Back to School 2012

Inklings Aug. g 27, 7, 2012

Inside the Issue

The Perfect School Picture

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Founded in 1933 933

inklingsnews.com g

Meet the New Teachers

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Wynne Shines at Nationals

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Inklings / August 27, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

The Golden Smile Perfecting Picture Day

and that you really like them. As August Laska, ’13 said, “Pick out nice clothes. In 30 years, I’ll want to see myself wearing a nice outfit.” Try simple clothes, preferably solid colors without too many conflicting patterns.

But, having a fantastic, Anna Wintour-approved outfit isn’t the key to the perfect photo. (It’s the key to a lot of other stuff though, such as my house. Wanna come over, and we can trade clothes?)

You also need to perfect the rest of your appearance. For some people, this might mean makeup.

However, remember, that less is more. You don’t want to end up with a Snooki face where your head should be; a small amount of subtle makeup can go a long way.

As far as hair goes, try to keep it simple, and (I’ve learned from experience) don’t cut your hair right before the photo.

Cadence Neenan ’15 Staff Writer

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et’s face it: unless you’re Tyra Banks, posed pictures don’t exactly come naturally.

Posed being anything taken by a person holding a camera bigger than your head or a picture that is going somewhere besides Facebook, i.e- a yearbook, a license or an I.D. And since most of the students here at Staples are not internationally recognized supermodels, we could all use a little help.

So, here are three steps to taking a decent formal picture. (Coming from the person who has been looking for something like this for years. There have been a lot of retakes.)

Step One: Mentally prepare yourself for the picture.

It’s time to get your game face on. And by game face, I mean parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle/ second-great-aunt-once-removedwho-sends-you-cool-stuf f-forthe-holidays-approved smile. A good picture requires psychological preparation. You need to decide your approach to preparing yourself for the picture. These approaches include: The Befrienders — these are the people who make friends with the camera. Perhaps they pretend their friend is taking the picture.

This approach can be extremely successful, because, as Sofia Weinberg, ’15 says “The best [pictures] are just the ones friends take of you.”

The Poser — the ‘America’s Next Top Model’ approach to the classic posed photo, these people practice their pose for their picture until it is perfect and is executed with the “say cheese” of

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any human being. While this approach is nearly foolproof when performed properly, make sure your smile doesn’t seem plastic.

Regina George does not need to visit Staples.

The Magic Mike — this approach was originally created for people who have issues with public speaking but has carried into the photography world quite well. If you are someone who just gets shy with posed pictures, imagine the people around you are wearing only their undergarments. Or, ladies, just picture Channing Tatum standing next to you, and smile.

The Riskers — this approach is risky, obviously, but can work for an extremely relaxed person, too. Simply walk into the room,

smile, and hope for a good picture. Some of the best pictures are the ones with the least planning.

Step Two: Show off the best you.

When you’re having your picture taken, you want to present the best possible version of you.

This doesn’t mean going out and changing everything about yourself for the picture, so that when you hand your license to the officer, they don’t even believe you (if it’s finally a real I.D, do you really want it confiscated?); it simply means shining yourself up and making sure that you’re represented as well as possible. Make sure you feel completely comfortable in the clothes you’re in,

Step Three: Bring It Once you have fought the mind games, and battled it out with your closet and makeup, you have to know what you’re doing

as the picture is being taken.

You need to feel comfortable with what the photographer is asking. For example, if the photographer has increased your head tilting to a degree at which neck cramps are inevitable, maybe cut back a bit.

Try a simple pose within the picture, because I have yet to see someone pull off the “I’m a thug” arms-crossed pose without looking like they are trying to be on the cover of a Rap CD, not a yearbook.

Another excellent way to improve upon your photo is to ask the photographer if you can see it once the picture has been taken. This saves you from waiting four weeks to finally see 10 copies of the same awkward smile, printed out for your mom’s wallet. If the photographer allows you to see your pictures and you don’t like them, quickly ask them if they would allow you to retake your picture.

