S The Stampede
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT October 12, 2017 Vol. 53 Issue 2 www.rustlernews.com
Superheroes come to the rescue for Homecoming 2017
Stampede -- 10.12.17
WHAT’S INSIDE
pg. 8-9
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Math teacher Chad Olson reflects on Australian adventure
An open forum for student expression since 1965
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Students voice their concern for Puerto Rico
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Student teacher competes in Sweden
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TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS
3 -- Olson to Australia, Construction Update, News Briefs 4 -- CMR’s Response to NFL controversy 5 -- Dennis Mora firefighting, Rustler Buddies ends
OPINION
6 -- Emily’s Column, Editorial, Cartoon, Hoco Infographic 7 -- Puerto Rico, American Responsibility, Gun Control
Features
8-9 -- Homecoming 10 -- AP Bio, What Coffee Are You? 11 -- Lunch Place Review, Journalism Conference
The Stampede
ENTERTAINMENT
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT October 12, 2017 Vol. 53 Issue 2 www.rustlernews.com
editor-in-chief Mackenzie George editorial board Emily Cappis Clara McClain Quincy Schmechel online editor Gabrielle Pope photo editor Julia Gremaux photographer Sophie Aron
staff writers Grace Carr McKenzie Connell Callan Garner Chloe Geary Sophie Kluge Maygie Li Austin McIntosh Gauthier Paget JJ Slater Quinn Soltesz Holly Spragg Kaylebb Stahmer
adviser Beth Britton principal Kerry Parsons
Cover photo by Julia Gremaux. On Oct. 6, the seniors’ Spider-Man float roll slowly through the parade. Float riders include science teacher Chris Hibbert, several seniors, and a future Rustler in the Spider-Man suit.
11myStampede #WHEREIREAD
13 -- Gabrielle’s Column, Golf roundup 14 -- Kaufman’s Return, Football 15 -- Cooper West, Gregg Dart, Sports Briefs
Editorial board member Emily Cappis relaxes on a floor waxer (affectionately known by the Stampede staff as “The Zamboni”) after hours.
BACK PAGE
Each month, CMR students have the opportunity to be featured in the Stampede. It’s easy! Show us where you read YOUR Stampede by taking the latest issue to your favorite place around Great Falls (or some other exotic location). Snap a photo and direct message it to @RustlerNews on Twitter. We’ll pick our favorite and include it here each month.
16 -- Fads of CMR
EDITORIAL POLICY The Stampede -- produced by journalism classes at C.M. Russell High School -- is a public forum for all voices on campus. These voices include the students, parents, faculty and the community at large. The opinions and views in this publication are not necessarily those of the Stampede staff, the student body, CMR employees or the school administration. The Stampede strives to cover the news accurately and fairly; however, when a mistake is made, a correction will be printed in the following issue. All writers are responsible for the content of their articles. Editors will edit all copy to be free of plagiarism and libel, and all writers will double-check their facts before publication. Letters to the editor and guest essays are welcome. Letters are limited to 200 words, and essays 350 words. All
Editor-in-Chief
2017-2018 Staff
SPORTS
MackenzieGeorge
The Stampede staff strives to produce a publication that is relevant to the CMR student body while maintaining journalistic standards. We help to provide a free exchange of ideas and establish a student voice in the school community.
12 -- What’s on your playlist, Binge Mode, Quincy’s Column
submissions must be signed and include a phone number so authenticity can be verified. The editors and/or adviser reserve the right to edit all letters for grammar and spelling as well as content that may include profanity, be libelous, obscene or not meet general editorial guidelines. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Submissions can be dropped off in room 326 or e-mailed to: stampede@gfps. k12.mt.us. The Stampede maintains membership in the National Scholastic Press Association, the Montana Journalism Education Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
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Behind-the-scenes work pays off for Homecoming What most students observed as they strolled through the Commons last week included arrays of spiderwebs and colorful buildings of New York, several Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a Captain America cutout, and an enormous issue of Superman’s The Daily Planet (with several Stampedes making a cameo around it!). What they did not see was the hustle and bustle on Monday night. Pairs of scissors changed hands dozens of times, and students searched for ever-scarce outlets in which to plug glue guns. Math teacher Steve Skaer gave lessons on proper paper-ripping techniques. Someone was always looking for blue painter’s tape--the only adhesive gentle enough for CMR’s floors and windows. It is one of the few times I’ve seen when students who share no classes or friend groups come together and work on something as a team. Teamwork, involvement, and enthusiasm envelop each hall. We showed up with a few buildings and skylines and left with cobwebs, comic onomatopoeia art, and a clock tower adorning the senior space. A lot of Homecoming week mirrors what happens in those few hours Monday evening. Much of the work happens behind the scenes by people who rarely receive
credit. These kids are not elected officials of student government and they aren’t royalty, but they show up and help out their class to ensure that this festive week is a success. This phenomenon is not limited to hallway decorating; it is present in who participates in theme days, float building, the parade, football game, and dance. Several teachers work for weeks--or even months-leading up to this five-day celebration. The coronation script, convertibles for royalty, and food provided at float building don’t simply appear out of thin air. Staff members are eager to help, whether it be designing trim for a float or grabbing extra supplies. Every year those five days fly by until it seems that all I’m left with is a handful of photos and a sleep deficit. But this year, I really saw staff and students come together in order to make this week as successful as possible. For the first time, I paid attention to all the behind-the-scenes work, the multitude of rehearsals, and the intricacies of coordinating people and props. So congratulations, CMR, on another exceptional Homecoming. These traditions are part of what makes this school so great, and as with every year, in the wake of last week I’m left with a renewed sense of pride in being a Rustler.
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Olson ventures to Australia
by Grace Carr, staff writer Traveling to another country is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some people, and one of C. M. Russell’s math teachers had the chance to experience this for 14 months. Chad Olson has been teaching at CMR for 18 years. He eventually decided he needed a break and took a sabbatical. “I wanted a break from school,” he said. Olson chose to travel to Australia. He previously visited on two separate occasions. His location choice was also affected by his earlier travels. “I have been Teacher Chad Olson relaxes on Manly Beach in Australia in December 2016. Photo courtesy of going to a summer Chad Olson. camp in Maine for the past 20 years so I know people from around the world,” he said. So he flew to Australia for an extended summer. While in Australia, Olson visited the beach, golfed with friends, and visited a close friend and their family. “[I] spent some time in Sydney, went sightseeing, went to Melbourne,” he said. “[I] saw a horse race and their best horse won so that was cool.” Overall, Olson enjoyed his stay and having the opportunity to participate in so many new experiences. “I loved it. It was like 14 months of summer.”
Photos by Sophie Aron and Julia Greamaux.
