Cardinal Gibbons High School - 1401 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, N.C. 27607 Volume 13 - Issue 3 - November 22, 2013
News
House welcomes 2 Open prospective students
Mass marks transition 3 Junior for Class of 2015
4
Student artwork personalizes Learning Commons
Sports
Gibbons wins three state championships 19 Women’s XC team victorious Women’s tennis continues winning legacy at states
20
Volleyball caps perfect season with fifth-straight title
The Gibbons varsity volleyball team celebrates after winning its record-setting fifth-straight NCHSAA 3A state championship on Saturday, November 2. Senior captain Cheyenne Wood (right, smiling) was named MVP of the 3A state championship.
Check us out online at www.cghsnc.org/newspaper and follow us on Twitter @newspapercghsnc Page design by Arts & Entertainment Editor Caroline Young
Cover photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
News
The Crusader 2
November 22, 2013
Open House presents Gibbons to prospective students Student-led tours give middle schoolers a taste of the ‘real’ Gibbons
Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa/The Crusader
Cross country coach and World Geography teacher Nick Mangum talks to a parent of a prospective student about the program during Open House.
Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media
NHS member junior Alex Miskimon takes a prospective Gibbons family on a tour of the second floor of the new Learning Commons during Open House.
Sean Feick Managing Editor Gibbons opened its doors to prospective students and families who were interested in learning more about the school during the annual Open House on Sunday, November 3. Prospective families could get a personal tour and get information at various areas throughout the school all afternoon. Tours were provided by volunteer upperclassmen, members of the Gibbons National Honor Society (NHS) chapter. Each tour consisted of a current student showing the prospective new student and his or her family around the school while giving them information on each individual area and answering any questions they might have. Various sports teams and clubs set up displays in the gym to talk to the prospective students and show them all the different opportunities available at the school, as well as to make connections that would help the new students get involved in different activities right away if they enroll next year. Some current students who were giving tours used the opportunity to reminisce about their own experience at Gibbons. Many had the same experience a few years ago when they visited Gibbons for the first time. “I found it really nostalgic to go through the school and show new parents places I’ve experienced and what Gibbons has to offer,” said senior Rodrigue Achu, NHS member. The tours were especially personal because they were led by the students
themselves, which allowed for the older students to share a bit of their experience with the younger generation. “It’s important because it gives you a real flavor of what the school is really like straight from the students,” said Jose Cortina, father of prospective student Jonathan Cortina. For the faculty here at Gibbons, it was an opportunity to interact with the new generation of students and get to know them before they even come to Gibbons. “I like meeting all the new prospective students because of the diversity and how I get to listen to all their varied interests,” said Doug Hudson, Theology teacher. The real importance of the event, however, came from the opportunity for the prospective students to experience the culture at Gibbons before they come here. “It’s important because we can read all about the school on the web, but actual places have a vibe and a feeling that’s on another level because of the people involved,” said Bill Brideson, father of prospective student Emma Brideson. Open House also gives students who had never been to a Catholic school the opportunity to experience what makes Gibbons different from a public school. “Open House gives us an opportunity to show our Catholicity. It’s also good because it allows families to see that there’s other options beyond the public school system to send their kids. It builds our community,” said Hudson.
Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa/The Crusader
Theology teacher Mark DeLaRosa plays guitar with the Gibbons guitar band outside of the school during Open House
Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media
Alumni Coordinator Joseph Hoying ‘99 talks to a younger visitor of the school during Open House.
Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
Staff and students representing the Spiritual Life programs at Open House included (from left) Assistant Principal of Spiritual Life Fr. Romen Acero, Theology teacher Joseph Sebik, S. Laura Downing, IHM, senior Connor Battershall, Director of Outreach Agnes Penny, Director of Retreats Crista Anders, seniors Ameila Quigley, John Cunningham, Tim Ballesteros, and sophomores Richie Lee, Valeria Mera, and Jake Curtis. Page design by Managing Editor Sean Feick and contributor Rachel Hebert
Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
History teacher and baseball coach John Ferris talks to prospective students and their parents about Gibbons’ baseball team at Open House in the gym, where all the other clubs and sports gathered to present their various activities to the middle schoolers.
November 22, 2013
The Crusader 3
NEWS
Junior Mass recognizes students as upperclassmen
Class of 2015 receives blessed items during special night together Anthony Palumbo News Editor Junior Mass took place at St. Michael the Archangel in Cary on November 7. The Mass provided an opportunity for the Class of 2015 to come together and be recognized for their transition into upperclassmen. The Mass was celebrated by Assistant Principal for Spiritual Life Fr. Romen Acero. Junior Mass helped some students realize they were going to be parting ways with one another all too soon. “I loved being able to spend a night
with my classmates. This experience really opened my eyes up to the fact that we don’t have much more time together, and you really can’t take any of our time together for granted,” said junior Anna Powers. After Mass was completed, students were called to the altar to receive a certificate and their class rings or any other item they provided to blessed. Each student got their time to shine as they walked up onto stage and received their item, their certificate, and a handshake from Principal Jason Curtis. Once students were settled back in the pews, junior class president Tyler
Pham gave a speech, emphasizing the importance for parents and students to not take for granted their time together, which is soon coming to an end. “I was trying to highlight the importance of being leaders now, and how it is important for us to recognize that Junior Mass is a checkpoint in our high school lives, because there isn’t much more left,” said Pham. The speech was greeted with praise from students. “It was awesome because it was a nice reflection of the year,” said junior Dillon Abernathy. “It inspired me to really step up and make the most of the
time I have left.” For some faculty members, it was also a time to reflect on the junior class’s time at Gibbons. “I was just really proud of the juniors and everything they have accomplished in their years here. It was also amazing to see all the people that came together to help put together this Mass and celebration,” said Sr. Laura Downing, IHM, junior class moderator. The night ended with a small reception with sweets and treats, and a time for students to take all the pictures they wanted to remember this special night together.
Junior class president Tyler Pham addresses students and parents at Junior Mass
Photos by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
Junior Dillon Abernathy receives his certificate from Principal Jason Curtis at Junior Mass, which was held at St. Michael the Archangel in Cary. Junior Mass recognizes the next generation of upperclasmen.
Juniors stand as they prepare to line up to recieve their certificate and their blessed items.
Box-a-thon raises money for charity for 11th year Gibbons charity fundraiser brings $5,050 and money ‘is still rolling in’ Stephanie Todd News Editor Box-a-thon took place on October 19 and 20. In the span of these two days the 24 students who participated had a full itinerary that spanned from cleaning up the Shepherd’s Table to sleeping in boxes. While sleeping in a box is not typically a high schooler’s idea of a good time, Gibbons students have participated for 11 years now. “I would consider it important. It gives people a glimpse of being homeless and raises a lot of money to benefit great causes,” said junior Joey Edmond. Edmond saw it as a positive experience due to the great feeling he received whilst benefiting others. The group, led by Agnes Penny, Director of Outreach, began the event with a prayer. Immediately afterwards they cleaned up Shepherd’s Table, the soup kitchen all students go to for their sophomore year of outreach. “My least favorite part was all the cleaning, but it made me feel better knowing that I was doing it to help someone else,” said Danielle Rozansky, a junior who has participated three times and finds it to be a positive experience each time, saying that she learns a lot from this event and finds it to be of great importance to Cardinal Gibbons High School. For lunch, the students were fed by Shepherd’s Table. After dining, they headed back to Gibbons where they listened to Shay Bethea’s story. Shay Bethea was a former homeless lady who, with her husband and two sons, had to stay at a shelter. She and three ladies were cramped into a single room with four beds and a box at each end of the bed to hold their belongings. In a bed slightly shorter than
queen sized, she slept with her two sons of ages 6 and 8. Bethea heard of the Habitat program and talked to her husband about application. His disinterest in the opportunity and the conversation about it came just prior to him declaring their marriage to be over. Bethea applied without her husband. She worked full time, took home owner’s classes for over a year, and had to volunteer over 300 hours to prove herself a good and willing candidate. She eventually was granted a habitat home where she lived for 17 years. She received a job at a non- profit organization. With this money she put her sons through school, and bought a real house, one that she is currently living in. Bethea is now saving up to sponsor someone else. “We were just impressed with that woman,” said Penny. The troupe of students then went to Cathedral for Mass at 5 and returned to Gibbons.
Junior Joey Edmond settles into his box for the evening.
Contributed photos from Director of Outreach Agnes Penny
One of the many boxes individual participants both created and then slept in. Page design by News Editors Anthony Palumbo and Stephanie Todd
“Ferg’s drama students performed monologues from homeless teens in New York, and it was brilliant,” said Penny. “Our goal was to keep prices low, so we just had bag lunches for dinner,” said Penny. S’mores were consumed and stories were told over a fire. “I personally told stories about the way Christ comes to our lives and moves to help others,” said Penny. After which the students were sent to their boxes, the night time prayer with Penny of the last things
Sophomore Megan Trickett lends a hand at Shepherd’s Table.
on their mind. Those who participated pledged to spend 10 hours in their boxes; this was a better experience for those who brought tarps. For those who did not heed to the warnings, they experienced an unpleasant surprise when the dew came and wet down their temporary homes to the point of the boxes caving in. “It was cold and rainy- besides that it was fantastic,” said Edmond. This is Edmond’s second experience with box-athon and he will be doing it again if only because it is “enjoyable and fun” as he said. This was Box-a-thon’s eleventh year, and yet another success. The group of students raised $300 dollars each with a current total of $5,050 raised to donate to Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen and Habitat for Humanity. However money is “still rolling in,” says Penny. As of right now, $1,666 will go to each of the three charities; Shepher’s table, Interfaith food shuttle, and Habitat for Humanity. Financially, this year was not as much of a success as years past. Though the participation and passion from the students was just as successful, if not more so. “With a good participation, I will always consider it a success,” said Penny. For 11 years, Box-a-thon has been of great importance to the Gibbons community. “Anything where young people learn to pay it forward is important,” said Penny. Junior Anthony Palumbo agrees with Penny. “It is important to expose students to different phases of life and this experience allows you to do that,” said Palumbo.
The Crusader 4
November 22, 2013
NEWS
Artwork personalizes Learning Commons
Students work to make Learning Commons more inviting
Photos by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
Juniors Caroline Czuhai, front, and Morgan Holub work on touch ups for their latest piece of artwork in the Learning Commons. The girls created this artwork in order to relax and spend time with their friends.
