October 31, 2013
The
RED Ink 114 Park Ave, Eaton, CO 80615
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halloween roars into ehs FFA hosts fall festival for locals
see page 6-7
Vol. 6 Ed. 2
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redREPORT
October 31, 2013
Town seeks solution After 11 accidents in five years, the Town of Eaton explores a
$1 million crossing signal reecekothe newseditor
In the wake of an ac-
cident on Sept. 20 when Lauren Graham and her father were struck by an unexpected train, the Town of Eaton continues to work toward a safer solution on the intersection
of Hwy. 85 and CR. 76. Blinded by the sun, Graham failed to see the stop sign and impending train until it was too late. Fortunately, Graham was able to back up her vehicle in order to
escape most of the blow, and as a result, the Grahams were able to walk out of the accident with just minor injuries. Graham’s is just one of the many near-fatal accidents that have occurred at this intersection, and the probability would suggest it’s just a matter of time until one of them is fatal. Unlike most train track crossings, the train track on the intersection of Hwy. 85 and CR. 76 does not have railroad arms--the result has been both train-car accidents on the railroad tracks, and car collisions in the intersection. Accord-
ing to Eaton Court Clerk, Lori Meabon, “The intersection sees nearly four million cars a year.” Another dangerous factor is the speed limit through the intersection. As cars approach the intersection from the south, they speed from just 35 to 65 mph in a matter of seconds. Although the 65 mph sign is posted after the intersection, Eaton police officer Susan Daigle said, “Many drivers speed up in advance.” She said that many people do not realize that they cannot begin to increase speed until they reach
the speed limit sign. Meabon also noted that over half of the total tickets issued by the Eaton Police department are handed out to those heading north. Meabon said, that in the last five years alone, 11 accidents have occurred at this intersection, with most of these happening to traffic headed east across the intersection. The Eaton Police Department is working with the town to find a permanent resolution. Daigle said, “The town is working on a solution to the problem. A stoplight and railroad arms
will be put in all at once and will be installed in the near future.” Additionally, Meabon said, a short term solution with the speed limit would not work out because speed limits cannot be changed easily. Meabon said that Hwy. 85 is a state highway, and thus the town has to jump through a bunch of hoops to initiate change. Mayor Scott Moser said, “Railroad arms and a light will cost nearly $1 million, which is a third of the town’s annual budget.” Despite the expense of this project, Moser said, “It will save lives.”
redREPORT
October 31, 2013
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courtesy
Eaton NHS and Key Club clean up old tires and hay in the aftermath of Sept. floods. Clubs worked for over seven hours in Loveland, getting dirty, muddy and tired
EHS Key Club and NHS work to restore lives calebleonard staffreporter
NHS and Key Club teamed up for some community service on Oct. 5 in order to help victims of the floods that swept through Loveland in Sep ember. The storm dumped over 15 inches of rain and created floods that killed seven people, damaged 17,945
Band Marches Into Best Finish
homes, and damaged 500 businesses. Both clubs went to Loveland to do some cleanup work with Group Publishing at a local business in Loveland, putting in their fair share of hard and muddy work. The business was located near the Big Thompson Canyon, and included several storage units that were under five feet of water in the flooding. Students and staff worked to re-
store the destruction. NHS sponsor Gino Miao said, “Sometimes we see people in need; we need to help the best we can whether it is physical labor or financially.” Key Club sponsor Lauren Hall was the one who came up with the idea to send students to help the business in the flood relief. She admits she never knew the business, and came across them from the website
reedhodgson The Eaton marchng band scored its personal best score in competition scoring a 48.6 out of 100. With an average score of 45.5, Eaton’s score compared well. The Band fought its way into 8 out of 9 teams in its region, which did not quite allow the band to qualify for state; however, it did lead the Reds to their best finish in Eaton history.The EHS Marching Band traveled down to Legacy High School in Lakewood, Wednesday October 16, for regionals, hoping to make history. The Band had vigorously prepared for regionals, holding “Zero Hour” practice every weekday morning at 7 a.m. sharp, and a practice on the Saturday
came together and made gift baskets with encouraging notes. Morgan Karlberg (14) said “It felt really cool [to help them]. It felt really nice to see it touch them and some were even crying. I think a lot of them felt more supported. They felt someone was there for them. It was more personal and it was nice for them to know that someone was there for them.”
jakesell
trict Speaking Competition. Speakers can compete against other schools in creed, prepared, or extemporaneous speaking. creed speaking consists of creed recital, prepared consists of a 7-8 minute recital of a current Agricultural topic, and extemporaneous speaking consists 4-6 minute speech, made up on the spot, about a given topic. Eaton’s chapter FFA is extremely busy recently, with events such as the Creed Night, District Speaking, and Trick or Treat Street. These events take place during the fall season each year, and enable the FFA to keep its hands full.
Carney, Bott take gold, silver at FFA Creed Night staffreporter
With 48.6 points, the band finishes with record high score staffreporter
which made serving a stranger have a stronger effect. Hall said “They [the owners] were very appreciative and provided us with drinks and food and continued to thank us over and over again.” The softball team also helped those affected by the flood, but they did it with gifts instead of work. Since the town of Lyons was completely devastated, the team
courtesy
EHS band marches its Keep Calm and Rock On marching show before regionals. Leading the band to its best finish in history, was Logan Doddridge. With this being Doddridge’s first year at Eaton, he did an exceptional job leading the Reds. The Reds finished with an outstanding final performance. Doddridge said, “I couldn’t of asked for anything more. I thought they did wonderful. I thought it was the best marching show we’ve ever had since I’ve been at Eaton. I thought we took a big step up and improved immensely from last year.” This year was also an exciting way for the seniors to go out with a bang.
The two seniors on the team are Haley Cox, and Mishayla Stephenson. Both seniors enjoyed their last performances together, and worked exceptionally hard throughout their high school careers. Haley Cox said, “Even though we didn’t make it to state, I am still really proud of everything we’ve accomplished in four years.” With regard to her teammate, Mishayla Stephenson said, “I wouldn’t have chosen any other senior to stick it out with.” This was an amazing way for the Reds to finish their season, and they are ecstatic for another exceptional year of band, starting next fall.
