BUCS'
BLADE
I will
“What will you do to make this your best school year yet?” Grand Haven High School students answer this question with their goals and resolutions for the 2011-12 school year.
See page 12 Tuesday, Sept 6, 2011
Grand Haven High School’s student publication of community significance since 1927
Familiar face, new place Former assistant principal Tracy Wilson becomes first female principal in Grand Haven High School history See pages
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2 Inside THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fall Sports Previews
EDITORIAL
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What we will do for you
The Bucs’ Blade tells our expectations and goals for the year
NEWS
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Purple pride
New store sells t-shirts and jerseys to honor cancer survivors
VIBE
see pages
10-11
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Top ten events hands down
Upcoming local events worth putting on your calendar
PHOTO
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Orientation hits an all time high
Pop-punk band All Time Low performed in the PAC Aug. 23
FEATURE
12 PARTY’S ONLY JUST BEGUN: Senior receiver Danny Cotter runs into the end zone for what was the first of four touchdowns. Cotter had five receptions for 89 yards in a 35-10 victory over Traverse City Central. photo by Emma Baty
THE BUCS’ BLADE
Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris, Grand Haven, MI 49417 A student newspaper of community significance since 1927
Volume 67, Issue 1 September 6, 2011
PUBLICATION POLICY The Bucs’ Blade is a newspaper that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well being of its readers. It is The Bucs’ Blade’s responsibility to cover school, city, state, national and international events and issues that affect the concerns of its readers. During the school day, the Blade staff may be reached at 616.850.6263 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:20 p.m. The Bucs’ Blade strives for the highest standards of accuracy, completeness and careful research in its presentation of material. If an error merits correction, as determined by the Editorial Board or the Adviser, it will be promptly published in the news brief column or on the editorial page. Correction notification forms are available in the main office or in Room 0205 and should be returned directly to Room 0205 upon completion. All correction requests are subject to review.
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In-Focus
Student senate president Jared Bollaert lets us in on his vision for the school year
SPORTS Hitting the ground running
Girls cross country looks to recapture magic of 2010 season
LETTERS AND SUBMISSIONS The paper will operate on the basis of an open or public forum. Essays and other nonfiction literary works are welcomed. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature, and class or position, and must be free of obscene and potentially libelous material. Typed, double-spaced letters are preferred, but legible, handwritten letters are acceptable. Names of individuals will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability, to edit material that is in poor taste or to fit space requirements. Letters previously published, addressed to third parties or photocopied will not be published. The Bucs’ Blade can only print as many letters to the editor as space will allow. Letters should be addressed to the editor, and emailed to bucsblade@gmail.com THE BUCS’ BLADE
GHHS ROOM 0205
17001 Ferris Grand Haven, MI 49417 Copies of The Bucs’ Blade are offered on the news stands located in the main office, Room 0205, the media center, the Loutit Library and The Bookman.
Editorial Board Mike Ginocchio
Editor-in-Chief
John Cherette
Editor-in-Chief
Emma Baty
Managing Editor
Lucas Wilder
News Editor
Mollie LaBeff
Feature Editor
Bailey Coval
Culture Editor
Chloe Dault
Health Editor
Lauren Lund
Vibe Editor
Scott Staal
Sports Editor
Samantha VanHoef Web Editor Laura Burton
Photo Editor
C.E. Sikkenga
Advisor
Staff McKenna Brinks, Dustin Chrysler, Merideth Frein, Maggie Ginocchio, Katelyn Hansen, Kaia Hayes, Kayla Hoffman, Loren Johnson, Kennedy Kaufman, Lauren Kruggel, Chloe Lalonde, Kyra Lansky, Molly McGinnis, Riley Missel, Brittney Olds, Andrew Prince, Turner Sale, Samuel Schurkamp, Olivia Seaver, Erin Staal, John Strainer, Katherine Wampler, Harrison Zost
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Editorial 3
What we will do for you
To our readers: In addition, The Bucs’ Blade Welcome back, both incoming strives to be active in the campaign freshmen and returning students against student bullying. As a staff, from every other grade, to Grand we plan to help tackle the issue of Haven High School! We the members bullying, in an effort to show that of The Bucs’ Blade staff would like Grand Haven High School is to be to take this time to share with you an inclusive community. All should what our goal for the be welcome to be who year is and how we plan they are at this school to make an impact in the without being harassed. school and community. The Bucs’ Blade For starters, The strives to be a fair, Blade is a student unbiased publication newspaper, run by that aims to cover every students and primarily aspect of life in and for the student body. around Grand Haven STAFF Thus, when we report High School. No one EDITORIAL stories, not only do we part of high school life is report on the who, what, to be glorified, nor will where, when and why aspects that any be something to make fun of. We comprise every story, we also intend will tell it like it is. to make it clear how these stories Above all, The Bucs’ Blade affect the student body as a whole understands that the most important and how it affects you. aspect of journalism (both student
and professional) is the intended audience. We promise that everything we present to our readers will be accurate and thoroughly researched coverage of news and events that affect you. Letters to the editor are greatly appreciated and encouraged. We want to know what you think of what we do and how we do it. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to The Bucs’ Blade c/o Grand Haven High School; placed in C.E. Sikkenga’s box in the main office, or hand delivered to room 0205. Ultimately, we want to do our best to help make this school year one that is memorable and exciting for everyone at Grand Haven. We hope that you enjoy the 2011-12 school year and look forward to documenting the key events to come. Go Bucs!
