November 2014

THE

CRIMSON

CONNECTION

VOLUME 2|ISSUE 3|NOVEMBER 2014

GONE IN A

HEARTBEAT

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ON THE COVER

16

Senior struggles with end of football career

NEWS

Photo by: Kelli Kutach

CONTENTS FEATURE 19 Dodge the paint

Students start official paintball team

5 Get the facts

What’s going on with Ebola?

6 Mums for life

20 Team behind the team

6 Industrial tech

21 Makeup confessions

A look into the job of a student trainer

Cheerleaders make homecoming mums for life skills students

Photo by: Chloe Horn

Tech program works closely with NASA

OPINION

A look into why female students wear makeup

22 We’re not “fine”

Anxiety is a real problem among teenagers

8 Vegan for a week

24 At the principal’s desk

10 Girl code/Guy code

25 Paper Napkin

What is it like to be Mr. Kinninger for a day?

Staff member eats a plantbased diet

11 Perspectives

Students share thoughts on world events

Meet the varsity football player everyone is talking about: Bryson Powers

Photo by: Abbie McIntosh

Gift giving guide

26 What’s in your backpack?

27 A hip new pet

Student owns pet related to a hippo

SPORTS 12 It runs in the family

Varsity football players are also cousins

Spotlight: Wildcat football offensive line

15 In your head

Inside the mind of an athlete

Photo by: Abbie McIntosh

14 On the field

ENTERTAINMENT 26 Reviews

Cover by: Emma Fritz, Shannon Steele, Gage Henry

SHANNON STEELE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMA FRITZ MANAGING EDITOR ABBIE MCINTOSH MEDIA EDITOR BRADLEY WARGO BUSINESS MANAGER REBECCA RUDOLPH NEWS EDITOR

EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Fellow Wildcats, If you are anything like me, you have noticed that this semester has gone by extremely quickly. Here we are, only weeks from Thanksgiving, yet sometimes it feels like we just began school last week. I truly hope your semester is going well, and as we take on the last grading period of the semester, remember not to stress out too much. As always, be sure to check out our thecrimsonconnection.com for exclusive content.

Sincerely,

KAURIANA KENDALL FEATURE EDITOR Shannon Steele Editor-in-Chief

COLIN GAY SPORTS EDITOR DAVID GAY ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR BYRIA HAMBLIN OPINION EDITOR ASHLEY PELTON SOCIAL COORDINATOR

EDITORIAL POLICY The Crimson Connection is published seven times a year and distributed free by the Cy Woods Journalism Department.

The Editorial Board consists of one editor. The Board determines the stances of editorials, as well as the content of the newsmagazine. Letters or comments are welcome and should be sent to room 1866 at the school address. To be printed by the school newspaper, the letter or comments must be signed and legible. The editor reserves the right to edit letters.

The opinion of the staff does not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty of this school or this district.

Make your voice heard. The Crimson Connection staff wants to know your questions, concerns or comments.

If you would like to contribute to the next issue of The Crimson Connection, please email us at: abigail.paysse@cfisd.net Cypress Woods High School 13550 Woods Spillane Blvd.

Cypress, TX 77429 abigail.paysse@cfisd.net

GET THE

FACTS

Should we worry about Ebola in the United States?

SHANNON STEELE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EBOLA

Since appearing on the national scene in March, the Ebola virus has been the subject of widespread fear and news coverage.

Months later, Ebola is the subject of jokes and conspiracy theories at the same time as daily breaking news updates warn the public of the deadly virus. The outbreak in West Africa, which has caused thousands of deaths this year, begs the question: should we be worried about Ebola? C

SHOULD WE WORRY? Short answer: No According to the CDC, Ebola poses no risk to the general population The virus was first discovered in 1976. If you were destined to die of Ebola, it would have happened by now

Photo by: Frederick A. Murphy Information provided by: CDC, CNN News, USA Today

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

Ebola can only be transmitted by: - Direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person

- Touching a contaminated object such as a needle or syringe

The U.S. has a healthcare system far superior to the African countries in which an outbreak occurred There are so few cases in the U.S. that we would not even know without the media Within a few months, Ebola will become a distant memory like the swine flu “outbreak” of 2009

Ebola is not an airborne virus like influenza NEWS

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5

NEWSTOKNOW Industrial tech works with NASA to make tables for astronauts

ASHLYNN BROWN

T

KELLI KUTACH

STAFF REPORTER

The industrial tech program is working with NASA to create tables for the International Space Station. Astronauts need new tables to replace the current ones made out of plywood, which makes them unsanitary.

Hunch Program Manager Stacy Hale told Industrial Tech teacher, Donald Bennett, that NASA was working with students because they had the skills to make products for them instead of working with professionals.

Bennett started this program at Truitt Middle School, the first school to be involved with NASA. Stacy Hale, the co-founder of the program, and Bennett later started the program at Clear Creek High School. They believed high school students can build things for use in space because they have the skills and it is cheaper than hiring a corporation to make them.

“The current table has been there for years,” Bennett said, “the astronauts have asked for a new table with a little more flexibility to it.”

The table will have all new features and will be made out of aluminum and stainless steel. It will be two sided so the astronauts can do more with the tables.

“One side of the surface is where they will eat,” Bennett said. “They will attach velcro patches on the table so the astronauts can velcro their meal packs down.”

6

Cheerleaders make mums for special needs students

C

STAFF REPORTER

Industrial tech students have been working on the tables since last January. NASA provides the materials they need and sometimes the machinery if they need it.

“It is not hard to make the tables depending on how long you’ve been in the program,” senior Kyle Otto said. “It’s really easy for us who have been here for two years because we have the skills versus someone just walking in here and trying to make them.”

A NASA employee comes to check multiple times to make sure the tables are right without missing a single spot.

Everything has to be the right length and height.

“First NASA tells us what they want us to do; we put it into our program and design it; then we send them our first results,” senior Kieffer Christ said. “Then they mark it up with what we call red lining, and they will send them back and we will go back and fix it. Sometimes it takes multiple times just to get them to like the project.”

A group of third year students is currently working on the table with others brought into help when needed. Although the work is repetitive, it teaches the students effective teamwork.

“No one has a certain thing they do,” Christ said. “We are very flexible and we just try to work together. We know each other’s strengths and downfalls and just try to go off of that.”

Cheerleaders recently help out our community with participated in a service project this.” called Mums for Life that Mums for Life ultimately provides homecoming mums accomplished all that it set out for special needs students to do. enrolled at the Carlton Center.

“The purpose of Mums for Junior varsity cheerleader Life is to give an as normal as Cami Beardmore came up with possible high school experience the idea of Mums for Life from to those who normally wouldn’t a personal experience. have one,” Junior Varsity “This project was close to my Cheerleader Mali Rankin said. heart because my uncle was “I think it’s great.” born with a hole in his heart and Although it was a close call to has had to live with difficulties get all of the mums and garters his entire life,” Beardmore said. finished by homecoming, “He was my inspiration for this Beardmore’s determination project.” remained strong.

Within the span of two weeks, “It was hard work,” cheer had a total of 50 mums Beardmore said. “Ultimately and garters to create, with I’m just glad I could make each of the girls purchasing the everyone feel included.” materials for the mum or garter they made.

“Everyone helped out to get them done by homecoming,” Beardmore said.

“Some people even made more than one just to be extra helpful.”

The cheerleaders are proud to have been a part of this project.

