The Crusader - Issue 6 - April 2014 - Cardinal Gibbons H.S.

Cardinal Gibbons High School - 1401 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, N.C. 27607 Volume 13 - Issue 6 - April 16, 2014 The Gibbons Dance program, over 150 strong, together at the fall dance concert.

Spring dance concert showcases program’s growth, talent

Junior Sam Sophie (top) performing with Dance III. Photo by Jessica Airey/Gibbons Media

Senior Kendall Davis with Dance IV. Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Dancers from Dance V performing in one of the last dances. Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media

Dance I class onstage. Photo by Diego Pineda/Gibbons Media

Check us out online at www.cghsnc.org/newspaper and follow us on Twitter @newspapercghsnc Page design by Arts & Entertainment Editor Caroline Young

Top photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media

Challenge Completed NEWS

The Crusader 2

April 16, 2014

Anthony Palumbo News Editor The Lenten season is a time that students are encouraged to be generous and charitable. And while there are multiple opportunities for giving in the Gibbons community during these 40 days, the Penny Challenge, sponsored by the Lancer Club, is one of the largest and most impactful.

The Penny Challenge breakfast on Tuesday, April 15 honors the class that donates the most money, For the past two years the current juniors were the victors but this year, the sophomore class earned that distinction with its charity. (Adviser note: Monetary totals were not made available for publication.)

The Penny Challenge came to an end on Tuesday, March 25. Students were asked to donate money in their theology classes, the proceeds of which are going to be given to various charities, selected by the Lancer Club Board.

The Lancer Club encouraged donations various ways this year. Along with creating the usual decorations of paper coins put up all around the school, the Lancer Club also tweeted with its school-issued Twitter account, @lancer_cghsnc, for the first time.

The club also sponsored a contest to see which student could guess the amount of coins on the walls in the various parts of the school.

“I think it’s great to see all the wonderful things The Lancer Club is doing to make it more of an interactive club, which welcomes all students throughout the school,” said junior Kathryn Baker.

This year the Penny Challenge based their campaign off of Pope Francis’ quote, “Gratitude to God, Generosity to others.”

Summing up the Penny Challenge as well as the Lancer Club’s motivations and mission statement, the quote has been the focal point on all flyers and placed on the walls throughout the school.

The Penny Challenge has been run

by Lancer Club moderator and theology teacher Pat Gallagher for over 20 years.

Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media

Freshman students help tape decorations to put in the cafetreria for the Penny Challenge. Every year students help create decorations to put around the school. This year, the sophomore class donated the most money to the Penny Challenge.

Penny Challenge 50th Edition

SPECIAL REPORT

We Can Make a Difference

March 18-25 Gibbons Penny Challenge

“Gratitude to God, Generosity to others.”

- Pope Francis

Faith

Service Leadership

POPE FRANCIS

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGE-ING

Poster created by Heather Keleher/Lancer Club

Freshmen Jocelyn Shell and Caroline Igo help out with decorating the cafeteria before the Penny Challenge.

Photo by Sarah Cunningham/Gibbons Media

Photo by Kylie Hopkins/Gibbons Media

The sophomore class earned a special breakfast on Tuesday, April 15 thanks to its generosity during the Penny Challenge.

Assistant Principal of Student Activities Mike Rogosich, center, stopped by to congratulate the sophomores.

Sophomores count donated money during class. (Above) The poster created by the Lancer Club was modeled after the Rolling Stone issue featuring Pope Francis.

Photo by Jason Curtis/@principalcghsnc

From Principal Jason Curtis on Twitter @principalcghsnc: “Penny Challenge Breakfast w Sophs. $17K for local/intl charities! Thx to Ms.Gallagher, CGFA vols & Theology Dept” Page design by News Editor Anthony Palumbo

Photos by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media

Freshmen Chris Cuomo and Spencer Mangum (rear) help out with decorating the cafeteria for the Penny Challenge.

Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media

News

April 16, 2014

The Crusader 3

Lenten soup sales let students give back

Friday lunches help bring charity to season of service Sean Feick Managing Editor Last Friday, March 14, was the last Friday that soup will be served as part of the annual Lenten Soup Sales that sell homemade and donated soup to students on Fridays in Lent, with the proceeds from the event being donated to charity.

For the two weeks that they were served, the featured soups have included Ramen noodle, broccoli and cheese, Spagettio’s, homemade clam chowder, and macaroni and cheese, with options to either buy the soup in a normal bowl for $3 or in a Panera bread bowl for $4.

The typical pizza lunch was also served those days for those who chose not to participate in the drive.

According to Director of Outreach Agnes Penny, the drive raised over $300 for the Catholic Parish Outreach service organization, and was held as a way for student to serve their peers as well as the needy in our community.

“I’m glad we made what we did and

for the experience that students had with volunteering and serving their peers,” said Penny.

The drive has traditionally been held every Friday in Lent, when Catholics are required to not eat meat, and as such the soups serve as a creative way to celebrate our Catholic heritage while also taking part in the theme of service during the Lenten season. None of the soups have been served with meat, and the pizza that was also served was topped with just cheese rather than the usual option of either cheese or pepperoni.

However, logistical issues with an increase in the price of the bread bowls from Panera, along with a decrease in the amount of soup donated, forced the drive to limit itself to only the first two weeks of Lent. The drive was still considered a success by its organizers, as it allowed students to help to serve each other while still giving service to the community.

