Griffin Rites Vol. 47 Issue 1

October 5, 2016

Vol. 47 Issue 1

GRIFFIN RITES Winnetonka High School | Kansas City, Missouri

griffin

rites

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ISSUE 01 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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EXTREME MAKEOVER TONKA EDITION The campus receives more than a million dollars worth of renovations over the summer

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ONE WEEK OF SPIRIT Students discuss the week leading up to homecoming

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THE CROWNING MOMENT Homecoming royalty discuss their thoughts on being crowned

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FOREIGN FAMILIES Eight students bring the culture of five nations

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STRESS TO IMPRESS Pressure builds among theatre students as they struggle to juggle commitments to two musicals

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PUMPKIN SPICE AND EVERYTHING NOT SO NICE A review over the Starbuck’s and QuikTrip’s Pumpkin Spice Latte

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GRIFFINS GET TO WORK Althletes and coaches work together to improve fall sports

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STAFF Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor Photo Editor News Editor Features Editor A&E Editor

Rachel Adamson Alyssa Magrone Hayden Weathermen Kaitlyn Minet Katie Bullock Alyssa Magrone

Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Adviser

Clayre Barkema Asmaret Fissehaye Caroline Foster Shelby Hilburn Jessica Glaszcak Laura Williams

On the cover: Seniors Eldridge Villegas and Francesca Valente being crowned as homecoming king and queen on Sept. 23 at the football game during halftime. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

The Griffin Rites staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of any institution committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching students these values, both by example and lesson. We welcome letters to the editor and reserve the right to edit them for grammar and length, but we will not change ideas. Letters may attack policies but not people. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to Mrs. Laura Williams attention at 5815 NE 48th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64119. Advertising space is also available. Please e-mail laura.williams@nkcschools.org or call 816-321-6527 for information. Our organization is a member of the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City, Journalism Educators Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Pledging Ignorance Reciting the Pledge everyday is not necessary

| AlyssaMagrone

Staff Editorial

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| copy & entertainment editor

eciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day creates a community of desensitized zombie citizens, who do nor understand the extent of their daily declarations.

Due to recent events, a group of high school government students from central Missouri petitioned a bill that led to the creation of a state law requiring time to say the Pledge in schools each day.

Those students believed that the repetition of the Pledge would spark patriotism. While these are good intentions, the creation of this law does the opposite and extinguishes passion.

In some situations, the repetition of the Pledge is absolutely appropriate and necessary, such as in elementary schools. Elementary school is where kids are learning the Pledge for the first time, so the recitation aids in establishing memory.

However, by the time a child matures to high school, the Pledge is memorized. There is no point in reciting it every day.

That being said, Pledging once a week is more understandable. This makes the Pledge appear less like a chore and more like what it should be—a reminder of American pride.

With excessive repetition of the Pledge comes the destruction of the patriotism Americans stand for. The Pledge should be reserved for special occasions: 9/11, Veterans Day, and other events of significance.

Otherwise, when these situations arise, citizens fail to recognize the importance of the Pledge. This repetition leads to an ignorance epidemic spreading across the country, with people who do not understand the vow they make to their country.

One of the reasons the central Missouri students argued for the new law was so students who want to say the pledge every day could have an opportunity to do so. However, if a patriotic soul truly wants to recite the Pledge, they would not need a reminder each morning.

Another argument is people have the option to sit down or not say the Pledge. This is conflicting because students who opt out are silently judged by their peers. These students are then pressured to stand or criticized for their First Amendment right of free speech.

To create a law based on a belief that pressures others to participate is not only wrong, but should be outlawed. Americans need to open their eyes and see that radical patriotism will not fix the problems they think they see.

EDITORIAL | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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Fresh Start of Allegiance

A new Pledge law in Missouri is enacted in classrooms for students

By Jessica Glaszczak

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ecent news sparked a new law that allows students in Missouri the opportunity to recite the Pledge every day in school.

In an article by Newswire, it is said that four AP Government students in Missouri went to State Representative Shane Roden about creating a new law to say the Pledge every day in order to increase pride for the country. On June 22, the new law was passed.

According to Roden, saying the Pledge is known as a declaration of unification for the country.

