Volume 6
SPORTS
Issue 2
thecometonline.com 1501 W. 36th Street Chanute, Kansas 66720
The SEK title will be on the line when senior Katie Martin and the Blue Comet volleyball team takes on Fort Scott tonight, page 4
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In This Issue
Student life..............2 Opinion...................3 Sports.....................4 Entertainment.........5 Feature...................6
Should schools monitor students’ social sites?, page 3
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
FYI October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
GTA 5 review, page 5
McKinney: Comfort, not humidity, reason for cold school
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“We try to compromise to make everybody as comfortable as possible, and yet not have astronomical utility bills.” - Charlie McKinney
Alexandra Gwillim/ Class of 2014 Bundled in a blanket, senior Haley Markham works on homework while aiding in Laurie Ward’s seventh-hour Spanish class. “If I don’t have a blanket I’m basically shivering in class, this school is like a freezer,” Markham said.
BY ALEXANDRA GWILLIM CLASS OF 2014 As students sit wrapped in blankets and covered by multiple layers, numerous rumors float around as to why many of Chanute High School’s classrooms are so cold. Rumors range from the plausible — the school is kept cold to control the humidity, and thus a mold problem, to urban legend — the builders installed air
ducts that were too large for the rooms, to the conspiracy theory — the administrators request the school to be kept so cold so that there are not as many scantily dressed students. USD 413 Director of Support Operations Charlie McKinney, who is in charge of maintenance, transportation and custodians in all USD 413 buildings, said these rumors have no merit and are simply not true. In regards to humidity problems,
McKinney said that was no longer an issue. “Two years ago we had the building sealed, so humidity in the building is no longer a problem. We had a bunch of drainage work done in the courtyard area so we just don’t have humidity issues like we used to,” McKinney. He also said the rumor about oversized air ducts is not true. “We have parameters that were given to us when the building was built that
USD 413 Director of Support Operations
were the most energy efficient. In the past we’ve had issues with equipment being hard to operate within the parameters that we desired,” McKinney said. “We hope that this year we’ve got that under control.” No such luck about the rumor suggesting administrators make sure students are covered by plenty of layers either by keeping the temperature cold. In fact, the temperature in all school buildings is controlled by the maintenance department. McKinney said the school is kept it at the temperature it is to make sure as many people as possible are comfortable. “Maintenance has to try and compromise with students, teachers, anybody that’s in the building. We try to compromise to make everybody as comfortable as possible, and yet not have astronomical utility bills,” McKinney said. McKinney said the heat and air system operate on a baseline of 50 degrees, and when it’s 50 degrees outside the units don’t know whether to go into heat mode, air conditioning mode or just stand by. According to McKinney the average
temperature during “AC” weather is between 72 and 74 degrees. Students question the accuracy of that statement. Sophomore Caleb Durbin estimated the temperature in the classrooms to be about 60 degrees, while fellow sophomore Jarren Lewis estimated the temperature to be somewhere “between ‘freezing’ and ‘I’m about to die.’” Some students claim the frigid classrooms affect learning. “It’s so flipping cold in this school that I can’t even concentrate on my school work. All I can think about is how cold I am,” senior Regan Aylward said. McKinney said he encourages anyone with complaints about the temperature to get ahold of him or Building Maintenance Manger Bob Cummings. “If people are cold, go through the chain of commands and let us know if it’s cold; we can bump it up. That’s gonna save us utility money and make you guys more comfortable,” McKinney said. McKinney can be reached at mckinneych@usd413.org and Cummings can be reached at cummingsb@usd413.org.
Pink out on Friday BY ABBY LIUDAHL CLASS OF 2015 StuGo wants everyone to wear pink to Friday’s football game against Iola in support of breast cancer awareness. StuGo sold blue shirts with pink lettering for the game. Sales wrapped up on Thursday, and the proceeds of $700 will benefit Relay For Life. Last year $600 was raised. According to StuGo Sponsor Karen Graham, there was not a money goal that StuGo was trying to reach. Instead Graham said the organization just wanted to help out however it could. “The students were the ones who wanted to do something for breast cancer awareness,” Graham said. Blue Comet cheerleaders are doing a collaboration dance with the Iola cheerleaders to show support for breast cancer awareness during halftime. After the game ends, the movie “Blindside” will be shown on the field. Students are encouraged to bring blankets and friends to the movie; popcorn will be provided.