If they say no, you can always pray for retake day.

PHOTO BY NED HARDY ’13

A PICTURE’S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Athough some take their school pictures very seriously, others use this opportunity to have some fun. Below, a few students (and a movie character) represent the many that wear odd hairstyles, make funny faces, or change their style completely.

Ryan Kirshner ’13 wore her hair in a crazy up-do for picture day -- and she’s not the only one.

Anna Gerla ’12 was also creative for her senior picture, with a new hairstyle and a different smile.

The worst possible way to pose for a photo? “Just imagine you’re weightless, in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by tiny little seahorses.” (Photo from Fox Searchlight’s “Napoleon Dynamite”)

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Tips for a Successful 2012-2013 School Year

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t’s the start of another school year, and inevitably, some students will fail to recognize the unwritten rules of Staples High. More than a few juniors might inadvertently sink into an early stage of senioritis; a handful of freshmen might walk through the door high and mighty off their middle school graduation.

Here are some tips that every Staples student can follow to ensure a successful— and unembarrassing—school year.

Freshmen Welcome to high school.

You’ll find pretty quickly that Staples is a surprisingly welcoming environment.

You won’t get shoved into lockers or beaten with paddles like Chris Griffin in that episode of “Family Guy,” but there’s one thing you’ll certainly want to be conscious of over the next four years: hallway etiquette.

Learn it. Fast. Remember to walk on the right side of the hallway unless absolutely necessary, and avoid social gatherings in the middle of a busy passing time, or you’ll most likely get brutally taken down by a rushing teacher or an angry senior.

And although high school is just beginning for you, and college seems like light-years away, be sure to kick it off on a strong note. It might be dif-

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

ficult to foresee now, but a few semesters down the road, that little dip in your biology grade could come back to haunt you.

Above all, take it easy. I know from experience that members of the Staples community will really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and at home. Embrace the next four years—they go by quickly.

Sophomores Right now, there are two factions of sophomores: those who are taking a quiet sigh of relief from being at the bottom of the pack, and those who are riding on their high horse, now that they’re no longer freshmen. I strongly advise you to meet in the middle, and take this year in stride. That’s right,

you’re no longer freshmen, but you’re not quite upperclassmen. Sophomore year is basically a really weird year of dedicated hard work.

Take advantage of your awkward social standing and really learn the ins and outs of Staples. Find your comfort zone. The realization that high school is f leeting won’t come until June, so you’ll want to make the most of the year.

It pains me to say it (it really does), but the mantra you’ll want to keep in mind this year is, in essence, YOLO. Juniors You’ve been waiting for that acclaimed upperclassman status, and you’ve finally got it.

Congratulations! But you can’t shake the fact that junior year

has arrived, and it’s pretty momentous. Well, unfortunately, it’s upon you.

The realization that high school is fleeting won’t come until June, so you’ll want to make the most of the year.

Although it seems like you’re being sucked into a crazy vortex, be sure to keep a positive outlook for the year. It can be easy to succumb to the

dark side under the pressure of assignments, grades and standardized tests. Keep an open dialogue with your parents and your guidance counselor to make sure you’re on the right path. SATs and ACTs come up quicker than you think, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a firm handle on them before the end of the school year.

Keep your head up. Junior year’s tough, but you really can make the most of it.

Seniors Alright, class of 2013, this is it. We’ve made it to the home stretch. We’ve made it past the freshmen ghetto, through the awkward sophomore phase, and across the junior year finish line.

I can’t offer too much useful advice for the senior class since I am one myself, but on the suggestion of many past seniors, I can offer the clichéd tip of finding a way to relax.

Indeed, with the final smattering of standardized tests, the ever-creeping application deadlines and the burden of essays during first semester, it’s easy to stress out. But we’ve all made it through junior year, so it’s probably a good idea to continue using whatever (legal) de-stressing methods you might have developed last year.

