Chanute High School 1501 West 36th Street Chanute, Kansas 66720
Friday, September 30, 2011
Volume 4, Issue 1
thecometonline.com
Homecoming
Candidates eager for coronation TARA GUINOTTE JUNIOR
As the Chanute Blue Comets gear up for what could be their last rivalry game against the Iola Mustangs, the homecoming candidates will be awaiting the crowning of the fall homecoming king and queen. The nominees are seniors Macy Harsch and Trevor Summers (cross country), Becca Huerter and Quinton Schooley (football), Jessie Pringle and Jarret Borjas (girls golf), Czarina Ramos and Tyler Dillow (girls tennis), Abbi Reasor and De’Vaughn Amann (spirit squad) and Morgan Hudson and Dakota Droegemeier (volleyball). For many, being picked as the homecoming candidate by their teammates is an honor. “I feel blessed getting to know these amazing girls on my team for four years and being recognized by them,” Ramos said. Huerter echoed those sentiments. “It’s a pretty big honor,” Huerter said. “I’m thankful that the football team nominated me.” Dillow had a bit of a different take on
For more on the homecoming candidates see Page 2
being nominated. “It means so much to me because of who nominated me, my peers, which therefore means girls love me,” Dillow said. Some were surprised by their homecoming nomination. Borjas’s reaction was, “Why me?” The candidates have many different things they are looking forward to during homecoming. “I’m looking forward to having lots of my friends also being nominees and sharing that experience with them,” Pringle said. Schooley is looking forward to the game and said he is confident the Comets will beat the Mustangs. Summers and Harsch are looking forward to sharing the experience of being homecoming candidates together.
CHS
“Shopping with Macy brightens my day, because she is the sunshine of my life,” Summers said. Getting ready for homecoming comes in a variety of forms for the candidates. Figuring out what to wear was on the top of the list for many of the nominees. To get ready, Huerter said she plans to, “jam to some Weezy and break out my stunna’ heels.” “I’ll be turning my swag on full blast [to get ready],” Harsch said. While Reasor plans on campaigning to get ready for homecoming, she is adamant about, “staying true to myself and being real with people.” Though just two of the candidates will be crowned as king and queen, all of the candidates said they would be happy and grateful if they were to win. “I think it’d feel pretty cool [to win] and a cool experience,” Amann said. “And to know that I’m a role model of sorts and feel like I could live up to those expectations.” “I haven’t really thought about what I’m most looking forward to, but I’m sure it’ll be a great memory for my senior year no matter the results,” Hudson said.
Courtesy Photo Homecoming coronation will occur before tonight’s football game against Iola. Members of the fall homecoming court are: Morgan Hudson, Czarina Ramos, Becca Huerter, Macy Harsch, Jessie Pringle, Abbi Reasor, Dakota Droegemeier, Tyler Dillow, Quinton Schooley, Trevor Summers, Jarret Borjas and De’Vaughn Amann.
CHS
Spirited Attire
Drug testing policy amended
This year’s spirit week carried a “salad dressing” theme. From Monday’s Italian day (bottom), Tuesday’s Ranch (below) and even Thursday’s Thousand Island (left), Chanute High School students showed their spirit with some entertaining attire.
MORGAN HUDSON SENIOR Two changes to the chemical substance abuse policy at Chanute High School have closed some loopholes in the policy according to CHS athletic director Eric Methvin. The first change to the policy states that a season will be defined as a semester, meaning year-round activities will be divided into two seasons. The second change states students who are disqualified from participation in a season of activity due to violations of the chemical substance abuse policy will be required to participate in the chemical substance (drug testing) screening before starting a new season of activity. “The drug policy was issued for the protection of students, and these changes make the policy stronger,” Methvin said. Methvin said the second change fixes a loophole that previously allowed athletes ruled ineligible for the sport they were participating in during one season to participate in the next sport without having to prove that they were clean. With these changes, if a student participating in a year-round activity like chess or cheerleading receives two strikes in a single semester the student will be eligible second semester if the student has successfully passed a drug test. Additionally, an athlete ruled ineligible during football season would have to pass a drug test before being cleared play another sport. Before the changes in the chemical substance abuse policy, a student suspended from an activity that spanned more than one semester was deemed ineligible the remainder of the year.
What’s Inside... News................................... 2 Opinion................................3 Sports............................4-5 Student Life........................6 Arts & Entertainment........7 Feature................................8
Photos by Torry Busby and Morgan Olson/The Comet Above: Junior Matthew Hansen and senior Trevor Summers, dressed as a zombie islander, show off their Hawaiian spirit on Thursday’s Thousand Islandthemed day. Top right: Senior Joe Morris gives new meaning to hand guns during Tuesday’s Ranchthemed day. Right: There was a “situation” in the commons area on Monday’s Italian-themed day as sophomore A.J. LaRocca does his best Pauly D impersonation while junior Eric Meyer shows off a freshly drawn six pack.
Page 3
Opinion: Are school dances too sheltered?
Page 4
Football team faces rival Iola in homecoming game
Page 8
High school bucket list
The Comet launches web site TORRY BUSBY SENIOR Readers of The Comet can now find the award-winning publication on the internet. Launched on Aug. 25, thecometonline.com is the digital home for the paper. According to The Comet adviser Dustin Fox, the online version of the paper will include almost all the content of the print version plus additional stories, photos, video and audio. “I am really excited about it, because it will allow us to get in touch with 21st century journalism,” Fox said. “We’ll be able to expose the students to so many forms of media, and hopefully they can find something that interests them and provides them with the necessary skills to succeed in the future.” Senior Morgan Hudson, editor-inchief of The Comet, said the added visibility the web site brings is one of the most important results of having an online forum to share student work. “It’s a great step for the journalism program to help promote what we do at The Comet,” Hudson said. The site was paid for with money from the Career and Technical Education grant. Though still in its infancy, the site is already proving beneficial according to Fox. “The students are excited about it, and we’ve already had several articles written by students who had ideas that wouldn’t fit into the print version,” Fox said. “The web site is going to give them another medium to share their talents with their peers and the community.” Currently The Comet staff is still tweaking the web site, learning its ins and outs. The staff hopes the site will be as successful and popular as the print version, allowing for more news to be shared about the happenings at Chanute High School.