Construction action continues by Holly Spragg, staff writer C. M. Russell High School is undergoing a lot of changes, and those changes aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. Construction is going to be taking place all throughout the winter months to get everything done as soon as possible. “We just hope that it holds off as long as possible,” said Alison Carrell, a project engineer for Talcott Construction, about the ice that will inevitably come with the cold. Carrell said that they have not encountered any struggles that have brought any major problems in this project. So far, they excavated the areas that they will be building on. The athletic shed on the east side
NEWS BRIEFS
Student teacher revists high school history, in a different manner than before Chris Wilder is the student teacher for Dennis Mora’s World History classes sixth and seventh period and Scott Hartman’s Montana Government classes first through fourth period. Wilder loves world history and hopes to teach some sort of history class when he is done student teaching. “I like world history because we get to touch on all the fun topics,” Wilder said, adding that it’s difficult to only talk about one topic in history. Although Wilder teaches sophomores for the majority of the day, he did say that the freshmen were a little rough at first. “When Mr. Mora was off fighting fires, they didn’t have him to kind of be afraid of,” Wilder said. He said that at first, because he is a younger teacher, the freshmae kind of tried to test the
situation. Now that it is later in the year, he said he has figured out a “system” for every class, giving the example of seventh period where clapping works to catch their attention and calm them down. Wilder went to school at MSU and is done student teaching mid-November. His favorite thing about the experience so far is the freedom. “They let me off my leash,” he said. He thought that Mr. Mora would make the lesson plans and tell him what to teach, but it’s nothing like that. “I basically took charge of the class,” Wilder said. When he is done teaching here, he hopes to move to Philadelphia and continue his teaching there.
of the football field has been put up as well. On Oct. 16, they will pour the footing provided by United Materials. Closer to Oct. 20, the waterline connecting to the school will be started. As for the long-term timeline, Carrell said that we should be expecting new things in the area around the school in June. “By the end of the year the buildings will be up,” said Carrell about what will be happening around the end of the 2017-2018 school year. For now, keep your eyes open around the middle of November. “The 20th of November is when we will start seeing some real changes,” she said.
Freshmen elect new student leader
Newly announced freshman class president Jayme Ingalls is wanting to make a change for the better. “My slate and I are trying to reinforce more positivity in the school,” she said. Her slate consists of Ingalls as president, Cadence Propios as vice president and Kylie Allen as secretary. Not unfamiliar with how difficult it can be to be in charge, Ingalls described her time getting Homecoming set up as stressful. “Freshmen don’t really know what to do, there was short notice on a lot of things; we didn’t know what to put on the float, we didn’t know that duct tape doesn’t stick to brick, there’s a lot of things that we found out from this first year of Homecoming,” Ingalls said. Ingalls represented North Middle School as the Junior National Honors Society president, which didn’t allow her to represent North’s student government as president.
Hard work is put in by scholarship nominees
With college entrance exams in the future, When she heard the news that she had Sarah Cherry, a nominee to receive the National gotten a chance at winning the National Merit Merit Scholarship, has a few tips about how to Scholarship, her hopes had been confirmed. get by this spring. “I was really hoping [my score] was high “I did not study the PSAT a lot,” Cherry enough to get [the scholarship],” Cherry said. said. Cherry wasn’t the only student from CMR When she told her parents that she had gotten to get a nomination for the scholarship. it, she said they were expecting her to get it. Before she took her PSAT, she made sure she Cherry is still working on her application had everything the scholarship required. and waits to hear back on who wins the “I researched it a little bit to see what they scholarship. Three other girls from CMR were were looking for and to make sure I wouldn’t nominated: Mackenzie George, Aiyana Gray, get disqualified,” Cherry said adding that and Olivia Baumann. there are so many little pieces to the process, like taking the test at the right time and scoring by Sophie Kluge, staff writer and Gabrielle Pope, Online Editor well on the PSAT.
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October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
News
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CMR’s take on kneeling backlash
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) locks arms with teammates during the playing of the United States National Anthem before a National Football League game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. (Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News/TNS)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) kneels before the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. (Brad Loper/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS)
by Sophie Kluge, staff writer Players who had never been involved in Even though CMR football coach Scott politics on the field kneeled, sat, or refused Hartman supports NFL players’ First to leave the locker room during the Anthem. Amendment rights, he does not support the What resulted was an unprecedented uproar method of protest that is making headlines in and boycott of the NFL. Fans, angry and recent weeks. appalled at the actions of some athletes, “It’s my opinion that people stand during burned their team paraphernalia and made the National Anthem,” Hartman said, adding videos that expressed their disgust. The that it is the players’ choice to kneel. fans explained that their actions were acts of Hartman, a social studies teacher and patriotism. father of wide receiver Kellen Hartman, said According a recent study on National that President Trump was “way out of line” Public Radio, founder of market research when he made the comments he did about company C-Space, Diane Hesser says that the players, but he does not support the kneeling or sitting during the Anthem is athletes in their decision to protest by “colliding politics with the cherished ritual kneeling. of the National Anthem.” President Trump was in Alabama On the opposing side, football coach on Sept. 20 for a special election and gym teacher Aric Hagen says that the when he said, “Wouldn’t you love protests do not stand against the flag, but to see one these NFL owners, when against injustices. somebody disrespects our flag, to “I don’t think any of them stood say ‘Get that son of a bitch off the against the flag,” Hagen said, field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s adding that Trump’s response was fired!’”. inappropriate. As for whether the protect “I guess everyone has their right is effective, Hartman is to free speech, but I was not a big fan undecided. of it,” Hagen said about Trump’s “Well it definitely response on Twitter and at the got attention; there’s Denver Broncos’ Brandon Marshall rally. division there,” he said. kneels during the national anthem before It all started last a game against the Atlanta Falcons season when Colin on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 at Sports Kaepernick, then a Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colin Kaepernick’s quarterback for the Colo. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs reasoning for kneeling Gazette/TNS) San Francisco 49ers, during the Anthem, sat during the National Anthem to protest racial injustice, particularly police brutality but I believe hat the other towards black men. NFL athletes that follow his He received backlash from fans and lost any chance of playing with another NFL lead are kneeling for a cause team. Players from different teams started they don’t understand. kneeling and sitting with him, but it recently got noticed and is now under fire -- even from - Liam Sexton, 12 the President.
“I understand t
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Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf stand with players, including Harrison Smith (22) during the national anthem prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. The Vikings won, 34-17. (Carlos Gonzalez/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)
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Rustler Buddies comes to a halt for 2017-18 by Sophie Kluge, staff writer Rustler Buddies has been at hot topic at CMR this year with all the rumors circulating about the program getting cut. Brittany Light, the coordinator for the program, took over the duty after Julie Graham retired. The program was through Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has been struggling through some cuts, and therefore no longer has the funding to support Rustler Buddies. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, they designated a job to a specific person who would meet with the volunteer (highschooler) and the child to make sure everything was going well. “They have someone cutline cutline cutline communicating with the teachers and the principal,”
Light said. The cuts that were made the Big Brothers Big Sisters funding happened to cut that position. Students want the program to return, but Light is fearful. “It is more in the hands of the lawmakers,” Light said, adding that extracurriculars like these rely off of grants and government funding. “The human services areas are the areas that get cut,” Light said. The hardest part of breaking it to the students were were looking forward to making a buddy. Light said that if schools were to bring the program back, they would have to go about it internally. “I hope it can be brought back in the future,” Light said, adding that they are doing the most with what they have.
The National Guard fights the fires near Bass Creek on Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of Dennis Mora.