Let’s make this the best senior class ever. We can certainly have a notorious senior prank and enjoyable senior year without embarrassing ourselves. Keep it classy, fellow 2013ers, and best of luck in this all-important year of life.

On the Beginning of School...

The start of a new school year in many ways is the same for me as it was when I was an elementary school student. Instead of making certain that my pencils and crayons are sharp and my backpack is new and stuffed with school sup-

“Silver Crown Award” for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2011 “Crown Newspaper Finalist” Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2011 First Place “All-American” from National Scholastic Press Association 2010-2011

All the opinions, news, and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings has a circulation of 1,800. The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Natioanal Schoalstic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center. All letters to the editor must be signed before they will be published.

The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit.

plies, I now have all my suits dry cleaned, buy a few new ties, and polish all of my shoes. The motivation is the same, however.

The first day of school is important and my role in the school (whether student or principal) is important.

If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, you must know that I really like Staples High School. Freshmen will soon find out why I enjoy coming to school each day and why I talk about our school to everyone I know every time I have the opportunity to do

Editors-in-Chief Rachel Guetta Ned Hardy Managing Editors Chloe Baker Ben Reiser Web Managing Editors Cheyenne Haslett Jordan Shenhar News Editors Danny Cooper Hannah Foley Will McDonald Jamie Wheeler-Roberts Opinions Editors Callie Ahlgrim Kate Beispel Katie Cion Erik Sommer

so. We are an exceptional school because you come to school each day wanting to learn. That may sound like a very simple statement but it is not. Because you are interested in learning, very bright, motivated, well educated teachers want to work here.

Once they become SHS teachers, they are able to share their knowledge and passion for their subject with you knowing that you appreciate what they have to offer. It is a collaborative relationship—teacher/learner—that, unfortunately, does not exist in

Features Editors Rachel Labarre Deanna Schreiber Julia Sharkey Haley Zeldes Arts & Entertainment Editors Greta Bjornson Sophia Hampton Claudia Landowne Sara Luttinger Sports Editors Molly Barecca Aaron Hendel Simon Stracher Bailey Valente Web News Editors Ryder Chasin Eliza Llewellyn Web Opinions Editors Bailey Ethier Eliza Yass

all high schools.

I have recently reviewed our CAPT scores, our Advanced Placement scores, and our PSAT/ SAT scores all of which indicate that you continue to excel as students. It is gratifying to know that the profound changes made in some social studies courses, for example, have moved us closure to our new model of teaching and learning while still providing you with the skills to be successful in those important standardized tests. It proves to me that we can focus on creativ-

Web Features Editors Sophie de Bruijn Chris Ramey Web Arts & Entertainment Editors Claire O’Halloran Caroline Rossi Web Sports Editors Sami Bautista Joe Greenwald Photography Editors Alex Greene Rose Propp Business Managers Ellie Mann Alex Spector Advisers Elizabeth Humphrey Julia McNamee Stephen Rexford

ity, critical thinking, and problem solving without diminishing the results on those tests which are important to adults not in the community who judge you and us in very public ways.

I hope you enjoy this new year and approach each day with optimism and enthusiasm.

Please help new students to Staples quickly learn about the culture of our school; that we are accepting of difference and have respect for one another whether we are adults or students.

Have a great year!

Correspondence and Subscriptions: Inklings 70 North Ave. Staples High School Westport, CT 06880 Phone: (203) 341–1994 Inklingsnews@gmail.com Printed on recycled paper

4 Back to School

Inklings /August 27, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

Olympic Village

Meet the New New teachers have arrived at Staples for the 2012-2013 school year.

Get to know our new Olympians.

hultz Kristin Sc

Joe Jelen

Luke Rosenb e

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Represen ting: Midd leville, Mic Training: h.

Western M ichigan Un sity iverEvent: Mu sic theory, ch oral music Warm-up song: “Geo rgia On My Mind” by R ay Charles Motivatio n: To create a better wo through mu rld sic.