Electronics recycling campaign underway BY TALIA RAMSEY CLASS OF 2016 Nearly two million tons of used electronics, including computers and televisions, are discarded each year. Instead of sending these used devices to landfills, National Honor Society is leading an electronic recycling campaign. Anyone who has small electronic devices, such as old cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, GPSs or empty Inkjet cartridges, is encouraged to bring them to Chanute High School and place them in the green bin by the front doors. NHS officers will also be collecting old devices at the home football game on Halloween night. These items do not need to be in working condition to be recycled. There are several benefits that come from electronic recycling. Recycling old devices helps protect the environment and the health of the public. Most electronics contain hazardous materials which cause problems when discarded in the trash. Valuable materials can also be recovered from old devices to be used in new products. For the past three years, NHS has successfully conducted their electronics recycling campaign. They ship the used devices to a recycling company and earn a small profit for NHS.
BY KATIE LAIR CLASS OF 2014
middle of the night, and had to pack in the dark. “I have a lot of friends, (but) it’s just a struggle.” McGinnis explained. “Students just don’t understand.” ophomore Mandy McGinnis describes the foster care system experiWhile non-foster care students may see faces come and go in their classence with one word: Scary. Eight months into the foster care system, McGinnis has already found es without a second thought, McGinnis said it is important to recognize how heavy being in the foster care system can weigh on the shoulders of herself in six different foster homes. This revolving door can be extremely difficult for foster kids trying to fit foster kids. When McGinnis was asked where she considers her home to be there in and find a home at a new school. “All you do is build up friendships and relationships that end up be- was no reply, but instead a sigh. ing ripped away from you,” Smallwood and Steadham’s McGinnis said. experiences were unique in that Sadly, McGinnis’ story is they both consider Chanute to not unique. “I think the kids at Chanute High School be their home even though they Freshman Gabrielle Smallhave only been here for one try to write stories for other people inwood has been to six foster and five years, respectively. stead of letting you write your own story.” homes in six years and foster It has not been an easy transister junior Jade Steadham sition for the two though, as -Mandy McGinnis has been to seven homes in they sometimes feel bullied by CHS sophomore, Foster kid 18 months, with five different classmates who cannot relate homes in one month. to their situations. “Nobody wanted me,” Steadham said. McGinnis felt the same way. Chanute High School currently educates 34 teens in the foster care sys“What we go through is hard and people saying all the other stuff (bullytem with a total of 54 in Neosho County. ing) just adds on to everything and makes it a whole lot worse,” she said. Secretaries Linda Uden and Karen Graham said they enroll new students McGinnis explained that when a new foster kid is transferred to CHS who are in the foster care system at least three or four times a month. On average, children placed in the foster care system are moved 4.7 they are often stereotyped and struggle to shake labels that go along with times before they reach the age of 18 according to the National Resource being a foster kid. “I think the kids at Chanute High School try to write stories for other Center for Family Centered Practice and Permanency Planning. people instead of letting you write your own story,” McGinnis said. Relating to the hardships that foster kids experience can be a struggle Despite it all, McGinnis, like so many other foster kids, tries to stay for most students at CHS, who generally have the luxury of looking into the positive and strong. same mirror every morning. “I have my scars. I have my moments. I have my troubles. I have my McGinnis described her experiences in foster homes, including not befears, but God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. And that ing allowed on trampolines or motorcycles due to safety concerns as well as food being locked away in cabinets. She said she was once moved in the gets me through the day,” she said.