Dennis Mora spends time on the fireline
Volunteer firefighters observe the smoke near Lolo, Montana. Photo courtesy of Dennis Mora.
by Clara McClain, editorial board Lightning strikes caused strife within the state of Montana this summer and sent history teacher Dennis Mora off to fight fires for three weeks in Lolo, just outside of Missoula. The National Guard was activated towards the end of August and beginning of September to fight the fires that were breaking out all over the state. “According to the experts, certainly not me, when we had such a heavy snowfall and wet spring it made the grass tall enough to spark the trees when they were hit by lightning in the middle of our summer dry spell,” Mora said. The summer of 2017 fire season marked the third worst season that Montana has ever seen. The grass acted as ladder fuel to spark large fires across Montana, including Lolo, Lincoln, Rice Ridge, Alice Creek, and Park Creek.
This was not Mora’s first time on the fireline. The National Guard was also activated back in 2000. He said he knew what to expect from working the line, but that didn’t make adjusting to the hard work any easier. “I can’t emphasize enough how hard of work it is,” he said. By around the third day, he became accustomed to the long days. The guard was out of bed by 5:30 a.m. to get ready for the day and returned to camp around 7 or 8 p.m. As difficult as fighting fires can be, Mora recommends it as a summer job, especially for the summer between high school and college for recent graduates. “I’ve enjoyed doing it. Seeing new parts of Montana and finding new backroads was a great way to spend three weeks of the summer.”
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S Opinion
October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
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PICTURE
THIS
HOMECOMING 2017
Artwork by Maygie Li.
Staff thanks those who participated in Homecoming At C.M. Russell High School Homecoming is one of the few events students look forward to months before. Many girls pick out their dresses at the beginning of summer, and some students secretly hope they will be selected to be in the Homecoming court. We at the Stampede are huge fans of Homecoming week because of all the amazing things we get the opportunity to cover, including powerpuff (when it isn’t cancelled), spirit days, and the coronation assembly. While we students love Homecoming, few of us understand all of the work that goes into this week of spirit. We just assume that Homecoming will happen no matter what, but without the help of students and teachers, we couldn’t enjoy this From week of celebration. We want to say thank you to the teachers point of view and students who help Homecoming come to life. Math teacher Leeann Williams not only coordinates the parade, but she does it with a toddler strapped on her back. English teacher Ryan Anderson donned a Clark Kent/ Superman costume to emcee the coronation assembly alongside his wife, secretary Becky Anderson, who brought a fun performance as Lois Lane that had the students erupting in laughter. It was especially enjoyable to watch their son, Ethan, look at them like they truly are his superheroes. Ethan was one of about eight young superheroes who joined the high schoolers for coronation. Behind the scenes, CMR’s engineering staff are responsible for multiple duties throughout the week, including setting up the fieldhouse for coronation, and to them we say thank you. Staff members who choose to be class sponsors
Emily Cappis
Editorial Board
OUR
worked side by side with students as they decorated the four hallways in preparation for the judging. Congratulations, juniors, on your first place finish. And to all teachers who got into the superhero spirit by dressing up, decorating doors, and supporting students at the parade and the game, please know that we appreciate your support. Chemistry teacher Chris Hibbert is a natural hippie! We extend a special thank you to French teacher Erica Davis, who took on the job as coordinator for Thursday’s coronation. Davis worked with math teacher Terri Dahl, science teacher Josy McLean, journalism teacher Beth Britton, and the teachers who manned the spotlights and soundboard. We also want to stay thank you to those students who participated in theme days, hallway decorating, and float building. Students like Carly Cushman who spent hours decorating the junior hallway, and not being afraid to delegate in order to get the hallway to perfection. Senior Annabella Aline was the best dressed Spiderman that we have ever seen. Aline participated in every theme day during Homecoming. Thank you, Annabella, for showing true Rustle Hustle. We also want to recognize another senior, our editor in chief and senior class President Mackenzie George. She put in countless hours building the senior float, along with leading the mini superheroes during coronation. Mackenzie also found a float and a driver for the parade. She didn’t ask for recognition -- she just did it. That is true CMR spirit. We are lucky to learn in an environment in which so many people step up to create one of the most memorable weeks of the year.
Photos by Julia Gremaux
Senior suffers from a fear of going out into the world
I am terrified by an eight-letter word, a simple eight letter word with the power to send chills all through my body. This word scares me more than having to go to the doctor without my mom. This big ugly word is adulting. I have been dreading this for ages. I recently turned 18, and that’s when everything set in for me. I am officially an adult. I can vote, join the army, buy cigarettes (not that I ever would, but just knowing I could was weird), and so much more. Turning 18 made me feel like I had all the power in the world, like I was officially my own person. Of course being your own person is beyond a wonderful thing; it’s the meaning behind being an adult, and my own person that is nerve wracking. Knowing that soon I won’t be able to just walk upstairs and ask my mom her opinion on my outfit, or ask my dad to make
me super cheesy mac and cheese that makes me feel better every time I am sick, or walk across the street to my best friend’s house make me wonder where all the time went.I regret wasting all the time I had at home, and not cherishing my free education from the beginning. I have to start paying bills, taking out loans, going to college, and soon enough I will have a family! Holy crap -- a family of my own. It seems so far, yet it really is so near. It all is coming too fast for me I don’t know how to handle it exactly. I recently applied to college and received an acceptance letter, which was a load off my shoulders, but the idea of going to college is insane. This really means I am growing up. It seems like yesterday I was six years old dancing in my kitchen in my yellow princess costume. Today I am ordering
my cap and gown, applying for college housing, and supposedly figuring out what I am going to do with my life. I am torn at the idea of my future part of me wants to go be a hippie and backpack around Europe for a year; another part is telling me to go to college and get a degree, and the last part of me is telling me to live in my parents’ basement forever, snuggling with my dogs. I am moving on with my life, and even though I have no idea what direction I am heading, I am moving on. Although the idea of growing up is filled with fear for me, it is also filled with excitement and new opportunities. I am excited to see where I go, and what I will do with my future.
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October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
Opinion
Puerto Rico suffers after Hurricane Maria by Grace Carr, staff writer Recently, Puerto Rico has suffered what could be described as an apocalyptic tragedy. On Sept. 20, Hurricane Maria struck the Caribbean island. The hurricane was categorized as a level four storm with 155-mph winds. It has officially been named the fifth-strongest storm to ever hit the United States. Some of the effects include nearrecord levels of rain and flooding, 80 to 90 percent of homes left a complete disaster, call service has been wiped out, and electricity is scarce. In addition, the Guajataca Dam has begun to fail. Hundreds of civilians have been forced to evacuate in case the dam breaks and causes more flooding. Puerto Rico is home to 3.4 million U.S. citizens. Since the hurricane, the death toll has risen to 34. According to the New York Times, “Two weeks after Hurricane Maria split apart Puerto Rico, basic aid is arriving in San Juan and reaching more remote towns and barrios aching for assistance.” Unfortunately, some families say they are still receiving insufficient portions and “overburdened” local mayors have been left with the job of figuring out how to haul supplies to the destroyed cities. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory. This means it is land owned by the United states and is populated by U.S. citizens. It became a territory in 1898 when it was acquired from Spain after the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have few rights in the United States. They have their own constitution and governor. However, they do not have a vote in Congress, cannot vote in presidential elections, and are limited in the amount of government programs they have access to. Many people have been expressing their feelings about the disaster on Twitter.
