THE
R MIRROR Volume 46 Number 5 ~ March 2016 ~ De Smet Jesuit High School ~ 233 N. New Ballas Rd. ~St. Louis, MO 63141
“
I pretty much credit the theatre program for keeping me at De Smet and giving me some of the best friends I’ve had my whole life. --Zach Jones
” Page 5
Making A Mark Successful lacrosse player remembers father through tattoo on left arm page 6
Photo by David Goodwillie
entertainment
Flashback Friday
Students vote on their favorite shows and movies from their childhood. page 8
Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios
news Robotics Prepares For Regional Tournament page 2
opinions Apple Should Not Let Government Hack iPhone page 3
feature Counselor Provides Tips For College Selection page 4
sports Senior Rises Through Volleyball To Become Top Player page 7
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
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MIRROR R
NEWS
News Briefs Environmental Club Patrick McHugh News Editor
After seeing piles of soda cans in the trash can instead of the recycling bin, Precalculus teacher Madeline Schissel thought it was time for change. “At the beginning of the school year there was a faculty retreat and towards the end of the day a few of us went to the trash bin and noticed all the soda cans that were in the trash instead of recycling bins,” Schissel said. “So me and a few other faculty members thought, ‘What were ways to promote recycling?’ Since there was no environmental club, now would be the time.” The club is searching for new members who are interested in taking care of the environment. “The club is for anyone who enjoys hiking in the woods or cares about the environmental pieces around them,” Schissel said. “It’s not a political thing; whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, if you care about the earth you live on, it’s probably better if you join the club.” However, one doesn’t need to be a member of the club in order to make a difference. Students can help contribute every day by changing the way they treat their environment. “It starts small, it starts with making sure we’re recycling,” Schissel said. “If someone saw a bottle of water in the trash can and think ‘That shouldn’t be there.’ That’s not going to change the environment on its own but, starting to shift our mindset would help us dream of bigger projects to help change the environment.”
MAC Going To Memphis Stephen Baxendale Editor-in-Chief To learn more about the Civil Rights movement and experience a different city, the Multicultural Awareness Club will be going to Memphis, Tennessee from Mar. 11-13. The club will visit the place of influential civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, now the National Civil Rights Museum. They will also visit the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. “[I hope students get] just a connection that this is not something that happened in the distant past,” diversity director and moderator for the MAC Armando Gilkes said. “For these kids, a lot of their parents and relatives are not that old, so to visit these places first hand, I think it’s an experience that they will carry for the rest of their life to remind them that this is recent history, and there are still things that need to be done in the area of civil rights.” While the MAC is planning this trip with an emphasis on black history, Gilkes hopes that the club can expand to other ethnicities as well. He believes there is still a lot that needs to be done to improve diversity among the student body. “I’d like for the culture at De Smet to be known as a place that is culturally diverse and accepting of different cultures, and that can happen, even with the things that have happened the past couple years with Ferguson and other situations going on in the city.” Gilkes said. “You can be different in the midst of an environment that may not be conducive to what you are trying to accomplish.”
March 11 18 27 29 30 31
What’s Up
Coffee With the Principal Spring Break Begins Easter Senior Appreciation Day Alumni Mentor Lunch Panel Discussion: Conversations About Race Across Generations
April 7 12 15 26 28
Senior Class Mass Progress Reports Due Junior Ring Dance Freshman Class Mass Last School Day For Seniors
MARCH 2016
Mission Week Success Event Emphasizes Justice Rather Than Set Goals Stephen Baxendale Editor-in-Chief
To raise money for multiple charities, the De Smet student government hosted the annual Mission Week from Feb. 16-19. This year, Stugo emphasized the theme of justice rather than attempting to reach a set financial goal. “As a Stugo, we all sort of agreed that we were going to focus a little less on a monetary goal,” Stugo officer Grant Kraemer said. “We were going to focus more on changing the way we look at Mission Week or changing the way Mission Week plays out. Make it more for a purpose. Basically, we sort of had the idea to change the way people view doing the service. Less as ‘Hey I’m going to have a fun week; I’m going to spend some money.’ We are actually trying to convey the purpose of helping people and why that’s important.” Mission Week supported two different charities: Amigos for Christ, a nonprofit organization working with the Jesuit Missions in Belize and St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in the Ville. “We definitely focused on the charities that we focused on in the past,” Kraemer said. “De Smet’s really been close with St. Matthew’s parish in the Ville neighborhood, so it was clear choice to continue helping there.” New this year, Mission Week t-shirts were purchased from Alta Gracia Fair Trade Apparel, a company located
Photos by David Goodwillie
Top: Students play an intense game of shinny hockey during the tournament. Bottom Left: Students play bubble soccer in gym. Bottom Right: Students enjoy throwing pies at faculty.
in the Dominican Republic, focused on respecting the rights of workers with pay three times the national minimum wage. “The shirts were a new way we decided to serve that was more helpful to the people who made them,” Kraemer said. “We didn’t want Mission Week shirts to be funding a company that wasn’t working for justice.”