“There is a lack of understanding of where the pledge even came from and its original purpose,” Roden said. “It was written in the 1890s as a way to unify our country after the Civil War. There was a great divide and it was a way to be united again.”

Senior Ruweida Kulane said that saying the pledge every day brainwashes students.

“Standing up for it [the Pledge] every single day kind of takes away the whole entire meaning and it doesn’t really make it special anymore for some people,” Kulane said.

Since Kulane believes that the new law of saying the Pledge does not add to its meaning, she believes students have a right to refuse to say it.

“You shouldn’t force a student to stand up for the Pledge at all if they do not agree for what it stands,” Kulane said.

Other students like junior Nate Blanton agree that students have a right to sit or stand during the Pledge because of any beliefs that they have.

“They [students] choose to have their freedom of not standing up during the Pledge either because it goes against their religion because not everyone believes in

God,” Blanton said.

However, Blanton thinks that students get the option to say the pledge.

“It brings me back to elementary school when we said it every day,” Blanton said. “To me it makes me happy that we’re enforcing it and participating in it.”

The new law is not enforced, according to Roden.

“There is no punishment for a student who wants to opt out,” Roden said.

“There is also no penalty if a school district is found to not be in compliance.”

Students are given the freedom to choose to say the Pledge of Allegiance or not at their own discretion.

“Everyone has their own opinion and they can choose to voice it whenever and some people choose to say it during the Pledge,” Blanton said.

Students saying the Pledge in social studies teacher Jessie Shepherd’s Honors U.S. History class on September 27. Photo by Jessica Glaszczak

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NEWS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KAITLYN MINET

Extreme makeover Tonka edition The campus receives more than a million dollars worth of renovations over the summer

By Asmaret Fissehaye and Kaitlyn Minet

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tudents and staff returned from summer break to find 1.24 million dollars in renovations spread across different projects in the building.

Using school and food service funds, workers improved the cafeteria, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) room, the heating and cooling systems, the parking lot, and the theater,

Principal Matthew Lindsey attended numerous meetings in the summer in order for all of the projects to be put into action.

“The summer meetings started the day we let out of school,” Lindsey said.

“We met twice weekly. We had several projects going on.”

The plans for the layout of the new cafeteria incorporated student input.

“Last year we did the charts you were able to put stickers on and identified different themes,” Lindsey said. “We personalized those themes to fit our school colors, branding on the walls [and] theme

of having rock and wood colors.”

The FACS room received makeover, in time for new teacher, Nicole O’Dell, to start teaching.

“I was very fortunate to be able to walk into a brand new room, newly renovated. I couldn’t have asked for a better set up,” O’Dell said. “It [the classroom] exceeds my expectation.”

O’Dell feels it is important to ensure the foods room is updated to appeal to new students.

“One of the biggest benefits is the commercial kitchen that has been added on. That will be fantastic for the Pro-Start students,” O’Dell said. “It is much more open and spacious and that helps with students when they are cooking. There is more space to work. The modern look appeals to the student and the cooking environment.”

The theatre was given new additions as well, such as: bench seats, carpet, a lighting board, new drapes, a projector with electric screen and a repainted stage.

Theatre teacher Sheri Coffman is excited for the new renovations as well as the new

seating to be installed next summer.

“The upgrades enhance the aesthetics of the facility,” Coffman said. “The new lighting boards increase our capacity for special effect lighting during shows.

The bench seats desperately needed to be upgraded. They were the original padding from when the school was built and the padding had been reduced to powder from years of use.”

Some students, such as junior Jessica Olive, feel that the parking lot required renovations for safety and school appearance, the parking lot was repainted and repaved.

“It has improved from last year because it [the parking lot] was rough,” Olive said. ”All those bumps and ditches, it was a wreck then. It's so much smoother and blends with the school.”

Lindsey feels renovations are mandatory to escape a boring school setting.

“We are trying to enhance educational space and trying to get away from a feeling that felt very institutional and cold, to a more modernized learning environment,” Lindsey said.

What do you think about the new cafeteria?

“I really like the new cafeteria. It’s a fresh start, clean slate. It’s modern, so it feels like you’re outside of school, and nothing is tore up.”