“Cheer usually does not do a lot of charity work,” Junior Varsity Cheerleader Callie Fontana said. “I Cami Beardmore standing with the mums. am glad I got to Photo by: Kelli Kutach

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NEWS

GIRL CODE GUY CODE KELLI KUTACH

STAFF REPORTER

T

The season of awkward gift giving is here. The act of giving a gift is usually one of love and celebration for someone or something special, like holidays or birthdays. With the holiday season slowly creeping in, one question comes to mind: what gifts do I get my friends, and how much do I spend?

Whenever I am in the situation of having to get someone a gift, I first decide how much they really mean to me and how much I am willing to spend. If I am close enough to spend money on the person, I think about their hobbies and what they are interested in and decide on a gift from there.

If the person and I are not close, or I do not like them but am required to get them a gift anyways, [which is never the ideal situation to be in] I will get them a cheap little gift or make them something myself.

I try to determine what to get or make them based on where I know them from and how much I know about their interests. I still try to make the gift personal to them but not stressful for me.

Buying a present for a close friend, family member or significant other is always entertaining. I love the process of deciding what gift

Gift giving guide

will make their heart flutter with euphoria. I usually enjoy showing the ones I love just how much I adore them.

Although, impressive gifts do not always mean breaking the bank. There are certain instances where the perfect gift is rather expensive, and I am more than willing to spend as much as possible. Other times, the perfect gift is fairly inexpensive. I try not to base the final decision on price, but how much the gift will touch their heart.

There are, however, some instances where buying a gift for someone you do not particularly know or like is necessary. If I do not know the person, I will usually just get them something simple, like an iTunes or frozen yogurt gift card. If I have to buy a gift for someone I do not like, I will still put thought into it because I would not want to dampen the loving spirit of gift giving, as it is what they call the “most wonderful time of the year.”

I honestly believe that it is the thought that counts when it comes to giving gifts during the holidays, and that it is far more rewarding to give than it is to receive.

I

It’s almost the holiday season, my fellow students.

With Halloween out of the way, you better clear your stomachs for some Thanksgiving turkey and those extra mashed potatoes.

However, you also better prepare your wallets for some intense gift giving.

Within the next few weeks, a little, special AmericanCapitalism-made holiday known as Black Friday will begin. What does Black Friday entail? Gift buying.

Ha. I already know what you’re thinking. “My wallet will be super-duper cramped following this special shopping day.” Don’t sweat it, I have a couple tips on how to get through it and survive the Holiday season.

1.

Shop Online. The internet is a miraculous entity filled with knowledge and great deals on shopping sites. Please, please use it.

Why would you go to the Nike Outlet and fight an old lady over a pair of Lebrons when you could just go online and get the same pair of shoes for just a couple less black eyes?

The choice should be clear.

2. Choose wisely among the friends, family, and acquaintances you give gifts to. Best friend? Buy him a video game. Potential Best

JACK MCPHERSON STAFF REPORTER

man at your wedding? Give him that Peyton Manning jersey. Your weird Aunt Mary? Get her a gift card to some antique store. Old ladies like that stuff. As for your girlfriend, that needs some further breakdown. Here we go: First of all, you need to base the gift decision by evaluating the possible length of the relationship and off of how long you have already been dating. I like to go with the size of a teddy-bear. Twoweek-girlfriends need a small teddy bear. Two-monthgirlfriends need a mediumsized teddy bear. Four months and beyond need a big, big teddy bear. She also might need jewelry depending on the length as well. I personally have the cutoff at three months for jewelry, so if she’s past that, or at least about to be, you’re good to go, dude.

3.

Enjoy the gift-giving.

Christmas season is littered with a selfish gift-getting and the buying aspect. However, the best part about it is the feeling you get after giving someone a gift they will enjoy.

I always think the best way to receive joy is to give joy, and that’s just what the holiday season is all about.

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of these articles are not to show discrepancies between sexes, but rather to show two separate opinions.

OPINION

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7

VEGAN WEEK FOR A

Staff member experiences the life of a vegan EMMA FRITZ

MANAGING EDITOR

DAY 1

T

Today is my first day going without any dairy or meat products, and to be completely honest, it is not as glamorous as you may think. Experimenting as a vegan changes not only what I eat but also my lifestyle, in terms of where I can go to find food fit for my regimen. For example, this morning I woke up late and had to meet some friends at Starbucks [for those of you who do not know, this is my favorite place]. I got the company, but the “breakfast” left a lot to be desired. None of the food options they had available were completely vegan, so I went without food. I ordered my favorite morning drink, a chai tea latte, but this time I ordered it with soy milk [do not be fooled by the name as this tastes nothing like real milk]. The soy changed the entire flavor of the drink. It was probably the worst item I have ever had at Starbucks I got home around 12 p.m. and was starving after having only half of a nasty chai tea soy latte. I went to the fridge, and what I found was chocolate milk, bagels with eggs in it, leftover chicken and some strawberry yogurt. So, I did what any vegan would do: I looked in the vegetable and fruit compartments in the fridge. What I found was moldy cucumbers and old apples. Yum. My dad informed me that the only lunch item available for my diet were some mixed nuts. I was furious. Food is my favorite thing, and I was left with nuts.

I called my mom to see if I could meet her at the store to get a few items for this week. When I got there I was shocked by the amount of foods that contain dairy and animal products. Plus, the foods I could eat were extremely expensive. For example, a package of two vegan veggie burgers was $6

8

dollars. Why is it that in a world where more and more people are becoming vegetarians and vegans, there are limited products that meet their needs?

I ended up with sushi [that I had to pick crab out of] and some hummus. This “meal” made me want to cry. Here I was eating cucumber and avocado sushi while my parents ate scrumptious pizza.

I am slowly starting to realize that this wasn’t the adventure I thought it would be.

DAY 2

Today was not nearly as awful as yesterday. I did some research and was able to find a few items that I might actually enjoy.

For breakfast, I had oatmeal, but instead of using milk as directed on the package I used water. While it did not have the same creamy texture as normal oatmeal, it was not too bad.

For lunch I made a succotash which included lima beans, corn, bell peppers and a splash of olive oil. While I would like to talk about the feelings and thoughts about the meal I was eating, I cannot.

Why? Because I was more interested in my friends Chick-fil-A nuggets, french fries and dipping sauce. If it was socially acceptable to lunge across a table and steal someone’s food, I would have done it. No shame.

For dinner I experimented with veggie burgers. The best way to explain the taste of this “burger” is a cross between rubber and cardboard. I tried to remedy this vile taste by dousing it with mustard, lettuce,

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pickles and ketchup. Needless to say, it did not work. I ate about half the burger, some rice and raw red bell peppers.

At this point, I am dying for a nice big juicy cheeseburger with a side of cheese fries and a chocolate milkshake.

DAY 4 Today was not too bad. I am starting to get the hang of finding foods that can satisfy me while still maintaining my diet.

For breakfast I was beyond happy to learn fruit loops had no dairy ingredients. Even though I had to eat them with soy milk, it was delicious.

After school I went to Sonic with a few friends. Big mistake. Other than their slushy and soda options, I was left with absolutely no food choices [unless you count a bag of five apple slices]. The worst part was I researched fast food French fries to find that most of these type of restaurants use beef flavor seasoning. They are fried potatoes; why is there beef flavor on them?

After the research I have done regarding vegan foods, this does not surprise me.

Many American eateries revolve around dairy and meat, leaving hardly anything for those who choose not to eat meat.

My parents made cookies for dessert tonight and it was beyond terrible. I know they are not going to stop their lives because of my personal decisions, but come on. I was sitting there smelling the cookies so intensely I could compare it to my focus on the SAT.