Senate urges to end TP week
*Editor’s note: student senate will send this letter to the community
Dear Grand Haven community, On behalf of the Grand Haven High School Student Senate, we would like to encourage parents, businesses and local law enforcement to help us put an end to TP (toilet paper) week during homecoming. Due to the extreme measures students take during homecoming week, we believe that it has become dangerous for all involved. We also believe that TP-ing or other acts of vandalism during homecoming can contribute to bullying, which we are trying to put a stop to. To help prevent something bad from occurring again, we ask that you encourage students to not participate. To the parents of high school students, understand that allowing your children to TP is allowing them to participate in illegal activities. It can be hurtful to other students and their property. Not only that, but a lack of sleep during that week causes student’s grades, athletic
performance, etc. to suffer. Doing small things like taking student’s keys away at night, or monitoring what students purchase during homecoming week, can do a lot to prevent TP-ing from happening. Parents, please do your part to put a stop to TP-ing during homecoming week and keep your kids at home. To the public safety officials of Grand Haven, please crack down on our classmates. A lot of the reason why people feel they can TP is because they get away with it. Please enforce the law and don’t allow people to go unpunished. The only way to make TP-ing stop is to punish students for doing it. And to be 100% realistic, a crackdown this year won’t prevent the TP-ing and paintballing this year, but if our classmates are caught and punished this year it will at least deter them from doing this in the future. To the local businesses, do your part and discourage students from buying toilet paper during homecoming week by limiting the number of rolls a student or parent
can purchase during the month of September. If our classmates can only buy one package at a time, it will prevent last-minute TP-ing because they won’t be able to buy the mass amounts of toilet paper they’d need. By making it harder for students to get, we can stop a lot of the TP-ing that goes on. Doing this simple thing can make a huge difference. Please don’t enable students to TP. As a community we can stop TPing. There are no benefits to allowing this tradition to continue, so why let it? In fact, Homecoming week is now referred to by students as TP week due to the excessive amount of this vandalism that occurs. Furthermore, this behavior is extremely dangerous and took the life of a Grand Haven student not that long ago. So let’s change the culture of Grand Haven and make TP-ing something frowned upon, not encouraged, and let’s make Homecoming week actually about Homecoming again. - Grand Haven High School Student Senate
A series of unfortunate events
John Cherette Wearing my big boy pants I just want to sit around and watch cartoons all day. I want to sit back and laugh as Jerry foils Tom’s efforts over and over. Why can’t I do this? Because I’m growing up and grown-ups don’t watch shows rated TV-G. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be 18 years old. I can’t wait to be an adult because being an adult means a few things in America. I can be evicted from my own home, have my very own checks bounce and even go to big boy jail! It’ll be totally awesome. Getting older means actually paying attention to the world. Soon, I’ll have to start getting up at 4:00 a.m. and drinking seven cups of coffee while watching “Good Morning America” (I just adore Matt Lauer). In 17 measly days I’ll have to start carrying Bayer aspirin and telling my friends how this debt crisis is as serious as a heart attack and how Republicans and Democrats need to get their act together and figure out a reasonable solution and stop being so stubborn before the Chinese come asking for their money and we don’t have it because we spent all of our time bickering about how to lower the deficit rather than truly lowering it through a combination of spending cuts and tax hikes that actually make a difference…sorry about that, I just get so wrapped up in politics now that I’m almost an adult. I act like I’m not ready to become a contributing member of society and that becoming an adult (in the eyes of the law, that is) is something I dread. Like being eligible to vote means I suddenly become a boring person who cares about boring things. How can I still have fun when I’m spending all my time paying the bills? How will I keep myself from yelling at kids to get off my lawn? What will I do when we run out of helium and I have nothing