Pittsburg High School's The Booster Redux, Sept. 2016

Science Dept. earns grant Pritchett Trust donates money for microscopes

The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School 1978 E. 4th Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Vol. 99, Issue 1 www.boosterredux.com

Friday, Sept. 30, 2016

Page 2D

stranger things netflix original delivers Page 4D

Photo illustration by Amanda Bourbina and Alivia Benedict

ADministration implements new policy Students, staff required to wear visible IDs during school hours MADDIE BADEN & AMANDA BOURBINA @maddiebaden & Amandbourbina

A

shout out senior jared wilson joins squad as yell leader Page 5D

coach of the year ausemus earns honor for Track, XC Page 8D

s the number of students rises, new precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the student body. Administration implemented a new policy requiring all students and staff to wear identification (ID) badges during school hours.

“As the population [increased], we did not know as many kids in the hallways,” principal Jon Bishop said. “When you have so many kids, you want to know who each student is.”

With an additional 30 kids in the building, there are currently 881 students enrolled.

Due to this growth, the staff and the Building Leadership Team proposed the implementation of IDs over the past two years.

“One, [it’s for] students’ safety. If someone does not have a badge or an ID, we want to get them in the right spot,” Bishop said. “I am constantly saying, ‘Keep [your

badge] visible,’ [until] it becomes a habit for kids.”

As students and staff are obligated to wear IDs, those who disregard the regulation experience slight consequences. If a student repeatedly neglects the guidelines, further repercussions take place.

“If a student does not have their ID, they come down to the office and get [a temporary name tag], but it will count as a tardy,” Bishop said. “If [they receive] three tardies, [it will result] in an after-school detention.”

Students are also able to retrieve a new ID from the librarian, Samantha Warren.

Every student and staff member received one free ID from the library at the beginning of the year. Each additional printing costs $1. “[Including incoming freshmen], I have made around 300 IDs,” Warren said. “It only takes about a minute to make a new one.”

Many high schools in the U.S. are required to wear some kind of ID or uniform. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 1999-2000 to

2013-2014, the percentage of public schools reporting they require students to wear IDs increased from 12 to 20 percent.

As long as it is visible, students are allowed to personalize their ID and wear it on any school-appropriate lanyard. Also, students are allowed to have a clip-on ID that would attach to a belt loop or an article of clothing.

Freshman Logan Jones wears his ID on a KU lanyard. He hopes to attend college there.

“KU is my favorite college,” freshman Logan Jones said.

French teacher Chris Colyer is fond of the badges. She believes it is worth being aware if students are wearing their ID or not because, as a teacher, she is learning on a daily basis names of students that she does not have in a French class.

“I’m learning more kids’ names than I ever would’ve known before and I can greet them [in the halls], which is nice.” Colyer said. “Students are also learning my name a lot more, too.”

new year brings new lunch structure Admin balances lunch population, food service updates distribution technique NICOLE KONOPELKO @nicolekonopleko

T

hroughout her sophomore year, eating the entirety of her food before the end of her lunch period became an issue for junior Kinsey Marshall.

“The lines were really long,” Marshall said.

“Either I didn’t eat or I waited [to eat] until the very last second because I didn’t like waiting in such long lines.”

As an effect of overcrowding, not only did Marshall sacrifice eating her food and gaining the proper nutrients for her day, but she also sacrificed something important to herself: finding an area to sit in the vicinity of her closest friends.

“I eventually gave up on even trying to find seats. Instead, I sat outside,” Marshall said.

Part of Marshall’s struggles stemmed from the inconsistency and imbalance of lunch lines. While first and third lunch periods had a population of over 300 students, second lunch period had a smaller population of 128 students.

“Because of the large amount of [students] in our school, lunch periods were split up and uneven,” Marshall said.

However, Marshall is not the only student who was influenced by uneven lunch lines.

“Because of the long lunch lines everyday, I barely had enough time to eat,” sophomore Bailey Manning said.

After witnessing the issues presented by overcrowding in the cafeteria, principal Jon Bishop knew changes would have to be made in order to create a better lunch experience for students.

“Our main goal is to make sure that we have a simpler serving period without the problem of long lines,” Bishop said. “We also want to provide plenty of space for [students] to sit.”

Thus, administration decided that the first way to equalize the quantity of students in each lunch line was to assign more students to second lunch.

Students are assigned to lunch periods based on the teacher they have before the beginning of each lunch period. To equalize the amount of students in second lunch, administration increased the amount of teachers teaching classes before the start of second lunch.

“We just added more teachers to even out the population,” Bishop said.

Automatically, this increased the population of second lunch. Now, each lunch period consists of over 200 students.

The new and evenly distributed lunch population positively impacted junior Ashley Henderson.

“The lunches are much more evened out in terms of number of classes assigned to each lunch hour this year,” Henderson said. “I feel less pressed for time and that seating availability has improved.”

Although she believes the lunch population continues to cause crowding, senior Kristen Geiger has also noticed a positive change.

“In the past, the cafeteria has always been overcrowded,” Geiger said. “Now, there are still a lot of people, but it’s not as bad because the lunches are evenly distributed between teachers.”

Nevertheless, consistent lunch populations do not give consistent and steady class time to students assigned to second lunch. Students are in class for 23 minutes before the class is interrupted by second lunch. After second lunch, students go back to the same class for another 30 minutes.

Bishop believes this interruption is something that could not have been avoided.

“Due to our large population, a lunch period is going to have to be interrupted at some point,” Bishop said. “It’s just the way it’s going to have to be.”

According to Bishop, there are still ways to work around this constraint.

“If there is a math test, we are fine with students taking first or third lunch so they can have a full class period to finish that test,” Bishop said.

While administration made revisions to the lunch population, the cafeteria staff also made revisions to the structure of lunch lines.

Previously, students waited in one line to receive their food. Now, in order to reduce the length and waiting time of lunch lines, the cafeteria staff uses two lines.

On the first line, students choose either a hamburger or a main entree. On the second line, students choose between four flavors of pizza: four-meat, four-cheese, pepperoni, and buffalo chicken.

“Students can go to either line,” director of food services Terri Feagan said. “We want to increase the options so that more students can eat.”

According to Feagan, over 900 students attend the high school. Approximately 500 students purchase school lunch, as opposed to approximately 400 in previous year. Feagan hopes to increase this number even more.

“Getting our lunch count up financially helps the district pay bills and provide for certain expenses,” Feagan said.

However, aside from the financial benefits of a higher lunch population, Feagan believes it is a priority for kids to be provided a meal on a daily basis.

“I don’t know if students are bringing their sack lunches, eating out of the vending machines, or skipping lunch entirely,” Feagan

“

said. “We want them to come into our kitchen and eat.”

Furthermore, the kitchen staff also revised the ala carte, which provides snacks such as cookies and chips. Students are required to pay for items on the ala carte with money outside of their student account.

Rather than having a separate line for it, the ala carte is now a part of the lunch line.

Sophomore Monica Coronado sees the benefits and disadvantages to this revision.

“I don’t like the fact that the ala carte has less options this year,” Coronado said.