Olympic D ream: 1,50 0 meter run

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onn. edding, C R : g in t en y College Repres Alleghen : g n i n i and 4A Tra man 3A r e by “Lili G : t n Eve Anything : g n o s up Warmsonal) ” n e it of (per le u r s r u Ma p e ion: Th Motivat e. ll Volleyba excellenc Dream: ic p m Oly

Amanda Parish

Westport, Conn.

Representing: o niversity of Chicag Training: The U Event: English ” by : “Sadly Beautiful Warm-up song ts The Replacemen I want ve teaching, and lo I n: io at iv Mot n. ca ly ell as I possib to do my job as w t en : 10k Track Ev Olympic Dream

, Conn. : Fairfield oly Cross g in t n e Repres e of the H g: Colleg in in a r T by nglish Maybe” Event: E song: “Call Me up Warme Jepsen a Carly R parents. ion: My t a hockey iv t o M am: Field e r D ic Olymp

Sarah Stanley

Representing: Milford, Conn.

Training: Central CT State University, Southern CT State University Event: Intensive Resource, Special Education Warm-up song: “Lucky” by Jason Mraz Motivation: Happiness.

Olympic Dream: Downhill Skiing

Mike Forgette

Representing: Milford, Conn.

Training: University of New Haven Event: Algebra II Warm-up song: “The Crowing” by Coheed and Cambria Motivation: To reflect on personal experiences in order to grow.

Olympic Dream: Sprinting

Representing: Silver Spring, Md. Training: University of Maryland Event: AP U.S. Gov., American Gov. Warm-up song: “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie Motivation: Leave the world better than I found it.

Olympic Dream: Swimming

Lili Yang

Represen ting: Shan ghai, China Training: Rhode Islan d School of Design Event: Chin ese Warm-up Song: “Qin Hua Ci” by Chou Jay Motivatio n: To see m y students b successful a e nd happy.

Olympic D ream: Gym nastics

Kemen Zaba la

Represen ting: Milfo rd, Conn.

Training: University of Connectic Event: Spa ut nish 1C, 4A , 5A Warm-up song: Anyth ing I can da to! nce Motivatio n: The need to always le something arn new Olympic D . ream: Fútb ol (Soccer)

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Inklings / August 27, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

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Team Members k nchbac Sara Pi

N.Y. uffalo, , Hunter Col B : g n i o t e n s e e s n Repre g: SUNY Ge n i yA n i a Tr Histor y S .

U , s ”b ic lege conom under Road E P A h : Event up song: “T t to ou wan y Warm ringsteen e g n Sp e cha Bruce tion: “Be th ndi a ha v Moti e world.”- G wing o h t R see in c Dream: i p Olym

Humphrey Wong

California Representing: of rkeley, University Training: UC Be of ol ’s Kennedy Scho Illinois, Harvard Government d Astronomy Event: Physics an : “Simple Gifts” by Warm-up song Aaron Copland have atching students Motivation: W ’t ings that they didn fun figuring out th t! anted to find ou even know they w : Archery Olympic Dream

Maura Delaney

Representing: Beverly, Mass.

Training: Quinnipiac University Event: Chemistry Warm-up song: “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney Motivation: To watch my students work hard and do well.

Olympic Dream: Beach volleyball

Tom Viviano

Representing: Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. Training: NYU, Fordham Event: School Psychologist Warm-up song: “Teenage Wildlife”

by David Bowie Motivation: Watching students experience success!

Olympic Dream: Badminton

Julie Heller

Represen ting: India na Training: Cameron U niversity, B nington Co enllege, Union College, an Plattsburgh d State Unive rsity Event: Eng lish Depart ment Chair Warm-up song: “Clo se to Me “ by T Cure he Motivatio n: To make the world a better each little day.