to lift my house and fly to an island? I know girls just wanna have fun, but I hope adult males can, too. The truth is, I can’t wait to be an adult! I’m eager to one day be on my own two feet. There’s something alluring to me about choosing a career and a life to live. When you’re 18 you can take your life any direction you want to. That makes me excited for life as a grown-up. As much as getting older scares me, I think I’m ready for it. Being an adult doesn’t mean changing who you are or how you see the world and I think we all need to realize that. Now all I need is to find a girl to grow old with. I’d usually say Ginny Weasley is the perfect woman for me but now that I’m almost an adult, thoughts like that are just child’s play; Hermione Granger is definitely who I was meant to end up with.
4 News THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Purple pride New Bucs Pride store sells t-shirts, football jerseys to honor cancer survivors and remember loved ones LUCAS WILDER News Editor
PURPLE HAZE: The Bucs Pride store on 1119 Washington is selling t-shirts and football jerseys in support of cancer victims and survivors. The jerseys come personalized with the name of someone affected by cancer whom the customer wishes to honor at the purple football game Sept. 16. T-shirts can also be personalized with a name on the back for an extra $5. Noise makers hand-made by students can be purchased at the store or at the football stadium on game night for only $1. All proceeds from the store go to the American Cancer Society and Bluebird Cancer Retreats. photo by Lucas Wilder
CAN’T MAKE THE BIG FOOTBALL GAME FRIDAY NIGHT? Have The Quarterly Buccaneers Football Scores Delivered Right To Your Phone! IT’S FREE!* Just text SPORTS to 616411 and we’ll send you brief scoring updates during Friday night’s high school football games. You could win a $25 Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders Gift Certificate! (winner notified by text)
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“Pfaff’s Pharmacy donated the storefront to us completely free of charge,” Lynch said. “The t-shirts and jerseys are In 2010, 569,490 people died of canfrom the local Apparel Sales Company.” cer, according to a report by the American The football team will match the sea of Cancer Society. This month students can purple in the stands. make a difference by purchasing a purple “Every player will be wearing a purple t-shirt from the newly opened Bucs Pride jersey and purple socks,” Yonker said. store. Located at 1119 Washington St., the “Each jersey will have the name of somestore is selling both purple jerseys and one the player knows affected by cancer shirts to wear to the and their gameplay Sept. 16 Grand Haven will be in that perversus Jenison football son’s honor. Jenison’s game. football players will be Jerseys- $100, comes Sharon Yonker, wearing purple wristwith name already on head of the Buccaneer bands.” Sports Boosters, has Before the game, the back. been working on this cancer survivors will project since the end walk around the field, T-shirts $10, $15 with of May. with the football team a name on the back. “The inspiration following. Survivors actually came from will meet at 5:30 p.m. Noise makers $1 Lowell,” Yonker said. in the community “They’re entering room in the football their fourth year of stadium and the walk their Pink Arrow Pride will begin at 6:00 The Bucs Pride store is program and they held p.m.. Between the first need of volunteers to help a conference on how to and second quarter, with the day to day runestablish such a prothe junior varsity and ning of the store. Hours gram elsewhere. The freshman football can be used for National purple game two years teams will be passing Honor Society or towards a ago received a ton of around donation buckUnited Way service award. support, so we’ve exets. After the game, the Just pick up an application panded upon that.” football players will from the store and turn it Yonker and Marci present their jersey in as soon as possible. Lynch run the store to either the family of and are assisted by the person they played volunteers from the for or the survivor in community. North Ottawa Community person in view of the crowd. Health System, Grand Haven Plastics, “I think that it will definitely get emoShape Corporation, GHSP, Meijer and tional at the end after the game,” Yonker Shoreline Sport and Spine donate funding said. “It will be sad for everyone and that for the store. All of the money raised will stinks, but that’s what this new program be donated to the American Cancer Sociis all about. The purpose is to honor and ety and Bluebird Cancer Retreats. remember those people.”