Ultimately, Kraemer hopes that Mission Week could be a starter to begin a conversation about social justice at De Smet. “It’s a great leadoff point for people to one, have a good time, and two, learn a little bit about service,” Kraemer said. “It’s also a good time to look back and reflect on our own lives and see where we can be doing more.”
Robotics Gets DuRTy Team Prepares For Upcoming Regional Competition Brendan Johnson Opinions Editor
For three hours a day, six days a week, the De Smet Robotics Team, DuRT, can be found in room 301, where they use their intellect and creativity to plan, build and test their robot in preparation for this year’s First Robotics Competitions, or FRC. “We have spent an extensive amount of time working on this year’s robot,” junior David Osterman said. “And we do it all for one competition. That’s why it’s so important that we make sure everything’s running smoothly.” Every year, robotics teams in the region receive instructions for “the game.” This year, the goal for the robots is to navigate over and under obstacles, climb a tower and shoot a ball at a target. DuRT members have spent hours finding the best way to address these problems. “Like sports, robotics has rules that teams need to abide by, and there are fouls and penalties for not doing so,” junior Tim Deighton said. “That’s why it’s important that we know what we are doing.” Each member carries out his role in assembling the robot. De Smet’s robotics class has allowed DuRT members to develop in their roles and specialize in certain areas. “We think it’s more efficient if we specialize in different roles,” freshman Conner Tucker said. “It’s more beneficial for the team if members have the know how to quickly get things, like wiring or coding, done quicker because they have experience.” Despite their capabilities, the team believes the most effective way to build their robot is through trial-and-error. “A lot of what we do is putting something together, trying it out, and seeing how it works,” Osterman said. “Sure, we apply a lot of what we learn in the classroom, we feel the best way to
Photo by David Goodwillie
Teacher John Scheiding and student Karl Frank work on the club’s latest robot.
learn is through experience.” This year’s competition involves more strategy than previous years. DuRT is hoping that the size of their robot with give them an edge over other teams. “Other teams are hoping to pass the harder obstacles that will score them more points,” junior Kyle Smerek said. “Where the design of our robot guarantees that we will be pass most obstacles.” Though they are given guidance from teachers and engineering’s, DuRT members take pride in that they build their robot themselves. “They are committed to building a robot,” DuRT moderator Robert Behm said. “They take pride in what they build, and they take pride in it because it’s their robot. All we do is give advice and steer them in the right direction.”
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
MIRROR R
MARCH 2016
OPINIONS
3
iPhone Should Not Be Hacked Sam Sowash Staff Writer
Cartoon by Darrian Sandoz
Staff Editorial
Student Section Is Important For Sporting Events De Smet sports teams can gain a competitive advantage and win games not only by running or lifting weights, but also encouraging students to attend games and cheer on their classmates. Student sections have the ability to change the outcome of sporting events by cheering on their teams and, in some cases, discouraging the other teams. Anyone who attended a soccer game this year can attest to a crowd’s ability to pump up a team. During the regular season, soccer games didn’t have nearly as much student support. They lost 2-0 to both CBC and SLUH then, but later defeated them when backed by the exuberant student body. The hundreds of people cheering and celebrating with the team after every goal motivated the team through every minute of the game. In the basketball season, De Smet played SLUH at home. Coming into the game they were the underdogs, but student section came ready and
rowdy. De Smet won 51-49. The next time they clashed with SLUH, at an away game, while lacking a student section, they lost 73-39. Arizona State started using what they call the “Curtain of Distraction” which opens as the player at the free throw line is about to shoot. On average, opponents who play Arizona State at home shoot 8.7 % worse from the free throw line causing the team to save about 1.7 points a game. So when Dillon Gilkey came down the court with five seconds left and a tied game, due to hard defense and a rowdy student section. It gave him the opportunity to make a clutch play and hit a jump shot as time expired. Fans do make a difference in the outcome of some sporting events. Thus, our student body should always have large amounts of people packing the stands no matter what sport is being played. Not only to show our school spirit and support our classmates; but to also help the teams win.
How often do you attend De Smet sporting events? ALWAYS
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Virtual Reality Is The Future of Gaming amounts of money into it is a part of why Virtual Reality will succeed now instead of the 1990’s. There are other uses for Virtual Reality outside Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificial environment of gaming. Virtual Reality has been used in the that is created with software and presented in military and police training for many such a way that the user suspends years and may even be used belief and accepts it as a real more because so many are environment. VR is the future being made and can be so so you might as well embrace it easily bought. The other now. use is the classroom; Google Many major electronic has started giving away free companies, including giants units of its low cost Google such as Sony and Microsoft, cardboard. are making their own version If Virtual Reality is able of the device. However, the to become a success then it Google Cardboard most popular company in the VR needs to improve where the last market is the Oculus Rift,which Facebook bought products failed in the 1990’s. The for $2 billion. The prices of these devices range giant companies making the devices need to make from Google cardboard at about $20 to Microsoft’s the products at lower cost and continue to make Hololens at $3,000. These companies putting giant entertainment that people can be amazed from.