“However, I still like the items on it and I buy things from it everyday.”

According to Feagan, there will be more items added to the ala carte.

“We are going to try to have more of ala carte items,” Feagan said. “The way it is now is not the way it will be midway through the school year.”

The cafeteria staff plans on traveling to different schools in order to share and discover new ideas for the ala carte and the structure of lunch. “ W e ’ r e going to C h a n u t e to see how they orga-JON BISHOP nize different sections of their lunch,” Feagan said.

“For example, we got the idea of the second-chance breakfast from Fort Scott Senior High School. Different schools share their ideas.”

However, regardless of all of the revisions made to lunch, cafeteria space is still a constraint.

“Our kitchen is set up in a way where it’s hard to open it up,” Feagan said. “It’s like we’re trapped.”

According to Bishop, the cafeteria is designed to accommodate populations of approximately 150 students per lunch period.

This is a lower number than the current lunch populations of over 200 students per period.

“Even though we have enough tables and chairs, we’re still crowded,” Bishop said. “We want a more open space for our students.”

Regardless of the status quo and current constraints, Feagan believes that the top priority is to provide the best lunch experience possible for all students.

“We will do anything we can,” Feagan said.

“We want to do what’s best for the students.”

even though we have enough tables and chairs, we’re still crowded.

”

2 NEWS

Friday, Sep 30, 2016

www.boosterredux.com SECTION D

science dept. awarded Pritchett grant JUSTIN BLYTHE @jdblyt

he science department is preparing to implement a more hands-on, visual approach to learning after being awarded a grant totaling $20,345 on Sept. 8.

This grant was awarded by the Pritchett Trust Foundation, a local foundation whose mission is to “improve the quality of life in Crawford County and Southeast Kansas by supporting initiatives that serve these populations.”

The funds will be used to purchase 56 portable microscopes and four storage cabinets.

With supplies such as microscopes running “a little bit thin,” department chair Mary Packard is excited for the flexibility these new resources will provide.

“It opens up a lot more opportunity for different labs, things we haven’t thought about using them for because the quality we had wasn’t very good,” Packard said.

Science teacher Cassie Quick took initiative in applying for the grant in order to overcome obstacles she, and many other science teachers, faced in the classroom.

“Grant writing was something that I was interested in and saw the need for, especially having four science teachers in non-science classrooms,” Quick said.

Before submitting the grant, Quick worked on the draft for a month, making

T

sure to include aspects such as the limitations the science department faces and photos of outdated equipment.

“It was a long few months waiting to find out if we’d gotten it or not,” Quick said.

With the grant in their possession, science teachers are ready to implement more applied curriculum and switch up the practices of a traditional classroom.

“It allows me to give my students the opportunity to use their hands, and not just using their hands to take notes,” Quick said. “Our students really need the experience of working with technology in today’s job market where technology is everywhere.”

Sophomore biology student Rachel Ruiz is eager to utilize the new resources in the classroom.

“Being a visual learner, I get excited over having the opportunity to do handson activities in the classroom,” Ruiz said.

“I think that by doing experiments, I participate more in the lesson and retain more information.”

Packard is also looking forward to what the future of science education at the high school will entail, as well as for her colleague and fellow educator.

“I am very excited for [Quick] because, being a new teacher, to do a grant for the first time and to get it really shows so much initiative and talent to be able to do that, and even want to do that, for the department.”

Science teacher Cassie Quick shakes hands with a representative of the Pritchett Trust Foundation on Sept. 8. Quick completed the grant application on behalf of the science department.

Photo by Shelby Smith

S V T r n u o t m n i p l C Vice Presidential Debate October 4 Second Presidential Debate October 9 Election Day November 8

favors:

favors:

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

College tuition Abortion is a woman’s unrestricted right Legally require hiring women and minorities Same sex marriages Faith in school Expand Obama Care Prioritize green energy Higher taxes in the wealthy Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens

opposing: • • • • • •

Stricter punishment reduces crime Absolute right to gun ownership Privatize social security Support and expand free trade Expand the military Avoid foreign entanglements

http://presidential-candidates.insidegov.com/l/40/Hillary-Clinton

Stricter punishment reduces crime Absolute right to gun ownership Faith in schools Higher taxes on the wealthy Privatize social security Expand the military Avoid foreign entanglements

opposing: • • • • • •

Abortion rights Same sex marriages Expand Obama Care Prioritizing green energy Pathway for citizenship for illegal aliens Expand free trade

http://presidential-candidates.insidegov.com/l/70/Donald-Trump

Graphic by Grace Palmer and information compiled by Kali Poenitske

110 W Cleveland St, Pittsburg, KS 66762

709 N Locust St. Pittsburg, KS 66762 620-231-8120 www.midwestminerals.com

822 N Broadway St. Pittsburg, KS 66762 | 620-235-1939 www.salon-9.net

SECTION D

Booster Redux staff and policy Editors-in-Chief Journey Jaramillo Gina Mathew Trina Paul Kali Poenitske

Design Editor Jake Webb

Staff Maddie Baden Meghan Baker Connor Balthazor Alivia Benedict Lily Black Justin Blythe Amanda Bourbina Sophia Graham Jordan Hawkins Jorden Johnson Grace Kafka Alec Kangas Nicole Konopelko Madison Nagel Angela Ortega Lexi Palmer Maddy Robinson Caleb Stradley Patrick Sullivan Darius Tinsley Faith Turner Skyla Wallace Julie Wilson

Adviser Emily Smith

The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School Student Publications 1978 E. 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762

PHS Student Publications Department and newspaper class produce The Booster Redux.

Please call us with comments at 620235-3200. The Booster Redux’s purpose is to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain readers fairly and accurately in an open forum.

Opinions expressed in editorials or opinion columns do not necessarily reflect views of all members on the Booster staff.

Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality.

Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alternations.

Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages.

A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary.

The Booster Redux is a member of Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Kansas Scholastic Press and International Quill and Scroll. The Booster Redux encourages letters from students, teachers and community members under 300 words and signed with a valid signature only.

The Booster Redux reserves the right to edit contributions if they are libelous, obscene and for length. Any grammatical errors at the fault of the writer will be printed. Corrections of errors printed at the fault of the Booster staff will appear in the appropriate section of the next issue.

3 clinton for the future Student speaks on presidential candidate

www.boosterredux.com

OPINION

Friday, Sept. 30, 2016

justin blythe @jdblyt Throughout the last several months, our country has faced a series of unsettling obstacles including the social unrest created by police brutality and the trauma induced by the Orlando shooting. At times like these, America needs a leader who is levelheaded, experienced and capable of restoring unity and peace within our great nation.

For this reason, I plead that it is time for us to unite as sensible Americans and put our support behind the presidential candidate that possesses these crucial qualities: Hillary Clinton.

To say that Clinton is competent to hold the office of the presidency is certainly an understatement. She has dedicated her whole life to public service from the moment she received her law degree from Yale.

Having held positions as First Lady, a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, she definitely understands what she is signing up for when launching a presidential campaign.

Many prominent political figures agree that Clinton’s résumé is something that sparks their appeal, with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey stating Clinton will be the “most qualified person since George Washington” to serve as president.