OPINION

79%

of vegans are females

21%

of vegans are males

DAY 5 Tofutti. I ate a bagel with cream cheese Tofutti. Before this week I never heard of such a thing, and trust me after this week I will never put it into my body again. At first I was optimistic, but then it took a turn for the worse. After eating actual cream cheese for 17 years it is nearly impossible to make such a drastic switch.

Today was the third day in a row that I ate spaghetti for lunch. I will more than likely not want pasta for another three weeks. It is insane that there are not more options at local supermarkets for vegans and vegetarians.

Why is it that while the international rate of veganism is increasing and yet the vegan food supply is practically nonexistent?

The only thing getting me through today is knowing that I only have two more days of tasteless meals.

I knew what foods I was able to eat but also partly because I knew it was my last day [thank goodness]. Just like anything, becoming vegan was difficult but, with time it gets pretty simple.

While it gets easier in the sense of knowing the available foods, there is still a lacking of inexpensive and ample meal options for vegans and vegetarians.

Out of curiosity, I weighed myself before and after this experiment. I lost a total of five pounds in one week. I have conflicting feelings on my weight loss because I am not sure it was because of the type of foods I was eating or because I was eating less food in general.

This week I realized that being vegan is not for me whatsoever. Not only does it make life a lot more complicated but I have also felt much more tired this week. I believe that the lack of essential nutrients.

While I commend those who choose to follow a vegan diet, I prefer to keep my diet the same. C

“If it was socially acceptable to lunge across a table and steal someone’s food, I would have done it.”

DAY 7

of Americans eat a vegan diet

The total vegan population is

7,500,000 [almost as big as the California population]

Vegans/vegetarians live

9.5

years longer than meat-eaters

69%

became vegan on the behalf of animals

With every passing day, being a vegan becomes a little more easy. I started to learn what I needed to eat and the options I had to choose from. I started to settle in to a routine of what I can eat. For example, whole-grain cereal for breakfast, veggies and fruit for lunch and some type of proteinrich beans for dinner.

Today was not all that bad, partly because

OPINION

2.5%

Statistics provided by: Peta and Huffington Post

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9

IT’S JUST YOUR ENTIRE FUTURE Student anxiety should be taken more seriously

LEAH TORREZ

Excessive amounts of homework lead to teen stress Photo by: Flickr user Steven S.

“C

STAFF REPORTER

“Calm down; it’s just high school.” This is something said only by people who are not in high school. It’s only the time when grades actually start counting towards your college education, career and your entire future. No biggie. Want to be happy in life?

Stay caught up on all the homework, projects and tests and you might get into a decent college. Tack on social anxiety, friend, family drama and some extracurricular activities, and you get a little thing called the high school experience. But there’s no need to stress, right? Wrong. High school anxiety is a serious issue that adults should focus on, not condemn.

Adults trying to compare their problems

RANT IN

BYRIA HAMBLIN

OPINION EDITOR

270

WORDS

There are about two months until Christmas, and I can’t even. Reindeer, gingerbread cookies and festive sweaters are about to consume my life. I am the obnoxious girl with the antlers, a red nose and freshly baked cookies for weeks before Christmas. In all honesty, I should be ashamed. However, my family is already far more embarrassed for me. But before

10

with the stresses of high school does not make it any better. “It’s nothing compared to college,” my sister would always say.

Well it’s definitely something for someone who is used to not studying and only having a minuscule amount of homework. Making the shift into 25 pages of reading notes a week, additional homework for all my other classes and extracurricular activities was a tough one for me. I still haven’t found my rhythm, and it is already two months into the school year. So instead of criticizing my grades, punishing me and constantly nagging me about my performance, adults should focus on helping their students handle the stress that comes with high

we get ahead of ourselves, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Although most people are terrified of the insane influx of foods and risk of gaining weight, I cannot wait to expand and fall asleep to the sound of the Philadelphia Eagles demolishing the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboy followers are probably most obnoxious and annoying fans I have ever seen. They need to calm down.

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school nowadays.

It definitely does not help when my mom tells me not to stress and then gets mad when my anxieties do not magically disappear. I’m trying to get good grades so you won’t yell at me, and stress is a side effect of good grades. It just adds to the pressure I’m already putting on myself.

It’s no secret anxieties can lead to mental disorders, so why do adults just brush it off when their teens are driving themselves to the limit to make an A? Adults don’t have a monopoly on stress. High school is hard.

Parents need to support their teens, not tell them their problems are unimportant. C

But even if they win the Cowboys will not ruin my Thanksgiving. My grandmother’s homemade pies, mouthwatering turkey and beautiful mashed potatoes cannot and will not be ruined. There are only two things that could kill my holiday vibe. First is Ebola. I love how much money the media is getting from talking about this “outbreak.” The only way you can get Ebola is if you literally kiss someone whose eyes are bleeding or handle their blood. So as long as you are not insane or a nurse in Dallas it sounds like we can calm down. And lastly is cargo pants. Just because they hold a lot and may keep you warm from the 60 degree Texas winter does not mean they are socially or fashionably acceptable. Be part of the solution Wildcats, stop cargos. C

OPINION

Hair coloring has significant long term effects Photo provided by: Flickr user Er Din

CONSEQUENTIAL COLORING The effects of hair coloring on students KAURIANA KENDALL

W

FEATURE EDITOR

Walking down the hallways, there are plenty of colors to be seen: spirited shirts and shoes, pants and tights with outlandish designs, crimson and gold faculty apparel and hair dyed every color under the sun.

It seems almost impossible to find people, especially girls, who have never had an artificial hair color. These fancy styles draw attention and often look cool, but no one really thinks about the long lasting effects of the pinks and blues, or even natural dye colors and bleach.

I have gone through a succession of colors, including black, pink, red, purple and blue. When I decided to go back to my

natural blond, the bleach didn’t mix well with the metallic dye, and it turned a vomit green. There’s chemistry for you. Between the undesirable color and dry, split-ended result of too much dye and bleach, the funny looks and compliments I had gotten on my hair for so long didn’t seem worth it. After growing out my hair for over seven years, I was forced to cut off about five inches of frizzy, disgusting mess. Since then, it hasn’t healed much, despite more trims and extra conditioner, and I’ve dealt with scalp problems that have never manifested before. I’m often torn between missing the fun colors and regretting ever doing them in

the first place.

Don’t take from this that dying hair is a horrible thing that will only cause damage, but whether you are switching colors every month, bleaching your roots every time they start to show, or just darkening or lightening it once or twice, keep in mind the consequences. If it’s a one time deal or you don’t mind cutting it short after the harm has been done, go for it. However, if you cherish your long soft hair like a mom does her baby, be careful how much you mess with the color. Eventually the effects will catch up. C

DON’T FORGET TO BUY A

YEARBOOK www.smart-pay.com

#ELEVATE212 OPINION

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11

SHARING MORE Two running back cousins strive for greatness

COLIN GAY

SPORTS EDITOR

R

Above: Harmon running against Lakes Photo by: Cameron Brooks Left: CJ Jones running away from Spartan defenders Photo by: Cameron Brooks

Running backs have a lot in common.

Their games are similar in that their goal is to run past the offensive line and run as far as they can until they are brought down by a defender. The Wildcat running backs have a lot more in common than that. Junior RJ Harmon and sophomore CJ Jones are cousins and are making a statement for the Wildcat offense.

Harmon and Jones each gained the experience at running back in the second grade. By high school, this position has become second nature.

“I was always the fastest one on the team when I was little and they would always put the fastest one at running back,” Harmon said. “I have always had a knack for having the ball in my hands and making plays so running back has been my choice position ever since I was little.”

When middle school came, both received attention for their work in the backfield.

“I went to Arkansas when I was in eighth grade,” Harmon said. “Their running backs’ coach really liked me. That kind of got me on the path; this is what I want to do with my life.”