Quote me on that... “We are what we consistently do. Excellence therefore is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle
News
thecometonline.com www.thecometonline.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Comet Calender
Page 2
F H C P Cheerleading
Cross Country
Football
October
Abbi Reasor
De’Vaughn Amman
Macy Harsch
Trevor Summers
Becca Huerter
Quinton Schooley
“Vote for Abbi! I look good, don’t I? Just kidding...”
“Vote for De’Vaughn. I’m what makes Chuck Norris afraid of the dark.”
“I’d feel like a happy unicorn in Narnia if I won.”
If he won: “I’d feel like a leprechaun with a big pot of gold.”
“If I won I’d feel like Charlie Sheen. ”
Campaign Slogan: Big Q and Becky Lou.
Varsity volleyball @ home Golf
Varsity tennis @ Indy (SEK)
Tennis
238
days until the last day of school
3
168
October 9/JV football @ Iola Varsity golf @ Garnett
Jessie Pringle
Jarret Borjas
Czarina Ramos
Tyler Dillow
If she won: “It’d be sick, man.”
What it means to be nominated: “It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.”
If she won she would feel: “Grateful. I’m not the most popular or the prettiest by any means so it’d be unexpected.”
If he won: “Ecstatic...I would be full of swagger.”
BOE Meeting @ 5:30 p.m.
Morgan Hudson Dakota Droegemeier
days until spring break
“My campaign slogan mainly revolves around organs and randomness.”
days until winter break
To get ready: “I’m doing my makeup and meditating every night.”
days until CHS blood drive
October
9 volleyball @ Iola
6
25
days until National Honor Society ceremony
October
14
days until end of first quarter
JV/V volleyball @ Indy Cross country @ Circle
YO !
October V football @ Coffeyville
8
braceletsareus@cableone.net
October V tennis @ Home (Regionals)
V tennis @ Home (Regionals)
JV/V volleyball @ El Dorado
Linda Springer (620)431-4486 119 E. Main Add on Facebook at Merle Norman Cosmetics-Chanute.
Eric Murrell, R.Ph. John Gallon, R.Ph.
9 volleyball @ Home
#thecomet
USD
October
fries
E S E D
onion rings
shakes
Open: Sunday thru Thursday 6am-11pm Friday and Saturday 6am-12am
malts
sundaes
burgers
slushes
PSAT
coneys
Store: 620/431-4270 After hours: 620/244-3650 or 620/698-3650
tots
October
1720 S. Sante Fe P.O Box 126 Chanute, KS 66720
413
limeades
12
@chscomet
OWNERS
10
9 volleyball @ Indy
FOLLOW THE COMET ON TWITTER
7
October
80 49
4
11
Counting Down
Volleyball
JV volleyball @Caney
V golf @ Garnett (Regionals)
56 years ago today 30 September 1955 : Actor James Dean was killed when his racing car crashed the day after he finished work on Giant (1955).
1
9/JV football @ Home
This date in history
thecometonline.com
PLEASE RECYCLE
Opinion
thecometonline.com www.thecometonline.com
Friday, September 30, 2010
Page 3
editorial Hearty support for Hardy’s hallway visits We understand the sacrifices Dr. Hardy has to make to be at CHS so often, and we would like to commend him for taking the time for these visits. This may seem like a small gesture to an outsider, but the positive effects are invaluable. We appreciate Dr. Hardy’s kindness and concern, and we hope his hallway visits continue to be a regular part of his daily routine. We also encourage members of the student body to not be afraid to introduce yourself and thank Dr. Hardy for being in our school the next time you see him in the halls. We promise he won’t bite; after all, you already know he cares.
Commentary
The Comet is published tri-weekly except during holiday and testing periods by the sixthhour newspaper class. The Comet does not accept subscriptions and has a standard advertising rate of $5 per column inch. The paper is available free of charge at Chanute High School or at various locations in Chanute. The Comet, a three-time winner of the AllKansas award, is a member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association. The Comet is printed by Kansas Newspapers LLC in Parsons in cooperation with the Chanute Tribune and is composed by the student staff on DakTech and Dell Computers using Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop software.
2011-2012 Staff Editor-in-Chief......................................Morgan Hudson Managing Editor........................................Tara Guinotte News Editor..............................................Torry Busby Opinion Editor.......................................Danae Decker Sports Editor.............................................Payton Tallent Entertainment Editors....................Sydney Kochenderfer Student Life Editor...............................Madison Wendt Feature Editor..........................................Rachel Tucker Advertising Manager.........................Reagan McDonald Photography Editor.................Taylor Catterson-Williams Graphics Editor.......................................Morgan Olson Online Editor................................................Welson Lau Distribution...........................................Chandler Boone Advertising Staff........Chandler Boone, Meg Lieffring, Danielle Rubow Reporters/Photographers........Regan Aylward, Katy Batten, Audrey Bolt, Bridget Brazil, Lamisa Chowdhury, Ashlyn Cole, Seb Fairchild, Raven Farr, Tara Haight, Becca Heuter, Emily Lair, Katie Lair, Jack Martin, Katie Martin, Megan Reeves, Amy Roecker, Forest Turner Adviser...........................................................Dustin Fox
Editorial Policy The Comet will report on and editorialize about controversial and crucial events in the school, community, nation, and world. School editors and writers will, however, observe the same legal responsibilities as those imposed on conventional newspapers and news media. Thus, The Comet will refrain from publication of material that is obscene, libelous, or creates a clear and present danger of the immediate disruption of the school. In determining the type of material that violates the above restrictions, it must be noted that the discrimination of material that invites or simulates heated discussion or debate among students or in the community does not constitute the type of disruption prohibited.
