The Blazer, Volume 34, Issue 2

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G A R D N E R

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E D G E R T O N

H I G H

S C H O O L

425 N. Waverly, Gardner KS 66030 • (913) 856 - 2600 • Volume 34, Number 2 • Friday, October 12, 2012 For more news, scan this code with your smartphone to visit the GEHS website.

Every year the Madrigal choir, led by instructor Todd Burd, performs at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. The festival celebrates the European period of rebirth spanning the 14th through 17th centuries. Photo by June Talley, provided by Burd.

Blazers Participate in KC Ren-Fest New Gym, New Potential

Meet the Candidates

The Last Leg: Election 2012

Sleepy Hollow Visits Gardner

Our Own Lacrosse Star

In addition to our renovated DAC, new computers and locker additions, the bond issue is adding another gym to the athletic department.

We hope to have the new gym in action by the next school year.

Get to know the candidates that will be crowned during the halftime of the Trailblazer vs Falcon Homecoming game tonight based on the student body vote.

As the Republican and Democratic Parties near the race to Nov. 6, voters are following the candidates’ presidential debates, conferences and public appearances before marking their ballots.

TallGrass community theatre company will put on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow next weekend at Pioneer Ridge Middle School. The classic story follows the haunting of a small town by a headless horseman ghost.

S o p h o m o r e Brendan Berry plays extracurricular lacrosse for the Falcons Lacrosse Club. Berry moved to Gardner a few years ago and stays in touch with old friends through his lacrosse team.

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FCCLA Gets Involved Students serve the community and better themselves through club Alex Howard Copy Editor

Need community service hours for NHS or college scholarships?

FCCLA provides those hours in a fun and creative way by providing many charitable events to help raise money or help out in the community for the charities who need it.

FCCLA is a non-profit organization that helps encourage growth and development in teens in the high school.

FCCLA stands for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and members participate in various charitable activities such as the Kade Meyer Run, The Ron-

ald McDonald House Charities, the Color Run, Project Linus and Star Events.

The Color Run is an event where you run or walk a 5K and every 1K, different colors are thrown, sprayed and shaken at you by volunteers for 100 yards. Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher Shelley Valvero participated in the Color Run last year at the Royals Stadium and said more than 10,000 people attended so they grouped people into groups of 1000 and released each group every 10 minutes.

“It is a haze of color that you are running through and at the

finale, there is a band who yells ‘color throw’ and everyone throws their packets of color into the air,” Valvero said. “It’s like a giant food fight, but with color.”

“It is a good way to get involved, and it seemed interesting so I joined,” junior Nicole Sperling said.

FCCLA is designed to teach students how to get involved with their community and to help them use the skills they learn in their FACS classes in everyday life. It is teaching them how to use their skills and become strong leaders of tomorrow.

“It is fun to do and it helps people and the community, and the kids learn leadership. Plus everything they learn in class applies to what we are doing in FCCLA,” FACS teacher and FCCLA spon-

Breaking Ground on Athletic Facility Expansion Additional space for athletic education classes will reduce overcrowding, provide new opportunities Bailey Prigel Staff Writer

Soon students will be acustomed to seeing hard hats and fencing for the construction of the new gym and locker rooms.

Planning for the new addition started more than a year ago with the passage of the bond for USD 231.

The new gym will be used for a variety of classes including PE, weights, and fitness class, which will be available for next year, as well as extracurricular sports.

The gym will also be used for club activities, such as RISE and ping pong.

“There are going to be two basketball courts, and (it) will be a little bigger than the two current weight rooms combined,” said assistant principal Kent Glaser.

“The overall equipment it will have is the new fitness equipment, like treadmills and bikes, and the weights equipment the school already has.”

The school decided to expand the GEHS athletic facilities because there is a shortage of

space in the locker rooms, as well as limited space for athletic activities. The new gym will expand those activities, and multiple teams can practice at the same time. The total number of students able to use the new space at one time is approximately 140, including weights, PE and fitness training classes.

Primarily used for basketball and volleyball, the gym can also be used for activities like track and baseball when inclement weather occurs.

Groundbreaking equipment sits on the site where the new gym addition will be.

