Lindsey Murphy

2015 CSPress Publications Portfolio Lindsey Murphy

Self Analytical Evaluation This year was definitely very different than last year, because I have more responsibility. Last year was my first year on the staff, so most of my responsibilities simply included writing. I did edit a few pages, but they were very small pages and did not require as much work as the sports page does. Being placed as the sports editor brought on more leadership responsibilities and more stress than last year did.

Regarding actual production skills, I think that I did alright, but I could definitely improve upon my production skills. Over the course of the semester, I did work on my pages to get them done before and during production day. I tried to get to every production day, but was not able to because of some cross country meets. So that definitely hindered my production skills, because I was not able to get to production day to finish up and perfect my page all of the times. I am not the greatest at InDesign, but my skills definitely did improve over the course of the semester. I think that next semester, skills on InDesign is one thing that I need to work on the most production wise.

Deadlines are definitely my weakest area. I am a person who procrastinates, and works the best at the last minute. That may have worked as a writer, but it is so much harder to procrastinate as an editor. I still do procrastinate on writing my stories, which is probably not the best thing either. It caused problems for me in the December issue, because I was rushing until the last minute to complete my page. I did not finish it until right before it needed to be sent, and that caused me a lot more stress than was needed.

I think that I do have good journalism ethics and dedication to this publication. On my page and in all of my stories, I made sure that there were interviews and proper research. I made sure that every article was written

by the actual writer, and not plagiarized. For my stories personally, I made sure that I never made up interviews or any facts. On my opinion pieces, I made sure to look at both sides of the issue. I am dedicated to this paper, because I try my hardest to be at every production day, regardless of my cross country or work schedule. Also, when I missed production days, I went and picked up the newspaper to make up for missing.

The leadership aspect of this was new from last year, because I did not have a leadership role as a writer. Personally, I am a leader in other aspects of my life, so I am comfortable being in a leadership position. I like being a leader because you know all of the information and what is going on behind the scenes. That is really nice, because then you see the complete picture. Also, it is nice being a leader because the ball is in your court. By this I mean that you can control the way you want a page to look, what is going to be in the paper, and when you want the page to get done. It is nice to have the extra responsibility, but it is also very stressful having this extra responsibility. Another con is that you get penalized and have much more stress when writers do not get their stories done which seemed to happen quite often this first semester.

My leadership style is not very controlling or aggressive, I am more of a laid back leader who prefers to have friendship with those that I lead, rather than being seen as “controlling or scary.� In the past, this style has worked really well for me (such as the captain of the cross country team).

However, I have noticed that this did not work in this case; the writers did not get their things done. I think that next semester I am going to need to crack down on the writers, and be a tougher leader. At this point, it may be the only thing that works on these writers who have no apparent respect for deadlines and getting things done.

Reflection 1 I think that the spread that I like the best was the spread for the September issue. I like the design of the pages, as well as the stories that were on the pages.

With this spread, I wanted to highlight athletes and see what it was like being in different sports. I thought that was unique, because the sports pages usually just cover teams and athletic events. Seeing into the lives of different athletes in different sports was interesting and a new idea. Also, I liked the idea of having unique sports on the pages, such as the story about mounted shooting. This is a sport that not many people know about, and would not expect to see normally. I felt as if this spread was representative of many of the fall sports on campus.

This is because it highlighted a cross country runner, a volleyball player, a football player, and the swim team.

This piece was by no means easy to create, because of the day in the life article spread.

It was hard to figure out how to properly lay it out. also, some of the articles for that spread were difficult to fit, because they were not properly written, so I had to work on those articles as well. Adamson helped a lot, but in the end it turned out well, and I liked the way it looked. My favorite thing about this spread was definitely the day in the life part.

On the second page of this spread was the swim article. I really liked that spread, mostly because of the picture. I did not take the picture, but I liked my choice in picture, because it was interesting and different. I think including an image of a swimmer’s goggles falling off is so much more interesting than the typical swimming picture.

I was really happy that I incorporated the mounted shooting article into this spread. I liked the content of the article. Also, I really liked how it was a different look into the world of sports. Many people do not traditionally think mounted shooting when they think sports, and that is why this part of the spread was so interesting.

The job of a sports editor is to cover the traditional sports, but it is also their job to highlight athletes and show people things they did not know about the world of sports and being an athlete. I think that I accomplished that with this spread.

See this spread under the September Designs section.

Reflection 2

I think that the spread that could use some work is the spread for the December issue. The December issue was a very difficult issue for the sports page, and that set me back in creating the spread. A lot of the articles were unfinished, many were missing interviews, and some were simply not well written. And that was partially my fault. As an editor, it is my job to make sure all of the articles for my page are done correctly and up to standard. This issue I should have been pushing people more to get their things done, and editing articles more often along the way.

I learned that it is important to pay attention to your page even before you start to lay it out. I did not do that, and It got me into major trouble when it was time to start my page. I should have been closely watching and editing the stories for my page far before I was in order to avoid what happened in the December issue.

In the beginning, I literally had about one or two stories to place, and one picture. There was no way that I could create anything out of that. I did not end up fixing up the articles myself and placing more pictures until right before production day.

On production day, I started pretty much at square one, with hardly anything on my page. That is definitely not something that you want to do, considering production day is for touching up and finishing up your page, not competing the whole thing all at once.

Because of that, I ended up finishing my pages literally right before they had to be sent to the printer. This caused me a lot of stress that could have easily been avoided if I had checked up on all of the articles earlier. I also think that if I had done things earlier, I would have had a better looking page.

Overall, the spread was not awful, it was just not particularly as good as it could have been. I am proud that I was able to pull it all together in such a short amount of time, but annoyed at myself for putting me in that situation in the first place.

To improve later spreads, I will use this experience. It was a bad experience having to piece it all together at the last second, but a good learning experience that will remind me to never wait and never neglect paying attention to my articles for my page again.

See this spread under December designs

Reflection 3

Honestly, I do not consider myself much of a photographer. I feel as if my skills are much better in different areas, and there are others in the class who can produce much more quality photos for the paper than I could.

Which is good, because we want the best photos possible for the paper.

I did not take any photos this semester because of that.

I see myself as more of a writer, but I should probably take a photo or two next semester for the experience and practice. I should not limit myself to just being a writer, so I will work on that next semester.

Because I did not take a photo this semester, this is a photo I took when I was on the staff last year. It was a photo at one of the boys varsity soccer games.

Sports photography is not simple to shoot, and that was why I thought it was one of the best photographs that I have taken.

I really like the picture that I took of Jake Seaton and Ryan Clary hugging after Ryan scored a goal. To me, this photo shows a lot of emotion. Emotion is a good thing in photography, because it makes the viewer connect more with the photo, and feel more about the photo. The subjects are doing something interesting, instead of simply standing around or smiling at the camera, which is also a good thing.

Reflection 4

I think that I was a pretty good asset to the staff this semester. As an editor, it is extremely important to contribute to the paper, because editors are the ones who lay out the stories, get the stories finished, and make sure that everything is good enough for publication.

Because of sports and work, it was hard for me to get to and stay at some of the production days.

Although I cannot control the meet schedule and my work schedule, it was still upsetting to have to miss some production days. For the days that I knew I would miss, I tried my best to get as much of my pages done before, because I do not like it when other people have to do my work for me.

Also, to make up for production days, I went and picked up the paper several times. Picking up the paper was a way for me to contribute further and make sure that we got the paper on time to hand it out.

As I have become an editor who knows more about the production of the paper and what is necessary to get the paper out, I realized how important this production is to me. I want the best for the newspaper, and I am willing to spend extra time and have some stress in order to make this paper the best it could be . I think that also is a way in which I am an asset to this publication.

4

This semester, I think that the greatest problems and hardships that many of the editors faced was the quality of the stories that they received, or the fact that we just did not get many of our stories.

Personally, I faced problems with procrastination (it seems like I always have procrastination issues, and they definitely cause me more stress than is necessary in my life).

I think that I learned a lot from not receiving stories for my page. I learned that as a leader, I need to be more assertive about getting the writers to work on their stories for my page. I led in a manner where I reminded occasionally, and expected people to get their things done.

Next semester, I think that I need to really push people more, and remind them of

their stories more often. I cannot always be everybody’s friend and just settle for people not doing what is expected for my page. Next semester, I am going to be more focused on editing the articles for my page and reminding people to fix their articles if they need to be fixed.

Overall, I think I handled the situation with missing or incomplete stories fairly well. I did not yell at or act rude to any of the writers, I simply reminded them of what they needed to do. And if what needed to get done did not, I took things into my own hands and just got them done myself. I made sure that things somehow got done in the end, and managed to stay fairly calm about the whole situation.

My greatest weakness, as it has always been for every single class, is procras-

Reflection 5

tination. I have always been the type of person who can do something at the last minute and still get a good grade or good result, but that is not the case with newspaper. You cannot get a perfect and award winning paper by doing things at the last minute like I am so used to doing.

To overcome this weakness, I could create a calendar and a timeline of dates that I need to get things done. I could make myself a set schedule with specific days that I have to have things done by. I will start using a planner next semester instead of cramming due dates into my head and trying to remember them all. I will also get things done a few days before they are actually due so there is no last minute pressure to get things done.

Designs

September Designs

A day in the life

Three athletes reveal how they power through their busy days

SPORTS

4NICOLE NERI

Antonio Marchica,

a varsity football captain and running back, starts most days in the weight room at 6:15 a.m. to begin conditioning. As captain, Marchica is seen as a leader.

“The morale of the team is dependent on the captains as we are the ones who set the example for all the other players on the team," said Marchica.

Marchica said that it can be tiring waking up early, but the weight lifting prepares him for the day. The work does not end in the weight room.

After school, the team convenes in the locker room to discuss plays and

Max Solberg,

strategies. Once the meeting is over, the players suit up and hit the field to begin practice. With different exercises and drills catering to each of the positions on the team.As a running back, Marchica focuses on the skills he needs most.

"At this point the level of intensity at practice gets turned up a notch as everyone is told to sprint to their position-specific stations," said Marchica.

The players are expected to be on top of every drill and play during practice as well as in games.

Near the end of practice, the team is divided into the offense and defense to scrimmage.

Balancing football and his academics comes easy to Marchica as he has been involved in athletics since grade school. As well as studies, football can also affect dietary habits. Even though the football team does not follow a strict diet, they are encouraged to eat often so they have enough energy for practices and games.

Marchica said that the team is “very close.” Some of the members have been playing together since they were kids on the Pop Warner youth football team. Football enhances Marchica’s social life as he has met many new people through football who he now considers family.

U KIERA REILY

Corrine Querrey

a junior runs about 40 miles a week.

Solberg joined the cross country team because he loves the freedom of running and the whole aspect of the team.

“Before practice I run about one to two miles as my warm up. With the crazy meets and practice hours of 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., five days a week Solberg has definitely learned to manage it better since freshman year.

The meets and practices can be very stressful, especially with the burden of schoolwork. Solberg likes to do an hour’s worth before practice and finish up the rest at home. “I try to get it done as soon as I can, I’m never really up past 9 p.m.”

His daily habits such as his diet and sleep schedule have changed since joining the team. Solberg tries to no longer eat junk food and cuts most of it out with his daily meals. Solberg says he also only tries to stick with water and milk.

Although Solberg said he is not very superstitious himself, the team does have some pre-race rituals. The team meets on Fridays before the football games to have a family dinner. One of the most common meals they eat is pasta with caesar salad.

“The team is such a great experience and it’s like one big family, well worth something to enjoy.” Solberg went on to say that even if you are not in the best shape or the fastest runner, you will not start by running 5Ks. “Go for it! Everyone has to start somewhere and you can only get better,” said Solberg.

4NICOLE NERI

U BECKY MEJIA

, a senior defensive specialist on the varsity volleyball team, is in her first year playing varsity, but she has been playing volleyball since the sixth grade.

“We are an energetic team with a great coach,” Querrey said.

The team is made up of fourteen girls, coached by Zach Davis. They have a lot of spirit, partially because of some of the rituals they do to prepare to take the court. Davis encourages the team to focus, communicate, and go after every ball so the team does not fall short of the goals he has set for them.

“Sometimes we get into a big circle and dance so we can get everybody going,” said Querrey.

Some of the team’s closest matches were against Notre Dame, and the team will be going up against them again this year.

In addition to volleyball, Querrey also does track and field, and then basketball in the winter. Basketball is her “favorite sport out of them all.”

Outside of school, Querrey volunteers for the Cave Creek Fiesta Days Rodeo, and tutors for various different clubs and helps out other sports team in any way she can.

SPORTS

OOPS, a

U DEVAN WILLIAMS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 13

Pooling resources

Long evening hours demand dedication from swim team members. Practice start with a bus ride at six.

C

By Annalee Barnett

SPORTS

Blazing saddles

W

ITH guns blazing and horses galloping, Mounted Shooters compete at Ben Avery Shooting Range, all hoping for a prize and to get the fastest time.

Competitors ride their horses in a specific pattern, and try to shoot balloons with guns while they ride as quickly as they can. The winner is the horseback rider who has the fastest time in their class, which ranges from one to six, with the levels divided by gender. Riders in Level One are the newest to the sport, and riders in Level Six are the most experienced. Being divided by class means that there are twelve winners, with everyone competing against their own class for first prize.

While the levels are separated by gender, there are overall prizes for the fastest riders in the entire competition, and large checks are given to the winners. Teal Henkel, an ex-mounted shooter, enjoys the sport despite the competitive edge.

"Everyone supports everyone else. It's a bit like riders in the entire competition, and large a large family, and, even though it's a competitive checks are given to the winners. Teal WITH GUNS sport, it feelsBLAZING like a team AND sport most of the time."

Henkel, an ex-mounted shooter, enjoys horses saidgalloping, Henkel. Mounted Shooters the sport despite the competitive edge.

This is a big reason compete atsupportive Ben Avery environment Shooting Range, "Everyone supports everyone else. It's peoplefor areaso drawn and there are all hoping prize andto tothe getsport, the fasta bit like a large family, and, even though several local families who participate in mounted est time. it's a competitive sport, it feels like a team shooting. ride their horses in a speCompetitors sport most of the time." said Henkel.

Peopleand whotry aretonot drawn to the environment cific pattern, shoot balloons This supportive environment is a big drawn tothey the exhilarating activity withare guns while ride as quickly as itself. reason people are so drawn to the sport, Because the sport is all about shooting balloons they can.

The winner is the horseback and there are several local families who fast pace, practice riderwith whoguns has at theafastest time in theiris necessary in participate in mounted shooting. order to participate safely. class, which ranges from one to six, with People who are not drawn to the envi"It's divided definitely Anything with guns is, the levels bydangerous. gender. Riders in ronment are drawn to the exhilarating but theare people who doto it the usually know Level One the newest sport, and what they're activity itself. doing.

It definitely hasmost it's risks, though." Jim riders in Level Six are the experiBecause the sport is all about shooting Frantz, andivided observer the sport forthat many years, enced.

Being byof class means balloons with guns at a fast pace, pracsaid. there are twelve winners, with everyone tice is necessary in order to participate Days against of practice intoclass one shoot, and the ridcompeting theirgo own for safely. are not the only ones who need training. Many firsters prize.

"It's definitely dangerous. Anything with horses afraid gunfire, so While theare levels areof separated byweeks gen- of trainguns is, but the people who do it usually areare needed inprizes order for a horse to become a der, ing there overall the fastest know what they're doing. It definitely has mounted shooting horse.

While riders are a large part of mounted shooting, the horses are just as important, and bring even more thrill to the sport. Many spectators are blown away at the speed and agility of the horses, as well as the skill and control of the riders. A poorly behaved horse could potentially ruin an entire run for a mounted shooter, and anyone that completes a run in over 60 seconds can be assured a low ranking in the leaderboard.

Many people specialize in working with horses used in mounted shooting and getting them prepared for competitions. These trainers often hold clinics for mounted shooters, where they give advice and training to the ones willing to pay a small fee.

Hattie Henkel, a sophomore at Chaparral, has been around horses her entire life.

“Every horse is different. Some horses aren’t made for Mounted Shooting.” said Hattie.

The methods for training horses vary for each person, but the end goal is the same: to have a well trained and safe, fast horse.

Right now, Mounted Shooters are preparing for the world’s competition, which will take place on October 13 in Texas. Until then, shooters use local competitions as practice, and work to climb up levels while waiting eagerly for the upcoming event.

in

the

it's risks, though." Jim Frantz, an observer of the sport for many years, said.

Days of practice go into one shoot, and the riders are not the only ones who need training. Many horses are afraid of gunfire, so weeks of training are needed in order for a horse to become a mounted shooting horse.

While riders are a large part of mounted shooting, the horses are just as important, and bring even more thrill to the sport. Many spectators are blown away at the speed and agility of the horses, as well as the skill and control of the riders.

A poorly behaved horse could potentially ruin an entire run for a mounted shooter, and anyone that completes a run in over 60 seconds can be assured a low ranking in the leader board.

Many people specialize in working with horses used in mounted shooting and getting them prepared for competi-

U KATELYN REINHART

U KATELYN REINHART 4 KATELYN REINHART THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

ACTUS Shadows swim team is ready to dive back into the action with new swimmers, advanced strategies, and a renewed spirit this fall of 2015.

The coach of both the boys and girls swim teams, Sonoran Trails teacher Eric Niebch, is working hard to take the team to the very top. Although Neibch is the only coach, he manages to keep both the boys and girls team functioning.

“It's a challenge, but this team is great, so it's actually made this season pretty great. It’s a challenge

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 15

to get everything done, dryland, workouts together,” said Neibch.

“He’s really dedicated to the team and I can tell he’s really passionate about it,” said Ashley Biondo, a senior team captain.

From the amount of hours the swimmers put into their sport in order to have a good season, the team has to be supportive.

The swimmers meet at the school at 6 p.m. and then the bus takes them to their practice swimming pool at Cactus Pool. The swim team then does dry land from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

“The pool is near this park, so we run around it and we do push ups,” said Biondo.

After dry land exercises, comes

the actual swimming, which takes place from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Finally, after their practice is over, the swimmers can shower and get back onto the bus to go home at 9:15 p.m.

The swim team takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but, according to team captain Biondo, there are many perks.

“Before every meet, we’ll all sing the song ‘Afternoon Delights’,” said Biondo.

The team also will get together for an occasional pasta party for carb buildup. “Everyone is really supportive of each other,” said Biondo.

Although they are very close, there is always competition from

within.

Throughout the season, the swimmers are competing against one another for varsity spots, and if not varsity, then junior varsity.

However, varsity is always the more popular spot. To get their desired position on the team, the swimmers gain points depending on how they perform at meets. At the end of the season, positions are given out and hard work is paid off.

Every swimmer has been working towards the first swim meet, which was on September 3. “We always take several swimmers to the state meet every year” said Biondo.

“We got third in the region for

4NICOLE NERI

both boys and girls in 2006”, said Neibch.

Sophomore varsity swimmer Kailee McKeon was on the team her freshman year and is on it again this year. “How much fun it is,” said Mckeon after being asked what she loved most about the team.

However, she does not like how there is no specific uniform suit.

The swimmers are expected to find their own blue suit for meets.

Mckeon remembers her freshman experience on the team as a welcoming one.

“They [the swimmers] were really nice. They really - after the first meet was over, we all became one team.”

WHEN IT COMES TO FITNESS, ALL SPORTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

By Lauren Haggar

tions. These trainers often hold clinics for mounted shooters, where they give advice and training to the ones willing to pay a small fee.

Hattie Henkel, a sophomore, has been around horses her entire life.

“Every horse is different. Some horses aren’t made for Mounted Shooting.” said Hattie.

The methods for training horses vary for each person, but the end goal is the same: to have a well trained and safe, fast horse.

Right now, Mounted Shooters are preparing for the world’s competition, which will take place on October 13 in Texas.

Until then, shooters use local competitions as practice, and work to climb up levels while waiting eagerly for the upcoming event.

§ staff writer

goggle malfunction fails to slow down Sara Jay as she swims the breaststroke in the 200 medley relay. In this meet, the swim and dive team beat Raymond Kellis High School.

§ staff writer

Sports provide many outlets and benefits. Students who are looking for certain health benefits should aim to join a sport which matches their fitness goals.

To maintain a level of overall fitness, Tandehl Collentine, a health teacher, recommends choosing a sport that covers a variety of areas.

“All sports are great because they work on something different, but if you are looking at wanting to hit all the different five areas like cardio respiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance and those things you want sports that are a little bit higher impact.

So your cross country, your track, 14 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

basketball, volleyball, and football; they’re gonna be ones that hit all those areas,” said Collentine.

When it comes to sports that are primarily good for muscle endurance, Collentine recommends a strength training class to improve general muscle throughout the body.

Swimming is also a great way to build strength because it uses a lot of muscles in the body, and burns a lot of calories.

When swimming, the average weight loss is three calories per mile per pound of body weight. Not only that, but swimming is proven to help loosen muscles and have a calming affect on them.

Track, which Collentine coaches, provides athletes with stronger legs muscles. Similarly volleyball creates muscular legs and arms. “I play volleyball because it is really fun and I believe that it makes me more fit and keeps me healthy” said Lauren Lockett, a member of the freshman volleyball team.