Anthony Palumbo News Editor Most people would immediately head home on a Friday afternoon to relax and decompress after a tough week, but juniors Caroline Czuhai and Morgan Holub have better plans. Every Friday, Czuhai and Holub stay after school to add a piece of art work to the Learning Commons. When the Learning Commons was outfitted with its furniture, four mobile white boards were included to encourage collaboration. The white boards were rarely touched until one day the girls had an idea: turn those blank boards into a piece of art. “One day, Morgan asked me if I wanted to draw [the superhero team] The Avengers in the style of the
Last Supper (an inside joke in our Intro to Sequential class) on the whiteboards with her after school Friday, when both of us do not have any place to be immediately after school, so I said yes and that Friday we drew it,” said Czuhai, in an email. The drawings of the girls have drawn a great deal of notoriety from the students and even faculty members. Photos of the drawings have been popping up on school Twitter accounts including Principal Jason Curtis’s (@principalcghsnc) and librarian Tripp Reade’s (@library_cghsnc). Holub and Czuhai have produced seven original drawings, thus far, including one with junior Madison Bonavita. All three are classmates in art teacher
“Man in a Can “
“Defender of the Night”
“The Last Schwarma”
“To Bodly Go” Page design Anthony Palumbo News Editor
Chris Kemple’s Intro to Sequential Arts class. “The Last Schwarma” showed The Avengers eating together; “To Boldly Go”, a Star Trek-themed piece featuring the starship U.S.S. Enterprise; “Papa? Is That You?” depicting Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in a lightsaber duel; “Defender of the Night”, an intricately detailed owl; “Man in a Can”, depicting a flying Iron Man; “When you betray me…” featuring Thor and his brother Loki and most recently, “So Tight. The Confidence.” featuring a scene from the new Thor: The Dark World film. These pieces of art work have not only been able to provide as something pleasing to the eye, but it has also been helping build a sense of community. “The drawings really do complete the Learning Commons. I just love the idea of being able to see these pieces of art every time I walk in there. It reminds me of all the talent we have at this school,” said junior Meaghan Nedoma. Czuhai also believes that it provides that one special touch in place where there isn’t much of those “Only at Gibbons” items. “The Learning Commons is one of the newest areas in the school and so it doesn’t yet have all of the nuances that make it a place of the Gibbons community. Most of the school’s hallways are lined with pictures displaying students and Gibbons’ life and even art done by students, but the Learning Commons doesn’t have anything of the sort yet. People, both students and teachers, enjoy the art and it gives the Learning Commons a more inviting, comforting, and lived-in presence,” said Czuhai. Holub summed up the reasons for their artwork perfectly, “In the words of Speed Racer: ‘It’s the only thing I know how to do, and I’ve gotta do something.’”
Juniors Caroline Czuhai and Morgan Holub started creating artwork on Fridays in the Learning Commons just to relax and enjoy time with each other. The order of the pictures was “The Last Schwarma”, “To Bodly Go”, “Papa is that you?”, “Defender of the Night”, “Man in a Can”, “When you betray me” (not pictured) and “So Tight. The Confidence.” The artwork has brought life into the new hub of student life.
“Papa is that you?”
“So Tight. The Confidence “ Photos by @library_cghsnc/contributer
Technology
December 18, 2013
The Crusader 5
Robotics prepares to host upcoming qualifier Cardinal Gibbons will be hosting 24 teams on January 25 Erik Borchers News Editor The Gibbons robotics club will be hosting the qualifying robotics FTC Block Party on January 25 in the new building. “We volunteered for the qualifier really early to show off the great programs at Gibbons,” said co-coach Maryellen Toebes. “We expect 25 teams from North Carolina. North Carolina is split into three regions; we’ll be hosting onehalf of the teams,” said Toebes. Toebes has been the co-coach of Gibbons robotics since the founding of the club in 2009. “When my daughter was here Gibbons didn’t have anything like this. She asked her parents, me and my husband, Mr. Toebes, to start the club. She graduated a while ago, but we liked it so much,” said Toebes. Toebes has a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from NC State. “I mostly work with the programming,” said Toebes. Sean McDonald is the lead programmer for the team this year. The team has been preparing since September for the upcoming qualifier. The team meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for
three hours. “I think we’re going to do pretty well. More work goes into this than the general public thinks, people are here (at Gibbons) two to three hours a day, even when we’re off,” said team captain senior Aaron Ruff. “I’ve spent hours at home working on designs,” said Ruff. The team always builds two identical robots for both competition and testing purposes. “We always build two identical, one for the competition and one for the programmers to use. Everyone is always trying to get a working robot, the programmers need a working robot to code on,” said Toebes. The robotics tournament has previously had a ten member limit, but not anymore and the team is looking to expand. The team already has new members, freshman Reade McBride is in robotics this year. “I joined robotics after shadowing. One of my shadow’s friends (Sean Mcdonald) was in it. It looked really fun,” said McBride. After the qualifier the robotics team will be heading to the North Carolina State tournament. The ultimate goal is to go to the national tournament in St. Louis.
Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa
Jim Kelley and Ben Gravel work on their robot design for the upcoming tournament.
Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa
Sean Greene works on the robot that will be lifting a flag during the competititon.
This years robot design has been built twice: for both testing and the ability to swap parts quickly.
Browsermark: browser comparisons The news Compare features on Gibbon’s three browsers Erik Borchers News Editor Gibbons computers have three web browsers available for use – Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. All three browsers can establish the same tasks, but offer different features. The SunSpider 1.0.2 JavaScript benchmark was used to measure every day browser performance on the school computers. The most up to date version of the three browsers were used. The benchmark was run on the same computer with an i7-3770 and 16gb of DDR3 RAM with both a Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign document open in order to simulate real world usage. SunSpider was run three times for each browser, alongside possible error percentage. Averages are at the bottom of each column. Google Chrome and Firefox both have similar speed, but Internet Explorer beats both Google Chrome and Firefox by 50ms.
Internet Explorer beat both Google Chrome and Firefox. While Internet Explorer is faster than both Google Chrome and Firefox, it has several disadvantages. Google Chrome and Firefox offer many more options and functions. Google Chrome obviously integrates very well with Google services, and your bookmarks will sync with your account. Chrome also has extensions to increase functionality; Adblock and Pocket are among the best. Firefox is
similar to Chrome as it has extension functions and similar speeds. Chrome offers extended functionality through extensions, Google services, Internet Explorer has raw speed, and Firefox currently sits in a middle spot. With lower speeds, a chunkier interface, and no native Google services support there is no reason to choose Firefox over Google Chrome or Internet Explorer. Google Chrome stands out as the most complete web browser. With Google account sync and a huge library of extensions, it is the best web browser to use at Gibbons.
The stats
Extensions Currently
The Hubble Telescope’s 20th launch anniversary is celebrated this year. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990, and continues to take photos today.
@vitaly_babiy @henrymodis
Google Chrome (v. 23) 131.6ms +/- 1.0% 132.3ms +/- 0.7% 133.1ms +/- 0.8% 132.3ms +/- 0.83% Firefox (v. 21) 129.7ms +/- 1.4% 134.5ms +/- 1.4% 133.2ms +/- 1.3% 132.4ms +/- 1.3% Internet Explorer (v. 11) 84.2ms +/- 11.4% 81.2ms +/- 8.0% 81.0ms +/- 8.2% 82.13ms +/- 9.2%
The weather extension “Currently” by Vitaly Babiy and and Henry Snowdisset is a beautiful extension for Google Chrome and Firefox. With slick animations, large fonts, multiple colors, and easy to access information Currently is a no brainer as a new tab screen. Upon opening a new tab you will be greeted by Currently. The new tab displays weather and time, pulled from the weather service wunderground for accuracy.
Pocket is a read-it-later service with good browser integration. Pocket has a mobile app and an extension for Google Chrome and Firefox. The extension adds a button to the right of the web address box. Clicking the button automatically adds the webpage to Pocket, letting you read what you just sent to Pocket with larger font, a cleaner interface, and night mode.
Photo by Hubble Space Telescope
This photo by the Hubble Space Telescope is a snapshot of the Eagle Nebula.
The Crusader 6
Op-Ed
November 22, 2013
‘Why would I want to go on that?’
Why I love retreats & why you should go on them, too rience probably wouldn’t have been the way it has been had I not gone on it. Next came sophomore year, and Mosaic. I had been pumped to go on another retreat from the second I stepped off the bus the Short Journey Retreat for Prism. As soon as I could, I signed up for the first Mosaic, and went eagerly to Camp Chestnut Ridge that September. Mosaic is nothing like Prism. It’s a ropes course, a ton of activities, and less talks and less—how scary—bonding. I mean, of course you get closer to people on Mosaic: you’re responsible to keep them from falling off of a rope in the middle of the woods. But it’s not as intense as Prism; it’s much more relaxed. Contributed by Gibbons Retreats I remember having so much more fun on Mosaic, and I met someJunior students and their senior and adult retreat leaders strike a funny pose on the wall of one of the historic forts at the Fort Caswell Retreat one who is now one of my closest Center in Oak Island, NC to commemorate Quest 23, the first 2013 junior friends. retreat. Then came my junior year, and Quest. During your time as a freshman and sophoKristina Rupp more at Gibbons, you will without a doubt hear about Op-Ed Editor Quest multiple times. It’s one of the most discussed, One of the things I remember most clearly from most mysterious retreats. my freshman year was hearing about retreats. They People come back from Quest with an entirely seemed so mysterious and exciting. All anyone could new group of friends, infinitely closer to the people tell me about them was where they happened; no- you went on the retreat with. But why? As per Gibbody could tell me what went on there. bons policy concerning retreats, I can’t say. From the very beginning of my time at Gibbons, I can only say that Quest is a bonding experience, I wanted so badly to go on a retreat. but not in the cheesy stand-around-a-fire-and-holdSo, my freshman year, I signed up and went on hands way. the very first Prism. Quest gives you a chance to know people on an In my opinion, freshman retreat is the retreat entirely new level, and it lets you open yourself up that hurtles you ungracefully into the midst of your to people--only if you want-- and really get close to peers. It offers a frank picture of what high school the people in your grade. It’s really cool to be able to can be like, what you might go through during high see what other people are going through or have gone school, and reminds you that the coming four years through, and it’s almost inspiring to see that they’ve will be anything but easy. gotten through it. However, it also reminds you that you have one Some of the things people share are like a smack thing to help you through those four years: each oth- in the face-- if they got through that, you can get er. through high school. I loved that first retreat. Not to sound cliché, but Kairos is the senior retreat, and obviously I I laughed, I cried, I made new friends and got closer haven’t been on it yet. But I definitely want to go. It’s to my old friends. a four day, three night trip--the longest retreat. NoPrism definitely helped ease some of the fear body knows what happens there until they go, and brought on by the impending four years of high nobody speaks about it. Karios is ten times more school, and I can honestly say my high school expe- mysterious than Quest.