- Freshmen Aris Holman

| Photos by RachelAdamson

“Everyone loves the new cafeteria so when you go in there everyone is already smiling because they enjoy the new cafeteria.”

- Sophomore Breanna Henderson

“It [the cafeteria] is pretty cool.

It looks more organized and more modern. They are separated with their groups but that’s how life is instead of leaving two empty chairs, now everyone has their own tables.”

“It allows for traffic to flow more smoothly and more open.

The volume is not as high so people aren’t so loud so it’s nice.

I want to eat in the cafeteria and not in the library anymore because of its environment.”

- Junior Waleed Khaleel

- Senior James Palmer

NEWS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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one week of spirit....

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By Kaitlyn Minet and Shelby Hilburn

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chool spirit was all over school the week of the homecoming dance, from spirit days to the homecoming parade, to the pregame tailgate.

The week prior to homecoming is spirit week and each day is given a different theme.

Many students enjoy seeing others dress up as well as dressing up themselves.

“I love dressing up; I love the costumes,” senior Kali Holman said. “I think spirit week is when the dress code’s bent a little bit.”

According to social studies teacher Jessie Shepherd, at the end of the parade, three winning floats are announced at halftime and awarded a different size Spirit Stick representing first, second and third place.

This year Key Club won first place, Art Club second place and French Club received third place.

Some students feel the parade is a good way to showcase the clubs and activities the school has to offer.

“I think the parade shows our school spirit especially when it includes all the clubs

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and groups because it shows you things you didn’t think you had at your school,” Holman said.

According to social studies teacher Sarah Green, Student Council and the Booster Club talked about having a tailgate in the gap between the parade and football game. This year, the Booster Club put the idea into action.

“The tailgate is a great way for them to eat dinner and to have a safe celebration,” Green said.

The tailgate provided free drinks, face painting, food and music Some students, like sophomore Mackenzie Brenneman, feel the tailgate helped hype up students and fans for the game.

“Tailgating helps bring the school spirit out and let people have fun,” Brenneman said. “It helped people fill their stomachs of food and get into the Tonka spirit.”

Unfortunately, the football team did not win their game but that did not stop the fans from showing their Tonka pride.

ECT | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY SHELBY HILBURN AND ASMARET FISSEHAYE

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1. Senior Jake Allen leads the student section in a cheer at the homecoming football game on Sept. 23 at the DFS. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 2. Sophomore Ashley Johnson marches in the homecoming parade for Key Club on Sept. 23. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 3. Senior Lillian Juma at the tailgate on Sept. 23 at the DFS. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 4. Sophomore Christine Harpe performs for the dance team at the DFS for the homecoming football game on Sept. 23. Photo by Katie Bullock. 5. The cheerleading team marches in the homecoming parade on Sept. 23. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

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...lifts up the whole year.

ETC | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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THE CROWNING MOME

Homecoming royalty discuss their thoughts about being

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FEATURES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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ENT

The candidates

g crowned

By Katie Bullock

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t starts with 300. Then it becomes 12.

Every year 12 seniors are elected to represent the best of their class.

Senior Jessi Mizner, Homecoming Prince, said that he was proud to be a part of the court.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Mizner said. “I just felt honored to be up there.”

Mizner was one of a slew of candidates, including: Darius Campbell, Daulton Freeman, Jessi Mizner, Dakota Taylor, Eldridge Villegas, Bradley Willis, Kamryn Cain, Sally Dishman, Emmanuella (Emma) Evans, Zoe Goss, Grace Taylor, and Francesca Valente.

Senior Francesca Valente said that the experience of being crowned Homecoming Queen was an emotional one. “[It was] very overwhelming,” Valente said. “Just this wall of sound enfolding me, and love and support. It’s crazy because there’s so many wonderful people in our school. I don’t think anyone can represent our diversity as a whole.”

The student body decides not only who the candidates are, but also who gets crowned. For Homecoming King, senior Eldridge Villegas, the win mattered most because of the support of his peers.

“I want to thank [the student body] so much,” Villegas said.

“They’re the ones that chose me to represent the school.”

Valente said that the experience was stressful, but that the

outpouring of support was comforting.