Students looking to lose weight should participate in sports that help shed body fat such as wrestling, track, volleyball and basketball. Basketball is a very active game and consists of lots of running, which works the lower body, and passing and shooting which works the upper body. When playing a full court game of basketball the aver-

age person who weighs 130 pounds will burn 496 calories, and likewise if their weight is 180 pounds then 687 calories will be burned.

“Volleyball would help your weight loss because you are obviously working out by moving all around so could definitely lose weight from that,” said Olivia Cristante, freshman volleyball team When it comes to toning your body there are three main sports that will help, which are also offered at our school.

Those sports consist of dance, pom, and cheer. “I love the dance for the toning and the flexibility, likewise dance and cheer and pom, those are amazing things,” said

Collentine.

The average 125 pound person will burn 180 calories when participating in “fast dancing” for only 30 minutes.

Not only can dance help burn calories, but it also helps to achieve a toned stomach and legs.

Cardio health is a big part of a healthy fitness program. Cardio health can be increased by anything such as jump roping, basketball, running, and even yoga.

“Cross country provides me with a better cardio workout which helps me in other sports that I play such as basketball,” said Brandon Holmes, a member of the cross country team .

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

October Designs

SPORTS

Girls gone golfing With the state tournament quickly approaching, Sara Windom gets the scoop on the number three ranked girls golf team.

By Sara Windom

§ staff writer

KEEPING YOURSELF UP TO PAR

As students scramble to find ways to decompress after school, the golf players have found a way to do just that.

Golf has multiple benefits, the most obvious being the exercise a golfer gets walking the course.

"When you are playing, you walk five miles which means you can get in pretty good shape. The [golf] bags are 15 pounds," said Mark O'Bryan, the coach of the girls golf team. According to healthfitnessrevolution. org golfers burn up to 1000 calories on average in a single game.

Golf can also reduce stress. Playing golf with friends and being in an outdoor setting can help one decompress after a long day. "When you play golf, you focus on the next shot and can forget about all the stress and anything outside of school," said Rebecca Meils, a junior.

T

Another good thing about golf is that it can be played forever. "My father still plays and he's 76 years old," said O'Bryan. This way, the benefits of golf can continue beyond high school and can keep you in shape even when you are old.

Golfing greatly improves hand-eye coordination.

Hand eye coordination is essential for golfers to hit a good shot and with more practice, they can make it greater.

Golfing is a low risk injury sport because it is not a contact sport, so players can avoid any pain. Golf is a sport of coordination and strategy, but still provides enough physical activity to keep muscles engaged.

The most common injury in golf is a wrist injury, which is almost always due to overuse or incorrect technique. But if a golfer uses the right equipment and makes sure to not play every day, they are in no danger of injury.

"I really think golf is the best sport there is. It's great for your health and it can help you a lot with relaxing after school or work or whatever," said senior Gabby Griffin.

U ANDREA KITSON 18 ■ OCTOBER 16, 2015

NIKKI LARSON, A SOPHOMORE, hits her ball

out of the sand trap during a team practice at the Terravita Golf Club. Larson has been on the team for two years, and says that her favorite part of being on the team is “how close the whole team is, and how supportive we all are for each other.”

4 ANNALEE BARNETT

HE GIRLS GOLF team is undefeated and maintaining their ranking of fourth in the state by practicing solo, and sometimes against other more experienced schools.

The golf team has managed their ranking thanks to Coach Mark O’Bryan. "What I do, is I start calling up coaches with teams that are really good, so they'll get more competition," said O’Bryan, "because the teams in our division have way less experience."

Since Cactus Shadows is a smaller school, the golf team does not play the bigger schools, such as Chaparral or Horizon this year. There is only one senior on the team, so many of the top players are underclassmen, such as Lauren Churchill, a sophomore.

During games, “They usually only play nine holes because of time,” said O’Bryan.

“We usually find other tournaments for them to play with eighteen holes.”

This year, there are so many girls on the team, that they do not all play the same games on the same days. The coaches determine who plays in the game based on how they perform at practice. The only other factor is their overall ranking and scores in golf. This isn’t always the case, however, “Sometimes we run girls in and out so everyone can participate,” O’Bryan said. Other factors include grades. If someone on the team does not have a 2.0 or above GPA, they will not be able to participate.

The golf team accepts players anywhere from beginners to experts. The team has a total of 14 people on the team this year.

Like anything, there are ups and downs to the large amount of teammates. “It’s hard to manage 14 people, but it’s good because it makes people want to practice more,” O’Bryan said.

Kamryn Kadotani, a sophomore on the team said, “I think I’d prefer it with less girls. There would be more one on one instruction with the coaches, it’s harder with 14 girls.”

To keep improving, the girls golf team practices Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rancho Manana golf course. Jacob Goulder, the assistant coach, described the typical practice, which consists of, “The girls start off on the driving range, hit some golf balls, get loose, and then we send them to the course.”

Kadotani said, “No drills, we just go to the range and putt. It’s really fun.”

Practices are intended to be enjoyable.

“Their goals are two things: have fun and get experience when they first start.” Said O’Bryan.

At the end of the fall sport season, the girls’ talents get recognition. Tori Auer, a sophomore on the varsity team, said, “They do individual awards, but you don’t actually win a medal or anything.”

The varsity team has several home games this year, including a tournament against Arcadia on October 21.

SPORTS

Popular on the East Coast for years, it now seems that ...

Lacrosse gaining ground in AZ

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

WITH PARTICIPATION IN LACROSSE ON THE rise in Arizona and across the United States, some students are wondering why Cactus Shadows lacks an official team of its own.

According to the National Governing Body of Lacrosse headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, a survey revealed that lacrosse has experienced a participation boom over the past five years among the National Federation of State High School Association, as well as schools that are not a part of the association.

“Any of the sports that come through or are dealt with at the high school level, through this office, are AIA sanctioned activities,” said Mike Siwek, the athletic director. “In order for us to add a sport, it would have to be sanctioned at the AIA level.”

While lacrosse is not approved by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) for Cactus Shadows, other athletic activities on campus take the form of clubs, such as hockey and mountain biking.

Even if lacrosse is not sanctioned by the association, it could still be considered an extracurricular sport.

There are multiple programs that serve as outside of school options for lacrosse, such as the Arizona Lacrosse League. Other high schools in Arizona offer the sport as well.

“If the school had a lacrosse team, I would consider trying out,” said Lauren Haggar, a sophomore and former lacrosse player.

One of the concerns of adding another sport is whether or not the team would be taken serious. “I think you don’t know if you don't try,” said Cat Pierce a senior on the varsity softball team.. “It depends on the kids who join the team.”

“At this point, hockey and mountain bike are clubs, because they aren't AIA sports yet,” said Siwek. “So that’s what would have to happen. And then the question would be: Is there a coach? What could we charge?

How could we facilitate it? When would the season be,

and those other pieces, but those questions would be answered then.”

In regards to financial support of a new sport for the school, it would rely heavily on students paying it forward. “All sports are self-funding. So, we’ll help different sports at different times with some of the funds, but for the most part, it’s the pay to participate funds that are used for everything that we can do,” said Siwek.

Siwek also noted that the more opportunities students have, the better, and that the school would benefit from sports that are well organized. He went on to state that lacrosse is a different sport, but a good one. Haggar commented that one of the best experiences of lacrosse was being part of a team. “[Lacrosse] falls into the category of: the kids that are involved in football, that’s their niche, that’s their thing, that’s what they love to do. So, it’s a good thing from that standpoint,” commented Siwek.

Interest in the sport does not stop at high school students.

Younger generations have taken to lacrosse.“My nephews play, and enjoy it,” said Siwek. “We’ve gone to the coast to watch them play. It’s a fun sport. It’s interesting; it’s just different.”

“I think students would go to games if there were students active in the sport,” said Haggar. Whether or not other students would support a new short on campus has yet to be decided.

With the recent surge in participation, lacrosse is on a path to popularity among youth athletics programs.

Lacrosse offered as a sport at the school would present student athletes with another option to choose from, especially for those who enjoy various other sports in their off season.

The same study revealed that, in the past five years, the number of schools sponsoring boys’ lacrosse has increased by 34.2 percent. In the case of girls’ lacrosse sponsorship, the number of schools has increased 36.2 percent. Lacrosse continues a gradual climb up the ranks of popular sports among both adults and youth.

U ELAINA ROVENSTINE THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

AND KATE FINEGAN

4 KALEY DODD IN A PRACTICE FOR HER CLUB LACORSSE TEAM DESERT HEAT Jaylin Johnson, a junior, cradles the ball. Johnson has

been playing lacrosse for three years. She says that her favorite thing about the sport is “being able to be a little more physical than most other sports”

FOR SOME ATHLETES, THERE IS NO OFF SEASON

By Ryan Heiliger

§ staff writer

Student athletes train hard during their sports seasons, but more and more coaches are pushing their players in the off season as well. Whether it is cross country, basketball, track and field, baseball, or football, the coaches are taking training a step up this year.

Athletes are putting in work on the track, in the weight room, or in the gymnasium.

“Cross country training helps build a base endurance, where track helps with strength,” said Peter Magtibay, a junior as well as a varsity cross country and track athlete. During the months of June and July, cross country athletes, whether junior varsity or varsity, arrived at the school at 6:30 in the morning. These athletes trained on the same courses used during the season, running an average of 2-9 miles each day. “By the time the actual season comes around, we’re not starting from the bottom, we’re

already here,” said Magtibay.

Baseball players are frequently seen on the fields 2-3 times a week.

“We usually have training days where we work on the little things in baseball and become closer as a team,” said Ben Rodenburg, senior and varsity baseball player. Coaches work one on one with the players as well, helping with their conditioning and mechanics. Although baseball season is not until spring, the boys are working at becoming a better team as early as they can.

Girls and boys basketball both have summer leagues and training as well. “We have weight training Mondays and Wednesdays and open gym Tuesdays and Thursdays,” said Corinne Querrey, a senior. Boys’ basketball is on the track 2-3 times a week in the off season running bleachers or laps. During the summer, both basketball programs participate in summer leagues and tournaments to keep players skilled and

in shape.

“Our off season starts usually after Thanksgiving, and then from there we go all the way through the spring and summer with lifting activities as well as passing leagues in the summer and summer camp,” said Mike Hudnutt, football head coach.

Football players arrive to school around 6 a.m. on most summer days to complete strength activities and various drills. Football players train virtually year round, with little to no breaks in order to stay in playing shape.

Training in the off season is expected to help tremendously with athletes performances, according to coaches. Most sports are considered year round by athletes as of now. Cactus shadows coaches are doing all that they can to make their teams successful. With the commitment and hunger for success shown by athletes and coaches, there really is no off season.

OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 19

November Designs

SPORTS

Hockey remains undefeated PILING INTO A 25 DEGREE STADIUM FOR TWO hours while watching a tiny piece of plastic slide across ice does not exactly seem like an ideal way to spend the weekend, but the hockey team brings in 40-50 students every game by doing just that.

The hockey team plays at the Ice Den primarily on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays anywhere from 6 to 9 p.m. The frozen falcons have not lost a single game this season.

“Our team is a lot better than our opponents, based off of pure talent in general,” said Mitchell Liams, first year coach and Cactus Shadows hockey alumni.

Although the hockey team plays under the name Cactus Shadows, it is actually composed of students from Sunnyslope and Thunderbird as well, creating a club team atmosphere. “Our team motto is ‘boys will be boys’,” said Jordan Behm, a junior on the hockey team.

Schools such as Notre Dame and Chaparral are considered to be the team’s rivals, but have not beaten the hockey team this year.

Connor Hansen proves to be a strong goalie for the team, despite only being a sophomore. The other starting goalie also has a unique characteristic; she is a girl named Jordan NashBoulden. The combined skills of Boulden and Hansen contribute to the hockey team’s huge success this season.

Students have given nothing but positive feedback about the hockey team. Due to their success, the team attracts dozens of students from all grades each game. “I dedicated myself during game one of pre season hockey to start chants, get hype, and get the crowd involved in the game,” said Dawson Ketchum, a junior. “My goal is to let the boys on the ice know the road to state will be legendary.”

Students like Ketchum lead the nest in order to excite and motivate the hockey team as well as the fans.

This year is the first year that Cactus Shadows hockey has been as popular as it is. Some major contributors are the “leaders” of the hockey student section such as Dawson Ketchum and Aaron Cohn, both juniors. Another factor is the atmosphere and energy of the sport. As well as those reasons, the hockey games are free of charge and serve a variety of food.

The hockey team as well as the coaches all expect success in the future. “We are definitely going for a state championship, anything less than that is almost a failure for the team,” said Liams.

DE

AFTER DEFEATING CHAPAR-

RAL, the Falcons became the only undefeated team in division three. As one of the top three scorers on the team, junior Jordan Behm contributes to this winning record. For more information and updates on the hockey team, follow @CSHSHockey on Twitter.

4EMILY WATKINS

URYAN HEILIGER LINDSEY MURPHY

COLLEGE ATHLETES DON’T NEED ANY MORE COMPENSATION

I

T is clear that athletes at the college level work

I love watching college sports as much as the next person, but the fact is that these players are student athletes, who are in college to learn.

incredibly hard, and dedicate a large amount of time and energy to their sport. Collegiate athletic events, namely men’s basketball and football, are watched on television by a wide range of Americans, and draw in millions upon millions of dollars. With this national popularity and huge amount of funds, some athletes and others have started to believe that college athletes should be paid. However, there is no reason for college athletes to receive payment for playing.

These athletes have already gotten an incredible amount of money handed over to them. Many of the players, especially those at large division one schools have had their entire tuition paid for on an athletic scholarship. That sounds exactly like payment, if you ask me. Millions of students across America struggle immensely to pay off the cost of college, and the cost can sometimes even be enough to keep students out of college. While others may not get the money for college, these ath-

letes get their education paid for, or at least a large portion of it. They are getting an extremely expensive education paid for by getting to play a sport that they have worked hard in and love to play. Is that not enough compensation in itself?

Also, the purpose of college is to learn, to advance yourself, and set yourself up for a successful future.

If athletes in college were to get paid, that would make them athlete students, not student athletes.

I love watching college sports as much as the next person, but the fact is that these players are student athletes, who are in college to learn. The only difference is that they have the special and rare opportunity to be an athlete in addition to being a student, which is not something that most people can say they did.

Another way in which college players get compensation that people may not notice is through publicity. According to the NCAA, the March Madness basketball tournament in 2015 drew in 11.3 million viewers. According to ESPN, college football

playoffs draw 28 million viewers. That is an incredible amount of people tuning in to watch these men play. With that much media buzz, professional players and coaches of professional athletic teams are bound to see the names of some of these collegiate players.

In the end, putting these games on television is helping these players get noticed, and may even be drafted to play at a professional level.

Some may say that the lack of payment is unfair, because the NCAA is only profiting from these televised games, even though the athletes are the ones drawing the viewers.

This is not completely true, because the NCAA has to use funds to generate ads that drum up more viewership for these players. In addition to that, the players are getting to use state of the art athletic equipment and athletic trainers, all while getting media attention, fame, and a free or very cheap college tuition. If that sounds like a bad deal, then that is a bad deal that I definitely want to be a part of.

22 ■ NOVEMBER 13, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS ATHLETIC TRAINER Jason Erickson tapes up the wrist of an injured athlete. This is Erickson’s first year as the athletic trainer. 4ERIKA RICHWAGEN

TRAINER TAPES UP TROUBLES

CAPTIONS

By KATELYN REINHART

§staff writer

Where there are athletics, injuries are soon to follow. Athletic trainers are on call in school sports to prevent and cure injuries, both on and off of the field.

Jason Erickson, the athletic trainer, is responsible for injury preventative services, clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation of injuries in students, and emergency care.

While his job carries a lot of responsibility and effort, Erickson believes it is well worth it.

“My favorite part of the job is being involved with the teams. Being on the sidelines with the players and feeling their emotions through the course of the season, from the high from a win or a low from a loss, is a really good feeling,” said Erickson.

These experiences are often beneficial, but there are also less fortunate instances in Erickson’s career.

“It’s never good when I have to tell an athlete that they cannot continue to play.

Whether it’s for the rest of the season or just the remainder of the game, it’s a hard thing to see the disappointment in their eyes and the emotion they display towards my words” said Erickson.

“It’s a great opportunity to play in a sport, but it can get dangerous. We’re very grateful we have someone who knows what they’re doing” said Tristan Ralphs, a member of the freshman football team.

Erickson has experienced what it is like to be on a team firsthand, as well as extensive knowledge in health care. The experience of teamwork is what drove him to become an athletic trainer.

“I had an injury while playing semi-professional football out in California that ended my playing career. It wasn’t until later that I learned that if we had an athletic trainer, I would not have been finished playing. It was then that I decided that I wanted to help athletes that get injured so they don’t have to go through what I had to,” said Erickson.

Yobani Ibarra, a freshman football player, appreciates Erickson’s profession greatly.

“I think that he actually cares about our well being, which is great. I had a concussion a while ago that kept me from practice, and it was cool to have someone look out for you” said Ibarra.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Girls fly high T

The volleyball team kept up a fast pace that led to a winning season

By ALEX LAGGREN

§ staff writer

HE VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM had a winning season, going

15-2 before playoffs. They headed to the state tournament after the win against Arcadia on October 28.

“Getting to state takes extreme dedication and commitment to your team and creating a positive atmosphere,” said Maxie Livingston, junior and setter for the varsity team. A setter runs the offense and plays the role similar to that of a quarterback.

Volleyball is a team sport involving two teams of six on the opposite sides of a net.

The goal is to hit the ball out of bounds on the opponent’s side and score points.

The varsity team recently took third place and received a plaque in the Sapphire Division at Nike Tournament on October 5.

The team utilizes various formations. “Our team likes to run a quick and rapid offense in order to beat the defense,” said Livingston. “We have specific sets in which we run to beat the defense, allowing my hitters the best opportunity to score.”

Annie Deininger, senior, is an outsider hitter. “The outside hitter plays in the front row on the left side and hits the ball, after being set by the setter, in an attempt to get a kill, or score a point.”

Players give various tells that allow opponents to read their moves and know where they are going to attack.

“You can look at where their eyes are going and watching their shoulders/ hands,” said Deininger.

The varsity team trains throughout the week except for Sunday. “We usually have two hour practices where we play competitive games against our other teammates, than we run our offenses and new plays that we may want to institute in the upcoming games,” said Livingston. “This is also the time we try out new defenses, rotations, and make adjustments.”

Livingston said her favorite moment was, “beating Arcadia [on October 28] and hopefully pushing us into the running for state.”

“I believe all the teams need to improve their mental toughness and focus. All teams showed great skill for the game, but were easily distracted by their own perceived shortcomings, our opponents’ sidelines shouting at away games, or interpersonal conflicts.” said Zachary Davis, varsity head coach.

Varsity volleyball is very different from the casual game of volleyball that would be played on a beach during spring break.

“Our games are played at a much faster pace, as well as including specific plays that we have trained for. We also each have our own specific positions giving each of us our own jobs and responsibilities,” said Livingston.

SPORTS

“We usually have two hour practices where we play competitive games against our other teammates, than we run our offenses and new plays that we may want to institute in the upcoming games” Maxie Livingston a setter for the varsity team

DURING A GAME against Ironwood, Junior

Kayla Mcqueen and senior Heather Sexton focus on the other team. The Falcons beat Ironwood 3-1, adding to their winning 15-2 record in the regular season. 4NICOLE NERI

NOVEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 23

December Designs

SPORTS CAITLIN BICKLE, A SOPHOMORE, leaps

above the competition in a game against South Mountain. Standing at 6’1, she is the tallest player on the team. Bickle had a high scoring season as a freshman, averaging 14 points a game. 4 NICOLE

She shoots, she scores

NERI

Caitlin Bickle feels the pressure as a young but experienced varsity team member

WRITER? D

ESPITE the cold of December, Caitlin Bickle is starting this season on fire. The six one sophomore has been playing basketball since she was five, and is currently a member of the varsity team.“I played varsity last year, which was great but also stressful because I was a freshman in Varsity” Bickle said. Having made the team as a Freshman, Bickle is recognized as an up and coming power house.

“I told her yesterday that I would be scared if I had to play against her. She’s a monster at the game man.” Morgan Easterbrook, a senior and fellow teammate said. As a freshman she had a stellar season, averaging 14 points per game, scoring a total of 435 for the season.

Bickle may be tall, and expected to only play the role of a post player, but she has proven otherwise.

She made a total of 23 three point shots last season. That high amount of three point shots is normally expected of a guard, making her ability even more impressive.

“Caitlin is a gifted and dedicated basketball player. She is a positive member of the team” Mike Siwek, athletic director, said.

Bickle doesn't just play for school. She is also participates in club Basketball during the summer.

“I have two coaches a club coach like outside of school as well as a school coach. Ben Wade is my club coach and Richie Willis is my school coach. I have a club team that I play with during summer” Bickle said.

As a sophomore, Bickle already has multiple scholarship offers to play basketball. “She has offers from like every school, I think she is 13th in the nation for her grade which is really good for a girl sophomore” Easterbrook said. GCU has offered her a full ride scholarship for basketball.