The World According to . . . Halloween or Thanksgiving?
Joleen Smith
Thanksgiving
Favorite Thanksgiving Dish
Stuffing
Chemistry Teacher
Doug Rahl
Halloween
Senior
Nick Lefevre
Thanksgiving
Senior
Katherine Thanksgiving Combs Junior
Turkey with Gravy Pumpkin Pie
Favorite Halloween Candy?
Junior Mints Snickers
Snickers
Stuffing
Reese’s
Thanksgiving
Broccoli Casserole
Skittles
Riley Hough
Thanksgiving
Deep Fried Turkey
Milky Way
Jonah Soberano
Halloween
Ham
Swedish Fish
Sophomore
Freshman
Page design by Op-Ed Editor Kristina Rupp
Contributed by Gibbons Retreats
Juniors, seniors, and adult leaders on Quest 23 walk down the Oak Island beach in silence. Quest 23 was the only junior retreat during the 2013-2014 school year to go to Oak Island.
10th anniversary 2001-2011
Re-established 2001
Continuing a tradition of journalistic excellence
Brennan Doherty Editor-in-Chief Sean Feick Managing Editor
Stephanie Todd News Editor
Erik Borchers Online News Editor
Rebecca Camak Inside & Out Editor
Caroline Young A&E Editor
Andrew Mihok Sports Editor
Preston Moser Sports Editor
Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor
Cheyenne Wood Production Editor
Anthony Palumbo News Editor
Kristina Rupp Op-Ed Editor
Lorenzo Macaisa Photo Editor
Kelly Brown A&E Editor
Dan Jukic Adviser
Editorial Policy
Edgar Torres Junior
The unique thing about Kairos is that you can’t lead it unless you’ve been on it before, so alums lead the first one, and people who went on that first retreat help lead the rest. So why go on retreats at all? For the obvious reasons, of course: you get time off of school, to get away from everything and spend time with your friends. And you don’t have to wear khakis! Some people go on retreats for the religious aspects and many parts of each retreat are religious in nature. But while Gibbons retreats are so much more than just religion; they’re also so much more than just hanging out for the weekend with your friends. Personally, I’m not even Catholic, but I still love Gibbons retreats. They’re not cheesy or boring; they’re fun for everyone from the most pious Catholic to non-religious students. I can’t force anyone to go on a retreat, but I can say that I’ve never met anyone who regretted going on one. I can’t generalize why others go on retreats; it’s different for everyone. Personally, retreats give me a chance to see myself and my friends in a new light. They’re a refreshing break from the monotony and pressure of school, and a chance to reevaluate and work through issues if school or life is getting tough. So why don’t you find out what retreats are like for yourself? I promise, they’re an experience (as cheesy as it sounds) that you really won’t forget.
The Crusader is the official student newspaper of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, The Crusader will not purposefully publish any material that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Crusader will endeavour to publish only the truth, to the best of its ability. The Crusader will not purposefully publish any stories that are libelous or disingenuous nor any images which diverge from the essential truth of the captured image. Only images legally obtained or for which permission has been granted will be published. The Crusader is the product of class work and as such is subject to prior review by the adviser and administration. Regardless, the commentaries contained herein are the opinions of the newspaper staff only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the faculty/ staff or administration. The Crusader editorial board as a whole will be responsible for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. No single member of The Crusader will be held responsible for editorial content decisions. All submissions to The Crusader will be considered for publication either in print or online but may be edited for space and content. Please contact The Crusader by email at newspaper@cghsnc.org.
November 22, 2013
The Crusader 7
Creative costumes fill the halls of Gibbons Rebecca Camak Inside and Out Editor Cowgirls, the Grease cast and many Supermen filled the halls of Gibbons on Thursday, October 31. The costumes ranged from full on light up jellyfish to full man gorilla suits. Some would say Gibbons went “all out.” The turnout for the costumes this year was great, as well as the intuitive ideas for the get ups. The annual Halloween parade was held in the piazza this year. “The parade worked really well with the new space,” said Michael Rogosich, Assistant Principal of Student Activities. Last year’s senior class gift of the portable welcome center worked as an official judges table as the student strutted around the piazza and showed off their creative costumes. More teachers participated than ever before, as well. The third place finisher in the costume contest was Matt DeGeorge,
dressing up as Aladdin. Second place was given to Connor Battershall, dressing up as Clark Kent/Superman. Heather Rahl took first place with her jellyfish costume. When asked about her inspiration and construction of the costume she answered with,“I love bioluminescent things like jellyfish. It’s made with a clear umbrella; there was a clear covering over the umbrella which is filled with translucent plastic sheets. It lights up with battery powered Christmas lights,” said Rahl. The way the students dress up for Halloween reflects the message of the school which is one of the great things about the contest. Dressing up for Halloween really showed how people care about the school and the spirit of Gibbons. Having to register, pay money, and construct appropriate ideas for their costumes reflected the positive, and fun attitude of the students that help make Gibbons the special place it is.
Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
Sophomore Heather Rhal in full body jellyfish costume, displays her inovative ideas while walking the halloween prade, and during school. Far left: Senior Connor Battershall, winning second place for the contest, strolls to school in his Clark Kent/Superman costume. Middle: Freshman Matt DeGeorge stole 3rd place with his magic carpet and Aladdin costume.
Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Photo courtesy of Mike Rogosich
Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Above: Seniors Keaton Grimes, Daniel Miles, Jacob Comello and Alex O’Neill recieved honorable mention in their KISS costumes.
Left: Sophomores Erica Schumann, Emmy Allen, Julianna Peters, Samantha Staszewski, Amber Smith, Elizabeth Bereswill, Jessalynn King, Elizabeth Pedersen, Kneeling: Kylie Hopkins dressed up as Crayola Crayon’s for the Halloween contest. Below: Students begin the Halloween parade, non dressed up students watch peers walk the piazza while being judged by faculty and staff on who had the best contest. Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Bottom cartoons: Juniors Morgan Holub (Ghost, cat, monster, bat), Jake Olinger (Haunted house, mummy) and Caroline Czuhai (Gibbons Pumpkin, skull, skeleton) all drew graphic Halloween designs in art teacher Chris Kemple’s Sequential Arts class.
Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
Page design by Inside and Out Editor Rebecca Camak
Inside & Out
The Crusader 8
Sunday
November 22, 2013
The Green Agenda
24 Monday
25
“our town” 2:30 pm
26 Wednesday 27 Men’s b-ball home 7pm
Tuesday
No School
November 1
NHS Toy December drive begins
2
3
woMen’s b-ball home 6:30pm
15
16
17
Exams 2&3
Exams 7&5
29
Saturday
No School
30
6
7
13
14
NHS Toy Drive NHS Toy Drive 12
quarter 2 ends woMen’s b-ball home 7pm Chorus Concert 7 pm
18
Exams 8&4
24
19
Exams 1&6
25
31
1
20
Exam Make up day
21
Men’s b-ball home 7pm
26
Christmas Christmas Christmas Eve Day break
30
Friday
5
Men’s b-ball home 7pm
23
Christmas break 29
4
Men’s b-ball Men’s b-ball home 7pm home 7pm 9 10 11
NHS Toy drive ends
28
Thanksgiving day
woMen’s b-ball woMen’s b-ball home 5:30pm home 5:30pm
percussion & 8 string Concert 2:30 pm Guitar & wind Concert 7 pm
22
Thurday
Christmas New Year’s New Year’s Christmas Eve Day break break
27
28
Christmas break 2
Christmas break
3
4
January The Green Agenda is back for this issue of The Crusader! The Green Agenda features the dates of various events our readers will be involved in, both Gibbons related and outside of school. For more information about the events on the calendar, either look below or check out the Gibbons website: www.cghsnc.org.
NHS Toy drive
This weeklong toy drive run by the National Honor Society provides Christmas presents for kids at a local preschool. Each first period class is given a child and encouraged by NHS representatives to bring in toys or money for toys for their child.
Fine Arts Events
The winter play, “Our Town”, closes on November 24 with it’s final show in the Studio Theater. Tickets are $5. The Gibbons Percussion & String Ensembles have a concert at 2:30 pm on December 8, followed by a concert at 7 pm by the Guitar & Wind Ensembles. Both concerts are held in the main theater and admission is free. The women’s and mixed choral ensembles are performing their “Christmas Choral Extravaganza!” on December 13 in the Studio Theater. Admission is free. Page design by Arts & Entertainment Editor Caroline Young
Men’s basketball
DATES TO REMEMBER
November 26: Home against Fuqay Varina at 7 pm December 3: Home against Athens Drive at 7 pm December 4: Home against Jordan at 7 pm December 10: Home against Ravenscroft at 7 pm Wednesday, December 4, at 2:30 in December 20: Home against the Crusader Room Northwood at 7 pm
Winter Sports Pictures
WoMen’s basketball December 3: Home against Athens Drive 5:30 pm December 4: Home against Jordan at 5:30 pm December 10: Home against Ravenscroft at 6:30 pm December 13: Home against Orange at 7 pm
Quarter 2 Ends The second grading period ends on Friday, December 13. This is the last day of the quarter, as well as the end of the first semester.
Exam make-up Day If you miss any of your mid-term exams, the exam make-up day is Friday, December 20.
November 22, 2013
Photo Gallery
Insta Gibbons
The Crusader 9
Gibbons photographers show off their best photos By Lorenzo Macaisa Photo Editor Students from the Photojournalism classes took pictures of various events, and these are some of the best pictures from the first two months of the year as chosen by the photographers. These pictures show off great composition, capture the emotion of the moment, and also tell the
story of Gibbons since we first started off the school year in August.
Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa/The Crusader
Students study on the new furniture in the Learning Commons.
#RoadToStates #GoGibbons Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
The Gibbons volleyball team won an NCHSAA record fifth straight state championship on Saturday, November 2 in Reynolds Coliseum.
Photo by Jessica Airey/Gibbons Media
Junior Jake Olinger works on a collage during an Art II class.
Photo by Katherine Nanney/Photo Journalism
Senior Tess Benttinsoli does pushups during the WNCN Blitz event on Friday, September 6.
Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media
Junior Maggie Allen sprays her AP 2D Art Design project.
Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media
The Easily Amused club blows bubbles for its guests during Open House on Sunday, November 3.
#CGHSRules
Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media
Students apply a variety of colors to their shirts during a tie dye event during Spirit Week. Page design by Photo Editor Lorenzo Macaisa
College R MAESTRO
The Crusader 10
Shawn Stankavage Univeristy of Wyoming
When did you visit? The weekend of October 24th.