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Americans need to realize their responsibility
Farmer Victor Lozada searches for items that can be salvaged from his shed, which was destroyed by Hurricane Maria. Residents of the beach town of Loiza, Puerto Rico, who received heavy flooding and wind damage, have no power, no running water, but are working to piece their lives back together as Puerto Rico tries to recover from the Category 4 storm on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. (Carl Juste/Miami Herald/TNS)
by Quinn Soltesz, staff writer Just a few short months ago, Americans obsessed over the song “Despacito” by Puerto Rican artist Luis Fonsi. Today Americans barely care that the island territory has been almost completely incapacitated. According to a Morning Consult poll, only 54 percent of Americans know that people born in Puerto Rico are United States citizens. This means that roughly 148,626,000 people in this country who claim patriotism do not know that an entire ISLAND contributes its citizens to our population. Most of the time, it wouldn’t matter to Puerto Ricans what mainland Americans thought of them. The issue now is that the citizens of Puerto Rico need our help in their near-apocalyptic time. They need monetary aid, food supplies, and medical attention. They need their roads, bridges, and cities to be repaired in order for their island to recover. To receive these essential resources, the United States federal government, specifically the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), needs to intervene on a greater level. FEMA has not yet authorized the use of every type of aid in Puerto Rico. The aid the agency has not contributed could be used to repair long term damage to the island’s infrastructure. Under U.S. law, Puerto Rico is supposed to receive the same type and amount of federal assistance that states like Florida and Texas were given earlier this year. Puerto Rico should be helped in the same ways that other hurricane ravaged states have been, but instead it has gotten not nearly enough. The federal government and the Trump Administration will likely only act if the American people -- those in the 50 states -- decide that they want action.
Changes in gun policy needed to prevent future tragedies by Chloe Geary. staff writer Whether it’s for hunting, collecting, or protecting themselves and their property, gun owners in America don’t want their weapons taken away. And that’s understandable. The freedom to bear arms is in our Constitution; it’s something that the founding fathers believed was a basic freedom. However, it’s 2017, and our nation is going through something horrifying. The misuse of firearms by the citizens of the United States is a major problem. According to everytownresearch.org, more than 12,000 Americans are murdered by gun homicide every year. That’s a staggering statistic, one that demonstrates how immediate change needs to happen within our borders. American citizens have the right of safety in their streets. Personally, I know that it doesn’t make me feel safe knowing that people with mental disorders can legally get firearms in America, as well as convicted felons. People who aren’t mentally stable should not be carrying military grade weapons. To me, that seems obvious.
It’s hard to talk about gun violence in a state like Montana. People get defensive, and pretend like there aren’t United States citizens abusing their Second Amendment rights. The citizens of America are refusing to see the damage that’s being caused by allowing anyone to purchase firearms. In most states in America, civilians can walk into a store that sells guns and walk out with a semi automatic within minutes. Only nine states in America enforce waiting periods before someone can own a gun. Also, 39 states have no legal requirement to run any type of background check when buying guns at a private seller. I don’t know much about politics, and I don’t know how we’ll ever be able to fix this problem. However, I do know I don’t want to live in a country where a mass shooting is just an everyday occurrence. There needs to be a change of policy somewhere in our government in order to prevent the levels of gun homicide from rising even further.
Mike Fiorille, business partner at Get Loaded, serves a customer on June 30, 2016, in Grand Terrace, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
S Features QUIZ: What coffee are YOU? Whichever letter you have the most of describes you!
A’s PUMPKIN SPICE You’re pretty basic, love tradition, and always wish for the best for others
B’s BLACK You’re straight forward and do what you want because it’s always the best, and the fastest
C’s CARAMEL MACCHIATO You’re so full of energy and sweetness you don’t know where to start. Normally life is pretty exciting
D’s FRAPPUCINO You’re an icy, excited person who loves people and people love you
1. When fall hit what was the first thing you did? A. You already had your scarves and boots set out to wear B. You complained and wished for summer C. You quietly agreed with your friends about wanting summer back when really you were super excited D. You were pumped because hot weather sucks
2. Your teacher says it’s time for a project and you… A. Keep your eyes down because you have multiple friends in one class and don’t know who to pick B. Don’t even think about group work and already have the entire presentation planned C. Look around for someone who doesn’t have a partner and help them D. Look straight at your friend and make the secret pact of partnership 3. If you could be anywhere in the world where would you be? A. Just as long as you are outside you’re happy B. A museum all alone with nobody to bother you C. With your friends at the movies D. In a car jamming out to your favorite song with your best friend 4. Your favorite food is... A. Anything with good flavor B. As long as I am fed today it’s OK C. Anything that has probably too much sugar D. Something refreshing and not overpowering 5. Your dream job is... A. An artist or photographer. Something to capture the beauty that you notice everyday B. President of the United States -- don’t even mess with me C. A job that does any sort of service for others D. Something that gets you close to as many people as possible
DID YOU KNOW? out of the
100 students interviewed
79% spend $0-4 11% spend $5-10 6% spend $11-15 4% spend $16-20+
6. When you talk to your friends you... A. Pay attention, but let’s be honest, you don’t really care as much as they do about what happened in the last episode of “Pretty Little Liars” B. Listen, but try to think of something that sounds cooler C. Hang onto every word because what they say is truly important to you D. You’re normally the only one talking, but that’s OK because your story is pretty cool 7. If someone hands you a book you... A. Take it, but don’t really know what to do with it B. You have already read it, but take it anyway to add to your collection C. Politely accept it while trying to figure out how to regift it D. Say you’ve already seen the movie, but thanks anyway 8. When someone offends your friend you... A. Get mad, but think of a good comeback in an hour B. Laugh awkwardly for an extended period and then stop suddenly to increase the awkwardness C. Are mad, but can’t do anything because they are definitely bigger than you D. Someone better hold you back because things are about to get ugly 9. Coffee to you is... A. Awesome because it taste so darn good B. A necessity to survive the day C. Fun, but not worth the money everyday D. The most amazing thing that could have ever been created and you will drink it everyday until you die
$16-20+
$11-15 $5-10
by McKenzie Connell, staff writer
$0-4
October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
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AP Biology gains new students
by Callan Garner, staff writer CMR’s science department introduced something new this year: sophomores in Advanced Placement (AP) Biology. After five years of teaching AP Bio and 25 years of regular biology, teacher Tom Cubbage says this is something new even for him. The idea was originally introduced because there weren’t enough juniors and seniors who signed up for the class. Yet as research showed, more schools were allowing their sophomores to join as well. Students got a letter of recommendation from their teachers and maintained,a high grade in Foundations of Science. Cubbage said at first, he was interested to see how a younger group of kids would handle this college level class yet the sophomores seem to be very engaged during the class. Cubbage said that they do well on tests and they get the class talking. Just like Cubbage’s regular biology class, he tries to keep the course dialogue-based. “The sophomores are really active in asking and answering questions (in class),” he said. “I was really worried before the year started since the only knowledge I had was from foundations of science. But I really enjoy the class, and I love the teaching style that Mr. Cubbage uses,” sophomore McKenzie Connell said. Honors chemistry used to be a prerequisite to get into AP Biology, yet starting this year it no longer is. Not yet getting into the part of curriculum that requires it, Cubbage said that he doesn’t know how it will affect the students. Usually he would go pretty fast through the material knowing that his students were already familiar with everything, yet this year it may require slowing down and/ or taking home a study packet. “I was nervous that it would be way out of my skill set, but I feel so much better now. The class just requires you to study on your own and make sure you’re always ready for a test-even when you don’t expect one.” sophomore Quinn Soltesz said. The college level class is fast paced. The course covers the same big ideas as Biology 1-2, but goes much farther in depth, causing the pace to move more quickly. This speed requires Cubbage to constantly refresh the material, staying up to date on what will be talked about that day. But because the students actually want to be in the class, in comparison to a required class, they allow for a more comfortable atmosphere and more camaraderie. “Being a sophomore and skipping regular biology, I was really nervous going into AP Bio after completing all of the summer homework. As our class goes in depth about each chapter, I realized that like all of my fellow students, we are all learning. The class isn’t so intimidating now,” sophomore Andi Newbrough said.