Prices:
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Volunteers:
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Photo 5
Orientation hits an all time high Nationally known pop punk band All Time Low performed in the PAC during orientation Aug. 23
(clockwise from left to right) ROCKING OUT: The members of All Time Low play their first song of the day. Students could barely contain their excitement throughout the whole show. MEET AND GREET: Senior Abby Wittkopp gets her shoe signed by Rian Dawson. “This was a really good change of pace, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for our school,” Wittkopp said. photos by Laura Burton
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(above left to right) PLAYING TO THE BEAT OF HIS OWN DRUM: Percussionist Rian Dawson shows off his skills on a cajon. Dawson drummed during the whole set. HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES: Lead singer Alex Gaskarth sings “Guts” which is one of his favorite songs he’s written. Fans in the front row were in awe whenever he sang. photos by Laura Burton
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6 Feature THE BUCS’ BLADE Friday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 7
Meet your new princi(pal) Tracy Wilson eager to learn, lead as she transitions into her new position SAMANTHA VANHOEF Web Editor
that the job was mine,” Wilson said. “People always said to me, ‘well you’re the only internal candidate, etween bites of her lunch of course the job is yours!’ And I and rapid clicks of her never ever presumed. I never once mouse, Tracy Wilson’s silver in a million years thought it was bracelets chime together on her going to be an easy process.” wrists as she conducts business in Now that Wilson has taken on her office while pulling dead leaves her new responsibilities, students off her office plant. From there she shouldn’t expect anything out of the does today’s work even though she norm. “wishes it was done yesterday.” “I know this first year there’s In addition to her new responsigoing to be a lot of those transitions bilities as principal, Wilson took it and growing and learning,” Wilson upon herself to said. “Even rearrange and though I’ve been “There are going to be challenges along customize the the way, but I’m just really excited about in the district what’s going to be ahead, because principal’s office for 23 years and I don’t know what it’s going to be, walls which were I’ve been an truthfully.” once instituadministrator for -Tracy Wilson tional gray, now 12 years, there’s sport a yellowish always going to ‘Dried Sesame Seed’ paint, brobe things to learn, things to do and ken up by Grand Haven navy blue ways to grow professionally. I’m not stripes. about coming in and saying, ‘Hey This splash of color and the we’re going to make all of these flurry of activity in the office are major changes and we’re going to typical of the energy she brings to do all of this new stuff.’” her job as the first female principal, Instead of being available 24/7 replacing Scott Grimes who took when student issues happen, a position as Assistant SuperinWilson’s role is representing the tendent in June after 12 years as a building at the district and state principal. levels. Because of this change, she “I used a yardstick and I meahas yet to establish normality in her sured from underneath the winnew career. dow,” Wilson said. “I said OK, this “I don’t have a routine yet,” is where I want it, so I measured Wilson said. “I am not a person straight over to the wall and I drew who ever wishes away something so a line. Then I went 3 inches down precious as summer vacation, but from the line and drew another I’m so looking forward to starting line. Three inches and down drew the school year because whatever a mark…all the way around with a normal is, I think I will settle into silly old yardstick. I drew four lines [it]. There are going to be challengand I taped them off, rolled them, it es along the way, but I’m just really was just meant to be.” excited about what’s going to be Wilson is now GHHS’s principal. ahead, because I don’t know what Even though many people expected it’s going to be, truthfully.” she would get the job, Wilson did The decision to move forward not take it for granted. with the job had to go through Wil“I never felt through the process son’s family first.