The class of 2014 gives an in Gabby Hernandez
Why did you visit? University of Notre Dame I visited Wyoming because I got my When did you visit? first legit divison one offer for foot- I visited the weekend of September 29th. ball. Why did you visit? What was your favorite part? It’s one of my top choices for college. My dad is an alumni and we went My favorite part was the atmoto a football game. sphere in the town of Laramie and that everyone was at the game What was your favorite part? because football means so much to I love the campus because it’s not too big and it’s easy to walk from place the people. to place. It also has a church on campus which is really convenient. Could you see yourself going there next year? I’m not sure yet where I see myself in the future but the University of Wyoming is definitely an option.
When I lived schoo
Why My da to see
What Tulsa Also, t
Could you see yourself going there next year? Yes! I think it would be the best college experience and environment for Could Tulsa me. the sa was liv
Matt Fitzgerald Fort Lewis College
When did you visit? I took a visit on October 10-13 last year. Why did you visit? I went on the visit to meet with the cycling team and to get a feel for the atmosphere around the school. What was your favorite part? My favorite part is the school location. It’s in a small town in the Rocky Mountains. Could you see yourself going there next year? Yes, I could see myself going there.
Sam Rosso
Stanford University When did you visit? I visited sophomore year. Why did you visit? I always heard it was a great school and my family was on vacation in San Francisco so I decided to take a look. What was your favorite part? It has the best campus of any school I’ve ever seen and there’s a great combination of academics and school spirit.
Bianca Gartner University of Texas
Could you see yourself going there next year? I could definitely see myself there next year and I hope to get in!
When did you visit? This summer in June.
For more information about colleges and education after high school, visit the College Counseling department
What was your favorite part? I loved the size and real-world feeling and all the opportunities they had for their students.The social atmosphere also looked fun.
Why did you visit? It is one of the schools I would love to go to and it looked awesome.
Could you see yourself going there next year? Yes, I would love to see myself going there next year.
Page Design by Production Editor Cheyenne Wood and Inside and Out Editor Rebecca Camak.
When I visit
Why A lot loved abou is.
Wha The s Gree
Could Yes, I
Road Trip? November 22, 2013
nside look on college visits John Cunningham University of Tulsa
The Crusader 11
Morgan Reid
University of Virgina When did you visit? I went to Virginia my sophomore year. Why did you visit? I took the visit to look at the soccer program to see if I wanted to play there.
n did you visit? d in Tulsa for seven years from 2005 to 2012 and I constantly visited the What was your favorite part? ol. My favorite part was the surrounding mountains. It really made the place beautidid you visit? ful. ad worked at Tulsa in the athletic department so I got a lot of chances Could you see yourself going there next e the school. year? I loved the school and what it had to offer t was your favorite part? but it wasn’t my first choice. I decided to has 4,000 students so the campus size was something I liked a lot. there were a lot of renovations done that made the campus very nice. go to Duke and will be playing soccer there next year. d you see yourself going there next year? is a school that I would consider because that’s where I’m from but at ame time, I have already seen and experienced the campus life while I University of North Carolina ving there. When did you visit? I took three unofficial visits in April of my junior year to get to know the tennis team.
Robert Kelly
Why did you visit? Both my parents went to UNC so it’s always been my number one choice and when the coach said he was really interested, I wanted to visit as soon as possible. What was your favorite part? Everybody who I talked to on my visit loved the school. I didn’t talk to one person who didn’t say “I love it here you should definitely come.” All the athletes get a lot of attention at UNC because sports are a big deal so that was another plus. Could you see yourself going there next year? It’s an amazing place where academics are combined with amazing athletes plus it’s always been my number one choice. So when the coaches sat me down and offered me I said yes right away and I can’t wait to be there next fall.
Chase Rhode
Wake Forest University When did you visit? I visited in September of this year, but I have seen the school a lot because the high school soccer team does a pre-season soccer camp there.
Hannah Jefferson University of Alabama
n did you visit? ted the school last February.
y did you visit? t of my camp counselors over the summer go to Alabama and they d it so I decided to make the nine hour drive to see what it was all ut! Along with everyone saying what a welcoming southern school it
at was your favorite part? size of the school, but it had a lot of small qualities and I loved the ek system.
d you see yourself going there next year? I’ve already been accepted and I can’t wait to attend next fall!
Why did you visit? The soccer coaches asked me to come down and shadow a few of the players, just to get a day in the life of a Wake Forest student athlete. What was your favorite part? My favorite part was that it was a small enough campus where you knew a lot of people but you didn’t see the same people all the time. Also, I liked how they have a top five rated business school in the country and that their soccer team is ranked in the top 10 nationally. Could you see yoursef going there next year? Yes, I am verbally commited to play soccer there and I am really excited to do so.
CLUB HUB
The Crusader 12
November 22, 2013
Gibbons Club Hub Health Club
Chess Club
Health Club promotes healthy choices
Students have fun, learn art of chess
Kylie Hopkins Media I
Tori Canada Media 1
Moderator:Terri Ingraham
Moderator: Dan Jukic
The Gibbons Health Club hosted a healthy food taste testing in the main lobby, open to all students, after school on Monday, November 18. This was the first event that the Health Club hosted for the Gibbons community this year. Health club members brought in various food items including Diet Coke cake, peanut butter-covered Chex Mix, apples and Nutella, protein bars and homemade banana bread. The second year for the Gibbons Health Club was started with the first meeting on October 15, in which fifteen students attended and ideas and plans were formulated for the rest of the
school year. According to club moderator Terri Ingraham, Assistant Media Specialist, some possible ideas for events happening within the Health Club this year are a zumba class, a health fair, a taste testing of healthy foods; maybe even evaluating healthier choices in the cafeteria (like gluten free items), and TED talks in the library. The Health Club may also have a few guest speakers, including a freshman parent who is a health professional. Students of all grade levels are welcome to join the Health Club. For more information, email club moderator Terri Ingraham at tingraham@cghsnc.org, or contact one of the Health Club’s two co-presidents, junior Veronica O’Neill and junior Joey Edmond.
STAR Club
new
CLU
Moderators: David Bierlein, Susan Ellis, Lesley Coe, Jon Armfield
CLUB!
Gibbons Chess Club’s objective is to show members how to play and nurture the art of chess, according to its club web page. Any Gibbons student can join Chess Club and they can learn the game and strategy of chess just by being willing to play and have fun, according to moderator Dan Jukic. Jukic encourages all students to get involved in Chess Club, regardless of their level of ability or even if they’ve never played before, because the point of chess and Chess Club is to have a good time. “I would say that chess is a game, first and foremost, that’s fun to play. So students have to want to play the game and have fun. And who doesn’t want to have fun?” said Jukic. Chess Club usually meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school but this year, Chess Club made a point of putting chess boards out throughout the school for use all day long. Chess is often played during lunch and after school, in the new Learning Commons, the new lobby and in the cafeteria, by all types of students, whether in Chess Club or just having fun. Students with any questions can contact moderator Dan Jukic at djukic@cghsnc. org or in room 107.
Photo by Kylie Hopkins/Gibbons Media
Co-presidents Veronica O’Neill (left) and Joey Edmund welcomed students at the Health Club taste testing of healthy foods in the main lobby.
CHESS
Photo by Tori Canada/Gibbons Media
Sophomore Connor Francis (left) enjoys a game of chess at lunch with juniors Christopher Williams (center) and Francesca Rocco.
Bocce Club
B! Students provide tech support to school
Moderator: Diane Ripollone
Sami Tubolino Media I
Paul Todd Media 1
The new STAR club, started in September, allows students interested in tech to incorporate their knowledge into projects. STAR club stands for “Student Technical Assistance Resource” and according to the moderators, members are very excited to share their knowledge with students and staff members in the area of technology. The club meets on Thursdays at 3:15 in room 119. Moderators include computer science teachers Jon Armfield and David Bierlein; Lesley Coe, director of IT and Susan Ellis, college counselor. Assisting the moderators are seniors Joe Collins and Timmy Coughlin. STAR club currently has 15 members but moderators are open to more. “Anyone who has an interest at all about learning about technology [can join and] no experience is required,” said Ellis. In an email, moderator David Bierlein said club members look forward to assisting others in the technology field. “The fundamental principle of this club is to develop a cadre of knowledgeable students who can provide any kind of technical assistance and have this body of knowledge handed down to future students,” said Bierlein. “I wanted to learn about technology,” said member, sophomore Ryan Parker. STAR club is now helping teachers with Sympodium issues and currently assisting with PowerSchool grade book issues, according to Bierlein. Other projects that members are also working on are coming up with logos for the club. A project they are planning to work on is to create an app for the school website and build instructional videos for students. “It’s cool to be involved in a way that we’ve never been involved here at Gibbons,” said member, senior
Students may not realize that for the past six years there has been a charity bocce tournament at Gibbons which led to the creation of the bocce club, new to Gibbons this year. “The Bocce Club started this year after [math teacher Andrew] Tuttle, [theology teacher Gary] Meyerl, Ms. Rip and myself all played together in the Joey O’ Bocce Tournament that is held here at Cardinal Gibbons,” said Alumni Coordinator Joey Hoying ’99, co-moderator of the club with science teacher Diane Ripollone, in an email interview. The bocce club usually plays in the Campus Green in the front of the school on Wednesdays right after school. The first bocce tournament of the year was scheduled for Wednesday, November 13 but had to cancelled due to cold weather. According to Hoying, the club started as a sort of tryout for students who want to participate in the Joey O’ tournament. Three or four mini-tournaments will decide who will play in the spots reserved for the club by the Joey O’ Bocce Classic. Bocce Club is open to any student who with interest in joining the club. “We have a couple great kids who have taken the bull by the horns,” said Hoying. This year’s Joey O’ Bocce Tournament will be the seventh annual and will be held at Gibbons’s stadium sometime in the spring, though a date has yet to be set, according to Hoying. “Joey was an alumnus who died of Cystic Fibrosis and his family started the annual Joey O’Connell Bocce Ball Tournament [in his honor]” said Ripollone. For more information concerning the club please contact science teacher Ripollone at dripollone@cghsnc.org or Hoying at jhoying@cghsnc.org.
Page design and profiles by Media I students.
Photo by Sami Tubolino/Gibbons Media
Club moderator David Bierlein along with members senior Kevin Bartushak and sophomore Ryan Parker work to create badges for STAR club. Kevin Bartushak. This is the first year of STAR club but it continues the work of Smart Guys club: Smart Guys was started by media teacher Dan Jukic for students interested in helping with the website. “STAR club is a new club with new leadership, picking up where Smart Guys left off,” said Jukic. “Smart Guys was created specifically with the Gibbons’ website in mind. STARs is more tech-oriented. They help with anything people need [like] printers, wireless access, different software,” said Jukic. If you are interested in an opportunity in expanding your knowledge of technology, this may be the club for you. For further information about this club visit www.cghsnc.org/STARclub or e-mail moderators: David Bierlein, dbierlein@cghsnc.org, Lesley Coe, lcoe@ cghsnc.org, Susan Ellis, sellis@cghsnc.org, or Jon Armfield, jarmfield@cghsnc.org.