Alex Hejna Entertainment Editor
The government wants Apple to override their encryption security on Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone because they could learn more about the San Bernadino shooting. Apple does not want to unlock the iPhone because it would require them to override their encryption technology keeping user’s information private. Apple should not give the government software that would unlock any iPhone because it would set a precedent for governments to follow and would make it easier for criminals to get information from iPhones. If Apple gave the software away then it would make every phone user at risk from hackers. The FBI said this would only be a one-time thing but Apple knows that might not be true. Once somebody has the ability to bypass the encryption, they could unlock any phone they want to. Also, other countries might follow suit and demand access to that information. After this who knows what the government and other countries might request. The government cannot demand access to encrypted phones without putting a lot of information and privacy in danger. Once the new software is made, it would be very easy for the government to invade the privacy of anyone, colliding with fourth amendment right which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Private communication with others is a right, and just because it is not through spoken words at home does not make it less private. If the government is capable of monitoring what a person saying, it is as if they always have a microphone on him. People should not have the fear of being monitored at all times, and encryption is making that possible. Instead of unlocking encryption Apple should track words used in certain sequences that could be a sign of terrorism or another threat. They could then flag that person so that the government knows who could be a threat. The government should not gain access to the software because it would invade the privacy of others and could put everybody’s information in danger. If that information is out then it would create a backdoor to all encrypted devices.
R MIRROR 233 North New Ballas St. Louis, MO 63141 Volume 46, Issue 5
Adviser Kevin Berns Editor-in-Chief Stephen Baxendale Staff Ray Stewart- Managing Editor Brendan Johnson- Opinions Editor Joe Cafazza- Sports Editor David Goodwillie- Photo Editor Alex Kramer- News Editor Patrick McHugh- News Editor Alex Hejna- Entertainment Editor Drew Brown- Web Editor Doug Dolan- Staff Writer Mario Ghazal- Staff Writer Zack Hilboldt- Staff Writer Thomas Horak- Staff Writer Sam Sowash- Staff Writer The goals of The Mirror, as De Smet Jesuit’s official student newspaper, are to provide accurate information in the spirit of responsible journalism, to entertain and to offer a forum of ideas of students, parents, graduates, faculty and administrators. Bylined commentaries represent the opinions of their writers; they do not necessarily express the views of the administration, faculty, student body or The Mirror staff and its adviser. Editorials without bylines represent the opinions of the editors and staff. At least threefourths of the majority of the staff is needed for an article to be considered an opinion of the paper. The Mirror welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be limited to 500 words and should be submitted to the publications office in Room 212. All letters must be signed, but names may be withheld upon request.
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
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R MIRROR
FEATURES
MARCH 2016
A Circus That Serves Others of at risk children, the homeless, boys and girls clubs, as well as elementary schools. The Trenton Circus Squad is a traveling circus, While most of his classmates sometimes performing in an rushed to amusement parks uncomfortable setting. and pool for summer vacation, “Sometimes it’s tough to be in freshman Sean Gerty chose to these small non air conditioned stick with his grade school service gym and perform,” Gerty said. “But project and join the circus. then you realize the end result “I went and got really into it and is going to be so rewarding and I really liked the service aspect of totally worth it.” it,” Gerty said. “I really started to Gerty uses these experiences to get pretty good at it so I was like, develop a passion for performing ‘I’ll stick with this.” and developing the necessary This circus was not the skills to perform in many school traditional big tent, acrobatic, productions. However, performing performing lion circus. Gerty is the epicenter of his motivation. joined the Trenton Circus Squad, Constantly interacting with a group of diverse students that uses circus art as a vehicle to bring underprivileged individuals has Trenton’s underprivileged together kept Sean going back for the last to cooperate, challenge themselves two summers. “Working with the kids has and serve their communities. “It is a huge reality check,” Gerty taught me to appreciate the little things in my life that I find myself said. “Working with these kids taking for granted,” Gerty said. makes me appreciate what I have so much that I want to do whatever “It taught me to try to be more understanding of people and where I can to give back to them.” they come from.” Gerty’s audience often consists
Ray Stewart Managing Editor
Sean’s Favorite Routines
Plate Spinning
Coach Chooses College Over Pro-Baseball
Freshman Sean Gerty shows off his skills. Gerty works with the Trenton Circus Squad.