B (Right) ATTENTION PLEASE: Tracy Wilson leads her first full staff meeting before the kickoff of the school year in the cafeteria. Wilson’s official hire date was July 1. photo by Emma Baty (Above) OFFICE SPACE: Wilson works on her computer in her redecorated office. photo by Samantha VanHoef
From the desk of Mrs.Wilson
Bucs’ Blade sits down with new principal about goals and changes for 2011-2012 school year Q: What are your goals as principal this year? A: My goal for this year is to continue to maintain the excellence that everyone expects from Grand Haven High School. Q: What changes (no matter how small) do you plan to make to GHHS? A: I don’t really think change is the right word, because if I really felt something needed to be changed, I was in a position before becoming principal to help make changes. I don’t think there are any major big changes that need to occur. Q: Will there be any changes to the student policy regarding the dress code? A: As far as student code of conduct policies and all of those other things, it’s all about being consistent. The hard part is with 1800 plus students, that’s the issue with a building this size. Be honest, we all speed from time to
time, but we all don’t get caught. Q: Are there any changes to the attendance policy? A:The attendance policy itself has not changed, as far as when you hit seven or more absences you still have to have a 77 percent or higher on the exam to earn you credit. If you sat in a class and you had 8 absences for example, then the policy was that if you didn’t get the 77 percent, you had to retake the class and it didn’t affect your GPA. Well, now what happens is that you get a ‘CF’ on your transcript. So you get credit for the class, you move forward in the curriculum, but an F is commuted into your GPA. Just like it used to be if you sat in a class all trimester long and you failed the class, but you got higher than a 77 percent on your exam then you got credit in the class. Now you get a ‘CD’, credit for the class, and a D calculates into your GPA.
“My family has just kind of grown with my career,” Wilson said. “I chose over the years. Even if there was an opportunity to grow myself professionally prior to now, I wasn’t in the position at home to do that because my kids were little. I was raising, I was delivering, I was nursing, I was having kids. That’s the beauty of education, you can still be a mom and you can still have a career. And my family’s just apart of my life, they’re a part of my job; they’re a part of my career.” Wilson’s boys, Broc, 10; Bode, 7; and Braxton, 4, accompany her on her trips to the building and sporting events, her husband chaperones proms and according to Wilson, her family includes her ‘biggest cheerleaders’. She hopes that her family will adapt well to her new position. “It’s been a different summer for us and I’ve told them it’s not going to be like this every year,” Wilson said. “I can still be a mom and I can still be the high school principal. I believe that everything is going to blend really well together.” Although balancing raising her family and furthering her career can be a challenge, Wilson looks forward to it. “People have asked me, ‘Why have you been an assistant principal for 12 years? That’s a bad position to be in for 12 years,’” Wilson said. “You know what? It’s worked for me for 12 years. I love being in the building. I love what I do.” Even after working in the district for 23 years, not much has changed with Wilson, according to teacher C.E. Sikkenga who has worked with Wilson since the beginning of his career. “She’s willing to laugh at herself,” Sikkenga said. “That will make her approachable to kids and staff. She’s easy to relate to.”
GETTING TO KNOW HER NEW COLLEAGUES: Tracy Wilson talks to Melinda Brink, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, outside of Grand Haven High School. With the retirement of Scott Grimes, Wilson is the first female principal in the school’s history. photo by Samantha VanHoef
According to Sikkenga, it’s a trait Wilson has carried her entire career. “For charity there was a kiss the pig event with a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and several teachers were entered… whomever had the most money at the deadline on Friday had to kiss the pig,” Sikkenga said. “So Friday night at the dance in front of the whole school, we were standing there and the pig gets loose and she was running around with the kids trying to catch the pig. She is really
willing to put herself out there in front of the staff.” Wilson remains passionate about what she does. But Wilson is also thankful for the support she’s received. “The community, student and staff support that I have felt has been unbelievable,” Wilson said. “It’s been far more than I could have ever imagined. It’s very humbling to have the kind of support that I’ve received. I poured my heart and soul into Grand Haven, but to have that come back to me in this kind of a situation has been very rewarding. ”
8 Vibe THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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Looking for something to do with your spare change and time? Here are some 8:00 6 Sept.1 Rave ic Electr upcoming local events worth ELKS Downtown Grand Haven putting on your calendar.