Bocce Club helps remember alum
Photo by E.J. Walsh/Gibbons Media
Moderators Joey Hoying ‘99 and Diane Ripollone help determine a point.
CLUB HUB
November 22, 2013
Club Hub is back! Media I students are covering a club of their choice every issue. See all the club coverage at Gibbons in the paper and on each club’s website page at www.cghsnc.org/clubs.
Club for the Easily Amused
new Cover school events in Media C Club LUB Moderators: Dan Jukic, Darsey Williams
Marc Todd Media I The Club for the Easily Amused was formed to help students chill and forget about school stresses, according to the club web page. The club meets most Wednesdays in room 220 after school. Meetings consist of various fun activities and students bring snacks to share. The club was created for a very specific purpose, according to club moderator Patrick Dmytriw. “[The club is for] people to be able to come and have fun with games that remind them of their childhood. It is an easy club to be a part of,” said Dmytriw. According to students, the reasons behind for people attending the club are simple. “The club is a way for anyone to get a nice stress relief in the middle of the week,” said club president Dianne Scardino. The fun games and activities vary per meeting. “Each week is different, depending on who comes and what they decide to do,” said Scardino. To join the Club for the Easily Amused contact Patrick Dmytriw in person at room 117, or via email pdmytriw@cghsnc.org.
Photo by Shane Humphrey/Gibbons Media
Photo By Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media
Senior Dianne Scardino, president of Club For the Easily Amused, makes bubbles near the club display table at Open House on November 3.
National Honor Society NHS
!
The new Gibbons Media Club is for any student who is interested in being a part of Gibbons yearbook, newspaper, photojournalism, literary magazine, and creative video. “Students who are interested in any of our media programs will learn more about all of them by coming to Media Club,” said club moderator and media/newspaper teacher Dan Jukic. Students who are members of the Media Club can expect to learn both how to cover school events for Gibbons media and also about the use of social media tools. “Media Club can be for anybody who is interested in learning how to cover events,” said Jukic. According to Jukic, one hope for the club is that media coverage will become more efficient by having media students report one event for multiple Gibbons Media programs. Also, Jukic is working with the drama program to have freshmen and sophomore drama students who are willing to report on their own projects also be a part of the Gibbons Media Club so that better information can be shared about drama productions. The club meets every Wednesday after school in room 107 but interested students can stop by room 107 any time. Contact Dan Jukic with any questions at djukic@cghsnc.org.
All are welcome to relax at Easily Amused
Moderator: Jen Cipriano
Media Club Margaret McFarland Media I
Moderator: Patrick Dmytriw
! B U CL FUN
The Crusader 13
CLU
B!
NHS focuses on service to community
Daniel Diehl experiments with cameras during a Media Club meeting. Students who are member of Media Club have the oppurtunity to learn photo taking basics.
Bocce Club Juggling Club
Moderator: Diane Ripollone Moderator: Gary Meyerl
Jug
gli
ng
CLU
Juggling Club promotes art of juggling
B!
Jackie Kirsch Media 1 The National Honor Society held its Induction Ceremony for new members on Sunday, September 29 at 3 p.m. Parents and families were invited to attend the ceremony which took place in the main gym. The National Honor Society (NHS) does service projects throughout the school year. Each member is required to do two service projects, benefiting the school and the community, per semester. NHS has one meeting a month after school. The major service project that NHS organizes is the Toy Drive at Christmas for under-privileged children, according to math teacher and NHS moderator Jen Cipriano. In order to become a member of NHS you must be a junior or senior, and can join by filling out an application in which you write an essay and are evaluated in the areas of leadership, character, and service by faculty members. Any junior or senior with a 3.5 GPA or above can apply. NHS not only tries to build the academic character of students, but also “To promote scholarship, leadership, character, and service,” said Cipriano. “It is a very fulfilling experience,” said Gabby Wells, senior member of NHS. Interested in NHS? Contact club moderator Jen Cipriano at jcipriano@cghsnc. org. Photo by Dan Jukic /Gibbons Media
Students juggle on the Campus Green with club moderator and theology teacher Gary Meyerl (pictured right). Jackie Kirsch Media 1
Photo by Mike Koppinger /Gibbons Media
New NHS members gather in the school gymnasium and listen to club President, Isabela Zawistowska, make a speech on Sunday, September 29. Page design and profiles by Media I students.
Juggling Club is devoted to promoting the art of juggling. Both students and faculty members can participate no matter what their skill level is. “We are willing to teach students and faculty members how to juggle,” said Gary Meyerl, club moderator and Theology teacher. If you are interested in learning how to juggle, then come to Juggling Club. Meetings are on Fridays after school on the Campus Green. Through the club, members can have fun while doing what they love- juggling! “Our purpose is to teach people how to juggle and have fun while doing it!” said sophomore Pete Morello. The club hopes to do more service in the community this year. “This year’s goal for the Juggling Club is to become more service-oriented,” said Meyerl. The club is hoping to do a show for the students at St. Raphael’s school, and eventually to perform for children at Rex Hospital. Juggling club exists to teach the art of juggling to anyone who is interested. “To give some of the basic skills of juggling and to develop their skills further,” said Meyerl. Juggling Club’s last meeting was Friday October 25 on the campus green. Contact senior Thomas Zeleskey, junior David Cairn, sophomore Pete Morello or club moderator Gary Meyerl at gmeyerl@cghsnc.org with questions.
The Crusader 14
November 22, 2013
Gibbons says goodbye to Grease
First production of the year comes to a ‘bittersweet’ close
All photos by Diane Ripollone/Gibbons Media
The entire cast of Grease performing the final musical number and one of the most iconic songs from the show, “We Go Together”, in their last dress rehersal before the show opened on October 23. “My favorite memory was the final song. I really enjoyed the whole cast singing and dancing together onstage together. The song has a lot of energy,” said sophomore Samantha Rahn. Caroline Young Arts & Entertainment Editor In the words of the finale song, “We Go Together”, the cast of Grease will always be together after forming a family bond through the show. After months of working together on the show, the cast felt “bittersweet” about parting ways at the end of the show. The JV Drama production of Grease wrapped at the end of October, with the final show on Wednesday, October 30. The cast put on five shows, opening on Thursday, October 23 in the main theater. Every show was close to being sold out, if not completely sold out. The whole cast had been waiting anxiously for opening night since the show was cast in early September, and all of their hard work paid off when the show opened. “Opening night was great. I thought we got a lot of really great energy from the audience. We had a really great crowd with good energy and it helped us give that energy back,” said sophomore Riley Hough, who played the male lead Danny Zuko. “Opening night was a lot of fun. It was fun to perform in front of an audi-
Members of the ensemble performing the musical number “Beauty School Drop Out”. Page design by Arts & Entertainment Editor Caroline Young
ence for the first time and to mix our energy with theirs. It was awesome,” said sophomore Samantha Rahn, who portrayed Patty Simcox in the show. “Opening night was really high energy. Everyone was really excited and really nervous at the same time. We didn’t know what to expect, which is why we were so excited,” said sophomore Meg Johnson, who was Jan. “Opening night was a really memorable experience. We had a lot of energy going into it and that rush was never really replicated again,” said sophomore Penn Harrison, who played Doody in the show. This was the first time the freshmen in the show experienced performing as part of Gibbons drama. “It was really nerve wracking because I’d never been a major lead of a show before and everyone I knew was coming. Once you get through the first scene it’s just an amazing feeling,” said freshman Cathryn Zachary, who played Rizzo. There were many aspects to the show and Michelle Giannini, drama teacher and the show’s director, couldn’t have been prouder of her cast. “The energy was amazing. The audience was incredible. They loved
the live band. There’s a certain energy you can only get with a live band and the audience loved it. Some of them were singing along,” said Giannini. “I’m incredibly pleased with it. It exceeded my expectations. The production is half of it. They pulled off the production and also formed lasting friendships and grew as performers and as men and women, and that’s the other half of it.” The show coming to an end was bittersweet for the entire cast. “Closing night was very emotional because we had been working for so long and it was over. Things were great and it was a good note to end on,” said Johnson. “It was a really emotional experience for a lot of people. It was sad to part ways but at the same time we’re like a family and that’s not going away. We channeled that and put it into our last show,” said Harrison. “Bittersweet. We ended on an outstanding note, but it’s always sad to say goodbye to a good show. I’m very, very proud of them,” said Giannini. “It was really sad because we grew so close, like a family. We just went out there and sang our hearts out. It was incredible. We’re all still really close,” said Zachary.
Sophomores Cristina Duchesne and Riley Hough playing the lead roles of Sandy and Danny in Grease. The cast was very excited to have an actual car to use as a prop for “Grease Lightning” and other scenes in the show.
“Closing night was sad because it was the end of a really great process, but it was still good to do that one last show and reflect on all the fun we had,” said Rahn. “It was sad because the Grease cast became one big family and it was the end of all the fun we had,” said sophomore Rullaman Wellington, who was Knicky. Like many of the shows before them, the cast of Grease consider themselves a family and will miss the bonds and friendships formed through working together on the show. “I will miss the really close bond that the cast had and seeing all my friends from the show every day,” said Johnson. “The cast members, we were all like a family,” said Wellington. “They loved each other so much. They learned from each other, supported each other. They didn’t want it to end. They were definitely the closest cast I’ve ever worked with. I’m going to miss watching them grow,” said Giannini.
Sophomores Penn Harrison and Rullaman Wellington portraying the iconic Greasers.
Arts & Entertainment
November 22, 2013
The Crusader 15
This is Our Town
Gibbons production of American classic emphasizes community
Kelly Brown Arts and Entertainment Editor
The Gibbons Drama production of Thornton Wilder’s American classic Our Town is currently in full swing in the main theater. “I’m very excited to show one of my favorite plays to the Gibbons community. Our Town is a very fantastic production, and with a cast that has worked this seamlessly together, [audiences can] anticipate a great show,” said Kevin Ferguson, Gibbons Drama Creative Director. The production opened on Friday, November 15 and has three more performances tonight, Saturday and Sunday. According to cast members, opening night went very well. A sold-out house provided a lot of energy and many in the cast say this was one of their best productions yet. “There was a lot of energy from the crowd and the cast alike,” said senior Conor Smith, who plays the male lead of George Gibbs. “The crowd was really supporting and full of energy, which gave the rest of [the cast] even more positive energy.” “I was very anxious, but as soon as I stepped out I was just filled with excitement,” said senior Ryan Wangen, who plays Constable Warren. Our Town is like the It’s a Wonderful Life of theatre. It’s a very moving, meaningful, and serious play, where audiences get a look into the life of the people of the small town of Grover’s Corners. Audiences are introduced to this quaint town and then throughout play little nuggets of the town and its people’s history are revealed. The show is full of great actors, so you will really feel connected to Grover’s Corners and its people.
Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media
Seniors Conor Smith and Alexa Pursley are in character during an “Our Town” rehearsal. Smith plays George Gibbs and Pursley plays Emily Webb, a couple in love.
Our Town is a play about community, a theme that is appropriate for Gibbons, with its emphasis on the school community. The fictional town Grover’s Corners is a close-knit community, full of people who genuinely like one another. Similarly, the cast is a mix of seniors, juniors, and even freshmen. The sense of community in the play also connected the cast as a whole.
Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media
Seniors Conor Smith, Cameron Hahn, and sophmore Melanie Lopes rehearsing for Our Town.
“It was fun to be able to have so many people from different grades because I was able to talk to people I had not normally talked to,” said Wangen. Seniors Christina Donovan and Alexa Pursley agree this play resonates with the cast in a special way. “We have a good, trusting cast and we’re all close. We are all working hard to make this show the best it can be,
Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media
Our Town’s chorus consisting of many of the citizens from the town in New Hampshire.
Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media
Senior Conor Smith and junior Tim Kowalczyk.
making small tweaks here and there,” said Donovan, who plays one of the citizens of the town. “It’s important to show a sense of community and friendship, and how to value that because it can lead to better life experiences.” “This play is a great for senior year. It has a lot of resolving elements, and to me that’s what senior is about. It’s closing this year nicely,” said Pursley, who plays the female lead of Emily Webb.
Photo by Diane Ripollone/Gibbons Media
Senior Alexa Pursley and Madeline Cooke as mother and daughter.
The Repeater hosts art and literary contest The art and literary magazine gets the word out on Repeater.
Stephanie Todd News Editor The Repeater, Gibbons’ art and literary magazine, like many of Gibbons’ media productions, is tradition. It has come out with an issue annually since 1997. And while The Repeater is still to be published and available by spring-time as per usual, this year will be different. For the first time ever, The Repeater will be holding an art and literary contest, designed to spark an interest in the publication as well as to unite the school community in excitement. “Holding the contest will help integrate The Repeater in the life of the school because it emphasizes that all students in all classes can help produce a quality magazine that showcases the talents, hard work and dedication of the student body. It also emphasizes that The Repeater is about more than producing an annual publication –that it is about frequently sharing students’ literary and artistic talents with others,” says Rachelle Garbarine, moderator of The Repeater. Works of all kinds, short stories, poems, artwork, photographs, can be submitted up until December 1, The Repeater staff will judge these and the winners will be announced Friday, December 13. Those who place first and second in the overall category are to receive prizes. However, in addition to having the overall contest, a special category is also to take place this year. Some may recall The New York Times’ contest that was open to students around the country, encouraging them to send in photos of their hometown. Similar to
this, The Repeater now offers a new prompt to be entitled “My Gibbons”. “What that means is that we are asking students to submit short stories, essays, photographs and/or artwork that reflect what Gibbons means to them,” said Garbarine. The winners of this will be having what Garbarine describes as “a highly visible section of the magazine devoted to the winners of this special contest category”. In addition to the annual production, which highlights the artistic abilities of our school, this year’s Repeater offers up the opportunity to make students’ work more available throughout the year through the magazine’s website www.cghsnc.org/litmag created by last year’s staff as well as planning The Repeater Box. A Raleigh poet’s attempt to spread her poetry throughout her neighborhood by employing the boxes most usually seen outside of “for sale” houses inspired the Repeater. “Basically, The Repeater boxes, will be filled weekly with copies of a different poem, short story, essay, photograph, or artwork, that students, teachers, staff members can take and read,” said Garbarine. In addition, a panel discussion with three professional writers took place on November 20, sponsored by The Repeater
Page design by Arts and Entertainment Editors Caroline Young and Kelly Brown and News Editor Stephanie Todd.
Cover art by Laura Hart
The 2012-2013 cover of The Repeater by current junior Laura Hart. This year’s issue will hopefully see many additional artworks submitted by students, encouraged by the contest and the “The Repeater Box”
November 22, 2013
The Crusader 16
Men’s basketball focuses on team goals
Photo by Jordan Watkins ‘13
Senior captain Moses Romocki, seen above in action against Cary from last season, will take on an increased role on and off the court for Gibbons this season.
Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief Gibbons men’s basketball coach Marque Carrington led Gibbons to back to back winning seasons in 20112012 (15-12) and 2012-2013 (14-10), but in order to duplicate that same success in 2013-2014, Carrington needs many new faces to step up. Gibbons loses four seniors from last year’s team and the Crusaders only bring back five returning players. Despite the team’s youth, Carrington believes that this year’s team is talented and he said that he and his team still have many of goals that they find achievable. “We always want to finish above .500 in the regular season and we want to win our Christmas tournament. We want to finish top three in our league [Big Eight conference], we want to get to the conference tournament championship and we want to make the playoffs,” said Carrington. One of the key seniors Gibbons
brings back is captain Moses Romocki. Romocki possesses great athletic ability, is a capable ball-handler with a good jump shot and he has enough height to play center and that’s where Carrington plans on utilizing him this season. “He brings a lot of athletic ability. Moses has another gear that we’re still trying to get out of him. On offense, he’s a mismatch because he’s either going to have a four guy or a five guy guarding him and in our offense he’s a five. On defense, he can guard every position on the floor. The one thing he’s worked on is shooting so he’s become more of a threat outside. He can get to the hole very easily, too,” said Carrington. Romocki believes that he can use his guard-like skills to his advantage against slower and more traditional centers. “With some bigger guys, I know I’ll be a lot quicker than them. I can stretch them out so I’ll have to knock down some shots so they’ll respect me
and then I can use my quickness to get around them,” said Romocki. Senior shooting guard John Cunningham and junior small forward Justin Reid are also captains alongside Romocki. Carrington described Cunningham as a player who puts the betterment of the team before himself. “He’s [Cunningham] a coach’s dream. John is a defensive guy, but he’s a team guy. He’s going to do all the little things to help the team and he’s a hustle guy. He’s just a great leader,” said Carrington. Besides Romocki and Cunningham, the only other senior is power forward Thomas Morgan, so many junior and sophomore players will need to take on bigger roles for Gibbons. Junior point guard Nick Forbes, junior shooting guard Logan Bugg and Reid all gained valuable experience as all three played on the team a year ago. New to the team this year are junior point guard Blane Beason and junior center Alex Lai. Both of those guys have stood out thus far in practices according to Romocki. “At point guard, I think Blane Beason will be able to help out a lot. He’s been playing well,” said Romocki. Lai is the tallest player on the team and Romocki thinks his size will help Gibbons down low. “He’s [Lai] about 6’8” so he’ll be able to provide some solid minutes for us. The thing about him is he gets the job done. He can finish well around the rim and he’ll get the tough baskets by doing the dirty work,” said Romocki. Ultimately, in order for Gibbons to have a successful season, they must be solid on defense according to Romocki. “I think we need to really defend the ball. We’re going to have to stay in front of our men and box out. Since we’re not the biggest team we’re going to need to fight for rebounds,” said Romocki. The team got off to a good start towards achieving its goals by opening the regular season with a 62-56 victory at Union Pines on Tuesday, November 19.
Five students sign National Letters of Intent
Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Gibbons senior athletes, from left to right, Maria Annunziata, Gannon Morrison, Erin Quinn, Shelby Scanlin, and Ade Taiwo, all signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, November 13.
Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor Five Gibbons senior athletes took the next step in their playing careers on November 13 as they signed their letters of intent to play next year in college. Ade Taiwo will play soccer at North Carolina State University, Shelby Scanlin will play lacrosse at the University of Maryland, Gannon Morrison will play lacrosse at Marist College, and Maria Annunziata will play softball at Meredith College. For sports information director Alex Bass, the focus is on all of the contributions these students have made to the Gibbons community, not just athletically. “We can’t label our students with any one title, that’s what makes them all so special. Athletics was just one of the venues in which they shared their gifts and talents,” said Bass.
Athletic director Todd Schuler echoed those sentiments. “I think it’s a testament to the hard work that our teachers, our students, coaches, and families put into all our programs, it’s a school accomplishment, not just an athletic accomplishment,” said Schuler. Schuler feels the accomplishment for these students reflects well on Gibbons both academically and athletically. “It’s an honor for these individuals and for our school; their accomplishments athletically have opened the door for them academically. I think it reflects very well on Cardinal Gibbons, it shows we attract athletically gifted students and that we prepare them to be successful going forward,” said Schuler. Character was also a big focus of the ceremony. “We know and love [these stu-
Page design by Sports Editor Andrew Schnittker, Sports Editor Preston Moser and Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty
dents] because of the people who they are. It’s the character quality and characteristics that define these students, and that’s what I’ll remember about them,” said Bass. For the signees, this is another step on their journey, one that Taiwo in particular feels his time at Gibbons prepared him for. “It means that hard work and dedication has paid off, and everything that my coaches have taught me has paid off. I hope to continue improving. [I’ve learned] to show respect to your coaches, to your players, and to the staff, because they’re the ones that will get you to the next level,” said Taiwo. Taiwo won’t be going far from Gibbons, taking his game to N.C. State next year. “I want to be a home town hero, to just show that soccer in Raleigh has expanded, that soccer in America has expanded, and there’s a lot of talent coming out of Gibbons,” said Taiwo.
Sports Briefs Winter track and field Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor
The winter track season for the Gibbons men’s and women’s teams begins with the first practice on January 6, 2014. According to head coach Nick Mangum, the season is largely based on preparation for the upcoming spring season. “The idea is that we want to build fitness and prepare for the spring season,” said Mangum. Mangum identified runners like senior Mary Grace Doggett and sophomore Sophie Ebihara as ones to keep an eye on. Doggett and Ehihara finished first and second in the NCHSAA 3A cross country championship. Mangum also mentioned pole-vaulters junior Sofia San Miguel and senior Megan Comstock as key players on the girls side. He identified runners freshman Connor Lane and sophomore Connor Peeples as key players on the boys side. The team currently has three meets scheduled for the winter season, the Durham Striders Invitational at Eddie Smith Field House at the University of North Carolina on January 11, a home meet on January 18, and the Eastern High School Challenge at Eddie Smith Field House. The NCHSAA 3A Indoor Track State Championship at the JDL Fast Track in Kernersville, NC is scheduled for February 8, 2014.