President Barack Obama went so far as to say, “there has never been a man or a woman… more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America.”

Although Clinton’s credentials are convincing enough, she has plenty more to offer, especially on issues that dramatically affect young adults like myself.

She has already embraced Senator Sanders’ idea of debt-free public college tuition by proposing a plan to eliminate tuition for families whose annual salary is under $125,000. The burden of college debt is something that will crush us soon enough unless we put our support behind a leader like Clinton who promises to do something about it.

Clinton also has plans to put the issues of equality on the forefront of the future. Being a long-standing activist for women’s rights, Clinton has pledged from the beginning to fight for paid family leave, equal pay for equal work, and a women’s right to choose. These issues have existed in our society for far too long, and the time for resolution is now.

It is time to elect a tough candidate that will stay true to their words and values, and that is what Clinton will do.

In the words of First Lady Michelle Obama, “what I admire most about Hillary is that she never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but when deciding who should make their move into the White House, I’d like to see a candidate with experience and substance and, for that reason, I’m with her.

ART BY ALIVIA BENEDICT

Brock turner off the hook Student voices concern over treatment of rape victims trina Paul @trpaul_98 The first time America saw Brock Turner, mug shots of his disheveled appearance were plastered above headlines denoting rape. These mug shots proliferated news outlets and social media while rousing the emotions and anger of an entire country. America, it was s oon discovered, did not like Brock Turner.

At first glance, Turner was an All-American swimmer attending the prestigious Stanford University. His father described him as, “an easygoing personality that endears him to almost everyone he meets.”

And yet, when news stories reported on him, it wasn’t for his swimming times or his displays of kindness. It was for rape.

The Atlantic states that, on the morning of January 18th, two Stanford students saw a man on top of a woman near a dumpster. This man would be identified as Brock Turner. Both the victim and Turner were well above the legal alcohol limit. Turner would admit to having sexual contact with the woman despite not being given consent.

Turner is a criminal. He chose to rape an unconscious woman. And yes, he might have been a wonderful son and a talented swimmer, but his victim (she remains anonymous) deserves justice for her suffering. However, this is not what happened.

According to CNN, prosecutors had asked for Turner to serve six years in prison. Horrifyingly, he only served three months.

The judge’s empathy and condolences were not for the victim but for the perpetrator of the crime. Aaron Persky (the judge presiding over the case) stated, “a prison would have a severe impact on him [Turner].” Persky failed to do his responsibility as a member of the judicial system. His job was to protect the victim and punish the criminal, and yet, he did neither.

The victim has nightmares of her body being touched and fondled by a stranger. She bears the fear of having her half-naked body being found behind a dumpster.

Persky never thought of the emotional or physical damage the victim faced. Instead, the future therapy, the physical pain, and the embarrassment and shame the victim endured were not as important as the wellbeing of the criminal.

Rape knows no race, social class or gender. Anyone who commits a crime of that caliber deserves time in prison. Turner capitalized on his status as a wealthy, white male and the judicial system allowed it. Rather than providing justice for the victim, the judicial system chose to avert its eyes from a crime due to the status of its perpetrator.

So what happens when justice isn’t rightfully served?

While Brock Turner was let off the hook with a mere slap on the wrist, his case inspired new legislation in California that would require a mandatory prison sentence

ART BY ALIVIA BENEDICT

for victims who were unconscious or intoxicated at the time of the assault. This new legislation shows how public opinion can shape new policy.

When Americans vocalized their opinion on Turner’s light sentencing by sharing an article on Facebook or creating a petition to have Persky removed, the state listened. California created legislation that would protect future victims because of Americans who were angry that Turner’s victim would not see justice. It’s the job of the people to ensure that the judicial system is upholding the law, and by taking an active role in opposing the injustice they saw, Americans were making sure that what happened to Turner’s victim would not happen to other women or men.

The victim, as well, has taken a part in educating and dispelling myths about sexual assault. She has submitted her twelve-page statement for court to Buzzfeed. Her powerfully honest and eye-opening letter details the night of the assault as well as the aftermath

Staff Editorial: In our April 2016 issue, the Booster Redux staff discussed problems many students faced with the lunch system.

Disproportionate lunch periods divided students unevenly. As a result, overcrowding led many students to face lengthy lunch lines.

Those at the back felt they were left without adequate time to finish their meals.

Since then, administration recognized and addressed these difficulties for the new school year.

Lunch was condensed into two

lines, one a pizza-only option and the other a main entree or burger or chicken sandwich option. A la carte options were included within both lines, consisting strictly of chips and cookies.

With the new accommodations, each period has a more even distribution of students, enabling them to move through the lunch line more efficiently and finish their meal within the time allotted.

We feel this shift in lunch population has made lunch more enjoyable due to the equal distribution

of it. She describes the humiliation and pain she suffers as she continues to live with the actions Turner committed.

But above all, her letter stands as a cautionary tale for future sexual assault cases.

“It [the sentencing] gives the message that a stranger can be inside you without proper consent and he will receive less than what has been defined as the minimum sentence,” she states in her letter.

One woman had to watch her rapist go (almost) free before a nation realized it had an issue with dealing with sexual assault.

America’s court system cannot continue to be lenient with those who commit such offenses.

It is the victim who bears far more scars in the aftermath of the crime than the rapist. It is our obligation, as Americans, to hold the judicial system accountable for punishing the rapist and protecting the victim. It’s time the Brock Turners of the world receive punishment and their victims, justice.

Distribution of student population across three lunches positive improvement

of students and more room available.

Although progress was made, inefficiencies still remain.

Students have expressed concerns over the loss of a la carte options and higher food prices.

However, food service director Terri Feagan said in this issue’s front-page story that more options may become available as the semester continues. Students appreciate this effort to provide more options at lunch. The increase in food price is necessary

to provide financial security to the food programs at the high school.

Keeping the entire student body’s best interests at heart, we view these changes as a step in the right direction.

Regardless, we applaud the administration for being proactive on this issue and working to overcome obstacles of the student body, and the food service staff for working to provide quality meals with more options available.

As teenagers, lunch is an important part of our day.

4 A&E

Friday, Sep. 30, 2016

www.boosterredux.com

SECTION D

Balthazor expresses disappointment in new game Connor balthazor @PHSstudentpub ight on queue, “Madden 17”, the latest installment in the cashgrab video game franchise is released. “Madden 17” proves to be almost exactly as you might expect it to be; a new football video game, with new features, slightly improved gameplay, minor improvements on game modes, as well as updated rosters for this year.

Obviously, it is not as simple as that but it is the formula that is used for the game franchise nearly every year, and I do not really blame them. They have no competition, so there is no incentive to try and make major changes

R

or do something truly innovative.

Nevertheless, it improves from last year’s edition.

One of the biggest changes this year is the defensive gameplay. In last year’s game, defenses sometimes felt useless as the opposing offense would march down the field at will while you could do nothing to stop them.

This year, the defense has been vastly improved, especially in the run defense game.

In “Madden 17,” the defensive line is more useful in run defense at the line

of scrimmage and linebackers will correctly fill gaps on the line.