“I was worried about being put under a microscope,” Valente said. “I feel very grateful that people would even consider believing in me as a candidate. [There were] people coming up to me that I didn’t even know, being supportive and encouraging. That connection with other people at school was incredible.”

Senior Emma Evans never thought she would be crowned Homecoming Princess.

“It’s surreal that I would be chosen as a representation of Tonka,” Evans said. “I just feel really proud and blessed,” Although only a handful of the senior class were nominated to be members of the homecoming court, Evans believes that all students were deserving of the title.

“Everyone is queens and kings to me,” Evans said.

1. Seniors Eldridge Villegas and Francesca Valente after being crowned as homecoming king and queen on Sept. 23. Photo

by Rachel Adamson. 2. Senior Emma Evans fixing senior Francesca Valente’s crown at the homecoming football game on Sept. 23. Photo by Kaite Bullock.

3. Senior Jessi Mizner after being crowned as homecoming prince on Sept. 23. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 4. Senior Emma Evans after being crowned homecoming princess on Sept.

24. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

Seniors Daulton Freeman and Kamyrn Cain

Seniors Zoe Goss and Darius Campbell

Seniors Dakota Taylor and Gracie Taylor

Seniors Eldridge Villegas and Francesca Valente

Seniors Emma Evans and Bradley Willis

Seniors Sally Dishman and Jessi Mizner | Photos by Rachel Adamson

FEATURES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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FOREIGN FAMILIES

Eight students bring the culture of five nations

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“Beautiful” “Amazing”

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Cara Flesche (*3)

Saadatu Babinga (*1)

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Azzurra Baroncini (*2)

mazing. Beautiful. Big. Colorful. Dream. Extravagant. Freedom. Proud.

These are the words used to describe America by eight foreign exchange students who are just beginning their journey in the U.S. “When I’m here, it’s like being in a movie,” senior Gloria Di Lauro of Italy said. “I’ve always seen this country, but to live here? It’s incredible!”

Together, Di Lauro and the other foreign exchange students bring the cultures of five countries: Belgium, China, Germany, Italy, and Nigeria.

Senior Cara Flesche, one of three students from Germany, has wanted to come to America for years.

“I was so excited! I wanted to gain new experiences and improve my English. I wanted to see new cultures and traditions,” Flesche said. “The school system is different though. We don’t have the spirit or the sports teams at school.”

According to senior Azzura Baroncini of Italy, who is on the softball team, the sports and other school activities are one of the most interesting parts of American culture.

“I like that the sports are in the school, but...I am so tired. We come to school at 7 a.m. and don’t get home till 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.” Baroncini said.

Although the differences of the American lifestyle are unfamiliar, senior Agnes Zhao of China believes American culture is intriguing.

“I’m still adapting,” Zhao said. “It’s so different from China. Everyone can show what they like; their special hobbies; their special personalities. In China, if someone had something special about them, they

might try to hide that from the public. Americans are different. They try to show that to others. I really enjoy that. I can show others what I like, what I enjoy, who I am.”

Senior Inga Hunermund, from central Germany, believes Americans are generally more expressive than citizens of European countries.

“Rules, how people communicate and act, it’s all different,” Hunermund said. “I think German people are really distant. They don’t smile, they don’t say hello. I really like it here: the school spirit.”

Even though she experienced some culture shock, senior Zoe Vandooren of Belgium, said she is happy with her new life. “[Americans] are generally more open and warm,” Vandooren said. “It’s easier to be accepted because people are coming to you and asking you questions. It’s a great experience. I’m out of my comfort zone.”

For senior Saadatu Babangida of Nigeria, the hardest part of coming to America was the application process. Babangida had to pass a rigorous set of exams to be selected as one of a handful of students from her nation to participate in an academic year abroad.

“I’m so proud to be chosen out of so many people,” Babangida said. “America is just so beautiful.

It’s a dream to be here.”

Regardless of their backgrounds, each student came to America for a reason: to learn the language, experience the culture, or to meet new people.

“When I found out that I passed my exams, I was just smiling and shaking,” Babangida said. “Realizing that I was coming to America was the happiest moment of my life. I’ll never forget it.”