DANAE DECKER JUNIOR
about or criticizing my dancing. Well I have news for them – my hips can’t lie, and I cannot grasp what is so wrong with that. Attending every homecoming dance during my high school career, I know I have never reached my full potential of dancing due to the hoards of chaperones and strict guidelines. Looking around at the masses of my sweaty peers, neither have they. These chaperones would be better served as prison guards. It’s almost as if Mr. Holmes walks through the crowd with a ruler. There have never been any complaints about my generation. We are, by almost all accounts, the perfect generation. If the majority isn’t nerved, the you shouldn’t be either. That’s how America works, right? I’ve been perfecting my dance skills over the summer and can’t wait to showcase them tonight, but I fear these sick skills will be deemed unacceptable. It’s too bad we can’t express our creativity in ways we want. Yes, each and every school dance cramps my style. I am okay with censoring hardcore songs, but please leave my dancing to me.
will be tremendously hard, but the journey would be worth it, because it is what I love to do. Challenge makes life exciting; why live in bland land when you could be off doing whatever you enjoyed? Dreams do not have an expiration date. There are so many opportunities waiting to reach out to you. We may only be in high school, but it is the time to start thinking about what you want for yourself. Getting there you may stumble, but I imagine it will be an exciting lifestyle if you do what you love. Everyone has the ability to become great; this varies if they
intend to use their brains. We have so many opportunities to do great things with our lives today. There are tons of trade schools, community colleges, and top of the line universities. Going into a United States service of some sort is also a possibility. Dreams can become reality. Being successful is not necessarily becoming a multimillionaire. Being a hero to someone or looked up to can really make a person smile. Be the you whom you truly are, and you won’t regret a single dream you contain. It takes lots of patience and determination to make dreams real. In the end, you won’t be displeased with yourself if you try them out. If you are displeased, then you can at least say you went after it and tried. Live your dreams and you shall prosper. You determine your future. Julius Caesar said it well to when he said, “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
The general public is by large intimidated by my scholarly lexicon and amiable personality. Of course, those select few that really know me know that the real reason to be intimidated by me is my dancing. Lately, I’ve had a sickening feeling that I can’t be myself at our school dances. There are numerous chaperones always commenting
Dreams are a person’s goals and aspirations of any kind. We all have a dream that we will always have with us. That dream may change a few times throughout life, but it will always sit on your conscience. Anything can be a dream. Whether traveling the world, fulfilling a career aspiration, becoming a professional at a sport, or famous on the big screen is your dream; anything is possible. Thinking one of your dreams will never happen will most likely result in it not happening. Your dreams are yours alone. Who cares if someone slashes at your dreams, maybe they are just haters hating on anyone wanting to get somewhere in life. To be honest, I think it would be pretty awesome if I made it on the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Even having the possibility of golfing in college, for a Division I university, would be an extra sprinkle of awesome. Making it to the big leagues
Pro: Restrictions cramp dancing style
Dreams have no expiration date
The Comet will not be subject to prior restraints or censorship by school officials, unless material is considered obscene, libelous, or disruptive as previously defined. Commercial advertising will be printed, but items and/or services that are illegal because of age restrictions, etc., will not be advertised. The Comet is a public forum. Since school publications are designed as instructional instruments for students and as a vehicle for student opinion and discussion, the opinions, issues, or articles published shall not be construed as those representing the publication adviser, school administration, or the Board of Education. The contents of The Comet are the responsibility of the student staff.
@CHSCOMET US ON TWITTER
TELL PAGE LAYOUT?
William Harper Junior “No, but a lot of people complain about them.”
OPINION
“No, we’re good. I have fun at dances.”
“Yes, the administration should trust their students more.”
OR HATE THE NEW
Tania Anaya Senior
Rose Nagengast Junior
LIKE
Mrs. Frederick Teacher “No, because I have chaperoned them every year, and there needs to be restrictions because if not it would be too disturbing.”
Kevin Murphy Senior “Yes, because we’re in high school. We want to have fun, and we need new music.”
Are school dances too restrictive?
Matthew Hansen Junior “Yes, they are very restrictive... The regulations on music are not okay; playing censored music is disrespectful to the art of dancing. The music should be in it’s truest form — unedited.”
much grinding, I don’t see why people can’t accept that this type of dancing is inappropriate at a school dance. Again, we’re at school not a dance club. Instead of complaining about things we wish we could change about the dances, we should be happy with what we have considering some schools don’t even have dances. There really aren’t any regulations for the dances that are unreasonable, so we should just make what we have enjoyable.
Do you think school dances are too restrictive?
B T G J
Often at the school dances I hear students complain about the regulations and how they take the fun out of the dances. But are there really any regulations that are unreasonable for a school dance? There aren’t any actual regulations written down in the agenda book for students to follow at the dances, but the chaperones try to limit the amount of grinding between students and choose songs that are appropriate. “We try to play edited music that doesn’t have bad words, isn’t blatantly sexual, or contain references to alcohol or drugs,” Chanute High School Stugo sponsor Karen Graham said. Wanting to listen to songs that are popular at the time isn’t too much to ask, but if the songs are inappropriate then people shouldn’t throw fits about not getting to listen to them. Even though a lot of the songs we listen to do have those things in them, we are at a school dance, not a dance club. I do agree though that they could put more of a variety of songs into the playlist, considering they play several songs at every dance. But at least songs like the “Cha-Cha Slide” and “Cupid Shuffle” get everyone dancing. As for people getting in trouble for too
Comet Commentary
Con: Dances fun despite restrictions
CHANDLER BOONE SENIOR For the editorial board
MORGAN OLSON/SENIOR
B J P S
We at The Comet believe that new USD 413 Superintendent Dr. James Hardy’s habit of visiting the hallways of Chanute High School almost daily is a refreshing change. In the past, students have not had the opportunity to meet such an important figure by just stepping out into the halls. Students seeing Dr. Hardy in the halls has been beneficial in creating a bond and developing a strong relationship between Dr. Hardy and the CHS student body. We believe that Hardy’s presence has given students reason to feel important. Seeing Dr. Hardy in the halls makes us believe that he cares about us and has a better understanding of us due to the knowledge he obtains from seeing and talking with students while experiencing a little slice of the everyday life of a Chanute High School student.
Get in Touch With Us Email: thecomet@chanutehighschool.com
ever, a complete list of all the other names will be available to the publications adviser, editor-in-chief, and necessary staff members.