“Having the opportunity to enjoy soup at lunch while still giving back to the community was the best part of this,” said junior TJ Schaff, who participated in the drive during the first week.

Photo by Sarah Cunningham/Gibbons Media

Students enjoy their bowls of soup on Friday, March 14, the second time it was served as part of the Lenten charity drive.

Director of Outreach Agnes Penny (right) tand Administrative Assistant Julia McCallum serve soup to students on the last Friday it was served on March 14.

Photo by Sarah Cunningham/Gibbons Media

Photo by Jackie Kirsh/Gibbons Media

Freshman Maya Rao (right) serves broccoli and cheese soup to a fellow student on Friday, March 14 during the annual Lenten soup sale charity fundraiser.

NHS provides supplies and gratitude to overseas soldiers Annual Easter drive changes focus from children to military Stephanie Todd News Editor While the NHS Christmas Toy Drive benefits children, the Easter Drive collects money and gifts for the troops overseas.

In the past, the Easter Drive was very similar to the Toy Drive in that the collection was for children.

However, this year NHS Junior President Maggie Dever made the suggestion for it to go towards the troops.

“I specifically requested that our Easter Drive benefit our soldiers overseas because of the dedicated work they are doing to protect our freedoms here in America,” said Dever.

The Easter Drive this year consisted of both care packages and “Thank You” cards.

“The goal of the Easter Drive was to provide for the men and women who do so much for us,” said NHS moderator Jen Cipriano.

The work load certainly seemed to be heavy. In the end, 12 boxes and five garbage bags full of donated items were collected. Items included toiletries, entertainment items such as DVDs, books, crossword puzzles, food and snacks, writing supplies and over 200 cards thanking the soldiers for their service to the country and reminding them of their presence in our prayers.

“It is a lot of work, but just like the Toy Drive, it is worth every minute.

Plus, there were 50+ NHS members who organized and packed up all of our donations…It definitely wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contributions,” said Cipriano.

The execution of a plan with the dedicated members of NHS was not the only work put into the Easter Drive.

“We have put in countless hours of work communicating with the organization, shipping our items, as well as sorting and packing them,” said Dever.

Cipriano remains hopeful that the items will be received by the soldiers by Easter, however she states that it will

be more realistic to assume that our items will arrive the week after Easter.

Military Missions in Action, an organization located in Fuquay, will be packing up and shipping everything in for Gibbons on April 16.

No matter when the soldiers receive their goods and thanks, it is nice to know that they will know of Gibbons’ gratitude to them.

“The Easter Drive is a great reminder of the sacrifices that our military men and women make for us on a daily basis. They are away from their friends and families, risking their lives, so that we can live freely and safe here,” said Cipriano.

Record breaking freshman class hits Gibbons

Catholic middle school students to make up large percentage

Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media

Every year, freshmen are first greeted at the Freshman Welcome Day by seniors, like these dressed up as grads in August. This year’s class will include more than 250 new members from Catholic middle schools alone.

Page design by News Editor Stephanie Todd and Managing Editor Sean Feick

Lorenzo Maccaisa Photo Editor Every year, it seems Gibbons keeps getting bigger, in terms of people and space. The Class of 2018 will be no exception.

Next year’s incoming Class of 2018 is shaping up to be the biggest freshman class in Gibbons history, according to Director of Admissions Marianne McCarty.

Over 325 students are expected in the Class of 2018 and all nine Catholic middle schools in the Triangle are represented in the upcoming freshmen class. At least 253 students of the Class of 2018 come from Catholic middle schools, according to numbers provided by McCarty.

In addition, Gibbons has received more applications from public schools this year than any other year, McCarty said.

“Our school has been expanding each year, and in my opinion, it is due to our brand new facilities and, simply, just word of mouth. People talk about this school in a good way and it’s persuading,” said McCarty.

Catholic Schools

Number of incoming students

Immaculata

7 St. Catherine 8 St. Thomas More 16 Cathedral School 19 Our Lady of Lourdes 25 St. Raphael 29 St. Michael 43 The Franciscan School 47 St. Mary Magdalene 59

253 members of the incoming 2018 freshman class currently attend a Catholic school within the Diocese of Raleigh.

Technology

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Gibbons prepares for 1:1 program

April 16, 2014

Students in class of 2015 and 2016 can bring own devices Erik Borchers News Editor On Wednesday, March 12, Principal Jason Curtis announced the “Connect, Collaborate, and Create” 1:1 school technology program.

“The school has been planning for this (1:1 initiative) for six to seven years,” said Director of Technology Lesley Coe. “My role (since arriving at Gibbons last year) was in the implementation and network overhaul,” said Coe. Parents were emailed a letter and given a link to a Gibbons website page listing frequently asked questions. Students in the class of 2017 and following will be issued a laptop – the laptop is included in an increased book fee price of $950.

Students in the class of 2015 and 2016 will not have an increased book fee; however they are required to bring their own device to school for the 20142015 school year.

Students are responsible for their own devices; however, tech support

will be available. Gibbons will offer tech support in the form of the Student Technical Assistance Resource (STAR) club and class. Alongside the students, several IT professionals and teachers will also be able to help students.

In response to new technology usage the policy “ThinkCG” was developed in order to promote appropriate technology use.

The specific laptop students will be issued has not been announced yet.

The classes of 2015 and 2016 are required to bring a device that has wireless internet connectivity, can access Google Drive, and allow students to type comfortably.