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October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
Features
Lunch
Sam’s Club
PLACE
Est. wait time: 2 minutes Customer service is usually very good, and they deliver your food to you as quickly as possible. Fairly clean, organized eating area beside the café.
Menu: - Pizza (Pepperoni, cheese and three meat) - Pretzels (Salted or Unsalted) - Hot Dogs - Cinnamon Churros - Frozen Yogurt - Parfait - Icee
Featured food choice: Pizza Combo $2.49 - Includes different pizza types of your choice with a 32 oz. fountain drink.
by Austin McIntosh, Staff Writer
CMR Est. wait time: 3 minutes Lunch admins are the kindest people you’ll meet Lunch room is always clean and organized
Menu: (Varies
from day to day) - Pizza (Mexican, pepperoni, crunchers) - Chicken (Tenders, nuggets) - Hamburger (Cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, Rustler burger)
Featured food choice: The Rustler burger $2.60 - Includes meat covered in BBQ sauce with ham and cheese.
Lunch
PLACE FAVORITES
Burger King Est. wait time: 5-7 minutes Customer service is adequate. Lobby hosts regularly clean the tables and the floors to ensure a clean eating area for students.
Menu: - Whopper Sandwich (Meat, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.) - Classic Grilled Dog - Chicken Sandwiches - Chicken Fries - Varieties of Salads/ Veggie burgers
Featured food choice: Whopper (Meal) $6.94 -Includes customized Whopper (plain, extra pickles, no lettuce, etc.) and a fountain drink depending on meal size.
Everyday at lunch, I have to make the decision of where I want to eat. Most days, I eat at school, due to the fact that I’m broke. Eating at school isn’t all that bad if they’re serving my favorite food item. The spicy chicken sandwich is one of the best menu items at school. The chicken has a very strong temperament. It is one of the hottest things I have eaten, and I love it. Spicy foods have always been one of my favorite things to eat, but the chicken they serve here burns in my heart -- and in my mouth. When I do have money, I like to walk over to Sam’s Club for lunch. Sam’s Club offers many food items, but I always stick to the basic pepperoni pizza combo. Their pizza is so delicious. I think the sauce makes it taste ambrosial. I also eat at Burger King when I have a little extra money. My favorite thing to get there is their chicken fries. They come in a box with about eight to 12 chicken fries in it. There is more quantity in the chicken fries than their nuggets, and it costs about the same. With the meal, it also comes with French fries and a drink. You can’t beat that.
Mackenzie George, a senior who got to be the Student Representative at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington D.C. gave a speech on June 21, 2017 and visited the Capitol building on June 21. Photos courtesy of Mackenzie George.
Journalism student gets real world insight by Gabrielle Pope, Online Editor One student from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia were chosen through a rigorous application course to be a part of the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. CMR senior Mackenzie George represented Montana and the high school journalism field in the conference that took place the summer of 2017 on June 17-22. “[The application] required a transcript, two letters of recommendation and two essays. That took some time, but it was kind of fun to write the essays. They were really interesting topics,” George said.
She wrote one essay on what it means to be a free spirit and another one on why she wants to pursue a career in journalism. George was unaware that she had been chosen, which she was informed about around April, until they sent her another e-mail following up asking if she was still interested. She then got back to them and informed the organization that she was interested in attending the conference. “They followed up and asked me if I still wanted to go so I emailed back and was like of course I want to go!” she said. “I was really excited to get a chance
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to represent Montana. It’s an opportunity that I feel really lucky to get because of all the people I’ve met and the experts I got to listen to, it was pretty cool,” George said. She learned from journalists like David Fahrenthold and Sara Ganim about how the field of journalism isn’t dying, but it is changing and journalists have to change with them. “We have to shape our views and shape our skillsets to what the public wants in terms of how they get their news,” she said. “The media has fallen into disfavor recently, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t important.”
From her point of view
by Mackenzie George, editor-in-chief Part of me still wonders whether the 2017 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference was some kind of social experiment. Throw a kid from every state, plus one from D.C., into a room and see what happens. If I’d been in on it, I would have predicted cliques would form and competition would ensue, particularly since the conference application involved letters of recommendation, transcripts, and two thoughtful essays. These kids were supposedly the best and the brightest in the field. Journalists, perhaps: storytellers, freedom-seekers, the leaders of tomorrow—certainly. The kind of people who desperately craved the truth. In the end, I was very, very wrong about the camp. I did need a friend in every state. I would not have appreciated the fabulous opportunities that threw themselves at me throughout the conference if I had not had these amazing people to share them with. So yes, my dad was right: in the end, it comes down not to what you know, but who you know. That is the lesson I learned a thousand times over at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, and that is what I will take with me for the rest of my life. To read more about Mackenzie’s adventure visit the opinion section of www.rustlernews.com
S Entertainment What’s On Your Playlist?
October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
F A L L
by Quincy Schmechel, editorial board
“When I Get There” by Big Wild
Although completely instrumental, this has been my jam since March. The beat drop in this song is so suspenseful and the music is the perfect feel-good for driving around. I actually heard this song while I was in Zumiez when it came on an employee’s Pandora. My friend and I both rushed to pull out our phones and Shazam it. SInce then it’s my continuous theme song for driving, doing homework, or needing to focus on anything.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
This is about as classic as it gets. I’m a massive Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks fan, so it’s never a surprise to find this on my playlist. Despite the fact that I love bigger beats and modern vibes, as displayed by some of my other song choices, I’m a huge proponent of oldies-but-goodies. Lyrics and melodies from the 70’s were just so much more impactful. If you’ve never listened to Fleetwood Mac, definitely check out this song and “Landslide.”
