NEWS......................
#1 Dick Kloppel talks about experiences in GF school district, climbing to No. 1 on seniority list pgs. 4-5
the
stampede
OPINION..................
Second Amendment: Students, teachers answer the question: What do we do with guns? pg. 09
FEATURES............... GFH vs. CMR The cross-town rivalry pgs. 16-17
CENTERSPREAD........ Huff and Puff: Student, teachers express their feelings about smoking pgs.14-15
ENTERTAINMENT.... Make it good: What should trend in 2013 pg.19
SPORTS..................
Dance Lessons: Wranglers teach youngsters routine, help them perform at game pg. 23
BACK PAGE.............
Preparing for a Career: Students talk about internship experiences pg. 28
An open forum for student expression
Burning Blaze
Smoking at CMR c.m. russell high school great falls, mont. jan. 31 , 2013 vol. 47, issue 6
www.rustlernews.com
The Stampede
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.
2012-2013 Staff editor-in-chief lindsey buck
online editor
caroline perkins
design editors
zach pottratz whisper harris
visual content editor sierra rutledge
news editor abby lynes
opinion editor kendra hix
business manager tayler korb
features/entertainment editor jen verzuh
sports editor
peyton fulbright
adviser
beth britton
principal
dick kloppel
staff
greighsen adams kasey bubnash tanner gliko katelin johnson tina keller gemma kern collin marquard stephanie mccracken kim michelsen kaitlin mosley chandler pomeroy max roux olivia rudio julia segebarth joey serido emily shaulis katelyn smith jesse whiteman joe wilmoth 228 17th avenue northwest (406) 268-6178 great falls, montana 59404 www.rustlernews.com
After securing a boys basketball victory, senior Joey Marzion, pumps his fist in excitement, while other students celebrate. Photo by Kasey Bubnash.
Table of Contents: Cover – Photo by Peyton Fulbright Page 2 – Table of contents, Editorial policy, Lindsey’s column Page 3 – NEWS, BPA, Abby’s Column Page 4-5 – Kloppel’s 45 Years Page 6—Media Center, Kelly Parsons Page 7 – Dodge Ball Page 8 – OPINION, Editorial, SRO column, Kendra’s column Page 9 – Guns Debate Page 10 – Weighted GPA’s Page 11 – The art of handwriting Page 12 – FEATURES, Student Government, Jen’s column Page 13 – Student Teachers Page 14-15 – Smoking Page 16-17 – GFH vs. CMR Rules Page 18 – Prep for Thespian Festival Page 19 – ENTERTAINMENT, 2013 trends, Overlooked of 2012 Page 20 – Oscars Page 21 – “Zero Dark Thirty” review, Websites Page 22 – Chart Page 23 – SPORTS, Wranglers, Peyton’s column Page 24 – Wrestler profile, Swim State Page 25 – Who knows your teammate better?, Super Bowl Page 26 – Title 9 Page 27 – Managers, Basketball profiles Page 28 – Internships
THE BUCK STOPS
HERE
Lindsey Buck
A 400-pound woman causes a cement sidewalk to cave in and claims that her weight saved her from a disaster. It makes a perfect headline; it’s the story that everyone can’t wait to hear about on their way to work at 7 a.m. The man on K99 can barely read it without chuckling. He can’t prevent himself from insulting the
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 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 Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/ KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
woman, from mocking her. Each morning I hear news stories like this; each morning I am more disappointed. News stories are a funny thing. They tend to reflect the wants and attitudes of the audience they serve. We like to laugh; we like to make fun of ourselves and others. But when do stories go too far? There is a purpose to mocking Todd Akin for his comments about “legitimate rape,” or Joe Biden’s statement that Clinton would have made a better vice president than himself. These headlines served a purpose; they taught the American people about their leaders and sparked interest in topics that deserved attention.
However, there is no underlying purpose in making fun of an overweight woman. We learn nothing from stories like this except that it is acceptable to be cruel to others who differ from us in any way. As a journalist, I understand that the stories we produce are a function of what readers desire. Therefore, I ask you to watch what you’re listening to or watching. There’s no shame in turning the channel when someone else’s reputation is at stake. After all, a 4-by-6 foot section of faulty sidewalk could have damaged anyone, but mocking someone who fell through it only damages you.
News
BPA convention, Kloppel refects on years as principal, dodgeball tournament...
BPA club competes at annual convention
by katelyn smith, staff writer Once a year, BPA (Business Professionals of America) clubs from across Montana meet up for the state convention, where students compete in a variety of subjects, including computer modeling, banking and finance, interview skills, and prepared speech. The 2013 convention was held at C. M. Russell High School Jan. 21. “It’s like DECA, except we’re more about tech and finance,” club advisor of BPA Kelly Parsons said “Quite a few schools come here. Total there’s about 400 students.” BPA was first started in the early 50’s. In addition to Parsons, business teacher Dave Stukey advises the club. This year, BPA has three members who meet about 10 times throughout the year, sometimes meeting during club days. “Whenever we meet they spend their time working on trying to improve themselves for the convention because at one point they will be judged,” Parsons said. At the convention, there are four areas that BPA students compete
Masquerade Ball fails, six tickets sell
in: typing, speech, math, and team presentations. Participants can perform as a group or as individuals. Junior Emily Sullivan is one of three Rustlers who competed on Jan. 21, and she said she enjoys the excitement of meeting new people. “It’s really fun because you get to meet a bunch of new people that you wouldn’t meet outside of BPA,” Sullivan said. Her favorite area to compete in is the team presentations because “it’s easier to be in front of a judge with a friend.” Normally, the judges decide on a new topic every year for the students to work on, Sullivan said, and the majority of the time the topic is persuasive. “They judge you on how well you present your topic,” Sullivan said, adding that she joined BPA because it’s a good experience for business life in the real world, and she and her friends thought it would be fun. “Kids come from all over Montana to compete. So you meet quite a few new people,” Sullivan said. “It’s just an overall really great experience.”
Abby Lynes
THE LYNES
READING BETWEEN
Left: Waiting to wow the judges, BPA members from different schools across Montana wait to present their topics on Jan. 21 at the annual BPA convention. Top: Members prepare to present their topic in the field house. Middle: list of events held that day outside the media center. Above: BPA members take a break from the stress of the day, enjoying donuts and watching a basketball practice. Photos by Katelyn Smith.
2013. It is difficult for me to fathom that number. It’s a number filled with ambiguity and uncertainty, and I’m not quite sure what it means for me and the world. In the past year, I have challenged myself, grown up, made new friends, and become more open-minded. I’ve travelled to Europe, helped repair homes in upstate New York, worked at a job that I love, and said goodbye to a lot of close friends as they move on in life. It’s been a year of self-discovery, joy, pain, and learning, and I cannot believe that it has come to a close so quickly. On a grander scale, the world changed
and developed in ways I never saw coming. Technology is more prevalent than ever before. Steve Jobs died. Obama has been reelected into office, countries around the globe experienced major natural disasters. The Middle East made progress, and, above all, the world did not end. As a nation, the United States was forced to reevaluate its values and beliefs in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. The year 2012 was filled with learning experiences, and hopefully the next one will lead us closer to peace. It’s hard to tell what 2013 will bring. It’s a
by emily shaulis, staff writer Six was a disappointing number to junior Becca Thompson on Jan. 18. Thompson came up with the idea of having a Masquerade Ball at CMR during Homecoming last fall. “I always wanted to go to one,” she said. After months of planning, a date was set for the dance to happen on Jan. 25. Unfortunately, the dance was cancelled due to the lack of tickets being sold. A total of 100 tickets needed to be sold by Jan. 18 in order to have the dance, but only six tickets had been sold by that point. A lack of support from teachers also influenced the dance’s fate, according to Thompson. In previous years, students have planned dances, but they had also failed. The money from the Masquerade Ball would have gone towards funding for Prom. Junior Dakota Matson was also involved in the planning of the Masquerade Ball, and she said, “prom can always need money.” A committee of students was formed to plan out the Masquerade Ball and principal Dick Kloppel agreed to let them have the dance. Thompson believes that if advertising would have been planned better that the dance would have happened. “If people would have bought tickets it would have gone through,” she said. Thompson said she would like to try to have the dance sometime next year as part of her senior project.
new year, with a fresh start. President Obama has signed on for another term. It remains somewhat a mystery what the next year, and further the next four years will bring. That’s the confusing, frustrating part, but it’s also the exhilarating part. As a nation, we will learn new things, change will occur, and the world will be different. We are always searching for answers, wanting to know what the future will bring, but, the truth is, we are incapable of predicting it. The future is unforeseeable, and that is what makes it beautiful. All we can do is hope and aim to do what is right.
04 -- News
A-B-C From to seniority
The Stampede 1.31.13
Kloppel climbs to top of longevity list, serves, inspires students in Great Falls School District for 43 years
Before his 13 years as principal of CMR, Dick Kloppel served as an educator as Fergus High School, Great Falls High School, and Paris Gibson Junior High School. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
by lindsey buck, editor-in-chief Forty-three years ago, Dick Kloppel remembers inserting a punch card into a three-story-tall computer. 43 years ago, Kloppel waited seven days for a word document to print out. 43 years ago, he discovered his “calling.” “If you look at my high school yearbook, my aspiration was to be a teacher. I love what I do,” Kloppel, who graduated from Fairfield High School, said. After four decades, Kloppel has climbed his way to the top of the Great Falls Public School District longevity list. He has spent 13 years as the principal of CMR. According to Kloppel, he has always given his students and staff members the “best [he can] give.” However, Kloppel’s jobs in education date back far beyond his experience at CMR. After beginning his career as a physical science teacher at Paris Gibson Junior High School, Kloppel became involved in many different fields of education. He has taught math, physics, and aviation science. He has also coached both girls and boys
basketball. Kloppel’s first experience as a principal was in Lewistown, at Fergus High School. Over the years, Kloppel said that education has taught him many things. “I’ve learned that education is a practice. Education needs to be a passion,” he said. Kloppel began his career at CMR when the high school was only four years old. In the 70s, he said, “the Internet was not even a word.” Students would “take notes off a chalkboard” and “listen to a lecture.” The vast differences that Kloppel has noticed since the 1970s are the massive improvements in computers, the transformation of “huge adding machines” into calculators, and the “basic” programs that allow students to accomplish more today. “Education changes constantly,” he said. With these changes, however, challenges come, Kloppel said. “The biggest challenge has always been: one, meeting the needs of the highly driven students, and two, to reach the struggling learner,” he said. According to Kloppel, he struggles to watch students who “see no value in school.” He said that “not every kid has the drive and often the support” that they need, but that he and his staff always attempt to “[provide] what everybody inbetween needs.” “I hope I’ve had a really positive impact, and I think I have. I’ve been a positive influence in a lot of lives,” Kloppel said. In his years as a principal, Kloppel said he has also watched “the declining appreciation and support for the quality education and the quality programs that our schools offer.” Cuts to funding and a failed mill levy have caused the number of employed teachers to drop from 1600 to 800 in the past 43 years. Kloppel said he hopes that in the future the community will recognize that CMR is “a product that is rare in this country.” Despite the hardships of being an educator, Kloppel said that the benefits are never-ending. According to him, it is fulfilling to watch students do “absolutely anything in the world they want to.” “Truly, my hope for every kid that walks out of here is that they end up realizing their calling,” Kloppel said. CMR in particular has been inspirational to him, he said. According to Kloppel, one of the greatest benefits that “nobody else” but educators “has” is the ability to watch students grow and thrive in later environments. “I’m pretty passionate about this place. [It has a] terrific staff, awesome kids, [and] incredible tradition in every arena,” he said. All in all, Kloppel said he has “no regrets,” and that with his passion for CMR, he may still be “sitting here in ten years.” “What I’ve been a part of isn’t about me. I’ve had incredible people and incredible students to get the job done.”