Swimming and diving Andrew Mihok Sports Editor
The Gibbons men’s and women’s swimming teams are looking to continue their dominance in the pool. The men’s team is coming off their sixth straight 3A swimming title. The women’s team is looking to win their first title since 2009, the end of a stretch in which they won nine straight championships. “I think for the girl’s team last year we got in the mix for a state championship and this year our goal is to be in the top three. For the guys we have to replace the seniors from last year who scored about 85 percent of the points,” said assistant coach Taylor Blanton. The men’s team is led by senior Andy Lui and junior Noah Cairns. Lui was a part of the 200 freestyle relay team that captured the state record time of 1:27.51. For the women’s squad, returning sophomore Emily Dykstra holds the state record for 500 freestyle with a time of 5:09.89. Blanton is looking forward to the season due to the team having to work hard to gain to accomplish their goals. “I am excited, because I think this year’s group will have to earn their place at states,” said Blanton. The teams open up the season on November 20 at the Triangle Aquatic Center in a match against Athens Drive, Fuquay-Varina, and Holly Springs. For the Crusaders, the top in state foes will be rival Chapel Hill, Marvin Ridge, and J.M. Robinson.
Women’s basketball
Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief
A year following an 18-7 season that ended with a first round playoff loss to Walter M. Williams, the Gibbons women’s basketball team began its 2013 season with a 53-45 victory on at Union Pines Tuesday, November 19. The Crusaders are very experienced as they return 11 players from last year’s team. Among those 11, six are seniors including point guard Morgan Reid. A two-sport athlete, Reid is currently committed to Duke for soccer. Reid was named the Carolina 3A conference women’s basketball player of the year for the 2011-2012 season and has earned all-conference honors each of her three seasons. Senior center Madison Beuris will play a big role for Gibbons this year as she averaged a double-double last year (10.8 points, 11.2 rebounds.)
November 22, 2013
Sports
The Crusader 17
Women’s Golf excels in first year with new coach Crusaders finish fourth at NCHSAA 3A state tournament
Photo countributed by Greg Greksa
Gibbons junior Ellen Smith prepares to drive the ball during a conference match versus Carrboro, Chapel Hill, East Chapel Hill and Northwood at Chapel Ridge Golf Club on Tuesday, September 24.
Erik Borchers Online News Editor The Gibbons women’s golf team completed what was a great season, according the first-year head coach Greg Greksa. Gibbons’ only loss in the regular season came against St. Mary’s on October 8. “We lost by three overall. It was bad,” said junior captain Ellen Smith. The Crusaders also tied St. Mary’s earlier on during the season. The squad is composed of 11 members, down from 21 last year. According to Smith, the year has been a success not just because of good play on the course, but because of the way the team has bonded together. “I felt like the regular season went very well. I’ve
created bonds with the team. We are all friends outside of golf. We text and hang out like a family,” said Smith. Despite having a smaller roster this season, Gibbons was still very talented. “We have three consistent players: captains Ellen Smith and Caroline O’Neil, and Liesl Miranda. Caroline O’Neil has been a medalist two times this season and is in position to be selected as player of the year,” said Greksa. Gibbons played in the conference tournament on Tuesday, October 15 against Carrboro, Chapel Hill, East Chapel Hill and Northwood. Cardinal Gibbons beat out Northwood and East Chapel Hill high school with a team score of 253. O’Neil led Gibbons with a score of 77, while Smith had a score of 86, and Miranda finished with a 90.
Photo contributed by Greg Greksa
Gibbons junior Caroline O’Neil takes a swing during a non-conference match versus Ravenscroft at North Ridge Country Club on Wednesday, September 25.
Smith, O’Neil, and Miranda went to regional championships at Meadowlands in Winston Salem on Monday, October 21st and the group finished third out of fourteen, which qualified them for a state tournament. Those three placed fourth at the NCHSAA 3A state tournament on Tuesday, October 29. “There was rough conditions at states. It was raining so it was harder to put up low scores,” said Smith. Recapping, Gibbons won the conference championship, placed third in the regional tournament, and fourth in the state tournament. “We finished the season pretty well, but not where we wanted to. We played really well during the regular season,” said Smith.
Men’s XC ends season second best in state
Field Hockey builds program in historic season
Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor
Preston Moser
The Gibbons men’s cross country team finished their season with a second place finish at the NCHSAA 3A state championship on Saturday, November 2, 2013. According to head coach Nick Mangum, the team finished a close second to first place Weddington, with many of the times between runners of
Contributed Photo
Gibbons freshman Connor Lane accepts the NCHSAA sportsmanship award after the NCHSAA 3A championship on Saturday, November 2.
the two teams being very close. “It was all I could ask for, I was proud of the effort,” said Mangum. The team did not have any top 10 finishers, but freshman Connor Lane finished 23rd overall with a time of 16:25. Lane also won the sportsmanship award, which according to Mangum is a huge accomplishment, even more so for a freshman.
Contributed Photo
Gibbons junior David Edwards runs during the NCHAA 3A state championship on Saturday, November 2. Edwards finished 28th.
Page Design by Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty, and Sports Editors Preston Moser and Andrew Schnittker
Sports Editor
Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first round of the state playoffs to Northwest Guilford on Wednesday, October 30, the Gibbons varsity field hockey team took a step in the right direction for the future this season. The team finished the season 5-81, and also finished second in the conference in their first season as a varsity sport. The year started out badly for Gibbons, but the Crusaders rebounded to cap off the season with strong effort. “This season was rough at first, but
that was because we were still learning. Bulding a program from the bottom up is a huge challenge, but for what we have done so far and how hard we have worked, it’s amazing” said junior captain Taylor Adams. All things considered, head coach Amy Adams is very pleased with the way her squad performed down the stretch to help improve the young program. “I am very proud of the entire team and the effort they put forth in building this program.” Said head coach Amy Adams.
Photo by Kelley Murren/Landmark Yearbook
Gibbons junior Sarah Comstock battles for the ball with Cary Academy junior Annie McDarris during a game on Friday, October 4. Gibbons lost 5-0.
SPORTS
The Crusader 18
November 22, 2013
Gibbons opens playoffs with 44-28 win on the road over Triton in the first round Crusaders now face Southern Durham in second round of NCHSAA playoffs
Photo by Sean Feick/The Crusader
Senior safety Jackson O’Korn leads Gibbons through the stands and onto the field prior to Gibbons’ season opening 14-12 win over Green Hope on Friday, August 23rd
Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief Senior quarterback Shawn Stankavage continued his hot streak and the Gibbons defense held a usually highscoring Triton offense in check as Gibbons defeated Triton 44-28 in the first round of the NCHSAA 3AA state playoffs. After Triton took an early 7-0 lead on a nine-yard touchdown run by junior running back D’angelo Harris, Gibbons scored 31 unanswered points of their own and never looked back. While the Gibbons offense was putting up points, the Crusader defense made things difficult for Triton as the Hawks turned the ball over once and were forced to punt five times. Gibbons head coach Steven Wright sees the win as a total team effort and he said that they played as well as possible. “The offense and defense both played as good as we could have hoped for. The kids were prepared, they played hard and I’m just really proud of their effort and execution. Gibbons went ahead 8-7 in the first
quarter following a 19-yard touchdown catch by junior wide receiver James Sriraman and a successful two-point conversion try. The touchdown pass to Sriraman was one of five Stankavage threw and he also added a rushing touchdown as well. Wright knows that his quarterback is heating up just at the right time. “He’s on fire. He’s playing some great football and it’s fun to scheme and gameplan and to take advantage of his God given ability,” said Wright. In his past three games, Stankavage has 14 passing touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns and just two interceptions. Junior wide receiver Earl Gill caught his first of two touchdown receptions of the game on the last play of the first quarter as Stankavage found him in the end zone from 17-yards out. Gibbons caught Triton off guard as the Crusaders recovered an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff. Gibbons capitalized off that as ju-
nior kicker Brandon Loy made a 27yard field goal to make the score 18-7. Stankavage closed out his magnificent first half performance with touchdown passes to senior wide receiver Dante DiMaggio and Gill to give Gibbons a 31-7 at halftime. Stankavage completed passes to five of his wide receivers and Wright knows how valuable it is to have such a deep group of receivers. “It’s outstanding to be able to have five targets on the field that we can always count on and a couple backing them up. Shawn settled into his rhythm and he’s got a lot of confidence in his wide receivers,” said Wright. Gill’s second touchdown of the game was set up by an interception by senior safety Jackson O’Korn. O’Korn now has eight interceptions on the year. The Gibbons defense held Triton to only 218 rushing yards, about 56 yards less than what the Hawks were averaging entering tonight’s game. While Triton did add three touchdowns in the second half, all of those scores came with the game close to being out of reach. Wright contributes the defense’s success to defensive coordinator Okesa Smith and the players’ ability to remain disciplined. “One, it was a great game plan there by Coach O [Okesa Smith] and we talked all week about playing disciplined defense and those kids did that,” said Wright. Triton came out swinging on offense in the second half as they scored on their first two drives of the third quarter. Senior quarterback Jeremy Leggett ran three yards for a touchdown but Stankavage answered back with a 28yard touchdown scramble of his own. A few minutes later, Leggett threw a five-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Chris Eason. Gibbons scored its last touchdown of the game less than a minute into the fourth quarter on a 13-yard catch by DiMaggio. Triton would score one more time with under four minutes remaining on
Photo by Kathleen Larson/Landmark Yearbook
Senior wide reciever Dante Dimaggio runs away from a Green Hope defender during Gibbons’ 14-12 win on Friday, August 23
another five-yard catch by Eason from Leggett. With the victory, Gibbons (9-3) moves on to the second round of the playoffs and will face Big Eight conference foe Southern Durham. The Spartans have lost just two games all season and beat Gibbons 4528 earlier on this season. Wright understands that it’ll take a near perfect game from his team to beat Southern Durham, but he thinks that playing them previously helps. “Fortunately we’ve seen them. Their speed isn’t going to be a surprise this time. They’re incredibly talented. We’ll certainly have our hands full and we’re going to have to develop a game plan that puts our kids in a place where they can succeed,” said Wright. Southern Durham defeated Chapel Hill 40-6 in the first round of the playoffs.