Another major improvement is the aggressive catch feature being toned down significantly.

Last year, the easiest strategy was to constantly throw deep passes down the sideline and let receivers go up and make catches much easier than they should be able to.

This year, that element of the game is nearly non-existent.

One other big improvement is a change in the commentary team.

Madden 17 «««« «««

Over the past several installments of “Madden,” Jim Nantz and Phil Simms have commentated the game, and frankly, they were starting to get annoying. This year, two relatively unknown people, Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, take the helm. To add on to that, they will record new lines throughout the year to update the commentary.

While “Madden 17” is not necessarily a bad game, it is plagued by what has hurt the franchise greatly over the last ten year: a complete lack of competition.

Once again, “Madden 17” is not unplayable, there just is not enough improvement from last year’s version.

Julie’s top Tom hanks Picks ‘sully’ hits the mark Sully 1.

Tom Hanks delivers again in movie based on real-life plane crash

A true story about Chesley Sullenburger and his co-pilot Jeff Skiles landing a plane in the Hudson River saving all 155 passengers.

I enjoyed the drama of this movie. It was a very well made reenactment of a true story.

Directed by Clint Eastwood and released in 2016.

2.

a league of their own

3.

cast away

During World War II while the men go to fight, teams of women play professional baseball, and they are coached by washed up player Jimmy Dugan.

I liked the story of women overcoming the odds, and they did it while dealing with effects of the war.

After Chuck’s plane crashes, he is the only survivor on a deserted island where he is alone for years and his only friend is a volleyball he calls Wilson.

This was a neat survival story. I also like this movie because my name is Wilson, like the volleyball, so I feel like Tom Hanks is talking to me.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 2000.

strange, but addicting Jaramillo suggests Nexflix original Journey Jaramillo @journeybutcher When watching Netflix, I try to stick to the basic drama or comedy genres. However, one day a friend was recommending series and suggested I try the fairly new Netflix Original “Stranger Things”.

Before I began watching, I knew it was going to be strange, obviously, because of the title. I did not know I was going to fall in love with the Sci-Fi/Drama series.

I am not going to lie, after the first few minutes of it, I almost stopped watching. It pushed you right into the show with absolutely no warning and then all of a sudden, bam. Right away I knew the show was going to be weird. I knew going to be different than anything I had ever watched. I genuinely thought about calling my friend and yelling at her for recommending such a stupid show.

After half an hour of trying to convince myself out of watching it, I had decided to give it a chance because she thought so highly of it.

By the end of the first episode, there was no way I was moving from in front of my computer screen. You will be watching the pilot in the morning and finishing the last episode that night.

The show revolves around four middle school boys who take interest in “nerdy” activities such as board games and radioactivity. One of the boys goes missing and you are introduced to a young girl who talks as much as a mouse but will blow you away when you see what she can do. The girl, Eleven also known as Elle, will steal your heart with everything she is capable of and everything she endures.

Throughout the first season, the people of the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind. try to solve the mystery of the missing boy, Will. Eleven,

who claims to have seen Will, leads his friends and community on a path into destruction and another dimension, as they come to learn.

As Eleven helps the boys search for their friend, his brother and mother come to face bigger problems, which you come to find out, all revolve around the mysterious girl with a number as a name.

The town is rattled as more people begin to come up missing and as there are multiple spottings of a man-like figure with no face.

The boys come closer and closer to solving the mystery once everyone who knows information about Will’s disappearance comes forward.

The series, written by Matt and Ross Duffer, was originally only going to have one season.

However, they were not expecting the ratings and views to skyrocket. They have no other choice but to give the people what they want.

Although there are only eight episodes in the lively first season, each episode will compel you to never want to stop watching.

With outstanding graphics and such a pulling storyline, “Stranger Things” could easily be one of the most popular Netflix Originals. The second season is set to appear on Netflix sometime in 2017. If you watch the show, then you, like me, will anticipate every moment leading up to the release.

Stranger Things is a great show for those interested in sci-fi or supernatural genre’s.

You could probably fall for the show whether you are into that type of series or not. I mean, “Supernatural” is one thing but Eleven and her crew will have you hooked like a fish.

Just know, if you watch the show, the last episode of the first season will make you want to cry because the Duffer Brothers thought it would be a good idea to leave us hanging right when we decided to hold on.

Julie wilson @PHSstudentpub On Jan. 15, 2009, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his copilot Jeff Skiles landed a plane on the Hudson River saving all 155 passengers on board. The stor y of this miraculous feat was made into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood.

After hitting a f lock of birds, both engines were destroyed and Sully (played by Tom Hanks) did not have enough time or altitude to make it back to an air field. In the middle of New York City, his only option was the Hudson River because it was an open and f lat sur face.

After the plane crashed, the passengers were so frantic, some even jumped into the Hudson and tried to swim to shore. They did not have much luck because, being the middle of Januar y, the freezing waters were not suitable for swimming, catastrophe or not.

Sully and Jeff (played by Aaron Eckhar t) had to deal with the trauma of the crash. They were also worried about an investigation involving the crash by the National Transpor tation Safety Bureau (NTSB). Sully was worried the NTSB results could possibly be the end of his entire career.

I really enjoyed this movie, it was a ver y well made reenactment of a true stor y.

I thought it was interesting how Sully came out around the fifteenth anniversar y of 9/11, and I loved how they connected those two events. There was a par t where somebody had mentioned “It has been a long time since something good has happened in New York that involved an airplane.” This line gave me goosebumps.

One thing I did not like was it was a little melodramatic during some par ts of the movie. For example, ever y phone call between Sully and his wife became an ever greater personal crisis.

Overall, this was a fantastic movie, with great acting and a feel-good stor y that I think you would really enjoy.

SECTION D

Feature

www.boosterredux.com

Friday, Sept. 30

5

from the outback to the plains High school welcomes new Australian exchange student for semester MADISON NAGEL @PHSstudentpub

alking into Pittsburg High School, sophomore Tia King W was lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces.

Hailing from Wodonga, Victoria in Australia, King was inspired to study abroad because her older brother studied abroad in Germany.

She has been in Pittsburg since August, and will stay here until the end of the semester.

Her host parents, superintendent Destry Brown and his wife Joan, enjoy hosting King.

“Tia is really easy to get along with,” Destry said. “It helps that she speaks English. My wife loves having another girl in the house.”

This is not Destry’s first time hosting an exchange student.

“My first wife and I [hosted an exchange student] from Italy. [He] still stays in touch with me through Facebook. It’s fun to have those connections.”

Destry and his wife chose King without hesitation.

“It worked out,” Destry said. “Tia was the one.”

Though hosting King is new to the Browns, it has been an adjustment for everyone.

“It’s kind of like going back to parenting 101,” Destry said. “Any time you’re used to having just two [people] in the house and not having a third one, it’s hard to adjust your schedules.”

Though she cannot ignore the

similarities, King is finding differences at PHS that contrast school in Australia.

“In Australia, it’s not just one big building, it’s each different ones so you have to walk around outside all the time,” King said. “And classes are heaps longer, and we get more time. Like, we have longer lunch and we have recess, and we only start at like 9 a.m.”