With high expectations, Jones and Harmon entered high school with the intentions of becoming a featured back at some point. There is a competition between them on who is better and how to make each other better.

“It makes an interesting dynamic because he wants to be the man and I want to be the man,” Harmon said. “It’s like a family competition but in the end we are trying to do better for our family. We do it together.”

Despite the friendly competition, Offensive Coordinator Curtis Neill believes that both of these backs are talented enough to lead this team.

“They are both unique and both different,” Neill said. “They bring a lot of good stuff to the table. They both have excellent hands so they are always a threat in the pass game along with the run game.

THAN JUST THE

BACKFIELD They are quick and very intelligent football players and they play with a lot of passion.”

It is unusual for two players to have an opportunity to have a featured role on the Varsity football team as underclassmen.

However, Jones is taking it in stride.

“Just working with our QBs, work with our receivers; work hard every day at practice,” Jones said. “Just work on our game every day, and don’t take anything for granted and just be leaders.”

The coaching staff considers Harmon and Jones as their starting running backs.

“They just switch off from series to series,” Neill said. “We feel comfortable with either of them out there. We know that they support one another and that they are pushing one another to get better.”

According to the Houston Chronicle, Harmon has carried the ball 66 times for 446 yards with three touchdowns. For Jones, he has carried the ball 36 times for 360 yards with six touchdowns. These statistics are through Week 7 versus Langham Creek.

Jones and Harmon do not just have themselves to push each other to get better.

They have people in their lives that are continually pushing them both in football and in other parts of their lives. “[My mom] is dealing with breast cancer right now,” Harmon said. “Even before she was diagnosed, I wanted to make a better life for my mom. She’s my focus.”

Jones has the same inspiration in his family.

“Sometimes, I get those hard days, but [my Mom] just encourages me every day and I just want to take care of my parents when I’m older,” Jones said.

As for his future for the Wildcats, Jones, as a sophomore, has two more years to help bring this Wildcat football team to greatness.

“I think I’ll be more of a leader,” Jones said. “I’m not trying to go over my head, but I’ll most likely be a top leader because I mean, the way it goes now, they [the coaches] will have more expectations for me to lead the team.”

Harmon, who will be a senior next year, wants people to remember his time here as a hard worker.

“I just [go] after it every day and never take anything for granted,” Harmon said. “Life is short so you have to live it up and go hard every day.”

Neill has no questions as to whether these two backs will be successful in the future.

“Hopefully they have enough self-motivation, enough belief in themselves and enough desire to keep getting better each day,” Neill said. “As long as they keep that attitude and mentality, the sky’s the limit for those two young men.” C

Offensive Line Right Tackle

Skylar Schulz Right Guard

Shiva Reddy

STARTS IN THE TRENCHES IT

Photo by: Vereesha Hanif

Rushing attack thrives behind O-line

T

JACK MCPHERSON STAFF REPORTER

They say a football team is only as good as its quarterback or its defense. However, at least for our Wildcats, the foundations of a great team starts with the offensive line.

The offensive line members have one of the toughest jobs in football. According to their personalities, though, one might not think that.

“I’d say we have the highest-tension position on the field,” senior left guard Ty Dendy said. “Us being low-tension guys as people, we can get the job done.”

Winning battles along the line is key. It is the bread and butter of the running game.

It is what gets guys like CJ Jones and RJ Harmon an astonishing eight to 10 yards per carry. To be successful is to be cohesive in this sport.

“We’re like any other group of players on this team,” senior center Koltin Sabrsula, said. “We have a good intermingling of starters and backups and we’re a solid family.”

While familial bonds are important, a certain trust must be mutual between linemen.

“We hang out every week; we’ve got O-line dinners and such,” Dendy said.

“O-line chemistry between your teammates really matters a lot. Knowing your buddy can stick a block and you can work with him

14

Center

Wyatt Wozniak Left Guard

Ty Dendy Left Tackle

is important to a team.”

Chemistry breeds success, and performances against teams including Cy Lakes prove that this group of guys is truly blending. However, this is only the beginning, and hard work comes next. “[In practice], we’ll go run boards and run chutes,” Dendy said. “Sometimes we’ll do sleds and talk through some plays and finally, we’ll practice our pass protection.”

Detail skills are important, but day-byday preparation keeps the wins coming.

“During the school week, Monday and Wednesday, we’ll watch film. Tuesday and Thursday, we’ll be in the weight room,” senior center Brandon Kula said.

“Thursdays are walk-through and then Fridays or Saturdays are game day and we’ll be doing our game day prep the day of.”

Specialization is key in football. For a player to be specially trained to pancake defensive linemen or to make a big push to convert on third down is instrumental in the success of a football team. Learning these specialized skills is something these linemen focus on each day in practice.

“Every day, we have our footwork and board drills,” Kula said. “Some days we’ll focus more on inside run plays and pass plays where we work on our pass protection.

It really depends on the day and who we’re

WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM

TJ Frank playing and what their defense looks like.”

In order to be successful, several steps of preparation must be put in place. In the case of effective linemen play, several factors add up to this crucial preparedness.

One of those factors is a high-calorie intake diet, something that offensive linemen especially must be careful to control and keep up with during the season.

“I consume about 8,000 calories a day,” Dendy said. “I pack a couple sandwiches and a protein bar, I eat in every period.

I’ll have a small snack in sixth period and another in seventh period which is usually a fruit. After practice, I’ll have a steak and a shake.”

All these factors culminate into a highly successful offensive line, which in turn promote the team’s success and achievement. In football, the battle begins in the trenches and the offensive line is the foundation. Hard work, specialization, chemistry, and a good diet are the pieces to the offensive line puzzle, and when you have all those pieces, good things happen. C

SPORTS

MIND GAMES Getting inside an athlete’s head

R

BRADLEY WARGO

BUSINESS MANAGER

Regardless of what sport is being played, the phrase “getcha head in the game” stands true throughout any sport. Whether it is preparing in the morning or getting ready in the last few minutes before a game starts, all athletes have to get mentally ready.

On game day, most athletes do not really feel like they are under a lot of stress. It is when the athletes start to get ready that they really begin to feel the pressure. “[The morning of] I just feel kind of relaxed,” senior quarterback Nick Hooper said. “I mean, I’m not trying to focus too much on it but it’s always in the back of my mind a little bit.”

The same goes for baseball players.

“Waking up it’s pretty normal,” senior catcher Logan Norris said. “Probably when I get to athletics that day and [I] start getting [my] jersey I start thinking about it a little.”

For most however, it is not until the game is about to start that they really feel the pressure of the game that is weighing on them. “[Warming up] you start to get jitters and you get into that mindset of ‘Wow, we’re

about to play a game,’ so you need to step up to get ready,” senior linebacker Shane Lawless said.

However, when the game is underway, the nerves fade and they play like they know how to play.

“It’s not really until after the first inning when I start to settle and feel more calm and comfortable,” Norris said.

During plays, most athletes try and get the feelings out of their head, especially those after a bad call or play. “[The game is] a lot of thinking but you don’t want to over think it at the same time,” Norris said. “I call the pitches and it’s just I’ve been doing it for a while now so I’m comfortable doing it. It is frustrating when you don’t get a call and you feel like the umpire is just giving it to the other team, but I just try to put it in the past as quickly as I can, because that’s really important in baseball.”

At the end of the day it’s the thrill of winning and accomplishment that cannot be held within even if they try.