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Making the Grade Lauren Busby Senior
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Lookingforward October
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Student Life Briefly
October
October
October
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What: ACT Test When: 8 a.m. Where: NCCC
What: Parents Night & Football vs Parsons When: 6:30 p.m. Where: CHS
October
What: SEK Cross Country When: 4 p.m. Where: Independence
What: State Tennis When: 9 a.m. Where: Topeka
What: NHS Induction Ceremony When: 7 p.m. Where: CHS
Diary of a foreign exchange student:
BY DALTON WEIGAND CLASS OF 2014 Senior Lauren Busby has a 3.8 GPA and has made the grade at The Comet’s student of the month. Busby said she was surprised by the distinction. “There are so many other successful students; it’s an honor,” Busby said. Busby hopes to go to Oklahoma City University because of their arts programs involving musical theatre. One of her life goals is to go there so she can follow her dream of performing in musicals. Busby used to play sports in her past time, but now she prefers to take part in musicals and plays. When she has some down time, she said she does her homework and watches movies. Some of Busby’s favorite classes include Select Ensemble, drama, and aiding for Eric Holmes.
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This THAT
The Comet asks freshman Kady Krokstrom... carve or smash a pumpkin zombies or werewolves pumpkin or apple pie apple cider or hot chocolate haunted houses or trails pulp or no pulp PB: chunky or creamy tater tots or french fries iPhone or Droid IOS6 or IOS7 Mac or PC
Paula Micklich chronicles her adventures as a German coming to a small town in America and marvels at the differences in culture and cuisine. Follow more of her adventures on thecometonline.com.
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I am Paula, 16 years old and from Germany. I will spend the whole year here in Chanute, Kan. and I am staying with the Hastings, which I love, because it never becomes boring with four girls in one house. I have been here seven weeks now and I have enjoyed my time here so much. I have ridden horses with my host sisters, Kenyon and Delaney, I have learned to ride the four wheeler, watched my first football game and started playing tennis for the first time. And good job Comets! I like football!(; Thank you so much that everyone one is so nice and helpful. The only problem I’ve had since being here is opening my locker, but with Abby, Lake and Mike’s help, I’ve learned it well (woohoo). Also I have already a prom date...Thanks Mr. Boone (; I now know that America has the best cookies ever! I love the food, but oh my God, there is so much candy here and hardly any at home, dang it! It is really good. My belly is like, “Oh I see you like the candy.” :P So I started riding my bike to school, this helps. I am really happy about being here because Americans are lazy! :P I started cooking meals for my host family and I am really glad that everyone likes my cooking, luckily Savannah survived(: Anyways, I have had a great time during these last weeks here and I am pretty excited about spending the next eight months here.”
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Let’s get quizzical
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Chess
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Debate
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Drama
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KFEA
BY ALEXIS THUSTON CLASS OF 2014
The chess team started its season off with a solid victory last week, placing first at the Columbus High School tournament. In first place was senior Logan Wright. Junior Ross Cooper and freshman Drew Schoenberger also helped the team finish strong. There are 12 people on the chess team. They have practices on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school. The team competes again at Blue Valley on October 26. A home tournament is scheduled for November 9.
BY REBECCA WENDT CLASS OF 2016
The debate team did not place at its tournament at Saint Mary’s Colgan in Pittsburg on Saturday. Since opening its season in Independence on September 21, the team has continued to improve. The team has two more competitions coming up, the first in Parsons on November 12 and the next on November 22-23.
BY ALEXANDRA GWILLIM CLASS OF 2014
Paula with her host family, the Hastings. From Left: Savannah Hastings, Hunter Hastings, Delaney Hastings, Paula Micklich, Denise Hastings, and Kenyon Hastings.
We asked senior band member and trumpeter extrodinaire Rory Blair a series of questions and then asked his dad, Mr. Kevin Blair, legendary physics master, and cat lover girlfriend Bailey Herzberg how they thought Rory responded. We tallied the results to determine who really knows Rory best.
Rory Blair
Mr.. Blair
Bailey Herzberg
What is Rory’s favorite band?
Animal Collector
Poco
Animal Collector
If Rory won the lottery, what would he buy first?
A “tight” house
Motor for the Taurus
Cats
If Rory was an animal, what type of animal would he be?
A cat
Lily (their pet cat)
Cat
If Rory could have an alias, what would it be?