FOCUS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

“Pride” “Colorful”

Inga Hunermund (*3)

By Katie Bullock

Senior Taylor Smith

Senior Lucy Schuermann

SISTERS FOR A YEAR

*4

Senior Taylor Smith and Lucy Schuermann become sisters, but only for a year

Gloria Di Luaro (2)

“Dream”

“Dream”

“Big”

“Extravagant”

*1

*1 - Nigeria *2 - Italy *3 - Germany *4 - Belgium *5 - China

“Freedom”

“Freedom”

Photos by Rachel Adamson | FOCUS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

*2

Quiyu Zhao (*5)

hey are the first and last people foreign exchange students see in America. They are the sign holders at airports and the guides through city streets. They are the host families.

“We were waiting and then she got off [the plane] wearing this cute little outfit,” senior Taylor Smith said. “You could tell she was nervous and I was holding this sign I had spent all night making.”

This year, Smith and her family are hosting Lucy Schuermann of Germany. Without the Smiths and other willing host families, foreign exchange students would not be able to come to America.

“I think that hosting is so cool,” Smith said. “You have friends all over the world.”

Prospective host families like the Smiths have the opportunity to view online profiles of foreign exchange students. They then select a student and contact them.

“We wrote and Snapchatted for two months,” Schuermann said. “But even though you talk to them, it’s different. It’s still a person

Zoe Vandooren (*4)

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you don’t know. But I wasn’t really nervous; I was excited to meet them. I’m so happy that they picked me because I really love them.

Taylor is a really crazy person but she is so sweet and nice.”

Like Schuermann, Smith was nervous about hosting at first.

“I was scared,” Smith said, “thinking, you know, ‘What if she doesn’t like me? What if she fills my spot,’ but she’s really very sweet. I remember our first outing. She told me, ‘I’m so happy I got you for my host family and no one else,’ and I was kind of like, ‘Oh my God, she loves me.’ But I think her favorite part is the dog.”

“Oh my goodness I love the dog!” Schuermann said.

Although Schuermann eventually has to leave for her home in Germany, she and Smith have decided not to think about that yet.

“I can’t talk about it. I’m getting teary eyed right now. It’s just really sad,” Smith said. “I love her and I don’t want to lose her. I’ve gained a new sister, and friend.”

Lucy Schuermann (*3)

By Katie Bullock

*3

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Stress to Impress Pressure builds among theatre students as they struggle to juggle commitments to two musicals

Senior Taylor Smith performs in senior exhibition “Rent”. Photo by Caroline Foster.

By Caroline Foster

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enior theatre students are having to split time between their parts in the senior exhibition “Rent” and the fall musical “In the Heights”.

“With Rent approaching we’re pretty much going up in two weeks so we don’t have long to put it all together,” junior Cameron Daniel said, the only junior as a lead of Rent.

According to theatre director Sherri Coffman, both musicals require focus and responsibility, “Rent” is an energetic production that tests the actors emotionally, mentally and physically. With dance and music heavily influenced by the late 80’s rock genre, the characters are almost always moving.

“It’s just about living your life for the moment because you never know what’s going to happen and if there’s even going

CAST LIST

In the Heights: Usnavi - Eldridge Villegas Nina - Kali Holman Kevin - Jackson Mattingly Camila - Katie Marshall Benny - Derrick Lewis Vanessa - Maddie Fields Sonny - Warren Lemuel

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to be a tomorrow,” said senior Susan Engstrom, the student director of both shows.

“In the Heights” does not allow the characters a break due to its vigorous hiphop dance and fast paced songs based around the Hispanic culture of Washington Heights.

“‘In the Heights’ is another nontraditional musical. It is hip-hop and rap.

It’s explosive and energetic in its style of dance,” Coffman said.

Many of the students who are in several activities around the school find themselves stressed and overstretched at rehearsals. Especially the students with leads in both productions who devote their lives and school careers to theatre.

Senior Maddie Fields will be play Mimi in “Rent” and switch to Vanessa in “In the Heights.” Senior Francesca Valente will play Joanne, and Abuela Claudia, Senior Eldridge Villegas will play

Abuela - Francesca Valente Daniela - Debanie Alvarez Carla - Kiara Divine Graffiti Pete - Cameron Daniel Piragua Guy - Westley Bertha

Roger and Usnavi, the hero of “In the Heights.” And Senior Kali Holman will play Mimi and Nina. These seniors do not want to give either of the shows up.