ULUCAS AIKIN

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY...ESPECIALLY IN ATHLETICS

SPORTS

NEW TURF LEADS TO DISCUSSION ABOUT ITS RISKS

By ALEX ARIAS

§ staff writer

More and more artificial turf is being used in school fields, and with it the increase in concern for the health effects it may have on athletes. The rubber infill that fills the space around the synthetic grass is a point of questioning for many.

On www.ehhi.org, it is stated that rubber infill releases chemicals that can cause minor reactions, such as irritation.

“Ours [infill] is actually a coated rubber, it has green covering on it so that it helps reduce the temperature as well… there never really seemed to be an issue with the heat,” said Michael Hudnutt, football coach. Coated rubber not only reduces heat, but also completely engulfs rubber infill and reduces dust, an important factor for dry Arizona.

Falcons for the cure

LINDSEY MURPHY

KALEY DODD delves into the charity behind powderpuff, and the training that goes into preparing for the big game.

“Doping in athletics, at the high school or professional level, is disrespectful to the sport and to fellow athletes, most who work hard to get where they want to be.”

With every passing year, it seems that athletes get faster, stronger, and better at their game. The catch here is that some genuinely are getting better, and some are not being honest. With this increase in skill level, some dishonest athletes feel the need to take performance enhancing drugs (PEDS), also commonly known as “doping”. Doping in athletics, at the high school or professional level, is disrespectful to the sport and to fellow athletes, most who work hard to get where they want to be.

Since their inception, athletics and sports have been about competing based off of skill.

They are about working hard to get to where you want to be. As an athlete myself, I know that training is essential, if not the most important part of getting better at your game. What makes competing in athletics so rewarding is the payoff of hard work, and taking PEDS ruins the value of this effort.

Doping makes the game less meaningful for those playing the game. It places less value on

the effort of the sport, and puts more emphasis on the science of getting the “best drugs”.

Also, it places more focus on who can be the best at “cheating the system” and not getting caught. That draws away from practicing and improving, and places importance on being the best at doping rather than being the best at the sport itself.

Taking PEDS is dishonest to the viewers of the game as well. Take Lance Armstrong, for example. People rallied behind his incredible ability to win again and again. They watched him because they thought he was a master at his particular sport (cycling). When it was revealed that he had been doping, his supporters and fans were understandably angry. They had placed their belief and support in a lie. This lie draws fans away from sports, and places doubts in their minds about other athletes they may support.

This problem of athletes taking illicit drugs is not just a problem at the professional level.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Use of PEDS (in the form of synthetic human growth hormone) among high school students more than doubled from the year 2013 to 2014, from 5 to 11 percent, according to a survey by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. The same survey found that use of steroids among teens increased from 5 to 7 percent.

Some say that legalizing doping would make more sense, because then every athlete would be able to take these drugs and get this advantage. However, this makes no sense at all. What is the fun in watching athletes with skill that is not genuine, and provided to them by way of drugs? Also, this would cause problems amongst other athletes, because some would not want to put those harmful substances into their bodies. This would put those who do not want to ingest drugs at an incredible disadvantage.

The bottom line, is that doping is cheating and lying. It is lying about your skill level, and lying to those who you are playing against.

DECEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 21

HOW CLEAN IS IT? With sweaty bodies of football players tackling each other on the field, the cleanliness of the grass comes into play. “I think it’s fine, because they don’t clean grass… I know it gets sticky though, that’s why no Gatorade and stuff like that on there… and gum, horrible for it,” said Tandehl Collentine, Health and Physical Education teacher.

The drainage system underneath also helps let water through to clean the turf. “There’s a sand base and then you’ve got rubber and mesh, so as it goes down it funnels through… straight into the ground,” said Hudnutt. “Even during the season when we got some heavy downpours during a practice where we had to go inside, we were able to go back out and practice within 15 minutes.”

Aside from rains and occasional water blowouts, the turf gets re-laid as well. “It [the turf] gets rolled out, and it kind of gets vacuum swept… the machine that sucks up and replaces it, it will take debris,” said Collentine.

CANCER IN GOALIES? The Washington Post wrote an article addressing the possible link of artificial turf and cancer in soccer goalies. A coach named Amy Griffin was brought to the suspicion of the possible connection between the two while visiting female goalies with cancer. The nurse who was attending the two girls said, “You’re the fourth goalkeeper I’ve hooked up this week.”

“I think goalies just have, maybe a higher propensity. Cancer’s going to strike anybody anywhere, so I don’t think you could sit there and blame it on the turf,” said Hudnutt on the topic.

“Everything goes through a pretty extensive process, and I’m pretty sure if you looked at those things closely, it’s probably from long, long exposure, not a couple of hours a day.”

Despite its possible health risks, Lauren Manuszak, senior and soccer player, seems to like the turf. “It [the turf] makes the ball bouncier and is kind of softer, I think.”

Turf toe, a sprain of the big toe, was a concern that some student athletes had. Despite this, both Hudnutt and Collentine said that the occurrence of turf toe happened often with the old grass field as well, and Hudnutt said that no turf toes occurred with the football team, crediting the fact to the good quality turf purchased.

22 ■ DECEMBER 13, 2015

RYAN HEILIGER, A JUNIOR, played in

the varsity game on the junior team. The juniors won the game 14-0. Heiliger scored the second touchdown for the juniors, and the final touchdown of the night. “It felt like time was moving in slow motion, then the next thing I knew I was spiking the ball and high-fiving Dr. Bebee” Heiliger said of her touchdown 4 NICOLE NERI

R

IBBONS of pink took the football stadium Thursday night as girls not only teamed up to play each other in powder puff football, but all teamed up in the fight against breast cancer.

“Everyone treats you like family here,” said Faith Hasher, a sophomore, “and you’re all here for one reason and that’s to support breast cancer.”

Girls stepped up to take a stand against breast cancer last week by joining powder puff for four days of a football experience and family atmosphere. The girls were split up into junior varsity and varsity teams, junior varsity being freshman and sophomores while the varsity consisted of juniors and seniors. Boy football players assisted in coaching the teams.

Behind the scenes, getting the girls game-ready took three days of preparation. Many wonder if powder puff football should have more games or extra time to prepare, but Hasher argues that the event would not be as special if it was an ongoing affair.

“We can always support breast cancer by donating money,” said Hasher, “but powder

SPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM SHOOTS TO WIN IN NEW SEASON

puff is a once a year thing that wouldn’t be boy or girl, freshman or senior, Penzone as special if we did it all year around. [It’s] encourages everyone to come out and get something to look forward to in December.” involved.

The powder puff game did not only fea“I think this is one of the best events of ture the girls playing football, but also the the year,” said Penzone, “and I think anyboys on the sidelines cheerleading. There body should join, girl or boy, just do whatwere 14 cheerleaders bearing the same ever you can to get into it.” supporting pink as the 147 football playFor those 104 people mentioned earers. However for 104 of lier, including Penzone, students and volunteers, they participated in the the game meant more event for a friend or famthan just a fun event and ily member or even a a fundraiser. teacher at the school they “I joined powder puff knew who had breast because I wanted to cancer. raise money for my great “My favorite part is grandmother,” said Adam now much the students Penzone, a junior and love it and have a great powderpuff cheerleader, time supporting a good Adam Penzone, a junior “and so that other people cause. It’s the best kind and powder puff cheercan be aware of breast of school spirt you could leader cancer and help raise have” Cameron Bender, awareness and money to cure it.” the adult suervisor of the event said.

The cheerleaders also had three days of The powder puff games have come to training prior to the game, trying to fol- not only represent football and all the low the same routines as the girls cheer events that follow it. It has also come to team. They performed in a half-time show encompass the students in a family fighting during the Varsity game as well as side- against breast cancer, whether they want line cheered during both games. Whether to be a part of it or not.

Lindsey Murphy and Devan Williams find out how the basketball team plans for success in the coming season

“I joined powder puff because I wanted to raise money for my great grandmother.”

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

CARLO PAOLETTI, A SENIOR, goes up for a layup against a player for SIerra Linda. The team beat Sierra Linda 63-57, putting their record at 3 wins, four losses. “The goal of every year is a state championship. That’s why we play” Paoletti said. 4NICOLE NERI

This year’s varsity boys basketball team is starting off the season in a promising way, with three wins and only four losses under their belt.

The team lost seven of their 15 players from last year, including their top scorer. Because of this, the boys team is a younger group, with over half of the players being juniors.

However, that has not gotten in the way of the team’s success.

“This season is different because we are playing a lot more as a team, and we have better connections on and off the court,” Nick Potthoff, a senior and four year varsity team member said.

The younger players have proven to be major players on the court. The team’s top scorer is a junior, Dannon Docktor, who averages 12.9 points a game, and has played on the varsity team since freshman year. He is closely followed in scoring by Potthoff, who averages 12.4 points a game.

They are currently working hard in practices after school. The boys primarily work on skills, which include shooting drills, defensive drills, and ball handling.

“A lot of focus is centered around our fast break offense, which entails a lot of up and down conditioning throughout practice” Carlo Paoletti, a senior on the team said.

As a team, the Falcons also put in work in the off season to be where they are now, including practices and conditioning on the track.

“We worked hard in the off season and now we’re playing together as a defense and offense. We believe that we control our fate moving forward” Potthoff said.

The team this year is coached once again by Jamaal Scott, finance teacher. He has had plenty of basketball experience, especially in Cave Creek. Scott’s first coaching job was in 2006, where he coached a Youth basketball team in Cave Creek, then came to Cactus Shadows in 2010.

Scott says he enjoys coaching because he’s very passionate about working with kids, though it does have its stressful moments.

“If you’re willing to go through it, it’s worth it,” said Scott.

The boys next home game will be on December 14, at 7 p.m. against Coconino.

Wrestling team suits up to take down the competition

By ALEX Laggren

§ features editor

Wrestling has started this winter and the team’s new members are starting strong and learning fast.

Competitive wrestling involves two opponents wrestling on a mat with the goal of pinning their rival down for a required amount of time in order to win. The match could take an extremely long time or take a fairly short amount of time if the players are at a high enough skill level.

The training consists of learning and perfecting basic wrestling moves all while learning new moves and working to perfect those moves.

“The goal is to train hard enough that not THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

only you make weight, but get better as well in technique. We always push ourselves to the next level in order to not only get better as a wrestler but also as a team,” said Ian Jeffer, a junior.

Many of the moves the team is learning this year include, an arm drag, a switch, a double leg take down, the Oklahoma stand-up, arm bar and more.

Every member of the team has their own set of moves that they excel in and prefer to use.

“Well for a heavy weight I enjoy using heavy hands than going into a head and arm hoping to go for the Cement mixer,” said Tyler Collins, a junior.

This year there are new members on the

team, many of whom have started picking on the basic moves and are working to perfect them with the more experienced members of the team.

“This team has a dual personality. We have four seniors with a few seasoned juniors and then we have 11 freshmen and some first years wrestlers,” said Bob Crosswhite, head wrestling coach.

Each member of the team has their reason for joining the team, and at times that reason can begin to change.

“I joined wrestling so I could improve my performance for football originally, however it later turned into more than just doing it for football. It turned into the sport that I love

today,” said Jeffer.

Although the team is doing well, there are things that could be improved.

“In general the team always strives to be the best that we can so there is always room for improvement, however I think where we are at in general is a pretty good spot compared to most of the other teams. I do think it will be a tough season with some of the teams, however with all the work we put into our practice, I am positive that we will be able to dominate the board,” said Jeffer.

The next home match will be a home match on December 17. The Falcons will be wrestling against Peoria and Notre Dame at 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 23

Tear Sheets

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September Tear Sheets AS WE SEE IT THE EDITORIAL

Dress code needs some redesigning The beginning of a new school year seems to be inevitably followed by a renewed outrage over the dress code. Many complain that the dress code is too strict, too unreasonable, and even sexist.

But let’s face it. The dress code is a necessity, and will continue to be a necessity in professional life beyond high school. At this point in our lives, school is our job, and we are here, above all, to learn. And some clothing, for both boys and girls, simply is not something that should be worn at school.

The dress code was not created to shame people for their clothing choices or to make people completely cover their bodies. It was made to keep a respectful and formal learning environment at school for both the students and teachers. It is great that students can express themselves through the clothing that they wear, but this is a place of education, not a frat party or a fashion show.

That being said, there are parts of the dress code that are subjective, and not completely

rational. For example, it should be taken into account that clothing looks different on everybody. Based on body type, clothing may be appropriate on one person, but not another.

Take the issue of wearing spaghetti straps. The rationale behind banning this is to most likely prevent people from wearing shirts that are too revealing for school. However, it is possible to wear a shirt with sleeves that may be very tight and very low cut, thus making it even more inappropriate than a loose, higher cut shirt with spaghetti straps. This is an element which should be considered in the dress code.

Rather than complain and rant about how stupid the rules are, we believe the best solution is to include students in the conversation about dress code. If administration would reach out to the student body and get their input on what is appropriate and not appropriate to wear, the resulting dress code policy would be easier for students to accept. Perhaps the students could even form a committee to help administration with the dress code.

The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board.

The Editorial Board members are Sierra Galindo, Abby Cardenas, Lindsey Murphy, Nicole Neri, Lucas Akin, and Rees Bixler.

ABBY CARDENAS

DDA (DISGUSTING DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION) “I get it, you are in a relationship and want everyone to

It’s not easy being green

Erika Richwagen delves into the difficulties of finding vegetarian restaurants.

EXCLUDING AN ENTIRE FOOD group from an everyday diet is difficult, and finding somewhere that caters to the needs of a vegetarian can be an even more challenging problem. Despite the hardships a vegetarian might face when trying to eat local, Cave Creek and Scottsdale are home to a variety of vegetarian eateries that please the palate.

A vegetarian opening a menu at a typical restaurant is perplexed with the options offered that are directed towards non-vegetarians. Chloe Hislop, a junior, is a dedicated vegetarian who is well-aware of the creativity involved in the complex diet. "Being vegetarian really forces you to become creative with

meals, because otherwise you will end up eating the same thing over and over again."

Despite the sometimes stressful efforts vegetarians have to make in order to get daily required nutrition, there are ways to find out what should be included in a diet.

"I've actually gotten really into cooking, and it's really nice that eating vegetarian keeps you healthy as long as you eat right.

I recommend looking into vegetarian cookbooks or looking online because there's a lot of material on how to get sufficient nutrition," Hislop added.

Locally, many restaurants cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian eaters. Fresh Mint, located at 13802 N. Scottsdale Road,

accommodates strict vegetarians. Meals served there are all of Vietnamese origin with a vegetarian spin.

Mad Greens, located relatively close to Fresh Mint, at 14418 N. Scottsdale Road, is a counter-service based eatery with healthy options for both vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

The Summit Diner, located at 32531 N. Scottsdale Road provides dishes appropriate for vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Flower Child, located a farther distance at 5013 N 44th St., in Phoenix, provides organic dishes from around the world for a more healthier diet.

VEGANS do not consume any types of animal products.

LACTO-VEGETARIANS do not eat red meat, fish, fowl, meat by-products, or eggs, but still consume dairy.

OVO-VEGETARIANS do not eat red meat, fish, fowl, or dairy by-products, but still consume eggs.

POLLOTARIANS do not eat red meat, fish, or seafood, but still consume chicken and eggs.

PESCATARIANS do not eat red meat or fowl, but still consume seafood, dairy, and eggs.

FLEXITARIANS limit their intake of meat, but still occasionally consume meat and animal by-products.

UNICOLE NERI

Lindsey Murphy takes on a Scottsdale health food restaurant smackdown

We go in search of the a great, fast, healthful meal in Scottsdale

True food

Freshbox

4NICOLE NERI TRUE FOOD, A RESTAUrant that is located in the popular Scottsdale Quarter, across from Lululemon. is appealing to the eye. The outdoor seating area has plenty of spaces to sit. Inside, the brown and green color scheme and the wooden tables make for a pleasing view. The tables are well spread out, making you feel comfortable, and not too cramped.

The menu here is pretty extensive. This restaurant offers a wide variety of beverages and juices, as well as appetizers, main courses, and dessert foods. The food on the main course menu is widely varied, ranging from salads, to teriyaki bowls with brown rice, to bison burgers. There are food options for most kinds of eaters at True Food.

At this restaurant, the ser10 â– SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

vice was very good. Everybody was extremely friendly, and willing to help. They knew the menu, and knew how to answer all of my questions that I had about the food there.

At True Food, the prices are high. A small teriyaki bowl came to $16, and the drinks themselves can cost up to $4. When going to True Food, be prepared to spend a decent amount of money.

That being said, the food is very well made, and tastes extremely fresh. You do get what you pay for.

After eating here, I felt good. I did not overly stuffed, or like I had just eaten food full of preservatives.

True Food has an open kitchen, so if you sit in a certain place, you can see your food as it is being made.

AAAAV

4NICOLE NERI FRESHBOX, AN EATERY

When going to True Food, be prepared to spend a decent amount of money.

The menu at Freshbox is not very extensive; the only main courses available are salads and wraps.

that sits on the corner of Grayhawk Plaza and Scottsdale Road. has an area outside to sit, but the inside of Freshbox is very appealing. It has an open, clean design with plenty of room to find a table to sit.

Similar to Subway, you can see all of the food that you will be eating. Freshbox is like a salad bar, in the way that there are pre-created salads, or you can use the ingredients that you see to make your own salad.

The menu at Freshbox is not very extensive; the only main courses available are salads and wraps. As far as drinks go, there is a smoothie and fresh juice menu, as well as interesting flavors of lemonade, such as prickly pear and basil. Freshbox also offers

house-made hummus and veggies, as well as a few dessert options.

The salads here are well made, and do not skimp on the toppings.

I was full after eating just a salad there. There is a very wide variety of options of things to put on your salad, as well as dressings. All of the food comes from local farms in Arizona, and all dressings are made on site.

This place is very casual, where you simply go up and order, then seat yourself. The service here was great, with the people being friendly and accommodating. I felt very comfortable, even though this was my first time eating here.

Freshbox offers prices that are reasonable. The salad that I got was $12, which seemed acceptable for how much salad is served.

AAAAV

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

October Tear Sheets SPOTLIGHT A HORROR ACTOR playing a zombie soldier scares participants in line waiting to enter the 13th Floor Haunted House. This soldier is based on their new theme “Patient Alpha.” 4NICOLE NERI

A wide variety of haunted houses offer...

TERRIBLE THRILLS

Lindsay Murphy has a critical look THE 13TH FLOOR

This haunted house contains two attractions, combined into one big house, in one building. It is a popular location for fear seekers, with the line getting extremely long extremely quickly. However, waiting in the line is not all that boring. While you wait in line, people dressed up as the undead, scary creatures, and the mascot of both 13th floor and Fear Farm come around and try to scare you. The theme of the houses has changed this year, to “Feral Moon” and “Patient Alpha.” Feral moon is based upon werewolves and graveyards, and Patient Alpha is based on the idea of a mutant group of undead zombies.

!!

The houses are very well put together, and are most definitely scary. Cost for general admission is $24.99, which simply gets you into the house. There are pricier options for $34.99 and $44.99 which allow the holder to cut the line for the cheaper option, or skip the line completely for the more expensive option.

While it is nice to have those options, getting scared in line is part of the experience, so the cheaper option is still a good choice.

OTHER HORRIFYING ATTRACTIONS

Although Fear Farm and 13th

Floor are the most commonly known Haunted Houses, there are plenty of other locations to experience Halloween scares. Here are some suggestions.

GOLFLAND FRIGHT NIGHTS: This attraction is located at Mesa Golfland Sunsplash, and is open until the 31.

Dates and times vary. It is $15 for the haunted house, called the Gauntlet.

JACK AND JILL’S HAUNTED HILL: This house is located at 3401 W. Greenway Road, and costs range from $24-$35.

ARIZONA SCAREGROUNDS: This location offers two different haunted houses. It is located in Mesa and is open Thursdays through Sundays until November 7. The cost ranges from $20-$35.

THE CRYPT HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS: The Crypt offers two differently themed haunted houses. It is

FEAR FARM

located off of Alma school road, and is open until October 31. Prices vary, with it being $15 for a single haunted house,

This haunted house is a bit of a further drive than 13th floor, but it is a drive that is worth it. This location contains five attractions and a corn maze. Fear Farm is more like a fair, a bit more spread out, and with attractions and options to buy different types of food.

The line to get into the park itself becomes incredibly long in a short amount of time. However, once in the park, the lines for the houses themselves are not quite as long.

The prices and ticket types are the same as those at 13th floor. So at Fear Farm, you get more for your money. The houses include themes such as chain saw mayhem, undead, and a scary clown house called Mouth of Madness. The workers here definitely are scary, and all of the houses at Fear Farm are pretty terrifying. I thought that chain saw mayhem was the most scary, because of the way that it was put together and how realistic it seemed. There are also some scary characters roaming the park, most notably Tremmors and Flinch, the two scary clowns who are always around Fear Farm.

$23 for Ultimate Fright Pass, and $5 for the Chaos Maze only.

SANCTUM OF HORROR: Based on the idea of a little girl with a twisted mind, this location is open from 7-11 p.m. through October 31. It can be found at 6555 E. Southern Ave. in Mesa, and the cost is $15.

TERROR NIGHTS: This haunted house is community based, and charges no admission, although donations are appreciated. It is open only October 25, 29, and 30 fom 6:45-10 p.m. and located on 511 E. La Donna Drive, Tempe.