Kloppel’s optimism, pride, spirit carry Rustlers to success by jess dellarossa, student body vice president When you walk into the auditorium or The Thunder Dome, you can always expect to see Mr. Kloppel there supporting The Rowdy Rustlers. Year after year, Mr. Kloppel continues to excel in the school spirit department, never letting us down. It is evident that he cares deeply for each teacher, staff member and student by the hard work and determination he brings forth in making CMR “a better place to learn and teach where relationships lead to success.” There is always room for improvement, and Mr. Kloppel strives to make our school soar above the rest in every category. Over the past years it has been an honor being able to work closely with Mr. Kloppel. Each concern or request brought to his attention is taken into careful consideration, and he always has a solution to make everyone happy. No matter what the circumstances are, Mr. Kloppel always has a positive outlook and shows his appreciation to people who should be recognized. We are fortunate to have a principal who cares about every one of us as individuals and puts our needs first. And now it is our turn to say thank you, Mr. Kloppel. We truly appreciate all that you have done to make all of our days here at CMR more enjoyable.
News -- 05
1.31.13 The Stampede
Former players reflect on Kloppel’s expertise, impact
Coach Kloppel leads a pep rally at Great Falls High School. Kloppel coached the girls basketball team and took home three consecutive state championships, setting a state and national record.
a believer in fundamentals; he has a by lindsey buck, editor-in-chief With a 60-game winning streak really high standard.” According to Parsons, being on the behind her, Kelly Parsons watched her greatest adversity stomp down the team was something that she’ll never forget. court in front of her: triplets. “It was such an honor. There was a “Look at them,” her teammates lot of pride,” she said. shouted. She said she remembers Kloppel “Holy smokes. They’re identical,” Dick Kloppel said, with his clipboard as an “awesome communicator” and a “stickler for doing things correctly.” in hand. Parsons, a business and English However, according to Parsons, his teacher, played on Kloppel’s team for a compassion stood out the most. During a game, Parsons struggled total of three years. During his time as a with another coach, Kloppel racked girl on the floor, up three consecutive “It was such an honor. attempting to steal state championships, the ball. a national record at the There was a lot of “I come up time and the current pride.” with the ball and I state record. Kelly Parsons dribble and I score As a “youngin,” for the other team,” Parsons said she always looked forward to playing on she said. Disappointment overcame her, she Kloppel’s team. “I said, ‘I want to be a part of that,’” said, as she walked back to the bench. However, Parsons was surprised she said. Looking back on the team, Parsons to find that Kloppel said, “you need credits much of the success to Kloppel. to forget about that. There are much She said that his experience and more important things.” His kindness has been important to coaching methods helped the team her as both a basketball player and as a take home its state titles. “He was an excellent shooter. It teacher under his administration. “It made all of us grow as players was awesome to have somebody with his talent,” Parsons said. “He is really and individuals.”
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by lindsey buck, editor-in-chief Thirty years after taking home three state championships, Coach Chris Kelly has still never known a bench or a whistle. “Blue, give it a shot again. White, on D,” she yells as she runs down the court. “You know they’re going to push you left.” In her blue jacket, black sweat pants, and pair of sneakers she is more than just a coach; she is a player and a teammate to her boys’ team at Central Catholic High School. When she began her career as a coach, the “first person [she] called to ask advice” of was Dick Kloppel. Kelly played for Kloppel’s team from 1980-1982 when the team took home state championships. “I didn’t realize the uniqueness of that. It’s so overwhelming,” she said. Kloppel began his career as a basketball coach during the first years that women’s basketball became a sport at Great Falls High. His belief in his team regardless of the gender stereotypes of the time was part of what gained Kelly’s respect for him, she said. “I respected that it was never brought up that we were just girls. You bled and got on the floor. That’s what he expected,” she said. “I’d like to thank him for those memories.” According to Kelly, Kloppel’s disciplined nature is what pushed the team to bring home the wins. “We were very deep. Every day at practice you fought. [If] we didn’t play our potential, it was not good enough for him,” she said. Angie Dowson, a fellow player and the head coach of Central Catholic High School’s girls’ basketball team, also appreciates Kloppel’s “strive for perfection.” “He was very good, very disciplined. I cannot believe the knowledge I got from that man,” she said. Dowson said that being on the team was a “big deal” to her; in fact, thirty years have passed and she stills wears her Great Falls High sweatshirt. However, Dowson said that Kloppel was not a boastful coach, but rather a
Kloppel graduated in 1966 as a Fairfield High School “Eagle.”
Three decades after playing on Dick Kloppel’s Great Falls High girls team, coach Chris Kelly leads practice for the Central Catholic High School’s boys basketball team. Photo by Petyon Fulbright.
After taking home state, Kloppel continues to coach basketball in 1986.
In 1976, Kloppel coached the Great Falls High girls basketball team.
Dick Kloppel was raised northeast of Fairfield, on a farm.
humble one. “He never even mentioned winning state. He never went off on the record. He loved the game,” she said. His emphasis on “fundamentals,” the way he “surrounded himself with good people,” and his ability to get “the best out of each [player,]” influenced Dowson’s coaching career and life, she said. According to Dowson, “a good teacher is huge.” Among the lessons that Kloppel taught her, Dowson said that the most important was, “you can’t be weak.” “If you have adversity, you can get through it.”
In 1977, Kloppel taught mathematics at Great Falls High School.
Kloppel taught algebra and trigonometry in 1986.
News -- 06
1.31.13 The Stampede
Parsons keeps busy with after school classes
Neglected trash left in the Media Center might lead to its lunchtime closure. Photo by Julia Segebarth.
Media center specialists threaten to close library during lunch by julia segebarth, staff writer Pudding dribbled on the chairs. Crumbs and soda covering the keyboards. Salad spilled on the floor. Sunflower seeds chewed and spit on the rug. Lollipop sticks thrown casually. Carpets and chairs ruined by soiled hands. Welcome to the CMR Media Center. Patty Hilbig, a media center specialist, said students leaving their trash lying around in the library is disheartening. Hilbig is one of three media center specialists who find the vulgarity of trash not being thrown away discouraging and disgusting. Along with Hilbig, Amy Borger and Terri Jones believe that students are abusing the library. They said that having students in the library can be a joy because it’s lively, but some students have no respect for school property. “Our plan, if it continues… is to stop the lunches in the Media Center,” Jones said. “We want everyone to pick up [their trash] after lunch. Maybe we need some kids to volunteer.” Bottom line? Jones said she and her colleagues are not responsible for the clean-up, and they don’t have the time to clean up the trash left all over the library. “We don’t have the time. It grosses us out so much,” Jones said. “We can’t get new
carpet, we can’t afford new furniture. We’ll just have to say no to people eating in the Media Center.” Hilbig, Borger and Jones agree that not everyone should be blamed for the mess. They said they enjoy having kids in the library because it’s a comfortable atmosphere where students can relax, but some Rustlers are taking advantage of these privileges. Some students don’t deserve to be included with the others who cause a mess in the library because they do clean up after themselves, Jones said. Maria Bernhardt, a senior who enjoys eating lunch in the library, said she notices the problem. “There will be crumbs or spills or something, and I have to clean it up before I eat, and that’s not right,” Bernhardt said. “People don’t know how to clean up after themselves or don’t respect where they are.” Students need to realize that not all the messes are completely cleaned so they are sitting in their own grime, the media center specialists said. Borger said she doesn’t understand why students leave trash in a public place when they wouldn’t do that in their own home. “We give an inch and they take a mile,” Borger said.
by kaitlin mosley, staff writer There’s more to Kelly Parsons than just teaching business and English classes to high schoolers. In fact, she helps students of all different ages. Parsons teaches through the Great Falls College MSU, which offers a variety of classes, including woodwork, beginning Excel, welding, computer, and Intro to Internet. About 12 years ago, she started teaching night classes when Skyline was the alternative school. She has taught for MSU for 18 years. What got her started in teaching all these classes were people who approached her because someone recommended her, she said. Parsons gave teaching the classes a try and fell in love with them, and it helps her stay busy, she said. No doubt, Parsons has a busy schedule. “When I leave this teaching world, I go to another,” Parsons said. In addition to CMR and MSU, Parsons also teaches three nights at the Great Falls Youth Transitions Center. She works with two group homes, one for the boys and one for the girls, helping students gain lost credits. Parsons also teaches homebound kids for about two to three weeks at a time. What is interesting about her classes at MSU, however, is that there are all different ages in each one. Some people join them for work-related reasons, Parsons said. Sometimes people have a job that requires them to do things with computers they aren’t familiar with. Also, family members often buy a laptop for an older person who doesn’t know how to use it, and Parsons’ classes helps them understand. “They hopped on board with the
computers,” she said. The classes are offered two nights a week throughout the school year on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:308:30 p.m. She also teaches night school at Great Falls High School from 4-6 p.m. She helps students earn more credits, including a business elective. This program is offered to students from all three schools in Great Falls. Parsons said that the people she teaches are great to have and are appreciative, which makes it all worthwhile. When they reach the point where they don’t need her anymore, she said she succeeds in her goal. However, not all memories are positive. When the transition students make progress, but then get in trouble with the law or another complication, and have to repeat the course, Parsons said, “It breaks my heart.” During the summer, Parsons teaches the Virtual Academy, but she doesn’t have any other of her responsibilities she has during the school year. It takes a lot of patience to teach these classes, Parsons said. She is hyperactive and likes to go really fast, but then she reminds herself that not everyone can learn that fast, she said. Parsons’ best memory was with an older man who didn’t know how to use the mouse on a computer, she said. He pointed it at the screen like a TV remote and said “it’s not working.” Another great memory she had was when she went out to dinner after the last class of a session. “Me and a bunch of 70-and 80-yearolds, partying it up,” Parsons said. “That was cool.”
1.31.13 The Stampede
News -- 07
Students participated in a dodge ball tournament on Jan. 18 in order to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. Due to the popularity of the event, another dodge ball game will be held. Photo by Sierra Rutledge.
Students show off their dodging abilities at tournament by Katelin Johnson,staff writer Noise filled the fieldhouse on Jan. 18 as dodge balls flew in all directions. Kids were pelted; teams were eliminated. But the game itself wasn’t the most difficult part, according to sophomore Karlee Simonson. Planning it took time, but it was such a success that another event is in the works. Student government decided to have a dodge ball tournament where the winner would go against the staff in the next cross-town game. The “Ultimate face-off” will consist of two games and will have two referees. “Well, we actually had to ask a lot of the staff, and they said if we need them they would play and we needed them so we did,” Simonson said. She said they had some ideas to give the teachers an advantage when the game starts. They are going to put the dodge balls closer to them, and they are giving them substitutes so they aren’t so “winded afterwards.” Planning this year’s tournament took a lot of effort and time. Simonson, who is a member of student government, said the most challenging part was setting up the tournament. It took two or three weeks for the majority of the sophomore and junior student government to put it together along with several other students. It was Simonson who came up with the idea to have a dodge ball tournament in the first place. She was moved to develop a fundraiser from the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, but the school stopped taking donations, she said. In the end, the money raised was donated to the Boys and Girls club. KayDee Parsons also lent a helping hand and supported Simonson’s idea. Parsons, a junior, said they were afraid that not enough teams would sign up, so the date was extended and 10 more teams signed up. Parsons agreed that it took a lot of planning to put the tournament together.