“We have been asking for this musical [“Rent”] since freshman year and I honestly didn’t think it would happen just because it is such a big show. It’s a full length musical and we only had two months to put it together which is completely unheard of. Everybody loves it,” Engstrom said.

The student body can see the performances on Oct. 21, and Oct. 22 for “Rent” from 7:00 to 9:30 in the Little Theatre. “In the Heights” will perform Nov. 17, Nov. 18, and Nov. 19 from 7:00 to 9:30 in the Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5 [Rent] and $7 [In the Heights].

Rent: Mark - Randall Jackson/Cameron Daniel Roger - Eldridge Villegas Tom Collins - Derrick Lewis Benny - Landon Dowell Joanne - Francesca Valente Angel - Cameron Daniel/Randall

ARTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CAROLINE FOSTER

PUMPKIN SPICEce and everything

NOT SO NICE

| HaydenWeatherman

By Alyssa Magrone

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utumn is composed of a few key components: changing leaves, cool weather and most importantly, Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Starbucks is one of the many corporations that launched this pumpkin spice craze. Their seasonal drink is known as the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The return of this drink jump starts the fall season.

However, QuikTrip Kitchen has conjured up their own version to compete with this highly beloved Starbucks staple.

There is no doubt Starbucks is the frontrunner in this competition because it is love at first sip. After ordering, a barista blends the drink to perfection, keeping the amount of coffee proportionate to the amount of pumpkin flavor.

Surprisingly, Starbucks keeps the sugar tamed in this latte opposed to their other drinks like the Peppermint Mocha.

Coffee lovers would be proud of this drink because it is bold with its espresso and cinnamon. The only people who could resist this drink would be pumpkin posers who desire oversweet Starbucks treats.

The only advantage that would make customers turn to Quick Trip would be the price. A grande at Starbucks can cost up to $5.50, while the gas station offers a large for just under $3.

While QuikTrip price is appealing, the latte lacks the pumpkin kick. Pumpkin fanatics will be disappointed because no pumpkin will even slightly register on their taste buds. It may as well be a plain latte with one shake of cinnamon.

It is common knowledge that the waiting time at Starbucks can be lengthy, which turns customers to QuikTrip. But one may be surprised because ironically the QuikTrip employees fail to live up to their name and do not whip their drinks out any faster than Starbucks.

If one is going to wait four minutes for a drink, they might as well go to Starbucks where the pumpkin flavor is apparent.

Although Starbucks is on the pricey side, true lovers of pumpkin spice should not settle for anything less. In one sip, they capture autumn nostalgia that QuikTrip cannot achieve with a whole cup.

Enough said, Starbucks does fall better.

Starbucks is worthy of an A, but QuikTrip deserves a D.

ENTERTAINMENT | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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griffins get to work Athletes and coaches work together to improve the fall sports

By Clayre Barkema

Head coach Jared Barge directs players at the Military Appreciation game on Sept. 2.

Photo by Rachel Adamson.

Coach Erica Burton cheers on runners at St. Joe meet on Sept.

27. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

Coach Mike Espinoza at the home volleyball game on Sept.

1. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

Football

Cross Country

Volleyball

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ith a new coach and new players, football is undergoing a lot of new changes this year. Jared Barge, former assistant coach, had been promoted to head coach for the 2016 season.

Barge has been playing football for ten years.

“To me, football has made me a better person and that’s what I try to do,” Barge said. “I try to make it a learning experience and make it more than just winning football games.”

Barge is trying to improve the program and work hard at winning.

“Being organized and ready for each game to get ready is really important,” Barge said. “We’ve got to have great practices to be able to win games.”

With the stress of the new program, it is hard for the players to keep up, on and off the field, but Barge believes they can do it.

“It’s difficult to get the most out of our athletes because they deal with so much on a daily basis,” Barge said.

“But our biggest thing is to have high standards.”

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his year, the cross country family has added a new member. Social studies teacher Erica Burton is taking the position of assistant coach.

The position opened up after social studies teacher Steve Estes retired.