The Eaton FFA brought its best, showcasing a gold medal won by Erin Carney in extemporaneous speaking, a silver medal won by Hannah Bott in prepared speaking, and many other medals won by other FFA members. Creed Night, an FFA tradition, took place on Oct. 2 and allowed new members to be initiated into the club. The Creed is a five paragraph passage which defines the morals of the FFA and what being in the club entails. New members must recite the entire Creed in order to fully be accepted and receive their Greenhand Degree. Connor Moos (17) said he felt confident about reciting the Creed and explained, “My family is made up of farmers, so I’ve grown up around it my entire life.” Similar to the recital of the Creed, new members as well as FFA veterans, gather for the annual Dis- Pie eaton contest at FFA district speaking
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redspotlight
October 31, 2013
Ghost Towns
reecekothe newseditor
Despite all of its positive attributes, Colorado hides a darker side, hidden within the rugged Rocky Mountains, that very few know about. In the mid 1800s, thousands of prospectors rushed to Colorado in search of gold and silver. During this time, crime was abundant as people’s greed to strike it rich drove them to go beyond their limits. This was the time of the true wild west where sheriffs never lasted long and villains often had the last word. As fast as the Gold Rush began; it ended leaving in its wake numerous old towns with violent, disturbing pasts that continue to plague the wilds of the remote Rockies. Tales of brutal deaths over a hundred years ago are told to this day. Many believe ghosts live within those sad, abandoned towns (located at 10,000 plus-feet) seeking their revenge from over a century ago. In old, forgotten towns such as Tin Cup near Buena Vista hidden deep in the dark, forgotten mountain basins; disturbance is not tolerated by the paranormal residents who continue to watch over the once rowdy town driving away any unwanted visitors. In the eerie town graveyard, ghosts are often seen patrolling the grounds desperately seeking peace that will never come. In a narrow canyon on the outskirts of Buena Vista, the remains of the ghostly town of Winfield lies rotting away. Only the ghosts of disappointed min-
ers roam the canyon in a town that went bust in just three years. Other towns that were once more lively and successful harbor even more tragic times. The town of Cripple Creek in southern Colorado once thrived during the mining days and still has even in present day. However, the town did not go unscathed. In the middle of town, an old hospital stands the test of time. During the Gold Rush, injured miners were treated there, along with the mentally ill. Shortly after the town failed, the hospital was converted into a hotel. Violent ghosts haunt the rooms and halls, scaring visitors and driving them away. Likewise, in the town of St. Elmo, a successful town of 3,000 residents at its peak, visitors have reported seeing a young women in the old hotel window on the second story. Locals say that she was the owner of the hotel and went insane after the town died and now looks over the town haunting those who intrude. Colorado is a state with many secrets. So the next time you explore the wild backcountry of Colorado, beware of the lost souls who roam its depths. Tour a ghost town and uncover the mysteries of its former days as you discover what really happened in Colorado’s dark mining past. Whether you have an encounter with a ghost of the 1800s or not, you will never view Colorado the same again.
davisanders
and seven Nebula Awards for science fiction or fantasy have gone to her most popular books Blackout, Doomsday, and Fire Watch. In addition Connie Willis she has been inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Willis cur-
Tiara Miller Jazz II band jams while playing “Work Song.” This concert was Doddridge’s first time directing in concert at EHS.
Band Shreds First Concert
tiaramiller featureeditor
Eaton High School band students made their new director, Logan Doddridge, very proud in their first concert of the year. Doddridge walked out of the auditorium on Oct. 25 with a huge smile on his face and said, “It was awesome! I can hardly breathe right now.” Doddridge said that this concert was one of the first times he’s ever been nervous. He said, “I was very pleased [with their performance]. I usually don’t get nervous... but I was really nervous for some reason.” He wasn’t nervous about the band’s performing poorly, he said, “The little details were the most stressful.” Jazz II opened with outstanding solos by pianist Josh Carner (15), trumpet player Zane Schneider (16), and clarionet player Ali Dyer (17). Jazz II played “Work Song,” “Killer Joe,” and closed with “Mr. PC.” All three songs were very cool and jazzy, and were complemented by fantastic solos. Jazz Band came out with “Night
Train,” a very fast-paced song with a dual between trombone player Jose Delgado (15) and guitarist Adam Schott (15). They went on to play “Hummin’” and “Hot Java Jump.” Doddridge said hechose the song because of his extreme love for coffee and because it was mysteriously covered in coffee. Schott also soloed during this bouncy, jazzy tune. Concert Band finished the show strong with “Dance of the Spirits,” “Blue and Green Music,” and “The Great Locomotive Chase.” “Dance of the Spirits,” a Halloween themed song that was both chilling and powerful. This song stood out because of the use of pots and pans to drum, creating a cool, creepy feel. “Blue and Green Music” and “The Great Locomotive Chase” were both very powerful, mature pieces. “Blue and Green Music” featured solos by Mishayla Stephenson (14) on the vibraphone and Megan Radcliff (15) on the bass clarinet. “The Great
Locomotive Chase” featured solos by Delgado on the trombone and a duet by Janell Edsall (14) and Haley Cox (14) both on alto saxophone. Doddridge said that his band has “not only gotten better at music, but also grown as musicians. They are able to talk with me about music.” It is important to Doddridge because it helps them grow as musicians and people who listen to music. The winter band concert on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Tiara Miller
Adam Schott (15) solos in “Hummin”
Nationally acclaimed Science Fiction author Connie Willis comes to EHS staffreporter
Connie Willis, a nationally acclaimed science fiction writer, will visit Eaton High School on Nov. 4 to lead a writer’s workshop focusing on the rising and falling action of plot for up-and-coming writers. Willis, who has published over 20 novels and short story compilations, has won many awards for her short stories and novels. Three of Willis’ 11 Hugo Awards
rently resides in Greeley Colorado, and attended Colorado State College, now the University of Colorado, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Liz Weaver, events coordinator for the Eaton Library, said Willis was “very gracious” when asked about coming to Eaton. Weaver said her greatest hope is that the “Community will realize you don’t have to look to a big mega city” to try to find an
incredible author or artist. “You only have to travel 20 miles, virtually right in our backyard, to find somebody so highly respected in the science fiction community.” When Willis agreed to a writer’s workshop, Weaver contacted creative writing teacher Merri Kirby to get the event going at the high school. Kirby expressed how excited she was for such a popular author like Willis to come to EHS. Kirby said, “Its so great
the library could arrange this. We’re expecting a very large turnout with quite a few students.” Willis’ books are familiar to several students at Eaton High School. Emily Naill (14) said, “I have read a couple of her books and absolutely loved them. I’m really looking forward to the workshop she will be putting on.” The clinic is open to all ages, and Willis has encouraged all students to bring a pencil and notepad.