She said that they started on Dec. 10 and it took them about a month.Originally they wanted to hold a staff and student basketball game, but dodge ball is a game that anyone could and knew how to play. This year’s tournament was popular, and Simonson said student government hopes to hold it again next year. “I think both of us [want] to hold it next year, and we hope we will have more support than we did [this] last year,” she said. “I can’t speak for the juniors, but the sophomores want to hold more fun events [such as this.] But I’m pretty sure they do too; it is pretty fun to work with [the juniors.]”
Players race to the line to start the game as they pick up their weapons of war. Photo by Sierra Rutledge.
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Opinion
Gun laws, GPA’s, Handwriting...
Illustration by Samantha Tracy.
Rustler pride at an all-time low when it comes to sports Hear that? where we better ourselves and create our futures. A lot It’s the high pitched chorus of the student section as of us spend more time here than we do at home. And yet the final touchdown is scored. It’s the infamous some of us feel the need to treat our school, our “Rustle Hustle” that you can’t avoid joining in second home, as a personal garbage can. Our opinion on. It’s those seconds of a game where everySo we, at The Stampede, would like to ask Our school one’s holding their breath, leaning forward, you a question. Would you treat your own home hanging on to the edge of their seat because it’s like that? Our voice just that close. Sure, there are the few of you who say that However, once the game is over, the final there’s no correlation between your home and buzzer has sounded, the clock has ticked down and ev- your school, but that’s where you’re wrong. Pride is pride. eryone has left, what remains is anything less than that Whether it’s “Rustler Pride,” “Proud to be an American,” “Rustler Pride” we as a school are so fond of. or being proud of where you live, it’s all the same. Pride Soda bottles, empty wrappers, and nacho cheese are is looking at something and saying that it’s yours and you just a few of the things that litter the stands, and we at The take care of it. Stampede think that all of us, as Rustlers, should know This isn’t the first time we as a school have been in this better. predicament. About a decade ago, lunches were cut from This is our school. This is the place where we learn, 40 minutes to 30 minutes because students couldn’t pick
GINGER SNAP
Kendra Hix
“I was young and stupid.” These are the words my grandpa said to me when I asked what he would have changed about his life as he approached his 75th birthday on Jan. 20. My grandpa was born in 1938. He went to school from age 5 to age 16. He graduated the 10th grade and then went off to join the military to try new things and be all he could be. “I would have finished schooling. I would have been better to my parents and helped them more.” This is what he said when I asked what he would have done had he not joined the Marines. 65 years. 65 years ago someone who, just like you and me, thought that school
was “just a waste of time,” is now thinking back and wishing that he had actually finished high school. He wished that he had been the first in his family to graduate high school, not his sons. In 65 years that “just a waste of time” that you’re probably thinking as you continue to curse your math teacher for teaching you things you think no one ever uses, will turn into “it was worth my while.” It will never be an inconvenience to have finished high school, to have gone to college, to have worked your butt off for a degree, nor will you look back and think about the things you missed out on. So while you live by “you have to be young and stupid to be old and wise,” think about this. Think about the life you could live and the things you could do if you tried a little harder, raised your hand more often, and just thanked a higher power every day that you can live this life. Most importantly, don’t look back on your life thinking, “I was young and stupid.”
up a few pieces of trash and do some civil good. More recently, however, the library staff has been debating whether or not to close its doors during the lunch periods because of the trash left behind by students. It’s not only the lack of pride that shows in these simple actions, but a lack of consideration as well. When students leave their trash behind, who is supposed to clean it up? The custodians? Because it’s “their job?” Wrong. It’s you. The custodians do more than their fair share keeping our school nice and clean. We at the Stampede think they deserve a huge round of applause for the amount of work they do cleaning our classrooms, shoveling the snow, and all of the time they put into keeping our school clean for us so we can learn. Next time you think about leaving your trash behind or when you watch someone else leave theirs, just pick it up. We at The Stampede will thank you.
SRO NICK TAYLOR One of the more common questions I get when talking to classes about law enforcement topics is in relation to alcohol. Underage drinking is widespread in Montana. Approximately 44,000 underage individuals in Montana drink each year. In a 2009 survey, over 30% of high school age kids in Montana had reported to binge drinking at least one time in the past 30 days and nearly 7,200 crimes ranging from thefts, burglaries, rapes, assaults and even homicides were attributed to underage drinking. Montana law says that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or possess an intoxicating beverage. There are some exceptions to this law but the exceptions are strictly dealing with nonintoxicating quantities (i.e. medicine). First
offense minor in possession violations carry a penalty of $100-$300, 20 hours of community service and must complete and pay for a substance abuse information course. These consequences increase with additional offenses. DUI laws make things even worse, with additional fines of up to $500 on a first offense. Aside from criminal consequences, the school may also be involved in alcohol related offenses. According to the student handbook, a student alleged to have violated alcohol and other drug rules shall be immediately suspended from participation in extracurricular or co-curricular activities. This includes sporting activities and other educational opportunities that are a privilege when attending this school. With you all being in high school, I don’t need to lecture you about the dangers of alcohol. But I also refuse to burry my head in the sand and ignore it and pretend that we don’t have a problem in our society. With prom coming up in less than two months and the many other weekend activities planned, I ask that you make good choices and don’t become a statistic.
The Stampede 1.31.13
09-- Opinion
Students, staff share views about guns in schools People should be educated before investing in guns
by scott clapp, English department leader When Joey Serido asked me to write an article about guns in school, I envisioned dozens of angry letters and calls from parents, for I am a defender of the Second Amendment. As a former military service member, I have sworn to protect the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic, and I have used firearms in the protection of this great nation. As a private citizen, I believe I should have the right to own an assault rifle should I choose to carry one to defend myself and others. Others would try to deny me that right. Yet, as I thought more about the subject, I came to realize that the greater issue is our quest for personal guarantees of safety, and the assurance of life. The assumption in our ever-increasing technological world centers on the belief that “things,” from guns to airbags will ensure our survival—the truth and reality is that they will not. No matter what steps we take, whether those steps involve arming teachers, or putting weapons scanners at the doors, will guarantee us anything—not life, not safety, not security. If people really want to harm us either as individuals or as groups, they will do so—if not with guns, then something else—poisons, IEDs, germs, or any number of equally nasty items. We cannot stop every threat; we cannot guarantee every life. The truth is that we will all die—someday. For some, Death will come early; for some, he will come late. Often there will be no explanation, no reason, no justification despite our futile demands for those assurances. Fate is fickle. More guns in school are not the answer, nor are fewer guns. What we need is more learning, more understanding, more communication, and more tolerance. What we need is more schools, more teachers, and more perspectives. The only recourse against violence and death we have, we the living, is to live life fully: to console rather than be consoled, to seek to understand rather than be understood, to love rather than be loved, to leave the world a little better than we found it. The Greeks had a name for that idea—eudaimonia –flourishing, fulfilling one’s purpose, and helping others to do the same. With those abstract possessions above, maybe, just maybe, we can all help others live the lives we wish for ourselves. Peace is a mental state, not a physical one.
Student feels guns should be in schools by will ross, junior
“Laws that forbid the carrying of arms . . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes . . . Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.” --Thomas Jefferson, quoting Cesare Beccaria in On Crimes and Punishment (1764). The recent shooting at Sandy Hook was by all means a tragedy. Twentysix innocent people killed for reasons unknown. It was the individual who was responsible for the shooting, no one else. Not the government, the police, the school, or even the gun that was used; it is the man behind the gun that is responsible. Guns do not go off by themselves. If the majority of the American populations want to make schools a better and safer place for children, then the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1990 needs to be repealed and either armed guards or armed teachers need to be allowed to carry in and on school grounds.
SRO expresses mixed feelings about guns by nick taylor, SRO As an SRO, I have mixed feelings about guns being in school. I think it is important that students keep guns off campus, as there is no reason for a student to bring a gun to school. The big debate is whether staff should be allowed to have guns on campus and I feel that would open up a can of worms for the school district. In order for me as a police officer to carry a gun on a daily basis, there is a large amount of screening that takes place in the hiring process including a psych exam that is completed to assure that every officer is mentally capable of doing their job. There are huge expenses accrued through gun training and
inspections several times a year that I’m not sure the school would be prepared to handle let alone any litigation that could come from an accident. I am not a big “gun nut” myself and I would hate to see the day that everyone in a school feels the need to pack a weapon. Studies of school shootings have shown that in most cases, suicide is planned by the suspects or is the result after the shootings are over. They don’t plan on getting into a shootout with anyone in the building so it’s tough to say that by having teachers armed, the shooter will not come into the building. Reality is that often times the shooter could care less if they die.
Gun sales skyrockets after Newtown good for business. ” by joey serido, staff writer The rise has happened every time there has Selling guns has been a part of Jim Mitchell’s been a major attack on America. There was a rise life for the past 12 years, but recently it became an in sales after 9/11 and Virginia even bigger responsibility. He Tech, he said. is the owner and manager of “People start to panic He said there was even an Mitchell’s Gun Supply. and this is not good increase the night President In the month since the school Obama was elected in 2008. shooting in Newtown, Conn. for business.” Mitchell offered a solution to gun sales of all kinds have been Jim Mitchell the problem. on the rise. “There used to be five Contrary to popular belief, Owner of Mitchell’s Gun Supply, Jim mental hospitals in the state, but now there is only the increase in gun sales has not been good for Mitchell poses with an AR-15 assault one,” Mitchell said. “It is not the gun that causes Mitchell. He said “everybody goes into a panic rifle which is the subject of much problems, but the individual that needs help.” because they are afraid that there is going to be a debate in the state and federal governban on them. People start to panic and this is not ment. Photo by Joey Serido.
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Opinion -- 10
1.31.13 The Stampede
The risks of honors, AP classes are not followed by benefits
by sierra rutledge, visual content editor In this school, taking a challenging class is risky business. Most students, including myself, are focused on their grade point average and class rank because that is what colleges look at to determine admission status. Admissions officers don’t take the time to look at the classes that make up your schedule, which means that a challenging class can hurt you. And they certainly don’t take the time to compare the classes that students who rank higher than you have been taking. Shouldn’t it be the kids who are taking chances and preparing for college that should be at the top of their
class? The easiest way to solve this is to have weighted GPA’s. Senior, Devony Smith agrees. “Weighted GPAs are a great idea, and long overdue,” she said. A weighted GPA is when an honors class or advance placement class is worth more than a regular class. The scale would go beyond a 4.0 for those students who are pushing themselves academically. Honors classes and AP classes are a greater challenge, and so they should carry more weight. These classes have more homework assignments to be completed in less time. There is more expected out of each student. Teachers expect students to be there everyday because class time is spent learning. Students end up losing out on extracurricular activities because they absolutely cannot miss class. If they are losing out on other opportunities then they should be getting more credit for that class. “It is ridiculous that a student taking no honors or AP classes would have a better chance at being at the top of our class than someone with a full course load that contains college level courses,” Smith said. I am all for a challenge in school, but not to the point where I’m losing sleep to pull up a grade. I get tired of being told to try harder and do my best when there aren’t any benefits for me. By pushing myself harder I’m still going to fall below the students who are taking the easy route. What doesn’t make any sense to me is the fact that I can work my butt off in every difficult class possible and still only be pulling a C in the class, while a student who
takes easy classes and has two opens is higher than me in our class rank. Why should students get credit for being in the top 10 percent when in reality they did nothing but show up to class and complete baby assignments? “We should have weighted GPAs mainly because I put a great amount of effort into learning and it doesn’t seem fair that someone else can text during English and get an A while I have to work my butt off for a B,” senior Samantha Sundly said. I agree with Sundly. It is beyond frustrating to take on the extra workload and devote hours of work each night and then still not rock a test. The result of this is my class grade suffers, which makes my GPA and class rank fall. There is no reason that we should not have Weighted GPA’s. It wouldn’t be unfair to the rest of the student body because they are the ones deciding to not push themselves. If there is more incentive to try harder classes, then more students will push for them. Students will be getting more out of their education by pushing themselves to go above and beyond the minimum requirements. Taking an honors course should not become the easy way out, however. An equal amount of effort still needs to be put forth. This is meant to reward students for taking an academic risk. I think that our school excels in many places. There are opportunities here that other schools don’t have. With the addition of weighted GPAs, we would be one more step ahead of the curve. Let’s do something that works for students. Especially the kids who are putting in the extra effort.