Photo by Veronica Mullin

Editors-in-Chief ....................................................................................... Rachel Donovan Veronica Mullin Copy Editors ................................................................................................ Alex Howard Madison Reed Feature/News Editor ...................................................................................... Tanna Evans Sports Editor .............................................................................................. Jessica Cisneros Advertising Manager .......................................................................... Brandon Rutherford Staff Writers ......................................................................................... McKenna Douglas Ridge Jolliff Jessica Lane Kracinda Mitchell Bailey Prigel Shelby Simpson Andrew Stearns Adviser ............................................................................................................ Diana Klote

2 • News

Cheer and dance can also take advantage of the new space, which will be an improvement to their practice. The dance team has had to use the gym at Madison Elementary and the cheer squad has had to use the commons for practice.

“Now that we are getting a new gym, we are going to be on equal ground to other 6A schools,” Mr. Glaser said.

Besides the upcoming gymnasium, there are no other school additions planned.

sor Lindsay Posillico said.

It’s not too late to join FCCLA; students can show up at the next meeting and get involved with what the club is doing at the time. If students pay a small fee of $20, they

can become an affiliated member.

An affiliated membership allows students to have a better chance at submitting entries for FCCLA events, as many events have a limited number of entries.

The photo above shows Emily Hermstein, Georgia Summers, Teighlor Nordstrom and Cheyanne Hicks making blankets for Project Linus. Photo by: Nicole Sperling

Choosing a College Veronica Mullin Editor-in-Chief

With the new year only a few months away, deadlines for college applications are fast approaching.

If you haven’t decided where you want to go or haven’t begun the application process yet, here’s how to get started.

Your first priority should be to narrow your school preferences to your top two or three choices, so you can ensure that you meet all of the qualifications for admission before the application deadlines are up. Look up the ACT score, class rank and GPA you need to be accepted to each school.

When you have met the qualifications, start applying.

Because most schools require a non-refundable processing fee with

the application, make sure you aren’t applying for schools that you aren’t seriously considering.

Next on the checklist should be applying for scholarships. No matter what your financial position is, apply for as many scholarships as you can. If you need help finding scholarships that you are eligible for, register at www.fastweb.com or www.cappex.com to search based on your specifications.

Although it feels like we have barely begun, today marks onequarter of the way through our senior year, and it’s time to start planning for life after graduation.

Keep your grades up, score as high as you can on the ACT, apply for as many scholarship awards as you can and meet all of the deadlines for admission to make the transition to college as easy as possible.

University of Kansas Jayhawks Priority deadline: Nov. 1 $30 application fee

Wichita State University Shockers Rolling admissions policy $30 application fee

Kansas State University Wildcats Priority deadline: Nov. 1 $30 application fee

Emporia State University Hornets Rolling admissions policy $30 application fee

Pittsburg State University Gorillas Priority deadline: Feb. 1 $30 application fee

University of Missouri Tigers Priority deadline: Dec. 1 $50 application fee

The Blazer is the official publication of Gardner Edgerton High School, printed by Louisiana Press Printing Journal. This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Gardner Edgerton School District No. 231 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of the school district policy.

Editorial opinions represent the views of the individual writer, not the staff as a whole. All submitted letters to the editor must be no longer than 300 words, typed and signed by the author. Letters will be considered and published on a space-available basis.

The Blazer staff reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content and libel.

For advertising or other information, please call or write: Gardner Edgerton High School Journalism 425 N. Waverly Gardner, KS 66030 (913) 856 - 2640 kloted@usd231.com

Homecoming 2012 candidates

Madison Reed Copy Editor

Jessica Cisneros

Rachel Donovan

If you could be anything for Halloween what would it be?

“I would be a vampire because they are awesome and they sparkle.”

What is the most embarassing thing you would do to become queen?

“I would shave my hair into a mohawk... oh, wait.”

Stephonn Alcorn Who would play you in a movie?

“Will Smith because we’re related.”

Macy Loring If you could make one thing in the world what would it be?

“I would get rid of carrots, no one likes them.”

Trevor Clarke

Riley Craig

What would your perfect day be?

“Waking up bright and early and coming to this beautiful place we call school.”