“You can’t help but feel excited when you win a game,” Hooper said. “Winning just gives you such a rush.” C

The Wildcat’s football team striking the Klein Collins Photo by: Abbie McIntosh

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WHEN

HEART

ISN’T ENOUGH

Senior struggles to move on from heart condition BYRIA HAMBLIN

OPINION EDITOR

Photo by: Emma Fritz

B

Being involved in a sport is second nature to many students. So after playing a sport for many years, hearing that playing is no longer an option hurts players beyond belief. When this happened to former football player, senior Jansen “Jay” Pullom, it impacted him emotionally, mentally and physically.

“I was really upset when my doctor said I couldn’t play anymore,” Pullom said. “It was as if someone had told me the future I wanted was no longer in reach, and there was nothing I could do about it.”

Last year, Pullom found out that he had a heart problem that prevented him from ever playing football, or any sport, ever again.

“During my junior year season, I was diagnosed with Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy,” Pullom said. “It’s basically where my heart is too spongy. Hearts are supposed to be strong and muscular, but mine is softer. With that being said, I can’t take too much contact or get my heart too excited because there is a possibility of death. The doctors said I could play golf, but that really didn’t interest me.

Picturing me playing golf made me even more devastated.”

Pullom was devastated not only because he was no longer able to play the sport he loved, but because this also impacted his future, family and friends.

“I knew the minute the doctor said [I could not play] that my lifestyle was no longer an option,” Pullom said. “I knew I had to find something new.”

39

SPORTS

was hard to avoid the subject.”

Pullom’s shift in attitude was also seen by his girlfriend of almost two years, senior Ciara Johnson.

“It’s harder to support him because he doesn’t get to do what he loves most, football,” Johnson said. “He doesn’t like going to football games. He doesn’t like going to basketball games, [or] watching sports on TV as much.”

Not only was Johnson there to witness Pullom’s tragedy, but she was also was there to support him by helping him move on.

“He’s tried to find other hobbies other than sports,” Johnson said.

“He likes photography a lot. That’s what he’s really interested right now, his photo class. It’s not as hard to deal with as it was at first. He had a lot going on, and [the injury] was just another thing added to it.”

After some time, Pullom has now dedicated himself to a few different causes.

“I eventually got more involved at work and I began spending a lot more time with my girlfriend,” Pullom said. “Part of me is kind of happy with how everything turned out because how much better my grades are.”

Pullom is no longer upset about his situation. In fact, Pullom has gained a lot from the experience.

“Some days it sucks to see my brother playing because you know it’s hard to not think ‘That could’ve been me,’” Pullom said. “Even though it can be rough sometimes, I’ve learned to move past it, stay positive and just keep myself happy.” C

“I just didn’t really know what to do anymore. It was like everything I had devoted myself to for all these years was now worthless.”

sports-related deaths occurred in 2011 Provided by: Stop Sports Injuries

Pullom could no longer continue to lift with his buddies, play football with his brother, or look at colleges based on their football programs. Instead, Pullom had to face the facts: he needed to move on.

“Realizing that how much free time I had without football was a weird experience,” Pullom said. “It was like going from having a full time job to being a stay at home parent. It was hard to hang out with my friends too because

they were so busy playing football.”

Furthermore, Pullom’s search for a new activity took a lot longer than expected.

“At first, it was all kind of lonely,” Pullom said. “It really took me some time to get back on my feet. I just didn’t really know what to do anymore. It was like everything I had devoted myself to for all these years was now worthless.”

In fact, even Pullom’s friends saw what the change had done to him.

“It was definitely rough last year,” senior football player Jacobi Boudreaux said. “[Talking about football around Pullom] was different. No one wanted him to feel excluded of course, but I mean that’s the main thing we did so it

There are

3 15-17

times as many catastrophic injuries among athletes in high school as college

year olds experience the highest sports-related emergency room visits

Provided by: SFTA association

Provided by: Stop Sports Injuries

WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM

17

DODGE THE PAINT DAVID GAY

S

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Shooting around the bunker. Shooting in the lanes. Engaging your opponent.

These are just some of the techniques that a paintball team practices to get ready for competition.

The Paintball Club, started by junior Sam Vasquez, sophomore Steven Vasquez and senior Bryson Badon, took off this summer and is now an official club.

After the first time they played paintball, they were hooked.

“I only played one game of paintball and that was at a party,” Badon said. “I wanted something new to go into my senior year. Once I got involved, I found out all this new stuff about it.”

Sam was introduced to the sport through his brother Steven.

“Steven went to a party and thought paintball was pretty cool,” Vasquez said.

“After he first played, he just got hooked to it and thought that it would be a good idea to create a paintball team.”

They brought the idea to Color Guard Director Kendrick Stallard, who at first was not interested.

“They came up to me and asked me if I wanted to start a club. I initially told them no,” Stallard said. “They went up to talk to Mr. Heath about it and they got it approved through him. He actually came up to me and said ‘I am so excited that you are starting the paintball club.’ I looked at him dead in the eyes and said that ‘if you are

18

Photo Provided by: Erica Vasquez

Paintball Club takes school by storm

excited then I am excited’.”

Stallard had a history of playing paintball before he helped start this club.

“I’ve been playing paintball since the year 2000,” Stallard said. “My brother got me into it, and I have not stopped since. I got to a semi-professional stage and just could not afford the travel.”

The team started to practice in late September and they do many things to help

and learning to trust your fellow man.

Having faith that he will protect you and you will work hard for them on the field is also important.”

Paintball has been known to leave bruises but according to Badon, participants get used to it.

“A paintball leaves the gun at roughly 50 mph,” Badon said. “The more you get hit with the paintball, the more you get used to it and when you are in the heat of the moment, it does not faze you.”

When they enter their first tournament on March 22, they have to know how to win.

“There are different ways to win,” Badon said. “You touch a base and the object is to eliminate the other team or get to the other team’s base like capture the flag.”

The team is still accepting interested members.

“We have not rostered up anyone for the competing team or Photo Provided by: Erica Vasquez the scrimmaging teams yet,” Stallard said. “It prepare for tournaments. has not been too intense yet so people can “We run a bunch of drills including going still join.” from bunker to bunker and shooting in Stallard has a clear goal for the club. our lanes correctly to be a better paintball “Whatever I do, I do it legitimately,” team,” Sam said. “After that, we split up Stallard said. “When we get on the field, I into teams and we play against each other.” don’t want to be a bunch of rag-tag kids. I Stallard thinks that practicing drills is want the kids to know what they are doing important to shaping the team. is quality, in practice or on the national “When you go to school, you don’t just stage.” take tests, you learn the fundamentals of If you want more information on the your craft before you take them,” Stallard Paintball team, talk to Kendrick Stallard in said. “We teach them how to hold the guns, Room 1846. C to switch hands and to communicate. The biggest thing that they learn is teamwork

WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM

FEATURE

WHERE: Pridgeon Stadium vs. Cy Lakes ON HIS PLATE: Being a sophomore on Varsity is no easy task. Finding a balance between football, school and a social life, Powers is one busy man.

THE PAPER NAPKIN INTERVIEW

Dishing with

What is it like to Your name is be a sophomore on becoming more popular around Varsity?

It’s cool. There’s four school. Have you sophomores on Varsity noticed more this year, and we’re people recognizing like the little kids of the you?

group, but it’s all good. Not really. I’ve had We’re one big family. the same friends since that When did you start kindergarten don’t treat me any playing football? differently.

I’ve been playing football since I could What is your walk because my dad is favorite part of game day? a coach.

Have you always played wide receiver?

Most likely going to Whataburger after the games.

No, actually in middle school I played quarterback and last year I played safety.

This year I’m playing safety and receiver.

Personally, I like playing Safety better.