Almost any device will fulfill the requirements. Students can bring their tablets and smartphones, though they lack a physical keyboard will make writing difficult.

“We’re not making a device recommendation (for the class of 2015 and 2016), we’re focusing on instruction.

It’s all personal choice, you might have something at home you can use,” said Coe.

Contributed photo

Gibbons is moving away from desktop usage. The wireless network has been revamped for mobile usage, including laptops and tablets.

1:1 Program Frequently Asked Questions Will there be an additional cost to Cardinal Gibbons families to fund this program?

What type of tech support will be available to students?

Students in the classes of 2017 and 2018 will have a Student Book Fee of $950. Students in the classes of 2015 and 2016 will not receive a laptop, and those students will not have an increase in Student Book Fees during the 2014-2015 school year.

Cardinal Gibbons employs a full-time IT Director, an assistant to the IT Director, a contracted engineer, and a team of teachers who will be available to troubleshoot any basic issues students might have, such as accessing the wireless network. There will also be a group of students specifically trained to help their peers.

Why won’t all students be issued laptops?

Cardinal Gibbons wishes to allow the families of upperclassmen to choose a device for the student based on personal preference and the anticipation of attending college. Students in the classes of 2015 and 2016 will be permitted to purchase the laptop issued to underclassmen at the school price, but will not be required to do so.

Who will own the school-issued laptops given to the students?

Each laptop is the physical responsibility of the assigned student, but the laptop itself, along with all content created and stored on the device, network, and related accounts will belong to Cardinal Gibbons. Upon graduation, the laptop and its contents will become the assigned student’s personal property, along with its content, some software licenses etc. (Please be aware that student network usage is logged and tracked by our IT Department.)

How has the Cardinal Gibbons faculty prepared for this transition?

Our faculty has participated in extensive professional development and training opportunities over the past two years and worked collaboratively to develop new curriculum and teaching methods. We have worked in a close partnership with the Digital Learning Collaborative at the Friday Institute at North Carolina State University and sent representative teachers to visit other schools using varying types of instructional technology. Additionally, representative teachers have attended several conferences to explore the possibilities of a 1:1 device program in depth. Finally, teacher workspaces have been remodeled to support a collaborative spirit of learning and community.

Will there be loaner devices available?

Students must always have their devices at school, fully charged and in good condition. Students need to be aware that there is a limited availability of outlets on campus.

A limited number of Chromebooks will be available for students to check out from the library if a student’s school-issued laptop is being repaired. Chromebooks will only provide access to the Internet, not the school network. Please be aware that devices are a required school material, and students arriving to class without a device will face consequences similar to students who come to class without a pencil, paper, or textbook.

How does the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program work?

When will the underclassmen receive their laptops for next year?

Juniors and Seniors will be required to bring an internet-capable device on a daily basis. Examples include a smartphone, laptop, netbook, tablet, or e-reader. Preferred devices are laptops with a traditional operating system such as Windows or iOS and/or devices running Google Chrome as a browser.

Devices will be ordered and configured by the end of the summer of 2014. Upon returning to school, students will receive their laptops in a designated class during the first few weeks of school, at which time they will participate in a device orientation.

What are students responsible for bringing to school?

Information excerpted from the official 1:1 FAQ posted at www.cghsnc.org/technology Page design by News Editor Erik Borchers

April 16, 2014

The Crusader 5

Stewardship Mass honors service to Gibbons

Faculty, staff, Hall of Famers recognized at all-school Mass

MONSIGNOR GRIFFIN AWARD HONOREE (Presented to individuals who have made a positive impact on our school.)

M. Scott Brown, father of two Gibbons students, Allie ‘15 and Mason ’14, served as the Owners Construction Representative for the recent Building the Vision project.

BISHOP WILLIAM J. HAFEY AWARD HONOREE (35 YEARS OF SERVICE) Pam Heyl, Chair of the Social Studies Department. In 2008, she received the first Susan Scott Daly ’76 Excellence in Teaching Award and was a finalist in 1993 for the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching, given by the Diocese of Raleigh.

FATHER ALBERT J. TODD MEDAL HONOREES (15 YEARS OF SERVICE) Matt Brooks has been employed in the Facilities/Maintenance Department since 1999.

Miguel Casas, Spanish instructor, has been a high school teacher for 15 years, all of them at Cardinal Gibbons.

Denise Miller, Cafeteria Manager, started as a volunteer and became Cafeteria Manager when Cardinal Gibbons moved to its current Edwards Mills location in 1999.

Peggy Paez has been Director of Attendance since 2003. Previously, she served as assistant to former Vice Principal Br. Gary Cregan, O.S.F.

Photo by Rachelle Garbarine/Advancement

Principal Jason Curtis (far right) joined the honorees at a special luncheon after the Stewardship Mass.

The honorees were (l-r) Lesley Bryant ‘82, M. Scott Brown, social studies teacher Pam Heyl, Billy Warden ‘83, attendance director Peggy Paez, social studies teacher Jessica Greiner Lowe ‘99, cafeteria manager Denise Miller, Spanish teacher Miguel Casas, and Harry Stewart ‘36.

ALUMNI HALL OF FAME Harry Stewart ’36, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and businessman, is our oldest living alumnus, an ardent supporter of the school, an avid Crusader football fan and, early on, an advocate for the children in the orphanage. Harry has attended many recent events at Gibbons, including the 100th Anniversary Homecoming celebration.