Olympic D ream: Div ing

Lev y Jessica

.Y. side, N ity n a e c ing: O nivers esent innipiac U II u Repr ra ing: Q Algeb g by Rascal Train Geometry, in t: Anyth Even -up song: Band. ke ces, li n Warm r Zac Brow st experien a o Flatts tion: My p a . r v i e t h 0m ac Mo rite te m: The 40 o v a f a e my r pic D Olym

Meg Nevi lle Rep r Trai esentin g: W ning Eve nt: F : Middle estport, Co bu re War m-u nch 3A ry Colle nn.

Beat ge p so le ng: The Mot s Cure i and and vation: The enjo T Olym ying t o never s h top l ep pic D earn ream rocess. ing : Soc cer

Sarah Gifford

Representing: Wilton, Conn.

Training: Southern CT State University.

Event: Physics Warm-up song: Varieties of music Motivation: A desire for happiness.

Olympic Dream: Pie eating contest

Dominick Messina

Representing: Smith town, N.Y. Training: Manhattan College and Stony Brook University Event: Chemistry Warm-up song: “Sym pathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Sto nes Motivation: To perfo rm tasks to the best of my ability.

Olympic Dream: W restling

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Back to School Inklings /August 27, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

Training with the Pros Staples Students Intern for Local Politicians JĔėĉĆē SčĊēčĆė ’13 Web Managing Editor

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atching television, seeking shade from broiling weather, and communicating via Facebook and Twitter are classic hallmarks of a typical Staples student’s summer. But for some intrepid kids in the Staples community, these routine activities are all in a day’s work— as volunteers for Congressional candidates.

“In the past three months I’ve been called a ‘Nazi,’ a ‘pansy leftist,’ and a ‘disgusting human being,’” said Eric Essagof ’12, “but the strangest call I had was a guy telling me that ‘a mushroom cloud was hanging over our heads,’ and the election didn’t matter to him.”

Instead of resting and relaxing over vacation, some students were volunteering their time for political candidates.

With an important election coming up in just a few months, several students worked for candidates running for the Senate and House of Representatives.

Different students performed a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, depending on the candidate they were working for.

Although Essagof graduated this past spring, he went on to be an intern for Rep. Jim Himes’ re-election campaign, where his primary duty was

making phone calls to independent voters in the district, as well as writing letters to the editors of local newspapers and publicizing the race on Twitter. However, there were always a variety of roles to fill and jobs to do.

“Every day brought a different assignment, whether it was delivering lawn signs or looking for local events for Himes to attend,” he said.

Kelly Cirillo ’13 played a similar role for Himes’ challenger, Westport businessman Steve Obsitnik.

“Typically, I would look over press releases, create walking routes to go door-knocking, and make phone calls,” she said.

Yet in spite of the hard work they that goes into running a campaign, Essagof and Cirillo both worked in very casual and stressfree environments.

“We were always having fun, from betting on how the health care decision would go down to cheering on the U.S. team during the Olympics when we were supposed to be campaigning,” said Essagof.

Cirillo also had high praise for the “laid-back atmosphere” at her office.

“Everyone on the campaign staff knew each other well, and we were able to play off one another. We would be able to joke at thesame time,” she said.the same time,” she said.

While Essagof and Cirillo worked on competing sides in

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’13

the U.S. House race, they both agreed that the most difficult aspect of their job was making phone calls to closed-minded voters.

“Many people will refuse to speak to you or even consider the candidate based on ingrained political ideologies,” said Cirillo.

Essagof added that “bizarre” phone calls could be just as difficult as angry ones.

While Himes and Obsitnik campaigned for the House seat, several students played a major

role in the campaign of Congressman Chris Murphy, who is running for the Senate seat vacated by the retiring Joe Lieberman.

Mike Holtz ’13, Jacob Meisel ’13, and Will Haskell ’14 all played a role in coordinating efforts for the Aug. 14 Democratic primary, which Murphy won in a landslide to propel himself into a general election battle with Republican nominee Linda McMahon.