October 31, 2013
EHS students get lost in corn emilypennington staffreporter
The maze, although still fun, lacks any new, original ideas, but the one and only Fritzler’s Corn Maze is back and scarier as ever. People from all around drive miles to go through the infamous Phase Two of the corn maze: the Scary Phase. The first portion of Phase Two is an ordinary maze, while the second part is the main attraction. With mounting anxiety and excitement to get to the scary portion, the maze becomes more and more frustrating with every dead end. With the help of scary creatures that pop out of the corn and givie instructions, finally you make it to the main attraction, filled with zombies, monsters, and other crazies. Karen Sigg (14) said that waiting in line was the worst part, but that it was “pretty scary just because they followed us a lot and caught
me off guard.” There were many because of their fun energy.” Her scary parts to the maze, Sigg said favorite moment was when Shelbey the scariest was the chainsaw room. Nelson (14) scared one of the The chainsaw sequence, was by workers dressed as a scary creature. Adams said, “I have been to the far one of the scariest parts of the maze at least eight years. I’ve had betwhole maze. A whole group gets trapped in a tight space with a man ter years and I’ve had worse years.” wielding a chainsaw. After exiting the space, he continues to chase people through the corn causing hearts to race. From there, the group encounters flashing headlights, zombies, and moving obstacles to reach the end. Molly Adams (15) said that the friends she was with “really made the maze exciting This years’ corn maze design sports an eagle.
Cause of the Haunting tiaramiller featureeditor
The headline, “Eaton Teacher Dies from Burns Received in Friday Fire” appeared in a 1922 newspaper in early November. The headline alone tells a story. In the early 1900s, a completely different building used for high school classes. The old four story building was located just South of the 1928 building in the grassy area by the current Ag building. The ground level had a landing with two staircases going up and one going down, in the basement there was a cafeteria and classrooms. The first floor held classrooms, a music room, and a small area for gym classes. The top story had a few class rooms where science classes were held. Miss Elizabeth Gault, a science teacher at the time, faced death due to a horrible accident in the ‘20s. June Gustafson, former middle school teacher, said, “All I ever knew was that there was an explosion.” A 1922 newspaper article said that Gault lit a match in a storage room to see but ended up causing an explosion because of chemical fumes in the room. She did not instantly burn to death. Jim Brown, a student at the time, carried her out of the room, down the stairs and outside where an ambulance picked her up and took her to the Greeley hospital.
redspotlight
At the hospital an examination was Kendra Hixon said she has had conducted, claiming that she would very many unexplainable things haplive for a few more hours at most. She pen to her in the theatre. Hixon said died at the hospital at 5 p.m. Gault’s that during the Tom Sawyer rehearsbody was sent to Maryville, Ohio als last year, Matt Sudduth (14) was where she grew up. Since her parents on stage, and a loud white noise came were dead, her friend and fellow teach- through the speakers. She said Suder, Grace Kenehan, went to the burial. duth dropped to the stage and tremGustafson went to school in this bled while she ran off the stage. Hixon building and taught there. She said, said, “There’s no reason why anything “It was kind of a spooky build- should’ve gone through the speakers; ing.” One teacher who taught the sound system wasn’t even on.” around the same time as Gustafson With evidence pointing toward Eawas really afraid of the building. ton High School being haunted, it may Gustafson said that one of her co- or may not be. Decide for yourself. workers would never go in the building alone, especially at night. Her co-worker even claimed to have seen a ghost, but Gustafson said, “I didn’t see any ghosts.” The building was torn down around 1980, after being condemned for safety and disability issues. Now, a myth exists that the 1928 building is haunted due to the 1922 fire. Many of the teachers who stay late grading papers in the ‘28 building have experienced un- The old school building before the fire broke explainable phenomena. out on the top floor.
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Cliché Costumes tiaramiller & emilypennington
Every year when October 31 comes around, “The Monster Mash” starts playing on radios everywhere, the chill of fall is in the air, and men, women, teenagers, and little kids everywhere get excited at the chance to dress up and be something they always wanted to be. The Eaton Red Ink staff has decided to model the most cliche costumes that have been around a little too long. Here are the costumes that we believe are the most worn out, stereotypical, costumes of the century. 1. The Buzzzzzzzz Kill Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow; the song got old just like the bumble bee costume did. The antennas and stinger, with the black and yellow striped leotard needs to go back to the hive. Maybe try sporting another bug. May we suggest a black beetle, an ant, or maybe even a bed bug! See Lindy Dixon 2. Sucks to Suck The Cullens and Bella aren’t wanted this Halloween season: the vampires are out of style. However, all you Taylor Lautner look-alikes PLEASE feel free to expose your werewolf bods this Halloween as the best costume of the year. See Caleb Leonard 3. BOOOOOOOOOO!!! A sheet over your head and two holes in the eyes is highly overrated. For centuries, ghosts have been portrayed as insanely scary beings. Major newsflashit doesn’t scream scary, it screams “I couldn’t find
a costume!” See Jake Sell 4. Furry Failures Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My! Oh my is right. These costumes aren’t s c a r y. Tu c k your tail and go home. Long story short, NO! STOP IT! NO! NO! NO! No more furry animals. See Reed Hodgson 5. Bringing it Back The best thing to do is leave it there. From the big 80’s hair to the parachute pants, those ships have sailed. You can all stop raiding your parents’ boxes of old clothes,move on and find a better, more original costume. See Avery Jones 6. Flying off the Handle Ever since The Wizard of Oz, we’ve seen green face after green face, pointy hats with pointy noses. The striped leggings with the house broom lacks originality. The costume, just like the cackle, is outdated and annoying. See Emily Pennington 7. Air it Out Nobody is blown away by: blow up whoopie cushions, sumo wrestlers, horses, or ballerinas. Air it out, end of story. See Davis Anders 8. Keep it Covered It seems that whenever Halloween arrives girls everywhere get thrilled to be able to show as much skin as possible and wear the tightest clothes they can find. This isn’t Mean Girls, be the zombie ex-wife, BE THAT GIRL and cover it up.