Honors English 10 teacher Emily Rountree appreciates King’s presence in class.

“She is very respectful and quiet in a class filled with students who don’t hesitate to speak out,” Rountree said. “However, she is curious, intelligent and friendly much like the other students in her class.”

Rountree is looking forward to hearing more of Tia’s outlook as the semester continues.

“It will be nice as we progress throughout the semester to hear opinions and thoughts from someone who sees through a different cultural lens,” Rountree said. “I think our class discussions will benefit from having a participant with such a different perspective.”

Though King is finding things to enjoy in Pittsburg, she still misses her family back home. “[I miss my family], but it’s not too bad,” King said. “It’s a lot better than [if] I went to France or something; [the United States] is more similar to Australia.”

In Jeff Johnson’s chemistry class, sophomore Tia King completes a test. Photo by Olivia Redd

Rountree thinks highly of exchange students, as she notices the obstacles that they must go through.

“I really admire exchange students because it would be such a challenge to move away from your home to a different country,” Rountree said. “Language barrier or not, learning the different social cues and cultural norms of another country without

a visit to the capitol

triple threat

Students embark on trip to D.C. for clubs MEGHAN BAKER @MeghanBaker11

In October 2015, senior Kelsey Fuchs found out she would be a state officer for Kansas Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), which allowed her to travel to different conventions. Fuchs is the Historian for Kansas HOSA. “I was so happy when I found out because I’ve been involved with HOSA since freshmen year and was an alternate for the executive council my sophomore year,” Fuchs said.

From Sept. 16 - Sept. 20, Fuchs was in Washington, D.C. for the Washington Leadership Academy.

“While I was there we had sessions every day,” Fuchs said. “We did activities to help us recognize cultural differences we may encounter, listened to keynote speakers as they shared their experiences in leadership, and networked. I met a lot of new people from all over the U.S. and we shared what we do for HOSA in our own states to help each other get some ideas. The Vice President and I represented Kansas HOSA.” Alongside Fuchs, junior Angela Ortega, representing Kansas Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will be in Washington D.C. Sept. 29 - Oct 1.

“I am going to talk to legislators,” Ortega said. “I will be doing work-

the comfort of your family and friends would be very difficult. I’m glad Tia is here and I hope that everyone makes her feel very welcome.”

Before returning to Australia, King would like to experience America’s famous pastime.

“I want to see a baseball game,” King said.

“We don’t really have baseball [in Australia].”

Quick facts on the Pinamonti triplets

shops and track sessions and working on leadership skills.”

According to FCCLA adviser Krystal Henderson, Ortega has been participating in FCCLA for the past three years.

“Angela was a District Officer her sophomore year, and is now serving as Kansas State Officer in her junior year,” Henderson said.

Becoming a state officer was a long process, but in the end it has been worth it.

“It started February of my sophomore year when I first ran to be a district officer,” Ortega said. “I had to give two different speeches. The first one was to become a district officer and you get voted in for that.

The second one was for them to pass me on so I could be a candidate for state. From there it was the beginning of March whenever I ran for state and that same day I found out.

I was really excited and overall it has been good.”

Fuchs is also grateful for the chance to interact with students with similar interests.

“I get to work alongside a great executive team and meet so many people from other states,” Fuchs said. “I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to not only be on the Kansas HOSA executive council, but also to represent Kansas at WLA in D.C.”

Isabella Middle Name: Paige birth weight: 6lbs 4.7oz time of birth: 11:45 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Volleyball fraternal twin

Sophia

“

We do everything together, everywhere we go we are never alone ne

”

“

Middle Name: Marie birth weight: 5lbs 3oz time of birth: 11:46 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Volleyball identical twin

IIt’s t fun being a triplet because there is always triple the clothes hes es

”

Zoe Middle Name: Ellen birth weight: 4lbs 14oz time of birth: 11:47 CURRENTLY PLAYING: Volleyball identical twin

“

Being B e a triplet is fun, I am never bored d

”

Graphic by Grace Palmer, information compiled by Grace Kafka and Kali Poenitske

finding Spirit:

Student joins cheerleading squad as new yell leader during senior year

@MeghanBaker11 @ MEGHAN BAKER an advantage from his participation.

Walking into practice one day, the cheerlead“He’s awesome, and funny and he’s easy to ers had no idea a yell leader had been accepted get along with and works hard on what he’s tryonto the team. ing to do,” Smith said. “He puts a lot of effort To their surprise, senior into helping Jared Wilson walked into the other the spirit studio and they girls and trywere ecstatic as well as the ing to get coaches. the crowds “The girls loved it,” head attention cheer coach Shelby Hobbs during said. “They were so excited games.” to see a male on the team.”

In accorPrior to the school year, dance with Wilson did not have any Smith, intentions of joining the Hobbs -HEATHER ASHMORE cheer squad. believes “I joined the team Wilson helps because I [thought since] I shape the am a senior, why not,” Wilson said. “I [felt like] cheer squad. it would be fun to get involved with PHS.” “The girls work really well with Jared,” Hobbs According to assistant cheer coach Heather said. “Girls can be bossy, and he helps to comAshmore, since he joined the cheer squad, plement them well.”

Wilson has become a big part of the team.

Even though Wilson has not been on the “Jared contributes a lot to the cheer squad, he squad for very long, the cheer squad has already has became a part of stunt groups and cheers,” bonded.

Ashmore said. “He has worked very hard to get “On the squad we are family, we have our where the girls were when he joined the group.” ups and downs but we are all together as one to In agreement with Ashmore, senior cheer cap- show our spirit for our school,” Wilson said. “I tain Keiara Smith believes the team has gained honestly love every minute of it.”

“

[Jared] has worked very hard to get where the girls were when he joined.

”

Senior Jared Wilson finished a chant during the home football game against Parsons. This is Wilson’s first year on the squad. Photo by Kaitlyn Kidd

6 Feature

www.boosterredux.com

Friday, Sept. 30

SECTION D

generations unite through one song Community members join students to sing for peace @PHSStudentPub SKYLA WALLACE n Sept. 21, 110 students and 65 community members sang “Ukuthula,” an African peace anthem, celebrating World Peace.

The Multigenerational choir participated in the voice4peace project, where choirs across the globe recorded themselves singing “Ukuthula” and streamed it between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The performance is now available on YouTube.

Vocal music director Susan Laushman heard of the event over the summer and thought it would be an activity she wanted her students to take part in.

“I learned of this event at a summer music convention where a college classmate of mine, who is choral director at Florida State, took his choir over to Nairobi, Kenya and developed this project,” Laushman said.

Laushman’s former classmate’s choir and choirs throughout the world recognized World Peace together on the annual celebration.

According to Sophomore Grace Terry, a second-year member of multigenerational choir, this event can play a significant role in

O

“

the lives of the students and our community.

“We live in such an uncertain world, I sometimes find myself scared. There is a lot of violence and devastating things happening in the world around us. It’s very important that we don’t get caught up in all these things and just stop the violence and hate,” Terry said. “This -GRACE TERRY was such a great experience for f everyone, not just us teens or our community members. It touched each and every one of our hearts.”