1. Letters should be submitted to Room 106 at 1501 West 36th Street, Chanute, KS 66720, given to any staff member listed, or emailed to thecomet@chanutehighschool.com no later than the Monday of the week of publication. 2. All letters must be signed, even though the name(s) may be withheld upon request of the writer. Names will be made available, however, to the publication’s adviser, editor-in-chief, and necessary staff members of The Comet. 3. A joint letter should not contain more than ten names. If more than ten names appear on the letter, only ten will be published. How-
4. Each letter should be no more than 200 words in length and will be subject to editing and/or cutting. Should editing or cutting be required, the writer will be notified before publication. The Comet reserves the right to refuse publication. The writer, however, will be notified of such decision. 5. Obscene, libelous, or other material that might be determined to cause a disruption of the normal school daily routine will not be printed, and the writer will be notified of such decision.
Sports The Comet
PHOTO BY TORRY BUSBY
Junior Brock Gilmore and the Blue Comets go for their 23rd straight win against the Iola Mustangs in tonight’s homecoming matchup.
MY SWAG
PHOTO BY TARA GUINOTTE
Final Ride www.thecometonline.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
DON’T SWEAT
Junior Breianna Brooks is set to compete at No. 2 singles for the Blue Comets at the SEK League Meet tomorrow.
Page 4
Football
COMMENTARY BY SEBASTIAN FAIRCHILD JUNIOR
Losses of Columbus, Iola equal addition by subtraction Conference realignment has not been limited to major college athletics. While news of teams leaving the Big 12 and Big East have dominated national sports headlines, the SEK has suffered a pair of departures of its own. Well, maybe “suffered” isn’t the right word. Iola and Columbus have both decided to make an exit from the SEK — Iola to the Pioneer League and Columbus to the CNC. On the whole, this isn’t terrible news for the SEK or Chanute High School. While Iola has managed to field competitive teams in baseball, cross-country, and track almost every year and has had a recent run or success in girls basketball, the Mustangs have been among the league’s bottom feeders in most other sports, finishing on the bottom half of the league polls in basketball and football in recent years. The same can be said for Columbus. The Titans have excelled in wrestling, but have experienced spotty success off the mats throughout the years in other sports. It may sound mean, but the SEK is not losing anything beyond tradition with the departures of Iola and Columbus. Losing two of the smallest schools in the SEK could actually leave the league stronger. With these traditionally weak schools leaving, this just leaves the league with tougher competition on average and less lopsided games. This makes the sports seasons potentially more exciting. Chanute will see benefits from this league realignment. Remember those long dreadful “Columbus bus rides”? Well we don’t need to worry about those anymore. The potential to pick up games against better competition now exists as well. I say farewell to Iola and Columbus. I wish them the best of luck as bigger dogs in smaller conferences. I hope they don’t feel bad about their departure; the SEK will be just fine without them.
Regan Aylward/ The Comet Senior Sam Son, shown during the Blue Comets 51-27 win against the McDonald County Mustangs in week one, and his Blue Comet teammates hope to garner their second victory against a Mustang team this season as they face the Iola Mustangs tonight at 7. The match up will be the final game between the two teams as league foes as Iola is moving to the Pioneer League after this season.
Comets, Mustangs meet for last time as SEK foes AMY ROECKER JUNIOR Coming off of a 3228 loss to the Pittsburg Purple Dragons, the Blue Comets are looking to get back on the winning track in tonight’s homecoming game against the Iola Mustangs tonight at 7. The Blue Comets (3-1) have won 23 of their last 25 games against the Mustangs (0-4), including 22 in a row. Even though the long-standing rivalry between Iola and Chanute brings high pressure and expectations for both coaches and players alike, some players aren’t afraid of the standards they have
to uphold. “The ability and hard work of my teammates makes me confident against any team we play,” junior center Jack Martin said. While Iola and Chanute have been rivals for many years and have played one another every year since 1927, tonight’s game may be the last in awhile. Iola is leaving the SEK after this season and moving to the Pioneer League. “We want to make sure they’re glad they’re moving leagues because they can’t compete with good teams,” junior quarterback Brock Gilmore said. Against Pittsburg, the Blue Comets struggled to contain the Purple Dragons’
running game and turned the ball over three times. Blue Comets head coach Don Simmons said his team is eager to play the Mustangs and get back on the winning track. “In all of the seven years I have been here, the average score against Iola has been 44-9, obviously been in our favor, and hopefully that we can continue that,” Simmons said. Simmons noted that with work on defensive assignments, being more consistent on offense and not turning the ball over the Blue Comets can continue to have a successful season.
25 YEARS OF DOMINANCE
CHANUTE/IOLA RIVALRY RESULTS
CHANUTE VS. IOLA
THE BLUE COMETS
MUSTANGS HAVE MET EVERY YEAR SINCE 1927. IN THAT TIME THE BLUE COMETS HAVE THE UPPER HAND, ESPECIALLY IN THE PAST QUARTER CENTURY, WHERE THEY LEAD THE SERIES 23-2. AND
YEAR/WINNER/SCORE 2010 - CHANUTE 62-6 2009 - CHANUTE 34-13 2008 - CHANUTE 37-0 2007 - CHANUTE 39-14 2006 - CHANUTE 35-15 2005 - CHANUTE 54-7 2004 - CHANUTE 54-7 2003 - CHANUTE 35-0 2002 - CHANUTE 26-18
YEAR/WINNER/SCORE 2001 - CHANUTE 21-20 2000 - CHANUTE 41-26 1999 - CHANUTE 56-15 1998 - CHANUTE 32-0 1997 - CHANUTE 28-0 1996 - CHANUTE 28-15 1995 - CHANUTE 21-14 1994 - CHANUTE 55-13 1993 - CHANUTE 3-2 1992 - CHANUTE 20-13 1991 - CHANUTE 16-8 1990 - CHANUTE 38-0 1989 - CHANUTE 24-0 1988 - IOLA 21-0 1987 - CHANUTE 26-0 1986 - IOLA 7-0
Girls Tennis
Young team optimistic about league chances KATIE MARTIN SOPHOMORE
Torry Busby/ The Comet Senior Czarina Ramos returns a forehand during No. 1 singles action at the Chanute Invitational earlier this season. Ramos and her Blue Comet teammates are set to compete in the SEK league meet tomorrow in Independence.