Where would you retire to?

“The Bahamas so I can spend my days walking the beach and soaking in the sun.”

Homecoming candidates from left to right. Backrow: Riley Craig, Thomas Moll, Stephonn Alcorn, Michael Fibelkorn and Trevor Clark Front Row: Macy Loring, Hanna Sihamaya, Jessica Cisneros, Sarah Rhodes and Rachel Donovan.

Photo by: Madison Reed

Sarah Rhodes

If you had to campaign for queen what would your slogan be?

“Vote for Sarah Rhodes because YOLO, and I’ll make all your dreams come true!”

Michael Fibelkorn

What is the most exciting part of senior year?

“The strenuous training and preparation for the Bandana Bandits dodgeball title.”

Hanna Sihamaya

What time period would you live in and why?

“I would live in the sixties just to see what my parents would wear!”

Thomas Moll What food best describes you?

“Chicken Teriyaki because I like ... spice in my life.”

How Much Does Homecoming Cost YOU?

56%

Of boys will spend up to $100 on homecoming

86%

Of girls will spend up to $150 on homecoming

Top Tie Color Black Top Dress Color Blue

Feature •

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Republicans vs. Democrats

The time has come for the presidential election and things are heating up between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. It is now time to decide which is the lesser of the two evils in this political showdown.

Brandon Rutherford Staff Writer

It happens every four years, but it is not the Olympics — it is the election of the next President of the United States. It is the time where politicians attempt to hide their skeletons in the closet while unearthing as many of their opponents’. It is dirty advertising campaigns from questionable sources and too many stones being thrown around houses of glass and cards.

The difficult questions are whom to vote for, and why you should vote for them.

It is those questions that have left so many voters either undecided on who to vote for or undecided on whether to vote at all. Voters left choosing between Mitt Romney and Incumbent President Barack Obama seem to be left choosing between the

lesser of two evils.

President Obama’s campaign of hope and change in 2008 has seemed to all but fail as the Cash for Clunkers program was one of the only successful program from the Obama administration. President Obama has claimed his economic recovery will take years to be fully effective — thus a re-election is necessary. The President has been heavily criticized for many of his plans concerning the economy, foreign policy, continuation of the Bush Era tax cuts and a wavering stance on gun control. President Obama, however, managed to pass his massive healthcare bill dubbed “ObamaCare” during his presidency, which will boost his popularity among his liberal supporters.

Mitt Romney has been the forerunner of the Republican Party since the defeat of John McCain in the 2008 election, and even though he

Who would you vote for in the upcoming presidential election?

“I’m swinging for Romney, but I’m hoping for someone highly educated and qualified to lead this country.”

- Makenna Miller, junior

“I support Obama because he’s got swag.”

- Mason Schmidt, senior

What or What Not To Do for Homecoming, That Is the Question...

Tanna Evans

News/Feature Editor

The Blazer answers common questions about Homecoming.

An annual get together full of good music, rad dance moves (no grinding, of course), and gorgeous dresses matched with spiffy dress shirts, Homecoming at GEHS has always been an enjoyable night. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or it’s your first high school dance, you may have some questions on how to make this night magical.

I don’t have a date, should I still go?

Of course you should. Get a group of friends to go. You might be surprised at how much more fun you can have without the pressure of a date.

How do I ask someone to Homecoming?

Be cute about it. In the past, people have made signs and hung them in the commons, tagged cars or made baked goods. You can go classic and get her flowers. Or, buy a pizza and write on the box “Will you go to Homecoming with me, or is this too cheesy?”

Does the guy pay for the dinner, or do we split it?

If he’s a gentleman, he will offer to pay. If you feel bad about him paying the entire bill, you can offer to leave the tip.

What is appropriate attire?

Don’t go overboard; this isn’t the prom. Dress formally casual. Guys, there’s no need to rent a tuxedo; just wear a nice button up shirt and some stain-free pants. Ladies, instead of an elegant gown, go for something comfortable and easy to dance in, but still makes you look and feel beautiful.

To make your Homecoming a night to remember, just have a blast and be stress free.

Don’t let the little things ruin your night!

4 • Opinion

faced some challenges in Republican primaries, Romney came out the winner as expected.