AZ FIELD OF SCREAMS: This cornfield based haunted house is open from 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, until October 31. It is located in Glendale, and costs $16.

Quentin and Margo: just another teen romance in Paper Towns a review

by Sierra Galindo

Paper Towns by John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars, can really only be described

blood. Naturally, Q tells her that they need to go home and tell their parents what they found, but Margo approaches the body and notices that the man’s eyes were open when he died and suggests that maybe drugs are

last time Quentin and Margo talked for many years.

Fast forwarding nine years when they are in high school, Q talks about how Margo is the most popular girl in school and how he

with the news that Margo has run away. After speaking with a detective and her parents, he goes looking for clues to her whereabouts.

This story is good, but not great because it is so similar to John Green’s other works.

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November Tear Sheets Support for Cave Creek schools is lacking Two dollars a month. That is all the average taxpayer in Cave Creek would have had to pay if the recent override for more school funding in CCUSD had passed. Two dollars a month is less than the cost of a latte at Starbucks, but apparently is too much to pay for the educational advancement of students in this area.

The override that failed would have helped to hire more staff, to reduce class sizes, and to maintain special programs such as the Spanish immersion program.

However, without the passage of this override, the district has to take a look at cutting programs and lowering the already small teachers’ salaries.

Some experienced teachers at this school are making less money than they did ten years ago, and could now make even less because of the failure to pass the override. These teachers work so hard every single day to make sure the children and teenagers of Cave Creek gain a proper education. They spend time before and after school in

AS WE SEE IT THE EDITORIAL

office hours, and sacrifice family time to help their students be the best they can be. These educators and administrators are some of the most essential people in this community because they are taking care of the youth who represent the future. In return, the people of Cave Creek have slapped them in the face and shown them no appreciation by voting no to more funds for education.

Frankly, it is disrespectful to the schools, teachers and students, and reflects badly on the community as a whole. Other school districts, including surrounding districts Deer Valley, Dysart and Paradise Valley, passed bonds and overrides. With more money, these schools will be able to fund more programs making them more attractive to potential students.

Additionally, cutting funds will draw teachers away from CCUSD. This will make it much more difficult to hire highly qualified teachers, because they will see that the level of respect that the community has for educators in our community is close to zero.

Without highly qualified teachers, it

will be hard for students to learn and test well.

Some may say that the majority of voters in the area are older and their children have passed through school, and that is why the override did not pass.

However, there are plenty of parents and families in the district who could have come out to vote.

What people in the community need to realize is that election results are a reflection of them and the area they live in. Voting is important, and it is extremely unfortunate that the community was not able to rally and vote to support education.

That being said, everybody is highly appreciative of those who did go out and vote yes. Although the majority said no, the fact that some took the time to go to the voting booth and support the school speaks volumes, so thank you to those who did. Although the override did not pass, Cave Creek schools will find a way to rally as they have done in the past. This is an excellent district that deserves so much more, and once again, will manage to find a way.

The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board.

The Editorial Board members are Sierra Galindo, Abby Cardenas, Lindsey Murphy, Nicole Neri, Lucas Akin, Rees Bixler, Lauren Haggar, Annalee Barnett, and Sara Windom.

GREAT FOOD WITH UNFRIENDLY FACES “Sure, Thanksgiving is enjoyable for some, especially if you have good, strong relationships with your

Hockey remains undefeated

OPINION

LINDSEY MURPHY

CAUTION: BABY MOM ON BOARD

PILING INTO A 25 DEGREE STADIUM FOR TWO

hours while watching a tiny piece of plastic slide across ice does not exactly seem like an ideal way to spend the weekend, but the hockey team brings in 40-50 students every game by doing just that.

The hockey team plays at the Ice Den primarily on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays anywhere from 6 to 9 p.m. The frozen falcons have not lost a single game this season.

“Our team is a lot better than our opponents, based off of pure talent in general,” said Mitchell Liams, first year coach and Cactus Shadows hockey alumni.

Although the hockey team plays under the name Cactus reign in college. At a university, you too from dependent on parental help.

Shadows, it is actually composed of students over the horizon. are completely alone, and your parSunnyslopeook and Thunderbird as well, creatingAalarge club part teamof helicopter parWhat that you areisseeents do not know nor can they conincludes atmosphere.

“Ouristeam motto ‘boys will enting be boys’,” said wanting to know ing?aIt’s a bird!

It’shockey a plane!team.exactly where their child is, what trol who you spend your time with Jordan Behm, junior on the is aNotre helicopter or where you are going. Children theyare areconsidered doing, and who they Schools No, suchitas Dame parand Chaparral ent, abovebut to make surebeatenare of helicopter parents will not know with at all times. to be thehovering team’s rivals, have not thehanging hockey out team how to deal with all of this, and may Controlling all of these social interthisthey year.know where their child is, and Connor Hansen to behim a strong goalie for the team, in the time of that their child proves can handle or end up making more bad decisions actions, especially despite only being a sophomore. The otherhigh starting goalie herself. than the average college student school, onlyalso hurts a child in has a This unique characteristic; she is a girl named Jordan Helicopter parparenting style, which would at parties or social gatherthe long run.NashBoulden.

The combined skills of Boulden and Hansen contribents may say that they want became common in the pubings. This is because prior parental ute lic to the hockey team’s thistoseason. know everything their kid sphere in the early huge 2000ssuccess is a controls (such as insisting a child Students have given nothing butthe positiveisfeedback doing soabout theythe can stay safe, method of parenting in which turn on a tracking app on their hockey team. to their success, the team attracts dozens of matter is but the fact of the parents areDue controlling over what phone so the parents can know students from does, all grades eachto game.

“I dedicated myself during that this leads kids to anytheir child and want metatheir kid’s location) has hindered game one of pre season hockeyhand to start chants, hype, and get thingget but safety. phorically hold their child’s the child’s ability to figure out how the as crowd in the game,” said DawsonItKetchum, a junior.

“Mymay miss will lead to kids who theyinvolved go through school, social to take care of themselves. goalinteractions, is to let the boys on in thegeneral. ice know the road to social state will be legend- and out on opportunities, and life Another hurtful part of helicopary.”This can cause problems for young will not know how to handle themter parenting is in school. Often, Students like Ketchum lead the nest in order to excite and motivate selves when they are given free adults, because they will become these parents want to hold their the hockey team as well as the fans.

This year is the first year that Cactus Shadows hockey has been as popular as it is. Some major contributors are the “leaders” of the hockey student NICOLE NERI section such as Dawson Ketchum and Aaron Cohn, both juniors. Another factor is the atmosphere and energy of the sport. As well as those reasons, the hockey games are free of charge and serve a variety of food.

The hockey team as well as the coaches all expect success in the future. “We are definitely going for a state championship, anything less than that is almost a failure for the team,” said Liams.

Proponents of helicopter parenting may say that it is only to “keep them safe.” However, it is definitely doing the exact opposite, as shown by evidence.

L

student’s hand all the way through school all the way up to a university. This ends up having negative impacts, such as inability to do homework independently. Students who always receive help from parents on homework will struggle in college, when there is not the crutch of parental help to lean on.

Another issue is parental involvement with teachers. A parent

should not contact a teacher for their child over a failing assignment or grade. That is

an issue that is between the child and the teacher, and should be dealt with by the child alone. This is because in adult life, parents are not always going to be there to fight their child’s fights for them.

THE GENERATION THAT CRIED BIGOT

LINDSEY MURPHY

I

HEILIGER URYANme, As Americans—excuse I meant persons who reside in America—we fight to keep our speech free from government censorship. Why, then, do we censor ourselves?

Proponents of helicopter parenting may say that it is only to “keep them safe.” However, it is definitely doing the exact opposite, as shown by evidence. A 2012 study of 438 college students reported in the Journal of Adolescence found “initial evidence for this form of intrusive parenting being linked to problematic development in emerging adulthood … by limiting opportunities for emerging adults to practice and develop important skills needed for becoming self-reliant adults.”

In short, helicopter parenting leads to adults who cannot function autonomously in society.

AFTER DEFEATING CHAPARRAL, the Falcons became the only

undefeated team in division three. As one of the top three scorers on the team, junior Jordan Behm contributes to this winning record. For more information and updates on the hockey team, follow @CSHSHockey on Twitter.

4EMILY WATKINS

COLLEGE ATHLETES DON’T NEED ANY MORE COMPENSATION

I

N the name of emotional “anti-woman,” anddraw 28 The Columbia University professor philosopher Voltaire once that other people have.”education “Mailman”paid for, T istoclear that athletes at the college level work letes get their or at least a“hypocritical,” large playoffs million viewers. That is an incredsafety, an extraordinary move-incredibly other names that are notible allowed Derald Sue, “brief and com"I may not in agree with what is offensive to women and other hard,are and dedicate a large amount portion of it. They are getting an extremely expenamount of said people tuning to watch these men ment has swept this genera- of time to be to printed. is theplay. atmomonplace daily verbal, behavhave to say, butprofessional I will fight toplaynon-male genders and should beby getting and energy to their sport. Collegiate sive education paid for play aThis sport With that you much media buzz, tion of high school and col- athletic thattocomes political ioral, events, or environmental indignities, theofdeath for your athletic right to say it." are withthey "person deliv-hard insphere namely men’s basketball replaced and that havewho worked and love play. from Is ers and coaches professional teams lege-age students-a concept called intentional or unintenSociety should get of back to that ers mail."that not enough compensationcorrectness. football, whether are watched on television by a wide range in itself? bound to see the names of some these collegiate Good thing I have beenof college is toWe “political correctness.” cannot claim to beplayers. tolerant tional, and that communicate hos-upon millions concept. That is where true accepof Americans, draw in millions Also, the purpose learn, to advance informed.

Without this guide,up forwithout The goal of political correctness actually toleratingIn ideas tile,With derogatory, or negative racial and huge tance comes noton from shut- is of dollars. this national popularity yourself, and set yourself a successful future. the end, putting thesefrom, games television I wouldIf still say in that we were to get is to keep people, especially people thatpaid, don’t that line up with our own. these players andsome insultsathletes toward people ting down speech that could amount slights of funds, and others have athletes college would helping getany noticed, and may evenbebe should help each in a minority group or a disadvansocial media and real life of color.” other words,athletes actively should with. level. started to believeInthat college be make them other athleteand students, notAcross student athletes. drafted to playdisagreed at a professional charities assist not taged social position, from being I hear looking there for insult where there paid. However, is no reason foriscollege donate ath- Ito love watchingthat college sports conversation, as much as the nextthe speeches Some may say Speech that the is lack of meant paymenttoisbe unfair, the poor.

Howbut insensitive. non-inflammatory.

It exists insulted. of the “socialare justice and none. payment for playing. letes to receive person, the fact is that these players stu-warriors” because the NCAA is only profiting from these teleAs Americans —excuse me, to be provoking, to show dif-ones This is a noble goal. The original theto people This hashave recently expanded These athletes already gottentoan increddent athletes, who areI in college learn.who The preach only tolerance vised games, even though the athletes are the ferent ways of thinking, and meant persons whoisreside idea behind keeping speech “corand special acceptance.

I hear those same include any minority group ible amount of money handed overor to them. Many difference that in they have the and rare drawing the viewers. to exchange information. fight toto keep ourathlete inpeople rect” is well-meaning, generallyof the players, using and is not completely “disadvantaged” including especiallygroup, those at large divisionAmerica--we one opportunity be an addition to name-calling being a This true, because the It NCAA isto a beautiful, speech fromwhich government boiling down to the concepts of actions bullyinghas to silence women. of microschools have hadSome their examples entire tuition paid for on an free student, is not censomething that close most to people to use funds generate adspowerful that drumtool up more unfettered andthe Why, then, we censor acceptance and equality. anyone they view as being “intoler- for that to the athletic aggressions, scholarship. according That sounds exactly like sorship. pay- can say theydo did. viewership theseshould players.be In addition to that, As aart society, usedto without fear. ourselves?Another way in which college However, the new wave of politiant.”players Ironic. get com- players are getting Language Guide” writment, if “Bias-Free you ask me.

Millions of students across use state of the athletic need totrainers, be able to Often,pensation I see people talking about cal correctness surging through have heard this sentence in real andweathletic by students of Newto Hampshire Americaten struggle immensely pay off the cost that people may not Inotice is through equipment allrespectfully while getting disagree andatofree debate with eachcolthat thisAccording generation is society right now is out of con-of college, “I won't to anyone with University, “American,” “obese,” eventolerance, and theare cost can sometimes be publicity. to the life.

NCAA, thelisten March media attention, fame, and or very cheap othersounds without going into a tizzy tolerantbasketball yet. trol. There comes a point whenenough the a closed Looks youtuition. will If that “poor,” “mailman.” to keepand students out of college. While the oth-mostMadness tournament in 2015mind.” drew in 11.3 like lege like a bad deal, then that over "micro-aggressions."

Yet the only ideas actually toler- to ESPN, original goal is lost and instead,ers may not not becollege listening to yourself, “American" dehumanizes non- these athget the money for college, million viewers.

According football is a then. bad deal that I definitely want to be a part of.

Limiting speech is one of the ated are those that go along with an atmosphere is created in which This perfectly sums up this new citizens. The correct term is “per22people ■ NOVEMBER 13, 2015 THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS most dangerous things to do to a the “correct” belief set. If I were to are afraid to freely speak. wave of political correctness. son who resides in America.” free society. To limit speech is to say on Twitter that I am pro-life, I The line between acceptance Racism exists, sexism exists, “Obese” is the “medicalization limit thought. We have the right to sincerely doubt that idea would be and this new atmosphere was offihomophobia exists, but limiting of size” and should therefore be free speech, not the right to hurt accepted. The backlash would be cially crossed with the introduction replaced by “person of size.” “Poor” speech and searching for offensive feelings. Protect that. quick, efficient, and vicious. Proof the term “micro-aggression.” content in the word “mailman” is is problematic. The right term is lifers have been called “bigots,” “Micro-aggressions,” according not the way to combat it. “person who lacks the advantages

I love watching college sports as much as the next person, but the fact is that these players are student athletes, who are in college to learn.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

NOVEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 7

December Tear Sheets SPOTLIGHT

Stop, Rock, and Roll

By LINDSEY MURPHY

§ sports editor

THE MUSICAL TALENTS OF THE YOUTH OF CAVE Creek were showcased on November 21, at the seventh annual Rock the District (RTD) event. This year, the event was held at the Carefree Conference Resort, and included talents from students who attend schools at all levels in the district, not just high schoolers.

This event was a night that included music of all sorts, ranging anywhere from country to rock. The night also showcased many different types of musical groups, including rock bands, such as Psuedo Sincere (whose members include Kyle Kelleher and Antonio Marchica, both Cactus Shadows seniors) and acts that were just duos, such as Caity Bonine and Rachel Dutcher, both juniors.

“It’s fun to meet people, and it’s just a really fun environment.

Everyone takes it seriously, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Bonine said.

Bonine has performed at Rock the District for the past 5 years, making her one of the many returning performers.

“My favorite part of RTD is watching the performers who return year after year, and many do. It gives me such a thrill to watch them grow from nervous elementary or middle schoolers to super confident high schoolers,” said Kari Workman, co-chair of the event.

This event has always been a community event, drawing talent, volunteers, and support from the people and students of Cave Creek. At this year’s event, students from the IB class were behind the scenes, making sure everything ran smoothly. They helped with everything from auditions to sound checks.

“As an event person, we go through all of the sound checks, so we get everybody’s stages ready,we record what they need on the stage, like a stool, or a mic stand, or a boom or whatever. Than we just make sure that all of that is ready and prepared for when they get on stage. Then we also, during the show, run and tell the performers when it’s time, and you know, just talk up the event” said Maya Glicksman, an IB senior who volunteered at the event.

Rock the District was put on by the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation (CCUEF), a foundation that helps get funding for schools in the Cave Creek District. Funds from Rock the District go towards the Cave Creek schools, and were gained through ticket sales and raffle items, such as a television and iPad. This year, Rock the District made close to $3,000.

MICHAEL CHMURA PLAYS bass at Rock the District in his band Sunlaand. This event, put together by Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation, included an outside acoustic performance and inside band performance.

4 NICOLE NERI

Remembering the 7th

I

By KATE FINEGAN

§ staff writer

T has been 74 years since Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was bombarded by Japan; yet roughly nine quarts of oil a day continues to seep to the ocean’s surface from the ruins of the USS Arizona, and the memory of those lost has

“Barbara Jean, get in here quick!” was what a young girl, Barbara Jean Cartan, heard her mother call as she played in the garage with a doll house. Over the radio, reports of Pearl Harbor under attack poured through the static.

A 1,800 pound bomb struck the deck of the USS Arizona, a battle-

Kate Finegan describes the tragedy and speaks those who lived through Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

and the USS Arizona, in addition to the USS Utah, were beyond salvage or repair. 90 minutes after the first bomb landed, the attack was over.

Over 2,500 were killed at Pearl Harbor. There were 23 sets of brothers aboard the USS Arizona.

“I think about the people who lost their lives, but also those who

Cartan went on to become a Cactus W.A.V.E. in the Unites States Navy. Pearl Harbor survivors are few in numbers, but still remain, some in Arizona. Jack Holder, a resident of Arizona and a Pearl Harbor survivor, published a book that serves as a memoir of his service, entitled: Adrenaline, Excitement,

Rather, in the contrary, it will be an inside force. But what it teaches us is that these terrorists and ISIS and evil nations will never overtake our nation.”

A Commemoration event, cohosted by the National Park Service and the U.S. Navy, included keynote speaker David M. Kennedy, who in

in the nation for her grade which is really good for a girl sophomore” Easterbrook said. GCU has offered her a full ride scholarship for basketball.

ULUCAS AIKIN

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY...ESPECIALLY IN ATHLETICS

LINDSEY MURPHY “Doping in athletics, at the high school or professional level, is disrespectful to the sport and to fellow athletes, most who work hard to get where they want to be.”

With every passing year, it seems that athletes get faster, stronger, and better at their game. The catch here is that some genuinely are getting better, and some are not being honest. With this increase in skill level, some dishonest athletes feel the need to take performance enhancing drugs (PEDS), also commonly known as “doping”. Doping in athletics, at the high school or professional level, is disrespectful to the sport and to fellow athletes, most who work hard to get where they want to be.

Since their inception, athletics and sports have been about competing based off of skill.

They are about working hard to get to where you want to be. As an athlete myself, I know that training is essential, if not the most important part of getting better at your game. What makes competing in athletics so rewarding is the payoff of hard work, and taking PEDS ruins the value of this effort.

Doping makes the game less meaningful for those playing the game. It places less value on

the effort of the sport, and puts more emphasis on the science of getting the “best drugs”.

Also, it places more focus on who can be the best at “cheating the system” and not getting caught. That draws away from practicing and improving, and places importance on being the best at doping rather than being the best at the sport itself.

Taking PEDS is dishonest to the viewers of the game as well. Take Lance Armstrong, for example. People rallied behind his incredible ability to win again and again. They watched him because they thought he was a master at his particular sport (cycling). When it was revealed that he had been doping, his supporters and fans were understandably angry. They had placed their belief and support in a lie. This lie draws fans away from sports, and places doubts in their minds about other athletes they may support.

This problem of athletes taking illicit drugs is not just a problem at the professional level.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Use of PEDS (in the form of synthetic human growth hormone) among high school students more than doubled from the year 2013 to 2014, from 5 to 11 percent, according to a survey by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. The same survey found that use of steroids among teens increased from 5 to 7 percent.

Some say that legalizing doping would make more sense, because then every athlete would be able to take these drugs and get this advantage. However, this makes no sense at all. What is the fun in watching athletes with skill that is not genuine, and provided to them by way of drugs? Also, this would cause problems amongst other athletes, because some would not want to put those harmful substances into their bodies. This would put those who do not want to ingest drugs at an incredible disadvantage.

The bottom line, is that doping is cheating and lying. It is lying about your skill level, and lying to those who you are playing against.

DECEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 21

SPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM SHOOTS TO WIN IN NEW SEASON Lindsey Murphy and Devan Williams find out how the basketball team plans for success in the coming season

CARLO PAOLETTI, A SENIOR, goes up for a layup against a player for SIerra Linda. The team beat Sierra Linda 63-57, putting their record at 3 wins, four losses. “The goal of every year is a state championship. That’s why we play” Paoletti said. 4NICOLE NERI

This year’s varsity boys basketball team is starting off the season in a promising way, with three wins and only four losses under their belt.

The team lost seven of their 15 players from last year, including their top scorer. Because of this, the boys team is a younger group, with over half of the players being juniors.

However, that has not gotten in the way of the team’s success.

“This season is different because we are playing a lot more as a team, and we have better connections on and off the court,” Nick Potthoff, a senior and four year varsity team member said.

The younger players have proven to be major players on the court. The team’s top scorer is a junior, Dannon Docktor, who averages 12.9 points a game, and has played on the varsity team since freshman year. He is closely followed in scoring by Potthoff, who averages 12.4 points a game.

They are currently working hard in practices after school. The boys primarily work on skills, which include shooting drills, defensive drills, and ball handling.

“A lot of focus is centered around our fast break offense, which entails a lot of up and down conditioning throughout practice” Carlo Paoletti, a senior on the team said.