With the regular season in the book, the Chanute Blue Comets are making final preparations for the SEK league meet and regionals. The young squad has exceeded expectations this year. “I am very pleased with the team’s overall performance, both varsity and junior varsity,” head coach Mike De LaTorre said. “More important though, Coach (Max) Ruark and I are very pleased with the improvements each player has gained throughout the season, especially our freshmen.” The Blue Comets wrapped up their regular season Tuesday in
Coffeyville. They are scheduled to play in the SEK meet tomorrow in Independence. In preparation for the SEK meet, De LaTorre said his team is, “focusing more on drills instead of playing matches, in particular footwork and hitting drills.” Senior Czarina Ramos will be playing No. 1 singles at the SEK meet for the Blue Comets. She will be going into the meet with a 16-7 record. Junior Breianna Brooks will take the spot of No. 2 singles at the SEK meet. Brooks finished off the regular season with a 1013 record. Holding down the spot for No. 1 doubles with be junior Madison Wendt and sophomore Alexis Thuston. They finished
the regular season with a record of 13-6. At No. 2 doubles sophomores Haley Akridge and Beth Ungles take a 15-12 record into the SEK meet. Regardless of the team’s performance at the SEK meet, De Latorre said he was pleased with the team’s performance this year. “This has been a great year for us. It was great to win our two home varsity meets this year,” he said. The Comets will be hosting a Class 4A regional meet October 7 and 8. “We’re hoping we have a lot of support from our students and people from the community,” De Latorre said
PHOTO BY JACK MARTIN
Senior Jefferson Holmes has helped the Blue Comets to solid season thus far. Holmes and the Comets run at the Circle Invitational in Towanda next Thursday. Friday, September 30, 2011
A S
THLETE
POTLIGHT
M H S What is your best memory from High School sports? “Every game or bus ride usually makes a memory so there’s too many to just say one. My teammates and I have always had fun, especially this year. What team are you most excited to compete against? “I’m most excited to compete against Pittsburg. Them, Labette and Fort Scott are the biggest rivals due to past experience. However, it will most likely be Pittsburg and us battling for league title.”
Sports
What are your goals for this season? “Beat Iola. Although it’s impossible because they are the best in the SEK.” Who is your least favorite team to compete against in the SEK and why? “Iola, because they are really good and have unbelievable talent.” What’s your most embarrassing moment in sports? “When Iola beat us. Oh wait.... that never happened.”
Junior Brenna Olson and the Blue Comets take a 17-1 record into the Chanute Invitational tomorrow.
Page 5
Volleyball
Volleyball sets sight on Chanute Invite SEBASTIAN FAIRCHILD JUNIOR Coming off a first-place finish in the Erie Invitational two weeks ago , the Blue Comets are eager to play for another tournament title at home tomorrow in the Chanute Invitational. Despite a solid field of teams, with a record of 17-1, the Comets expect nothing less than the tournament title. “My expectations are to win it, no matter what other teams show up,” head coach Gail Petersen said. The tournament will include seven other teams: Coffeyville, Erie, Jayhawk Linn, Labette County, Parsons, St. Paul and Topeka-Highland Park. Chanute will open the tournament at 9 a.m. The Comets opened the season with 15 straight wins before falling to Paola in three tight games, but bounced back with a victory over league rival Pittsburg, leaving them at 17-1 heading into tomorrow’s tournament. “The season is going good so
Morgan Olson/The Comet Senior Morgan Hudson chases after a ball at the Erie Invitational tournament on Sept. 17. The Blue Comets left with an undefeated record and the tournament title. The Comets go for their second tournament title of the season tomorrow in the Chanute Invitational beginning at 9 a.m. far. Some games were close that shouldn’t have been, and we lost one we probably shouldn’t have lost. We need to learn to not play down to our opponent’s level,” Petersen said. The Comets are among the favorites to take home the title. With the direction the season is heading, the ceiling for the
Racing down the home stretch
Jack Martin/ The Comet Senior Colton Fiene makes his way up a hill at the Paola Invitational on Sept. 3. Fiene and the Blue Comets ran at Pittsburg yesterday. Results were not available at press time. The team runs in Towanda next Thursday.
Off to a running start both literally and figuratively this season, impressive showings by both the boys and girls cross country teams have left expectations high as the SEK meet and regionals near. The boys have finished first among 4A schools in four our their five meets this year; their only non-first place coming at the Kansas University hosted Rim Rock Invitational in which more than 30 teams competed in their blue division. Returning four varsity runners from 2010, the Blue Comets are led by senior Trevor Summers. Summers has finished in top four in four of the five races so far, including a second and two thirds. Also faring well for the Blue Comets this year have been juniors Conner Lair and Eric Meyer. Battling injuries, the varsity girls have also done well this year including two firsts and two seconds. With seniors Macy Harsch and Morgan Olson nursing injuries, freshman Madison Dispensa has stood out for the Blue Comets. She first overall her first meet of her high school career
Comets is high and their goals are higher. “Right now we are focused on winning the league title. Then we will shift our focus to winning sub-state, getting into the state tournament and competing hard,” senior outside hitter Morgan Hudson said.
Katy Batten/The Comet Junior Mallory Flowers pounds down a hard hit at the net against the Fredonia Yellow Jackets on Sept. 13. Flowers and the Blue Comets are 17-1 on the season. They will go for their second tournament championship of the season tomorrow at the Chanute Invitational. Also competing in the tournament are Coffeyville, Erie, Jayhawk Linn, Labette County, Parsons, St. Paul and Topeka-Highland Park.
Girls Golf
Cross Country
JACK MARTIN JUNIOR
G MM S
Junior Danae Decker has led the way for the Blue Comets this year. Decker and the Blue Comets are hoping to make a third-straight trip to state.
www.thecometonline.com
What is your most embarrassing sports memory throughout high school? “I do embarrassing things every day and think nothing of it so I don’t know. Probably sophomore year during my first varsity game. The ball went off my hand after a block and landed on my head. We still got the point though.”