According to Haskell, the three of them were put in charge

of recruiting volunteers and gathering support in Westport, Wilton, and Weston. They made hundreds of phone calls and went door-todoor to dozens of houses throughout the area, along with Amanda Horowitz ’14, Luke Foreman ’14, Sydney Robinson ’14, and Noah Johnson ‘14.

A relaxing summer? Perhaps not. It’s safe to say that reading on the beach and sipping iced tea took a backseat to working on the campaign trail.

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Inklings / August 27, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

Run Like the Wynne

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Staples Senior Places Second at Nationals ELIZA LLEWELLYN ’14 Web News Editor

H

enry Wynne ’13 knew that he would have to take his final exams. He was prepared for competing as the favorite in the FCIAC and

State track and field championships. He even penciled in a New England championship title along the way.

But coming in second in the nation in the mile? “Never the plan,” Wynne said.

Wynne earned all-American

honors after his second place finish in the mile run and 5th place finish in the Sprint fifth Relay (SMR) at the National Outdoor Track and Field championships on June 15 and 16.

Wynne clocked a 4:11.59 mile, a time fast enough to earn

the title of all-American, which is secured by the top six participants in each event.

“Anytime you have an athlete do that well, it’s a big deal,” said boys track coach Laddie Lawrence.

To qualify for Nationals, the students had to make certain times during their events during major competitions.

Wynne qualified for the mile competition during a state meet.

He was ranked eighth going into Nationals and ran in the faster of two heats, each with 12 runners.

Although Staples was not one of the highest seeds, Wynne lived up to his name, outrunning some tough competition. “Anytime you can get a better place than you’re seeded, it’s a good thing,” said Lawrence.

Although this marks Wynne’s third participation in Nationals, he received his strongest results this year. “How I did really set this time apart,” Wynne said. His time in the mile converts to a personal record in the 1600, which is the distance he usually runs.

But others were anticipating a strong mile time from Wynne.

“I knew Henry could run a great time,” said David Hoffman ’13, one of the anchors of the Sprint Medley Relay (SMR) team.

Lawrence also was expecting Wynne’s result. “I saw this coming,” said Lawrence. “As runners mature and develop more in training, you usually see big breakthroughs in junior and senior year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes another breakthrough t h i s year.”

During most of the race, Wynne stuck with the group of other runners. But with 400 me-

Henry Wynne

By The Numbers BEST MILE

4:11.59

BEST 800

(ROUGHLY HALF MILE)

1:53.23 BEST 5K

15:37 NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

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FCIAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

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PHOTO REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION OF STAPLESRUNNING.COM FRONTRUNNER: Wynne leads the pack on his way to winning the State Open Championship in the 1,600-meter run (9 meters short of a mile).

What could be more fun than sending people pictures that disappear in three seconds? #SnapChat

ters to go, Wynne broke away. “I was with a pack of six guys who could go just as fast, but I just ran harder,” said Wynne.

Lawrence expected a slightly faster mile time, in the range of 4:07 or 4:08. “[Wynne] has the tools to do that,” Lawrence said.

“He just got caught in a tactical race.” According to Lawrence, the pack of runners set a slightly slower pace. “They sat back, and there was a lot of jockeying around for position,” Lawrence said.

Prior to the 2011-2012 school year, Staples had earned eight All-Americans. In the 2011 winter season, the Indoor team earned four, with five more achieved in the June competition through Wynne’s mile and the SMR team, which consisted of David Hoffman ’13, Zach Mitchell ’12, Jon Heil ’12, and Wynne.

Wynne ran the SMR on Friday June 15, one day before participating in the mile run. “The competition was much better than at regular meets,” said Hoffman. However, Hoffman was unsurprised by the team’s 5th place finish due to their strong showing at the indoor nationals.