Do you enjoy the off season?

No and yes. It’s a necessary evil because we need and have to go through it in order to get better for the next season.

Is there anything you want the student body to know about football that they may not know?

Do you play any 7-on-7 in the summer?

Yes I did actually this summer. I went to the I don’t think they [the state tournament with students] know how my team. It was a great much effort we put experience. in. Yes, we get a lot of recognition at the pep Do you have a rallies and such, but favorite pro or what matters is the college football amount of time and team? effort we put into all we I’m a Longhorn fan and do. a Houston Texans fan.

Do you play any other sports besides football?

Yes, I play the outfield in baseball.

We talk positions, power, and playoffs with Bryson Powers, Varsity wide receiver and safety [and a baseball player as well] ABBIE MCINTOSH

MEDIA EDITOR

Are there any misconceptions about football?

Not that I know of.

I think people know Is this your first year us pretty well, so there’s no reason for on Varsity? misconceptions.

No, I was on Varsity last year. I got moved up for What’s the last thing you scribbled playoffs. on a napkin?

What do you like to do in your spare My homework. time?

Any last words?

Watch Netflix and work C-Dub! 212! C out.

Favorite show?

Sons of Anarchy

Powers running the ball during the Varsity football game against Cy Lakes Photo by: Cameron Brooks

FEATURE

WWW.THECRIMSONCONNECTION.COM

19

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM A day in the life of a student trainer

O ABBIE MCINTOSH

MEDIA EDITOR

One o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.

I walked into athletics and saw two boys bouncing a tennis ball up against a wall.

There were two girls sitting on top of three big black trunks. Athletic equipment lined the right side of the wall in the main athletic hallway. There was everything from water coolers [COWS], emergency equipment, such as backboards, sports chairs, and impact/treatment tables.

Football players were walking in one by one with headphones in, athletic bag in hand, and mind focused on the game ahead. Players here and there walked into the training room to have their wrists or ankles taped before dressing out, still not saying much; the athletic hall was mind numbingly quiet.

More and more trainers trickled in and as time passed, the bus arrived.

“Bus is here!” broke the silence and suddenly there was a flood of trainers picking up all the equipment; everyone knew exactly what to take. I grabbed a bag full of footballs and followed everyone else out to the bus. Senior Taylor Whetzel and junior Michael Durkin were in the back of the bus placing the equipment in its proper place. I handed the bag to Whetzel and walked back inside to grab another piece of equipment, but there was nothing left.

The equipment was loaded with amazing speed, and the trainers had some down time before leaving at 3:30. During this time, trainers split off into their respective locker rooms to get dolled up before the game. Curling irons were on full heat and the smell of make-up filled the girl’s locker room. It does not take me long to touch up my make-up and senior Kira Strickland, who I was following for the day, was done quickly as well. There was still some down time, but before I knew it, Strickland and Whetzel, who are captains, were calling for everyone to load the bus to head to the stadium. Roll was called and we were on our way.

When we arrived, the bus was unloaded just as quickly as it was loaded two hours before. Equipment was placed in the proper places on the sidelines and in the locker room, and the trainers were busy filling water bottles and setting up everything before the players arrived. Once everything was set up properly, the trainers embark on a tradition of walking into the middle of the field and greeting the opponent’s trainers.

Candy, introductions and “Good Lucks” are

All photos by: Abbie McIntosh

exchanged, and I was already exhausted and the game had not even started.

The players were now going through their warm-ups, and the trainers were taking their positions. Each trainer had water bottles and towels in hand, and I was on blood watch with Strickland. I followed Strickland out onto the field to stand behind one of the groups of players that were going through their warm ups. We moved with the team, always standing behind them and always looking for anyone who needed water, a towel to wipe their hands, or anyone who might be bleeding.

Warm ups continued and before I knew it, the game had started, and Strickland and I were weaving in and out of the team looking for anyone who was bleeding.

Other trainers were on high alert looking for when time outs were called, when offense and defense were on the bench, etc.

The trainers have to be paying attention to the game, not only to do their jobs for that particular game, but to make sure they catch anyone who might be hurt.

With being on such high alert and so focused at the task at hand, I did not actually get a chance to watch the game. Of course, I would cheer when the team made a big play or scored a touchdown, but only because I was reacting with the crowd.

Halftime rolled around and I followed Strickland up to meet her parents, who have much needed Chick-fil-A waiting for us. I sat down and began to eat, and I really felt the exhaustion. I was barely done with my sandwich when Strickland told me we needed to head back down. It was the quickest halftime of my life, but nevertheless, I followed Strickland back down to the field and we began the second half of the game. C

For exclusive interviews with student trainers, exclusive photos, and the second half of the story, log onto www.thecrimsonconnection.com

TORREZ

MADE UP

TO PLEASE Reasons girls hide behind cosmetics

T

LEAH TORREZ

Illustration by: Laura Barbe

STAFF REPORTER

The pressure to be beautiful grows immensely once a girl reaches a certain age. Girls grow up seeing the women in their lives wearing makeup, making them feel like they should too. Flipping through magazines, girls see female celebrities being criticized for going out without makeup. Even walking through a Target, it is hard not to notice the rows and rows of products made to alter a girl’s appearance. From a young age many girls feel like they should change the way they look, and the easiest way to do that is with makeup.

“I started wearing makeup in sixth grade,” sophomore Tina Ramirez said.

“I didn’t have very high self-esteem, and I wanted to be like all the other really pretty girls. I guess when I started wearing makeup it was to fit in.”

Others feel like they need to cover up their blemishes.

“I used to get bullied when I was younger because all my flaws where shown,” junior

FEATURE

Madeline Underhile said. “So in seventh grade I started wearing makeup to please people.”

Another student had a similar experience.

“I used to really love my freckles,” sophomore Jordan Miller said. “My mom told me they were where angels had kissed

“I stopped caring what people thought. My opinion of myself is the only one that matters.”

-Madeline Underhile my face. But my grandma told me they were ugly and one year for my birthday she gave me some makeup that was supposed to fade freckles. After that I didn’t really like my freckles and started covering them up with foundation.”

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Many young girls are pressured into wearing makeup when they are young, but as they get older they begin to understand cosmetics are meant to augment the beauty they are born with.

“I dialed it down once I got more comfortable with how I looked,” Underhile said. “I stopped caring what people thought.

My opinion of myself is the only one that matters.”

Ramirez has come to the same conclusion.

“I know now I don’t really need makeup,” Ramirez said. “But I like it so I wear it for me.”

There are many reasons people practice this cosmetic art, whether to hide insecurities or to emphasize perfections.

Although girls begin wearing it because of peer pressure, most will eventually learn to be comfortable in their own skin.

“Makeup should be used to enhance beauty,” Miller said. “Not to cover up your unique imperfections. I know that now.” C

21

NO WE’RE NOT “FINE” How anxiety affects teens

KAURIANA KENDALL

A

FEATURE EDITOR

Anxiety, as defined by Dictionary.com, is distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. But what about when someone is distressed all the time? What if that fearful feeling never quite goes away, and there is always something looming overhead? This is a common problem for many teenagers who feel like they can never catch a break, always surrounded by piles of homework, extracurricular activities, jobs and other responsibilities.

Plenty of students struggle with the correct ways to deal with the stress of school and home. Several students have admitted to having more of a problem handling their anxiety than the average teenager.

“I have test anxiety,” sophomore Linda Gold* said. “During a test I’ll have to take 10 minutes to calm down because I’ll get really freaked out.”

For Gold, “freaking out” during a test is more extreme than most people’s definitions.

“Sometimes I’ll start hyperventilating,” Gold said.

