all high schools in the school district must follow.

Although teachers have given their input to the administrators about problems they experience in class, if a vast amount of teachers complain about the same things, then the administrators have no choice, but to step in and change the way they implement the policies.

If students want to know who to blame while upset about a rule, they should first blame themselves.

The administrators do not enforce the policies to satisfy the students. If the students would have respected the

privileges they had in the first place, the administrators would not have felt the need to make policies stricter.

Students must accept the fact that these rules will not change. Also students should not expect these rules to be taken lightly.

Instead of complaining about how strict the policies are or pointing fingers at faculty, students should realize how easy we have it here. At Klein Oak, male students must keep their faces completely shaven. At Tomball, male students cannot have hair longer than their ears.

Students need to take a step back and look twice at this situation and come to a conclusion. Would you rather not be allowed to listen to music with headphones or not have an education?

It’s your choice, but one road is much easier than the other.

Students debate cell, headphone, dress code policies

AGREE The new school policies about the dress code and electronics should help students change their unacceptable and distracting behavior and clothing choices.

Jessica BOT T Students can no Reporter longer wear headphones at school.

Most students last year would listen to music in the hallways and would never pay attention to their surroundings and constantly run into people.

Students would walk into the classrooms with their headphones blasting with music, and when teachers would give their instructions, they would have to repeat themselves.

The class would fall behind because that one student wasn’t paying attention.

This year that problem has changed.

Now if a teacher sees students with their headphones in the morning as they get off their bus, they automatically take them up

and the students do not receive their headphones until the end of the year.

Many students and teachers think it’s a distraction the way that some students dress. Girls can’t wear their skirts and shorts more than three inches above their knee, even if they do wear leggings.

Phone restrictions also have majorly changed. Last year, students couldn’t use their phones at all except for instructional purposes in class with teacher permission.

This year, they can use phones during passing periods and at lunch, which can reduce the number of times students try to sneak a look at their phones during class and increase the attention span towards the teacher during the lesson.

Teachers and APs are more strictly looking for students not following the rules and giving more further disciplinary actions.

The policies the school makes aren’t to torture students, but to help them see that by paying attention, they’ll learn more and their grades can definitely improve.

DISAGREE Students did not expect a new headphone policy, new rules about phone usage, and dress code changes when they came back to school.

Last year’s rules Estefania GAMEZ were fine.

Reporter Students cannot wear jeans with holes above the knee unless they have leggings underneath them. Girls can wear leggings and jeggings as long as they wear a long shirt that is three inches above the knee. Shorts, skirts, and dresses can’t be shorter than three inches above the knee.

The rules should not be that strict. Students should be able to dress how they want.

The administrators may have good intentions and teachers may think the dress code keeps everyone focused and engaged on schoolwork, but students are capable of learning the material in class regardless of

the clothing they wear.

Last year, students could only use phones for educational purposes. This year, the administration decided to allow them to use their phones to talk and text in the hallways during passing periods. However, they can’t use headphones at all during the day to listen to music, not even at lunch.

These new policies aren’t all better because students prefer having headphones over using their phones in between classes.

This should be changed because phones are more distracting than music and there’s nothing that headphones can distract us from at lunch.

Teachers who agree with these new rules say they favor them because students seem more engaged in their work and will benefit students’ grades. But listening to music on headphones helps some students concentrate.

If students do not like these strict policies, they can give feedback on the code of conduct during the spring by filling out a form found on the district’s website.

12 Opinion

October 16, 2012

Hellacious hallways cause traffice jam The hallways resemble the streets of New York.

As a new student, I began school with an open mind, ready to be successful.

When I stepped on campus, students warned me about Kalif CORMIER tardy sweep.

Reporter It bothered me that I may miss an entire class period for running a little late. But I wasn’t too worried because I

knew that I would do everything in my power to get to class on time.

This was before I encountered the hallways from hell.

People form crowds, leaving no room for an eager student like me to pass on by.