PHOTO BY KATIE LAIR
PHOTO BY TORRY BUSBY
in Garnett, and she followed that up with another first-place finish in Paola and a secondplace finish in Parsons. Sophomore Jocelyn McMillen-Hale, who won the SEK title last year, has come on strong of late as well, placing fourth in Parsons. The cross country team was in action yesterday at Pittsburg. Results were not available at press time. Next up for the Blue Comets is the Circle Invitational in Towanda on Oct. 6.
Chipping away: Golfers improving as regionals loom PAYTON TALLENT SOPHOMORE
With the regular season at an end, the Blue Comets girls’ golf team had shifter their focus to regionals. The team has put in many hours, improved over the season and are hoping for a third-straight trip to state. “We are still continuing to improve. The last thing to worry about are the negative things,” says head coach, Bill Woodard. Leading the team to their success is junior Danae Decker. Decker has placed first at two out of four meets. Decker’s success has left her hoping to medal in the state tournament. “Hopefully I place at regionals then place in the top twenty at state, that will guarantee me a medal,” she said. Decker isn’t the only Blue Comet playing well though. The team has placed in the top 10 every meet with the help of senior Jessie Pringle, junior Jordan Hartman and sophomore Nikki Clark. Regionals will be held on Oct. 10 in Garnett. The Blue Comets played yesterday at Columbus but results were not available at press time.
Torry Busby/ The Comet Sophomore Nikki Clark chips onto the green on the sixth hole during the Chanute Invitational golf tournament at Quarry Stone on Sept. 12.
GOOD LUCK BLUE COMETS! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13
WE’RE PROUD Jack Martin/ The Comet Freshman Madison Dispensa has led the way for the girls cross country team.
OF OUR
COMETS
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH K.I.C.S YOUTH GROUP 202 S. LINCOLN CHANUTE, KS 66720 (620)431-4240
Student Life
thecometonline.com www.thecometonline.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Taylor Catterson/The Comet Sophomore Tori Greer soars through the air during gymnastics practice for her team, Flips T&T. Greer, who ran cross country, played basketball and ran track as a freshman, has fallen in love with the new sport — which does not involve a Blue Comet uniform. “It’s a fun sport, and I absolutely love it,” Greer said.
CLUB NEWS FCA Students will meet on the football field at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 for Fields of Faith, a celebration of Christianity in action. FCA will also adopt a needy family for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
FBLA FBLA is selling Blue Comet apparel at every home football game.
FCCLA The first meeting was September 14 during Comet Time. Members participated in a tailgate on September 15 and scavenger hunt on Sept. 21. Another tailgate is scheduled for tonight’s game. Fall Leadership Conference will be held Oct.15 in Neodesha. Cost is $5 due today. Freshman representative applications are due Oct. 26.
FLC
FLC had their first meeting Tuesday, Sept. 13. They nominated officers and will be electing soon. Also, dues need to be paid as soon as possible.
Page 6
Flipping out: Sophomore discovers love of tumbling TAYLOR CATTERSON SOPHOMORE Not all athletes at Chanute High School suit up in the Blue Comet blue and gold. Some, like sophomore Tori Greer, are active in sports not offered at CHS. While her classmates are busy with volleyball and basketball practices this year, Greer will participate in gymnastics as a member of Flips T&T. “It’s a fun sport, and I absolutely love it,” Greer said of gymnastics. Living in a small town presents a challenge to an aspiring gymnast. So much emphasis is placed upon co-curricular activities within the school that gymnastics goes unnoticed and
“
It’s a daring sport and can be very dangerous if you don’t train correctly.
”
- Tori Greer, sophomore unappreciated. Since not many people participate in small town gymnastics, competitions require travel, and rigorous preparation is necessary before facing opponents from larger cities. Practicing four to six days per week, Greer dedicates a great deal of time to the sport. Despite the hours and hours of work it takes to perfect her
routines, Greer would not have it any other way. “It’s a daring sport and can be very dangerous if you don’t train correctly,” Greer said. “But it’s a very fun sport.” Greer said it takes a bit of a daredevil to excel at gymnastics. “Because it is daring you can’t be scared to throw new tricks and try and become better,” she said. As for inspiration, Greer does
not have to look far. “Casey Finley [is my inspiration], because he is from small-town Chanute, and he won worlds,” Greer said of the 2001 CHS graduate’s world championship in tumbling in 2000. “If he can do that then I want to try.” Beyond dreams of a world championship, Greer’s other goal is to continue gymnastics in college. “I want to go to a college that I can get a scholarship to, but not many colleges have teams,” Greer said. For now Greer is focusing on working hard having a lot of fun while pursuing her passion – even if her fellow classmates won’t be around to cheer her on.
Star Students
BRIDGET BRAZIL SENIOR Senior Bridget Brazil is this issue’s Star Student. Brazil, the daughter of Tim and Wendy Brazil, has a 4.0 GPA. As member of the cheerleading squad, she enjoys spending her time cheering on the Comets and dancing. In addition to cheerleading, Brazil takes part in Stugo, KFEA and History Club. Brazil says she hopes she’s fun to be around, and she’s dedicated to the things she likes. Brazil has yet to pick a college, but she plans on attending a college on the East Coast.
KFEA KFEA membership is still open, but dues need to be paid as soon as possible. Candy bar sales will continue through October. Next fundraiser is the varsity football snack bar on October 21. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 5, during Comet Time.
NHS There was a meeting during the week of September 12th. NHS is starting up electronic recycling within the school. Electronic recycling includes recycling any types of electronics (broken or in perfect condition) and ink cartridges. Electronic recycling benefits the environment because discarded electronics and ink cartridges do not decompose when taken to landfills. Make a difference and support electronic recycling today!
TSA This year’s TSA president is junior Dalton Noakes and vice-president is Brandon Gilbert. TSA will be hosting a film festival as well as making hats for the Friday door greeters as community service. To raise money for the State Conference in April, TSA will be putting on another pie-in-the-face contest. This year’s contenders are P.E. teacher Andy Albright and counselor Jason Feeback.