Unicycle riding
Riding a mini bike
College Insider Information
of the most stressful parts of the college admissions process and adds much more pressure to the situation. If college counselor William Gunn “[The college application process] had a choice between community is deeply stressful and some people college and an elite school with a only subconsciously realize that hundred thousand dollar debt, Gunn and it comes out over stress about would choose community college. the application process and keeping “There is a ridiculous gap between all the paperwork straight,” Gunn tuition and value,” Gunn said. said. “These days, the app process is “Wash U, it’s one of my favorite simple; you can do it in an hour.” universities in the world, but it is Adjusting for inflation, average grossly overpriced; price of a private nonprofit college as are most has skyrocketed from $16,213 to colleges in the $43,921 since 1975. Gunn says that United States.” student loans have driven the costs Gunn liked of college up. helping kids “I would very much recommend not with their college paying much for very “elite” schools,” choices, but didn’t Gunn said. “If you can possibly get like the sales into a different institution that is aspect of his job willing to give you some money, it is as a college admissions counselor at almost always going to be a better Washington University. So, he came option. I can’t caution against to De Smet to give students advice student loans enough. The system is without an ulterior motive. designed to exploit students.” “[At De Smet] I have lots of freedom Academics should not be the only to work with people directly,” Gunn factor when considering a school. said. “There is no agenda here; I “If you can look at the college and give people the best advice I can give say, ‘I really feel like this is a good them. At Wash U., the only advice I fit for who I am’; then you have could truly give was ‘Apply to Wash found a school for you,” Gunn said. U.’ [At De Smet], I don’t have a dog “If you have no idea whether the in the fight.” college fits you, that’s where I come The college application is one in.”
Doug Dolan Staff Writer
Brendan Johnson Opinions Editor
Ready to graduate and set on college, Dave Stewart was walking with his father when he received a phone call. It was his agent, telling Stewart that he had been drafted by the nationals in the 31st round. “Just to hear that I got drafted was amazing,” Stewart said. “It was great to finally see my name behind a big league team.” Despite the opportunity, he decided not to sign and instead go to college. “More important than any kind of money or professional career in baseball was an education,” Stewart said. “I sat down and talked with my family and talked the importance of a degree and the building of a man during his college years.” Stewart attended college and played baseball at the University of Nebraska. Three years later, he was drafted again in the 22nd round by the Cincinnati Reds and signed with the team on July 11, 2009. He played for two years before he was injured and had surgery on a bone tumor linked onto his achilles tendon. As a result, he was released by the Reds, so he returned to college. “I thought it was time to go back to college and get my degree,” Stewart said. “I had no doubt that it would help me later in life.” Though his professional career was over, baseball still remained a part of Stewart’s life. After getting his major in health sciences and minors in education and exercise science, he came back to St. Louis to work. Before
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo by David Goodwillie Varsity baseball coach David Stewart chooses education.
coming to De Smet, he worked in the Webster Groves school district. There, he coached baseball and helped students in academic support. “I enjoyed my time at Webster Groves, but the public school was different,” Stewart said. “I think that what I was missing at the public school was the brotherhood that everyone talks about, it’s just a different feel here and a different sense.” At De Smet, Stewart also helps students in academic support and puts his baseball skills to work as the Varsity Baseball coach. “It feels like I’m back home,” Stewart said. “Ever since I decided I wanted to be in education I wanted to be in Catholic education, specifically in the MCC.” He does not only play a huge role in the lives of his players, but also in the academic lives of many students. In academic support, Stewart gives his help and support to every student that comes to him. “The kids here are really receptive, especially the ones that I work with,” Stewart said. “Every single one of them I have seen seeks help, which is really different and refreshing. When they seek help, they want to learn and they want to get better.”
5 Tips for College 1. Be passionate about your essay: The admissions counselor will probably have to read hundreds, if not thousands, of essays and to separate yourself you must write about something you care about; the admissions counselor should feel like they know you better after reading your essay. 2. Quality over quantity for extracurriculars: A leadership position in two clubs means more than membership in six.
3. File financial assistance paperwork early: Money is a big factor in your college admission and how much money you need could make or break your admission. 4. Demonstrated Interest: Visit the college, go to its station at college fairs, even something as simple as e-mailing a college that you are interested in the school. 5. Get a part time job: College admission counselors like to see a part time job because it shows you are responsible and can follow directions.
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
R MIRROR
MARCH 2016
FEATURES
Steep Challenges
5
New Coach Hopes To Reinvigorate Football Program Patrick McHugh News Editor
Robert Steeples knows what it means to be a Spartan since he was one himself and wants to set a new standard for De Smet football. Last month De Smet named Steeples its next head football coach. “The goal down the line is for De Smet to be a respectable program.” Steeples said. “When you hear that name it has that ring to it.” Steeples chose to go to De Smet for high school due to both its academic and athletic excellence. “I really wanted to go to college and for me, De Smet was the closest experience to that” Steeples said. “I loved the energy at athletic events and how nobody was to cool not to cheer.” After playing football for De Smet and later University of Memphis and Missouri, Steeples pursued his dreams of making the NFL. “It was a blessed experience and some of the most fun I’ve had in that 3 years of my life.” Steeples said. “It was so highly competitive and when you had success you knew you earned it because you were going against the elite of the elite.” Coach Steeples plans to translate his experience in the NFL to coaching high school football. “The NFL knows how to manage personalities and learn how to incorporate a whole community around the team.” Coach Steeples plans to look at the now and present rather than the future and plans to get the team rolling as soon as possible. “My plan starts today,” Steeples said.”We got a lot of seniors and too much talent to make this just a building year, so I’m coming out guns blazing” Steeples wants De Smet to be one of the most respected and well-rounded programs in the future. “I want De Smet to be a springboard for young men to grow as athletes and students so they can be ready for college and life.”