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redspotlight
October 31, 2013
Let’s face it… give a kid the chance to dress up as something or someone that they’ve always wanted to be and get free candy before Halloween, and it will bring a smile to anyone’s face. On Saturday, Oct. 19, FFA hosted a Trick-or-Treat Street for the town of Eaton. Approximately 200 kids came dressed as superheroes, princesses, and other spooky creatures to receive bunches of candy from eight different EHS clubs. Each club--NHS, Yearbook, Newspaper, Key Club, Knowledge Bowl, Student Council, FBLA and combined FCCLA’s from Eaton and Fossil Ridge--decorated doors in the main hallway with various themes including skeletons, snakes, pumpkins, and an even scarier door by Knowledge Bowl featuring “frightening math equations, intimidating Shakespeare quotes, and horrifying scien-
By the numbers:
200
kids in attendan
ce
3
years running
tific formul Club m ent outfits to furry, da even braver as “Scary S grim reape a werewolf kids. Having tumes just the day. Al FFA memb painted fac train, parti horses, bus part in gun Erin Ca the best par to the comm
redspotlight
ulas” said member Ian Spooner. members arrived in many differfrom the bright, outrageous 80’s dangerous jungle animals. For the er souls, a special hall was set aside Street” featuring werewolves and a er. Jorge Quintana, who posed as f, said it was fun scaring the little
g the EHS students come in cosadded to the kids’ enjoyment for Along with giving out free candy, mbers also carved pumpkins, and ces. Kids could ride on a barrel icipate in a nail drive, race stick stle through a hay maze, and take nny sack races. Carney, treasurer for the FFA said art of the festival was “giving back mmunity and having the kids get to
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take part in activities at the high scohool.” Media specialist Tessa Ochsner, who took her three children to the event, said, “It was really fun, and my kids really enjoyed it. They liked going trick-or-treating down the hall and riding on the barrel train.” The Trick-or-Treat Street takes place every year for the town’s amusement. The Trick-or-Treat Street continues to be something that the kids in Eaton look forward to every year before halloween. It gives them a chance to have some fun and enjoy being a kid. The Trick-or-Treat Street also allows the high school students to take part in the community and have a little fun as well. The big hits from the Fall Festival were the barrel train and the hay maze. This is the third year the FFA has put on the festival. it lasted two hours.
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clubs participating
723
pieces of candy handed out
46
hay bales in maze
story: lexilapp
page layout: averyjones
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redVIEW
October 31, 2013
School Spirit back with ‘BOOM’ staffeditorial eatonredink.com
In past years at Eaton High School, of the bleachers yelling “chick when you walked into the gym dur- chick” followed by a resounding ing a volleyball game, you’d glimpse and unanimous “BOOM!” from twelve girls on a court playing their the entire student body every time hearts out, but you’d look to the an Eaton player winds up for a kill. right and see the student section of Something has happened this the same 15 guys sprawled across year, and who knows why, but it the bleachers who hung out at the is the greatest thing that has hapgame because they had nowhere pened to Eaton sports in a very better to be. You’d hear the familiar long while. Eaton fans are no sound of leather smashing against longer just mindlessly bored specskin echoing throughout the gym- tators; they are an interactive, ennasium as the girls bumped, set, thused, wild, participating, cheerand spiked over and over, but this ing section of fanatics. Games are was just background noise to the no longer a place to go to sit in the c o nve r s a t i o n s bleachers and between friends chat with your that were the friends. They are “We hope this main focus of a place to go to eruption of school the night. become a part spirit is only just This year, when of something you walk into the much larger than getting started.” gym during a just an Eaton volleyball game student. When at Eaton High you go to a game School, all you can see is a waving now, you become a part of the stusea of bright red and white stretch- dent section--a voice in the cheers. ing all the way up the bleachers. You become a contributing factor You can’t even distinguish faces to the overwhelming school spirit amongst the bandanas, hard hats, that has taken a hold of students face paint, eye black, headdresses, this year. and giant cowboy hats. And beThis sudden surge in spirit is tween the overalls, barrels, leggings, dumbfounding. It is awe striking. boots, and crazy socks, your chanc- It is so encouraging to see students es of spotting someone by their take a true interest in the activities legs are slim. But the highlight--the going on at their school and wantthing that has captured this giant ing to show them off to outsiders red and white crowd’s attention--is and cheer on their own schoolthe invigorating game taking place mates. on the court. No one in the stands The best part is that each game can peel their eyes away from the just gets better and better. New inball whizzing through the air as sane costumes keep popping up at it’s smashed by Kortney Lockey to every game (Did anyone else see the ten-foot line as the girl on the Jordan Adams (14) riding a blowother side of the net dives and fails up ostrich at the Lyons game?). to reach it in time. New cheers are implemented at evNow, when you enter the gym, you ery match; when Landon Koelzer cannot hear a thing over the deaf- and Estin McGraw (14) lead “Tool ening roar of “OOOOOOOHH- Time!” and “Ooh, Kill ‘Em!” the HHHHHHHHH’s” shouted by crowd goes nuts! the crowd as the opponent winds Whatever has gotten into you, up for a serve. There is not even students of Eaton High School, the slightest possibility of conduct- keep it up! Get crazy, get loud, and ing conversation in this gym when get proud of your school. We hope you are constantly interrupted by a this eruption of school spirit is distinguished voice from the front only just getting started.
GTAV most versatile yet tanneralm opinioneditor
There is a no more versatile game on the market right now. When you look beyond the prostitutes, murder, torture, robbery, explosions, tampering and vehicular mass homicide, Grand Theft Auto V is really what you make it. With many side missions and mini-games, it really helps to show what people want in games. Every experience is different, which is apparent right off the bat. Someone could hop on the game and start gunning down people, killing cops and kicking off citizens, but just as easily get on and enjoy a rousing game of golf or tennis. With every kind of activity or opportunity from mass murderer to golf champion, this game is truly one-of-a-kind. There are many child appropriate aspects to the game. It’s not only a game about guns and robbery, it has many awesome minigames as well as free roam territory to be as creative as you want. One of the first established mini-games is racing, with its unique driving view, GTA V brings new variables into
racing that other games didn’t: heavy mainstreet traffic, civilians, cops, and weapons. Who needs a blue shell when you have an RPG? Biking is a small part of the game,and as well as being a mode of transportation, bikes are also involved in triathlons(Accompanied with running and swimming) and races. Tennis is self explanatory. You and one of your friends or an NPC (Non-player character) smack a ball around until one of them misses. It has boundaries and rules that are realistic and accurate to the actual sport, along with the ability to use the racket as a weapon later on in the game. Golf is incredibly awesome in this game, especially for its realism, even though it’s just a mini game it rivals purely golf games, this helps show the immense amount of detail put into this game. Though there are many mini games, these are just a few of them that really stood out. There are others like skydiving, boating, watersports, and many oth-
ers mini games to keep loyal fans entertained for a long time. The game is also suited for the more aggressive player. With explosives, guns, possibility of driving tour busses into the ocean, so many choices are available. Multiplayer really comes into account here. Personal preference really starts to show; the possibility of making tons of money working together, or else kicking off every other player you see, are both viable options in multiplayer. There are missions, mini games and team deathmatch games. With all of these options, GTA V can compete with many different types of games at once. Not only is this game well versed for many different likings, it has also broken records for the fastest selling video game, as well as the biggest selling media ever in the first two weeks, making $1 billion in three days. Being controversial with the violence and creative with the mini-games, Rockstar Game Studios sure has outdone themselves this time.