Some students walk through the hallways as if they have nowhere to go, and care very little about everyone around or behind them.

By my second week of school I got sick of the dreaded hallways and decided I needed to make a change.

That’s when I discovered the staircases which get students to class much faster than

main hallways.

But people must always look out for the next obstacle or delay.

I’ll try my hardest to find something positive about walking from class to class. But as of now, I hate it.

I fear moving to my next class after the sound of every bell.

When moving from class to class, ask not what our hallways can do for you, ask what you can do for your hallways.

So the next time you end up in a crowded hallway, do all that you can to help clear the way so all of us can get to class.

Clubs offer more than just activities

Cougar

Connection Vol. 36, No. 1 • 2012-2013 Cypress Creek High School Attn: Journalism Dept.

9815 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070 281-897-4246 Fax: 281-897-4193 EDITORIAL POLICY Cougar Connection is published every six weeks during the school year by the newspaper staff at Cypress Creek High School.

The publication has been established as a designated public forum for students expression and the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. Student editors make all content decisions. The opinions expressed are those of students and do not necessarily reflect the views of the adviser, administration, Cypress Creek High School faculty or CypressFairbanks Independent School District employees.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Cougar Connection staff. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be brought to the journalism room, 1446. To be printed, letters must be signed, legible, 300 words or less, and contain the author’s full name. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters will be edited for minor spelling and grammar mistakes.

Should a letter be too long or contain errors in fact, excessive grammatical errors, or unprotected speech, it will be returned to the author for resubmission.

Cougar Connection, an awardwinning student newspaper, is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

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

Cougar Connection is printed by Tristar Web Graphics of Houston.

ADVERTISING POLICY The staff reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for a high school publication, including products or services that are illegal for minors. In cases involving political advertising, efforts will be made to solicit all points of view.

STAFF Editor-in-Chief: SAMANTHA CASAS Managing Editor: VICTOR GARIBALDI Business Manager: KRISTIN RUSSELL News Editor: REBEKAH KISH

With more than 60 academic, athletic, spiritual and service clubs and organizations, the school provides many opportunities for students to make new friends who share the same interests.

Katie COOPER Being involved Reporter becomes something to look forward to, get excited about, and gain experience in.

If a student wants something rewarding,

they should stay after school and volunteer.

This may sound cheesy, but doing things like volunteering at animal shelters or food drives gives students a warm fuzzy feeling in their stomach.

When students know they have helped someone or made a positive impact on that person’s life, they get an unexplainable sense of achievement. They just want to do it more and get more involved, which is very fulfilling.

Volunteering and participating in clubs not only can be extremely fun but they also look great on college applications. They’re not a waste of time, but very beneficial those who want to get into a top-ranked college. When

students find clubs that interest them early on in high school, it decreases the stress of trying to get all their volunteer hours last-minute during senior year because they want to get into a good college.

Taking club meetings off the announcements in the mornings has made it harder, but not impossible, to know what clubs there are and when they meet. Students can find the information by looking at posters in the halls and the projector in the cafeteria.

With all the clubs Creek has to offer, there must be something everyone can join. See the school website for an updated description of all clubs and their sponsors.

Features Editor: COLIN MORRIS Entertainment Editor: TYLER HOOKS Sports Editor: NICK MAULDIN Photo Editor: JENNA MORELAND Online Editor: DEANNA NARVESON Staff: ANDREA ANDERSON JESSICA BOTT ALEX CARBALLO KATIE COOPER KALIF CORMIER FEZ ESCALANTE Contributor: GENNESIS GONZALEZ Adviser: JEN SANSBURY

cchspress.com

Opinion

13

‘Sam Says’ take junior year seriously To all the current juniors, past juniors and future juniors, this is for you.

I’ve heard it many times. “Junior year is the hardest.” I honestly thought everyone stretched the truth, and maybe I’m acting like a drama queen, but so far that little saying proves true.