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Lost Handiwork 11 -- Opinion
The Stampede 1.31.13
Deteriorating handwriting skills point toward laziness, immaturity, brainlessness by kimberly michelsen, staff writer pon opening a handwritten scroll from long ago, the eyes are amazed at the artwork on the page. It is not conventional artwork like we see today, of a scene or picture of some sort. This artwork is the masterpiece that calligraphers created as they wrote poems, books, and even simple papers. Calligraphy was the common handwriting of people, including teens, long ago. Then imagine one of the papers a teen writes today. It doesn’t take much. I see at least one of these papers in my classes every day. Frankly, they are disgusting. As high school students, we write with a style that one of my teachers often regards as, “chicken scratch.” I think this name comes from the little groves in the dirt that chickens make with their feet as they walk. It’s nice to be compared to a chicken, right? I don’t think so. Whatever happened to the writing that we all spent so long perfecting in second grade? I mean that nice cursive that could nearly be compared to calligraphy, though not quite so extravagant. I remember having so much trouble with the difference between the G’s and the S’s. I worked so hard to get it right, and now I never even use it. There’s a new significance in the question, “Why are we learning this?” This significance isn’t the one that proves we don’t need to spend nearly a complete year learning handwriting. It’s the one that proves we need that learning, and more importantly we need to hold on to it. Here’s why: chicken scratch is ugly. No, seriously. It’s not just ugly, but it is nearly impossible to read. I’ve heard about a strange kind of writing called hieroglyphics. To me, the Egyptian symbols are utterly impossible to read. But there is so much detail in each of those symbols which show me that the writers cared about what they were writing and wanted people to read it. A second grade teacher at Meadow Lark Elementary School, Jean Smith, said that her students are very excited right now to learn cursive handwriting. “It’s the hi-light of second grade,” Smith said. What happened to our excitement? Why don’t we care about our writing like that? Why don’t we care that our teachers can’t read the words that we spent our effort
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recording? Three words: laziness, immaturity, and brainlessness. Where’s the pride in our work? The rules of punctuation and spelling are already forgotten. We look ludicrous. Communication appears to be dying, and it’s all because of us. We’re murderers. I confess that there are people who care about their writing. However, if it looks as appalling as most papers do, then I can only say that their actions contradict their words. Consider this: what will become of us when handwriting completely deteriorates and becomes a lost art? One may argue that we’ll simply use computers and our thumbs to type everything. What? Why? I’ve read books about imagined societies where all they have are computers. They type everything they say. It’s scary though, because the computer records everything that is written and transmutes it everywhere. Anyone can read what is typed on a computer. Secret notes passed between friends now become public property. Checks would have to be signed on a touch screen. Forgeries would be as simple as a copypaste function. Criminals would hide behind every screen name and be able to see you even if you set your status as “invisible.” At Meadow Lark, the reality of the above situation is beginning to come alive. Smith said, “Cursive might be bumped to third [grade]. Second grade [will focus] more on typing.” Children will be learning how to work on computers before they even get their writing to be readable. Handwriting will become extinct. OK, this may be a bit far-fetched. But, seriously, who knows what could happen to our society in the future? If we return to caring about our handwriting, how much better could we be? So many problems would be solved; think of the beauty that would return to our world. Every time we look at a piece of handwritten paper, the words will seep into our minds and leave a feeling in our hearts that is beyond any description. Let us join together and seek to reach this goal. We can bring a forgotten beauty back into this world. It only takes three things: a desire, an understanding, and action.
Features
Stories, stories, stories...
Representing CMR Photo by Cheyenne Flemming
IT’S RAINING
JEN
Jennifer Verzuh Adam Sandler. Really people? He hasn’t been in a decent film since, well, honestly I can’t remember when. To see him win any award, no matter how low that award’s standards are, makes me want to throw a small child. Why anyone still thinks he’s funny is completely beyond me and yet he won the People’s Choice Award’s Favorite Comedic Actor this month for his usual vulgar and dumb performance in another easily forgettable flick. I can’t even fathom how he was nominated, nevertheless actually won. I know, I know, the People’s Choice Awards aren’t about quality, but when I think that so many people actually voted for him, my heart just sinks. People, listen to me, there are plenty of better comedic actors out there. Don’t be sucked in by low dirty jokes, which he doesn’t even bother to deliver well. To defenders of Mr. Sandler, may I present Exhibit A: his recent workload. “Jack and Jill,” Sandler’s 2011 horrible comedy in which he plays a set of fraternal twins, manages to even make Tyler Perry’s “Madea” look good. Not to
mention his other films from recent years like “Just Go With It,” “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan,” “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” and his most newest picture, “That’s My Boy,” all of which cause me to involuntarily shutter. And to everyone saying “Well, yeah, his new stuff may be off but his older work is classic,” I can only shake my head and refer them to Exhibit B: The ‘Classics.’ With the few exceptions of “The Wedding Singer” and “Funny People,” I can’t think of a single Adam Sandler film that I actually enjoyed. “Waterboy” was crude, dumb, and offensive (and not even in a funny way). Oh, and “Little Nicky”, which he also wrote, although that’s nothing to brag about, is just as tasteless. And don’t get me started on his painfully unfunny remake of the classic comedy “Mr. Deeds.” Now, on to Exhibit C: Funnier actors. There are so many better comedic actors out there. He doesn’t hold a candle to Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Zach Galifinakis, Seth Rogen, or Jonah Hill. Why we as a society even tolerate him anymore when we such talented actors to compare him to makes no sense to me. So, please join me in avoiding Adam Sandler and all of his vulgar comedies from now on, or at the very least, don’t vote for him for any awards.
challenges&all
Student government works behind the scenes to change, improve school
by lindsey buck, editor-in-chief and jennifer verzuh, features/entertainment editor
When it comes to students, “we’re not all evil,” according to senior Jess DellaRossa. DellaRossa, the student body vice president, first got involved in student government during her freshman year of high school. She said part of her inspiration to run was to prove that “there’s a little bit of good in all [students.]” According to DellaRossa, student government participates in a variety of events, including blood drives, pep assemblies, dances, and homecoming. “For big events, as student body officers, we delegate the jobs. Last year was a huge success at prom; that made Morp happen this year,” she said. However, she said that despite student government’s huge involvement, not many students realize the challenges of being an officer. “They don’t realize that we have so many restrictions. It’s frustrating when people critique [student government] but they’re not willing to change it,” DellaRossa said. One of the biggest challenges, DellaRossa said, is getting students involved with pep assemblies. She said that students become bored with pep assemblies, but do not realize the work that goes into each one. “We have to represent every group
and sport at the time. We have to focus on everybody; it gets monotonous and long. It’s hard to please every single person in this school,” she said. The decline of “school spirit” is partly responsible for the lack of student involvement, according to DellaRossa. “The school spirit has decreased dramatically. Kids are more interested in other things. I think the students as a whole need to take [this] upon themselves,” she said. “We’re a school and we’re united. As a group we go together through everything.” Despite this hardship, DellaRossa said that “at the end of the day, if you’ve proven something to yourself, that’s what matters.” Junior class representative Gwen Malisani, who joined in order to be more involved with the school said she feels that student government is important and can make an impact at CMR. “If we want to we can organize ourselves,” she said. “For the dodge ball tournament we heard everyone was upset about the Boys and Girls Club and we decided that we could help out our own community.” DellaRossa agrees that student government has had a great impact. “I like to think we’ve made a difference. When I look back on high school, this is what I’ll remember.”
Features -- 13
1.31.13 The Stampede
Back to high school
Student teachers reflect on time spent in front of the classroom by stephanie mccracken, staff writer Choosing a career in high school is always what teachers encourage students to do, but for Kasi Thompson it was one day in senior English that the inspiration came. “We were reading “Lord of the Flies” and I was the only one participating,” she said. “I would always look forward to going to English.” Thompson was a student teacher at CMR during first semester. She student taught for Michele Canfield’s junior English class and Ryan Anderson’s freshman English classes. “I was a little nervous, but I was really, really excited,” she said. For Thompson, her student t e a c h i n g experience was everything she could h a v e hoped for. “I had the time of my life,” she said. Not all
experiences are so positive, however. “I was never told one positive experience, only horror stories,” she said. My friends who had already done their student teaching said they had horrible experiences, she said. After some student teachers get done with their stint in schools they choose not to be teachers anymore because their experiences were bad. “I think they underestimate how challenging it’s going to be,” Thompson said. Thompson was easily able to choose high school as her teaching range. “I like that they get my sense of humor,”she said. Quinn Wilson, who is currently student teaching for Mike Lathrop and Murray Metge, got into teaching for one specific reason at CMR “My mom is a teacher, [and] I like to teach other people,” she said. Wilson started teaching at CMR about four weeks ago; she said she prefers teaching at the high school level instead of middle school. “Being able to see someone in between that stage between freshman to senior is wonderful,” she said. “I like to see the students mature.” While she was in college her freshman year half the kids in the teaching class dropped out. “[Teaching] has to be a good fit,” she said. Megan Stubbs, who is student teaching for Teri Forde, is originally from Great Falls, and is a graduate of Great Falls High School. “I was very excited, but I was nervous to be wearing green and gold,” she said. For Stubbs it was an easy choice
between high school and middle school. “I feel comfortable in a high school environment,” she said. Stubbs has been attending MSU for a teaching degree in family and consumer sciences. “I love family and consumer sciences; everything in FCS is super relatable,” she said. After she graduates she is planning on going to Seattle to teach. “I love the town. It has a lot of diversity,” she said. For Stubbs teaching was an easy choice. “I like showing others how to do something on their own,” she said. For people who decided not to be a teacher because of their student teaching experience, they found that they didn’t have the passion for it. “They might just have a bad experience,” she said. “If [they] have a Top: Family and consumer science student passion for it they should be able to get teacher Megan Stubbs. Above: Science student through it.” teacher Hillary Stacy. Left: Science student
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teacher Quinn Wilson. Hillary, Stubbs, and Quinn are three of six student teachers at CMR this semester. Photos by Stephanie McCracken.
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The Stampede 1.31.13
16 -- Features
TOWN
Students argue administrative rules hamper school spirit on both sides of the Missouri
The students of CMR unanimously chant towards the GFH student section at the boys cross-town game on Jan. 8. Photo courtesy of Pat O’Connel.
by kasey bubnash, staff writer The gym is almost completely full of people, leaving it feeling warm and muggy. Standing shoulder to shoulder with their peers, the student section is energetic, and the plans of future chants and cheers are murmured throughout the crowd. The tension and anticipation touches every living soul in Great Falls, no matter how apathetic they may be over the matter. There are many sporting events and competitions in every Montana high school, but no game in the state can quite compare to the cross-town rivalry between CMR and Great Falls High. Although Great Falls High has been around for many years longer than CMR, each school has its own separate set of traditions, chants, and in some cases, rules. According to the attendants of both schools, the regulations for the student sections at cross-town games have become progressively stricter in recent years. While this has caused the rivalry to noticeably diminish, it has also given spirit leaders a chance to become more “creative” when insulting the opposing school. “We aren’t allowed to do what we used to be able to,” CMR senior McKenna Bertelsen said. “I hate not being able to reciprocate with Great Falls High.” Bertelsen said that the newly enforced rules in the student sections, such as taking away posters and not allow-
During the girls cross-town basketball game on Jan. 10, the GFH student section stands respectfully throughout the national anthem. Photo courtesy of Danica Wassmann.
ing certain chants, have made it difficult for the schools to compete for the most spirit, a tradition that has been held out through many years at cross-town games. Although Bertelsen said she thinks that the associate principals are too serious at games, she recognizes that the potential for crossing lines is always a factor. “Chants and posters sometimes go farther than necessary,” Bertelsen said. “But they are always funny, and no one takes it seriously.” CMR senior and spirit leader Will Smith agrees with Bertelsen. Smith said that the rules this year are more strict than they have been in the past, making it difficult for all students to adapt to the changes. “Today everything has to be so politically correct and generic,” Smith said. “There have been drastic changes even since I’ve been here. It was way more fun back in the day, my freshman year.” Smith said that he too believes that the less lenient rules have caused a downfall in spirit. According to him, there is no more spirit allowed within the rules, and that compared to his past years at CMR, the crowds have been mediocre at best. On the opposing side of the city, Great Falls High seniors Danica Wassmann and Graham Owen said that they are undergoing similar changes in the student section.