As a team, the Falcons also put in work in the off season to be where they are now, including practices and conditioning on the track.

“We worked hard in the off season and now we’re playing together as a defense and offense. We believe that we control our fate moving forward” Potthoff said.

The team this year is coached once again by Jamaal Scott, finance teacher. He has had plenty of basketball experience, especially in Cave Creek. Scott’s first coaching job was in 2006, where he coached a Youth basketball team in Cave Creek, then came to Cactus Shadows in 2010.

Scott says he enjoys coaching because he’s very passionate about working with kids, though it does have its stressful moments.

“If you’re willing to go through it, it’s worth it,” said Scott.

The boys next home game will be on December 14, at 7 p.m. against Coconino.

Wrestling team suits up to take down the competition

n s 4, y e s

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â– 21

About Me

Resume

Cover letter

Self analytical Evaluation As this year comes to a close, I realize just how different overall this year was from the past year. I continued to write for the paper as I did last year, but editing made me realize just how much more responsibility I truly carried on my shoulders. I noticed that I had to be much more committed I had to be to this production Regarding my actual production skills, they improved overall this year because I realized that I needed to be so much more committed to the paper as a sports editor. Over the course of the semester, it was hard for me to get all of my pages done before production day, but I managed to get them started. InDesign wise, I think my skills further improved over the course of this semester. I noticed that a lot of my pages were easier to create and come up with because I have had more skills on InDesign, and know more page formats that I could use.

Deadlines are still my weakest area, as they have been throughout the entirety of high school. Procrastination has always been such a problem for me, and it has continued to this day. As a writer I am horrible about procrastinating, and get all of my stories done at the last possible minute. As an editor, it is much more difficult to procrastinate because the sending of the paper to the printer depends upon the editors. My procrastination has gotten me into trouble with my pages, so it is something that I need to work on.

As far as teamwork goes, I have always been a person who can work well on a team. I think that ability translated over to newspaper, because I worked well with others. All of the editors are a team, and I got along very well with, and worked well with all of my fellow editors

this year. I think the teamwork aspect of a publication is the best part of being in newspaper.

I believe that I do have good journalism ethics and dedication to this newspaper. On my page and in all of my stories, I made sure that I did not plagiarize anything or steal anybody else’s ideas. I think that ethics to journalism are what keeps a paper running and what makes a paper better, so I value those highly. My dedication to this publication was not always where I would have liked it to be due to my many other activities, but I did my best and ended up being pretty dedicated. If a story was needed, I was willing to write it because I care about the paper, and I am dedicated to making sure that it turns out well. I am always concerned about making the paper look perfect and award winning, so I think that is another thing that shows my dedication. Also, I made sure to contribute to the newspaper even when I missed a production day, by driving to pick up the paper.

Overall, I believe that this class was one of the classes that has impacted me the most over my entire high school career. The skills that I learned in this class are skills that I will use in college and in life beyond college.

I learned how to manage my time correctly, or suffer the consequences (as I am now, typing this in the late hours of the night.) I learned how to lead people properly, and how to get people to respect you enough to get a job done for you. I learned the value of teamwork and collaboration, and just how important your coworkers are when embarking on a project.

Reflection 1 My favorite piece of work from this issue is the spread for the May issue of the paper. One of the reasons for that is that It was mostly my own work, and I am very proud of it.

Over the past few issues, I had to miss a few production days because of sports and other obligations, causing my spreads to not be mine as much as I wanted them to. The spread for the May issue was my own creation.

Another thing I liked about this spread is that I got it done early, which is something that rarely happens. I was able to work on it all during the week, and by the time production day hit I was just working out a few things, so it was a lot less stressful, and more enjoyable to create the pages.

This spread included a senior spotlight of athletes who are continuing to play their sport of choice in college. I really liked this because it gave the seniors a chance to shine. Also, making this page taught me a new skill of cutting people out of pictures better. Previously I had not done cutouts, and that was a good thing to learn.

Another part of the spread included an article about track and field, and about ACL tears. The way the track photo and article ended up working out together was really nice. I used a colored box with color taken from the athlete’s shoe, and placed that behind the text of the story. THe headline really popped as it peeked out from under the hurdle that the athlete was jumping over, and I really liked the way that it looked.

On another page of the sports spread, there was a football player man on the street that I really liked alot. The quotes from the players were really well put, as well as the pictures of the players. The way the pictures and quotes were laid out looked really good on my page, and made the page colorful and fun.

As a sports editor, it is important to have some traditional elements to your pages, but with these pages, I had more fun, and that was enjoyable for me. I used more color and unique elements than I usually do, which ended up making my page look much better.

See this spread under the May designs section.

Reflection 2 I think that I could use some work on the spread for the April issue of the paper.

April was a difficult month for the sports page for a number of reasons. One of them was my fault, in the fact that I did not put enough time into editing stories for my page, or making sure that all the photos were taken. Also, I did not make it to that production day, and that greatly hindered the production of my page.

As an editor, It was my job to edit the stories and pay attention to what the writers for my page were doing.

I got preoccupied with other things, and neglected that responsibility, something that I should not have done. Me not editing the stories enough or getting on the writers backs about finishing their stories left me with little to work with. This taught me that I need to plan more in advance. Some of those articles I knew would not get written, but did absolutely nothing about it, which dug me into an even deeper hole.

I only had a few usable articles to begin with, and a couple of pictures that could be usable. Me not being at production day was what really made this situation worse. There was absolutely no way that I could have made it to that day, and I knew that. It was my mistake for not planning in advance and having my pages ready earlier. Because I knew that I was not going to be there, I should have made sure all of my articles for my page were looking good, but I failed to do that.

Somebody else basically had to make my pages for me, which I felt really bad about. I did not like the feeling of dumping my responsibility on somebody else.

I ended up finishing the pages at the very last possible second, and that caused a lot of stress and a higher chance of error.

Overall, the pages ended up looking fine, but could have looked much better if I had planned and scheduled better than I did. This spread was a lesson to me on procrastination, and why procrastination never works.

Reflection 3

Honestly, I do not consider myself much of a photographer. I feel as if my skills are much better in different areas, and there are others in the class who can produce much more quality photos for the paper than I could.

Which is good, because we want the best photos possible for the paper.

I did not take any photos this semester because of that.

I see myself as more of a writer, but I should probably take a photo or two next semester for the experience and practice. I should not limit myself to just being a writer, so I will work on that next semester.

Because I did not take a photo this semester, this is a photo I took when I was on the staff last year. It was a photo at one of the boys varsity soccer games.

Sports photography is not simple to shoot, and that was why I thought it was one of the best photographs that I have taken.

I really like the picture that I took of Jake Seaton and Ryan Clary hugging after Ryan scored a goal. To me, this photo shows a lot of emotion. Emotion is a good thing in photography, because it makes the viewer connect more with the photo, and feel more about the photo. The subjects are doing something interesting, instead of simply standing around or smiling at the camera, which is also a good thing.

Reflection 4 I believe that this year I was an asset to the staff. Being an editor, I really became more aware of the meaning “asset to the staff� because that is what you must be in order to be a successful editor. The paper depends on the writers for stories, but it is the editors who create the finished product.

I did everything in my power to be at as many production days as I could, although I was not able to make them all. I realized that that would cause problems, so I tried to get every-

thing in order before I missed a production day. To make up for missing days, I went and picked up the paper multiple times, in order to contribute.

I also contributed leadership skills to the paper.

I have had some experience leading groups of people before, but newspaper was definitely a unique experience. This group of writers was a bit hard to lead, but I was able to toughen up and buckle down. When I did that, the writers got their stories for my pages done.

This year helped me realize just how important this publication is to me. After going to New York and seeing how good the CSPress really is, I realized why the work that we do is so important. I realized what sets Cactus Shadows apart, and causes us to win awards.

I wanted to help continue this winning tradition, and that is what helped make me an asset to the newspaper.

Reflection 5 I believe that a lot of the hardships that the editors faced were very similar to the ones we faced last semester. Many of the writers simply did not turn in their stories, or the quality of their work was not good. This semester was far better than the first semester, but it was still a problem. Personally, I faced problems with procrastination (as always) and getting to important production days.

Continuing to not receive all of the stories that I needed was a learning experience once again, but in a different way this semester. It taught me to strengthen my leadership skills, and to not always have to be everybody’s friend. This semester I was much more vocal about how much I needed stories, and that worked out well for me. On one occasion, I made everybody sit in the back with me, and I had a serious talk with the writers about getting in their stories. That new method of leadership worked, and that issue of the paper I got all of my stories that I needed (even from writers who often do not get their stories done).So overall, this hardship and weakness ended up becoming a good thing in the end. It led me to try out a new leadership style that ended up being very effective.

Overall, I believe that I handled this problem extremely well. What i did ended up working out in my favor. I took a risk changing up my leadership style in that way, but the risk was well worth it. This risk paid off and my page was better off because of it.

Reflection 6

One of my greatest weaknesses throughout my entire career in newspaper has been procrastination. Another weakness this semester was production days.

My two problems, procrastination and production days, are tied to one another. I have always been one to struggle with getting things done early. I am the type of person who can usually do things at the last minute and still do alright on them. This is not true at all of newspaper. No matter how good somebody is at getting things done at the last minute, making your pages is simply something that you cannot do right at the very end.

I also ended up missing quite a few production days because of outside obligations that I absolutely could not miss. Missing a production day is not a good thing, and I made it worse by procrastinating the making of my pages.

If I knew that I would be gone on an important day, I should have planned ahead, which I did not.

To fix this problem in college, I can buy a big calendar and hang it up on my dorm wall. I can write important dates and when things are due on there, so I have a visual of what I need to get done.

Reflection 7 This class is one that offers a lot of opportunity for growth, and I believe that I have grown immensely because of this class. My writing skills have improved, my people skills have improved, I have become a much better leader, and my design skills have gotten much better.

As far as writing goes, I have learned how to properly write an article for a paper. As a junior, I remember struggling with writing in the journalistic style. I wanted to make all of my articles super pretty and creative, but I did not realize that is not how to write an article for a newspaper. Now, I can write articles with ease, and i understand that not every article should be written like a narrative.

I have also noticed an improvement in my people skills and interviewing abilities. As a junior, I was terrified of getting interviews. I always thought that the people who I was interviewing would not cooperate, or think that I was bothering them by interviewing them. Now I understand that interviews are a necessary part of the paper, and not that hard to do. For exam-

ple, I waked up to a student during school, asked them for an interview, and got a good interview without having to stress about it. The less experienced version of me would have never been confident enough to walk up to somebody out of the blue and ask for an interview.

I have noticed the largest growth in design. As a junior and the first semester of this year as sports editor, I struggled with design. I did not know how to place things on the page in a manner that would make them look better. I also did not know all of the commands for InDesign, which caused me problems. Now, I am much more familiar with InDesign, and can design my pages on my own.

Finally, this class has helped me to become a better leader. As a junior, I simply followed what the other editors told me, and was not assertive enough. This year I learned that a good leader must be kind, but persistent in pushing writers to get things done. I learned that after I had a serious talking to with writers for my page, and that serious talking to was effective.

Tear Sheets

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having the choice to practice whatever they please.

Take Anne for example, she has been with Scientology since 1974 and will stay with them for the remainder of her life.

ideas and principles regarding the connection between the mind and the body. Saying that her mother knew him personally means she had a stronger connection with the religion, and how devoted she was to him and his ideals. The one thing that really stuck out to me about Anne was how strongly she felt about Hubbard. She mentioned that he was generous and selfless, that he would even help the gardener if he was looking a little down. I learned all of this in just a five minute break.

The class itself lasted for about three hours, and it felt more like a therapy session than an

February

Auditing rooms lined one of the hallways, and offices lined the other. I was surprised there were not a lot of people there. Since it was a Saturday afternoon, I assumed they would be busy with interviews and other classes. After roaming the halls, I found Anne, and she began to talk about Hubbard again and all the books he wrote. Everywhere I turned, there were bookshelves of DVDs, books, and pamphlets for sale.

After the break, we talked about church and Anne mentioned that they had Mormons and Christians who attended classes. I was con-

vious statement about people having the choice to practice whatever they please. Take Anne for example, she has been with Scientology since 1974 and will stay with them for the remainder of her life. She had the kindest words to say about her practice, and the founder, and did not once push her faith onto me, she only suggested things that she knew herself would help.

She honestly surprised me, as I expected some young person to push Scientology in my face, but Anne truly believed that this was the only way to reach salvation, and that is what religion is all about.

SPORTS

LOVE SHOULD NOT BE CONFINED TO JUST ONE DAY

E school’s decision to replace the for-

r grass football and soccer field with ficial turf. Although the turf makes field look more professional, most S thetofourteenth of February rolls e said that they prefer play on real

A

around again, people begin to save up their money to buy gifts for their ying on turf because whenever I fall I significant other. Valentine's day is hese turfthe burns that sting so to love and one day of the and year hurt dedicated ndi Baker, a senior onHowever, the varsity girls relationships. we do not need a specific day of the year justathletes dedicated to love and m. On the other hand, some being in a relationship. ay on turf because it is a smooth flat Valentine's day is commercializing love. hout any bumps or holes that a real According to U.S. News, Americans spent a mind would have. blowing 18.9 million dollars on Valentine's day in est downfall to playing on turf, 2015. o several Ifathletes, is the that statistic doesincreased not scream commercialization, I do not know what else will. In fact, the es. One of the most common injuries, the modern day image soccer,two is amost tornresponsible ACL. Turfformakes it of Valentine's day was a clever entrepreneur tryto tear it which is why many soccer ing to make some money. Esther Howland had

er to play on real grass.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS y ACL on turf and I’ve hated player since,” said Baker. Along with an sk of soccer injuries on turf, the ball s and rolls differently. bounces a lot higher and it rolls really which makes it harder to control,” Raether, a senior on the varsity girls . he most annoying things about turf pberries you get when you fall or ,” says Raether. Many athletes call aspberries because the burn almost raspberry. rt to the touch but getting in the e worst part because the water stings d makes it excruciatingly painful,” said use of this common turf injury, a lot ayers do not go full out when going

ely hold back a little because it’s not being able to shower for three days how badly the water stings the turf Raether. the varsity girls soccer head coach, has a different opinion about turf. “I turf field I think it makes the stadium cer and is also a much better alternaumpy real grass field the girls used to d Vitorio. Real grass also comes with sides as well, including the uneven

o love to play on turf fields because ooth and even and you don’t have to the ball bouncing out of control if it ole or a bump,” said Alexa Yardley, a

the idea to mass produce Valentine’s day cards, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Valentine’s day is making love seems as if it is something that can be bought. In truth, you cannot buy love, no matter how hard you try to.

It is something that must be felt by somebody regardless of if they receive a ridiculously overpriced Tiffany necklace for Valentine’s day or not.

I read an article about Valentine's day on a website called Business 2 Community, and that article opened with this, “Valentine’s Day… the one set day a year that we get to show appreciation to the people we love.”

We should respect and show appreciation for loved ones every day of the year.

Valentine's day should not be a specific day

where you treat everyone around you better and with more love just because it is a day with a label.

Yes, I realize that having a holiday including overpriced candy and the expectation of receiving a gift from your significant other is hurting nobody.

Maybe it is hurting your wallet, but hey spend your money how you wish.

However, it is the idea that there needs to be a specific day to show this love that is ridiculous.

Instead of setting aside a specific day for love, show love to those close to you every day, not just the day that you feel obligated to.

The only redeeming factor that this holiday has to offer to us is the extremely cheap leftover Valentine’s day candy in the stores the day after.

GOALIE JORDAN NASH-BOULDEN, A SENIOR, is embraced by her team

members after the team won the state hockey tournament. The game against Notre Dame went into sudden death overtime, with freshman Robby Beck scoring the final goal to push the Falcons to a 2-1 win 4NICOLE NERI

POST SEASON IN BRIEF SOCCER After a winning season, the girls soccer team made it to the quarterfinals of the

state playoffs. They defeated Rincon to advance to the quarterfinals, but then lost to Notre Dame.

CHEER Once again, the cheer team has won State, making them nine time AIA State Champions. The cheer stunt group got first place, and show cheer won first place as well.

POM The pom team danced their way to second place in division two, in the medium varsity pom division. They went on to nationals, where they advanced to the semifinals. Together, the cheer and pom teams became the spirit line division two all around state champions.

HOCKEY The hockey team won the division 3 state championship. They defeated Notre Dame in overtime to win 2-1.

WRESTLING Greg Burgess, a senior, Tyler Collins, a junior, and Axzavier Aleman, a junior, are advancing to the State wrestling meet.

BASKETBALL After having a winning season, with a record of 17-1, the girls basketball team is advancing in the sectional tournament.

ULINDSEY MURPHY

Lindsey Murphy discusses why Valentines Day should not be considered a Hallmark Holiday.

FEBRUARY 12, 2016 ■ 7

L-RIDING H

RYAN HEILIGER discusses how track members prepare for their next season.

Many athletes on the track team follow a strict schedule when it comes to race day, while others have completely bizarre regimes. Before their races, runners have to prepare as early as two days before by hydrating, eating right, and resting. Some athletes are very cautious with what they do before their races, while others are more relaxed and flexible with their habits.

Track and field is a unique sport consisting of around 17 different events. Events in track can be short sprints, long runs, jumping, or throwing. Cactus Shadows track and field LINDSEY MURPHY has been around for decades, currently coached by Tandehl Collentine, health teacher. The track and field program begins in early February, but the first meet isn’t until March, giving athletes sufficient time to get into competing shape. This season consists of 13 meets that running, jumping, and throwing athletes will compete in.

Most athletes, especially those who run longer distances, have to physically and mentally ready themselves starting a day or two before a race. “The night before I’ll usually go to Brisam’s and get something for dinner, and then I’ll get a good It seems likesleep,” it is hard logSolberg, on toaget intoSolberg an enormous fight over the internet where everynight’s saidto Max junior. runs the mile, to any social media without seeingthe a “Twitter war” extenthing canOn getthe misconstrued. two mile, andorthe 4 by 400 relay. day of a meet, sive argument about something. Solberg People seem endlessly problem internet drinksto around 75 ouncesAnother of water beforewith his race.

If fights is that it is on a public wage war on social media about distance things as runners trivial asdo a complatform for everyone to see, and people do not have social not properly hydrate or eat correctly, ment on an Instagram picture, or they aboutcould things asabig as a full to see fights. Most get severe crampmedia or suffer fromyour exhaustion dur- people have social media to out political or religious debate. These fights on social media share their lives, and enjoy seeing what others are doing in ing their race. are all too common and completely unnecessary. their lives.

Social media was not created as a place for people Sprinters often have more laid back pre-race schedules, I am all for friendly debate, buthowever, what I often see on social to primarily preparation is still necessary forargue. most. “I’ll ice my media is people being blatantly rude to the eachnight other.

Because Hearing my opinions than your own is an important part shins before a race because shins other are known people are behind screens, they feel as if they can saysaid more life, but with someHokanson people it seems like they purposely for getting injuries,” AlexaofHokanson, a junior. than they would to somebody person to person. the meter postdash. incendiary I am not runs the 100, 200,When and 400 “I go tothings. bed around 10, sure why people would post internet serves as a barrier between twoispeople, often things looking a fight, because it is just a waste of time which prettywords early for me, then I’ll wake upfor in the middle of get so much harsher because it isthe easier to insult somebody and energy.

Wars on social media are time consuming for night and drink a bottle of water,” said Hokanson. In the when you are hiding behind a screen. those involved, and clog up the feeds of others. morning, Hokanson has a protein-filled breakfast and relaxes Yes, we do have freedom of speech, so you are at liberty to That being said, it is possible to avoid all of the drama. until her race. post whatever you choose on the internet, butyou we race do not all distance If there races is a person whosprints, constantly begins fights on social Whether long or short have to become keyboard warriorsalmost and get into an argument media, and that bothers you, block them. If you do not want everyone has a specific pre-race schedule.

“I napped simply because we do not like what a person is posting. an to see theirloved tweets or posts because you do not like what a lot at the meets,” saidIfCollentine.

“I also eating gummy insignificant 140 character post onbears Twitter reallymy offends they are stop complaining before races.”you Collentine ransaying, all four years in high about it and block the perthat much, talk to the person faceschool to face.

There is no needin the son. track, participating 100, 200, and 400 meter dash.

March

OPINION

ALL BARK BUT NO BITE

“When the internet serves as a barrier between two people, words often get so much harsher because it is easier to insult somebody when you are hiding behind a screen.”

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Ben Rodenburg, a senior

ALEXA’S UNUSUAL PRE-RACE PREP 4NICOLE NERI

as well as the strongest and smartest version of myself during my time at the university.” ELAINA ROVENSTINE

Rodenberg will receive $36,000 every year for all four years.

“Their business program, what I’m majoring in, is very strong, and they have five Fortune 500 companies in Omaha, which means plenty of job opportunities after college,” said Rodenburg.

Many athletes have strict pre-race regimens that they follow before they step on the line.

Some make sure that they get a full night of sleep, and some follow a very specific diet.

(DON’T) WAKE ME IN THE MORNING Others, however, have a completely different pre race ritual. Alexa Hokanson, a junior who runs the 400, had a unique pre race routine before state last year.