I know it’s only the beginning, Samantha CASAS but this first six weeks creates a Editor-in-Chief huge blow to my self-esteem. I’m so used to referring to myself as the smart girl, “Everyone copy off of Samantha.” Yet my grades do not reflect the A’s I’m so used to. I’m not failing, but I’m not excelling.

It seems as though I constantly have to study. No breaks

for TV, naps, video games, make-up sessions, manicures, shopping and sitting. Every week a teacher announces to the class a test we have next week, while everyone still tries to recover from taking this week’s test.

I do not recall ever having to stress about so many tests or quizzes, having to finish full textbook pages from Algebra II, and analyzing speeches and narratives for English every night. Is there ever a week of just pure worksheets done in class without the hassle of getting homework?

And if having to carry all the assignments from my classes is not enough, try adding the load of an outdated laptop for U.S. History. My arms go numb, my neck tenses and I wonder why I put up with this.

Teachers should realize we have seven of them, they all give homework, and they all schedule their tests on the same days. How do they think I am going to manage to

cram everything all seven of my teachers taught in a week span, and take a test on it three or four days later? Students want a social life. It is, after all, high school.

As a person who loves recognition, I can’t begin to stress how much frustration I feel to see my grades slip. To think that my teacher will think of me as just one of the other students who does not care scares me.

I’m one of the students who love to learn, love to get good grades and loves school. I am one of the few who actually cares.

So here’s what I propose. You can act responsibly and prepare yourself for junior year, or slack off and screw up your GPA, graduating with your class, and any chances of getting into college. Junior year does not compare to freshman or sophomore year. Sam says to take junior year seriously.

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Cougar Catwalk

Entertainment

Turn your swag on, Mr. GQ Victor GARIBALDI Managing Editor Women’s wear has dominated the fashion industry for years, but now fashion has shined a spotlight on menswear.

Guys who dress well and care about what they look like are not necessarily feminine or metrosexual. Sure, some guys may think that way, but a guy with a fitted black blazer, crisp white button-down shirt, dark wash jeans and black lace-up leather shoes, would fall under the attractive category not the feminine category.

Parker Dyer, 10 What’s your most expensive splurge?

A $400 tie from JoS. A. Bank. It’s plaid with red, blue and beige.

If you could be any celebrity because of his style, who would it be and why?

Ryan Gosling. I like how he dresses. I think what he wears is really cool and his style always interests me. I like his movies, too.

Why do you think some guys don’t care about style?

I guess they don’t really think about it. They’re kinda lazy and don’t really care about how they look or what people think.

14

Celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Zac Efron and David Beckham all have careers and busy lifestyles, yet they manage to look great. We’re in a society where men think sweatpants with a baggy stained T-shirt doesn’t look bad. Gentlemen, you can still feel comfortable and relaxed without looking like a shabby downtown hobo. Why not make every girl look at you when you walk into the room? Looking stylish and dressing fashionable not only elevates your attractiveness, but it also increases your confidence.

Before walking out the door, think about what you’re wearing and look at yourself in the mirror. Don’t make me call Stacy London and Clinton Kelly from “What Not to Wear.”

Keblin Perez, 12 Why do you think it’s important to dress well?

It’s first impression. If you dress well, people will notice that the first time they see you.

What’s something that you would never wear?

Flip-flops! I don’t like flip-flops . I think toes are weird and you shouldn’t show your feet if you’re a guy.

If you could be any celebrity because of his style, who would it be and why?

Kanye. Best dressed, easy, expensive clothes and streetwear. There’s one [picture] where he’s in Paris and he has this really nice peacoat and a really good pair of jeans and dress shoes, I like that.

cchspress.com

15

Entertainment

Not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away Student directed, student-written musical packs house Andrea ANDERSON Reporter Before the final performance of “Staar Waars,” senior Ben Granger lurked backstage, preparing to watch his creation come alive on the auditorium floor.