“It’s way more strict this year than last year,” Wassmann said. “We aren’t even allowed to cross dress anymore.” Wassmann said that along with that new rule, negative posters are taken away and Great Falls High students can no longer turn around while CMR is being announced. The cheers must be positive and respectful. Owen added that although he thinks spirit has been consistent, there needs to be more over-the-top dressing up in the student section this year. “At Great Falls High, we expect everyone to dress up,” Owen said. “You’re the outcast if you don’t.” It is clear that at both schools, a high premium is put on school spirit, especially if it has anything to do with battling the school across the river. Wassmann said that the biggest motivation in the student section is wanting to be more insane and loud than CMR. Wassmann said that the Great Falls High student section is constantly trying to prove better than CMR, and vice versa, making the atmosphere of cross-town games unlike any other. “My favorite thing about cross-town has to be the energy,” Owen said. “God, there’s so much energy. It’s like an explosion of passion from each school.” (Continued on pg. 17)
Features-- 17
1.31.13 The Stampede (Continued from pg. 16) The students aren’t the only people who attend cross-town games and enjoy them for that reason. Beth Gerhart, an assistant principal who is new to CMR this year, is not new to cross-town. As an AP that has now had experience at Great Falls High and CMR, Gerhart said that the rules for the student sections are very similar, and each school believes spirit and traditions to be a top priority, especially around cross-town season. “Because of the competition there is a heightened importance,” Gerhart said. “But with that comes more opportunity for students to make poor choices.” According to Gerhart, although student behavior has improved in recent years, the potential for things to get out of control is always apparent, and the line has been crossed by each school in the past. “I have been at cross-town games where there have been complaints from community members and parents the next day,” Gerhart said, “I’ve noticed that at cross-town games kids say and do things they normally wouldn’t.” Along with receiving complaints, Gerhart said that many rules are enforced because of the MHSA guidelines, which dictate what student sections can and can’t do at sporting events. Gerhart said that contrary to popular belief among the student body, AP’s are not trying to be “fun killers”, but are simply attempting to keep things running smoothly at the games. “I don’t think the rules have limited the spirit,” Gerhart said. “We’re just keeping it positive.” She also noted that the student sections have become more positive over the years. She said that for the most part the kids on both sides of town are good, but there is always potential for things to deteriorate quickly. Gerhart said a lot of the chants have evolved into things that the AP’s and many parents fail to understand, and those chants are usually troublesome. The students at both schools admit
to fighting the rules with “inside joke” chants, posters, and clothing. The opportunity for more creative, subliminal chants has arrived, and both sides of town have taken complete advantage of it. “The rules just allow us to come up with new stuff,” Owen said. “And it’s usually more creative, weird, and beautiful anyway.” Wassmann added that as a chant comes up, everyone in the crowd yells it at each other until it reaches the very back. Then they all yell it together whether it’s positive or not. She said the mentality of the Great Falls High student section is that as long as everyone does it, no one can really get in trouble. This state of mind remains true for the CMR student section as well. “We use a lot of subliminal messages,” Smith said. “We imply a lot of things that only the students on both sides of town would understand.” The rivalry between CMR and Great Students from both sides of the river raise a white flag and truce for a photo before the girls cross-town Falls High is built off of many years of basketball game on Jan. 10. Photo courtesy of Kasey Bubnash. intense competition in every aspect of the schools, including spirit. Although to the spectators and administrators cross-town may appear full of anger and insults, the schools are only enemies on the surface. According to the students from both schools, after a good cross-town spirit war, kids from each school are willing to shake hands and move on. “The other team wants you to be offended so therefore we are not,” Wassmann said. “We’re above succumbing to taking anything to heart.” “Of course we want to beat them really bad,” Smith said. “But it’s a friendly rivalry. No one gets offended.” “I don’t like CMR as a school,” Owen said. “But as individuals you’re all chill peeps.” “There is definitely an intense rivalry at the games,” Bertelsen said. “But the minute the game is over we all like each other and have a good time together.” GFH students mock the newly enforced administrative rules with posters at the cross-town volleyball game earlier this school year. Photo by Cheyenne Flemming.
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The Stampede 1.31.13
18 -- Features
Rehearsing for the Thespian festival, juniors Guil Polesma, Shelbie White, and fellow Thespians get into character for an up-and-coming performance in Missoula Feb. 1-2. Photos by Greighsen Adams.
CMR’s Thespians to travel to Missoula for annual festival
by greighsen adams, staff writer Standing just off the stage behind the curtain, looking out at the audience, searching for a familiar face to focus on. It’s almost show time and the nerves are just starting to subside. Many of CMR’s Thespian members like junior Guil Poelsma experience this feeling while getting ready for a performance. The Thespians will be traveling to the University of Montana in Missoula Feb. 1-2 to compete against other schools across Montana. “I’ll be performing in front of all [the] other Thespians, and the audience are actors themselves so they appreciate good acting,” Poelsma said.
Poelsma knows he has to practice in order to keep the coveted title of a member of the Thespian Honor Society. “It’s an honor society so I take some pride in it,” Poelsma said. “It shows that I have some experience in theater.” To Poelsma, being part of the drama honor society is a high honor that entails certain benefits. “It’s cool being a part of a group that enjoys theater, and it comes with the necessary bragging rights,” he said. For Poelsma, his love of acting and being part of the Thespian crowd stems mainly from the people. “You’re among likeminded individuals,” Poelsma said. “We have common interests.” Poelsma said he’s looking forward to seeing and
talking to more actors. “It’s kind of like comparing myself to other actors,” Poelsma said. “I want to see what their styles are, pick styles from them, and vice versa.” Drama director Chris Evans said this year the Thespians will be performing the show ‘Emotional Baggage’ by Canadian playwright Lindsay Price. “There are no lines,” Evans said. “It’s all character development to Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’.” Evans said he prides himself on being the best. “Our drama department is well respected around the state because they are good,” Evans said. “For the last two years we’ve taken a Best Ensemble Award.”
Entertainment
“Zero Dark Thirty” review, Websites to watch, The Chart...
The Highs and Lows of 2012 Remembering the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2012 in ideas, events, and films by chandler pomeroy, staff writer
#hashtag
The Internet can be a fun place to be social and explore what humanity has made up to this point. However, some people think it would be a good idea to mix the Internet with actual interaction. Saying phrases like “lol” just seems wrong; you don’t need to shorthand speech. However, this is not the beast that reared its ugly head last year. Our main focus would be the phrase SWAG. I don’t know why it spawned or how it got so popular in such a short amount of time, but it is a linguistic pain. What makes it infuriating is not the word itself; the problem is the self-boasting label that it has come to be. It can be seen everywhere, including T-shirts, web forums, and even advertisements. While I may not
share much sympathy with the phrase, I do not see it going away anytime soon. Prepare to endure this new year with these phrases going strong.
One Billion Hits
Technology allows almost anything to spread like wildfire, and this caused the next trend to be set ablaze. Gangnam style is the first to break the 1,000,000,000 view mark, making it the most viewed video on YouTube. However, does it really deserve all its fame and glory? When it first came out it was just another catchy foreign song. Then it spread to social media sites and even official news networks. It is hard to go anywhere without catching a glimpse of this popular fad. It was more or less fun at first, but now it is blown way out of proportion. Hopefully it will fade away just like prior annoyances.
And the Winner is...
Simplicity at its finest
One of the biggest ideas in the 90s was to stand out and act different. Everything from clothing to television logos were busy and distracting. In 2012, the exact opposite situation was on track: minimalism. It seems that if you want to fit into the “modern” category you will need to use the less-is-more feeling into your daily life. Life is filled with mediocre visual presentations in the form of vehicles with simplistic designs or houses filled with cubic furniture. It may stick as this decade’s theme for architects and designers, and it seems relatively easy to look at.
Up, up and again?
Superhero movies are nothing new to the big screen, but their recent success has made others rise. With the release of “The Avengers,” we are seeing reboots of “Superman,” “Spiderman,” and many more undoubtedly to come. While this is not extremely recent it seems to be a trend that the movie industry will not let go of anytime soon. Since the output of these
Lincoln
It’s no surprise to see “Lincoln” score a Best Picture nod. The film practically has Oscar written all over it and appears the most obvious choice for the award. Not only does it have a great script, a legendary director, and the best onscreen pair of the year (likely Oscar winners for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field), but what really sets it apart is the beautiful and witty way it tells the story of a man we’ve all heard of and see every day on the $5 bill and penny, yet no one really knows.
Argo
“Argo” is my favorite film of 2012. Ben Affleck, pulling double duty as both actor and director, manages to create a movie that is thrilling, smart, surprisingly funny, and flawless. The plot (based on a true story) of a CIA agent’s unorthodox plan to rescue six U. S. diplomatic workers during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis manages to seem particularly relevant today.
SOPA
People are crazy about their freedom and many take it very seriously. One of the greatest freedoms we have is our access to the online resources we are given for entertainment or knowledge. Toward the beginning of 2012, a bill was being processed that would wreak havoc and destroy the online community. The bill was known as the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA for short. It would give the government the power to detain and terminate websites that contained copyrighted material without the owner’s permission. It seems like a great idea to prevent piracy, but putting a link on a forum would be enough to get it shut down. Luckily the bill never got anywhere, but it gave a good scare to those of us who utilize the internet. This event may not be remembered for long, but it certainly got people’s attention for a short time.
Nine Best Picture Oscar nominees feature presidents, songs, terrorism, romance
Zero Dark Thirty
Honestly, I wasn’t sure director Kathryn Bigelow would be able to top her brilliant Best Picture winner “The Hurt Locker,” but as I came out of the theaters after seeing “Zero Dark Thirty” I knew she had, and it deserved to win the Best Picture Academy Award. The movie may be controversial for its portrayal of torture and alleged inaccuracies, but honestly I couldn’t care less. That doesn’t take away the fact that this gripping thriller of a determined CIA agent’s (played by Jessica Chastain in what I deem to be an Academy Awardworthy performance) crusade to bring down the most wanted terrorist of all time is the best film of 2012 by far.
films seems to be good quality and fairly spread out, I see no reason for this to stop. We may be seeing a rise in historical films, however. The film “Lincoln” did really well in theaters, meaning other directors may take interest in this genre.
Amour
I didn’t expect to see this film nominated in the Best Picture category, to be completely honest. I knew that it would score a nod for Best Foreign Film, but it’s very rare that you see a foreign film nominated here. However, “Amour” does deserve that honor, as a story not only of love but heartbreak.