Last year, he attended the senior luncheon and this year he will be the guest speaker at the luncheon. An accomplished businessman, Harry has held key positions in many companies; he was executive director of The Wolfpack Club at NC State, Chairman of Certified Planning Consultants, and President of Harry Stewart & Associates, an insurance firm.

Leslie Bryant ’82 tirelessly shares her time and talents with Cardinal Gibbons High School. Leslie, an active member of the Alumni Council, has been involved in numerous alumni events and committees. They include serving as class reunion leader and Homecoming weekend committee member. She was also involved with the school’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2009. Leslie, who attended Peace College and Hardbarger Business School, is also actively involved in her community. She is a member of Southwest Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council and of Fairview Acres Neighborhood Association Leader.

Billy Warden ’ 83, an ardent supporter of Cardinal Gibbons High School, was the guest speaker at the 2013 senior luncheon. Billy, Co-owner of GBW Strategies, a new era communications firm, has held various positions in the communications field, including executive producer for “E!” Entertainment Network. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1987 from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Southern California. Active in his community, Billy is on the advisory boards of several groups, including the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and the Contemporary Art Museum.

Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media

Photo by Rachel Hebert/Gibbons Media

Students and faculty receive Communion during the Stewardship Mass.

Senior volunteers Lauren Keeling and Cathy Graff hang out after the Mass.

Jessica Greiner Lowe ’99, teacher, coach and mentor, has been an active member of the Gibbons community since she graduated. Jess returned to Gibbons in 2004 as a Social Studies teacher and as an assistant coach of the varsity women’s basketball team.

Two years later, she became head coach. Jess holds the school record as all-time basketball scorer with 2,121 points. As coach, she has developed five 1,000+ scorers. Jess was inducted into the Gibbons Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. She played basketball at the University of South Carolina - Aiken and received her bachelor’s degree from NC State University. Jess and her husband, Tim, have two children - future Crusaders, Cade and Kennedy.

Source: Information compiled by Office of Institutional Advancement

Photo by Sean Biette/Gibbons Media

Photo by Ashley Herbert/Gibbons Media

Members of the guitar band play with guitar teacher Dave Spencer during the annual Stewardship Mass.

Spanish teacher Miguel Casas and history teacher Jessica Lowe bring up the gifts with junior altar server Isabel Perry during the Stewardship Mass

New name, new activities for Crusader Games Revamped night of intramural games celebrates traditions old and new Rebecca Camak Inside and Out Editor Gibbons just keeps changing and growing in every aspect, whether it is psychical changes to the campus or different tweaks and additions to old traditions. Originally named “Gladiator Night” and now changed to the “Crusader Games” was held on March 14th, 2014. The Crusader Games is a night for all students of all grade levels and all athletic abilities play different sports and engage in different activi-

ties starting at 3:30 pm and lasting until 8:00 pm in the evening.

This year the Crusader Games added 3 new events including foosball, chess, bocce ball, and ping pong these activities were added to the list of doge ball, soccer, volleyball, basketball. All of these events were held around campus including the main and auxiliary gym, foosball held in the main lobby, Ping-Pong ad chess held in the cafeteria and bocce ball held on the front lawn in front of the piazza.

Page design by Inside and Out Editor Rebecca Camak and Managing Editor Sean Feick

Student participation and enthusiasm is what makes the Crusader Games come alive. Students ran the events and were organized by captains of teams that recruited players a few weeks before the games to compete in grade level competitions of their desired sport.

One large part of the Crusader games was that it brought students of all grade levels and all sports ability levels to come and spend time together through some friendly competition.

According to Michael Rogosich, Assistant Principal of Student Life, the turnouts for the Crusader games have been high, and could potentially lead Gibbons into introducing Intramural sports teams for people that are not interested in Varsity or Junior Varsity sports.

Along with other traditions at Gibbons, these events spark new ideas and new ways to make and form new traditions for the students and generations to come.

MAESTRO

The Crusader 6

GIBBONS B 1

2

Do pushups on the Green Army board

6

Play in the Gridiron Game

Go to Prom Go to a Homecoming Footbal game

7

Dress up for Spirit Week

Take part

Get inducted into NHS

11

12

Participate in Box-a-Thon

16

Paint the Rock

Go

17

Win a state championship Page Design by Production Editor Cheyenne Wood

Learn to juggle with Mr. Meyerl and the Juggling Club

April16, 2014

The Crusader 7

BUCKET LIST 3

5

4

Ride a Green Machine

ll

Go on Kairos

t in a Pep Rally

13

10

9

8

Tailgate at a home football game

Model for Catwalk for Cancer

15

14

Go to the Junior Mass

to Prom

19

Donate blood to the Blood Drive

18

Sing the Alma Mater

GRADUATE ! !

Photos by Gibbons Media/Landmark Yearbook

The Crusader 8

April 16, 2014

The 1940’s Radio Hour signs off

Drama wraps up third show of the year, actors continue working

Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Senior Nick Teder and junior Tim Hackett contemplate the good times in The 1940’s Radio Hour

Kelly Brown Arts & Entertainment Editor The Gibbons drama program closed their show, The 1940’s Radio Hour, on March 16.

The musical followed the events at WOV, a small New York radio station, as various performers came together on December 21, 1942 in order to record a Christmas broadcast for overseas troops.

“It was the most interesting show I have ever pulled off,” said drama teacher and the show’s director Kevin Ferguson.