The cast patiently awaited their cue, a scrolling introduction broadcast on the stage screen. Junior Chad Dyer as “Luke Skywalker” spent the time hovering over the props, confirming their readiness.

Suddenly, the projector malfunctioned, leaving the audience in expectant silence.

“I had people running up to me and telling me ‘the projector isn’t working, the projector isn’t working!’” Granger said.

Co-creator and senior Hollis Jenkins left his piano in a desperate attempt to recover smoothly.

Abandoning hope of regaining the use of the projector, the cast quickly moved to the first scene. Dyer marched onto the stage and began singing his introduction.

“I was a little concerned,” Jenkins said.

“But you kind of have to prepare yourself for anything.”

Over the play’s three-day run, Granger watched with a sense of awe.

“It was kind of weird,” he said. “It was really weird, actually, watching it happen, watching our work performed in front of an audience.”

In the parody of the “Star Wars” movies,

Skywalker leaves his whistling his lines drunken, bickering into a microphone.

Aunt and Uncle on “It was very his Jedi journey under cramped in the the tutelage of Master garbage can,” he Obi-Wan Kenobi, said. “I am very tall played by junior and the garbage can Huynh Pham. definitely is not.”

He receives As the curtains transportation from closed, and the Han Solo, or senior audience members Nathan Crooks, and left their seats, his puppet-partner Jenkins reflected Chewbacca, who are on the successful being chased by a jazz production. singing Boba Fett, “That’s the best played by senior Alex feeling in the world, Hernandez. when it’s a great Along the way show,” he said. he meets senior “Everything went Lindsey Vrana as perfectly, it’s kind of Princess Leia, who he intoxicating.” disappointedly (after Granger estimated nearly kissing) learns 700 saw the play. is his twin sister. This “I really wasn’t motley crew uses “the expecting that many Force” to destroy people,” he said. the singing, rotating, On the Dark Side: Junior Ronnie Turner, as Darth “Especially for a confetti blaster Vader, trys to keep his footing after being stabbed. senior directed play.” wielding Death Star, This was Turner’s first lead role. Photo by Akilah The idea of personified by senior Smith spoofing the science Jeffery Black. fiction franchise R2D2, portrayed by senior Meric Sorelle started taking shape around January. crouched inside a painted garbage can, “The show itself was written by me, the wobbled across the stage beeping and music was written by him,” Granger said.

“Couldn’t have one without the other.”

Granger approached Jenkins with a rough draft of the script and requested his insight on composing the music due to his experience and musical talent. Jenkins plays multiple instruments such as piano, guitar, violin, viola and also the dulcimer, an instrument with a long rounded body and a fretted fingerboard.

“We work really well together, that’s the main thing,” Jenkins said. “We complement each other.”

He has written plenty of music in his leisure, but said this experience was his first time creating music for a theater piece.

“I would have to say that writing it was pretty straight forward,” Jenkins said. “The trouble came when trying to teach others what I was hearing in my head.”

Early preparation for the play began when Granger and Jenkins, who were in theater for several years, went to the late theater director Marilyn Miller last year and proposed creating a musical comedy as their directorial debut.

“We’ve had students direct plays, but they haven’t written their own material,” the new theater arts director Marilyn Ocker said. “This is the first student writtenstudent directed play in the seven years I’ve been here.”

Sorelle said he thought the play went well.

“I just wish we would’ve had a bigger trash can,” he said.

Gamer suggestion: New video games to stay entertained Alex CARBALLO Reporter

Pokemon Black and White version 2

This month, the continuing series Pokemon debuted two new games for the Nintendo DS: Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2.

Two years after the incident that happened during Black and White in the Unova region, where the legendary Pokemon Reshiram and Zekrom were awakened for the purpose of world domination, Team Plasma rises again to try and rule under world using the Ice power of Kyurem.

Adding to the release, Game Freak and Nintendo released previously unavailable Pokemon to be available over

WiFi to be downloaded into Pokemon Black and White, and Black and White 2.These legendary Pokemon are Keldeo, the water and fight type, swordsman unicorn, and the ancient, scientifically modified bug, Genesect.