Photo by Kevin Berns
New head coach Robert Steeples addresses the football program soon after he was hired. Steeples hopes to reinvigorate the varsity team after two consecutive 1-10 seasons. Steeples also hopes to use his NFL and college experience to bring De Smet back to prominence.
Senior Breaks A Leg
Full Of Pizzo and Vinegar
Senior Zach Jones Considers Transferring Before Finding Theatre
Junior Wants To Use His Authoritativeness To Achieve His Dreams
Drew Brown Web Editor
Brendan Johnson Opinions Editor Time and time again, junior Angelo Pizzo’s co-worker at Serra’s Pizza disobeyed his orders. Pizzo, an employee at his family’s restaurant, decided it was time to put his work-shy colleague back in line. “This is how it is,” Pizzo told him. “I’m the boss, either you accept it, or you get out.” There were no further problems. At Serra’s Pizza, there is an unspoken rule: don’t mess with Angelo Pizzo. When he walks through the doors of the restaurant, his entire persona changes. “I leave that happy lovable guy that I normally am outside and pull out the demon inside of me,” Pizzo said. “When my reputation is on the line, it’s a priority that I get my stuff done so I don’t look bad.” Pizzo has made it his goal to be fearless in everything he does. Every morning, he wakes up and looks at himself in the mirror and says, “I’m a badass.” “Saying that energizes me and makes me feel unstoppable,” Pizzo said. “It gives me that extra boost that I need to get through my busy day.” Going wherever he is needed, Pizzo makes sure all aspects of the restaurant are running smoothly. He feels most comfortable working in the kitchen, putting the cooking skills that he acquired over the years to the test. In there, he is in command. “I’m not just the authority because
Photo by David Goodwillie
Angelo Pizzo manages his family’s restaurant.
it’s my family’s kitchen,” Pizzo said. “I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into that business, picking up various cuts and burns along the way, so I think I am qualified.” Pizzo’s future goals, however, have nothing to do with working in the food industry. “The thing about the restaurant business is its incredibly stressful,” Pizzo said. “Before I discovered my love for working in the kitchen, I had a love for Disney.” Pizzo’s family has taken annual trips to Disney World ever since he was a kid, each time captivating his imagination and inspiring him to one day create movies for the company. “It makes me feel like a little kid every time we visit,” Pizzo said. “It has become a part of my life. Every time school gets out at the end of each year I have something to look forward to.” Pizzo hopes to utilize the work ethic that he has developed over the years in order to get his foot in the door of the tedious profession. “I want to do what I love, and that is my passion,” Pizzo said. “Just I have done at the restaurant, I will work way to the top and achieve my dream.”
A whole new school and lots of stress from homework were what senior Zach Jones experienced freshman year. Coming from a public school, none of his friends from middle school came to De Smet with him. “All of freshman year was really tough,” Jones said. “I was not having as much fun, because I was not getting involved.” Even when he tried to get involved by trying out for the school play he did make the cut. Therefore, Jones because of all these struggles faced a decision of whether or not to return to De Smet for his sophomore year. After debating his options all summer and not fully confident in his decision he returned the following year to give De Smet one last try. Sophomore year Jones was determined to get a role in the play “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.” He was not going to just give up. “For us [teachers and directors] what was really exciting to see was his persistence.” When Jones found out he got the part he was ecstatic. “I didn’t really believe it at first; it’s kind of hard to because I didn’t [make the play] the year before,” Jones said. “So it felt really good to see that I had been able to improve and come back and do it again and actually make it this time.” Photo by Nick Plassmeyer This was just the start of his involvement in the theatre. “I think that show was really key because he got more confidence as that show went along,” theatre director Kurt Knoedelseder said. “The more confident he was the more his abilities began to shine.” As a senior, Jones was a featured vocalist and main role in the musical “Spamalot” and is the president of the De Smet Dionysian Players. “My life would definitely not be the same that it is now [if I left]. I don’t think I would have enjoyed my life if I would have left,” Jones said. “I pretty much credit the theater program for keeping me at De Smet and giving me some of the best friends I’ve had my whole life.”
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
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MIRROR R
SPORTS
MARCH 2016
Leonard Jones’ Motivation
Senior Leonard Jones overcomes challenging endeavor to become top lacrosse player Alex Kramer News Editor
Photo by David Goodwillie
Leonard Jones practices lacrosse after school. Jones will be starting attack in the 2016 season.