STUGO Regional Conference was held in Independence on September 22. Spirit Week was this week, with the following days: Monday- Italian Tuesday- Ranch Wednesday- Caesar Thursday- Thousand Island Friday- Bleu Cheese StuGo also held a coin drive to nominate a staff homecoming king and queen. The candidates with the most money in their jars will be elected. Proceeds benefit the local food pantry. The homecoming dance will be in the commons area tonight after the football game until midnight. Cost is $3.
UP CLOSE BY RAVEN FARR JUNIOR
In each issue of The Comet this space will be devoted to introducing our readers to a student at Chanute High School. This issue features freshman Dalton Vargo. Q: If you could have any pet, what would it be? A: “A monkey to replace my brother.” Q: What’s the most played song on your iPod? A: “‘Numb’ by Linkin Park.” Q: In your opinion what is the best day of the year? A: “Halloween because I get to scare little kids.” Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: “A spy, because I could change my name to Sam Fisher.”
FEATURING: FRESHMAN DALTON VARGO
Q: If you could stay one age forever what would it be? A: “Sixteen, so I could drive as long as I wanted to.” Q: Free hugs: good or bad idea? A: “Only if it was a hot chick.”
TAYLOR MCMILLAN SENIOR Taylor McMillan, son of Kelli and Dennis McMillan, has a 3.93 GPA. McMillan takes part in a number of clubs and activities including debate, forensics, FLC, Scholars Bowl, Jr. Lions, Green Team and LifeSmarts. In his free time McMillan enjoys playing guitar, watching movies, reading and volunteering for the Faith House. McMillan describes himself as brainy, shy and a little bit of a hipster. He likes chick flicks like “Sex and the City” and “TimeTravelers Wife.” McMillan’s plan for the future is attending M.I.T. as a physics undergraduate and earn a Theoretical Physics degree.
Turn that smile upside down? Frowning much harder than it looks MADISON WENDT JUNIOR As a journalist, it is my duty to report the cold facts. So as painful as it may be to refrain from embellishing and glossing over to preserve my dignity, I must approach this report honestly and professionally. Let it be known that I, Kansas Rose, have finally been conquered by a challenge I could not handle. Here’s what happened. There is one characteristic that absolutely defines me: my attitude. No matter what, I tend to see things from a one-sided point of view — the positive side, that is. In fact, despite increased efforts by certain concerned peers, I am still not inclined to see the negative side of looking at things positively. Having long been challenged by the aforementioned peers to “wipe that stupid grin off your face,” I decided to do just that. Monday, September 12, I determined to go an entire day without smiling. Things were off to a rough
start. It wasn’t until I was halfway to the school that I realized the shirt I had chosen to wear featured a large, beaming smiley Elmo face. How ironic. I walked into school with an expressionless face, made it through the commons area successfully, felt rather proud of myself, and then BAM! “Good morning, Miss Madison Wendt!” “ W e l l , g’morning, Callie!” (You can only imagine my megawatt grin and extra sugary sweet voice here). Immediately I scowled, mentally kicking myself. Won’t happen again, I thought. Famine and death and pestilence. Think sad thoughts. Famine and death and—“Morning, Madison.” “Oh hi, Rachel!” (Smile, chipper tone, fail). I wish I could report that I got my act together the rest of the
day, but I cannot. It just felt wrong when I didn’t return a person’s smile in the hallways; I would never want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Also, I never realized that my mug’s default expression is a mild smile— somehow my mouth naturally turns up at the edges, even when at rest. My various attempts to add more variety in my facial expressions had mixed results. For example, one attempt was met with a leer and a wink from an unknown male I saw after school; apparently the look I thought said “aloofly indifferent” can also be interpreted as, “Heyyyy, sweet thing.” Maybe I shouldn’t have coolly raised m y eyebrow?
I did, however, manage a maximum of 30 minute increments at a time, a personal record. And one small victory occurred when an individual who generally complains about my overwhelming optimism asked me why I had that, “sad puppy dog look on my face.” It just wasn’t right, he said. It was strange how the whole thing affected my mood. The longer I went without smiling and focused on the negative, the sadder I felt. I was a different person without a smile. Instead of
seeing one smile roll like a wave across an entire hallway, I was accomplishing nothing, unable to spread a little joy to the people I passed by. So to the unnamed individuals who always bet that I lack the skill to last a day without smiling, I must confess that you were absolutely right. I cannot. But I don’t feel like any less of a person because of that. As I discovered, a world without happy faces is very dim and dark indeed, and I plan to continue to spread the light of a smile every chance I get.
Arts & Entertainment www.thecometonline.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Free For All
thecometonline.com Page 7
Guess Who!
Look-alikes
Clues • Size 12 shoe • Owns 32 mammals • If you water her she won’t grow • Long locks
Say something clever on the Comet’s Facebook page. Your comment might just appear in the next issue.
Forest Turner danced at the Mexican Fiesta and I didn’t. Jealous.
Topher Grace Actor
Jake Johnson Junior
“CREATURE FEATURE”
Mr. Fox calls the shots... in tennis meets.
What’s your favorite thing about your work? “I like the fact that I used shells, and it somehow turned into a living thing.”
I’m Asian and a woman. It’s a double whammy driving fail. College is for fools, stay in high school.
What was your inspiration? “Mr. (Rick) Bushnell gave me the project, and I just happened to think about Sci-Fi and scary stuff.”
If you say “gullible” slowly, it sounds like “oranges”.
How long did it take? “Around two weeks.”
How do you know it wasn’t a scab?
One time I saw Fox on a daaaaaaate. If a #2 pencil is so popular, why is it still #2? The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Really? • Fingernails grow nearly four times faster than toenails. • Surgeons perform better during operations if listening to music. • There are 45 miles of nerves in the human body. • You lose enough dead skin cells in your lifetime to fill eight five pound flour bags.
So Random
If you were stuck in a TV show what show would you want to be stuck in?
Joe Morris Senior “Swamp People, I have potential as a gator wrangler.”
Courtney Becher Senior “Scooby Doo, because it used to be my favorite show and I would love to solve mysteries and such.”