LAUREN LUND Vibe Editor
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Homecoming Oct. 1 8:00- 1 1:30 Grand Haven H igh School
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Tuesday, September 6, 2011 THE BUCS’ BLADE Feature 9
The Way I See It MOLLIE LABEFF Feature Editor
Jared Bollaert Meet the Prez: Senior Jared Bollaert takes over as this year’s Student Senate president, lets us in on his vision for the school year. Bucs’ Blade: What made you want to become president? Jared Bollaert: I just feel that as president I get the most outreach and influence on everything… I felt like I could be a part of everything. BB: What other activities are you into? JB: I run a lot. I got hooked on that from triathlon training. BB: What changes will you make as president? JB: A lot of changes are being made. For me, as far as bullying and the atmosphere of school, I’m willing to do workshops whether it’s here or at the elementary schools, or in the community. [I want to] change put a lot of focus on middle school. If we change it there, a lot of it will change here. BB: What class are you most dreading this year? JB: B/C Calculus. Mousseau and Nelson convinced me to take it. BB: What other classes are you taking? JB: AP Biology, AP Psychology, Physics, Creative Writing and Independent Reading. BB: Any advice for incoming freshmen? JB: It’s high school. Don’t dread it, it’s fun. Don’t come in super shy, but don’t come in trying to do whatever you want either. There are three classes ahead of you that won’t let you do that. BB: What are you most looking forward to as president? JB: I’ve always liked talking and communication. This is the perfect opportunity to improve on that.
Mollie LaBeff
Tourism or Terrorism? They’re not hard to spot. Dad’s donned in a faded Life is Good tee, visor and Tevas, towing along his son who in turn is towing along a stuffed bear that he is so proud to have attained in balloon darts. Mom is frantic, digging through her fanny pack in an effort to capture the Kodak moment before baby sister drops her cotton candy again. For as long as I can remember, the first week of August in Grand Haven has been packed with scenes like these. Washington Street is filled with extension cords, clueless shoobies and carnies, whom appear tan from a distance but under closer inspection are just really dirty. People come from all over to buy out our “Lake Michigan: Unsalted” tee shirts and fill our streets shoulder-to-shoulder for the hectic six-day period that we know and love as Coast Guard week. Although their clutter of lawn chairs and lack of driving skill can be a nuisance, I take a sense of pride in the idea that people save up all year to spend one week in my city. I get aggravated when I see locals in their elitist mindset, thinking they have some omniscient unwritten law allowing them to evade crosswalk rules and long lines in Fortinos. “I’m from here” is not a valid excuse for tearing down Washington, weaving in and out of tourists on your longboard. Don’t get me wrong—I certainly understand the frustration behind waiting 20 minutes in line for the Second Street bathrooms, and I know you’re dreaming if you think you can get a booth at Kirby by six. But I’ve learned to cope with the crowds strolling by Guitar Haven in their ignorant bliss, stopping to look up from their maps only to become momentarily engrossed in the Jason Mraz cover. Each summer they find new ways to irk the locals, referring to us as “The 616” or being overtly obnoxious and indecisive while waiting in line, anxiously anticipating the loss of their Proto Pup virginity. The most fatal mistake a tourist could make, however, would be to betray the rules and regulations of the Laying of The Blankets. At 12:00 midnight on the Friday before Coast Guard fireworks, every curb, park bench and patch of grass surrounding Dewey Hill is open game. The rules are simple: any spectator, local or otherwise, may lay a blanket down in their firework-watching spot of choice. Once a blanket is set in place, it is expected to be respected by surrounding parties. Under no circumstances may any blanket be removed, replaced or tampered with. Under no circumstances. Failure to follow these rules and regulations may result in multiple consequences including dirty looks, confiscation of blanket privileges and, on occasion, public eschewal. Admittedly, I still get a chuckle when I see the countless photoops take place in front of the train at Chinook Park, or when I’m asked to point in the direction of the waterfront. And admittedly, I heave a sigh of relief at the end of each Labor Day Weekend when the beach umbrellas and out-of-state license plates begin to disappear— Until next August, at least.
10 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fall
Sports
Previews Football
LAST SEASON: 8-2, OK-Red Conference Champions GAME TO WATCH: A Sept. 9 rematch between Grand Haven and Rockford, co-OK-RED champions last year
KEY PLAYER: Senior Danny Cotter scored four touchdowns in a Week one 35-10 win over Traverse City.