In agreement with Terry, freshman Mikayla Kitchen believes that the event brought the community together while celebrating world peace. “[This program] impacts our community by bringing several different types of people together to reach one common goal: to perform for our community,” Kitchen said.

“I believe it is important to recognize that all ages can serve a part in the seemingly unreachable goal of world peace.”

this [voice4peace project] was such a great experience for every one, not just us

”

Members of Encore rehearse during class. Photo by Maddy Robison

bringing a new routine Hastings issues weather report to school each morning @gmmathew13 Gina Mathew PHS has a new voice greeting students in the morning.

“Good morning, PHS. This is Aiden Hastings with your Dragon weather forecast.”

Every day, the Pledge of Allegiance is followed by freshman Hastings’ weather forecast. This routine began back in middle school when his father encouraged him to share his passion with his peers.

“It was my dad’s idea to do the weather report,” Hastings said. “He told me to ask the principal if I could become the school weatherman.”

“I had an idea that Aiden should share his information about the weather with his friends at school,” said Aiden’s father, Todd. “He agreed that it would be a good idea.”

Once administration agreed, Aiden began reporting the weather in the middle of his eighth grade year at PCMS. Principal Jon Bishop wanted to continue this tradition at the high school.

“We found out he has a huge interest in meteorology,” Bishop said. “He studies it. He has gone out and met with [KOAM Meteorologist] Doug Heady. If it helps someone’s day get started the right way, I’m all for it.”

Aiden reviews the weather before school, compiling information from the Morning Sun as well as apps like AccuWeather and Weather Rabbit. He then transcribes the forecast onto paper to read every morning.

Spanish teacher Angela Pallarés enjoys Aiden’s enthusiasm.

“It’s a fun and upbeat way to start off the day,” Pallarés said. “You can tell when someone has a passion for what they’re doing and I think [we] can feel that in the way he presents the weather.”

Due to its duration, the forecast replaced the morning announcements.

all in the family Siblings choose same activities @ @lexipalmer1022 @PHSStudentPub

PHOTO BY MADDY EMERSON

“We found out [that] it became a very long announcement at the beginning of the day,” Bishop said. “We did not want to take away that academic time [from] first hour, so now we do the Pledge, have Aiden read the weather and I take the last few minutes of study hall to actually put out the announcements. It seems to be working out okay.”

When asked if he enjoys meteorology, Aiden said, “Of course, I’m interested in it. It’s just something I like, and I think I will do [the forecast] for the rest of high school.” [the forecast] for the rest of high school.”

Lexi Palmer & Faith Turner Playing catch in the front yard, junior Alex Kafka and his brother, sophomore Joel Kafka, try to better each other’s football skills. Although they work together on the football field, both brothers still experience sibling rivalry.

“Anything we do is always a competition, I probably wouldn’t work as hard if he wasn’t playing,” Alex said. “[But] I can always rely and count on him to do what he is supposed to do on the field.”

For senior Lauren Hurt, playing volleyball with her sister, Taylor Hurt, for the first time is special.

“Just the idea being able to play with a sibling is fun,” Lauren said. “I like being able to be there for her if she needs help with anything.”

Agreeing with Lauren, freshman Taylor finds playing with a sibling helpful.

“I look up to Lauren,” Taylor said. “She makes me push myself beyond my ability.”

There are many benefits to playing on the same team as a sibling. The Burdick sisters have learned this through softball.

“My favorite part about playing with Cait is she pushes me in any sport and if I’m having a bad game she will come up and tell me what I’m doing wrong,” sophomore Reagan Burdick said.

“Playing with my sister is a lot of fun. We play more together in softball than we do in volleyball. During season, if one of us is struggling with something then we will go to the field to practice,” senior Caitlyn Burdick said. “I’ll [pitch to] her for batting practice and we will work on playing second. I love having the opportunity of playing the sport I love with my best friend.”

Siblings do not just push each other in athletics they also push each other in other activities such as band.

“Having a brother in the band definitely helps with practice at home, you’ll always have someone to play music with,” senior Zack Uttley said.“I think that doing something with your family is generally more fun than with strangers.”

battle lines drawn during lunch Students write, perform rap ‘roast’ sessions during second lunch @maddyrobison19 @jwilson Julie wilson & Maddy Robison

and make lunch less boring. It’s something to do if Instead of standing in the commons, waiting for we have extra time after we eat.” the bell, junior Marque English gets ready to record Not all who are involved rap, but still understand the rap battle of the day. Since the beginning of the rap battles, like Owens. school year, English, along with juniors Anthony “I really wish they would come and ask somebody Basauri and Marlon “Toothbrush” Merida have who has seen a rap battle and know what a rap been starting rap battles at the end second lunch. battle is about. They rap about the same thing for nd d of sec “A rap battle is when you pick ck about 15 minutes, something out on a person and d when a rap battle you talk about that one item. Then is only about two in the next round you move on to minutes,” Owens something else,” staff member, said. “It’s comedy Chris Owens said. “I think it is though, they are fun that they found something trying and that’s to do that is not getting them in what makes it fun trouble.” to listen to.”

The rap battles started this year The battles startfor entertainment for students. ed in the commons “It all started with Marque yellarea, but have since -MARQUE ENGLISH ing from the other side of the been moved out to lunchroom and it turned into a the court yard. big roast session,” Basauri said.

“They The eat first and then they go “We’re all friends, and we think it is funny to go outside and they do it,” Owens said. “They moved back and forth at each other.” because they were getting loud, and [now] there’s The group of three has expanded enough to no risk of accidentally offending someone.” where now English, Basauri and Toothbrush have Toothbrush, being a new student this year, has now started including other people and making used rapping as a way to make friends. teams.

“I’ve been rapping since I was a little kid,” “Sometimes we do it with tag teams and we have Toothbrush said. “It’s been a really good way to put a partner. It’s like a mix of WWE and ‘roasting ses- myself out there, meet new people and it’s good for sions’” English said. “We do it mostly to have fun entertainment.”

“

It’s [rap battles are] like a mix of WWE and roasting sessions. We do it [rap battles] mostly to have fun and make lunch less boring.

”

Junior Marlon Merida is a regular participant in the lunch-time rap battles.

Photo by Savannah Jones

SECTION D

Dating Dynamics trina paul @trpaul98 hile most couples enjoy going out on dates and taking photos to share on social media, one couple, senior Kathleen Summers and her boyfriend, can do neither of these things when they’re together.

Summers requested to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the topic.

When Summers first met her boyfriend at a local restaurant, she was 17 and he was 38.

“When we met, I guess he thought I was older than I actually was. I wasn’t concerned about the age difference either because I liked him,” Summers said.

After texting and calling for a couple months after their first meeting, Summers met up with him for a first date. Since then, Summers and her boyfriend have been together for almost a year, but they have yet to share their relationship with most of their friends and family.

“I haven’t really told a lot of people. I’ll never tell my parents about it [my relationship] until I’m older, if we’re still together. I’m afraid they [my parents] would judge me,” Summers said. “I don’t think he wants me to tell people about it [our relationship]. I know he wouldn’t tell his family any time soon.”