Jesus Christ
Smith & Jones
A cat
Final score
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2
The fall musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” is coming along well according to director David Cadwallader. “It’s a fun show because even though the setting is biblical times it incorporates music from a bunch of different genres.” Cadwallader has cast the two leads. Junior Dakota Gough will play Joseph, and senior Lauren Busby will be the narrator. Auditions for minor parts concluded last night and will be announced this week.
BY TALIA RAMSEY CLASS OF 2016
KFEA will have a booth at “Trick or Treat for Kids” in the CHS Commons Area. from 6-8 p.m. on October 29. The booth will have candy and games. KFEA members are encouraged to pick up gifts, such as toys or school supplies, for Operation Christmas Child. Members will pack these gifts in shoe boxes on November 7. Several members attended the KFEA Conference at Pittsburg State University yesterday. Kick for Cash tickets are going to be sold before and during the game this Friday through the first quarter.
For more in depth coverage visit thecometonline.com.
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The
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Entertainment Etc.3 Page
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Quoted
Noted
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Opinion
Emily Lair Student Life Editors Alexandra G. and Katie L. Opinion Editor Alexis Thuston Sports Editor McKayla Barnow Entertainment Editor Lamisa Chowdhury
— Max Ruark CHS English teacher Reaction to the changes in school lunches
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— Samantha Baughman Class of 2015 Reaction to not being able to wear Halloween costumes to school I just think people are overreacting and that it will probably be settled soon.”
— Rachel Ungles Class of 2015 Reaction to the government shutdown
Katie Lair
Online Editor-in-Chief
I’ve been bringing my lunch this year. Sticking it to Michelle Obama; teach her to mess with our school lunches.”
It’s kind of bad but I can see why; some people would dress inappropriate and scary.”
Editor-in-Chief
Alexandra Gwillim
—Alexis Thuston Class of 2014 Reaction to the absence of salt at school
— Haley Markham Class of 2014 Reaction to parent’s night being on Halloween
The Comet Staff
Managing Editor
People like salt on their french fries and one of those people is me.”
I think it’s a negative thing because some parents have younger children. The kid introduced that night is not their only children and they want to take their other kids trick-or-treating.”
2013-14
Kelsey Tallent/Class of 2015
Editorial
Students, not clubs, to blame for lack of diversity in organizations We at the Comet have noticed a very evident problem pertaining to our student body. Many of our students complain and criticize the decisions being made in school organizations, but very few of these complainers decide to take action, get involved and help change the issues they complain so much about. One club in particular, StuGo, deals with many of the issues that directly affect students. Although it is a successful club, it lacks the member diversity necessary to fully represent the student body. StuGo is a club comprised of student representatives elected by their peers. They are responsible for representing the entire school, to the best of their ability, concerning ideas and activities that take place at school. Even though members give their best effort, they are still met with constant criticism from their peers. We believe it is time for students to stop complaining about the efforts made by their elected representatives and get involved. When students become involved in issues that matter, their actions can lead others to also step up and take part in
making decisions. By doing so others will see the importance of their opinions and the effects they can cast upon decisions made. One part of the problem is students may feel getting involved in StuGo is a lost battle because they aren’t the most “popular” person. We fully acknowledge that popularity is a key factor in getting elected, and it sometimes bypasses the importance of electing a hard-working, dedicated member. While certainly an additional hurdle, this should never discourage someone who is interested in getting involved. Even those not elected to a StuGo office can “work on” and let their voice be heard. We realize not everyone can make the time sacrifice to be in StuGo, but if a student is going to complain, he or she should make the time, because complaints cannot be justified unless a student has taken the measures necessary to propose changes in the current way things are being done.
BY JENNY ANGLETON CLASS OF 2016 FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Clashing Comets Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ social media?