THEY SAID IT: “I feel pretty good about this season. The team is coming together, we are filling all the spots well, and everyone is becoming comfortable with our offense and defense.” - Senior Torrey Appel
Boys Cross Country LAST SEASON: Regional Champions RACE TO WATCH: Saturday, Sept. 10 at the West Ottawa Invitational is the first big race of the year.
KEY PLAYERS: Senior Ryan Duff looks to fill in the shoes of his graduated All-State brother Joe Duff.
THEY SAID IT: “We are all working really hard and we plan on winning all of our meets again this year and placing in the top ten again this year at state.” –Senior Schalk Vanniekerk
Girls Cross Country LAST YEARS RECORD: Undefeated and State Cham-
Hitting the ground running After winning first state championship in over 55 years, Grand Haven Girls cross country look to recapture magic of 2010 season SCOTT STAAL Sports Editor It’s a new year for the girls cross-country team—new teammates, new memories and now new and greater expectations. After winning the state championship last year, newfound pressure to win runs higher than ever before for the upcoming season. And the Lady Buc runners know this. “Last year’s success made us realize what we are really capable of,” sophomore Claire Borchers said. “It is a challenge because people look at our team and they have expectations [for us] again this year.” Four varsity runners return, including seniors Julia Stock, Priscilla VanHeest and Kirsti King, along with sophomore Borchers, who earned All-State honors for her efforts in last year’s state meet. The team brings knowledge and familiarity when they step up to the starting line—strong advantages over less-experienced squads. But, there is also pressure to win, which results in team inspiration. “Last year’s season motivates our team to be the greatest we can [be] this year,” VanHeest said. “Ever since I was a freshman, Coach (Greg) Russick has always been saying ‘You girls can be state champions, do you believe that?’ Until last year, I don’t think we did.” Motivated by this belief, the team is trying to focus on the season one day at a time. Through grueling training during the summer, including countless miles of running, core workouts and weight lifting, the team is deter-
OFF TO THE RACES: The girls cross country warms up before a summer practice. Last season, the team won the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship, bringing Grand Haven its first state championship in 57 years. photo by Laura Burton
mined to start off with their best foot forward—trusting that their hard work will pay off. “Now we know when every teammate is on the same page, all things are possible,” VanHeest said.
Show your support! This Saturday, the Lady Bucs run in the annual West Ottawa Invitational. Come out and let them see your Buccaneer Pride! Date: September 10
Boys Soccer
Boys Water Polo LAST YEARS RECORD: 15-25
pions
LAST SEASON: 14-6-1, took 2nd in OK-Red Conference
RACE TO WATCH: Saturday Sept. 10 at the West Ot-
MATCH TO WATCH: Saturday Sept. 10, Shoot out at
GAMES TO WATCH: Thursday Sept. 8 at Spring Lake,
tawa Invitational is the first big race of the year.
the Shore at Grand Haven
against a Laker squad that is stronger than in years past.
KEY PLAYERS: Sophomore Claire Borchers placed
KEY PLAYERS: Senior Ben Bailey is the team’s leading
KEY PLAYER: Seniors Willie Bennick scored two goals
tenth at last year’s state meet, earning All-State honors.
returning goal scorer.
in a 4-0 victory over Reeths-Puffer on Aug. 23.
THEY SAID IT: “We should be pretty strong this season.
THEY SAID IT: “I think the Polo team has a really good
THEY SAID IT: “We are looking forward to a great sea-
We have 4 out of 7 runners returning from the state champ team last year and a strong veteran runner back after a year off (Cat Keegin).” –Senior Kirsti King
shot at going far in districts and regionals if we put the effort toward it. We have the talent.” – Senior Ben Bailey
son, while taking it one game at a time and really focusing on improving every game.”- Senior Ethan Beswick
11 Sports THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 6, 2011
6 X-Factor Athletes fall sports
As Fall Sports kick into high gear, here are the six athletes that you need to keep an eye on as they give their team the edge during the heat of competition.
1.
Sophomore cross country runner Claire Borchers
Borchers is coming off a tremendous freshman year. Last fall, at the Division 1 State Championship meet, Borchers took tenth place overall allowing her to receive All-State honors. Borchers
2.