Les Miserables
Silver Linings Playbook
Who would have thought mental illness, dancing, restraining orders, and the Philadelphia Eagles would make up one of the year’s best movies? Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are brilliant and share great chemistry as the damaged leads in a film that while dealing with mental disorders and depression in an extremely honest and real way is also intensely comedic and charming. Also notable is Robert De Niro for his particularly strong supporting performance as Cooper’s father.
Django Unchained
From Quentin Taratino comes another bloody, and bold masterpiece. “Django Unchained” tells the Western revenge tale of former slave’s (Jamie Foxx) journey to rescue his wife from Leonardo DiCaprio’s plantation owner, who switches effortlessly from charming Southern gent to sadistic psycho, with help from a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz in a role likely to win him his second Academy Award). The film, while extremely entertaining, doesn’t shy away from the brutality of slavery and racism either.
It has been quite a while since a musical was nominated for Best Picture, but then again it certainly has been a long time since one has been as rousing, emotional, and expertly crafted as Les Miserables.” The musical, bolstered by high quality performances, particularly from Anne Hathaway (who’s a shoe-in for Best Supporting Actress) and Hugh Jackman, tells the story of novelist Victor Hugo’s ex-convict Jean Valjean in glorious song.
Life of Pi
A boy stuck on a lifeboat with a tiger admittedly doesn’t sound like the best plot for a movie, but “Life of Pi” makes it work. Visually stunning, it’s a creative and genius work of film from dedicated and talented director Ang Lee.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
With a 6-year-old leading lady, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is an imaginative and emotional piece of filmmaking that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. by jennifer verzuh, features/entertainment editor
The Stampede 1.31.13
20-- Entertainment
Below the Radar
by jennifer verzuh, features and entertainment editor
The undervalued, underrated in entertainment of 2012 Movies Liberal Arts This is the kind of movie that I can easily fall in love with. Although it first appears as nothing more than your typical romantic comedy between a precocious and lively young college student (played with perfection by Elizabeth Olsen) and an older former graduate back to visit his alma mater (Josh Radnor, who also wrote and directed the film) but really it’s about so much. It touches the pains of being young and old and the importance of accepting and acting your age. Now out on DVD.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower The cast of “Girls” celebrates their win for Best Comedy or Musical series at the 70th Annual Golden Globes. Los Angeles Times/MCT.
Television Girls With this fresh, bold, shockingly honest, and completely original HBO series of girls attempting to maneuver through their early twenties in Brooklyn, actress, writer, and director Lena Dunham has earned a position as one of the funniest and ballsiest women in the entertainment industry. Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim, I’m sad to report that this great comedy has been largely ignored by my peers. So, get on it people, “Girls” is the show of our generation. You can catch “Girls” on Sundays on HBO.
Bunheads “Gilmore Girls” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino returned to the small screen last year, bringing her signature comedy, fast paced dialogue, and undeniable charm with her. In her newest show “Buheads” she utilizes two strong female leads (Tony winner Sutton Foster and former Gilmore Girls cast member Kelly Bishop) who have the perfect give and take and are constantly engaged in a battle of wits. Set in the world of ballet and mixing teenage girls with their teachers makes for great and hilarious television for both teens and adults. You can catch “Buheads” Mondays on ABC Family.
So rarely does a movie came along about teenagers and high schoolers that actually understands and does justice to its subject. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is that kind of movie. The film, like the equally incredible book, is both funny and melancholy and doesn’t shy away from issues that real teenagers deal with like drug use, sex, abuse, suicide, and sexuality, but deals with them without being preachy or trying to spread a message. The film comes from the pen of the original author, who also acts as director, which is perhaps why it was able to retain so much of the spirit of the novel, although he owes much of the film’s success to its talented young cast, particularly standout Ezra Miller as the protagonist’s gay friend Patrick. I was sorely disappointed to see that the movie didn’t make it to Great Falls and even more so that many of my schoolmates have barely even heard of it. This is more than just another high school flick. It’s about the joys and pains of being young, when the right song on the right night with the right people can change everything. Look for it on DVD in early February.
Moonrise Kingdom Definitely the cutest, quirkiest, and most unique film of the year by far, “Moonrise Kingdom” is director Wes Anderson’s crowning achievement. The movie, set on a New England island during the summer of 1965, features veteran actors such as Francis McDormand, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, and Bruce Willis, but the real stars are youngsters Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, who play the preteen runaway couple. The picture is an absolute treat and I cannot recommend it more highly. Now out on DVD.
Music The Hunger Games Soundtrack “The Hunger Games” movie was huge. I know firsthand, I myself was there at the premiere and while I will freely admit the film was pretty awesome, the soundtrack was even more so. Aside from the Taylor Swift singles on the album, the CD received hardly any attention, which is just sad because it is full of great original music from incredible artists ranging from Arcade Fire to Miranda Lambert that actually corresponds to the film. Now available.
Nashville Soundtrack I am not the biggest country music fan, but even I fell in love with this deliciously soapy drama and its gorgeous soundtrack. Featuring beautiful and catchy original music actually by the cast members themselves, the soundtrack is one of the best country albums to hit the stores this year. With beautiful duets between crooners Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen that could rival Lady A to the Carrie Underwood-ish “Telescope” from Hayden Panettiere, the album has something to offer everyone, country fan or not. Now available.
People Mindy Kaling After years of acting, writing, executive producing, and occasionally directing on NBC’s “The Office” Kaling has finally landed her own gig and it couldn’t have come to a more talented person. This year she created and stars as the lead in Fox’s new comedy “The Mindy Project.” As a romantic comedy obsessed OB/GYN Kaling is pitch perfect. In fact, she just may be on her way to becoming the next Tina Fey. Now available.
Mark Duplass Mark Duplass had one of the best years; the only downside is that not nearly enough people noticed. Duplass should be a household name; he starred in two brilliant dramatic comedies, “Safety Not Guaranteed” (a personal favorite of mine from ) and “Your Sister’s Siste” as well as co-directing and writing another great indie (“Jeff, Who Lives at Home”) with his brother that starred Jason Segal. All three of those films were funny, real, sweet, and featured great acting. While he might not be the typical Hollywood male lead, he certainly is talented and knows how to pick a good movie. All three films now out on DVD.
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1.31.13 The Stampede
Entertainment-- 21
Surfing the Web by joe wilmoth, staff writer
BORED
U.S. Navy SEALs of Seal Team 6 in the Oscar-nominated for Best motion picture of the year, "Zero Dark Thirty." (Sony Pictures/MCT)
Navy SEALs, suspense, Al Qeada abound in suspense film “Zero Dark Thirty”
rest of the movie. by joey serido, staff writer The realism of the raid conducted by It is a dark May night in Pakistan. The only sound you can hear is a dog the U.S. Navy SEALs that took up the barking. Suddenly you hear a slight last quarter of the movie had, undoubtwhump whumping whumping way off edly, one of the most realistic war scenes I have ever seen on screen. in the mountains. It is on par with the likes of “Saving Out of the night sky comes a flight of two UH-60 Stealth Blackhawk heli- Private Ryan” and “Black Hawk Down.” copters heading fast and low to a white The director and producers did a painsconcrete house surrounded by a 10-foot takingly accurate job of making sure the raid was as realistic as possible, includwall. This is the opening scene to one of the ing copying the design of the UH-60 hegreatest raids in U.S. military history. It licopters used in the raid and equipping the actors who portrayed the has been forever immortalized SEALs with all the latest equipon the big screen in Kathryn Biment. gelow’s new Oscar-nominated Jessica Chastain’s characfilm “Zero Dark Thirty.” ter, Maya, was well-developed, I enjoyed many different asand I felt like I got to know her pects of this film. personality and understand One of the most memorable her background considering scenes I have ever seen in a film the fact she was based on a real wasn’t really a scene at all. character that her co-workers It opened with the words called “Miss 100 percent.” “September 11th, 2001” written Jessica Chastain The other actors and acacross the screen. In the back- backstage at the 70th ground you can hear a woman’s Annual Golden Globe tresses delivered believable voice on a cell phone in the Awards show on Sun- characters. Chris Pratt playday, Jan. 13. (Lawrence ing Justin, a U.S. Navy SEAL, World Trade Center frantically K. Ho/Los Angeles had the attitude of the average talking to a 911 dispatcher. Times/MCT) The dispatcher repeatedly tells her Navy SEAL which is cocky. Carefree, to calm down and help is on the way. and doesn’t listen to anyone but his After about five minutes of this the call teammates. War movies generally don’t portray ends and the dispatcher asks if she is Special Forces soldiers as being cocky still there. The tower collapsed during the call. and carefree about their job but this one This scene helped set the whole takes the cake for representing it. Overall, I enjoyed most aspects of the mood of hopelessness and despair that was prevalent through the whole movie. movie. I recommend it to anybody who The feeling that most people had af- wants to see an exciting suspense thriller ter 9/11 was accurately represented here or just an overall good movie about one and I felt it helped make this a unique of America’s finest hours. “Zero Dark Thirty” has a running but accurate movie. I will remember this scene because of the mood it set for the time 160 minutes and is rated R.
If you’re bored, try Bored. Bored is a website concentrating on flash games of all kinds. There are puzzle games, shooting games, and even classical arcade games. New games are constantly being updated to the website, so you’ll never run out of fun.
BREAK
Some people would call this a less popular parallel to YouTube, but there is more differences between these two sites than you think. While YouTube is just plainly posting videos, Break is more about quick videos appealing to teens, from pranks to parkour.
FOREVER YOUNG ADULT This website is where you want to go if you want to get an idea on a new movie to see or a book to read. Forever Young Adult was made so that young teenage girls could post their opinions on certain books they’ve read or people they’ve seen. So it’s a good place to see a vampire or werewolf guy with his shirt off. It’s also a good place to go if you want to try something new.
BLURTIT It’s the Yahoo Answers for teens! Blurtit is a place where you ask questions of any topic, just in case you want to know where to buy a bungee cord. Or you can give advice to others who ask questions, just in case you do know where to get a bungee cord and someone’s asking. It’s kind of a great place to speak your mind and just let out your inner randomness as well as seek and give advice for just about anything.
THINK PROGRESS Did you forget to write that history paper on current events? Not to fear, as this site is here. Think Progress is all about political news that appeals to teens. Adding a touch of comedy to their blogs, the excellent writing has you reading some of the political stuff some people call “dry”.
PRANKSITE
Hey Seniors! Senior Prank Day is coming up. Why don’t you look to this site for ideas? Pranksite has nothing but prank videos. So go get some ideas for pranks or just have a laugh at the reactions. Either way, it’s highly entertaining.
SLACKER It’s radio that you can listen to without the radio. Slacker is where to go when you want to listen to music you want to hear. What makes this site different from Pandora is that you get actual live channels from ESPN and ABC. Also, you can search the song you want to hear and actually hear it rather than get a different song from the one you search like Pandora does.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind that starts with the letter “R?”
What’s one of your goals for 2013?
Rage Eat more
skittles
Would you rather live with a caveman Dinosaur or a dinosaur?
Where is your dream vacation?
Somewhere warm; probably Hawaii
Would you rather eat octopus or white White chocolate chocolate peppermint peppermint Pringles Pringles?
Rhinoceros
Make a state time in swimming
A tamed laundrydoing, dishwashing dinosaur
Russia
Read
Rat
Get my grades up, and maintain them
Resources
To become a healthier diabetic
Get bigger in music recording
Caveman
Get eaten or beaten?