Now Romney faces his biggest challenge in defeating President Obama. Romney has an advantage when it comes to winning voters on the moral issues concerning abortion and same-sex marriage. Romney also possesses an advantage over President Obama as his stance on immigration is much more solid than his counterpart’s and includes a provision to build fences along the border to increase the defense of the borders. President Obama failed to act on the Arizona immigration case and left it to the Supreme Court to decide on the legality of the bill.

Choosing between candidates can be difficult but staying up to date on current issues and informing yourself of which candidate fits your view is the best idea.

Does GPA Matter?

A low GPA can be mistaken for poor achievement, but some students feel their best efforts are not good enough.

Andrew Stearns Staff Writer

Run in panic, there’s a test… and it’s all over if you fail it, right?

I believe that schools and society in general are too worried on how grades will turn out for the children of today’s society.

There’s a mixed view on GPA, grades and extracurricular activities.

It seems many times students do not have much time for homework due to sports and clubs, even though they may know the material. More often than not, students get tired and crash just before they start their work, or they simply want to unwind before stretching their brains some more.

Most of the time students end up with bad grades because of this reason: not being able to make it up later. Therefore in classes that are built solely on homework grades, these students are set for failure.

Lately, classes are made up of more than half of their overall scores being test grades. Multiple teachers agree that grades between tests and homework should be balanced as more tests and less homework or evened out.

When I surveyed students, most

Did You Know?

Your GPA is calculated by adding the amount of grade points you earn in each class you take (an A is worth 4 points, a B is worth 3...) and dividing the sum of the points by the amount of credit hours you are currently enrolled in.

thoughts were mixed on the subject or people just didn’t know or care to think much about it.

Now what about your GPA? Where does it fit in? Students’ GPAs are dependent on what their grades in class are. Their GPA is calculated by their grades in classes, averaged together on a 0-4 scale.

There are some people, who no matter how hard they work, still end up with 0s to 2s as their GPA. It is quite a pity that the system doesn’t recognize effort as a grade.

But then again, everything we need to know is all in a book. How could we possibly fail?

Cosentino’s

Your Neighborhood Helpful Place

Go Blazers

Proud supporter of Gardner Edgerton High 830 E. Main Gardner, KS 66030 Phone: 913-856-8380 Fax: 913-856-5686

A Family Tradition

Phone: 913-856-4536 Fax: 913-856-8154 Email: trailswestace@gmail.com 240 N. Moonlight Gardner, KS 66030 facebook.com/trailswestace

Main Street Salon 415 East Main Gardner, KS 66030 913-856-8568 Jolana Simpson -andStephanie Jessen “Providing Exceptional Service”

Interested in advertising through the lazer ?

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For more information, please contact:

Gardner Edgerton High School Journalism Adviser: Diana Klote 425 N. Waverly Gardner, KS 66030 (913) 856 - 2640 kloted@usd231.com

Ads •

5

TallGrass Theatre Presents: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow McKenna Douglass Staff Writer

The sensation of autumn is in the atmosphere. The cooler weather has begun to settle in.

The smell of cinnamon, pumpkin and apple cider aromas lift spirits.

Landscapes and the surrounding nature will beautify itself. This transition into the serene time of year has come to life and influences the tranquil and even sometimes eerie moods. Halloween is just around the corner and not only has fall begun, but also the spookier

time of year has arrived.

The TallGrass Theatre Company is setting the stage for the production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The play takes place back in colonial times when a nervous new schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane moves to town. Ichabod Crane is played by Junior Weston Magee. “[Crane] is too scared of everything,” Magee said. “He’s very superstitious.”

His character falls in love with

the lovely young Katrina Van Tassel, but he gains a new rival, named Brom Bones, who is also in love with her. Junior Kellie Masuch has the role of Van Tassel.

“My favorite part is where I’m dancing with Ichabod and Brom comes up and I have to tell Ichabod goodnight, in a mean way,” Masuch said.

The rivalry between Ichabod and Brom leads into the introduction of the Headless Horseman who haunts the woods surrounding the little town.

The story is brought to life

The Headless Horseman terrorizes the town of Sleepy Hollow throughout the play.