redview
October 31, 2013
Stressed to the Max averyjones editorinchief
ˈdəmē: (n) a set of pages marked for the printer At 9:30 last Friday night when, like most most high schoolers, I should have been just leaving that night’s football game or heading over to a friend’s house, I was just leaving the high school. After eight hours of finishing stories and laying out pages, the Red Ink staff finally called it quits and headed home. I don’t know how many of you out there have ever been on deadline before, but if you have, you know it’s the most stressful thing in life. But I learned a lesson this time that I will never forget. Deadlines are just plain overwhelming, even if you are lucky enough to be as awesomely organized as Caitlyn Kraft or Karen Sigg or Taylor Dorsey-stuff done ahead of time, prioritized, and color-coded; even if I could master these skills, I’m sure I would feel the stress of deadline plenty. No matter how hard I try, it seems that on Friday, with our deadline pressing down, little jobs and details that should have been taken care of by then kept popping up, and by about 7 p.m. I realized just how much we still had to do. I was about ready to cry from the anxiety of it all. Then, as 9 p.m. fell in the empty hallways of Eaton High School, I had the life scared out of me by my staff, and I laughed harder than I had in weeks! The six of us were roaring with laughter! Granted I still feared for my life a little bit, but it was hilarious nonetheless. The stress that had consumed me just a few hours earlier had all but dissipated. After eight hours of insane work broken up by laughter, jokes, pizza, and pranks, everything was
done and all of us were in high spirits. We had endured the horrible level of stress together and came out on the other side laughing. Because we stuck through it together, we made memories that I’ll certainly never forget. As a person who is very susceptible to stress, I think it’s good to keep this lesson in mind. Somehow I think I’m going to need it more than ever nowadays, as I’m sure many of you do-especially you seniors. As we apply to scholarship after scholarship and college after college, one more deadline is placed on us, and the pressure mounts. The workload may seem insurmountable at times, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like I’m about to buckle under the stress. But instead of breaking down, or getting angry, or shutting people out, remember that you’re certainly not in this alone. You have a substantial group of people going through the same things you are, experiencing the same anxiety, and if you turn to them, you’ll end up connecting with them like you never believed possible. You’ll make memories you’ll never forget. I learned a lot from this deadline. First lesson: never trust Haley Cox, Tiara Miller, Lexi Lapp, Adam Schott, or Jake Sell when you have to go upstairs in the 1928 building late at night after the cleaning staff is gone. But the second lesson is the one I hope I leave high school remembering: when you’re insanely stressed, make sure you stop to joke with those around you and appreciate them for sticking by you through it all because when people endure an intense amount of pressure together, they come out bonded for life.
Red Ink Staff Box Editor-in-Chief.............averyjones Sports Editor..............adamschott Opinion Editor.............tanneralm Feature Editor.............tiaramiller News Editor...................reecekothe Copy Editor...........................jakesell Tech. Support..........calebleonard Photo Editor......................haleycox Web Editor..........................haleycox Ad Manager...................lindydixon Staff Reporters
The Red Ink is a public forum, school-sponsored and student generated, which encourages the free exchange of ideas and information. All opinions made in the exercise of freedom of speech or press are the sole opinions of the writers and are in no way to be considered the opinions of Eaton High School, administration, Board of Education, or Eaton School District. The Red Ink strictly adheres to School Board Policy JCEA and ...........................................davisanders Colorado Revised Statute 12-1-120. The Red Ink ..................................emilypennington is a member of the Colorado High School Press ........................................................lexilapp Association, Journalism Education Association, and ............................................. reedhodgson Adviser........................deirdrejones Quill and Scroll.
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Why it’s not ‘Happy Veterans day’ haleycox webeditor
Veterans Day is coming up on November 11, and it remains one of my most cherished holidays. It’s a holiday that, for me, is about celebrating and thanking the men and women who sacrificed so much of themselves to protect freedom. Every year, however, I never fail to be disappointed by the lack of genuine appreciation around me. Yes, a parade is a nice gesture, but when it comes to really thanking Vets for their sacrifice, we are exceedingly lacking. Countless veterans live on the streets, homeless and unable to find work. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that over 62 thousand veterans are homeless on any given night. Many wounded veterans are left isolated and incapacitated, to live out the rest of their years unable to achieve sufficient health care and living conditions. It’s not “Happy” Veterans’ Day. Veterans’ Day should be called Thanksgiving, because it is, above all else, a way to genuinely say thank you. Social studies teacher and veteran Doug Preston argues, “It’s not like a birthday. It’s
more like a day of remembrance for thanked for, their service, it has the both our living and dead Vets.” If our potential to stir up the most impactful community wants to thank its Vet- and devastating moments of that pererans, then we should donate to the son’s life. Wounded Warrior Project and get inEven thanking a Veteran for his or her service on Veterans Day isn’t volved with local Veterans’ groups. There are Veterans who sacrificed something to be taken lightly; thanking everything for this country, and yet this a Veteran should, above all, be sincere. Have the respect to understand that country can’t find the means to supVeterans Day is a time port them. Instead to honor, not celebrate of spending money “HUD estimates the service of Veterans. closing national parks and paying Congress that over 62 thou- From Mr. Shaw’s perspective, “battles and for failing to do their sand veterans are war get glorified,” and jobs, the government homeless on any men and women who should consider paygo into the service don’t ing the warriors who given night.” come out looking for went above and beglory. They joined to yond to protect this contribute to something country. Veterans Day is also a day of understanding greater than themselves--freedom. The freedom that we enjoy as and acknowledgement. Social studies teacher and veteran Chad Shaw admits Americans will only continue if we that “[serving in the armed forces] protect it within our borders as strintruly does impact who you are as an gently as we protect it outside of our borders. Freedom is protected through individual.” Our Veterans don’t just sacrifice education and an understanding of our their time or risk their physical lives, history. So if you’re going to thank a but they put their morals, values, and Veteran on Veterans day, thank them sense of self on the battlefield, too. by freedom that they gave everything Every time Vets are asked about, or to protect.