Soccer ends season with 4-2 loss to Jacksonville
Senior-led Crusaders finish season with 16-7-1 record after playoff loss Andrew Mihok Sports Editor The Gibbons men’s soccer team’s season came to end in the second round of the NCHSAA 3A playoffs with a 4-2 loss to the Jacksonville Cardinals, a common foe come playoff time for the squad. The Crusaders finish the year 16-7-1 and 12-2 in conference play with both losses coming against rival Chapel Hill. Jacksonville was able to gain control of the lead early and led 2-1 at the half. The Cardinals then scored two unanswered goals in the second half to increase the lead to 4-1. Senior Warren Washington led the way for Jacksonville with a team-high two goals while also adding an assist. Junior Clayton Sparks and senior Tyler Moore each added a goal as well for the Cardinals. “I think they [Jacksonville] finished their chances and we were unlucky to finish ours. It was a tough second round draw and we had to make those chances if we wanted to win,” said head coach Tim Healy. Before the season-ending loss to Jacksonville, Gibbons defeated Eastern Guilford 9-0 at home in the first round of the playoffs on Wednesday, October 30. For Healy, the effort brought to the team by the players was the most enjoyable part of this year’s squad. “The amount of work that these seniors lead this group to do without complaining and working together as a team was great to see,” said Healy.
Photo by Kathleen Larson/Gibbons Media
Senior Chase Rhode looks for the ball during Gibbons’ 2-0 win over Orange.
Photo contributed by Mike Vorobiov
Senior Cameron Steele controls the ball during Gibboons’ 4-1 over Northern Durham.
As part of a new tradition this year thought of by senior captains Chase Rhode, Cameron Steele, and Bryan Hall, the team went to chapel before each home game. “The senior captains added a small pre-game ritual of going to the chapel before each home game for a quick moment of reflection. I think it fits with the mission of our school and always
Page design by Sports Editor Andrew Mihok and Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty
reminded me that I am lucky to work with Gibbons students,” said Healy. Over the course of the season the team bonded and kept growing as the season progressed according to Rhode. “Everyone became good friends and we bonded and everyone was very close at the end of the year,” said Rhode. According to Rhode, there are a
few things that he is going to really miss about playing soccer for Gibbons. “I will miss putting on my jersey and getting my name called out under the lights and going to battle with my best friends,” said Rhode.
SPORTS
November 22, 2013
VICTORIOUS
The Crusader 19
Women’s cross country
Doggett, Ebihara pace Crusaders to fourth straight state title Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor The Gibbons women’s cross country team finished their excellent season with a first place finish at the 2013 NCHSAA 3A state championship, winning the team’s fourth straight title. “I thought across the board, they [the runners] were very solid. The kids ran tough,” said head coach Nick Mangum. Mangum was named the Big Eight conference Girls’ Coach of the Year. Gibbons had four runners finish in the top eight. For the second year in a row, senior Mary Grace Doggett, the Big Eight conference Female Runner of the Year, finished first overall, with a time of 17:57. Also for the second straight season, sophomore Sophie Ebihara finished second overall, with a time of 18:22. Junior Megan Vaughn placed sixth with a time of 18:46.18. Vaughn also won the NCHSAA sportsmanship award. Rounding out the Gibbons group of top runners was senior Rachel Bartolomeo, who has already committed to run at North Carolina State next year, with a time of 18:46.66. The team had one more runner
Contributed photo
(L-R) Junior Laura Hart, junior Megan Vaughn, assistant coach Patrick Dmytriw, senior Rachel Bartolomeo, sophomore Sophie Ebihara, freshman Anna Pierce, senior Mary Grace Doggett, junior Amanda Wiggenhorn, junior Abby Doyle, sophomore Nicole Davis, junior Kathryn Baker, senior Kitty Gibbons, sophomore Rachel Harris and head coach Nick Mangum after winning the NCHSAA 3A women’s cross country state championship on Saturday, November 2.
finish in the top 20, with junior Amanda Wiggenhorn clocking in at 19:40. The fourth straight title concludes what Mangum viewed as a very successful season. “We learned a lot, a few athletes had tremendous breakthroughs, it
makes me look forward to next year,” said Mangum. At the end of the season, Doggett, Ebihara, Vaughn, Bartolomeo, Wiggenhorn, junior Laura Hart and freshman Annie Pierce were all named the Big Eight All-Conference team.
LEGACY
Contributed photo
Gibbons senior Mary Grace Doggett (left) runs during the NCHSAA 3A state championship on Saturday, November 2. Doggett finished in first place for the third year in a row. Gibbons sophomore Sophie Ebihara (back) finished in second place.
Women’s tennis
Crusaders defeat Weddington 5-1 to bring home second title in three years Cheyenne Wood Production Editor
The Gibbons women’s tennis team defeated Weddington 5-1 to win the NCHSAA 3A state championship on Saturday, November 2 in Burlington, North Carolina. Gibbons has now won two state championships in the last three years. Juniors Devin Knors, Natalie Freeman, Maggie Reilly and senior Andie Fitzgerald were also members of the 2011 championship team. Freshman Lizzie Galush was selected as the MVP of the state championship. “She [Galush] played well all season, but particularly in the playoffs when she went undefeated and was the first player to win her singles match in the finals to get the momen-
tum started for the team,” said Andrew Tuttle, head coach. Junior Maggie Reilly also received the NCHSAA Sportsmanship award. Junior Devin Knors added to the honors as she was named the Big Eight conference player of the year. Gibbons finished the season 28-1 with their only loss coming to Lake Noman in the Port City Invitational early on in August. The 28 victories are the most in a season in school history. Gibbons went undefeated in conference play and swept the conference tournament hosted by Orange High School. According to Tuttle, tough competition helped prepare the team for such a successful season. “We played a challenging non-conference schedule this season, including
many 4A opponents, and I feel like that got us prepared for the competition of the state playoffs. We had very competitive matches against Green Hope, East Chapel Hill, Grimsley and Lake Norman, all of whom were ranked in the top ten in the state in 4A. When we faced a difficult test in the semifinals against Terry Sanford, our players were ready to compete in the close matches and kept playing hard and never gave up, even when they were behind,” said Tuttle. Gibbons defeated Terry Stanford 5-4 on Wednesday, October 30 to win the 3A East Regional Championship thanks to a huge tie breaker win by the doubles pair Freeman and sophomore Summer Jacobs. The marathon match took around 5 hours. Knors and Galush also won the
state championship in doubles at the individual tournament held in Burlington on Saturday, October 26 when they defeated their teammates, Freeman and Jacobs. Both Knors and Galush were named to the News & Observer allMetro team, a list comprising of just eight players. Knors finished the season with a singles record of 19-7 while Galush went 24-1. On Monday, November 11, Tuttle was named the North Carolina High School Coach of the Year by the USTA. Since arriving at Gibbons in the fall of 2008, Tuttle has won two state championships as the head coach of the women’s team and four state championships as the head coach of the men’s team.
Contributed photo
Contributed photo
(L-R): Junior Natalie Freeman, sophomore Summer Jacobs, freshman Lizzie Galush and junior Devin Knors pose after the NCHSAA 3A individual tournament on Saturday, October 26. Galush and Knors defeated Freeman and Jacobs. Page design by Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty, and Sports Editors Andrew Mihok and Preston Moser
(L-R), Top row: Assistant coach Krista Reagan, freshman Lizzie Galush, sophomore Camille Latour, freshman Kristen Fitzgerald, sophomore Sarah Cunningham, freshman Caroline Igo, sophomore Abby Chilman, senior Catherine Monaco, senior Millie Piggott and head coach Andrew Tuttle. Bottom row: Junior Maggie Reilly, senior Andie Fitzgerald, sophomore Summer Jacobs, junior Natalie Freeman and freshman Kate Freed.
PERFECT SPORTS
The Crusader 20
November 22, 2013
Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
Senior outside hitter Amy Robertson spikes the ball during the NCHSAA 3A state championship against Jesse Carson on Saturday, November 2, 2013. Gibbons defeated Jesse Carson in three sets 25-16, 25-13 and 26-24 to capture the school’s NCHSAA-record fifth-straight state championship.
5th straight NCHSAA championship
First school in NCHSAA history to win five straight volleyball state championsips Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief There aren’t many things that the Gibbons volleyball program hasn’t done before but the Crusaders added to their legacy on Saturday, November 2 as they won an NCHSAA-record fifth-straight state championship, defeating Jesse Carson in three sets. “I’m very proud. I guess not many people can say that they were a part of [a program that won five straight state championships] but being able to is really good,” said senior setter Erin Quinn. Gibbons completed the school’s first undefeated season as an NCHSAA school at a perfect 28-0.
Perfect season: 28-0
First undefeated season as an NCHSAA school
After trailing 7-2 early on in the first set, Gibbons rallied for a 23-12 run to win 25-19. With the second set tied at 9-9, Gibbons outscored Carson 16-4 from that point on to win 25-13 behind strong performances by players such as sophomore outside hitter Briley Brind’Amour, senior outside hitter Amy Robertson, senior setter Cheyenne Wood and Quinn. Wood was named the NCHSAA 3A volleyball championship MVP during the post-game ceremony. Facing elimination, Jesse Carson played its best in the third set and the Cougars led 17-14 and later 23-22 before Gibbons came back to win 26-24, clinching the state title in dramatic
Photo by Sean Biette/Gibbons Media
Clockwise from center: Senior Amy Robertson, sophomore Emma Longley, senior Erin Quinn, senior Cheyenne Wood, junior Carmen Sigmon and senior Bianca Gartner (in white) react after the state championship-clinching final point as coach Logan Barber (left) applauds. Gibbons won the third set 26-24, defeating Jesse Carson. Page design by Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty
8th NCHSAA championship in program history
fashion. Despite trailing well into the final set, Robertson said that she was never worried about her team’s ability to pull out the victory. “I’m always confident that we can pull through. We trust each other,” said Robertson. According to Jesse Carson head coach Kelan Rogers, his team did not play its best all match. “That’s not the same team we’ve been all year. Not to take anything away from the team we just played, because they’re the dominant team, too, but it should have been like game three the whole time,” said Rogers. Gibbons head coach Logan Barber explained that every year he and his
2nd most all-time
team focus solely on the season at hand and tend not to think too much about past accomplishments. “Every year, on practice the first day, we talk about how we’re going to win a state championship this year and that’s the goal. The goal is to find a way to win with this group of kids this year and do that job,” said Barber. Barber also said that he is extremely proud of the way his squad handled the challenge of being one of the state’s top programs this season. “They handled it fantastically. It’s great to see these girls go into that, not panic when they could have panicked, not think about how big of a situation it is and just do their job,” said Barber.
Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media
Gibbons senior captains Erin Quinn (far left), Amy Robertson (kneeling left of banner), Bianca Gartner (kneeling right of banner) and Cheyenne Wood (rigth of Gartner) helped lead the team to the championship on Saturday, November 2, 2013. The win marks Gibbons’ fifth straight and eighth total NCHSAA championship.