Caveman
Dinosaur Alaska
Alaska Octopus
Octopus
Johnny
Youso
Mariah
Withers
Xzavier
Weatherwax
Hannah
Viglundsdottir
Vigdis
The CHART
Zuidema
The Stampede 1.31.13
22 -- Entertainment
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Lil’ Wranglers for the win
CMR Wranglers host dance clinic for elementary girls to learn routine, have fun by olivia rudio, staff writer
Four Lil’ Wranglers awe the audience of the Jan. 12 Lady Rustlers basketball game Vs. Flathead. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
STUCK ON THIRD
Peyton Fulbright
Following the lead of CMR’s drill team, the Lil’ Wranglers dance during halftime. CMR went on to beat the Bravetts. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
Moments after the fight of his life against Ray Mancini, boxer Duk Koo Kim fell into a coma. After a failed brain surgery, he died four days after the fight. He was 23 years old. A few short years after retiring, football player Junior Seau committed suicide because of his struggles with mental well-being, caused from the sport he loved. He was 43 years old. Practicing a spin, skier Sarah Burke fell, suffering head injuries that ended her life nine days later. She was 29 years old.
Sisters Emery and Kenna of Our Lady of Lourdes share more than just toys. They also share their love of dance, which was showcased Jan. 12 when the CMR Wranglers hosted their annual dance clinic. The ages of the younger girls, or Lil’ Wranglers, ranged from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. The registration began at nine that morning, when around 30 Lil’ Wranglers signed up for the opportunity to perform in front of all who attended the varsity girls basketball game that night. Excited to perform in the middle of the basketball game, Emery said she liked the dance. Her sister’s favorite part was the support she received from her family. “I’m thankful for my parents to come and watch me,” Kenna said. The girls who signed up enjoyed working with the older dancers said Wranglers coach Jeanne Myers. “They have dreams of being the Wranglers,” Myers said. It took the dedicated dancers three hours to learn the routine. “They learned so quick,” Wrangler captain Nicole Rogers said. With a little help, Rogers was able to come up with the routine in 30 minutes and set the dance to Justin Bieber’s “Beauty and a Beat”. Bieber was a name the Lil’ Wranglers identified immediately according to Rogers, who, at the beginning of the routine, asked the girls if they knew who he was. “Every single one raised their hand,” Rogers said. “They were really excited about it.” Also excited about the clinic were the parents of the Lil’ Wranglers. “I got lots of thank-yous from parents,” Rogers said. According to Myers, the excitement continued as the girls began to pick up the routine. Myers said she had fun with this routine because both the Lil’ Wranglers and Wranglers were able to focus on silly dance moves rather than the more technical ones. “They were just bouncing around,” Myers said, “you Channeling her inner diva, this Lil’ Wrangler stirkes a pose can tell they had a blast.” during the halftime performance. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
Sports create happiness for a lot of people. It’s an escape. A way to deal with outside problems. But with all the feel-good success stories there are, fans tend to forget that athletics can be a brutal and unforgiving lifestyle. A lifestyle that hasn’t concluded with the perfect storybook ending for most athletes. Not everyone has been so unfortunate in their career to die, but very few have found legendary status. Not everyone can make the seemingly impossible come true, because that’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Actually, I take that back. It’s a once-in-a-hundred-lifetimes kind of thing. Not everyone can have moments like the Red Sox in their 2004 ALCS series. Somebody always has to walk away the loser, like the Yankees did.
Look at it this way. Sure, Carlton Fisk, “waved the ball fair” to keep the Sox alive in game six of the 1975 World Series. But it was game six. They still lost the series. The thing separating sports movies and real sports is that in the movies, Fisk waving it fair would have happened in game seven. It would have been the winning run to break the legendary curse. But this isn’t a movie, this is real life. And because of that, it’s only a great story. It’s not a great story of success, but simply a great story. And that’s how real life goes. Not everyone can be a legend. Not everyone can be the best. People forget about the people who lose. And the biggest losers are those who wanted to be the best so bad that they suffered the ultimate consequence for their sport.
The Stampede 1.31.13
24-- Sports
CMR swimmers take state by the horns next week
by zach pottratz, design editor Long bus rides, five state championships, and one team. These are just some of the things that make up the Great Falls swim team, led in part by coach Julie Anderson, and as the girls aim their sightson a sixth consecutive state title, Anderson knows they have their work cut out for them. “Everyone has been waiting to knock them off their throne, it means we have to work that much harder,” she said. “We’ve worked through tougher workouts. Technique and speed.” Anderson, along with Erika Hickey and Erika McNamee, coach the Great Falls swim team. The 2013 state competition will take place Feb. 8-9 in Hardin, Mont. Since the head coach, Ed McNamee, was deployed, Anderson said the kids have “stepped up and taken the reins. They’ve been good leaders and they’ve handled it well.” One of the teams leaders is senior and captain Shelby Sechena. “It’s definitely hard without him,” she said of McNamee. “But I feel it’s made us closer. We want to make him proud since he’s serving overseas.” Sechena was preceded on the swim team by her twin sisters, who graduated in 2011. “They’ve pushed me. Ever since I was younger I was watching them,” she said. Sechena said she plans to attend Minnesota State University on a swimming scholarship. On the other hand, juniors Brandon Miller and Alicia Fowler have different plans for after high school. “It depends on if I get a scholarship,” Miller said. “If I get a full ride, then yeah I’ll do it.” “I want to focus on school,” Fowler said.
Riley Wavra
Propelling himself down the lane, junior Brandon Miller displays his butterfly stroke at the meet on Jan. 12. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
Fowler said she could describe the season so far in one word -- “interesting.” “It’s just weird not having our head coach, even though the other coaches are doing a great job,” she said. Coming up on to the competition, everyone is definitely feeling the pressure, according to Fowler. “Everyone’s had a tough season, and it will be interesting to see how everyone does when all of the teams come head to head,” Fowler said.
Isiah Yates
Weight class: 112 lbs Grade: Senior Age: 17
Weight class: 140 lbs Grade: Junior Age: 16
How much weight do you cut? “A lot actually, about 15 lbs.” Favorite strategy/takedown? “Being physical with my hands.” Expectations for state? “As a team we could definitely place a lot of kids. I expect them to do well.”
Pre-game pump-up song? “Crystal Castles - Crimewave” What’s the biggest misconception about wrestlers? “We don’t like boys.” Any problems during games this season? “One time I got head butted and bit through my lips.”
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The Stampede 1.31.13
How well do you know your Rustler athlete ?
25-- Sports
by peyton fulbright, sports editor To be the best, an athlete has to spend countless hours working their hardest in the gym and on the field. Because of those amassed hours of practice, athletes spend a lot of time alongside their teammates. At the Stampede, we observed this and decided to answer the ultimate question: who knows you better; your teammates or your friends? We asked a winter sport athlete a question about themselves. Then, we asked one of their teammates and one of their friends what they expected the athlete to say. We put their answers as well as the athlete’s response in this handy-dandy chart for your convenience.
Battle in the Superdome Patrick Hodges, freshman swimmer
Favorite hobby?
Dan Enseleit, freshman friend: Longboarding. Zach Lavinder, senior teammate: Videogames. No wait... longboarding. Patrick Hodges, freshman athlete: Longboarding.
Favorite musician?
Enseleit: Bob Marley. Lavinder: Something high energy. Maybe AC/ DC. Hodges: Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Best feature?
Enseleit: His attitude. Lavinder: I’m going to guess he’d say either his sculpted body or his smile. Hodges: My sense of humor.
Favorite class?
Enseleit: Science. Lavinder: I’m going to guess math. Hodges: Geometry.
Worst part about swimming? Enseleit:Probably practices. Lavinder: The time commitment. Hodges: Practices.
Pet peeve? Enseleit: Teachers who don’t grade things. Lavinder: No idea. Hodges: Lazy teachers.
Favorite condiment to put on a hotdog? Enseleit:Ketchup. Lavinder:Ketchup. Hodges: Sautéed onions.
Chase Marmon, sophomore wrestler
Pet peeve?
Jed Engebretson, sophomore friend: Girls. Isiah Yates, junior teammate: When people talk about food around him. Chase Marmon, sophomore wrestler: People who chew with their mouth’s open.
Favorite hobby? Engebretson: Hunter. Yates: He’s a hunter. Marmon: Watersports and wakeboarding.
Favorite athlete? Engebretson: Some college wrestler. Yates: Cam Newton. Marmon: Dylan Ness.
Favorite class?
Engebretson: I don’t know, gym? It’s everyone’s favorite. Yates: He’s into social studies and history. Marmon: Montana government.
Worst part of wrestling? Engebretson: Cutting weight. Yates: Weight loss and cutting. Pretty much everyone will agree. Marmon: Cutting weight.
Sport outside of wrestling? Engebretson: Football. Yates: He’s into dodgeball. Marmon: Hunting.
Favorite condiment to put on a hotdog? Engebretson: Mustard. Yates: Ketchup. Marmon: Relish.
KayDee Parsons, junior basketball player
Favorite musician?
Kelly Parsons, teacher and mother: When she was younger it was Taylor Swift, but I have no idea who it is now. Maddy Gregoire, junior teammate: Lana Del Rey. KayDee parsons, junior athlete: Lana Del Rey.
Sport outside of basketball? Kelly: Softball. Gregoire: Softball. KayDee: Softball!
Pet peeve? Kelly: Drama queens. Gregoire: Wearing white socks wth black shoes. KayDee: Wearing white socks with black basketball shoes.
Best feature? Kelly: Her skin. Gregoire: Her hair. KayDee: I’m funny.
Worst part of basketball? Kelly: Losing. Gregoire: The daily dozen. KayDee: The daily dozen. My teammates will agree.
Favorite condiment to put on a hotdog? Kelly: Ketchup Gregoire: Ketchup. KayDee: Ketchup, ketchup, and more ketchup!
by joe wilmoth, staff writer The Lombardi Trophy is the greatest achievement any sole football player can get. All of the greats of the past have received this grand prize, from Staubach in the 70s to both of the Manning brothers in the past decade. And now, two more teams will walk into the gladiator arena of football to answer this single question: Who will win the Super Bowl? This year, the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers will play in Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3 at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Ravens have an exciting road to this game, beating the Indianapolis Colts 24-9, barely brushing past the Denver Broncos 33-30 in overtime, and killing the New England Patriots 28-13. The 49ers destroyed the Green Bay Packers 45-31 and beat the Atlanta Falcons with a comeback win of 28-24. This year marks a little more interest in the Super Bowl as 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is up against his brother, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. In terms of statistics, the 49ers have the upper hand over the Ravens. Frank Gore, running back of the 49ers ,had a more successful year than the Ravens running back Ray Rice. 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has contributed to the running game as well. However, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is the more accurate and more experienced passer. With wide receivers like Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, the passing game is the best solution for the Ravens. Either way, whether you watch the Super Bowl for the actual game or the commercials, most of us will be tuning in to CBS at 4:30 for the laughs and the drama that comes with any championship game. Top Left: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Top Right: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Illustrations by Chris Ware/MCT.