Behind the success is hard work and long hours clocked on the run. Wynne, who has been running since freshman year, averages about 25 miles per week during the school year and 40 per week during the summer. He also does weight training. “This year I was focused on doing well and made sure I worked hard,” Wynne said.

Wynne hopes to continue this year’s success at next year’s Nationals. “I want to focus on having a good overall season,” he said.

Lawrence also has a positive outlook for Wynne’s senior year.

“People always ask, ‘Who’s the best you’ve ever coached?’,” Lawrence said. “Right now, he’s one of the best I’ve had.”

Words with Friends?

More like Words with Random Strangers Because No One You Know Still Plays This Game.

EMMA MURO ’14 ELIZA YASS ’14

AND

Ryan Lochte: America’s newest Olympic sweetheart. Move over, Mr. Phelps.

Staff Writers This summer has been a time of change. It’s important to keep up what’s “hot”... and what’s “not.”

Don’t get left behind with old trends — we’ve got the new ones for you.

Sorry, Mike. It’s not you, it’s us. We’ve just fallen out of love with you. There’s a new swimmer in our life.

Dear Maxi Dresses, You had your moment.

But it’s over now.

Xoxo.

Ladies, the high-low dress gives you the best of both worlds: a short and long dress in one. Love it!

Everyone’s favorite show about a meth-cooking chemistry teacher in New Mexico.

Get with it, bro.

Jersey Shore is so last year... and the year before that, too.

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

E D I S N

The Wreckers

Pg. 7

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ports

Wynne Proves Himselff Among Nation’s Best

ALL OF THE LIGHTS: These steel behemoths stand at each end of the 20-yard lines, awaiting the call to light up the field—and it’s a real call. According to Head Coach Marce Petroccio, an iPhone app and the dial of a number flips the switch.

PHOTO BY NOEL BERRY ’13

After Decades of Dispute, Night Games Become a Reality WILL MCDONALD ’14 & RYDER CHASIN ’14 News Editor & Web News Editor hile all new transfers and rising freshmen will strengthen the Staples football program, four shine above the rest. But these rookies will introduce a new era in Wrecker sports history.

These hulking metal posts overlook the field, each one standing the better half of 100 feet high. Stationed atop each tower sit 12 lights, ready to provide the illuminating force for a football game under the hallowed Friday Night Lights.

“When you actually see them, it’s incredible,” said Head Coach Marce Petroccio. “We’ve waited a long, long time for this.”

This coming season will be Petroccio’s 20th coaching the Wreckers, and, as he puts it, the issue of the lights on the field has been around even longer than his tenure.

Athletic Director Marty Lisevick supports Petroccio’s claim, as he maintains that in his 13 years as athletic director there have been three efforts to try to bring lights to the field. Up until now, all efforts had failed.

“There was no way we were going to succeed until culture changed. People who were for lighting the fields are around now who weren’t around then,” Lisevick said. “No matter how many times you brought it up before, we were going to get shut down.”

It wasn’t until last year that the road to lighting was ultimately paved via a unanimous decision by the town’s Planning and Zoning Commision. The decision came on the heels of the school finally reaching an agreement with the residents of neighboring homes in the area who had long been opposed to the prospect of the bright lights and loud noises

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that Friday night games would entail.

According to Lisevick, the agreement stands as an “unlimited use” policy until 8 p.m. The only exception to this rule is if a “special event” is arranged beforehand which, Lisevick says, would be “a starttime at 7 o’clock and turning the lights off around 10.”

“I’ve already gotten requests for the event space, including things like a girls’ track fundraiser,” Lisevick said. “But what I’m focused on is taking ample advantage of the unlimited use. To get that passed in the first place was huge; now it’s time to use it.”

But these lights aren’t only for Staples’ teams. While football, girls’ and boys’ lacrosse, track, field hockey, and rugby will exploit the new system, so too will youth sports leagues in town. According to Lisevick, along with the potential for extended intramurals, four PAL double-headers are already scheduled to be using the lights.