“Coffee” by Sylvan Esso
Before this summer, I’d never been to a real concert. I’m not into country music, so my opportunities to see a band I enjoy have been rather limited without extensive travel. However, I saw that several of my favorite artists would be in Missoula for a two-day festival, called Travelers’ Rest, put on my The Decemberists. The concert featured Shakey Graves, The Head and the Heart, the Decemberists, Belle and Sebastian, and Sylvan Esso. Most of the other artists were far more acoustic-feeling, so I was nervous that Sylvan Esso, being more electronic, would fail to amaze me. However, they were probably my favorite act by far; everyone was up dancing, the crowd had this insane energy, and the performers were fun and enthusiastic. They’re even better live than recorded, and that’s saying something.
“It’s Only” by ODESZA
ODESZA is an artist I’ve been obsessed with since I first heard this song in the background of a featured video at the Banff Film Festival two years ago. Again, like many songs on this playlist, it features a lot of bass and a slower, peaceful trap-beat vibe. It also features strong, clear vocals and intriguing lyrics. This is common in ODESZA songs, and I’d recommend their music to anyone with ears.
“Operator” by Jim Croce
Quincy Schmechel
Editorial Board
My dad used to have this song on a mixtape (yes, a mixtape) that he played in the car religiously. Jim Croce is the king of the 12-string guitar, and the melodies in this song make that clear. Also, the ballad-type lyrics, which tell such a relatable story, are fantastic. This song is musical genius, and it’ll always be a classic in my mind.
I am not a very sentimental person; I believe that each person should live their life to the greatest extent, but allow themselves to outgrow and depart from the phases of their lives with a gentle sort of ruthlessness. I have had plans to grow up and leave Great Falls and my family in pursuit of a life lived deeply for myself for a long time, not in a selfish way but in the same way a baby bird eventually leaves the nest and begins its own life. And while I may think nostalgia is a dirty liar, I’m not opposed to reminiscing upon the last four years I’ve spent at CMR and the lessons I’ve been taught, which I’ll value for a long time. Firstly, I’ve learned and am working to accept the first cardinal rule of life: that what others think of you is none of your business. People are entitled to an opinion, and worrying about what people say or think of you is a waste of time and energy; the world’s a happier place when you don’t care
back into binge mode
by Grace Carr and Quinn Soltesz, staff writers
Stranger Things Last year, Netflix premiered the show Stranger Things, which captivated 95 percent of its watchers. This October, the show returns to answer many of the viewers’ questions. Is Will hallucinating or really seeing the Upside Down? What are the extent of Eleven’s powers and her backstory? Do the kids truly understand the darkness that lies beneath the surface? Find the answers in the season two premiere.
The perfect show for an intense and nail-biting experience. A special operations team in Turkey and intelligence analysts in Washington D.C. fight to save those in danger in their own way. The special ops team strives to carry out the mission using weaponry, fighting skills, and deception. Meanwhile the analysts direct the team on missions and watch out for their team on the ground.
The Mayor Rapper Courtney Rose runs for mayor of his hometown in order to promote his new album, but much to his horror, he is elected. Rose, his rival-turned-chief-of-staff, his mother, and best friends all have to work together as he figures out what it means to be the mayor. This comedy from ABC is sure to be a great success, with experienced actresses Lea Michele and Yvette Nicole Brown leading the cast.
about things that don’t actually impact you. Secondly, perfect balance will never exist. You will never have a 4.0, a stable sleep schedule, a job, an extreme role in sports, a wonderful social life, and money in the bank all at the same time. Everything costs something. Life often feels like that scene in the “Karate Kid” where he’s struggling to balance on the post. The only comfort is it feels that way for us all. Lastly, all things must come to an end, not only the good things or the bad. One of my favorite sayings is “regression to the mean,” which basically means that life is like a teetertotter-- sometimes life is great, sometimes not so much, but neither of these states is permanent. Life always has to come back to the middle. Once you’ve accepted this, bad days are easier and the good more appreciated, because each is comprised of the same 24 hours.
Riverdale
The CW’s noir teen drama based on the characters of the classic Archie comic books captivated viewers with a first season full of twists. The timeless characters of Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead are thrown into a townwide conspiracy after one of their peers is found dead. More moments of murder, deceit, and betrayal are sure to be the focus of season 2.
This is Us
The Brave
Senior finds the cardinal rules of life
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Last year, NBC’s breakout family drama about four people with the same birthday and their intertwining lives captivated audiences across the nation. The show tapped deep into everyday struggles that almost anyone can relate to, and made viewers smile and cry along with the actors. Season two is already well underway, having shown three episodes.
Young Sheldon Ever been curious how Sheldon from “The Big Bang Theory” came to be, well, Sheldon? Find your answers on the new CBS show, “Young Sheldon.” Watch him enter high school as a 9-yearold, express his love for the invention of Purell, annoy his family, and casually insult almost everyone he encounters.
Volunteering
It’s just what we do
Meetings every Tuesday in room 231 @ 3:15
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October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
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CMR boy’s take the golf state championship
The team poses with the State Championship plaque shortly after winning. Photo courtesy of Brian Halverson.
Memorable Quotes from the TEAM “This year my three seniors were clutch pretty much all year: Duncan, Ben, and Tucker Thomas. Then Tucker Pietykowski gave us that fourth score that we needed in every tournament, including state.” - Brian Halverson, head coach “We knew that we were the heavy favorite and we all came in the confidence knowing we were capable and that we were going to win. We just had to keep telling ourselves and coming in with the nothing but a win attitude to get it done.” - Duncan Hollar, senior
Editorial Board
Gabrielle Pope
“What motivated me was seeing how well all of our teammates did, which kept me accountable knowing that I had to keep my game rolling for us to win” - Ben Kaul, senior
by Julia Gremaux, photo editor and Sophie Aron, staff decided to dedicate my efforts primarily to golf.” writer Through his years in golf the biggest highlight The only sport at CMR where silence is just was winning state his senior year, which he said as loud as a full thunderdome. Varsity players felt pretty amazing. Brian Halverson, the CMR Duncan Hollar, Tucker Thomas, Ben Kaul, and golf coach, shared the same feeling of excitement Tucker Pietrykowski all contributed to winning from the results of the state tournament. first place at the AA state golf championship on “Great Falls High I thought was going to be Sept. 27, earning CMR a new golf rug that the our toughest competition and West was going to school hasn’t seen in 15 years. be right there with them, but we ended up kinda “It is awesome to know that our team pulling away at a very difficult golf course - the contributed a state championship to CMR, and CMR boys were the most consistent and I think ever since freshman year my goal has been disciplined golfers there over two days. So we to win a high school tournament and a state won the championship by 25 strokes, instead of championship, so to accomplish both of the goals being close,” Halverson said. my senior year is just amazing,” senior Ben Kaul He said he feels privileged to be able to have said. worked with the group of seniors he did this Kaul has been playing golf since he was about year. They all were consistent in their low scores 10 years old and has played all four years in high throughout the season. school. His experience has “Usually when you have made him a native to the talented golfers like I did They play and practice all the golf environment and well they are going out time to get better and then it’s just and adapted to talking with his trying to win tournaments teammates about playing a nice for CMR that that level of and are good enough to win safe game that will lead to a talent all came together in one year tournaments then they are win. going to go out and shoot at the same time, and so all that The golf team has been a really low numbers, which tight knit crew as most of the practice paid off for them. at the end of the day turns players like Kaul have been into a really good team Brian Halverson playing since their freshman total,” he said. year. A golf tournament “We came into state my combines four individual freshman year in the same situation as the favorite, scores to make a full team score, and the lowest with four wins that year. But unfortunately we score is the winning team. At the beginning of couldn’t perform how we imagined at state and the year, Halverson said he knew he had the three took third. So it was great for me [to be a part of golfers to help succeed at the state tournament, the win] cause I felt as if I need to redeem myself but hadn’t locked in the fourth golfer yet. and some of my former teammates by continuing “For the last couple of years we’ve had three the good play and winning this time,” fellow pretty well scores that we turn in. Three kids that senior Duncan Hollar said. have been all-state now several times and we Hollar started out his golf career when he were just kind of lacking a fourth score last year,” realized that high school football wasn’t going to Halverson said. “So I didn’t know coming into take him very far due to his small stature, so in a this year how consistent Tucker Pietrykowski good turn of events he went to golf. would be in giving me a fourth score, but he was “I just became more interested in golf and I clutch all year.” started to develop my skills extremely fast so I fell in love with the process of getting better. I
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Supporting our Rustlers has more than just one benefit The goosebumps on my arms, the roar of the crowd and the rush of adrenaline I get when our team gets a touchdown, a great hit or a goal that you thought was impossible; that feeling is unlike any other. Freshman year I thought I was too cool to go to school sports games. I was like this until I understood what the whole point of going to sporting events was. I discovered that there was more to games than just socializing and seeing your friends outside of school. I realized that we are there to encourage and support our friends and fellow students in their own minutes of fame. I had this realization when I played on CMR’s softball team and got my own seconds in the spotlight, when I was up to bat or got a great catch.