Summers avoids meeting in public places when going on dates with him. She does this to ensure her parents or others do not find out about her relationship.

“I tell my parents I’m going to my sister’s house and drive 30 minutes out of town to go to his house instead,” Summers said. “We never hang out in town.

We always hang out at his house. Sometimes we go to Joplin but we’d never go to somewhere like Red Lobster.”

Although Summers and her boyfriend try to avoid being seen in public, Summers believes that after turning 18, she no longer fears the potential repercussions from her parents or others.

“If somebody did catch me with him before I was 18, like a family member, and told my family, my mom would probably call the cops, but now she can’t really do anything about it,” Summers said. “Now that I’m 18, he can’t get in trouble.”

And for Summers and other teens in relationships with older partners, they face not only judgement from peers and family, but the potential legal consequences from being in their respective relationships.

According to Pittsburg Police Patrol Officer LaMour Romine, the legal age of consent for a sexual relationship is 16 in Kansas, but any person below the age of 18 is still subject to his or her parent’s authority.

Therefore, if a parent is unwilling to support their teen’s relationship, even if the teen is of consenting age, legal consequences for the older partner may ensue.

“The child doesn’t have a right to make his or her own decision because they are not 18 years old,” Romine said. “Even if a child is willing to have a relationship, if he or she is still not 18, there are lots of other things that can be done to prevent the relationship. Kids don’t realize that if they truly cared about this person, them having a relationship with an older person is only getting their partner in trouble.”

And at times, Summers questions her relationship, not only because of the legal ramifications that could have occurred when she was underage, but also due to the secrecy currently involved with it.

W

In-depth

www.boosterredux.com Friday, Sept, 30. 2016

7

ART BY ALIVIA BENEDICT

Realities of teenage relationships

investigate, if the parents are condoning this relation“Our relationship is romantic, but I wouldn’t consider ship, most of the time they will protect their child and ourselves dating. I feel like if you’re dating you can go their child’s partner,” Romine said. “Parents usually tell out and do whatever you want,” Summers said. “We us they are aware of their child’s relationship. Generally, can’t really tell people or go out in public because I’m nothing happens unless the parents don’t approve of the still in high school.” relationship.”

But for Summers, the extra effort to ensure secrecy Harper’s parents may have approved of her relationand the potential judgement she may face from her ship, but their support, while paramount to the legality friends and family is worth it. of her relationship, did little to prevent the couple from “I thought when I first met him he was just looking having their own issues with the age difference. After a for a hookup, and then when we started talking, he year of dating, Harper and her boyfriend broke up. For seemed like he wasn’t looking of for just a hookup” Harper, the age difference became the reason their relaSummers said. “He is my best friend, and he’s the only tionship ended. person I can really talk to.”

“It really matters what your age differences are. He Yet not all couples with an age difference end up was trying to go to college and trying to get a job while together. Some couples find the age difference too big I was finishing my eighth grade year, ” Harper said. of an obstacle in their relationship.

“Things weren’t working out after almost a year of Freshman Amelia Harper cites the age difference in being together. I think it [our breakup] all came down her relationship as the primary reason for her breakup. to the age difference between us. Even though we were Harper requested to remain anonymous due to the five years apart we both had a lot of growing up to do.” sensitivity of the topic.

For some couples, “When we however, the age differstarted dating, I ence plays a small role was 13 and he in determining the qualwas 18,” Harper ity of their relationship. said. “At first I was School psychologist nervous about our Kenda Fischer, who age difference, but met her husband when then I kind of got she was 19 and he was used to it. I never 25, finds that, while the really clicked with age difference did crethe guys in my age ate certain issues, none group.” compromised the qualWhile Harper ity of her relationship. became accus“My husband is about tomed to the age five and a half, six years difference in their older than me,” Fischer relationship, she said. “For instance, we acknowledges that have two completely her peers would different sets of friends. pass judgement on -KATHLEEN SUMMERS None of our friends her relationship. really know each other.

“A really big one [Having different groups [comment] I heard was ‘that’s rape’ and ‘he’s just using you’,” Harper said. of friends] aren’t necessarily actual barriers to a relationship.”

And while Harper’s parents showed support for her Yet Fischer admits that at different ages, each person relationship by allowing her boyfriend to live in their in a relationship may find themselves facing different house, teens who are under the age of 16 and in a relamilestones in their lives. tionship with an older partner without parental support “The expectations from society or yourself at 19 are are subject to legal ramifications.

“16 years old is the age of consent in Kansas. Anyone very different from what someone might have at 25,” Fischer said. “At 25, you’re probably thinking about below the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sexual your career and at 19, not having finished college, contact with another person,” said Rebekah Lynch, you’re still in the middle of that, where as that 25 year Pittsburg Police Sergeant Detective. “In cases where a old is past that. So you’re in two different points in your high school age juvenile (14 or 15) has sexual contact life.” with their 18 year old boyfriend or girlfriend; you now While Fischer notes that couples with an age differhave an adult having sex with a minor. This is very ence may face different issues than other couples, she much something to think about should a parent, guardbelieves that these issues don’t have to be inherently ian or teacher make a report to law enforcement connegative. Fischer concludes that a relationship’s quality cerning this sexual contact.” is not solely determined by the age difference but by a Even if parents are supportive of their teen’s relationvariety of aspects in a relationship. ship, other family members or friends are able to report “I think to sit down and say this age difference would an underage relationship they see. not work and this age difference would work is almost However, these reports rarely come to fruition impossible. The whole process of dating is all about figbecause the parents’ approval is typically what enforceuring out what you like in another person and what you ment will back. don’t like in another person.”

“When you get that third party reporter and we go

“

I haven’t really told a lot of people. I’ll never tell my parents about it [my relationship] until I’m older, if we’re still together. I’m afraid they [my parents] would judge me.

”

8 sports

Friday, Sept 30, 2016 www.boosterredux.com SECTION D

working for the next level Athletes train to earn varsity classification JOURNEY JARAMILLO & SKYLA WALLACE @journeybutcher

C

oming in for extra tennis practice, junior varsity player and sophomore Morgan Noe imagines herself engaging in varsity meets.

“I plan on practicing to the best of my ability and working on my weaknesses,” Noe said. “[I want to be] able to show Coach [John Seal] that I’m capable of playing [varsity] and keeping up with that skill level.”

As student players work their way up to varsity, many strive to be the best they can.

Sophomore tennis player Kamryn Kelley tries her best to gain experience and control in the sport as she works towards her goal of being a varsity player. “[I plan on improving by] going to practice, running, working out and lifting on weekends and over the summer,” Kelley said. “Also, playing with friends on the team or having a private practice with Coach in my free time [helps].”

As well as tennis, football players train and work to earn the opportunity of playing at the varsity level.

According to head football coach Tom Nickelson, all sophomores through seniors suit up varsity. However, not all play in each game.

In order to play varsity, a player would need to earn his spot and work to show the coaches they are able.