“Knowing that most students struggle to get enough sleep Hokanson had forgotten that she had to in the state meet with that day, so she duringcompete the school week such an early school start time, spent the day with a friend, and completely missed the bus to the meet.the However, the school should make start time later in the day.”

this unique regime appeared to work for Both Rodenberg and Raish hope to Hokanson, because she ran her fastest time at make it to the big leagues. “Our ultistate that day.

Waking up every weekday at 5:30 in the morning becomes promote a healthy environment for all kids to learn to the mate achievement would be to someday “Before my state meet,best I biked six miles to very difficult after the first semester of school.

For some of their ability. be playing in the MLB [Major League Asado and I ate a big chimichanga, and then I sleep is more of a luxury than a reality.

If schools truly The only problem is that schools have the massive job of Baseball],” kids, said Raish. biked home. Then at home I slept for an hour theirboys students to teacher succeed, then theyuntil should a later coordinating everything to get students to school and home Gaetanowant Gianni, health I gothave a phone call from Kaitlin Williams saying that I missed theagain. bus toOrganizing state, so I transportation, athletic programs, extrastart time.coach, is impressed and Varsity Baseball my dad drive there. I gotactivities, there right In a study National Sleepmade Foundation, teensme curricular and after school care for younger kids with Rodenburg.

“He’sdone suchby athegreat at my event, I ran it and I PR’ed [personal are least likely to get the recommended amount of sleep than is no small task.

All schools want their students to be and do kid, very respectful, a natural leader, record],” Hokanson said.

LINDSEY any other thatMURPHY being said most schools do not want to he gets straight As age and group. always Research brings shows that getting enough their bestUbut sleep is a biological need just as important to health as eating redo how they have done things for years. Schools argue that good energy to the team,” said Gianni. and exercising. Teenagers need an average of nine to seven having a later start time would interfere with sports activities MARCH 11, 2016 ■ 25 hours of sleep per school night, and most are not getting and impact the families of the students more than it is worth. near that amount.

Not only that, but it would also take a lot of time to figure out

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16 ■

March continued JULIA HORNER SINGS “SOMEBODY’S EYES” during

the play “Footloose”, which is put on by the Shadowbox Players. Never before preformed by Cactus Shadows, the fine arts center has already begun showing, but it is not too late to catch it. 4NICOLE NERI

T

HIS season, the Shadowbox players are putting

on their dancing shoes and bringing back the ´80s with their production of Footloose! This play featured excellent acting, dancing, and vocals from the whole cast, and definitely kept the audience interested for the entire performance.

In Footloose! big-city kid Ren McCormack (played by sophomore Change McLaughlin) moves to the small town of Bomont. There he finds a place completely different from his old home Chicago. In Bomont, dancing has been outlawed thanks to the rules of the town’s reverend, Shaw Moore (played by junior Kameron Moore). With the help of the reverend’s daughter, Ariel (played by senior Emily McAtee), and other friends whom he meets along the way, Ren sets out to get the dancing ban lifted.

Foot-loosening up Footloose! opens at the Fine Arts Center. Lindsey Murphy reviews.

Every person who acted in this play is worth noting, but Emily McAtee definitely stood out as Ariel. Her vocal performance was very good, and she captured Ariel’s personality exactly how one would imagine it to be.

Some other performances that definitely stood out were those of juniors Julia Horner, Alex Hummel, and Katie Pusateri. They played Ariel’s three friends, Rusty, Urleen, and Wendy Jo. The three girls had great chemistry on stage, and the trio sounded incredible in the scenes that they sang together.

I really enjoyed having a live band accompanying the singers as well. I think that it added to the quality of the play, making the vocals sound better, and making the songs more interesting.

The play looked very well put together, and the stage and lighting were visually appealing.

The only minor issue that was noticeable was with the microphones on the actors. Many of the microphones seemed to cut out at different points in the performance.

This made it hard to hear what some of the actors were saying at some points in the play, especially for the people closer to the back of the theater.

Overall, I would highly recommend going to see Footloose!. It was a play that left the viewer feeling upbeat after it finished.

There are two more showings of Footloose!, one on Friday the eleventh, and the other on Saturday the twelfth.

Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and you can purchase tickets at the door or find them at the following website: www. seatyourself.biz/cactusshadows. Adult tickets cost $12 and student tickets cost $8.

U LINDSEY MURPHY 16 ■ MARCH 11, 2016

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

OPINION

DONALD DRUMPF THE REP

DONALD TRUMP

Make America great again. This slogan is the core of Republican candidate, Donald Trump's, presidential campaign. Trump is an American businessman, politician, and television personality. He has successfully managed and strengthened the power of his many businesses. He runs real estate, restaurants, hotels, and golf courses. Now, in 2016, Trump is running for president of the United States.

As a man who has flourished in the business world and effectively managed multiple areas of commerce, he is an obvious option for president. Many skeptics believe that his brash mouth and spontaneous personality could be catastrophic for the country. However, a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey showed that 79 percent of American adults think that political correctness is a problem in America. Donald Trump is anything but politically correct, and that is exactly what America needs.

As a result of extremely politically correct politicians, distrust has risen in the government. Although there are times when Donald Trump may be too freely spoken, his candor is refreshing.

America is approximately 16.3 trillion dollars in debt.

Donald Trump is roughly 20 million dollars under his presidential campaign budget whereas other candidates are over. Trump knows how to manage money which is why he is the best man to bring the United States out of debt.

Trump has many ingenious policies such as 2nd Amendment Rights, Immigration reform, Veterans Administration reforms, and more. Trump is pushing for the protection of the second amendment, which is the right to keep and bear arms. As the only country in the world to have this right, it is a testament of America’s freedom.

In order to protect the 2nd amendment right of American citizens, Trump has proposed the restoration of Project Exile.

This program said that if a violent felon used a gun to commit a crime, they would be prosecuted in the federal court and sent to prison for five years.

Project Exile was put into place in Richmond, Virginia.

Within the first two years of the program, 350 armed felons were taken off the street and the crime level decreased 60 percent.

Trump also plans on giving more attention to the mental health system. Many mass shootings have been caused by people with mental health problems, so by paying more attention to these people, many tragedies can be avoided.

Trump’s Immigration reform has three principles: a nation without a border is not a nation, a nation without laws is not a nation, and a nation that does not serve its own citizens is not a nation. Trump is correct in the fact that the United States needs to build a wall along the Southern border. With 11.4 million illegal aliens in the United States, jobs for legal Americans are decreasing.

Although some people may see Donald Trump’s wall as racism, it is not in any way a form of prejudice against the Mexican people. It is a testament against men and women who are illegally crossing the border into the United States.

The construction of a wall would keep more Americans and legal immigrants along the Southern border safe.

America needs a president who is not afraid to say what needs to be said, can handle money, and will do what it takes to make America great again.

“ ...79 percent of American adults think that political correctness is a problem in America. Donald Trump is anything but politically correct and that is exactly what America needs.”

April

10 ■ APRIL 15, 2016

ANNALEE BARNETT and LINDSEY MURPHY discuss Donald Trump and his widely controversial policies

SEE IT MY WAY

4NICOLE NERI

Donald Trump: businessman, TV personality, and now potential candidate for president of the United States. Trump’s campaign is supposed to “make America great again,” but Donald Trump is not the way to a great country at all.

To begin with, many of Trump’s policies are not realistic, and some are actually nonexistent. He does not have a tab on his website explaining his foreign policy, implying that he has none. His focus is mainly on immigration, and his ideas regarding immigration are extremist. Trump plans to build a wall on the border with Mexico, and wants Mexico to pay for that border. Calling Hispanic immigrants coming across the border “rapists” is an unacceptable generalization and not any way to get support from a country. The cost to create a wall would be about $23 billion. Trump should not be worried about building a $23 billion wall when America is currently $19.3 trillion dollars in debt.

Many people use the fact that Trump is a “successful” businessman to back their support of him. The American Dream is based off of making a name for yourself, but Trump is not a self-made man. He got his start from his father, benefitting from his father’s credit worthiness. Some of his business failures include Trump Airlines, Trump beverages, Trump University, Trump steaks, Trump mortgage, and Trump casinos, to name a few. According to the Federal Election Commission,15 companies associated with Trump owe banks over $270 million.

Another thing that many supporters of Trump use to back him up is that he speaks his mind, and that is what America needs. They say that Trump’s outspokenness is a positive in an age obsessed with political correctness.

However, there is a distinct difference between being politically correct and saying completely inappropriate and abusive things.

Those who are presidential candidates should speak their minds, but should do so with discretion. This discretion is something that is necessary for maintaining diplomacy; and if Trump is unable to discern what is okay to say, he will not do well in situations with other nations that may require discretion.

Another problem with his outspoken language, is what he has said about African Americans, Muslims, and women. At one of his rallies in Alabama, an African American protester was physically attacked after chanting “black lives matter.” In response, Trump said, “Maybe [the protester] should have been roughed up,” he mused. “It was absolutely disgusting what he was doing.” If Trump believes that exercising the constitutional right to free speech is “absolutely disgusting,” then he is clearly not qualified to be president.

There is a quote by Trump that is very telling about his political campaign, “The same assets that excite me in the chase, often, once they are acquired, leave me bored. For me, you see, the important thing is the getting, not the having.” As president, the important thing should be the having, and what one does with their time in the White House while they have it. A president who would acquire the White House then become bored with it, is not a president who I want running the country.

“If Trump believes that exercising the constitutional right to free speech is “absolutely disgusting,” then he is clearly not qualified to be president.”

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THE CACTUS S

April continued KEEP YOUR BELIEFS OFF MY MEAT What often goes wrong with veganism, and what gives vegan and vegetarianism a bad name, are those who constantly brag about their fresh, green body.

In recent years, veganism and vegetarianism seem to be becoming more and more totalitarian. There are many different variations of vegetarianism, a diet in which one does not eat meat. Veganism is OPINION a diet in which one LINDSEY MURPHY does not consume animal products at all.

There is nothing wrong with choosing to eat a vegan diet. Many people do so for personal reasons or because it makes them feel healthier.

What often goes wrong with veganism, and what gives vegan and vegetarianism a bad name, are those who constantly brag about their fresh, green body. A.K.A., the vegan nazi.

Some people take veganism to the extreme, feeling the need to inform every person on the planet about their style of eating.

I am not sure why some people do this. It

may be to get their message of eating no animal products across to everybody that they know. It may be to raise awareness about the vegan lifestyle. What people need to realize is that they will never change someone’s minds about something as personal as diet by talking about it day in and day out.

Quite frankly, I do not need to know if you ate a vegan dish for lunch and that you are on a vegan “food journey.” It is wonderful for those that choose that lifestyle if it makes them feel better, but there is no need to shove it in everybody’s face.

Veganism is simply a way of eating, and does not need to be trumpeted to everybody.

I could share with everyone that I am on a food journey in which I eat unhealthy food more often than I should (which I do), but I choose not to, because nobody wants to know that information.

Another issue may be those who talk about

their vegan diet as if it is above everyone else’s. Yes, it is impressive that somebody could cut all of that out of their diet, because most people have no self control and would never be able to stick to eating that way.

However, there is no need to talk as if veganism is above or healthier than other ways of eating. People can choose to put into their bodies the food that they wish, and speaking down to someone about eating meat or dairy sure is not going to stop them.

The real reason that many people go vegan or vegetarian is because they want to become healthier, and that is completely fine and understandable. It is ok to eat as healthily or unhealthily as you want, and there is no need to shame or talk down to someone because they eat differently than you.

The mountain bike team is.., VOLATILE PARENTS DO NOTHING BUT HARM THEIR ATHLETIC KIDS

BOWLING FOR SMOOTHIES

OPINION

We all know “those parents”. The ones ious. Parents need to realize that loud input where it does not need to that scream in the stands at the ref, at these games are just high school be. the players, and at the coach. The par- games. Yes, the ref may have made a Another issue with parents in ents that yell at their kids what to do bad call, and yes, the players may be sports is how hard they are on their from the stands, and the parents that playing badly, but that is not the place child about athletics. I think that it get kicked out of the games. It seems of the parents to comment. These is great if they are supportive and that with high school sports becom- parents are not the coach, and are encourage the athlete to push theming more and more competitive, these not the refs. selves, but some step over the line. parents are becoming more and more What these parents scream from Some athletes get more nervous as a surprise when it comes to their quality. common. Acting in this manner as a the sidelines is always ignored by when their parents do come to watch "You can't mess it up so have fun with it. Try parent during a high school sporting the coach and the referees, no matthem compete, because they are tersmoothie bowls recently on the rise. newthey things time you make a new smoothie event ishave not only rude, been it is uncalled ter how much thinkevery their input rified of letting their parents down.

The different ofbethe opens up aseems to matter. and add different and veggies," Zoiefrom their for aspects and cannot fundish for the child to On top of that, fruits I Others only hearsaid criticism experience. have seen Lambesis, fellow athletes embarparents about their performance, world of creativity for foodies. a be sophomore. an athlete, I havebowls witnessed rassed by their overzealous and of hearing what they did well, SmoothiesAsand smoothie seem simiFresh vegetables blendinstead naturally but frozen of these parents in my life. sometimes angry parents. No child and things they could improve on. lar enough,plenty but when comparing the two, there fruit often adds to the texture and consistency I have seen multiple parents get wants to have to be the kid whose I understand that a parent may are different elements in each. A smoothie bowl ofkicked the smoothie.

The smoothie bowl can besoprekicked out of games, and heard parents got out of the game. have been an athlete, they know becomes athem more filling options for those who pared using fresh fruit.

When using the fresh fruittheir screaming from the sidelines.

It is just an awkward situation that about the sport and just want need a quick boost.onThe customization Cheering an athlete is fine, but options could easily be avoided parentswould have child to Thattois subcompletely option, ice ifcubes tosucceed. be added there is a distinctvalues difference between would backstitute. off, and be supportive okay and understandable. But when can increase nutritional and add an extra being supportive and being obnoxrather than putting their often very it gets to a point that the kid does not energy boost.

KIERA RILEY shows the health benefits that smoothie bowls provide

IN THE WORLD OF HEALTH, Cheering on an athlete is fine, but there is a distinct difference between being supportive and being obnoxious

“That’s the great thing about smoothie

bowls. They are so customizable so whatever is at your grocery store or at your local farmer’s market...works perfect! The

Adding liquid, followed by softer ingredients, and then the ice and frozen fruit makes for a desired consistency. After blending, add the smoothie into a bowl and then add desired top-

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LINDSEY MURPHY

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even enjoythe competing “That’s greatanymore, the line has been crossed.

Parents need to understand that thing about athletes will do so much better in a sport if they compete because they smoothie bowls. love the game, and want to do well for themselves, not for their parents.

They are so Parents cannot relive their glory days in high school sports through their customizable so children are children, because their distinctly different athletes, and will whatever is at perform differently.

At the end of the day, parents your grocery need to know that store these are just high school games. Yes, high school sports to the athletes and very orare atimportant your local competitive, but they are not the end all be all. It ismarket... better for parents to let farmer’s the athletes play their game, and not butt in where their commentary is works perfect! not needed or wanted.

The fresher the better.”

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SENIORITY SHUTS DOWN SENIOR PRANK As the school year comes to a close, the age old battle of administration versus the senior class begins again.

Every year, the senior class attempts to put on a ditch day and senior prank, and every year, administration tries to put a stop to this tradition.

A few weeks ago, administration pulled the entire senior class into a meeting in which they told us to not participate in a ditch day or a prank.

Consequences included the possibility of an extra day of school if we all ditched, or the possibility of not walking at graduation.

While administration's concerns about students getting injured or damages to school property are valid, a senior prank and ditch day are part of the high school experience. It is something that is commonly done in high schools across the country and are generally harmless.

Obviously, the administration cannot condone a senior ditch day.

AS WE SEE IT THE EDITORIAL

However, it happens every year, regardless.

The senior prank is a bigger issue, and it is understandable that there would be concern about a prank.

It makes sense that administration would not want the senior class to stage a prank that damages school property, or could be harmful to the student body.

However, administration responds to even the idea of small innocent pranks by shutting them down before they have the chance to occur.

Administration should not automatically assume that the seniors are trying to wreak havoc on the school, and give them the benefit of the doubt. We know the difference between right and wrong, and what is an appropriate or inappropriate prank.

We understand that administration cannot support a ditch day or senior prank. But, given the fact that it happens every year, they don’t have to support it, but they don’t have to have such a strong opposition to it, either.

“Administration should not automatically assume that the seniors are trying to wreak havoc on the school, and give them the benefit of the doubt. We know the difference between right and wrong.”

The EDITORIAL represents the consensus view of the members of the Editorial Board.

The Editorial Board members are Sierra Galindo, Abby Cardenas, Lindsey Murphy, Nicole Neri, Lucas Akin, Rees Bixler, Lauren Haggar, Annalee Barnett, Alex Laggren, Sara Windom, Kiera Riley, and Katelyn Reinhart.

RYAN HEILIGER

FEARLESS FEMALES “Feminists do not hate men, they just want to be treated equally, and rightfully so.”

Designs

February SPORTS

T TURF

WARS

What are athletes saying about the new turf?

UASHLEY WONG THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

HE school’s decision to replace the former grass football and soccer field with artificial turf. Although the turf makes the field look more professional, most athletes have said that they prefer to play on real grass.

“I hate playing on turf because whenever I fall I always get these turf burns that sting and hurt so bad,” said Sandi Baker, a senior on the varsity girls soccer team. On the other hand, some athletes prefer to play on turf because it is a smooth flat surface without any bumps or holes that a real grass field would have.

The biggest downfall to playing on turf, according to several athletes, is the increased risk of injuries. One of the most common injuries, especially in soccer, is a torn ACL. Turf makes it even easier to tear it which is why many soccer players prefer to play on real grass.

“I tore my ACL on turf and I’ve hated playing on it ever since,” said Baker. Along with an increased risk of soccer injuries on turf, the ball also bounces and rolls differently.

“The ball bounces a lot higher and it rolls really fast on turf which makes it harder to control,” said Haley Raether, a senior on the varsity girls soccer team.

“One of the most annoying things about turf are the raspberries you get when you fall or slide tackle,” says Raether. Many athletes call turf burns raspberries because the burn almost resembles a raspberry.

“They hurt to the touch but getting in the shower is the worst part because the water stings the burn and makes it excruciatingly painful,” said Baker. Because of this common turf injury, a lot of soccer players do not go full out when going into tackles.

“I definitely hold back a little because it’s not worth not being able to shower for three days because of how badly the water stings the turf burns,” said Raether.

However, the varsity girls soccer head coach, Jeff Vitorio, has a different opinion about turf. “I like the new turf field I think it makes the stadium look a lot nicer and is also a much better alternative to the bumpy real grass field the girls used to play on,” said Vitorio. Real grass also comes with many downsides as well, including the uneven surface.

“I used to love to play on turf fields because they are smooth and even and you don’t have to worry about the ball bouncing out of control if it lands on a hole or a bump,” said Alexa Yardley, a varsity girls soccer alumni.

A player’s preference ultimately depends on their style of play. Athletes who make fast decisions and are quick on their feet usually prefer turf rather than real grass. Since the ball bounces and rolls a lot faster on turf, it is better suited for speedy players. Real grass gives the athletes a little extra time to settle the ball when it’s coming from the air because it doesn’t bounce nearly as high.

Overall there are many conflicting opinions about playing on turf. Some say more injuries occur but some also say less injuries occur. It mostly depends on an athlete’s personal experience, or lack thereof, with playing on turf. “One thing is for sure though, even if turf does give me nasty raspberries, it definitely makes our stadium and school look a lot nicer,” said Raether. The turf may have been a nice addition to the school’s appearance but definitely not to the soccer girls already banged up bodies. UASHLEY WONG

GOALIE JORDAN NASH-BOULDEN, A SENIOR, is embraced by her team members after the team won the state hockey tournament. The game against Notre Dame went into sudden death overtime, with freshman Robby Beck scoring the final goal to push the Falcons to a 2-1 win 4NICOLE NERI

POST SEASON IN BRIEF SOCCER After a winning season, the girls soccer team made it to the quarterfinals of the

state playoffs. They defeated Rincon to advance to the quarterfinals, but then lost to Notre Dame.

CHEER Once again, the cheer team has won State, making them nine time AIA State Champions. The cheer stunt group got first place, and show cheer won first place as well.

POM The pom team danced their way to second place in division two, in the medium varsity pom division. They went on to nationals, where they advanced to the semifinals. Together, the cheer and pom teams became the spirit line division two all around state champions.

HOCKEY The hockey team won the division 3 state championship. They defeated Notre Dame in overtime to win 2-1.

WRESTLING Greg Burgess, a senior, Tyler Collins, a junior, and Axzavier Aleman, a junior, are advancing to the State wrestling meet.

BASKETBALL After having a winning season, with a record of 17-1, the girls basketball team is advancing in the sectional tournament.

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SPORTS

ON THE BALL Ryan Heiliger discusses what has made this season so successful for the girls basketball team

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HE varsity girls basketball team is having a season to remember, their record currently being 17-1. However, this almost perfect season has not come easy. The team has two hour practices six days a week, as well as a summer program prior to every season.

They have had extensive weight training as well, in order to strengthen and unify the team.

Unlike most varsity teams, the Falcons consist of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and even a freshman player. The four seniors on the team, Gabby Windsor, Corinne Querrey, Morgan Easterbrook, and Teresa Murray, have all been playing varsity since they were freshmen.