Every lacrosse game, after his pregame prayer, senior Leonard Jones taps his shoulder in remembrance of what he overcame. When Jones was nine months old, he lost his father. Even though tattoos are painful, he got one on each of his arms for inspiration; one of a boy praying over a grave and one of a lion. “Just a constant reminder to know that [my dad’s] with me,” Jones said. “Even though he’s not there physically, but to know that he’s there with me spiritually and on my arm is something that can keep me going.” Jones’ tattoo of a lion is a reminder to him to be the best man he can be. “Be courageous, be strong-minded, strong-hearted,” Jones said. “Something I can live my life by and look over my shoulder and remind me what I need to go by in life.” That motivation is evident in his work ethic. Last year, Jones recorded one of the most points on the varsity lacrosse team. “I was one of the biggest offensive threats that teams worried about,” Jones said. However, starting out, Jones never put thought into what could have become of his lacrosse career. “Freshman year, I wasn’t even thinking about playing lacrosse in college,” Jones said. “I was playing because I loved the sport.” Nonetheless, Jones realized after his freshman year that he had the potential to greatly excel in lacrosse. “I literally dedicated that whole summer after freshman year to lacrosse,” Jones said.
Photo by David Goodwillie
Despite not having a father for the majority of his life, Leonard Jones continues to prosper in lacrosse. He will extend his lacrosse career with the Lindenwood Lions.
His summer-long commitment to lacrosse resulted in a placement on MO22, a lacrosse team compiled of the top 22 players in Missouri. Jones was given offers from multiple universities while playing for the team. “To really know that I had the potential to play at the collegiate level was an eye opener,” Jones said. Jones’ dedication paid off with a full scholarship from the University of Lindenwood. In addition, Jones was the first in his family to get into a major university. “For me to start my own legacy was one of my biggest things,” Jones said. “And to carry my Dad’s last name is something that is really huge for me. I think my Dad would be extremely proud with lacrosse, college and in general. I’m kind of hard on myself so me wanting to do more is always something that I do.”
Spikeball Bounces Around School
Spikeball Rules Scoring- points are scored when the ball hits the floor, hits the rim, or misses the net.
Zack Hilboldt Staff Writer
Spikeball is an up and coming activity that is played during activity period, lunch, study hall, and after school. It has become one of the most popular activities around school. “It’s pretty fun,” sophomore Jack Davis said. “The best part of the game is the excitement and the high pace that the game moves at. You are always thinking of a way to one up your opponent.” In Spikeball, there are teams of two people, a total of four people playing. Points are scored by bouncing the ball off a player’s hand then hitting the net, like a ping pong ball. If a team succeeds in hitting the ball off the net, forcing the team to have over three touches or forcing the ball to hit the ground, the team is awarded a point. Games are played to 11, 15, 21 or a predetermined score. Finally, a team must win by 2
Serving- the ball is hit like a volleyball Photo by David Goodwillie
Juniors Max Umbeck, Nick Broom, Haydn Boldt and Kyle Barks play Spikeball after school.
points. “It doesn’t take much to learn and you don’t have to be athletic,” sophomore Jack Ruder said. “I encourage people to look into it. I have been able to connect with many classmates.” Students were brought together to play Spikeball and raise money to fund charities at the Mission Week tournament. Spikeball is an increasingly
popular game at school and will continue to develop as a reason to bring students together. Theology teacher Howard Place got in on the Spikeball action as well. “It’s a new game, a game few people have experienced before,” Place said. “It’s an unpredictable game, unlike Madden [the football video game], you can’t choose your play that works every time.”
Ultimate Frisbee Goes For Ninth State Title Thomas Horak Staff Writer
ranked them 9th in 2014. “We will be more focused on facing teams on the national level,” LaBarge said. “Teams in Missouri are not very good competition for us, so we are gearing-up to take down some of the nation’s top teams.”
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Blair exemplify facets of leadership.” With the success of the Ultimate team there comes an added pressure to keep the championship streak each season. “It’s pretty nerve racking,” senior Joe Dreyer said. “Even though we are the favorites to win most years there is always that fear of letting down previous players by ending the streak.” De Smet also hopes to continue the winning tradition on the national scale. De Smet is no stranger to the nationals. For example, Ultiworld.com
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ultimate at a young age therefore, good coaching can help speed up the process. “The coaches are very experienced and understand the game very well,” Arnold said. “This combination culminates into a motivating force that drives the team to be very successful.” In Ultimate Frisbee there are no officially elected captains. The upperclassmen take on the role of leaders. “True senior leaders emerge as the season progresses,” Arnold said. “We have some pivotal role players this year starting to emerge from the senior class. Players like Joe Dryer or Connor
Infractions- players running into each other results in a replay
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Many teams strive to be back to back champions and the Ultimate Frisbee team is the exception. The team has won every year since 2008 making it eight straight state champions. “There is a target on our back and everyone wants to beat us,” varsity coach Howard Place said. “At first it was nerve racking; now it’s a badge of honor. We have continued to improve and now we can carry that target. All teams should try to beat us.” The team is relatively the same as last year as only three contributing seniors left last year. While the
team has stayed the same so has the game plan and leadership. “The game plan is the same as usual,” senior Alex LaBarge said. “Throw the disc well and be able to run fast and for a long time.” Ultimate is usually not portrayed as a sport, but takes a lot of athleticism to play. “De Smet’s Ultimate is so successful because the coaches look for athletes,” senior Cole Arnold said. “The throwing and cutting abilities come with time but the innate athletic ability pushes the team to grow immensely.” All good teams need good coaching and De Smet is no exception. Players don’t traditionally train for
Rallies- must alternate between every player every other hit
R MIRROR
MARCH 2016
SPORTS
7
Rugby Energized For New Season Alex Kramer News Editor
Photo by David Goodwillie
Cory Peterson gets a takedown in his Varsity meet against Kirkwood. Peterson placed fourth in the Missouri State Wrestling Championship as a freshman.