Where are the blasts from my past? davisanders staffreporter
I sat down to watch television the other day and found myself mindlessly flipping through the channels, not even considering my television options. I then came to the ten channels of childrens’ shows that every large cable company has. You know, with Nickelodeon, and the Disney channel, and what not? I started looking through these channels and dropped in on a few of the shows. Let me tell you, I could not have been more disappointed. What happened to the actual good shows? Honestly, what in God’s name is The Thundermans? Or The Haunted Hathaways? I’ll tell you what those shows are: they’re pa hetic, downright pathetic. Where are the good shows that us 90’s kids remember? If you’re
having trouble thinking of the shows that molded our childhood, let me take you back to the good ol’ days. My personal favorite was Courage the Cowardly Dog, with the little purple dog that would always get into all kinds of shenanigans with ghostly creatures and what not. Maybe Rugrats -- everyone remembers them. The point is that the shows today can’t even put themselves in the same category as shows from the 90’s. Back in the 90’s, television wasn’t infested with reality TV. The most “real” TV was America’s Funniest Home Videos and Cops. Now, whenever you turn the TV on, there’s nothing on but American Idol, shows where the love of your life is swapped, such as Wife Swap, or Fear Factor where people eat worms, and nanny’s who think they can control spoiled brats. Television seemed more family
oriented and clean. Want a perfect example? Look at Full House. It contained a lot of child themes; however, it retained a base where moms, dads, brothers, and sisters could enjoy. Today, all of the jokes in sitcoms are just one thing: sex! Is that all television producers ever think of ? Good grief! The number one reason would probably be what most nostalgic 90’s people talk about: Nickelodeon! In the 90’s, you had Rugrats, Double Dare, GUTS, Pete & Pete, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Nick Arcade, Rocko’s Modern Life, Doug, etc. I nearly cry when I turn the TV onto Nick today. Ever since at least 1998, Nick has been going down a bottomless pit of doom. I always find it comforting to stick in my old retro Nick tapes in the VCR and take a trip down memory lane with shows like Johnny Bravo and Hey Arnold!
redzone Reds Football Struggles against Strasberg 10
reedhodgson staffreporter
In a hard fought game for the playoff contention, the Reds suffered an aching loss to Strasburg on Friday, Oct. 18, losing 32-7. The Reds struggled to cope with the Indians’ quick start, that propelled the pace and final outcome. The Reds made a couple of costly mistakes early in the game, allowing the Indians to take a quick lead. The Reds turned the momentum around in the second half, scoring a touchdown and holding Strasburg to only one touchdown. The Reds’ starting quarterback for the game was second string quarterback, Gavin Ledall (15), who who took the place for first-string quarterback, Matt Burkart (16), who was out with an ankle injury that occurred the week before against Platte Valley. Burkart has started all season
October 31, 2013
up until his injury, and this was the first opportunity that Ledall was given to start for the Reds. Ledall had to take lead over his team and find a way to pull it through and said, “It was a fun experience, we need to continue to keep our heads up, and push on.” During this season, the Reds have lost a number of key players including Junior Nick Schreiber (15) with an ankle and concussion injury, and Reece Weigle. Schreiber said, “I think that when players go down, others have to step up, and we didn’t perform that well as a team.” With this loss, the Reds fall to 3-4, and their chances at making it to the playoffs have come to a close. This year has been difficult for the Reds to get in the flow of things, and with their loss against Strasburg Eaton has fallen out of regional contention
for the first time in three years. Estin McGraw, commented on why the Reds have struggled this year saying, “Not a lot of people have stepped up and taken control of the team.” The Reds finished their last game of the season on a high note, Friday Oct. 25, winning 21-7 to the Sterling Tigers.
Jehna Powell
Brady Tedesco(15) and Davis Anders(14) storm onto the field
Jehna Powell
Junior Gavin Ledall hands off the cold ball to senior back Estin McGraw in the hard fought loss under lights against the opposing Starsberg Indians
Reds Softball Falls Short at State to Valley 1-0
Jehna Powell
Laynee Hager (15) hits a ball out of homeplate in the state showdown between the Reds and the Valley Vikings
adamschott sportseditor
In a battle of determination, grit, and a sheer desire to win, the Reds softball team unfortunately ended its season with a heart wrenching defeat of 1-0 against the Valley Vikings on Saturday, Oct.19 in the state quarterfinals. The Reds proved they were an admirable opponent, striking out Cedaredge in the game previous to Valley 6-0. This started off the tournament on a high note, but they fell to the Vikings in the next game. Senior Morgan Karlberg for the Reds commented about her last chance to play for the Reds saying, “It wasn’t
that we did anything wrong or anything right; they just got a hit when they needed it the most.” Aside from the ultimate goal of the state title, the Reds delivered a solid effort to their performance at regionals the week before, by beating out Fort Lupton and Lamar to travel to Arvada in Denver for the state tournament. Before both games, the Reds coach Chad Shaw made a proposal to his players as he always does before a game saying, ”You’re not remembered for what you wanted to achieve, but what you achieve.” With
pared to take the field against Cedaredge. The game started off streaky, but went straight for the cleaners with key pitching from Karlberg(14) and a great infield outs from players like senior Morgan Schumacher. Emily Willier (15) said, “You could see the nervousness in some younger players, but we’ve all been there and you have to control those nerves.” One really impressive play, a pop in the mouth, was a solid hit from Laynee Hager(15) over centerfield in the dominating win. With their first win behind them, the Reds went right back to work
against the Valley Vikings in the next game. The Reds had beaten Valley in the regular season, but fell to them in this next game. In the very first moments of the game, coach Shaw made a point to his players confidence by saying, “We have to get used to that kind of [fast] pitching.” The coach’s words would be tested with Valley’s fast pitchers Trinity Harrington (14) and Bridgette Hutton(15). Especially Harrington who will play at CSU on a full ride scholarship for softball. When the first score of the game came off for the Vikings in the bottom of the 4th inning, the momentum shifted from neutral to the Vikings’ side giving them the energy lead. The impact of this hit was huge, because it really gave the Vikings a different mindset and more aggressive playability. In the dugout, Jayla Jarnagin made a point to her team and said, “We can’t just sit here and let some other team get it, we have to step up as a team to get it.” Even though the Vikings pitching was a struggle for the Reds to hit off, the Reds still maintained their composure and stood their ground onto the plate. The Vikings were able to rotate in both pitchers to keep the pace different to however. Willier talked about those difficulties at the plate against the Vikings and said, “We knew it was going to be a
low scoring game with this defensive battle.” Around the 6th inning of the game, the Reds closest chance came off an unfortunate foul ball by 2 feet. The Reds shook the dirt off of their cleats as soon as they felt this pressure coming on, but eventually they surrendered control over the Vikings because of sheer will to the end. This end to the year was a lot like last year in the sense that the Reds finished in the exact same spot with the same results. The 3-A team who did win the state championship was Strasberg. Any matchup would have been tough, but Eaton could have possibly gone all the way if not for Valley. Shaw said, “Honestly, I talked to Strasberg’s head coach and he said that the one team that scares him the most is Eaton because we’re streaky.”