“The 1940’s Radio Hour is set in an actual radio station in New York City in 1942. It’s a pretty honest recreation of what radio broadcasts were like during that time period,” said Ferguson.

Instead of having four performances of the show, like most of the Gibbons drama performances, The 1940’s Radio Hour had twelve productions, due to both the large cast and the limited

Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Junior Tim Kowalzyk singing during The 1940’s Radio Hour.

seating in the studio theater.

The show featured a large cast with 13 scripted characters. Most of the characters were double or triple cast.

With a conundrum talented students rotating at least two to three roles for each showing.

“I’m still in disbelief that we pulled it off,” said Ferguson.

The 1940’s Radio Hour sold out every show, except for one.

Snows days became a huge problem for the development of the show.

The cast had eight days off from all the snow this winter. It posed a problem with the timing of the show. The cast couldn’t come in for rehearsals and it threw off the timing of the show.

“The music for this show was hard.

There were lots of harmonies, so we were really been working hard on the music. We really wanted it to be musically proficient, so we’re going spent a lot of time on the music,” said Ferguson.

Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Senior Katie Clarke preparing to sing onstage during a performance of the show.

Gibbons drama finishes year with Lend Me a Tenor

Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Juniors Jackson Feathers and Jordyn Temperato performing in the final Gibbons production of the year, Lend Me a Tenor.

Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Seniors Brandon Dini and Conor Smith onstage together during Lend Me a Tenor.

Kelly Brown Arts & Entertainment Editor The Gibbons Studio Theater class put on the show Lend Me a Tenor on Sunday, April 6. This was the fourth and last show this year at Gibbons.

The show closed on Sunday, April 13.

The cast was given a standing ovation and great reviews from audiences.

Lend Me a Tenor is an American farce by writer Ken Ludwig. It is centered on an opera house in Cleveland, Ohio. A famous opera star comes to Cleveland to perform Otello. But in a series of misunderstandings, the opera star falls into a coma. His assistant is left to take up the mantle and star in the show.

“Doing a comedy is hard work, and

Photo by Nicole Howren/Gibbons Media

Seniors Katie Clarke and Conor Smith arguing onstage in the play.

Page design by Arts & Entertainment Editor Caroline Young

I’m proud of all my students for pulling off this show,” said drama teacher and director Kevin Ferguson.

“Sometimes it would get annoying, the jokes would get old and there was a solid couple of weeks where we were all just sick of working. But we wanted to pull off a great show,” said senior Conor Smith.

Lend Me a Tenor was a big hit since the premiere of the first show on Sunday March 30. “My face is finally recovering from two hours of constant smiling. Amazing job cast,” freshman Austin Schick tweeted after the show.

Most have said it was the funniest show that Gibbons drama has done.

“All good things must come to an end,” junior Jordyn Temperato tweeted after Sunday’s last show.

April 16, 2014

Arts & Entertainment

The Crusader 9

Three sold out spring concert shows, a fitting send off for senior dancers

Page design by Arts & Entertainment Editor Caroline Young

Sports

The Crusader 10

April 16, 2014

Spring track races out to strong start Teams hope to carry positive momentum into regionals

Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor According to head coach Nick Mangum, the Gibbons men’s and women’s spring track teams got off to strong starts at their first meet at home against Orange and Jordan on Wednesday, March 12. The girls won, and the boys beat Orange but lost to Jordan.

Mangum has strong expectations as the season goes on.

“I think the girls are going to be very strong, the jumpers and field events are working hard. We’ve become a well-rounded team. The boys should develop some more depth and should be pretty solid,” said Mangum.

After that, the team had a meet on Saturday, March 15 at Ravenscroft.

According to Mangum, strong individual performances were the story of the day. Junior Kayla Gandy won the 400 hundred hurdles, and finished in the top six in the 200 meter run. Sophomore Sophie Ebihara finished 2nd in the mile.

“We had kids run really well, up until states it’s about the individual athlete, making sure they are successful,” said Mangum.

Speaking of strong individual efforts, senior Mary Grace Doggett finished fourth at the Indoor National Championship, with a time of 17:01 in the 5000 meter run, which averages to a 5:26 mile, and was named an All-

American.

“I’m very proud. I’m excited for her. She deserves it, she has worked hard for years,” said Mangum.

At the Carolina Relays on March 21, the boys team finished 5th in the 4x1600 meter run, and the girls finished 3rd in the 4x1600.

The team hosted Ravenscroft in a home meet on Thursday, April 3. Both the men’s and women’s teams won the meet. Five boys qualified for regionals in the mile run, while sophomore Abby Doyle and freshman Annie Pierce qualified for the 1600 meter run.

“All in all it was a solid day,” said Mangum.

According to Mangum, the season as a whole has gone very well so far.

“I think it’s gone very well, kids are continuing to improve, we’ve mostly been able to stay healthy, I’m pleased with where we are,” said Mangum.

The teams competed in the Wake County Championships on Saturday, April 12 at Athens Drive.

“I expect to continue to see progress and improvement, if we could continue to see personal bests, that would be great,” said Mangum of Saturday’s meet.

The goal for the rest of the season is for the teams to continue the positive momentum they’ve built up so far.

“My hopes are that we continue to add regional qualifiers and have a well balanced team going into regionals,” said Mangum.

Photo by Ashley Herbert/Landmark Yearbook

Senior Mary Grace Doggett runs at the head of the pack during a home meet against Ravenscroft on Thursday, April 3 as head coach Nick Mangum encourages his team.