Freshman Places Fourth In State During the last week of the season, Robinson noticed considerable improvement in Peterson’s performance. Freshman Cory Peterson “He got mentally tougher, placed fourth in the class IV and I think his attitude state wrestling tournament changed a little bit, and his in Columbia, Missouri from desire changed,” Robinson Feb. 18-20. said. “With freshmen I’m “Well I’m thinking that really worried about the there’s no way that this guy state tournament and taking is going to beat me,” Peterson the moment in and enjoying said. “If I wrestle my best, themselves and all that I’m going to beat his best.” kind of stuff. And he did To prepare for the everything right that he tournament, Peterson could do to perform at such focused on studying a high level at that time.” potential matchups through A prominent theme this film and discussing potential year for the wrestling team strategies with his coaches. was “Face Adversity.” “We game planned a “We talked a lot to our lot,” head wrestling coach athletes about facing Colby Robinson said. “We adversity and facing it head strategically planned each and on,” Robinson said. “In the every match. But with him, sport of wrestling, you can’t it was just kind of relaxing run from adversity, you can’t him and getting him to enjoy run from things that are the moment, and just have going to happen because it’s fun. I think a lot of the time just you and another guy out in wrestling we forget to have there. We talked a lot about fun. That’s one of the things the mental game of facing that I told him every time we adversity and conquering walked out on the mat to have it. And Cory did a great fun. He embellished that, and job of that. He definitely that’s why he got the results faced adversity and took it that he got.” head on. We talked about
Stephen Baxendale Editor-in-Chief
‘Spartan Tough’ and what does it mean to be ‘Spartan Tough.’ But being Spartan Tough is facing adversity. Sometimes when it’s hard and when things are tough and life might not be going the way that you want it to be, how are you going to respond to that? And that’s going to define who you are as a man. That’s something that’s slowly defining Cory as a man.” Robinson hopes Peterson’s success in the state tournament is a turning point for De Smet’s wrestling program. “He’s just the groundworks of what is to come with our program,” Robinson said. “In two to five years, we’re going to be competing for a state title, and he’s going to be a part of that. It’s just cool to just watch it all unfold.” With this in mind, Robinson hopes the wrestling program can continue its success in the coming years. “I think the future is bright,” Robinson said. “We have something to say now; we have a voice now. It’s
not just these two crazy guys from out of state who coach wrestling at De Smet. We have a voice, and people know who we are. We’re here. We’re going to be demanding respect and we’re going to have kids competing for state titles and we’ll be bringing home trophies. It’s going to be fun.”
Last year, the rugby team ended its season with a 3-5 record. However, the team believes it is steadily improving over its past obstacles. Junior Kevin Valleroy believes his team can make the most out of what’s available. “I think we’re going to show a lot of improvement from last year,” Valleroy said. “We have more guys and I think we’re more energized to go out.” Junior Daniel Han considers that his team lacks experience and players. “We just need more players,” Han said. Nonetheless, Junior Josiah Schmeiderer knows his coaches believe something more of this team. “The coaches are expecting us to get into the state tournament this year,” Schmeiderer said. Senior Sean Christman knows his team will improve on its past three win season. “I think we’ll do pretty good, considering our numbers,” Christman said. “We’re definitely going to do better than last year.” The team so far is 1-0 with a win over Marquette and hopes to continue its success. 2016 Varsity Rugby Schedule 3/11 6:00pm vs. Parkway 3/16 6:00pm vs. CBC 3/17 6:00pm vs. Howell 4/1 6:00pm vs. Howell 4/9 12pm
vs. Eureka
4/14 6:00pm vs. SLUH 4/22 6:00pm vs. CBC Photo courtesy of Cory Peterson
Peterson embraces coach Colby Robinson after a win at the State Tournament.
4/28 6:00pm vs. Priory 5/7 - 5/8
State Playoffs
Senior Volleyball Player Switches Roles From Youngest To Oldest Joe Cafazza Sports Editor Senior Kevin Ladi, a four year varsity volleyball player, has been ahead of the game almost his entire volleyball career. As a 14 year old, he was moved up to the sixteens team. The height change of the net was the hardest part for him. Ladi went from being one of the biggest guys playing on a shorter net to being one of the shortest players playing on an eight foot net instead of a shorter seven foot, six inch net. “I was the shortest on my team,” Ladi said. “But I was still playing front row, and trying to raise my level of play up to the guys that were older than me was the hardest [obstacle I’ve faced].” As a freshman in high school, Ladi made another age jump when he tried out for the De Smet team and made varsity.