Keeping students safe isn’t invading privacy BY ALEXANDRA GWILLIM CLASS OF 2014
Privacy does not exist on the internet. Anything you post publicly is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Putting something on the internet is like carving into stone, it does not fade away, and it will exist forever. Even if it has been deleted, you have no way of knowing if somebody screenshotted, copied and pasted, or saved it in any other way. A school district in California has decided to start monitoring their students’ social medias. They hired Geo Listening, a company that searches social media for posts that might signal a potential problem, such as depression, bullying and hate speech by students or others in the area, and then brings them to the attention of school administrators who can determine the best next step. The company is unable to view protected Facebook accounts or Twitters, therefore no privacy is technically violated in the process. The school isn’t trying to pry into their students’ business, but instead making an attempt to keep its students safe and in good health, while helping those who are not. While the program doesn’t search for tweets involving alcohol or drug use, it is important to remember the negative effects of posting such things online. Once a picture, status or tweet is posted, it can never truly be erased. While it may seem harmless, inappropriate content on the internet can seriously, detrimentally affect your future. Often, employers will google a potential employee’s name. If questionable information pops up, such as partying pictures, tweets, statuses, etc., you will no longer be considered a potential applicant. Admission counsellors for prestigious schools practice the same method. Plan on applying for scholarships? Inappropriate content online with your name on it can seriously lessen your chances at winning the scholarship. For these reasons, not only should schools be allowed to monitor their students social media accounts, but also students should monitor themselves. Have some foresight. If you have ambitions of any kind, don’t ruin them in an attempt to try to look cool. As you tread through the internet, you leave footprints behind. Make sure your feet are clean.
Schools should stay out of students’ lives BY LAMISA CHOWDHURY CLASS OF 2014
As more and more people post information on the web, it’s no question that anyone can see it, even our administration. Although administrations believe that a student’s safety is a vital aspect of high school, monitoring students’ social media is not the best way to secure anyone’s safety. At Chanute High School, the administration has made it clear that they will only monitor our social media if it has been personally brought to them. For instance, if information is reported to the administration of a student’s social media account, they are obligated to look into said student’s posts. However, when students are tweeting their favorite Tyler The Creator lyrics, people may assume that the lyrics are a “cry of help” from the student and turn said student in for posts that were meaningless. Insinuating that students are troubled based on tweets and Facebook statuses is absurd and an inefficient way to create a safe environment. If an administration truly wanted to know if there is a possibility of a troubled student plotting to shoot up the school, they should find a sufficient way of doing so. Maybe trying to get to know their students before assuming the worst from their posts on the internet would be a better plan. That being said, high school teaches students a plethora of things, one of them being most important: knowing the difference between what is right from what is wrong to post on the internet. Chanute High School students know that they represent the school, even on Twitter and Facebook, but the administration has no right to look into anything posted. Privacy is what every student is owed. If an administration invades students’ newsfeeds, Instragrams and Vines, the feeling of safety is completely ripped away. We all have personal lives, even our teachers. Now if the roles were reversed, and students began stalking teachers’ personal photo albums and reading through their Facebook walls, teachers would undoubtedly throw a fit. So why should they be allowed to stalk our every post if we cannot do the same? It is unprofessional, and simply an invasion of privacy. I understand that digging for clues of a possible threat to our school is very important, but putting every adolescent’s social media under the spotlight is a bit overbearing.
Feature Editor Madison Dispensa Photography Editor Abby Liudahl Reporters/Photographers Jenny Angleton, Regan Aylward, Audrey Bolt, Macy Flowers, Tara Haight, Katie Martin, Talia Ramsey, Kelsey Tallent, Dalton Wiegand, Rebecca Wendt Advisor Dustin Fox The Comet is published nine times per year by the Chanute High School newspaper staff. 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, at various locations in Chanute, and can be found online at thecometonline.com. The Comet, a four-time winner of the All-Kansas award, is a member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association. The Comet is printed by Kansas Newspapers LLC in Parsons and is composed by the student staff. 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. 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. Get in Touch With Us Email: thecomet@chanutehighschool. com 620-432-2510 Ext. 106 Follow us on Twitter @chscomet On the web: thecometonline.com 1. Letters should be 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. However, a complete list of all the other names will be available to the publications adviser, editor-inchief, and necessary staff members. 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.