26 -- Sports
The Stampede 1.31.13
Battle of the
SEXES
Title IX rules prevent cheerleaders, pep band,Wranglers from supporting school by sarah carpenter, guest writer Have you ever wondered why the pep band does not “support” the boys basketball team while the cheerleaders go to everything? Well, the pep band makes every effort to support CMR in their athletics, but it is a challenge when they play for all home football games. Scheduling is not too difficult band director Russ Kellogg said. “We play for boys conference games and all girls games which make them equal adding up with the football games.” The pep band usually plays at a volleyball game, because generally there are too many boys events, Kellogg said. “In spirit we are supporting both boys and girls,” he said. There is a misunderstanding as to why the pep band does not attend all the basketball games. Most students have never heard of Title IX or the Ridgeway agreement, but these pieces of legislation make it tough to keep school spirit up. According to Dr. Mary Curtis and Dr. Christine H.B. Grant, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is legislation that bans sex discrimination in schools in academics or athletics. Title IX states: “No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid.” “Pep band does support the boys basketball team, and the fact that we aren’t allowed to support one of the sports teams is ridiculous. By not allowing the pep band at all basketball games, the school spirit goes down,” junior Drum Major Drew Austin said. “The district should allow as much school spirit as possible at games, which means having the pep band at all games.” The district does not have anything to do with allowing pep band, cheerleaders, or Wranglers to attend games; it comes down to the equalization of boys and girls from Title IX. Title IX is what makes supporting everyone difficult. “It’s the law of the land so we have to abide,” Kellogg said. According to Gary DeGooyer, Athletic Director for
the district, Title IX applies to anyone who receives federal aid. Cheerleaders cheer at all home games regardless of the sport making them equal to boys and girls; however, in order for pep band to be equal they would have to play at all home games, including wrestling and volleyball, DeGooyer said. However, Principal Dick Kloppel struggles with some of the more unreasonable requests for the sake of equalization. “There are a number of performances for pep band, but because there are sports events that are not conducive to pep band they can’t play for boys basketball,” Kloppel said. In Montana Title IX was heavily influenced by the Ridgeway Agreement in the early 1980s the suit was brought by three families from Missoula, he said. “The proponents of the suit wanted girls basketball to be played in the same season as the boys,” Kloppel said. “When the girls played in the fall they had their own identity, the crowds were larger than the boys winter games,” said Kloppel, who coached girls basketball at GFH in the 1970’s and 1980’s. According to the MHSA Handbook Equity Guidelines for Spirit Groups, the Ridgeway Agreement ultimately moved girl’s basketball into the same season as boys eliminating their own identity. In Section N team support states, “Within a school year and during the regular and tournament athletic season, a school district shall provide on an equal basis to male and female athletes any of the following types of support which it offers to either male or female athletes during the school year; pep assemblies, school announcements, rosters, programs, pep band, cheerleaders and drill team.” “We have to follow the law, unfortunately, but if common sense prevailed regardless of the sport the pep band and cheerleaders could support. That would be equity,” Kloppel said. The pep band, cheerleaders, or Wranglers should be able to keep school spirit strong every game they are capable of attending regardless of the boy or girl sport. By putting Title IX into work it became “Equalization by subtraction.”
Pep band (top) and cheerleaders (bottom) perform at the Jan. 12 girls basketball game. Photos by Sierra Rutledge. Wranglers (above) dance to Mag. 7 at the Jan. 18 boys basketball game. Photo by Sarah Carpenter.
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Sports-- 27
1.31.13 The Stampede
A team built of more than just players water bottles, helping entrance swimmers, timing at meets, by jesse whiteman, staff writer An unlikely scenario haunted freshman Kathleen O’Dell and various jobs from the coaches. Also timing races, sophomore Cassie Storm said she benand the C. M. Russell girls basketball when the team was efitted from her time managing cross-country. seemingly trapped in Bozeman. Their bus was gone. “Just knowing that I helped the runners—that’s what “We had to walk around the hotel three times until we benefitted me,” Storm said. found it,” O’Dell said. Even though she did not run with the team, she was abO’Dell said that this was just one her many memories with the basketball teams at CMR, but she has not stepped sorbed as a member of not just the team, but the family. “The team was like a family,” she said. “I was part of onto the court once this season; instead, she is a manager. “I couldn’t play so I wanted to manage,” said O’Dell, their family.” Storm said that she enjoyed the tight weave of their sport who injured herself playing basketball over the summer. and how they absorbed Due to her experience her, even if it was not her with basketball, she said first choice. the decision about which “If I had to choose, I sport to manage was made would’ve picked basketeasy. ball,” she said. “It’s easier to underShe still enjoyed all of stand,” O’Dell said. “I’ve the friends she made and played it and been around was brought into the sport it since I was little.” by a friend. As a manager, O’Dell At the beginning of has to do the basic tasks the season, Storm was not that sports managers must the manager because the do, which include taking position was filled by her attendance and helping friend. She said that her the people participating friend eventually became in the sport, but she works too busy to work with the specifically on a comteam so Storm asked coach puter program that keeps Doug Darko if she could the players’ stats during replace her. games. Another role as a Freshman Kathleen O’Dell works a statistic keeping computer program at the “I was basically a rebasketball manager is to cross-town game Jan. 24. Photo by Kasey Bubnash. placement manager,” record the game so that the coaches and athletes can improve and examine what they Storm said. “I wanted to manage a sport since I was a freshman.” did well. For cross-country, the managers take attendance, hand “The computer program was hard,” she said. “You literout water bottles, and take care of the runners. ally put everything down.” “We made sure that after races that the runners don’t lay O’Dell said that when she was just starting, coach Chad Olson put her in a room with a game playing, and she had to down,” she said. Storm said that during some practices, she raced the runpractice the program based off of that game. It was family reasons that brought freshman Morgan ners to nearby gas stations so that they would always have Williams to watch over the Great Falls High School and water along their routes. “I helped them when they needed someone; I was there CMR boys and girls swim teams this season. “My aunt is the coach and they needed me,” Williams to help,” she said. While bus rides were great, Storm said that she rememsaid. Williams said that her uncle, head coach Edward Mc- bers most the expressions on runners’ faces when they finNamee, and her aunt, assistant coach Erica McNamee, told ished. “Just seeing their times and improvement,” she said. her that it would be a great opportunity to spend some time “Watching the runners improve.” with her friends who go to GFH. As a manager, Williams said her job involves refilling
Overcoming obstacles only makes her stronger by tom gruner, staff writer
Growing up with a basketball in her hand, varsity player KayDee Parsons, a junior, found inspiration for the game of basketball from watching a high school team coached by her father. “I always played hoping I’d be just like them,” Parsons said. Along with juggling multiple sports, Parsons has overcome many obstacles, one of them being a leg injury over the summer of her eighth grade year. “My biggest challenge was when I broke my leg,” Parsons said. “All of my friends and team mates were able to play in their first high school tournaments.” That set Parsons back quite a bit; she still pushed through, she said. “I overcame Hoping to score for her team, junior it by working KayDee Parsons moves in to make extra hard to a shot on Jan. 12. Photo by Kasey Bubnash. recover after my injury,” Parsons said. Playing since second grade, nothing could stop her from playing the game she loves and has such a passion for, she said. “I love the game of basketball,” Parsons said.”It’s completely a team sport. Nobody can individually win a game by themselves.”
Passion drives player to perform
Sitting between Brian Crosby and John Stewart, coach Mike McLean watches the junior varsity boys play on Jan. 18. According to Johnson, McLean is “the greatest coach of all time.” Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
by max roux, staff writer The most important things on the court for sophomore Zach Johnson have nothing to do with the final score. Instead, it all comes down to developing relationships with his teammates, and devoting hours to practicing. “It’s not important to win; it’s important to develop talent,” Johnson said. The passion of basketball to Johnson is not only about scoring points, but teamwork and dedication. His love for the game started 11 years ago. Fueling his passion is the support from his team, which helps him
strive to do better. To Johnson, coach Mike McLean is not just a leader, but also a member of the team. “Coach McLean is the greatest coach of all time,” he said. According to Johnson, McLean truly motivates the team, letting each player fill his unique role. “Everyone brings something new to the table, which makes our team like no other.”
The Stampede 1.31.13
28-- Internships
Learning from the masters
Seniors embrace new opportunities, challenges through Med Prep internship program
to set it up. go through day to day.” “I recommend this to other people The students are urged to work as because it is active, gets people moving much as possible with the professionals and it helps athlete[s] become better,” in their interning field during their time Downs said. with them on many things, including Like Downs, Med Prep and Senior research, McGraw said. The research is for Project English teacher Jamie McGraw a controversial medical issue within that understands the social connection her career field that students must write their students get when they take part in an senior research paper on, she said. internship. “The doctors “Human beings. have been great “Human beings. It’s more It’s more than just helping kids find than just medical knowledge. medical knowledge. research and giving It’s human beings.” It’s human beings,” them background Jamie McGraw she said. “It’s much, knowledge for their much more than just papers,” she said. diagnosis and treatment.” According to McGraw, internships For McGraw, the personal link sometimes are a “blessing in disguise” for between her students and the patients students because they allow the students they care for is critical. to see whether or not they are truly “I want them to be compassionate. interested in a profession. I want them to feel for patients,” she Med Prep teacher and internship said. “I want them to participate in these coordinator, Christi Virts agrees that when careers and see what the [professionals] a student participates in an internship and decides that a career in that field isn’t ideal it can help the student just as much. “You save yourself some time. It’s just as beneficial to say this is me as it is to say, this isn’t the career for me,” Virts said. Although the internship may change their career path, it still gives the students a perspective for their futures, according -NICU (neonative intensive care unit) to Virts. -Surgery “It’s real world. That’s what we’re -Emergency Room trying to do. [Internships] show students what the real world is like,” she said. “It -Physical Therapy opens [their] eyes. High school students -RESULTS program at the Peak have a certain personal idea of a job and that’s not always how it is.” Just recently the Med Prep teachers and attendance.” Virts has heard many eye opening and were notified by Beneifis Hospital that In previous years the teachers have jaw dropping stories from students and their internship program for the 2013- looked for students who maintained a their time in the internship program. 2014 school year will be reduced to only professional and responsible attitude but One particular student was able 20 internships. This is due to Great Falls next year there will be a little bit more to experience delivering a baby via High School’s increased interest in the competition when it comes to interning Caesarean section during her internship internship program. in Great Falls. last year, and according to Virts it was According to Med Prep teacher Though it may be a challenge to a very rare occurrence, but inspiring Christi Virts, next years internship apply and get in to the intership progrm nonetheless. process will bring a stricter application next year Virts thinks it’s worth it. “That doesn’t typically happen,” she procedure that “relys heavily on grades “It’s an amazing expirence,” she said. said. “The doctor made the cut then she
by kendra hix, opinion editor and emily shaulis, staff writer A new learning experience was just what senior Nick Downs was looking for when he signed up for a Results internship at the Benefis Orthopedic Center. “[It] sounded like a job for me,” Downs said. Downs took on the internship as part of his Senior Project and along the way learned the benefits of what his job was doing for patients. “I learned that strength and speed can be improved in a variety of ways,” Downs said. He also enjoyed working with new people, the work experience that was involved, and learning about the career choices that he has, he said. Downs plans take what he learned and use it to help him along with his education process. Downs described the process of setting up an internship as simple. He said that all it took was a phone call from his teacher
PI
opular nternships
[
]
reached in and delivered a baby. You can’t get much more in the mix than that.” One of the requirements for internships is that the students must complete two case studies for their senior project and then the three Med Prep teachers grade these based on content pertaining to their classes. “Each one of us gets equally excited about the projects [the students] are doing,” Virts said. Jacob May is one of 20 students involved in the internship program. He spent 45 hours interning under Doctor Gregory Sloop, a pathologist. May became interested in pathology after becoming “fascinated” with shows like “House” in seventh grade. “I wanted to make a profession out of diagnosing diseases by looking at cells,” he said. His time interning has only further affirmed his career path. “It’s a very specific type of job. Most people want to go into general fields like nursing, not specific,” May said. “[As a pathologist] you get to go into other fields of medicine as well. Pathologists have a high level of knowledge because of that.” May also enjoys pathology because it’s low stress and entails a five-day work week. During his time interning he was able to do AIDS testing, diagnose cancer cells from slides, and blood type. According to May his internship has only further cemented his choice of pathology as a career. McGraw agrees that the internship program is made for helping kids find a fulfilling career, like May, as well as allow them to distance themselves from it. “So many kids are banking on this idea of what they want to be,” she said. “[If students take part in an internship and dislike it], they get to spend college discovering themselves and finding out what they really want to do with their lives. That’s what it’s about.”