By: Meg Lieffiring/Junior
Creative Comets
The Earth is not a sphere. Just thought you all should know that, since our science teachers don’t tell us this stuff!
Two things I hate: Capitalism and John Mayer.
It’s junior Mallory Flowers!
“Well, that’s why Al Gore invented the Internet!” - Mr. Bruner
J K S
If you could change anything, would you? “I would probably do it in pastel instead of pencil.”
Video Game Review
Retro Review: Super Mario World FOREST TURNER SENIOR Everyone has heard the expression “Back in my day…” from an elderly person at some point. It’s generally followed by a list of reasons why their generation was better than ours. Their reasoning is better upbringing, work ethic and pride in accomplishment. Why don’t people say, “Back in my day, video games were better?” Throughout the year I will be reviewing classic video games. There are five categories: appearance, gameplay, relevance, story, and music. These will be ranked on a scale of one to ten. This issue’s game is Super Mario World. Appearance — 8 The appearance of Super Mario World (SMW) is what you would expect out of a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game. It is very simple but at the same time crisp and clean. I really like the color scheme of the game. Gameplay — 10 The gameplay of SMW is amazing. It introduced things that revolutionized the Mario franchise. Yoshi made his debut; the cape replaced the raccoon suit. The game has a fun and engaging multiplayer. The game also features many secrets which make it a fun and
Cat and Noodle
Super Mario World
9.7 out of 10
engaging game no matter how many times you have played it. Revelance — 10 This game until recently was Nintendo’s highest selling game of all time. Add that with the introduction of Yoshi and you have maybe the most important Mario game of all time. Storyline — 7 The major weak point to this game is its story. The story is pretty bland and unoriginal. Princess Peach has again been kidnapped by the evil Bowser. Mario must then make his way through worlds and castles to rescue her. This really hurts the value of the game for those gamers who enjoy a story as much as good gameplay. Music — 10 The music of SMW is iconic,
Released: 1990 Platform: Super Nintendo
maybe the only thing more recognizable around the world than the Yankees’ logo. The music like many other elements in Super Mario World is amazingly simple yet brilliant. Overall — 9.7 Maybe I was a little biased towards this game. I remember my dad and me waking up and sitting down and playing this game. This is without a doubt my favorite game of all time. So it is really hard to put a numerical value on the game. As my good friend Jefferson will no doubt tell you, this game actually mathematically receives a nine. But how do you say that Super Mario World is only worth a nine? The sentimental value warrants a .7 bump; after all, it is the greatest game ever.
Humor
Awkward Babbles RACHEL TUCKER AND
SYDNEY KOCHENDERFER JUNIORS Awkward situations are bound to happen at one point or another, but why purposely set people up for one? Like auditorium and theater seats, for example, have to be one of the most awkward things ever. Who’s armrest is it? Mine? Yours? Both? How are you supposed to share an armrest? What if the person next to you has scabies?! Another thing that’s annoying and disappointing …celebrities developing wrinkles. (cough) Hugh Grant and Mathew McConaughey. Noodling. We want to go. Period. End of story. Like who doesn’t want to catch a fish with their bare hands?! (That’s total sarcasm if you didn’t pick up on it). Japanese steak houses are delicious. Not going to lie. Ya know, where they cook the
food right smack dab in front of your face. BUT, what’s not delicious is when there’s a hot guy at your table. This is just a recipe for disaster. Because when the cook is throwing food at you, fresh off the grill, shrimp and balls of rice that you’re supposed to catch in your mouth… it tends to get a little saucy. (No pun intended). Not to mention they just lit the grill on fire and your eyebrows about fell off. Circle High School… it’s for real. And what’s their mascot? Square?! So this morning, we were going to class and what do we see? A giant flock of birds that was covering the ENTIRE yard in front of the library. We could honestly say we felt like we were in the old Alfred Hitchcock movie ‘The Birds’. There were around 1.2 million. No, not really. But we did think they were going to attack us. “I’m Tara Guinotte, and how DARE you make a MISTAKE in MY presence!!!!” (In manly voice). – Sydney Kochenderfer Boosh (n): The sound Sydney and Rachel make to imitate someone falling down. Aimlessly- a word that is apparently too big for Rachel’s friends’ vocabulary.
by Morgan Olson/Senior
Feature
Friday, September 30, 2011
GRAPHICS
BY JUNIOR
thecometoneline.com www.thecometonline.com
Page 8
RACHEL TUCKER
pump up
your playlist
Like a spider, we’re on the web
eTunes CHECKING FREE
www.thecometonline.com
9
$ .90 in iTunes downloads
EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY
USD 413 www.usd413.org
PLEASE RECYCLE
Earn monthly iTunes® downloads* and nationwide ATM fee refunds!**
4
when you sign up*
$ .95 in iTunes downloads every month*
Answer: The Chanute Tribune Back to School Subscription Special: New Subscribers, 9 Months for $40.00*
Just do these simple things each monthly qualification cycle:
To subscribe, call: 620-431-4100
* New= Expired for 60 days or more. Total includes tax
• Have at least 12 Visa debit card purchases post and clear • Enroll and receive e-statements
www.communityetunes.com 310 W. Cherry • Chanute, KS 66720 • 620-431-4100 or 1-800-794-9392
*Minimum to open account is $100. Earn $9.90 in iTunes® download refunds with initial account opening regardless of qualifications. Earn up to $4.95 in iTunes® download refunds each cycle the minimum qualifications are met. Downloads must be purchased with your debit card associated with your eTunes account. Qualifying transactions must post and clear to the account during the monthly qualification cycle. Transactions may take one or more business days from the transaction date to post to an account. iTunes is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Apple, Inc. is not participants in or a sponsor of this program. **ATM Fee refunds up to $25 provided only if qualifications are met during the monthly qualification cycle.
421 MAIN STREET PHONE: (620) 431-7193 FAX: (620) 431-7741
HOURS M-F 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. SAT 9 A.M. -1 P.M.
Shear Class Spa, Beauty, and Personal Care Amy Almond Margaux Costin
Delfina Muñoz Jesse Thummel
2453 W. MAIN (620) 431-4319
M-F 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. SAT. 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.