Photo provided by Sandy Miller, producer of the TallGrass Theatre Company show.

with the help of six storytellers, who narrate the storyline. Junior Makenna Miller plays one of the storytellers named Charlotte.

“I would describe my character as someone who gets to help move the play along,” Miller said.

The whole production is put together by the executive director and producer, Sandy Miller. “[The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is] a timeless classic,

suspenseful folktale that will leave you laughing with goose bumps,” Miller said.

The play will be performed at Pioneer Ridge Middle School. Tickets for the play are $9 at the door, or they can be purchased online at http://www. thetallgrasstheatrecompany.com.

This community theatre hopes to see a good turnout and is working hard to make sure of it.

Huzzah to the Kings and Queens

Kansas City and Deb Osborn welcome students to the 36th annual Rennaissance Festival

A Madrigal Experience

Shelby Simpson Staff Writer

Huzzah and cheers - eat like a king, experience jousting knights and dancing gypsies and purchase gifts from skilled artisans with booths set up all over the village.

Midwestern states can get a taste of 16th century atmosphere at the 36th annual Kansas City Renaissance Festival (KCRF).

The 2012 Renaissance Festival will be teacher Deb Osborn’s 23rd season. She started at age 14 volunteering through Girl Scouts and the Children’s Realm and has continued to volunteer. The festival takes place from Sept. 1 through Oct. 14 and is a sevenweekend opportunity for Osborn to hang out with her best friends.

“I’ve stayed with it for so long because of the good friends I have out there, the fun of playing a role and of course, the people watching!” Osborn said.

For Osborn, the hardest part about the KCRF is she never catches up on sleep during the months of September and October. Both Saturdays and Sundays she arrives at 8:30 a.m. and leaves at 8 p.m. During these months, it is hard for her to keep up with her grading, but having aides during the school week helps her immensely.

Osborn said she has had many exciting experiences and made memories she will never forget from her many years at the Renaissance Festival.

6 • Entertainment

The Madrigals Ensemble also attends the Renaissance Festival and sings songs for the festive crowd. They memorize a variety of songs in different languages and wear Renaissance attire. “[The Renaissance Festival] is a chance for people to understand the culture and style of the time period,” choir teacher Todd Burd explains. “It helps people understand the cultural and historical events of that time.”

“[KCRF] is a very different experience,” sophomore and Madrigals Ensemble member Amy Hurd said. “Everyone there is very supportive and loves to be there. There is entertainment everywhere with old time costumes, jousting, yelling, and lots of little shops that you can get jewelry, food and decorations at; skits are going on constantly and you can even ride elephants and camels.

Some of these Renaissance workers catch a break from walking around the festival. Photo courtesy of Deb Osborn.

“I met one of my high school boyfriends out there [at the Renaissance Festival] and he had broke up with me prior to the fair season,” Osborn said. “That season he played the troll and sat down in a creek under a bridge.

One day I was walking and I saw a bunch of kids throwing rocks at him. He spotted me and yelled for me to call security, which after a couple more moments of observation, I casually took my time and strolled over to get the security officer. Maybe not the nicest thing I’ve ever done, but kind of funny. I may have been a bit bitter.”

The Renaissance Festival takes place no matter what the weather brings, rain or shine, cold or hot

temperatures. People come to have a good time and be with their friends.

“When it rains out here, it essentially becomes a big mud pit,” Osborn said. “Your costume gets soaked and weighs about 30 pounds or more. One day, it was just a complete downpour and we were all covered in mud and muck up to our waists, so we decided to start running down this muddy hill and launching ourselves face first on our tummies and sliding down through the mud. It was absolutely the most fun I’ve ever had out there, and the patrons that were there loved watching us as we got up covered head to toe and did it again.”

Instructor Deb Osborn poses for the camera in costume. Photo courtesy of Deb Osborn.

The Boy With The Crosse Sophomore Brendan Berry changes teams.

Kracinda Mitchell Staff Writer

He is in the locker room getting ready for the game. He puts on his shoulder pads, uniform and helmet. After the coach’s big pep talk, he grabs his lacrosse stick and heads out to the field. From the moment he steps out onto the field it is an instant adrenaline rush.