“The opportunities that are being presented now to the kids here at Staples, as well as the kids here in town, are well overdue,” Lisevick said.

However, one team that is not jumping at the chance to book a game under the lights is the boys’ soccer team. According to Woog, this is due to three reasons.

“There are no soccer lines, it’s too narrow, and we have nice grass on the soccer field,” said Woog. “We put $90,000 worth of seeding into it. It’s our home.”

Along with the obstacle of the objecting neighbors, finances were also an issue. While “phase two,” as Lisevick calls it, has yet to garner the support needed to be executed—this phase would consist of revamping the concession stand and scoreboard—he says the lights themselves cost

around $300,000, money raised mostly privately by the team booster clubs.

To turn these lights on, according to Petroccio, the process is remarkably new-age: an app.

Petroccio says all it takes is the “press of a button and the dial of a number, and on they go.” Additionally, he says the lights come pre-set, meaning they should be “perfect” upon arrival.

Each of the four light banks,

tired, they’ve got homework to do.

Now, fortunately, we’re done with that.”

And, while practicing on the field is an innovation in itself, Petroccio accentuates another perk as a premier benefit.

“Before this, we couldn’t play a home game in the playoffs,” Petroccio said. “We’ve made the playoffs 10 of the last 11 years— home field advantage is a big advantage to own.”

FIRST GAME

Sept.

vs. St. Joe’s @ 7 p.m. according to Lisevick, consists of 12 lights, totalling 48 lights around the field. During games, all 48 will be on, and with “security lighting” only eight will burn, which will be on until 8 p.m. when there is no scheduled activity on the field.

However, according to Petroccio, possibly the most integral function of all is the “practice mode.” This setting will switch on half of the lights, illuminating the field enough to practice during daylight savings time.

According to Petroccio, in the past the team has come inside to use the fieldhouse to practice.

However, this would occasionally become unavailable, forcing the team to load onto buses and travel as far as New Canaan, Fairfield, or Wilton.

“It was a logistical nightmare,” Petroccio said. “By the time we got to practicing it was 5, we’re done by 8. The kids are

14

Since state playoff games are required to be played under the lights, the last home playoff game came in 2004 when Staples brought in portable lights. Before that, the last was 2002 when the ESPN GameDay lights were trucked in. Now with the permanent lights, according to Petroccio, every game will have a playoff atmosphere.

“I’m excited, and of course the team’s excited,” Petroccio said. “But really it’s the community that’s excited, too.”

This excitement spreading through the community is reason for Lisevick to believe that the estimated average game attendance of 1500 from last season could jump tremendously this year.

“Parents will be there now, kids can come at night after their own busy days,” Lisevick said.

“I think I can safely say we’ll get 50 percent more turnout than we generally draw.”

Co-president of Staples Superfans Andrew Felman ’14 follows suit with Lisevick’s train of thought, foreseeing more students to come help support.

“I think the night atmosphere will positively affect the fans,” Felman said. “It makes the game feel more professional and special as compared to a typical high school day game.

It allows fans more time to prepare for the game and to get excited.”

To Petroccio, even with the benefit of better practices and home field advantage for the playoffs, the spike in attendance could hold the greatest value of all.

“There is nothing quite like having a couple thousand people in the stands for the first game of the season. We really couldn’t ask for anything more,” Petroccio said. “If you can’t get excited about that then you’ve got to get your saliva checked.”

This first game falls on Sept. 14 against St. Joe’s, followed by a matchup against Bridgeport Central under the lights on Sept. 21, and followed again on Sept. 28 with a game against McMahon.

“When we come out that locker room door, it should be electric,” Petroccio said. “People are going to be there who have never seen Staples football before just because they’re excited to see this team out under the lights.”

And Petroccio is just as excited as the rest of these new fans.

“Saturdays were good, but the crowds weren’t quite what they should be,” Petroccio said.

“Friday nights give people something positive to do, and I couldn’t be more excited.”