I now see that it is pretty amazing to have a bunch of people there to watch and cheer you and your team on. There’s a magic to these moment , when you feel like a superstar, and from that one moment of realization I knew that it was time I get myself out there and support my peers for their times of glory. Once I started getting out there I found that not only does being there uplift the team’s spirit, it also boosts mine. I feel like a new person when I am encouraging the players. I became more aware of how great it is to be a part of someone else’s motivation, I know that just my sense of being and how my voice can turn an okay team into a great one. You can tell the difference in the players when there
are games that not many people show up to compared to games like crosstown or the Homecoming game where everyone is wound up and so it boosts the player’s confidence because they feel as if they can’t let the crowd down. Rustlers, as a unified one, all of us need to get together and support our players, and it’s not just sporting events that we should be supporting. We should be there to encourage the choir, band and orchestra students, drama productions, and anything else that CMR produces, everyone needs someone there to promote their hard work and who knows, you could benefit from it, too.
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October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
Sports
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Team prepares for final two weeks
by JJ Slater, staff writer Determination rolled off the Rustler boys the night of the Homecoming game on Oct. 6. Excited yelps could be heard through the locker room in preparation for the big game. The Rustler boys were going to walk onto the field confident and ready to play, and that is what they did. Throughout the game, the score was tied and there was a tense atmosphere engulfing Memorial Stadium. The Rustler boys played and fought hard, but luck was not in their favor. With one second left in the game, Billings Skyview scored the winning touchdown, leaving the Rustlers stunned at the turn of events. “The boys’ reactions weren’t fantastic. I think they felt a bit let down,” junior Cameron McCarthy said. Even though Skyview won, McCarthy said the Rustlers gave the referees and opposing players respect and left the field with their heads held high. They came to terms with the loss quickly and poured themselves into practices this week. He said many of the athletes are excited for the end of the season so they can bounce back from the hard loss. The varsity team is confident moving into their final few games, with a 3-4 record.
Fighting On Rustlers seek wins as the season ends
On Oct. 6, Rustlers face against Skyview during their Homecoming game. Neck and neck the Rustlers played their heart out until the last second of the game. With a final score of 28-31 with Skyview scoring at the very last moment of the game. With celebrations and disbelief the Rustlers still played a fantastic game. Photos by Jullia Gremaux.
Kaufman trades cleats for lesson plans by Mackenzie George, editor-in-chief Students might enjoy playing spike ball with new student teacher Jocelyn Kaufman, but they shouldn’t be eager to take her on in softball anytime soon. Kaufman just returned from three months in Sweden, where she played professional softball and helped her team win the Swedish Cup for the second year in a row. “After my senior year [of college], I thought I was done playing, and then I got a call and I was on the next flight out to Sweden,” Kaufman said. It was a sharp contrast to the University of Great Falls (now University of Providence) from which Kaufman had just graduated. “It was really surreal being in a different country and seeing a different style of living in a sense,” she said. “We played players better than I’ve ever played in my life.” Each of the six teams in the league recruited two or three Americans, Kaufman said, and Italy’s team had three players who will play on the U.S. Olympic team. Kaufman’s team held the No. 1 seed going into playoffs and ended up winning the tournament.
“Europe takes their sports so seriously; we had free dinner all week and free brunch and spa days,” she said. “After we won, we wore these gold top hats. It was very interesting.” Kaufman plans on returning to Sweden to play again next summer. For now, though, she is trading her cleats for lesson plans. “I secretly wanted to be a teacher in sixth grade, but I never told anyone,” she said. “I think in my junior year of high school I really knew that’s what I wanted to do, and then coming to college I chose the major right away and just went with it.” Kaufman assists teacher Amanda Ferderer with her health and PE classes. Depending on job opportunities, Kaufman said she may return to her home state of Utah to teach when she is finished. She graduated from Stansbury High School in Tula, Utah before moving to Great Falls to play for UGF. She is now an assistant coach for the university as well as a student teacher. “So far it’s not too bad,” Kaufman said with a laugh of balancing both jobs. “I’ll let you know in a couple weeks about where I’m at.”
Jocelyn Kaufman poses with the Swedish Cup and gold top hat after the championship game. Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Kaufman.