Sophomore Brendan Berry plays lacrosse for the Falcons Lacrosse Club; the new team that is forming among students from Olathe South, Olathe North and GEHS. Berry said he is excited for the season to start because most of his old teammates will be on the team as well.

“The best part of being on a team is the friendships I get to make,” Berry said. “The better you know your teammates, the better you play as a team. My favorite thing about being a part of the new team is that I will get to meet new people that love the same sport I do.”

Berry became interested in playing lacrosse at his old school, where all of his friends also played.

“Once I started playing, I fell in love with the game,” Berry said.

Tim Berry, Brendan Berry’s father, said his son has only been playing for a year, but he is already making his way to the top of the A-list. Even though his father is not

involved in the sport, Tim Berry said he supports his son a great deal by attending all of his games and being the best fan possible.

Berry plays midfield, his favorite position. The purpose of this position is to carry the ball across midfield, and to play both offense and defense.

All About Lacrosse

A beginner’s guide to the terminology and necessities for a successful lacrosse game.

How To Play

Compare & Contrast

Lacrosse is very similar to Hockey, except on a grass/ turf field. The game is played with a ball that is a little smaller than a tennis ball, and you can only throw it with your Crosse, which has a net on the end to hold the ball with.

The only comparison to be made between football and lacrosse is that they are both contact sports.

A Good Game

The average game for high school students is 48 minutes with 12 minute quarters.

A good game for lacrosse would be scoring anywhere The Positions Lacrosse has 10 players, from 15 to 20 points. the goalie and three Equipment defensemen cover the defensive side of the field, Lacrosse gear includes a and the three attackmen helmet, shoulder pads, elbow cover the offensive side pads, padded gloves, cleats, of the field; the three a short sleeve jersey, shorts, midfielders roam both sides and usually some type of and can play both offense mid-calf sock with a crazy and defense. design on it.

give 110%, because lacrosse is a very physically demanding game, and to be tough physically you have to be tough mentally,” Berry said.

Lacrosse holds a lot of good and bad moments for Berry. His greatest moment was when his team made it to the finals in the 2012 state tournament; his worst was losing that game. However, Berry still has yet to lose his love for the game.

“[My favorite part is] all of the action,” Berry said.

“I love how fast paced, and physical the game is.”

For now, Berry practices at the Overland Park soccer complex, and he plans to play indoor lacrosse during the winter. Once the new team starts practicing the location will change, b u t

B e r r y ’s spirits will still be in full swing.

“I always

Lacrosse Team Seeks Recruits

The Falcon Lacrosse Club is looking for players from GardnerEdgertion High School to join the team.

The Falcon Lacrosse Club is coming to GEHS. A new lacrosse team is forming among Olathe North, Olathe South and GEHS. The club has grown so much a new team is needed. The president of the Falcon Lacrosse Club, Doug Fischer, wants to recruit new players.

The new team is forming throughout three schools to give more students the opportunity to play a sport, not in most high schools.

The new team is called the Falcon Lacrosse Club. The team will participate in the Lacrosse Association of Kansas City (LAKC) high school league. Since lacrosse is a spring sport, practices will not start for some time; however, indoor clinics and leagues will be held for those wanting experience and practice prior to the regular season starting.

When the season starts, practices will be held behind Indian Trail Middle School, at 151st Street and Ridgeview Road, in Olathe, Kan. For those interested, there will be no try outs. Anyone who wants to play is guaranteed a spot on the team. However, new players to the sport will normally start on Junior Varsity, and the players with experience will be placed on Varsity.

This club participates in a large league; competing against 15 other schools. These schools include Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission East, Blue Valley, Blue Valley West, Leavenworth, St. Thomas Aquinas and several more.

The team will travel, mainly to Oklahoma. This is a club; therefore, it is not school related, but for the more distinguished players, Fischer said college scholarships are available.

Great Expectations Ridge Jolliff Staff Writer

Expectations of the GEHS football team, even after dropping three losses early in the season, are still high.

The Trailblazers have increased in both talent and experience, and everyone around the team is predicting success.

“Coach believes in us more this year than last year,” senior receiver Jamain Lang said.