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sports in brief
Cross Country ALEXANDRA GWILLIM CLASS OF 2014
The cross country team has continued it’s successful season at the past four meets. The varsity girls placed first overall in Iola on September 24. Six of the seven girls PRed, including junior Madison Dispensa, senior Audrey Bolt, freshman Kelsey Perez, Jena Petterson, Rena Stair and Madi Rollins. Dispensa led the way for the girls, taking third with a time of 15:46. The girls continued their success at Rim Rock on September 28, finishing fifth out of 29 teams. The boys team did not place. The boys placed third in both Iola and Pittsburg. In Iola, junior Matt Keenan came in 13th with a time of 18:43. Sophomore Brady Taylor came in 15th with a time of 18:56. Led by Dispensa’s seventhplace finish (16:57) and Ramsey’s tenth-place finish (17:02) the girls took second in Pittsburg. Chandler Summers was the boys top runner in Pittsburg, placing second with a time of 17:36, while Keenan finished 16th in 18:35 minutes. On October 10 the team competed at Circle. Madison Dispensa finished ninth with a time of 16:16. The boys team got ninth place. Again Summers took the led for the boys, finishing 15th with a time of 18:31 The SEK meet will be in Independence on Thursday.
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Football
KATIE MARTIN CLASS OF 2014 Coming off a win over the Independence Bulldogs, the Blue Comet football team plays host to rival Iola on Friday. Against Independence, the Comets used a big second half to turn a 14-7 halftime lead into a 42-7 victory. Their victory over Independence moved the Comets record to 4-2. Kickoff for Friday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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Girls Golf
MACY FLOWERS CLASS OF 2015 The season is coming to an end for the Blue Comet girls golf team. The team was scheduled to compete at regionals yesterday in Chanute. Play was suspended due to rain and results were not available at press time. Though not able to place as a team for most of tournaments because they haven’t had enough members, the team has had some strong individual performances. Sophomore Abbe Funk finished third in the SEK, while sophomore Britney Palet ranked 11th and freshman Abbey Walker took 15th. State golf will be Monday at Crestwood County Club in Pittsburg.
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Girls Tennis
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Volleyball
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
brain game IMPACT OF CONCUSSION ON AN ATHLETE’S BRAIN
Concussion - a blow to the head that causes unconsciousness, has a dangerous cumulative effect and can cause debilitating memory loss, chronic headaches and clinical depression. What happens
• Forces twist and break the long slender “axons” of brain cells • Healthy brain cells die after trauma as the axon is twisted • Fluid surrounding the brain fails to protect blood vessels and nerves from damage • Impact can be almost 100 times the force of gravity. • Shock waves push the brain against the skull on the opposite side • Outer blood vessels break Graphic by: Katie Lair/Class of 2014 Original photo by Regan Aylward/ Class of 2014
SOURCE: American College of Sports Medicine, Denver Post, Riddell, Medscape, University of North Carolina Center for the Study of Retired Athletes.