“Our team has gotten so much better since my freshman year, we’ve grown so much” said Gabby Windsor, a senior. The team’s record prior to this year was 18-5, still impressive, yet still not as much as this season proves.

Just winning games is not enough for Richie Willis, the Falcons varsity coach of four years. “I believe we can not only make it to state, but win a title,” said Willis. With the team dominating almost every game this season, state is a likely outcome.

“I believe that with the way we work together we can make it a long way in the state tournament and maybe even come out on top by continuing what we do best, together,” said Windsor.

The Falcon’s motto is “together”, as they are an extremely close-knit team. “When I first got here it was pretty tough, but since I’ve been here, every young lady has bought into this program and enhanced their skill set, and now we’re at a better place,” said Willis. The Falcons have team meals about twice a week, as well as team hangouts in order to stay close with one another.

With basketball season coming to an end, the girls only have a few games left until state. Some teams are preparing an end to their seasons, while the Falcons are still going strong in their training.

For this team, there is no “off season”.

“Coach always pushes us and expects 100 percent from us, because he knows what we are capable of and that we are a great team with a great coach,” said Amy Mazanec, a junior and third year varsity player.

GABBY WINDSOR, a senior, and four year varsity team member, dribbles past a player from Mountain View. The varsity team defeated Mountain View 62-37. “Our team has gotten so much better since my freshman year, we’ve grown so much” said Windsor. 4NICOLE NERI

Many find that a life without football is no real life at all On Sundays, people attend church or go out to a pleasant brunch with family -- in the case of a football fanatic, that sacred day is dedicated to facepaint, pigskin, and jerseys.

“I was hoping for the Cardinals, but whatever happened, happened, and the other team [Panthers] earned it,” said Logan Kloss, senior, and member of the varsity football team.

Yet the time of the football fan came to a temporary end with the Super Bowl 50 on February 7, when the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos squared off in the San THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Francisco Bay area.

“When football season ends, no matter what season it is, if our season ends, if college ends, or NFL ends, it’s kind of just, you know, a little sad and you get bored,” said Justin Intolubbe, senior.

While many mourn the absence of fantasy football and agonizing over calls made by referees, all hope is not lost. There is an abundance of clips of past football games, movies that feature the sport, and even prepping for the next season.

“I’m one of those avid football fans,” said Patty Egan, P.E. teacher. “It’s a big commitment to get all the chores done, and exercise in so that I can sit in front of the TV Thursday night, most of Sunday, and then again Monday night. For me, the lull between seasons is called ‘Blackhawks, Bulls, and Cubs.’ I’m not as invested in the other sports because they compete too often.”

The days without football have arrived, and despite the absence of a favorite pastime, people have the opportunity to focus on tasks

set before them.

“The off season is time to find balance in life. Especially for the athletes and coaches.

They train the majority of the year and it’s important to keep life’s priorities,” said Egan.

Football enthusiasts can look forward to a whole new cycle of fantasy teams, loud gatherings around the flatscreen television, Clydesdale commercials, and both unity and division among peers with the annual kickoff game scheduled for September 8 for the 2016 NFL season.

KATELYN FINNEGAN

U

FEBRUARY 12, 2016 ■ 23

SPORTS HELMET One of the most essential parts of the gear, the helmet provides the best form of safety. It protects the head to avoid concussions and other head injuries. They cost anywhere from $40 to $100 and you can find them at REI, Dicks, and evo.

“I think that it is a really good exercise. It can really tire you out sometimes, but it’s worth it.

I don’t really see snowboarding as a workout, but I know just how great it is for you. I just do it because it’s fun”

GOGGLES At around $50 a pair, goggles are needed to shield the eyes from the blinding sun while cruising down the face of a snowy mountain. Snow reflects light very well and may hurt your vision without a pair to protect you. Also when you gain some speed, you can keep your eyes open when the winter’s cold wind is hitting your face.

BASE LAYER It will cost you about $100 for a quality base layer that consists of a long sleeve shirt, usually made of wool, and long wool leggings.

These are essential for warmth and the warmer you are, the more enjoyable the outing will be.

SECOND LAYER This layer will consist of an average pair of pants and a nice sweater that will add to your overall warmth. This will set you back around $50

Chester Frantz, avid snowboarder

JACKET Layers are the best way to stay warm, so a good insulated, waterresistant jacket that will cover your base layer will finish your outfit and add the most warmth. This can be purchased for $100 at any snowboarding and outdoors stores.

Suit up Prepare to hit the slopes for a healthy winter activity

Katelyn Reinhart discusses the origins, popularity level, and health benefits of the common winter sport, snowboarding.

24 ■ FEBRUARY 12, 2016

S

now flies in each direction as it falls prey to a well-known winter sport: snowboarding. As a seasonal sport, snowboarding is still very popular, but its popularity is beginning to dwindle as the years pass.

While it may be falling in popularity, snowboarding also offers a great workout value, and many health benefits come from the sport.

Inspired by skateboarding, snowboarding has come a long way from its origins, and has been an olympic sport since 1998. Like any sport, there are several precautions necessary in order to snowboard. On average, there are roughly six people for each thousand persons per day who obtain an injury, major or minor, from snowboarding. Injuries in the sport often occur in people who are beginners, with the injury rate in experienced riders significantly lower.

A snowboarder for his entire life, Chester

GLOVES They might make your hands look like little marshmallows, but some thick gloves for $30 to protect your fingers from the harsh cold can really make or break your day. While snowboarding, you often find yourself sitting with your hands in the snow behind you, and with a thin pair of gloves or no gloves at all your fingers start to burn.

SNOW PANTS These will supply the same warmth as a snow jacket and cost around $100. They can be bought at the same stores such as REI and Dicks.

SNOWBOARD This is where all the fun is generated from and all the expense.

This can be bought from Ski shops, Zumiez, Rei, and other board shops from $100 to $400. Popular companies include Burton, K2, and Salomon.

BOOTS Your feet are the most important body part to keep warm. A good, insulated pair of boots will get the job done. These can be found at Zumiez, Dick’s, and REI for $100 to $250.

BINDINGS For around $150 these can be bought from REI as well as ski shops. Bindings screw onto your snowboard and have straps on top of them to strap onto your boots.

UREES BIXLER

4NICOLE NERI Frantz has seen the ups and downs of the sport.

“You can tell that the people who started the sport outgrew it. I think that that’s the problem with snowboarding. All of the people who get into it, really get into it, belonged to this sort of skateboard culture. Once they grew out of it, all that was left is the next generation’s skateboarders,” said Frantz.

To support Frantz’s theory, Tyler Chichon, a freshman and snow boarder, said “It’s hard to do a winter sport when you live in one of the hottest states in America. It is really hard to practice, because it is so seasonal.”

It does not take much to see that the majority of snow boarders are the same people who are familiar with skateboarding. The typical snow boarders are commonly seen as “bros” in their twenty-some things armed with beanies and energy drinks. “I think that snowboarding and skateboarding are pretty much the same,” said Sean Bancamper, a sophomore.

Despite losing its popularity, snowboard-

ing still has health value. As an aerobic exercise, snowboarding offers intense cardio and burns calories, burning up to four hundred and fifty calories an hour. It also exercises major muscle groups, such as the quads, hamstrings, and calves. “I think that it is a really good exercise. It can really tire you out sometimes, but it’s worth it. I don’t really see snowboarding as a workout, but I know just how great it is for you. I just do it because it’s fun” said Frantz.

For a person weighing 150 pounds, snowboarding burns 480 calories per hour. There have also been studies that suggest that snowboarding is not only good for physical health, but mental health as well. These studies also show that mood and anxiety levels improve from performing the sport.

The intensity of the workout from snowboarding can also be altered by simply altering their route. By changing the incline and obstacles on the ride, a person can alter the amount of calories lost.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

March Tracking progress

All-star Ben Rodenberg will be taking his talents to Creighton College next year.

FULL-RIDING HIGH

SPORTS

RYAN HEILIGER discusses how track members prepare for their next season.

“The facilities and building are all top of the line and will allow me to be the best baseball player I can be, as well as the strongest and smartest version of myself during my time at the university.”

Ben Rodenburg, a senior

Many athletes on the track team follow a strict schedule when it comes to race day, while others have completely bizarre regimes. Before their races, runners have to prepare as early as two days before by hydrating, eating right, and resting. Some athletes are very cautious with what they do before their races, while others are more relaxed and flexible with their habits.

Track and field is a unique sport consisting of around 17 different events. Events in track can be short sprints, long runs, jumping, or throwing. Cactus Shadows track and field has been around for decades, currently coached by Tandehl Collentine, health teacher. The track and field program begins in early February, but the first meet isn’t until March, giving athletes sufficient time to get into competing shape. This season consists of 13 meets that running, jumping, and throwing athletes will compete in.

Most athletes, especially those who run longer distances, have to physically and mentally ready themselves starting a day or two before a race. “The night before I’ll usually go to Brisam’s and get something for dinner, and then I’ll get a good night’s sleep,” said Max Solberg, a junior. Solberg runs the mile, the two mile, and the 4 by 400 relay. On the day of a meet, Solberg drinks around 75 ounces of water before his race. If distance runners do not properly hydrate or eat correctly, they could get a severe cramp or suffer from exhaustion during their race.

Sprinters often have more laid back pre-race schedules, however, preparation is still necessary for most. “I’ll ice my shins the night before a race because my shins are known for getting injuries,” said Alexa Hokanson, a junior. Hokanson runs the 100, 200, and 400 meter dash. “I go to bed around 10, which is pretty early for me, then I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and drink a bottle of water,” said Hokanson. In the morning, Hokanson has a protein-filled breakfast and relaxes until her race.

Whether you race long distance races or short sprints, almost everyone has a specific pre-race schedule. “I napped a lot at the meets,” said Collentine. “I also loved eating gummy bears before my races.” Collentine ran all four years in high school track, participating in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dash.

ALEXA’S UNUSUAL PRE-RACE PREP

By REBECCA MEJIA

§ staff writer

The All-Star, Nest leader and varsity baseball player, Ben Rodenberg, has received a full-ride baseball scholarship to Creighton College.

“They have a great baseball program, which is Division 1. They also have the nicest college baseball field in the nation,” said Rodenberg.

Rodenberg has been playing baseball since he was three years old, when his dad took him out in the yard to play catch. Rodenberg also has always hoped for a future with the sport. “In the seventh grade I tried out for the basketball team but didn't make the cuts, this is when I truly got committed to baseball,” said Rodenburg.

Rodenberg played varsity all of high school. One of his favorite things about being on the team is the friendships he has made. Dellan Raish, a felTHE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

low senior on the team, was one of the friends Rodenburg made at a young age, through their mutual love for baseball.

Both he and Raish have been offered scholarships. “When you are sure you really want to pursue this, you have to commit to a college and it can be a long process,” said Raish.

Originally, Rodenberg was committed to playing at U of A but, because it was only a verbal agreement and the coach ended up leaving, the scholarship did not come through.

Fortunately for him, there were still plenty of colleges interested in him. He ended up choosing Creighton College in Omaha, Nebraska. “I was very impressed with the coaching staff and with everything school had to offer me,” said Rodenberg. “The facilities and building are all top of the line and will allow me to be the best baseball player I can be,

4NICOLE NERI

as well as the strongest and smartest version of myself during my time at the university.”

Rodenberg will receive $36,000 every year for all four years.

“Their business program, what I’m majoring in, is very strong, and they have five Fortune 500 companies in Omaha, which means plenty of job opportunities after college,” said Rodenburg.

Both Rodenberg and Raish hope to make it to the big leagues. “Our ultimate achievement would be to someday be playing in the MLB [Major League Baseball],” said Raish.

Gaetano Gianni, boys health teacher and Varsity Baseball coach, is impressed with Rodenburg. “He’s such a great kid, very respectful, a natural leader, he gets straight As and always brings good energy to the team,” said Gianni.

Many athletes have strict pre-race regimens that they follow before they step on the line.

Some make sure that they get a full night of sleep, and some follow a very specific diet.

Others, however, have a completely different pre race ritual. Alexa Hokanson, a junior who runs the 400, had a unique pre race routine before state last year.

Hokanson had forgotten that she had to compete in the state meet that day, so she spent the day with a friend, and completely missed the bus to the meet. However, this unique regime appeared to work for Hokanson, because she ran her fastest time at state that day.

“Before my state meet, I biked six miles to Asado and I ate a big chimichanga, and then I biked home. Then at home I slept for an hour until I got a phone call from Kaitlin Williams saying that I missed the bus to state, so I made my dad drive me there. I got there right at my event, I ran it and I PR’ed [personal record],” Hokanson said.

ULINDSEY MURPHY

MARCH 11, 2016 ■ 25

SPORTS The mountain bike team is..,

HARD ON THE HILLS S

By ANNALEE BARNETT

§ foodie editor

TUDENTS of Cactus Shadows prepare for the upcoming season of the mountain biking team by practicing four days out of the week at multiple locations around the Cave Creek area. Practice sites include the Cave Creek recreational park, Browns Ranch, Spur Cross, and the Sonoran Preserve, which is only 23 minutes away from the school.

The first meeting of the year will take place in the first week of March and will discuss offseason practices and requirements.

The competition season consists of five races over the course of October to late November.

Cactus Shadows, along with 47 other schools are involved in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

“They’re dividing it into two separate divisions, so if you have above 12 kids now on your team you get put in division one,” said Spencer Chamitti, a sophomore and member of the team. Cactus Shadows expects to have 25 students on the team this coming season so they will be placed in division one.

Kara Nicholls, the team director and mother of one of the bikers, started the team and continues to lead it, this will be her fourth year. “My husband and daughter started Mountain Bike riding when we moved from Australia to Arizona to replace surfing. They needed another extreme sport,” said Nicholls.

Mountain biking is a sport that requires much training and understanding of safety procedures. “When you start you need to learn your skills and make sure you don't try anything that you can't do,” said Olivia Nicholls, a senior and pre-

vious captain of the team. She has been biking for nine years.

Mountain biking is a dangerous sport and risk is a part of the sport. “I just fell a couple weeks ago and I was out for a good week. But honestly if you wear a helmet you should walk away from it fine, unless you break a limb,” said Chamitti.

Trails can often get very rugged and steep. “I think my max percentage going up a hill called Humble was 14 percent incline, which is steep,” said Olivia. With every lap, the distance climbed increases. It can increase anywhere from 400 feet to 1,000 feet.

For the last two years, Cactus Shadows has won second in their league and with more bikers showing interest in the team, there is hope for another win in the future. Although the team has brought Cactus Shadows much publicity to the school because of its wins, it is not recognized as a sport, only a club.

Efforts have been pursued to make it a sport, such as emails to administration, but they were never answered. “We’re third in state twice in a row and I think we deserve a little more recognition than we actually get,” said Chamitti.

According to Olivia Nicholls, the team is open to everyone, “Other people should join mountain biking because it’s such a great community. I’ve made so many great friends through the team and through other teams that are around the state.”

This is a no cut team and beginners are welcome.

RIDING ALONG THE BLACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL Spencer

Chamitti, a sophomore, watches for obstacles. 4COURTNEY CURTIS

Efforts have been pursued to make it a sport, such as emails to administration, but they were never answered. “We’re third in state twice in a row and I think we deserve a little more recognition than we actually get.”

Spencer Chamitti a sophomore team member

GOOD GEAR CAN SET YOU BACK THOUSANDS Mountain Biking is not an inexpensive sport. Even for beginners, many supplies and equipment are needed to make sure that bikers are well prepared.

Quality bikes cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5000. Helmets are needed for safety precautions and are required wear in a race. Sunglasses, gloves, and water bottles are recommended while biking as well. Water bottle cages are needed in order to keep your water bottle attached to your bike.

To make your ride as comfortable as possible, the correct apparel is needed.

Pants called bibs, which are tight,

padded shorts, are required during races along with the team jersey. Bibs cost around 50 dollars.

Attachable clip-in shoes are also recommended in order to make sure that your feet don't fall off of the pedal during a race. Shoes can cost anywhere from $70 to $300.

The most important thing about Mountain Biking gear is maintenance.

Equipment will get very expensive very fast if it is not maintained. The more gear is mistreated, the more money you have to spend replacing and fixing it.

UANNALEE BARNET 26 ■ MARCH 11, 2016

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPORTS

NFL coach breaks the glass ceiling As of January 20, the world of football has done something that many view as controversial, and additionally as “tradition-breaking.” The NFL hired its first ever full-time female coach. Kathyrn Smith was hired as the quality-control coach for the Buffalo Bills, only the second NFL team to ever hire any type of female coach. The Cardinals hired a female traning camp assistant-coach, Jen Welter, less than a year ago. The NFL was founded on August 20, 1920, and took nearly a century to make any major changes regarding gender within the league.

During April of 2015, the NFL appointed the first female referee, Sarah Thomas; and in July the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs established Becky Hammon as the first female coach for the Summer League. With these major decisions happening in such quick succession, it is evident crucial changes will be happening regarding female coaches in professional sports leagues.

In a society where sports are mostly male-dominated, this recent move has spiked both applause and dissatisfaction alike. The portion of women that do seek coaching positions in male-dominated sports is relatively small, so when a women is offered a highly sought after coaching position, news travels fast.

“I think we should allow qualified females into the world of sports and credit them for attempting to diversify the sports world,” said Lauren Manuszak, a senior. Manuszak, a four year member and goalkeeper of the soccer team, believes that advancements like this in sports are ground-breaking.

“It is not only a huge step for women in coaching, but also in the NFL and male-dominated sports as well,” said Manuszak.

Having less female administrators in professional male-dominated sports means increasing difficulty for women to get head-coaching jobs. Male coaches, on the other hand, have continuously been able to find success coaching women’s teams. As of 2011, 42.6 percent of women coached professional women’s sports, while 57.4 percent of men coached women’s professional sports.

Less than 3 percent of women held a head-coaching position in a men’s sport; and those numbers have not changed drastically since then.

“It should one day become a normal thing to see a woman playing football or hockey, or any sport that is typically male-centered,” said Becki Meils, a junior and three year member of the golf team. “Maybe one day it wouldn’t be so shocking to the public.”

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, women coaching college sports earn nearly half of what their male counterparts take home. In 1983, the Equal Pay Act was passed, requiring employers to pay their male and female employees equal pay for the same amount of work. Despite this, sports teams at universities often find ways around this by rewording contracts and claiming salaries are taken out of university-based funds.

“I don’t think gender matters if you’re a qualified candidate,” said Patricia Egan, who works as a coch in various types of sports for 30 years. “Athletes will listen to whoever they feel is going to make them better, whether that be physically or mentally.”

As women continue to conquer obstacles in the sports world, both mental and physical, careers in coaching will be facing major changes and athletes will be seeing more diversity on their teams, both on and off the field.

UERIKA RICHWAGEN

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

GLIDING ACROSS THE ICE to block the

puck, Jordan NashBoulden watches it go airborne. 4NICOLE NERI

Nash-Boulden reaches for hockey heaven The senior will be helping build ASU’s first women’s ice hockey team

By KIERA RILEY

§ opinion editor

Besides winning state, Jordan Nash-Boulden, a senior goalie, received a scholarship from the Arizona High School Hockey Association and has been offered a spot on the new Arizona State University women’s ice hockey team starting this fall.

Nash-Boulden will be one of the first pioneering this new group. She originally intended to play hockey out of state but when ASU announced the start of a women’s club ice hockey team, she contacted coach Kaley Gibson about the opportunity.

Coach Gibson saw some of Nash-Boulden’s games and playing abilities and offered her a spot on the team.

“As a graduate of both Cactus Shadows and Arizona State, playing hockey for both, I could not be happier with her choice to continue her education while playing hockey for the Sun Devils on a ground breaking team,” said Mitchell Lyons, assistant coach.

Nash-Boulden has recently skated with some of her new teammates as they gear up for the season ahead.

This way she has been able to get to know her new team and prepare for the coming college hockey season.

“When I was younger I thought I was going to play in the NHL and as you get older you realize that isn’t super attainable for women right now, but playing college hockey is a great step and a lot of players don’t get that opportunity so I’m very fortunate,” said Nash-Boulden.

Along with the start of the ASU team, Nash-Boulden has also been chosen as the recipient for the Stephen Demchik Memorial Scholarship. The Arizona High School Hockey Association (AHSHA) awards this scholarship to one senior player every year.

The players are required to play for AHSHA for a minimum of two years. This scholarship is both academic as well as athletic. When choosing the recipient, AHSHA takes into account activities both on and off the ice,

weighing GPA, volunteering, leadership abilities, and fair play. Applicants are also required to submit an essay about why they should be chosen for this scholarship.

Nash-Boulden was awarded the scholarship because of her performances in school and as a member of the Cactus Shadows ice hockey team, and with the hockey team’s recent state win, things seem to be on the rise.

The team’s victory at state was a close match as they won in sudden death overtime. “[The feeling] is really hard to describe unless you’ve been there,” said Nash-Boulden, commenting on the team’s win.

Nash-Boulden attributes a lot of her personal improvement to playing on the Cactus Shadow’s hockey team for the past two years. NashBoulden said playing for Cactus Shadows has been “very different because it’s a lot more physical... people shoot harder and skate faster so it’s kind of nice that you get to play at that higher level.”