Junior middle hitter Abby Cole
Only a junior, Cole recently committed to the University of Michigan to play volleyball after high school. Cole was a key part of last year’s District Championship team.
3.
Senior cross country runner Ryan Duff
As the number two runner for the past few years, Duff looks to help his team win conference and repeat as regional champions as the number one runner this year.
Girls Golf
4.
Senior tennis player Connor Kelley
Kelly and the Bucs made it to the state tournament last year where they took ninth. This year, Kelley takes the number one singles spot and hopes to build on last year’s success.
5.
Senior forward Jake Vanderlaan
Over the summer, Vanderlaan and his travel soccer team, the Grand Rapids Crew Jrs. won Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona. Vanderlaan looks to bring knowledge and added competitive fire to the Bucs soccer squad this fall from his travel team experiences.
6.
Senior running back Dakota Smith
Smith will be a key part to this year’s offense and special teams. As a junior last year, the senior running back rushed for 490 yards. Smith
Boys Tennis
LAST SEASON: 3-9
LAST SEASON: 4-2-2 in dual matches
MATCH TO WATCH: Tuesday, Sept. 20, at home vs.
MATCH TO WATCH: Saturday, Sept. 10, at home, Buc
Hudsonville
Varsity Fall Invitational
KEY PLAYERS: Senior Sierra Olthoff is the leading
KEY PLAYERS: Senior Connor Kelley is ranked num-
returning player for the Lady Bucs.
ber one singles and leads a youthful Buccaneers squad.
THEY SAID IT: “The season is going to be pretty good.
THEY SAID IT: “We are a really young team but there’s
We are a young team but I see improvement in everyone.” –Senior Kristen Carlson
a lot of hard work and heart in our team. We should sneak up on some people.” –Senior Connor Kelley
Volleyball LAST SEASON: 37-21, District Champions MATCH TO WATCH: Thursday, Sept. 15, home vs. OKRED conference rival Hudsonville
KEY PLAYERS: Junior Abby Cole is committed to play with the University of Michigan after high school and looks to continue bringing that explosive talent to the Lady Bucs’ season.
THEY SAID IT: “We have a lot of potential so we will see if we can do as well as we hope. We already had a tournament and placed second which was good and the team is playing well together. We hope to make it to regionals at the least.” -Senior Megan Newhouse
Girls Swimming and Diving LAST SEASON: 3 wins MEET TO WATCH: Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Holland High School, the first meet of the school season
KEY PLAYERS: Seniors Karissa Winkler, Alyssia Land, Ashley Borta and Lydia Hoogerhyde lead a young but talented squad under new head coach Doug Thorne.
THEY SAID IT: “I think this will be a great year for our team. There’s a lot of talent coming from the underclassmen and the uppperclassmen look very strong. We have more depth than we have had in the past years and we hope to bring some victories home.” –Senior Lydia Hoogerhyde
By the numbers... Last fall, all Buccaneer sports teams combined for...
3 OK-RED CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS 3 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
12 Back THE BUCS’ BLADE Tuesday, September 6, 2011
I will
strive to do my best in sports and academics.
- junior Rory Thibault
I will
I will
have as much fun as possible without getting in trouble - senior Andy Davis
build some things and destroy others.
enjoy every second of Varsity cheerleading.
- junior Arica Beno
I will
join new clubs and try new things.
I will
I will
not stay up until 3 A.M. playing video games.
- sophomore Chance Weaver
-freshman Taylor Carlson
I will
smile and wear hair bows. - junior Kendra Striegle
- junior Katie McCarthy
“What will you do to make this your best school year yet?” Grand Haven High School students answer this question with their goals and resolutions for the 2011-12 school year.
- sophomore Marcus Tumblin
I will
become better at answering Bucs’ Blade questions. - sophomore Josh Nicholson
I will
smile at every opportunity - senior Chloe Mireles
I will
I will
Images and design by Maggie Ginocchio
I will
talk to new people and study harder than last year.
MAGGIE GINOCCHIO Reporter
make it full of surprises. - junior Jericho Gonzales
I will
I will
spend as much time as I can with friends. - freshman Bobby Dillree
Try new things and get out there more. - senior Jeana Reinecke
I will
try to make as many new friends as I can. - freshman Travis Konwles