“To play on the varsity level, you’ve got to be strong, you have to be able to run, jump, and change direction,” Nickelson said. “You have to be strong enough to absorb hits because you will be hit a lot.”

As he works his way up to varsity, sophomore football player Ty Roark wants to continuously drive himself to do what it takes to play at that level.

“I try my hardest every practice, try to do my best on the field and do my job [in] every play,” Roark said.

Volleyball coach Megan Mantooth believes as a student works towards varsity, they need to have certain skills and qualities to succeed. “[Something I look for is] their ability to be coachable.

Coachability in the sense of willingness to try and push through what you are asked to do, knowing the result will come at the end,” Mantooth said. “[As well as having] faith

During the JV tennis match against Fort Scott, sophomore Kamryn Kelley returns the ball to her opponent. PHOTO BY JASMIN LONG

in the process that you are being taught.”

Although many students start off their high school careers playing junior varsity and having to work up the scale, Kadyn Matlock is the only freshman to play varsity this season so far.

“The biggest feeling I had was probably pride. It made me feel good and I felt set apart from other people. It was definitely a proud moment for me,” Matlock said.

Despite the fact some students make varsity their first year on the team, many students still have to work their way up through junior varsity.

Freshman Griffin Cooper is not only a junior varsity player on the soccer team but, like Kelley, has the opportunity of playing multiple varsity games.

“As I make my way to full-time varsity I want to

coach of the year:

attend every practice, game and fundraising activity to show my commitment to the team,” Cooper said.

I want to improve my skills and make myself a better player as well as treating my teammates with respect and making the sport my priority.”

Throughout the season, tennis coach John Seal made it known to Kelley that she was improving at a fast rate and is now allowing her to play a certain amount of varsity meets.

After learning she was able to attend varsity matches, Kelley was ecstatic.

“When coach [Seal] told me that I would be playing varsity meets, I was really happy,” Kelley said. “I was happy I was getting better, having fun, and just wanting to work [diligently] because I knew the varsity meets would be harder competition.”

Ausemus selected for state coach of the year for track, cross country

CONNOR BALTHAZOR & PATRICK SULLIVAN

him,” Muff said. “He really pushed me and helped me to get there.”

When coach Gary Ausemus was named the Senior cross country and track athlete Connar 2016 Coach of the Year by the Kansas Cross Southard has had a good experience under Country Track and Field Coach Ausemus.

Coaches Association, the “[My time with honor was not something he Coach Ausemus expected. has been] really “I was definitely successful,” surprised,” Ausemus said.

Southard said. “I “We didn’t win a state won state this year championship, so I was in the 800.” he surprised that our team won said. such an award.”

Ausemus has also One thing that he made been able to have a clear about the award hand in convincing was that it was not his his athletes that achievement.

-GARY AUSEMUS running is not as “It’s a nice honor to be bad as some people recognized, but I think of it may think. more as a program award “He’s taught me than an individual award;” Ausemus said. that track and cross country is a lot more fun “There’s a lot of people that put in a lot of hard than it is made out to be,” Southard said. work and extra time to get the team to the level “[He taught me] That [running] doesn’t suck that we compete at.” that much,” Muff said. “He’s passionate about Senior track athlete Taylor Muff believes that running. It’s something that he loves, and that Coach Ausemus can win the accolade again. rubs off on a lot of his runners.”

“He has the potential to win every year,” Ausemus’ next goal as a coach is to see his Muff said. athletes continue to improve.

Muff has competed under Ausemus’ guidance “[The coaches] just want to watch everybody for three years now, and has been successful. get better each day and each season,” Ausemus “I’ve won four state championships with said. “Our goal is to always get better.” @phsstudentpub

“

it’s a nice honor to be recognized, but i think of it more as a program award than an individual award

”

During practice, coach Gary Ausemus watches as his runners complete a work out. Ausemus is head coach for cross country and track. Photo by Savannah Jones

Upcoming events Friday, Sept. 30 Varsity football vs Andover Central at 7 p.m.

THEME: TIE DYE Saturday, Oct. 1 Varsity volleyball at Andover at 8a.m.

SEK tennis tournament home at 9 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 3 Freshman, JV football at Andover Center at 4:15pm Tuesday, Oct. 4 Golf at Coffeyville 9, JV, varsity volleyball at Independence JV, varsity soccer at Carl Junction Thursday, Oct. 6 JV, varsity volleyball at Paola XC at Independence JV, varsity soccer at Coffeyville Friday, Oct. 7 Varsity football at Carl Junction

taking it to the next level Prince, Hutchison commit for wrestling in college MADDIE BADEN @MaddieBaden With only 63 Division I wrestling programs and 58 Division II, seniors Kayne Hutchinson and Dylan Prince are two wrestlers to verbally commit at the collegiate level.

“It is extremely hard [to wrestle in college] because a lot of schools do not have wrestling anymore,” wrestling coach Scott Rieck said. “There are a lot of kids throughout the United States who wrestle, so Kayne and Dylan beat out a lot of kids in this country to [receive offers].”

Hutchinson will sign with the Air Force Academy and Prince with the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Both were given numerous offers from other colleges, but felt these two were the best fit.

“Service is important [to me],” Hutchinson said. “[I get to have] cool experiences, be in a real professional environment and they are building a good wrestling team.”

To get where the two wrestlers are today, they had to work year-round with little breaks.

Hutchinson started his wrestling career when he was seven. Prince, however, started later than usual in middle school.

“For Dylan, he did not start wrestling until seventh grade, so he had a lot of ground to make up compared to kids like Kayne, who started early,” Rieck said. “I appreciate their level of dedication It is fun to watch them grow. To see how good they can be when they put their minds to a task, [and the hard work] has paid off for both of them.”

Hutchinson transferred to the high school at the end of his freshmen year from Junction City, Kan. He and Prince have been training together ever since.

“We help each other out because we both have different styles and we counteract each other,” Prince said. ”[We teach each other] new things from a tournament, and we are both good partners.”

“

Even though the two have trained with one another for the past three years, there are some cons of being with each other the majority of their training time.

“It is just him and me,” Hutchinson said. “We get used to each other’s style. It is kind of hard to mix our styles up.”

Hutchinson and Prince competed in under 100 matches a season, according to Rieck. They have traveled to California, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Arkansas and many more.

“We have it narrowed down to the bigger tournaments, since they are at a point in their life where they do not need to hit the smaller tournaments,” Rieck said. “We try to limit how much mileage we put on them because they are getting older and it puts a lot of wear and tear on them.”

The biggest tournament they attend is in Fargo, N.D. where wrestlers compete representing their state. The tournament in Fargo is the most prestigious competition, according to Prince.

- PRINCE College coaches attend the event to recruit wrestlers.

On Oct. 1, Hutchinson will travel to New York to compete in the Journeymen Fall Classic wrestling tournament.

The tournament is an invitation only and both Hutchinson and Prince were invited, but Prince had other obligations. “[The tournament] picks roughly the top 10 guys they feel are the top 10 in the United States,” Rieck said. “I have never had any of our kids get invited to the tournament so to have two on the same team in the same year is pretty awesome.”

we help each other out because we both have different styles and we counteract each other

”