Jehna Powell
Coach Shaw and Taylor Renaud high-five during a pressured moment
redZone redZone
October 31, 2013
11
Volleyball Undefeated at Home
Jehna Powell
Sophomore Lindy Dixon and Junior Kortney Lockey redirect a volleyback back towards a Brush player in the landslide victory in the home game
adamschott sportseditor
For the Reds volleyball team nothing could be more perfect, considering that they finished their final home game on Tuesday, Oct. 22 with a 3-0 win over Brush, and are headed into the post-season as the number-one 3-A team in the state. This win made their total record 20-1, and completes a perfect home record for the beloved Eaton fans who have supported them
all all season long. The game itself was an intense and hard fought match that was won with the combination of senior night emotions, and lots and lots…and lots of kills. However, the game was really a repeat of most of their games this season--a blowout. The theme of the night was all about senior players Karen Sigg, Brittany Pierce, and Ryleigh Haynes for the Reds. Before the
game each and every player gave sheer dominance, while their parents a rose and a big hug. Caiden Rexius(16) and In addition, the juniors Karlie freshman Tarynn Sieg briDorland, Kinzy Anderson, and ng heavy powered arms to Kortney Lockey delivered solid the team. Rexius said, “I speeches for their seniors, soften- really think we’re clicking as a team; I don’t feel like we ing hearts and bringing tears. Emotion filled the gym as the se- have any separation, but the niors stepped onto their home same goal in mind.” Quickly, court for the last time of their reg- the Reds proved that they were an extreme opponent when ular season. After the game, they capulted the first set Haynes said, “We knew away with a score of we needed to finish “I was happy that strong and have fun, we won and happy 25-8. As the game pro knowing we made that we ended regressed into the segood numbers.” ally strong for our cond set, the Reds During the first last home game.” were really domin-Britt Pierce set of play, the Reds ant and were only came out with lots of matched by the height pressure and quickly jumped from the Beetdiggers. the score to their advantage. Sigg said, “I think we just had to treat However, Haynes said, “We it like any other game and let our found a way to pick them apemotions affect us after.” With art and beat them, during a that established, Lockey made sev- rally we get excited and boost eral key kills against the Beetdig- the team.” Pierce detailed the gers, finishing with a total of 12 keys their victory saying, “We kills on the night. Lockey leads the had really good serve and recteam in kills at an impressive 277 eive game, which are the kills on the season. Haynes follows first things you need to win closely on her trail with 134 kills on a game.” The Reds finished the season as well. The two make the second set 25-13. With the final outcome of a compact duo of intensity and
the game quickly settled, the remaining game gave the seniors a final chance to showcase their final assists, kills, aces of their Reds regular season career. The final scoreboard read 25-16, leaving the outcome as a sweep win, 3-0. With the last set played, Haynes talked about her relationship with her fellow teammates saying, “I want them to know what it’s like to be a family, so we can know we’re just a phone call away from each other.” Pierce also said, “I was really sad in a way that it’s my last home game, but I was happy that we won and happy that we ended really strong for our last home game.”
Avery Jones
Senior Brittany Pierce sends the ball over in a serve her last night in her home gym
Four EHS Golfers Take a Swing at State lexilapp
staffreporter
Haley Cox
Eaton Reds golfers played the state tournament in Pueble finishing strong both days and capping off the season with a high note
After a stellar performance at Regionals, golfers finally had the chance to show off how far they had come and how much true potential they have. On Sep. 30 and Oct. 1 the Eaton High School Reds golf team travelled to a 3A state tournament at Pueblo Country Club. There were a total of four golfers that were qualified to go to this year’s tournament (the whole varsity), Reed Hodgson, Jordan Stromberger, J.D. Truax, and Andy Geisick. In order to prepare for course conditions at Pueblo Country Club, the team left on Sunday, Oct. 29 for a practice round. Coach Gino Maio said, “(They) did okay but they had trouble with the greens and making adjustments.” The
team exited the tournament with a total of 83/par both rounds. J.D. Truax said, “The team’s total score altogether was 509 with two individual scores of 258 (first round) and 251 (second round).” Hodgson shot a score 88 the first day and a score of 81 the second day for a total score of 169. Hodgson had final total of 27/par by the end of the tournament. Hodgson said, “ We didn’t accomplish the goals we set out but we did alright.” Stromberger, second leader on the team, shot a score of 86 the first day, and a score of 84 the second day for a total score of 170. Stromberger had a final total of 28/par at the end of the tournament. Truax (16) shot a score of 91 for the first day and a score of 86 the second day for a total score
of 177. Truax had a final total of 35/par by the end of the tournament. Geisick shot a score of 84 and a score of 88 for a total score of 172. Geisick had a final total of 30/par by the end of the tournament. The team placed 10th out of the 13 teams that were there competing at the tournament. On the performance for the Reds as a whole team, Hodgson said, “We did better the second day because we all played better in content.” This state tournament concluded the boy’s Eaton High School 2013 golf season very early in the year as always does towards the end. Next year’s golf team will be one to keep a close eye on considering the large amount of youth on the team, and fact of the matter that no seniors were graduated this year.