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October 12, 2017 rustlernews.com
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West wows at Mountain West Classic by Mackenzie George, editor-in-chief Cooper West is no stranger to winning, having claimed the city cross country title twice in his high school career. But the senior hit a new level of success on Sept. 30 when he won the Mountain West Classic. Held in Missoula, it is arguably the most competitive race of the MHSA Cross Country season. Nearly 2,000 runners from Montana, Idaho, and Washington attend the meet. There were 400 runners in the varsity boys’ race. “I kind of went into it just going, ‘I’m going to run my race and stick to my plan,’” West said. “I knew that I’d be up there, but I didn’t know if I’d exactly be able to win it.” West’s plan, he said, was to hang off the leaders and kick at the finish. He executed to the letter and came in three seconds ahead of Bozeman’s Duncan Hamilton. West has come close to a Mountain West victory in the past, earning fifth his junior year, but this was the first year he took home the title. He is the first Electric City male runner to do so. If the Mountain West Classic is a good predictor of how athletes will fare at state, West is sitting comfortably. But behind the star’s successful senior season is many years of hard work. West has been coached by Branch Brady since he was in middle school. He attended regular middle school practice and then ran with Brady afterwards. “I didn’t play a fall sport or spring sports; I just focused on running,” West said of his seventh- and
eighth grade years. “I wouldn’t call it a huge amount of miles, but more than most middle schoolers.” He keeps a log of each practice. To date West has completed 4,000 to 5,000 miles. “I was always like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be a runner,’” West explained. “It was just something I’ve always liked to do, and liked to do it because if I worked hard, I was good at it.” West appreciates the mentorship from his coaches. He says if Brady was not there, he probably would be injured more often. “He’s always been there to push me but at the same time kind of hold me back when I get a little overzealous,” West said. “And [head coach Nathan] Gregier’s a good realist.” Winning the Mountain West Classic is turning into a family tradition for the West family. West’s sister Keely won the race 10 years before him and went on to have a successful career at Montana State University. His brother Cody was a star wrestler for the Rustlers. “Cody and Keely, having them as role models, hasn’t really been pressure, but more like they worked hard and they did that, so I can work hard and I can do that too,” West said. “They always just push me, telling me, ‘Push yourself, work hard, and you’ll do good things.’” As the season winds down, West continues to do those good things. He won the Capital City 7 on 7 in Helena on Sept. 5. The state meet is to be held on the same Helena course on Oct. 21. However, the end of the
Cooper West breaks ahead of Teagan Olson during the Butte Invitational on Sept. 23. West has had an immensely successful season thus far. Photo courtesy of Genevieve Connell.
high school season does not mean West’s work comes to a close. He hopes to run in either Nike or Footlocker Nationals in the fall. The regional Nike race is Nov. 11. West is feeling good about the state meet, he said. But nothing in his running career thus far is comparable to that Mountain West Classic. “I couldn’t stop smiling when I came across the finish line,” West said.
OG Rustler returns to gridiron from Bison blue by Quincy Shcmechel, editorial board Social sciences teacher Gregg Dart says that the best part of being a teacher is that no matter where he teaches, he gets to interact with young energy and bright minds. This mentality came in handy when Dart transferred over from Great Falls High to CMR this year after 23 years with the Bison. Dart teaches sociology, senior government, and street law in room 212, which he says is a “happy coincidence” in and of itself. “My very first teaching job was here
at CMR way back in 1993,” Dart said. “When I first came I taught freshman world history. My room number was actually 212, which is exactly what it is now. The teaching career has really come full circle from start to finish.” Dart graduated from Great Falls High School in 1988, and he refers to himself as having been a “dumb jock,” but he says that despite his Bison pride, coming to CMR wasn’t any more difficult as a new teacher in 1993 than as a veteran high school educator in 2017. “The hardest part was getting used to
the building,” Dart said. “The buildings are very aesthetically different.” After his first year at CMR, Dart was hired as a social studies teacher at Great Falls High, where he taught for 23 years and coached for 21. “I taught at CMR for a full year and started my second year here,” Dart recalled. “But Great Falls High had a huge overflow of students, so I ended up being hired full time at Great Falls High. I taught there for 23 years.” Dart said that although coming back to the home of the Rustlers was a shock
after two decades with the Bison, his having coached basketball and football at CMR for the previous two years made the transition easier. “This year was good because I’ve been coaching [here],” Dart said. “To be honest, I really enjoy being around my student athletes full time. Instead of just seeing them at practice and in the games, I kind of get to put my thumb on them, if you will. For me, it’s a lot better situation.”
SPORTS BRIEFS Volleyball
“Our team has increased dramatically both in skill and chemistry at the perfect time. I’m very excited to see how things progress from here!” - Gabby Hagen 9-23 vs. Bozeman 25-14, 21-25,25-23,25-20 Bozeman 9-26: vs. GFH 25-19, 27-25, 25-20 CMR 9-28 vs. Havre 25-16, 21-25, 25-17, 25-14 CMR 10-5 vs Butte 20-25, 19-25, 25-23,25-22, 15-4 CMR
Football “After losing two games, it’ll get things going for us.” - Tucker Greenwell 9-22 vs Hellgate 41-12 CMR 9-29 vs Helena High 30-0 Helena High 10-5 Billings Skyview 31-28 Skyview
Cross Country “As a newcomer to CMR Cross Country team, I really like what we go out and do.” - Silas Andrews 9-23 Butte invite Boys: Cooper West, 15:37 Gordon Gentry, 16:38.4 Girls: Mackenzie Dean,19:16.6 9-30 Mountain West Cooper West,15:30 10-5 Helena 7 on 7 Cooper West, CMR, 15:33 Connor O’Hara, CMR, 17:14
Soccer Girls Boys
“The girls team is playing great! We’ve improved so much from last year!”- Cece Grassechi 9-30 vs GFH 3-0 CMR 10-6 Bozeman Girls 2-4 Bozeman 10-7 Billings Senior 2-4 Billings
“We really solidified our rhythm the past 2 games and we hope to keep it up.”- Alex Finch 9-30 vs GFH 4-0 CMR 10-6 vs Bozeman 5-0 Bozeman 10-7 Senior Boys 6-0 Billings
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FC H AA C ODS S O F C M R
2018
by Sophie Aron, staff writer
What are the options?
The company Chaco, started by Mark Paigen, a whitewater rafting guide back in 1989, has grown significantly over the past decade. Chacos gained popularity due to their diversity. Whether you’re going for a walk, hike or just strolling around town, Chacos offer the support and comfort that many desire. Chaco sandals, famous for their Z shaped strap, use a single strap which loops around the foot through the sole, and so can be adjusted to fit without any extra fastenings. Along with sandals, the company also offers a variety of other products, anything from closed toed shoes to bracels with the famous Chaco straps.
There is a variety of styles of Chaco sandals, with different strap designs and colors.
HYDRO FLASKS
Just like a backpack or pencil, having a Hydro Flask is an essential for many CMR students. Students have plastered their bottles with stickers to make them their own, or kept them squeaky clean. Reusuable water bottles are gaining popularty across the United States, but Hydro Flasks seem to top them all. for students at CMR.
“The only reason I almost didn’t buy one is because everyone else was. I do like it, though.” Beth Britton, teacher
$24.95 16 oz.
“I love Hydro Flasks because they keep my water cold for such a long period of time that I never have to put ice in there.” Jessica Banks, Class of 2017
“Unlike a regular metal water bottle, the Hydro Flask never sweats. So I never need to clean up a wet mess.”
“Hydro Flasks are like the superheroes of waterbottles. I can leave my bottle in my car on a Monday with ice and it still is cold on Wednesday.”
Julia Gremaux, senior
Emily Cappis, senior
$ 2 7. 9 5 20 oz.
$32.95 21 oz.
FUN FACTS:
• Founded in Bend, Oregon • Travis Rosbach founded Hydro Flask in 2009 • Sold in about 6,000 stores worldwide • There are 7 sizes available, along with 5 lid types
$44.95 32 oz. Out of 12 people in a class, 8 of the students owned a Hydro Flask. Photos by Sophie Aron