Photo by David Goodwillie
Senior Kevin Ladi sets up to make a pass during practice on Friday, March 4.
Every time Ladi has jumped a level above his age he has been forced to adapt and raise his own level of play to that of those around him. Being one of the youngest players on every team he had been on up to that point, Ladi was always forced to put forth a little more effort than those around him to be able to compete.
“Trying harder at practice and focusing more at practice helped me get better overall,” Ladi said. “I knew if I just tried to do what I knew I could do and stay within my limits then I would be fine.” Ladi has always taken the most pride in his passing, which led him to become the libero for his club team, but
also enjoys playing front row for De Smet. “I’ve always been a good passer,” Ladi said.“And since technically I’m a short outside hitter, if I play front row then I usually try to focus more on my passing and defense.” As a senior, Ladi knows he needs to step up and become a leader. “I’m not a very talkative leader on the court,” Ladi said. “But I’ve always done it by example, and by bringing energy to the court.” Being on the younger end of the spectrum of most teams he has played on, he has not been put in leadership positions very often. This year though, as a senior, Ladi knows he needs to be a leader on the team. “A lot of times if you have one guy that’s always motivated and ready to go, everyone feeds off of it, Ladi said. “And that’s what I try to bring to my game.”
2016 Varsity Rugby Schedule 3/22 6:00pm vs. Zumwalt South 3/28 6:00pm vs. Howell North 4/4 6:00pm vs. Howell Central 4/5 6:00pm vs. Mehlville 4/6 5:15pm at Lindbergh 4/8 5:30pm at Lafayette 4/12 6:00pm vs. SLUH 4/13 6:00pm at CBC 4/20 5:00pm at Chaminade 4/22 5:00pm vs Marquette 4/26 6:00pm vs CBC 4/27 6:00pm at Vianney 5/4 6:00pm at St. Mary’s 5/5 5:00pm vs. Vianney 5/10 5:00pm vs. Chaminade 5/11 5:30pm at SLUH
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R MIRROR
ENTERTAINMENT
MARCH 2016
Flashback Friday
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“The Life of Pablo” Review polarizing artists in music. “Ultralight Beam” the most passionate and best track on the album. The next tracks “The Life of Pablo” is like “Father Stretch My Hands Part Kanye West himself, bold, 1 and 2” and “Famous” have chaotic and unorganized. In good beats and rhythm but are his seventh studio album unfortunately bought down Kanye returns to form in quality by some of Kanye’s after the experimental and random and unnecessarily somewhat disappointing profane lyrics. The album seems “Yeezus.” With “TLOP” Kanye to suffer from going up and once again proves he is one down in quality with excellent of the most talented and
Patrick McHugh News Editor
tracks such as “Waves,” “30 Hours” and the energetic “No More Parties in L.A.” However for every good song there tracks like “Highlights” and “Facts” that are either overly auto tuned or Kanye just rambling. The album also consists of two skits “I Love Kanye” and “Silver Surfer Intermission” that will leave you scratching your head and asking why they were in the album.
“The Life of Pablo” is a divisive album with Kanye fans who either praise it for its bold and chaotic songs or be dismissed those who think Kanye is just rambling about nonsense. Photo courtesy of Tidal Overall, more songs hit the mark than missed it. it to be a good listen. “TLOP” While it may not be his best album, it is still a Kanye can be streamed exclusively West album which guarantees on Tidal.
Five St. Louis Restaurants To Visit Photo courtesy of Crown Candy
Photo courtesy of Pappy’s Smokehouse
Photo courtesy of Fitz’s
Photo courtesy of Eat Rite
Around for almost 100 years, Crown Candy still has the best malts, best candy and thickest BLT’s in St. Louis. Located in the Old North district near, Edward Jones Dome this quaint restaurant is almost always packed but worth the wait.
Pappy’s Smokehouse is regarded by some as the best BBQ is St. Louis. Their best options on the menu are for sure their rack of ribs and their pulled pork sandwiches. Pappy’s is located at 3106 Olive Street in Downtown St. Louis. Call ahead because they often sell out.
Fitz’s is best known for their root beer and hamburgers. What makes Fitz’s so unique is that it bottles its own root beer. The Delmar Loop location is perfect for shopping and not as packed as some of the other restaurants on this list.
The Eat Rite Diner is a traditional diner located in both Downtown STL and in South County. From the outside the diner looks like it has not changed in a century but with the great food and cheap prices, you will quickly forget the dated architecture.
Alex Hejna Entertainment Editor
Photo courtesy of Epic House
Located near Soulard Market, Epic Pizza offers a traditional pizza parlor feel with a unique twist. While slightly expensive, Epic Pizza serves their food in larger portions. This is a perfect dinner spot to visit after a Cardinals or Blues game.
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