Although the Blazers lost three games in a row, they are more than ready to pick up lost ground.

“I think we can still have a successful season even though we’ve already lost a few,” Lang said.

The next chance the Trailblazers have to prove their readiness for success will be at home against Olathe South tonight at 7 p.m.

Information from Brendan Berry and uslacrosse.org

Sports •

7

Spiking to state Jessica Cisneros Sports Editor

The volleyball team is rising above and is taking 6A schools team by team. The girls’ volleyball team is doing exceptionally well, and they are working hard to keep those wins coming. With mostly seniors on Varisty, many of the girls will be gone next year, so they are planning on making the most of the season. Many of the girls’ goals are to get to state this year and take the state title.

“I have been looking forward to just playing the games with the girls and having fun with

them. I’m also looking forward to making it to state and just working towards that goal,” senior Shelbe VanDeBerghe said.

The volleyball team would love if students came to support them at their next matches.

“I feel like this year is going really good, and we are improving every day, and we still have time to improve,” senior Makenzie Skeens said. “We work really hard every day at practice and just try to be better as a team.

Running to victory Jessica Lane Staff Writer

Racing to the finish line is not something new for the team.

Top runners senior Dewey Molenda finished 29, freshman Miranda Tenove finished 79, and senior McKenzie Scroggin finished 83 at the Rim Rock Invitational Sept. 22.

“I feel like we’ll do well at regionals,” Scroggin said. “We have some solid runners.”

Regionals will be Saturday Oct., 27, and the destination is to be announced.

The runners hope for a strong finish.

After a tough volley the girls gather together to get thier spirit up and come out with a win. The girls played their senior night volleyball game versus Olathe South on September 4 and came away with a win. Photo by Jessica Cisneros

Fore!

Tanna Evans

News/Feature Editor

Golfers this season have a driving ambition for success.

Junior Jacque Buckingham has been leading the team with impressive stats, improving immensely and growing as a player since last year.

The other varsity player, sophomore Jasmine Bailey, has made GE proud with her accomplishments.

Two new additions to the team, freshmen Emily Smith and Megan Wilson, have both improved their scores and methods as golfers.

“They have learned so much and really impressed me,” golf coach Amy VanRheen said. “I look forward to having them out again next year.”

Regionals will take place next week, so support your lady golfers!

Pumped up kicks Jessica Lane Staff Writer

What about fútbol? It seems that our ‘Boys of Fall’ are kicking for new goals. With their record at 5-4, the boys aren’t letting up now.

Varsity captain and senior Travis Haenisch said he has no doubts this is their year to win regionals.

“I just love my team,” Haenisch said with enthusiasm.

Facing teams like Olathe North, Shawnee Mission North, Bishop Miege and St. Thomas

Aquinas, our boys in blue have no fear and play ruthless against any team.

“I am very proud of my team, I couldn’t ask for anything more than what they leave out there on the field,” soccer coach Andy Weber said.

The boys’ next game will be here tomorrow against Blue Valley West, with the C-team starting at 9 a.m., JV at 10:30, and Varsity at noon.

Freshman Matthew Richardson runs at practice to improve his time. Photo by Kensley Buller.

Competition

Serving up the

Jessica Lane Staff Writer

The girls’ tennis team has been holding their own. With doubles going 0-2 and singles going 17-3, the ladies shoot for nothing but improvement.

Senior Sam Aleman said she has high hopes that she will place at state this year.

The team has gone up against 6A’s finest, but those teams haven’t slowed them down. The JV’s doubles teams junior Anna Winkler and sophomore Mary Murphy, as

8 • Sports

well as junior Paige Rossman and freshman Sammi Boring placed fourth at the Mill Valley tennis tournament Aug. 29. Aleman went 3-0 at the Leavenworth quad, and she just won her 100th career win last week.

“They always perform the best they can,” tennis coach Kelly Peterson-Miranda said.

The ladies’ next match will be at home tomorrow for the state tournament.

Above: Senior Travis Haenisch trains hard for regionals. Photo by Jessica Lane. Left: Senior Sam Aleman is fighting for victory as she trumps the competition. Photo by Johanne Kristensen.