The transition from a girl’s travel hockey team to a predominantly Mitchell Lyons, male high school hockey team has Nash-Boulden’s benefitted Nash-Boulden. She has assistant coach. also assisted her teammates in learning and improving.

“She’s a great goalie, she’s very consistent and she knows what she’s doing. She stays on top of the net and knows how to play her game,” said Connor Hanson, a sophomore and fellow goalie.

Nash-Boulden will start playing on the ASU team in the fall and prior to this will continue practicing with her new team.

I could not be happier with her choice to continue her education while playing hockey for the Sun Devils on a ground breaking team.”

MARCH 11, 2016 ■ 27

April For some Cactus Shadows students there is no excitement better than powering one’s bike over the ...

DIRT WESLEY TANK, A SENIOR soars through the air as

he practices riding his dirtbike. Tank practices at Canyon Motocross twice a week. “What i like most about dirt biking is the competitive atmosphere and the rush of racing” Tank said.

4CHASE CRITCHER

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPORTS

By ANNALEE BARNETT

§ foodie editor

aredevils can find a rush in the high-speed world of dirt biking which takes place all around the country. The sport, also known as motocross, is an off road motorcycle race held in an enclosed circuit. Obstacles are disseminated all throughout the course.

“It’s different every race, but usually you have rocks, up hills, and sandy washes,” said Nicole Vian, a sophomore.

There are many other types of obstacles on the course such as rhythm sections, Woops, and Big doubles. These deterrents vary but all include a series of strategic jumps and bumps.

Although dirt biking seems like a cool sport to do as a side hobby, many hours of practice and hard work go into being a successful rider. “Everyone thinks it's really easy, but it is not. It’s a little more complicated than everyone thinks,” said Vian.

Just last year, dirt biking was rated the number one most physically demanding sport. Bikers maneuver a 200 plus pound of machinery for 3 to four hours, depending on the distance of the courses, which can range from 50 miles up.

Nicole Vian rides with the (AMRA) Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association. AMRA is a non-profit organization that is working with eight other local off-road motorcycle clubs. Their goal is to promote off-road motor cycling in the state of Arizona.

Not only is dirt biking physically demanding, it is also very dangerous.

“I’ve had my bike cut out on me during a jump and once it cuts out you don't have any speed and it hit handlebars first and i went over the handlebars and the bike landed on me, so that was the most dangerous for me,” said Ryan Atkinson, a sophomore. Atkinson used to ride at tracks such as Speed world, which was shut down due to land rights, Canyon Motorsports, and more.

Staying safe is important in motor cross, if even one piece of equipment is missing, there is a high chance that things could go wrong. “I’ve been pretty lucky, I haven't been hurt too much, said Vian.

Although there are many risks to motocross, there are also many perks.

“What I like most about dirt biking is the competitive atmosphere and the rush of racing,” said Wesley Tank, a senior. The average distance for a race is 50 to 75 miles and can take three or four hours to complete.

Depending on different types of bikes, there are different races because speed, power, and precision varies from bike to bike. “By the dirt bike you ride, I would just be with 150’s, it wouldn't put me up against 450’s because they’re probably better racers and faster bikes,” said Atkinson.

Motocross is a sport that relies on many things such as circumstances, the weather, and time. Since Arizona has such radical temperature swings, finding a good time to ride is tricky.

“The best time to go is early in the morning, or at night, because those are the coolest parts of the day,” said Tank.

APRIL 15, 2016 ■ 25

SPORTS

Serving up a successful season

T

HE girls tennis team started

the season strong, with a record of 6-2. This year, the team moved to Division I, which means tougher competition than previous years. “Everyone needs to step up their play,” says Jill McLyn, girls varsity tennis coach. “So far, the girls have done a great job of this. Even when we lose, the girls are getting to be better tennis players.”

To prepare for the higher competitive level in Division 1, the team must endure tough practices and matches to get ready for their final destination, which is state championships. “Every match we play in, we are getting prepared for states,” said McLyn. “States will be difficult this year because we are playing in the highest division, but I’m excited to see what our team can do,” said Malana Russo, senior team captain. “We want to try to stay

unified, and have fun together. Win or lose, we still have a good time.”

The team has set goals for this season.

McLyn wants the girls to reach the top sixteen ranking in order to have a spot in the state tournament. ”Team bonding is important. We also want to get stronger as players and as a team since this is Division I and there is tougher competition,” said Russo.

This year’s team is diverse, including brand new players and returning players, all of which add strength to the team. “Of the six girls on varsity, five are seniors, so they are mature and know how to win matches,” said McLyn. “I love the leadership that they all show. They have their ups and downs, but when I want them to work, they work. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished so far this season, especially since we are competing in Division I.”

UMADELINE HOWARD

IN BETWEEN MATCHES, freshman Kate McAtee, junior Alyssa Suddreth, and junior Hannah Gohlke relax and socialize. 4DANICA HINKLE

Softball team aims for state Kayla Christenson discusses how close the softball team is to making state, and how they plan to make it happen

SENIOR ASHLEY RAMIREZ prepares for a serve in the first match of the season.

Ramirez is new to the team this year, and holds the number one spot on the varsity team.

4DANICA HINKLE 26 ■ APRIL 15, 2016

The varsity softball team are in the middle of a strong season, and coach Danica Gianni is hopeful they will make it to State.

“This is one of the more talented groups we have had,” said Gianni. “I think we are going to make it to state. We are 26 now, and the top 24 teams go to State.

Left fielder Taylor Kufner sees more wins ahead. She has been playing softball for seven years, and hopes to play in college.

“I started playing softball because I instantly knew it was the sport for me because it was competitive and fun at the same time,” said Kufner.

In order to make it to State, the team has to work hard at practice and at games.

Kufner drinks plenty of water and gatorade throughout the day to hydrate and get electrolytes.

“The night before a game, I prepare by drinking a lot of water and getting a lot of sleep. Then, when I wake up, I get pumped up,” said Kufner.

Rachel Rodriguez, a junior who plays second base and outfield, says the practices keep her in shape for the games. “I practice all week and I am ready,” she said.

Rodriguez has been playing softball for nine years and continues to focus on improving her skills.

“I started playing softball because my brother played,” says Rodriguez.

With eight games to go and a tough schedule, the team will need to keep up the hard work. “They are going to pull through,” said Gianni.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPORTS The mountain bike team is.., VOLATILE PARENTS DO NOTHING BUT HARM THEIR ATHLETIC KIDS OPINION

LINDSEY MURPHY

Cheering on an athlete is fine, but there is a distinct difference between being supportive and being obnoxious

We all know “those parents”. The ones that scream in the stands at the ref, at the players, and at the coach. The parents that yell at their kids what to do from the stands, and the parents that get kicked out of the games. It seems that with high school sports becoming more and more competitive, these parents are becoming more and more common. Acting in this manner as a parent during a high school sporting event is not only rude, it is uncalled for and cannot be fun for the child to experience.

As an athlete, I have witnessed plenty of these parents in my life.

I have seen multiple parents get kicked out of games, and heard them screaming from the sidelines.

Cheering on an athlete is fine, but there is a distinct difference between being supportive and being obnox-

ious. Parents need to realize that these games are just high school games. Yes, the ref may have made a bad call, and yes, the players may be playing badly, but that is not the place of the parents to comment. These parents are not the coach, and are not the refs.

What these parents scream from the sidelines is always ignored by the coach and the referees, no matter how much they think their input seems to matter. On top of that, I have seen fellow athletes be embarrassed by their overzealous and sometimes angry parents. No child wants to have to be the kid whose parents got kicked out of the game.

It is just an awkward situation that could easily be avoided if parents would back off, and be supportive rather than putting their often very

loud input where it does not need to be.

Another issue with parents in sports is how hard they are on their child about athletics. I think that it is great if they are supportive and encourage the athlete to push themselves, but some step over the line.

Some athletes get more nervous when their parents do come to watch them compete, because they are terrified of letting their parents down.

Others only hear criticism from their parents about their performance, instead of hearing what they did well, and things they could improve on.

I understand that a parent may have been an athlete, so they know about the sport and just want their child to succeed. That is completely okay and understandable. But when it gets to a point that the kid does not

even enjoy competing anymore, the line has been crossed.

Parents need to understand that athletes will do so much better in a sport if they compete because they love the game, and want to do well for themselves, not for their parents.

Parents cannot relive their glory days in high school sports through their children, because their children are distinctly different athletes, and will perform differently.

At the end of the day, parents need to know that these are just high school games. Yes, high school sports are important to the athletes and very competitive, but they are not the end all be all. It is better for parents to let the athletes play their game, and not butt in where their commentary is not needed or wanted.

TURNING A DREAM INTO A REALITY Erika Richwagen talks to senior Carlee Turner about her success so far in hockey, and what she has planned for the future.

C

CARLEE TURNER, a senior at Cactus Shadows and the North American Hockey Academy charges down the ice. Turner began playing hockey at the young age of four, and has not stopped since. Her skill led to her receiving a full ride scholarship to play hockey at the University of New Hampshire.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

ARLEE Turner, a senior attending CSHS as well as The North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vermont, has recently been awarded the Liz Turgeon Award for Player of the Year in Juniors Women Hockey League.

The JWHL award is the highest honor a girl in the junior’s league can win throughout all of the US and Canada.

Turner finished her high school hockey career as team captain at NAHA. Turner plans to attend the University of New Hampshire in August, and plans to play division one hockey. Turner has received a full-ride scholarship for all four years of university. Turner aspires to play for the US Olympic Team and attend medical school upon graduating from university.

Turner began playing hockey when she was just four years old.

“I grew up at the rink,” said Turner.

Initially, at the age of two, Turner was put into figure skates and was not expected to play hockey, because it ‘wasn't something girls typically did’ “When I started to talk, I told my parents I wanted to play hockey like my brother.”

Turner looked up to her older brother as she grew up, and because he played hockey and enjoyed it she decided that she would as well. Turner is an avid watcher of the NHL and has an appreciation for a majority of the Canadian teams. Turner’s family is from Canada and believes that because of that, her

love of hockey runs through her blood.

When Turner began playing with a team, she played with boys since she struggled to find any girls teams. Turner typically played center forward on her team.

During university, Turner aspires for a career in medicine but is uncertain which medical path she’ll take.

“I’ve been interested in medicine for a while; if I would continue with medicine I would love to incorporate hockey somehow because it’s been a part of my whole life.” Despite deciding to pursue medicine, Turner has considered the option of continuing to play hockey as a professional.

“If I would like to still play, I would like to play on a professional team, and then play on a national team for the U.S. If everything goes well,” said Turner.

Despite her array of achievements, Turner’s seasons did not always experience smooth sailing.”

“My sophomore year in the beginning of my season I dislocated my shoulder,” said Turner. “I tore my ligament so I was out for about three weeks, but I finished my season and got surgery in March. It was about a six month recovery, so over the summer I did PT [physical therapy]. I came back my junior year and was a little off because I hadn’t played for a while and hadn't trained as much as the other kids. I got back from it, though.”

Regardless of any setbacks Turner experienced, she has accomplished multiple goals as a student and athlete.

APRIL 15, 2016 ■ 27

May SPORTS

Head in the game?

Given the recent head injuries in the sport of football, some parents are hesitant to allow their sons to play football. Lauren Haggar asks several football players if they would allow their children to play football even though there is a high rate of injury.

“Honestly it would be kind of a tough decision for me, I actually hurt myself this season, it wasn’t a head injury I broke my back... and it’s a tough decision to make, there’s so many head injuries everyday, and there’s even more and more evidence that the head injuries are traumatic, but I’m sure that by the time I do have a child there will be many advancements in protection and things like that. So I would have to think about it, but I probably would if there were more advancements.”

MATT SILL, SENIOR

“I would because I think they are making progress in safety and I don’t really see problems with it because we are continuously developing the medical field, so I would let my son play.”

BRENDON LONG, SENIOR

HARRY CARROZZA, A FRESHMAN lunges to hit

4ANNALEE BARNETT

the tennis ball in a practice.

Harry Carrozza is on the varsity team, and plays doubles with junior Dimitry Cheznov.

Carrozza and Cheznov played doubles in the state tournament.

“Yes I would let them play, because a lot of kids have passion towards sports more than schools and other things, like if you did not allow your kid to play something they have a passion for… I don’t know it is just worth it to me.”

PAYTON KUEHN, JUNIOR

TENNIS§ TEAMS BRINGS IT ALL HOME

BY ANNLEE BARNETT

foodie edotor

This spring season, the Cactus Shadows boys tennis team finished strong due to many hours of hard work and dedication put in over the last couple of months. The team has won a total of nine games while they have only lost four.

“Competitively, we have a pretty deep team. I think we did really well. I’m pretty proud of how we did,” said Luke Scott, coach of the boys tennis team.

Scott has been coaching tennis at Cactus Shadows for four years and coached elsewhere for 15 years.

“Tennis is not an easy sport to pick up if you’re not athletic. For students that are interested in playing, practice over the off season and learn a little bit, maybe play on the wii or something,” said Scott.

The state tournament took place at Indian School Park and three Cactus Shadows boys participated.

Dimitriy Chesnov and Harry Carrozza played doubles, while Tyler Bergman played singles. Cactus Shadows lost in the first round of state.

“As a whole we were right in there, we had a couple of close matches and if we could have pulled that out things could have turned around,” said Bergman, a junior varsity player.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

John Taylor, a junior, has been playing since freshman year and is now on varsity.

“I actually just went out on a whim one day and freshman year I just went to the tennis courts and said that I wanted to play tennis and I like it a lot now. I love it,” said Taylor.

There are only four tennis courts on campus and both the boys and girls team share them. The boys take the first half of practice from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. while the girls take the next two hours.

Next year, renovations will have been made to the tennis courts along with many other sports facilities. “The courts this year are really....there’s only four, and they’re not in the best condition, so I’m super excited for the new courts,” said Taylor.

The boys tennis team is the only other sport at Cactus Shadows, besides golf, to be in division one.

Last year the team was in division two and has since then moved up. The current rival for the team is Boulder Creek High School. “We call it battle of the creeks,” said Scott.

For the first time this year, home matches have taken place on Cactus Shadows courts while in previous years they had taken place at a nearby areas such as Terravita and Winfield.

“Yes, because I play football and I had a concussion and I am still playing today, it didn’t really affect me in a huge way so I would let my kid play football because I play and I love the sport a lot, it would be hard for me to tell him no.”

TOMMY BROWN, SOPHOMORE

“I think I would, I don’t really know all the details about what they think happens but I never got a concussion playing football, so personally, I am not really worried. I know some people think I it can cause ALS, which can be detrimental to your later health but I think by that time we will have sufficient research and ways to protect against concussions.”

ANTONIO MARCHICA, SENIOR 4KATE FINNEGAN MAY 13, 2016 ■ 25

SPORTS

BEN RODENBURG Ben Rodenburg has been playing baseball since he was about five years old and has received a scholarship to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

“I was relieved when I found out I got this scholarship. I had been looked at by another school, but that offer fell through, so I’m glad this one worked out,” said Rodenburg

CARMEN BROWN SOCCER Carmen Brown accepted a scholarship from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada for soccer.

“It was very exciting getting my scholarship,” said Brown, “Any amount not to pay for college is awesome.”While going to college out of the country to play soccer, Brown will be able to meet new people and have many different experiences.

“I have actually met my teammates and they seem really fun and supportive,” said Brown, “I think it’s going to be a really good transition.”

KALLEIGH GIBADLO SOCCER Kalleigh Gibaldo has received a scholarship for soccer at Scottsdale Community College.

“I was super excited to hear the news,” said Gibadlo about accepting the scholarship. “I’m really excited to meet all of my new teammates,” said Gibadlo, “It will be special to experience the college soccer life.”

ASHLEY RAMIREZ TENNIS Ashley Ramirez is attending Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas to play tennis. This season was Ramirez’s first season on the varsity tennis team.

“To stay motivated will be easy as long as I have a strong team to fall back on if I ever need any help,” said Ramirez.

4NICOLE NERI

BEN MEILS, GOLF Ben Meils is attending St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa for his talent in golf.

“Getting the scholarship was a really exciting experience,” said Meils.

Playing it forward

BASEBALL

After years of practice and hard work in high school, these athletes are continuing on to compete in college.

UMADDIE HOWARD 26 ■ MAY 13, 2016

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPORTS eople often overlook track and field when they think of sports, but the track team is having quite a season to remember this year. Although the team only has nine seniors, nothing is stopping the younger classes from stepping up and carrying the team.

The track and field program at Cactus Shadows has a unique and effective way of training athletes. An off season program is provided during the winter sports season, and many athletes join to prepare for track in the spring.

Track and field athletes came into this season looking strong and prepared, most participating in one or two other sports year-round.

“The team’s doing really well, looking at state we have the possibility of about 17 individual athletes going,” said Tandehl Collentine, head coach.

Practice for track and field is unlike most sports. Track is a much bigger and diverse sport, so different event groups are formed. There are throwers, sprinters, jumpers, and distance runners. Each event group is lead by different coaches, some groups having more than one coach. Throwers work on their strength and power as well at their throwing form. Sprinters practice their form, speed, and block starts. Jumpers use boxes and hurdles to help their explosive jumps as well as their strength. Distance runners go on long runs to build their endurance and speed.

The varsity team features many underclassmen as well as first-year athletes.

“This is my first year doing track and I’m on varsity, so that’s pretty awesome,” said Isabelle Bennett, a junior.

Bennett is on the 4 by 400 meter relay team who recently broke the school record and is ranked first in the state.

Many other athletes have broken school records and have been ranked very high this year. Alexa Hokanson, a junior, has broken the 400 meter record four times this season, and is ranked first in the state. Sadie Thompson, a junior, has broken the discus record and is currently fourth in the state for shot put and discus.

“We have four varsity girl throwers that qualified for state, and we’re all juniors, so we’re gonna kill it this year and next year,” said Thompson.

The track team has made an impression this year at many meets, and will only continue to do so. With only a tiny amount of seniors leaving the team, records will continue to be shattered in the coming years. “We’re going to have a strong group of freshmen come in next year, so our team will only get better,” said Collentine.

URYAN HEILIGER

RIGHT ON TRACK

JENSEN GOMEZ, A FRESHMAN races over the hurdles in the Rattler Booster Invitational. Gomez is a varsity runner, and competes primarily in the hurdles and short sprints.

4LIFETOUCH

ACL TEARS SERIOUS; ON THE RISE IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

By ASHELY WONG

§ staff writer

ACL tears are a growing problem for athletes, with more than 200,000 injuries occurring in the U.S. alone each year. The most common sports for ACL tears, according to ESPN, include soccer, basketball, football, and tennis.

An ACL tear is the over-stretching or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee.

It is a tiny tissue located in the middle of the knee joint that connects the femur to the tibia and does most of the work holding the upper and lower part of the legs together. This ligament is forced to endure more strain than it is really designed for, which has caused it to become prone to injuries in high-impact, fast-paced sports.

Julia Blankinship, junior, tore her ACL midtrack season her freshman year. “I was practicing for 300 meter hurdles and I landed wrong on the curve,” said Blankinship.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

There is not much an athlete can do to avoid tears, especially if they play contact sports. August Washington, defensive back football coach, thinks sometimes it is just bad luck. “It’s important to keep strong quads, but it’s definitely just the luck of the draw,” he said. Washington recently was injured on the field and thought it was an ACL tear, but the surgeon found that it was not, and credited it to his being in shape.

Sandi Baker, a senior, tore her ACL playing soccer. “I was going in for a tackle and fell.

Right away, I instantly knew that something was really wrong,” said Baker.

To accompany the excruciating pain, athletes usually hear a pop of some sort when they tear their ACL. “I heard a pop and I could tell that it wasn’t normal for a knee to pop like that,” said Baker.

When an athlete tears their ACL,they must undergo a surgery in order for it to heal com-

pletely. Since the ACL cannot heal by just stitching it back together, surgeons must go in and actually reconstruct it. “They took part of my patella tendon and reconstructed it into an ACL,” said Blankinship.

Although the surgery process may seem grueling, the recovery time is also a long process. “It took six months just to get out of physical therapy,” said Blankinship.

Physical therapy is a crucial part in the overall ACL recovery process. An athlete who has torn his or her ACL is at a much larger risk for tearing it again. Therapy helps to rebuild the muscle around the ACL in order to prevent any further damage.

Tearing an ACL can also prove to be a blow to an athlete’s confidence in their sport.

“With track, it took me an extra two months after physical therapy to gain my confidence back and get back into hurdles because there was a big mental block,” said Blankinship.

Since the process of recovery is so long, it can frighten athletes in the sense that they don’t want to tear it again, which would possibly cause them to perform differently.

“I do kind of see a difference in my performance because sometimes that mental block is still there, especially when going on the curve. It’s like, what if I do tear this again and that’s always in the back of your head,” said Blankinship.

Overall, an injury like this can also improve an athlete’s performance. “I think it has made me stronger and I can definitely see myself improving every day,” said Blankinship.

ACL injuries have become so common that many athletes today are aware of it and work to prevent themselves from eventually tearing it. “Unfortunately, often there’s not much you can do to avoid it,” said Washington. “Just keep in good shape and keep your muscles tight and strong.”

MAY 13, 2016 ■ 27