Tennis dominates in conference schedule Men’s team starts undefeated in Big Eight conference Andrew Mihok Sports Editor

Photo by Lorenzo Macaisa/The Crusader

Juniors Noah Constantine and Austin Blondell celebrate during Gibbons’ 9-0 win at home against Northern Vance on Wednesday, March 12.

Gibbons men’s tennis is serving up an undefeated conference start in the 2014 season by going 18-2 overall and 10-0 in the Big Eight conference. The squad is looking to claim their fourth straight NCHSAA 3A state championship. The team is led by returning All-American senior Robert Kelly who won the 3A state singles championship and juniors Matt Galush and Noah Constantine who claimed the 3A state doubles championship last year.

With an 8-1 win over conference foe Chapel Hill on March 22, the Crusaders claimed sole possession of first place in the Big Eight conference. Gibbons and Chapel Hill were the top two ranked 3A teams in the state. Gibbons will face Chapel Hill again in a battle of the top two teams on April 15.

“It was good being able to beat our rival Chapel Hill. It was a big win for us and they are one of the better teams

we play,” said senior Stephen Gray.

The squad swept a double header against Northern Vance giving head coach Andrew Tuttle his 400 victory in 11 years of coaching men’s and women’s tennis. The team is also on a 45 game winning streak dating back to 2012. Gibbons returns a veteran squad that includes nine upperclassmen out of the thirteen on the team.

“We are a tight group and guys like junior Jimmy Mahon have emerged as leaders and have helped to guide the freshmen and show them how it’s done,” said Kelly.

Gibbons traveled to Louisville, KY for the DecoTurf High School Tennis Team Championships on March 28 and 29. Gibbons finished the weekend with a 2-2 record in the tournament with wins over Wiregrass Ranch (FL) and Jenks (OK). Kelly was named to the All-Tournament team with a 4-0 record in singles.

Gibbons was seeking to complete

their third ever undefeated season, but was defeated by Barron Collier (FL) 8-1 in the tournament. The loss ended the Crusaders 49 match winning streak.

Last year the team went 26-0 and defeated Charlotte Catholic in the state championship.

“We’re trying to stay focused on sweeping all three state titles, team, double and singles. We are on a 49 match winning streak, which is fun but not one of our main goals for the season,” said Kelly.

To continue their undefeated conference slate, Gibbons tennis must keep improving in the season.

“Even though we have won 7 out of the last 8 state championships, coach Tuttle helps to keeps us focused on our goals and we keep trying to get better every day,” said Kelly.

The Crusaders will face foes Wakefield on April 11 and East Chapel Hill on April 12, who will be two of the toughest test for the squad.

Senior Scanlin leads women’s lax to 10-2 start Preston Moser Sports Editor 0).

Contributed Photo

Senior Rebecca Wiley runs with the ball in a playoff game against Apex in 2013.

Page design by Sports Editors Andrew Schnittker and Preston Moser

The Gibbons women’s lacrosse team is 10-2 (3-

Its only two losses came at home to Charlotte Country Day, 18-17, and to Charlotte Catholic, 15-13.

The team is a veteran squad led by 13 upperclassmen out of 21 players on the team.

The Crusaders will look to continue to build momentum as they get into the thick of the conference schedule.

Gibbons picked up two victories this week against Carrboro and East Chapel Hill last week with scores of 20-1, and 18-3, respectively.

The Crusaders picked up two quality victories recently against Seton-La Salle (PA) and Durham Academy, both by scores of 17-7.

Most recently, Gibbons picked up two shutout wins over Riverside and Jordan, by scores of 10-0 and 20-0 respectively.

Senior Shelby Scanlin leads the state with 43 goals on the season.

Scanlin has signed a letter of intent to play next year at Maryland.

Contributed Photo

Senior Shelby Scanlin fires a shot on goal in a playoff game against Apex in 2013.

Sports

April 16, 2014

The Crusader 11

Depth keys women’s soccer’s explosive start

Team starts regular season 12-0-2 before first loss to CHHS Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor

Photo by Katherine Nanney/Landmark Yearbook

Junior Angela Hiltbrunner advances the ball during Gibbons’ 0-0 tie at home against Sanderson on Thursday, March 13.

Photo by Katherine Nanney/Landmark Yearbook

Junior Megan Goudy high fives her teammates before Gibbons’ 0-0 tie at home against Sanderson on March 13.

The Gibbons women’s soccer team began the year undefeated, going 120-2 before suffering its first loss of the year to conference rival Chapel Hill, 1-0, on Monday, April 14.

According to head coach Michelle Miller, the team’s skill and depth in all facets of the game is the key to their early success.

“We have a well-balanced team that can score and defend and we have great depth,” said Miller in an email interview, before the Chapel Hill match.

According to Miller, it is that depth that is her team’s greatest asset.

“We have a lot of very talented players that can step in and get the job done so it’s a great luxury,” said Miller.

Miller identified seniors Morgan Reid and Lauren Magdefrau, junior Megan Goudy, and senior starting

goalie Haley Glaser as some of her team’s key players at the start of the season.

With eleven seniors on the roster, veteran leadership is also a factor for the team.

The team won 3-0 at home against Northwood on April 10, with goals from freshman Caroline Goudy, senior Calleigh West, and senior Morgan Reid, running its unbeaten streak to eight since its last tie, 0-0, at home against Pinecrest on March 18.