Football leading cause of concussions among high school athletes MCKAYLA BARNOW CLASS OF 2016 With blurred vision and a splitting headache, Christian Wiltse found himself on the sideline with his thoughts scrambled. He was only in eighth grade at the time and having received a late hit during a football game, his head was slammed onto the concrete along the side of the track at Royster Stadium, causing a concussion. “I had a terrible headache that lasted awhile,” Wiltse said. Wiltse’s recovered from his concussion quickly, returning to play one week later, but others around the nation have not been so lucky, suffering from prolonged side effects and even death. As a result, the concern of concussions is becoming a nationwide topic, from youth football to the NFL. Many parents are starting to keep their children out of youth football, as they don’t want to face the risk. There are approximately 1,100,000 teens playing high school football according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, and Concus-
sion Treatment reports that there is a 75% chance of concussion. The human brain is cushioned from everyday bumps, but when violent impact to the upper body occurs, the brain forcefully bumps against the skull. This type of forceful movement can affect brain function, whether it be temporarily or permanently. Most concussions only cause brief brain malfunctioning, with symptoms such as blurred vision or drowsiness. The risk of concussion is very high for any high schooler participating in sports, with an average between 3.6 and 3.8 million high school sports related concussions every year in the US. Out of all the sports offered for students, football has the highest risk for concussions. Home Teams Online reports that on average 67,000 football players are diagnosed with concussions each year. Heavy impacted blows that cause the head to make harsh contact are what puts football ahead of other sports when it comes to the likelihood of suffering a concussion. “Sometimes concussions happen. We feel that proper tackling and conditioning could help prevent those concussions,”
Chanute head football coach Jason Feeback said. “It is always a concern of ours, and that’s why we always teach proper tackling and try and be in good shape.” Many sports players unknowingly have minor concussions, and consequently receive no medical attention. However, if repeated injury to the brain occurs, it could become fatal. The brain may begin to slightly swell, and some athletes may even develop lifelong disabilities. If the symptoms are recognized early, and proper treatment is applied, the average healing time is seven to 10 days. Wiltse is now the starting quarterback for the Blue Comets. Despite his last concussion being more than four years ago, he is still taking steps to ensure his safety, including purchasing a $400 helmet which has extra protection. “Now that I’ve had a concussion, I guess I’m not as worried about getting one anymore, but I still want extra protection,” Wiltse said. Regan Aylward/Class of 2014 After suffering a concussion in eighth grade, senior Christian Wiltse wears a special helmet to help reduce the risk of another one.
Fun to run?
Cross country is a sport that provides more than just sweat
For Swanson, a senior on the cross country team, long-distance running is “a great way to get in shape, and it’s a really competitive sport. Plus running is something you can do for the rest of your REBECCA WENDT life.” CLASS OF 2016 In addition to being a great way to stay Three, two, one, the gun goes off, and fit, cross country running has other perks, the adrenaline rush begins for Brandon releasing much more than just sweat. Many people use running for a stressSwanson. reliever or to clear their minds. Trying to For Swanson, pace himself for running is about the long race being in nature ahead, Swanson “If you can be and getting to be tries to calm his mentally strong yourself. nerves. “If you can be and finish a He knows mentally strong that he needs to three-mile-long and finish a threepace himself in race, it mentally mile-long race, it order to run the prepares you mentally prepares next three infor a lot.” you for a lot,” he tense miles. Brandon said. It’s all a haze Swanson Along with as Swanson ficreating mental Senior cross nally crosses toughness, cross the finish line, country runner country helps completely exthe runner stay hausted. healthy. Swanson Later, when others come to congratulate him, the place states that it is important to eat healthy behe got in the race finally begins to sink in. cause if the runner doesn’t they won’t be As a few of the others around him successful. All these positives are good news for relieve themselves of their lunches, the those unfortunate souls who end up pukquestion has to be asked: why would anyone possibly put themselves through ing at the race’s end. Of course, Swanson has a theory berunning, and not just running, but longhind their misfortune too. distance running? “They probably ate too much before This is the question that many people they ran,” he said. who are not in cross country ponder.
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AUDREY BOLT CLASS OF 2014 Led by the first-place finish of the doubles team of senior Alexis Thuston and junior Abby Liudahl, the Blue Comet girls tennis team took third at regionals on Saturday. Along with Thuston and Liudahl, junior singles player Shelby Stair placed sixth and qualified for the Class 4A state tennis tournament in Topeka on Friday and Saturday
TALIA RAMSEY CLASS OF 2016 Following a first-place finish at the El Dorado invitational, the Blue Comet volleyball team (35-0) heads to Fort Scott for a pair of big matches. The SEK title will be on the line when the Comets face Fort Scott and the Comets will also face a big test against Bishop Miege. Photo Illustration by Emily Lair/Class of 2014
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Comet Entertainment Page Etc.5
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
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Entertainment
Review: GTA 5 worth your money
Dalton Weigand Class of 2014 One of the most conversational series in gaming has recently released a new installment to the series called Grand Theft Auto 5, or GTA 5. Created and published by the company called Rockstar, this company is always surrounded by different types of controversy. If there’s ever a protest of video game violence, Rockstar’s GTA games are at the helm of the protest. So the question is: Is Grand Theft Auto 5 worth your attention, your time, and more importantly your money? But tons of people have already made that decision. In the first three days of the
game release, Rockstar made over one billion dollars in profit. I am serious, first THREE days they made over ONE BILLION dollars! But still, is it worth your time and attention? Graphics: I will have to say that GTA 5 has one of the best looking graphics to date. The game just seems to breathe and really feels like a true, living world. Though sometimes the game’s frame rate slows down quite a bit when driving at very fast speeds, the drop of frames rarely happens. Story: The main story follows three very diverse characters named Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. You can play these different characters at any point in the game, except the introduction and beginning. All of these characters react differently to situations, giving them the feeling of being real people. Trevor is psychotic and demented, while Michael is somewhat reasonable. Franklin is neutral and goes with the flow. The story is about these three characters trying to follow the American Dream —that is trying to make money. But different situations that can and will impede their goals occur.