What exactly caused this struggle? For Gold, the answer is high school.

“No test had really been hard for me in middle school,” Gold said. “When I started freshman year, there were new things I had to do. [I had] a bunch of responsibilities.”

When a case of anxiety is severe enough, medication is advised; however, some people do not want that kind of help.

“One of my doctors asked me if I wanted to pursue medication,” Gold said. “I said no because I want to [handle] it myself.”

Gold uses the power of positive thinking to get herself through her trials.

8%

of teens ages 13-18 have an anxiety disorder

“Sometimes if I just tell myself it’ll be okay, it helps calm me down,” Gold said.

“I’ll think about what I can do if I mess up on it [a test or project]; I can completely not do well on it and still be okay, so I’ll be fine no matter what.”

While school is one of the most prevalent parts of a teenager’s life, not every instance of teen anxiety revolves around it.

“I would get these bad feelings like something was going to happen,” junior Sidney Smith said. “I didn’t know how to control it, so I would just lock myself up in my room and basically pretend that life didn’t exist.”

“You have to stand out somehow. You have to leave your mark on something. You have to be extraordinary at something, and I’m average.”

Smith found herself getting more and more symptoms, which led to full-on anxiety attacks.

“I used to get nauseous and I couldn’t stand up [for] too long,” Smith said. “I’ve had those points where your body wants to shut down. You completely panic over Godknows-what; it just depends - you could be stressing out about one thing and then panic about another.”

One of the biggest causes of stress in teenagers is exemplified in sophomore Chloe Valles.

“A lot of the anxiety I have to deal with is social,” Valles said. “I’m terrified of embarrassment and saying the wrong thing, so usually I’m quiet and stay in the

80%

do not receive treatment

42%

background.”

Valles deals with regular panic attacks and has found multiple methods to calm herself down.

“Normally, it’s shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, I get shaky and I stutter a lot,” Valles said. “I use inhalers, and that helps. Music is my thing, so I’ll sit down and listen to a couple favorite songs or I’ll play something I like on one of my instruments.

I have a couple friends that I find rather calming, so I’ll talk to them until I calm back down.”

Valles is one of the few who has her anxiety pegged to a specific source.

“Last summer I moved from Indiana to Texas, and I never fully acclimated, so I’ve never been comfortable,” Valles said. “I just feel so uncomfortable in social situations here; there’s more pressure to be more than just average. You have to stand out somehow. You have to leave your mark on something. You have to be extraordinary at something, and I’m average.”

Along with whatever pressure causes the problems to begin, there is often more from home to be “normal” or stop “overreacting.”

“I tried to talk to my dad about it once,” Smith said. “He denied that I even have anxiety at all. That’s why I stick to my friends; they actually understand it, and some of them even have it.”

Most teenagers do sympathize with their peers’ anxiety, but, as with most high school problems, people are bullied for it as well. “[If you know someone] with high anxiety levels, do [your] best not to trigger them or make fun of them,” Valles said. “Because it does feel horrible.”

When it comes to school and grades, there is never a good enough reason to be at such an unhealthy level of distress that panic attacks are being caused.

regularly use recreational drugs

30

In the past

years, the number of 15-16 year olds reporting often anxious feelings has doubled

“If it’s too hard for you, get help,” Gold said. “If it’s too hard for you to do a certain class, then drop down. It’s not the end of the world; just do what you have to do to make yourself okay.”

Anxiety can not be ignored, but according to a study conducted by Jean Twenge, associate professor of psychology at San Diego State University, if teenagers try to put more focus into their relationships with

HOW DO WE COPE?

friends and family, it would improve mental health.

“Try to talk to someone about it,” Smith said. “If you can’t talk to a family member or a friend, try talking to your counselor, because that’s the best you can do.” C

Guys refuse to deal with the stress 25%

*Name has been changed for privacy

distract themselves 23% seek support from others 17% actively work to reduce stress 35%

Girls refuse to deal with the stress 19% distract themselves 14%

THE ROOTS OF ANXIETY

5

main sources of stress claimed by teens are...

school work 78%

younger romance siblings 64% 64% friends’ parents problems 68% 64%

seek support from others 22% actively work to reduce stress 45%

n

B

i ra

scans reveal an emotional circuit activating more in girls, showing how teen girls have a higher risk for anxiety disorders

BEHIND THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK REBECCA RUDOLPH NEWS EDITOR

Photos by: Chloe Horn

24

An inside peek on our principal’s day

F

From his desk to the halls and everything in-between, Principal Gary Kinninger’s day is packed to the max. I got the opportunity to shadow him throughout his hectic agenda.

Expecting to be sitting in his office all day doing paperwork, I decided on a cute outfit with some snazzy heels. Boy, was that a bad choice. I spent my day running through the halls without a second to relax, fleeting from class to class. I had the privilege to follow him through teacher pop-ins, non-stop phone calls, and morning meetings that seemed to never end. One of these meetings was quickly throw into place by his staff members when a crisis was averted due to a timing mix up. Keeping up with his schedule was nearly impossible.

We were constantly out of his office, dropping in on classes and getting notifications on his phone from other staff members about where he needed to be only seconds after the ding from his device.

One criticism I always seem to hear from students of the principal is that he is not in touch with the student body or technology and does not involve the students in his choices. For Kinninger, however, this is not the case.

He is always “wired” to multiple pieces of technology at once including: his phone, tablet, walkie talkie and laptop, constantly receiving information for the day. His level of involvement in the student body was evident in the Student Senate meeting. He was asked questions by the members in a rapid fire barrage. His responses were sincere and contained not a single hint of condescending verbiage. When confronted by a student on the matter of the retest/redo policy, he explained everything that had happened during the district meeting and let the students know that not only does he understand their concern, but he is concerned about the very same issues.

In addition, his level of honesty with the students is astounding. Not only did he tell the students everything he knew on the subject, but he told it to them in such a way that to anyone else listening it would have seemed like a conversation among equals. His interactions with students are something great to behold because he genuinely understands their opinions and cares about their outcome. To have this amount of authority and maintain that level of passion and respect for education as well as the people that lie within it is remarkable. This goes hand-in-hand with the way he conducts a room. He typically sits nestled in the back and just quietly observes, but when he has the floor, the room is silent and all eyes are on him. He is a part of the classroom without being the teacher and his school spirit is completely unbridled.

All in all, I had an amazingly eye-opening day in the daily life of our principal. I give huge kudos to this man for his incredible amount of consideration and honesty.

His job is one of the hardest in this building and he does it well. C

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FEATURE

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HIP NEW PET

Pet related to a hippo

C

NOEMI MARTINEZ

STAFF REPORTER

Cats, dogs, birds, fish, hamsters - these are just a few of the typical household pets. Not many people own an animal that is not found at a generic pet store.

Sophomore Jordyn Saenz, however, has a unique pet that is said to be related to the hippopotamus.

It is a Skinny Pig or House Hippo, a cross breed between a guinea pig and another guinea pig hybrid mixed with a hippo gene.

The hippo gene caused the Skinny Pig to be hairless, except for its muzzle and legs.

“His name is Mufubu, and he’s less than a year old,” Saenz said.

Saenz’s mother bought the forearm sized House Hippo at a pet store in the Woodlands for about $600 and brought it home to add to the family.

“We really like animals; we have four dogs at my mom’s and two dogs at my dad’s,” Saenz said. “We’re currently trying to get a monkey, but that requires a license

26

and more complicated procedures.”

Skinny Pigs are rare, although to Saenz’s friends Mufubu is a cute and speedy friend.

“He’s fast,” sophomore Skylar Yates said.