With seven games remaining before the playoffs, Miller emphasized the need for focus with events such as spring break, prom, and graduation coming up.

“We always aim high, so a state title [is our goal], but we also want the team to enjoy playing together and working towards a common goal,” said Miller.

Photo by Katherine Nanney/Landmark Yearbook

Senior Morgan Reid dribbles the ball up the field during Gibbons’ 0-0 tie at home against Sanderson on March 13.

Softball team facing a tough stretch in conference play First-year coach Wootson-Ross helping team overcome losing streaks

Cheyenne Wood Production Editor A short-handed Gibbons softball team lost 11-1 to a tough Northwood team on April 9 and then lost a tight game against Orange 10-9 on April 14, dropping its season record to 6-7.

The team was down four players on April 9 due to their participation in the Gibbons Dance Spring Concert the nights of April 9-11.

The season has been one of streaks for the team, which started 0-3, then won six straight before dropping its last four games, two losses each to conference foes Northwood and Orange.

Gibbons started the season with three tough losses to 4A programs Green Hope, Cary, and Athens Drive before bouncing back with wins against Sanderson (13-3) and Ravenscroft (22-0).

Sophomore Kassidy Wood contributed to a 12-0 win at Jordan on Friday, March 13, hitting two home runs. Strong defense by sophomores

Elizabeth Peterson and Mia Brosius also helped Gibbons beat the Panthers.

On Friday March 21, the team played its first conference game against Southern Durham, pitching a shut out, 23-0. Gibbons also won against Jordan 12-2, for the second time this season, on March 20.

Head coach Veronica WootsonRoss was named the new varsity softball coach at the beginning of the school year. Ross was a middle infielder at Florida State University, from which she graduated in 2007.

After college, Ross went on to play professional softball for the Akron Racers. She was awarded Most Valuable Player and Offensive players of the year in 2007.

“I decided to coach because I knew there was a lot that learned over the years of playing softball and I wanted to share that with others” said Ross.

For more updates and information follow Gibbons softball on Twitter @ softball_cghsnc.

Photo by Tori Canada/Gibbons Media

Sophomore Joelle DeVita delivers a pitch in Gibbons’ 22-0 win over non-conference foe Ravenscroft on Tuesday, March 11.

Men’s golf in first place after three matches

Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media

Senior Andrew Sebastiani works on his putting during practice.

Preston Moser Sports Editor The Gibbons men’s golf team has played three conference matches and currently lead over the second place team, Chapel Hill, by 159 strokes.

Junior Charles Swoboda is leading the Big 8 conference in individual play.

The team competed in the Keith Hills tournament, and came in seventh out of 16 teams with the top teams in the state of NC playing in the tournament.

Due to a cancellation, the Crusaders haven’t been able to get out on the links, but in a couple weeks, on April 30 they will play a match against Broughton and Ravenscroft in a nonconference matchup.

Practices are really competitive and it transferred out onto the course.

“We really compete in practice, and it helps when we get out into matches, because of the experience” said senior Andrew Sebastiani.

Page design by Sports Editors Preston Moser, Andrew Mihok, and Andrew Schnittker

Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media

Juniors (from left to right) Charles Swoboda, Mario Santiago, Cameron Delahunty, and sophomore Cole Curis walk to the next hole during a practice round.

Sports

The Crusader 12

Men’s lacrosse transitions smoothly

April 16, 2014

Crusaders undefeated under first-year coach Buckley

Photo courtesy of Randy Rimland/Carolina Sports Photography

First-year Gibbons head coach Alex Buckley has led the Crusaders to a perfect 14-0 record thus far.

continuing his career in the MLL as a member of the Chesapeake Bayhawks and the Los Angeles Riptide.

In his short time at Gibbons, Buckley has helped instill a sense of comradeship amongst the players, and the team has embraced the term “brothers” as its motto.

“Life is too short for us to not care about each other, and I think that’s been our message all year. We’re doing this all together. We are going out every day and working hard. We’ve tried to stress that from day one that we have to care about each other, or we’re going to fold,” Buckley said.

What makes this year’s team different is its togetherness, according to senior midfielder Danny Geiger.

“We’re closer than we’ve ever been. We’ve never had a team like this before,” Geiger said.

That sense of camaraderie along with Gibbons’ incredible amount of talent has led to the Crusaders’ perfect record thus far.

Gibbons is impressive in all three aspects of lacrosse: offense, defense, and the faceoff.

Senior attacker and Marist signee Gannon Morrison has spearheaded the Crusader offense, and his two biggest performances of the year have come in arguably Gibbons’ two biggest wins.

Morrison scored five goals, including the game-winner in fourth overtime during Gibbons’ 11-10 win against St. Christopher’s on March 15, and his three goal, seven assist onslaught on Charlotte Catholic led the Crusaders to a 13-6 win on April 5 in the first annual North Carolina Champions Challenge.

In addition to Morrison, senior midfielder Robbie Lavelle and junior

Brennan Doherty Editor-in-Chief The Gibbons men’s lacrosse team is accustomed to greatness.

In the program’s 17-years before this season, the Crusaders won 70% of their games (231-99) and one state championship, and reached four more NCHSAA championship games.

So it may not come as a surprise that Gibbons is 14-0 this season.

This year, however, the Crusaders have been winning with new faculty member and first-time head coach Alex Buckley.

After leading the Gibbons program since its inception, coach Mike Curatolo stepped down to spend more time with his family.