Whether it be the police, different crime bosses or even the Army trying to stop them, Franklin, Michael and Trevor go beyond the limit to make money and get out alive. Gameplay: Gameplay is what makes a game enjoyable and great. Games are also a place where people can go to do things that they wouldn’t do in the real life. Remember that, because GTA 5 fully exposes you to a behemoth amount of things to you wouldn’t even think about—like driving a car off the side of a mountain, fighting a hobo for two dollars or robbing a bank. If I had to give Grand Theft Auto 5 a score it would be 9.5 of out 10. If you are a gamer of any rank, you have already bought it and played non stop. But for people who do not play games, but are curious, this is a great game. Be warned, however. GTA 5 is very unique in the ways of not only crossing, but destroying the normal line for games. It’s very violent and has some suggestive content... like VERY suggestive content. If that is something you can overlook, it’s a very fun experience.
Review: Katy Perry’s album ‘roars’ of potential
Emily Lair Class of 2014 Pop superstar Katy Perry is releasing her fourth studio recorded album, “Prism” next Tuesday by Capitol Records. The album will consist of 13 songs on the standard edition, and 16 songs on the deluxe edition. Perry has released three of
the songs on her upcoming album:”Roar”, “Dark Horse” and “Walking On Air”. Song titles include: “Legendary Lover”, “Birthday”, “Walking on Air”, “Unconditionally”, “Dark Horse”, “This Is How We Do”, “International Smile”, “Ghost”, “Roar”, “Love Me”, “This Moment”, “Double Rainbow”, “By the Grace of God”, “Choose Your Battles”, “It Takes Two” and “Spiritual”. Of the 16 songs on the album, Perry claimed that the powerful ballad, “Unconditionally” is her favorite. I am extremely excited to hear Perry’s new album. Her previous albums have been popular to say the least, and there is no doubt in my mind that “Prism” will be another chart-topping album. According to reviews by those who have exclusively heard some of the songs, this album is jam-packed with empower-
WhRe’s
AbY?
Use the clues to find the picture of Abby hidden in the school. Bring the photo to Mr. Fox in room 106 to receive your prize.
ing and inspiring tunes. While Perry claims to be “older and wiser” and searching for a more mature sound, this album will be consistent with her other albums in being fun and enthusiastic. There is no doubt fans will be pleased with her extremely melodious verses and catchy choruses. Perry has large shoes to fill. Perry’s last album, “Teenage Dream”, tied with Michael Jackson’s record “Bad” for most No. 1 hits from a single album. Will “Prism” beat the record? I have faith and optimism that Perry’s new album, said to have numerous radio hits, will break her impressive record of five No. 1 hits on her previous album. She is already on track with “Roar” reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.
It’s been weeks since our last issue and yet no one has found my photo. You might think that I’m going to make it easy for you guys, but you’re wrong! You’re on your own, but I believe you can do it! I’m challenging all of you to think outside the box and get motivated. There’s a prize out there people; earn it!
The clues • It’s a fact that I’m fun • I speak fluent English • Years and years of Comets go by • I’m sitting on a shelf • Juniors may have an advantage • m e b g r d a a o (two words)
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013
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