“He makes little noises when you walk by him and when he gets to know you he goes up to the cage and wants you to pet his nose.”

Mufubu is like a guinea pig; he loves to eat hay and he enjoys dry fruit like pineapple or bananas. Like any other rodent, Mufubu is kept in a large cage where he has running room, but Saenz sometimes lets him out to run around the house, often encountering other animals.

“Mufubu is chill, but the dogs kind of think he’s a toy,” Saenz said. “It runs around but doesn’t use the hamster balls or anything.”

Saenz’s pet raised eyebrows among her friends. Not only because of the lack of hair, but the name itself frightened her friends.

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“I was surprised and shocked,” sophomore Madison Ney said. “I thought she was going to get a legit baby hippo.”

Mufubu is friendly and similar to any other pet, but his rarity makes him special.

“I want a Skinny Hippo now,” senior Noemi Santos said. “It would be awesome and unique. I’ve never heard of Skinny Pig Hippos until Jordyn told me about it. I can’t get over the fact that she has a hippo.”

House Hippos are very rare household pets that are still hidden from society, but soon enough Skinny Pigs will be as popular as guinea pigs. C

FEATURE

WHAT’S IN YOUR

BACKPACK?

GAGE HENRY

PHOTOGRAPHER

LEFT: DANIEL FERRUFINO

RIGHT: JIMMY SAGE

“I have a container of Nutella because I love it and love to eat it all through the day, even during the middle of class,” junior Daniel Ferrufino said.

“I have a few things,” freshman Jimmy Sage said. “Right now I have a “That’s what she said button.” If you push on the button its says “That’s what she said!” I also have a couple shark teeth that are at least 1500 years old. I got them when my mom and I were at an aquarium in Galveston.”

LEFT: Kenna Brameyer

RIGHT: Gabri Barberena

“Almost every day since maybe 8th grade I have carried either a bag or a box of cereal to school,” sophomore Kenna Brameyer said. “I just love cereal and my favorite would have to be Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but today I have Cookie Crisp.”

“I have a bunch of different colors of paint in my backpack, because I always want to be prepared for the spirit days we have so I can paint my face or my friend’s faces,” junior Gabri Barberena said.

All photos by: Gage Henry

PHOTO STORY

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REVIEWS THE HORROR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN: AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAK SHOW

GAMBINO IS A MASTERMIND ONCE AGAIN

ASHLEY PELTON

DAVID GAY

The start of American Horror Story Freak Show is off to a promising start. With such a great cast including Even Peters, Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates and Jessica Lange, the acting is superb. Not to mention it includes the works of Emmy nominated producer Ryan Murphy.

Following the American Horror Story structure, each season is completely different plot-wise but has the same actors.

The current season, Freak Show, takes place in Jupiter, Fla. in 1952, an era in which TV is becoming more and more popular.

Lange plays a German circus leader, who is struggling to get her freak show popular again with the rise of television approaching. Bates plays a bearded lady, who is struggling to live a normal life with her son [Peters] who has lobster hands. This season includes many other so-called “freaks” that have much potential for character growth.

With a circus-themed plot, you get the one thing most viewers dread most, clowns. John Carroll Lynch plays this season’s villain, Twisty the Clown. So far, Twisty has proven to represent what nightmares are truly made of. The silent but horrific clown has a terrifying appearance that will definitely leave an impression. Although there have only been a few episodes, viewers can already tell the producers are going to make the most of it. However, if you are easily offended, weak stomached, or scared easily, this is not the show for you.

Although the season is off to what most viewers call “a slow start,” stick around. With such a great cast, producer and promising plot, this season of American Horror Story is one worth watching [for mature audiences only].

Childish Gambino [Donald Glover] is on a popularity “high” right now. His second album, Because the Internet has sold many copies and has been putting on very successful shows at festivals including Free Press Summer Fest and Austin City Limits. His new mix tape STN MTN/Kauai EP, like almost everything he has released, will not appeal to everyone, but most of his fans will enjoy it. Released as separate EPs but meant to be listened to together, STN MTN focuses more on the rap aspect while Kauai showcases more of his vocal stylings. His first free release since 2012’s masterpiece Royalty, STN MTN is a great rap album. He showcases his talent on an extension of the Future hit “Move That Dope” and “Nextel Chirp”. Filled with many pop culture references and just witty lyrics, rap enthusiasts will really enjoy this part of the EP. Released on iTunes at the same time, Kauai is the second half of the EP. Featuring Jaden Smith as “The Boy”, a continuation of a character from Because the Internet, Kauai shows that along with rapping, he is a talented singer as well. Most of Kauai is the complete opposite of STN MTN. Standout songs including “Late Night in Kauai” and “Retro [Rough]” show that Gambino is becoming not only a great entertainer, but a star in the music industry. Glover is not as strong of a singer as a rapper but the standout songs make up for it. This EP as a whole will not appeal to everyone though.

Individuals not exposed to Gambino may be confused with the structure of the EP and some of the lyrics since it is a continuation of Because the Internet. But, lovers of Gambino will eat this EP up. Released as a surprise, Gambino might become, like he says in some of his songs, one of the best rappers of all time. The release of this EP is leading him in the right direction. This EP does have strong language and drug references so parental discretion advised.

SOCIAL COORDINATOR

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

A-

WAITING FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE COLIN GAY

SPORTS EDITOR

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD! It’s October so that means time for candy, costumes and zombies. “The Walking Dead” returned with a bang on October 12. The series premiere, “No Sanctuary” starts off where the last season started, Rick Grimes’ group stuck in a train car captured by strangers in a supposed safe haven called Terminus. The group’s process of getting to Terminus was the main plot of last season. When they finally got there, they were in trouble. It would be too much of a spoiler to say what happened in these first couple of episodes, but let us just say the producers have stepped it up on the gore this season. There are zombies on fire and more realistic blood coming out of both the humans and survivors. “The Walking Dead” continues to make avid fans believe that the zombie apocalypse is real and through this, they will love every minute of it [for mature audiences only].

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Download: STN MTN at datpiff.com, Kauai- Sober, Late Night in Kauai, and Retro (Rough) STN MTN Kauai

B

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Thanksgiving Black

Friday

THANKSGIVING BREAK 30

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ENTERTAINMENT

MIXED

BEST OF THE BEST: AMA ARTIST OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

1) PHARRELL WILLIAMS 2) IMAGINE DRAGONS 3) LORDE 4) ONE DIRECTION 5) BEYONCE

6) JOHN LEGEND 7) EMINEM 8) KATY PERRY 9) IGGY AZALEA 10) LUKE BRYAN

HASHTAG:

Every issue will end with a hashtag. In the next issue, we will feature the best Thanksgiving and Black Friday tweets and pictures if you send the hashtag to @CWHSConnection.

Photo by: Gary Kinninger

Photo by: Abigail Paysse

This issue’s hashtag: #thankfulwildcats

OCTOBER REVIEWS

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UPCOMING NOVEMBER 11 Pink Floyd: The Endless River NOVEMBER 13 Wiz Khalifa at Warehouse Live NOVEMBER 14 Foxcatcher & Dumb and Dumber To in theaters NOVEMBER 15 The Black Keys and Jake Bugg at Toyota Center NOVEMBER 17 One Direction: Four NOVEMBER 18 TV on the Radio: Seeds NOVEMBER 21 The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 & The Imitation Game in theaters Relient K at the House of Blues NOVEMBER 22 Attila and Crown the Empire at the House of Blues NOVEMBER 26 The 1975 at the Bayou Music Center NOVEMBER 28 The Penguins of Madagascar & Horrible Bosses 2 in theaters

ENTERTAINMENT

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