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redzone
October 31, 2013
Cross Country Girls Qualify for State
My Best Friend ...the NFL? adamschott
Eaton qualifies seven girls for state meet
sportseditor
adamschott sportseditor
Caleb Leonard
Cross Country girls team show their enthusiasm after qualifying for the state meet in Colorado Springs. From left to right: Mckenzie Reiher, Abby Schott, Kaitlin Carey, Karalee Kothe, Tayler Hays, Leah Garcia, Gabby Ramirez, and Coach Jessica Ruff
calebleonard staffreporter
After a vigorous season of running, the hard work finally paid off for girls cross country team at regionals Oct. 17, when they qualified for state as a team for the first time since 2005.The mens varsity 3A team finished the season well, taking ninth out of 11 teams, while the ladies 3A team will continue to state, taking fifth place out of 11 teams at regionals. Regionals this year was moved from Lyons to Monfort Park in Greeley, because of flooding in September. The ladies team worked very hard with a goal to qualify state this season; and it was accomplished through hard running, sprints, and lots of water. McKenzie Reiher (17) led the girls team taking 15th out of 79 runners with a time of 21:05, while the rest of the team completed the course: Abby Schott (17) took 18th place with a time of 21:38, Kaitlin Carey (16) stole 21st place with a time of 21:59, Tayler Hays (17) finished at 24th place with a time of 22:19, Karalee Kothe (16) took 31st with a time of 22:51, Leah Garcia (17) finished the course in 50th place with a time of 24:18 and Gabby Ramirez (15) completed the course in 71st place with a time of 26:07. The girls were extremely excited when they achieved state. Reiher said “Heck yes! I can’t stop smiling and I want to jump up and down.” Reiher also added “I’m just glad we got state! I am not sure what my goal is other than to run well.” The men’s team finished strong with William Longwell (14) leading the Reds
to 38th of 80 with a time of 18:49. The rest of the varsity men finished the season strong: Tucker Goodwine (15) took 44th with a time of 18:58, Conner Untiedt (16) stole 49th place with a time of 19:14, Josh Gregory (16) finished at 51st place with a time of 19:19, Elias Munoz (17) completed the course with a time of 20:02 at 58th place, Alex Adams (16) finished at 61st with a time of 20:08 followed by Zach Bookhammer (17) finishing the course in 70th place with a time of 21:23. Although the men fell short of their goal of state, some of them were still
Caleb Leonard
Tucker Goodwine(15) and William Longwell(14) chase down their best times at a Regional meet
satisfied that their personal best was achieved. Longwell said,“This was the best [time] this year, I got in the high 18’s.” This course was a bit less vigorous than the Lyon’s course and leveled out for easier running. Most of the composition of the course was pavement (sidewalks) but also included grass, dirt roads, and a little bit of sand as well. Schott said “Running through the sand
was difficult, it was hard to push your legs through.” However, Longwell disagreed and said “It was not hard, but the hardest part was going to the finish on the grass.” Running conditions on Thursday were excellent with partly clear skies, temperatures in the mid 50s including a breeze to help the runners cool off, but brisk for the bystanders. Goodwine said “I enjoy running in the cold; it feels good.” Before the meet started, both the men and ladies teams felt anxious. Goodwine said a few minutes before the start of the race “I’m very nervous.” He also added “I am excited about the opportunity to go to state.” Carey agreed and said “I am extremely nervous but it makes you run faster.” With the season complete for the mens cross country team, it still doesn’t mean that the coaches and fans were not impressed at the work the cross country team put into this season. Head coach Jessica Ruff said,“They [the mens team] did really good. They worked a lot, set goals, achieved and beat their PR’s. The goals for low 19s was achieved.” After struggling the past few years due to the lack of members in the team, the ladies state qualification was a great achievement or not finishing regionals to go to state. Although they have failed to overcome the hurdle of regionals in the past, this year the team pushed forward to state Ruff said,“I am very proud of the ladies team and how hard they pushed themselves and excelled to get into state.”
NFL Tackling Rules Recently In the NFL, the big talk about injuries has been concussions. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell however, has gone to great lengths to make sure that concussion numbers decline by implementing rules to penalize illegal hits, but there are still loopholes. Although these new implementations will lead to fewer concussions, they make many other players susceptible to knee and leg injuries. This means that the only preferred area of contact is right smack dab in the chest. Defenses are slowly getting their limitations chipped away, in a bad way. No wonder quarterbacks are seamlessly breaking records and shredding defenses like nobody’s business. Terry Bradshaw, the famous Steeler quarterback back in the dizzay, said recently that his statue should be taken down because he doesn’t have the stats modern QB’s are racking up in so many words. If defenses are so careful and nervous the offenses can just milk that system. What it may boil down to is whether or not the NFL would rather have concussions or ACL, MCL, and other tears. A tear will sideline a player for quite possibly a season, whereas a concussion may only last a couple weeks. What would you rather have? So Long 17 To the beloved Rockies fans of Colorado, a great star in baseball - Todd Helton - has officially been put out to pasture with retirement (literally). After an almost book like ending, Helton finished his last home game at Coors field managing to pull out the last extra ounces of energy in his 40 year old body and hit his 369th home run and 592nd double of his career. Along with 35,000 bobble heads were handed out, the field had been mowed to show a number 17, also marking and end to his 17th and final year - how ironic. The love for Helton was truly shown when his family came out at the tip of the 9th inning to collect the first base for Helton, and even more so after the game when Helton was completely taken back emotionally by a real paint horse on behalf of the Rockies or-
ganization. You know a good farrier nearby? Todd Helton is basically the greatest Rockies baseball player ever, since he’s joined Babe Ruth, Stan Musial, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams as the only players in MLB history to have at least 500 doubles, 320 home runs and a .325 batting average for a career. So long number 17. I don’t know you anymore NFL Almost every team in the NFL that people thought were going to do exceptionally well, have really surrendered to the podunk teams. There is really no resting my case, considering the fact that the Chiefs have a chance to win their conference. The Chiefs? Really? the Chiefs!? In the the NFC conference, the Steelers remain barely winless and the Super Bowl defending Ravens have been sputtering along with them. It’s extremely hard for teams to come back at even a 2-3 record as opposed to a 3-2 record. In the same Conference, the Giants have really fallen off of the cliff. Apparently their own shadow can’t even cast a win over the Panthers! The saddest part is that Giants are in the same boat of conversation as the Jaguars, one full of water and sinking! I mean it’s not like Giants Super Bowl was that long ago! Moving over the AFC conference, I will have to say that the Chiefs have really taken off with Andy Reid and especially Alex Smith. They have totally propelled themselves into a playoff contender. It’s like all the great teams decided to donate their wins to the Chiefs, no kidding! But they do deserve credit. Everything may be bigger in Texas, but the not the Texan’s winning streak. just had to say that. The fact of the matter is that I don’t really know why, but the teams who aren’t really the greatest have been taking control over the better teams in the NFL. Well at least you you’ve got your Fantasy points...I guess? My World Series Picks I’ll be totally honest, I don’t watch as much baseball as I should, but hey! That won’t stop me! I’m just gonna’ go wit Cardinals simply because of tradition . There it is... go Cards?