Assassin’s Creed III

Assassin’s Creek III introduces a new concept into the Revolutionary War: a civil war in the American colonies that looks different than in the history books.

A new assassin, Connor Kenway, will be the one who will end this war between the Native Americans and English army. Kenway is the third assassin to appear in the series.

Let’s hope this game will be as excellent as the previous games.

Assassin’s Creed III was released this week.

Wii U

Nothing brings more happiness to the thumbs (other than texting) than video games. Nintendo’s new console, the Wii U, will be available on Nov. 18.

Some might see this as an upgrade of the original Wii, but this change will be a major evolution in gaming experience thanks to the new controller.

This new remote contains characteristics of the original remote, but with an add-on touch screen. As this innovation in gaming systems begins, it won’t take long until Microsoft and Sony take the same technology and use it as their own.

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16 Sports

October 16, 2012

Student spirit squad expands for upperclasmen Fez ESCALANTE Reporter

The club, which has about 28 members, meets every other Wednesday, during which the students plan how to boost school enthusiasm.

“During meetings, we discuss what we need to do for the Blue Crew, a new club promoting school spirit, continues week’s games,” Hooks said. “And how we can work with evolving as its first active year progresses. other groups on campus to help promote spirit, paint signs, Senior Erin Stanfill, with the help and sponsorship of etc. Depends on the week.” aquatic science teacher Brittnee While Blue Crew Hooks, founded the club in makes itself seen around April after seeing a similar club the school, the club at a nearby high school. focuses on attending “Klein has something like sporting competitions.

Blue Crew, and I liked it,” They dress only in white Stanfill said. “I went up to and blue and rally the [Hooks] and told her about it spectators. and she said ‘Yeah!’”

“During games, to Students interested in promote spirit, they work joining Blue Crew need to apply with cheer to get the and meet certain criteria. crowd involved,” Hooks “They have to have a said. “And are just loud recommendation from all of to let the players know their teachers,” Hooks said. CCBC represent: Senior Kelsey McGlamery and Sydney Davis of Blue Crew we are there.” “[And] they have to maintain dance along to drumline’s beats during the third quarter of a football game.

Senior member at least a 70 average in all of Drumline plays for the student section. Photo by: Jenna Moreland Yahaira Pedraza said their classes.” she enjoys cheering Blue Crew has also started alongside her fellow club members. accepting juniors as members. Last spring, the club only “I love them, they are my best friends,” she said. “We allowed seniors to gain membership. all have so much school spirit, especially when we are “[We are] opening up Blue Crew to juniors so there is together.” no animosity between grade levels,” Hooks said.

Pedraza said she believes the athletes are very pleased

with Blue Crew’s excitement.

“I think they really like it,” she said. “Because, when I went and talked to the football players, they say that they can hear us like all the way from the field, and they really like it because it gives them energy.”

Senior cheerleader Aliyah Forte said she appreciates Blue Crew’s efforts.

“I like that they chant along with us and they help to get the crowd pumped,” she said.

However, another sports fan, senior Lauryn Wasicek, said Blue Crew has shown some annoying and problematic behavior.

“They make me mad,” Wasicek said. “They kicked me and my friends out of first row [and were] pushing people around.”

Hooks said the issue did not go unnoticed and she took steps to resolve the problem.

“I addressed the issue during our meeting based on seeing it for myself,“ Hooks said. “I was down in the student section. I told them they needed to show up early in order to get front row spots. This has alleviated the issue.”

Spectator Ben Anderson, who attended the Cy Falls game, said he thought Blue Crew could cheer louder.

“I can hear the people over there better,” he said, referring to Falls’ student section.

And while supporter senior Jessica Harden also said she thinks the group needs to be louder, she still loves experiencing and cheering alongside Blue Crew.