Replacing a coach like Curatolo was a tough thing to do for Gibbons athletic director Todd Schuler, but so far his hire of Buckley looks like a home run.

Buckley, who played lacrosse at Brown, was a team captain before

Photo by Kylie Hopkins/Gibbons Media

Gibbons senior attacker Gannon Morrison attempts to make a move past a St. Christopher’s defender. Morrison, a Marist signee, scored five goals including the gamewinner in the fourth overtime against St. Christopher’s in Gibbons’ 11-10 win on March 15. Morrison also scored three goals while assisting on seven goals in Gibbons’ 13-6 win against Charlotte Catholic on April 5.

midfielder Hunter Van Horn have established themselves as go-to options on offense, as well.

Of course, consistently winning faceoffs is a critical facet of the game and junior midfielder Stephen Albright has knack for outdueling opponents at midfield.

“He’s as big of a weapon that we have. If you understand the game, you understand how important that position is, and Stephen’s as good as we’ve seen him this year,” Buckley said.

On defense, Gibbons has been very solid. Opponents have only scored 10 or more goals two different times, and both of those occasions came in overtime games.

Gibbons’ defensive unit is very seasoned. Senior defenseman Jack Prevost, senior defenseman Matt Bowen, and junior defenseman Chris Lappin all have an abundance of experience.

The last line of defense for the Crusaders is junior goalie Kevin McKendry.

McKendry, brother of former Gibbons faceoff specialist and current Providence Friar Colin McKendry ‘13, also recently committed to Marist.

Gibbons’ 14-0 record hasn’t come easily, either. The Crusaders have defeated several elite teams, according to national rankings website laxpower. com. Gibbons has wins over The Woodlands (TX), ranked third in Texas; St. Christopher’s, ranked second in Virginia, and Charlotte Catholic, ranked ninth in North Carolina.

Gibbons is ranked second in North Carolina, according to laxpower.com, behind only Charlotte Latin, and the Crusaders are ranked third in US Lacrosse’s South Top 10 rankings.

And things won’t get easier anytime soon, either.

Gibbons goes on the road to face Lake Norman, the tenth ranked team in North Carolina, on Wednesday, April 16.

Conference play challenges Crusaders After starting 5-0, Crusaders are 2-7 in their last nine games

Photo By Marc Todd/Gibbons Media

time) before hosting the Warriors on Thursday, April 17.

Gibbons’ great start was a result of great hitting and solid pitching.

The Crusaders averaged 10.2 runs in its first five games while surrendering just 2.8 runs per game during that stretch.

Gibbons’ success scoring runs could be contributed to the heart of its batting order—freshman second baseman Noah Campbell (batting second), junior catcher Stephen Scott (batting third) and senior shortstop Daniel Pedersen (batting fourth).

“They’re all good ball players.

They’re in that part of the lineup for a reason. When you put guys in those spots, you’re hoping for production. So when they produce, that’s what you expect. If those guys can hit in the middle, it just makes us that much tougher,” Gibbons head coach Jim Liebler said.

Each player brings his own unique

skillset, as Campbell is a versatile switch-hitting freshman, while Pedersen is a seasoned four-year varsity player who can hit for both power and average. Scott, a Vanderbilt commit, is one of the best power hitters in the Triangle area.

Liebler has nothing but great things to say about Scott.

“Every time [Scott] takes the bat off of his shoulders, you expect something big to happen. He’s super patient, so he doesn’t give away at-bats. The kid’s got incredible power,” Liebler said.

To go along with its success hitting the ball, pitching was a big reason behind Gibbons’ fast start.

Senior southpaw John Kelly established himself as Liebler’s number one ace, and junior Brian Nelson, sophomore Daniel Haberern and senior Preston Moser have served as capable starters as well. Kelly is currently out with a shoulder injury.

Junior catcher Stephen Scott bats against Ravenscroft in Gibbons’ 13-3 win on March 11. Scott leads Gibbons with five home runs on the year, and has verbally committed to Vanderbilt University.

Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief The one word that might best summarize the 2014 season for the Gibbons varsity baseball team is: inconsistent.

After a series of highs and lows, Gibbons finds itself with a .500 record at 7-7.

The season started off with a bang, with a win against 4A-opponent Green Hope 5-2 on opening day.

Since then, Green Hope has climbed to number one in The News & Observer area rankings with its lone loss against Gibbons.

Gibbons followed its opening win with two more victories against Southwest Wake Athletic Conference opponents, knocking off Cary and Athens

Drive 13-3 and 6-2, respectively.

Lopsided wins over Ravenscroft (13-3) and Jordan (14-4) pushed Gibbons to 5-0 to start the season.

Since then, however, Gibbons has dropped seven of its last nine contests, beginning with its first loss of the year, a crazy 11-10 game against Charlotte Christian on March 15.

In that time span, Gibbons’ pitching has worsened as the Crusaders have given up at least seven runs in each loss this season.

Most recently, Gibbons was swept

by Big Eight conference foe Northern Vance, 9-3 and 8-3.

Next up for the Crusaders is a key two-game series against conference opponent J.F. Webb with the Crusaders traveling to Oxford on Tuesday, April 15 (results not available at press

Page design by Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty and Sports Editor Preston Moser

Photo By Marc Todd/Gibbons Media

Senior pitcher John Kelly warms up for the third inning during Gibbons’ 13-3 victory over Ravenscroft on March 11. Kelly is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.