“Coach Brown [head cross country coach] asked me if I wanted to be a part of the team,” Burton said. “He knew that I liked running and he knew that I liked coaching.”

According to the runners, the team has always been a tight family so becoming a new coach was nerve-racking for Burton.

“This team has a lot of heart, a lot of grit; there’s a lot of leadership in this team,” Burton said. “They really push each other which is like a really positive experience and big family. I’m lucky to be a part of it.”

This is a learning experience for Burton as well as the runners.

“Coach Brown is teaching me so much about coaching and being a role model,” Burton said. “It’s been a really great experience. He’s teaching me not just about coaching but about running.

My own personal running skills have improved.”

SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CLAYRE BARKEMA

he volleyball team has been brought back to life this year with a new set of coaches and players.

Senior Jocelin Egeland is returning to play volleyball her senior year after taking a year off, thrilled with the idea of a new coach.

“Espinoza has made me want to play because he’s brought the fun back into the game,” Egeland said. “I wanted to have fun my senior year and I wanted to have a coach who knows what he’s doing.”

The volleyball program has been trying to rebuild themselves as a community. “[Coach Espinoza] has a created space for us to grow not only as player but as friends,” Egeland said. “I also want for the Tonka Volleyball program to be represented in a more positive light than it has been in the past.”

Egeland and the rest of the volleyball team is looking forward to a great season and hoping for a lot of wins.

“We have to never give up and keep trying because we might surprise everybody and win games people didn’t think we could,” Egeland said.

Freshmen Kaley Kumpf up to bat at the home game on Sept. 16. Photo

by Rachel Adamson.

Senior Marena Draskovich serves at a home match on Sept. 13. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

Senior Dakota Jackson guards the goal at the soccer jamboree on Aug. 12. Photo by Rachel Adamson.

Senior Jessi Mizner competes in a swim meet on Sept. 17. Photo courtesy Ashlyn Bunch.

Softball

Tennis

Soccer

Swim

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oftball is looking forward to a successful season this year by changing the way their team works and trying to get closer.

Senior Becca Hensley is excited about the setup of the team.

“Taking a different approach this year,” Hensley said. “Everyone is equal, it’s not seniors first. Everyone gets their fair share.”

Their goal is to get the team closer on and off the field. The players are planning to do team bonding activities in the future.

“Our goal is to work as a team and win more games and give 100% every game,” Hensley said. “We are going to communicate well on and off the field.”

his summer, instead of spending their free time with friends at the pool, the girls tennis team was out on the court working.

Sophomore Ana-Le Lund looked forward to the season, hoping to get as far as she can.

“Our goal is to do our absolute best and get as far as we can,” Lund said.

Lund was also happy with about the new team.

“There are a lot more freshmen, new beginners,” Lund said. “They’re doing well. A lot of have them have gotten everything down so far,” Coaches John Morris and Joe Wendt worked their hardest to make sure the players are living up to their potential.

“We are doing a lot of practices,” Lund said. “We are doing a lot of practices. We now practice on Saturdays as well. We do about three-and-a-half hours of practice a day. When we have matches, we go down a little bit early and warm up.”

The team went eight wins and four losses for this season. They got third overall in conference.

very sports team is known to have their traditions; the boys soccer team is adding a new one.

This year, they are doing something a little different.

They are learning the Alma Mater and singing it after every game, win or lose.

“I feel good about learning [the alma mater],” senior Haven Miller said.

The team members are singing it to show Tonka pride and bring them together as a team.

“After the games we all sing [the alma mater] on the bus and we just see smiles on each other’s faces while we sing it,” Miller said.

Miller and the rest of the team are looking forward to a great season.

he boys swim team have always considered themselves small but mighty; this year is no different.

Head coach Ian Johnston is planning on getting his swimmers as good as they can be.

“My goals are to increase the program, numbers wise and to have a relay that is very solid and drop time in all their personal bests,” Johnston said.

The swim family has never been big, but every year it grows which is something Johnston is thrilled about.

“We have nine swimmers, a good amount of divers, a new diver, Jackson Nox,” Johnston said. “We have a lot of relay potential.”

To ensure the season is a success, Johnston is going to push his swimmers during practice.

SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CLAYRE BARKEMA

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