“It’s exciting,” Harden said. “It’s better than any of the other [schools’] crews.”

Welcome to the jungle: Third-string player in spotlight Nick MAULDIN Sports Editor Senior quarterback Zach Williams doesn’t have the time.

Time to be nervous. Time to be upset. Time to be frustrated.

In fact, the only things he has time for are school and football.

But the third-string quarterback said he’s not consumed by all the critics and outsiders. He’s only determined to become a better player since being thrown into the starting position.

“The game is a lot faster on varsity,” Williams said. “I’m working more and more everyday to win games for this team and be the player I want to be.”

The varsity football team’s record stands at 3-3 overall, 2-3 in district play. The team now relies on Williams to lead it to a winning season, after a 3-7 result from last year gave it their first losing record since 2007. Williams has replaced both senior quarterbacks Cole Barbe and Dylan Pugliese

Saving the day: After two quarterbacks were injured, senior Zach Williams stepped in as the starter. This is Williams’ first year on varsity. Photo by Gennesis Gonzalez

due to season-ending injuries. “(When Barbe got injured), the team wasn’t happy about it,” head coach Greg McCaig said. “You don’t want one of those players who has worked so hard for senior year, and now it’s in jeopardy. But Zach (Williams) hung in there well.”

The team started the season hoping to redeem themselves. Coaches put Pugliese, a varsity veteran, as the starting quarterback. However, Pugliese tore his anterior cruciate ligament before the season began, like former running back Jermichael Selders did as a senior two years ago.

“We were upset when we lost Dylan, but we knew Cole had experience last year on varsity, so he could back us up,” senior offensive lineman Nick Russell said.

Barbe started the season, but only played until he broke his collarbone in the first quarter against the Cy Falls Golden Eagles. The team turned to Williams.

“I wasn’t nervous just more concerned about (Barbe),” Williams said. “I was shocked because you never are expecting something like that.”

Replacing Barbe wasn’t an easy task since Cy Falls held the lead by 10. The defense stepped up and held Cy Falls to the lowest amount of points they’ve scored this season.

Ultimately though, Cy Creek lost 27-9.

“The defense got fired up,” senior defensive lineman Isaac Johnson said. “We had more confidence and we showed it, especially in the third quarter. But we ended up losing that game.”

The team had a chance at redemption against Cy Springs, and rose to the challenge to win 52-37. Williams said that game felt much different for him.

“I had been practicing with the starters and that helped,” he said. “I watched more film, and had a lot more reps in practice. That game was easier than the Cy Falls game. We just stayed relaxed and kept our heads up.”

Cy Creek went into Jersey Village’s homecoming game with confidence, after the lopsided win against Cy Springs gave them a solid 3-1 record. Jersey Village, though, proved the upper hand by scoring the first touchdown of the game and holding the lead throughout.

Fly like an eagle: Senior running back Davion Masters leaps for extra yards against Langham Creek. He was immediately tackled as he came back to the ground. Photo by Dairyn Salguero

“I thought everybody stepped up and made plays,” McCaig said. “I thought early on we tried to do too much, like trying to make highlight film on every tackle when we need to do the basics.”

Johnson said now that Williams has the team behind him, they’re turning to focus on future games, even playoffs.

And while the team continues to improve, Barbe said, he continue to keep his complete confidence in Williams.

“He’s going to go in there and do his job,” he said. “He has great athletes around him and he is a great athlete. I definitely think he can keep rolling.”

Williams said that he knows people watch him, but he said he can only continue to train to make himself better.

“It’s always great to be on the field,” Williams said. “I want to play, but I didn’t want to get my chance to play because of a situation like this. I want to play by beating Dylan and Cole in competition.”

He suddenly becomes silent, thinking of his next words.

“Am I better than them?” he said. “That’s for McCaig to decide.”

Williams looks outward to the practice fields, next to the portables, where he stands. He’s relaxed and collected. Then he laughs, leans in and says: “Besides, I’m the gunslinger.”