Oct. 13, 2017

Volume 56 • Edition 2 Mona Shores High School 1121 Seminole Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441

Charity basketball game benefits Child Abuse Council -- page 4 Time to get spooky great costume ideas for everyone -- page 6

Hurricane Harvey dog rescued by Shores family -- page 13

the

Friday, October 13, 2017

Sailors’ ‘Pie’-roManiac

Middle school social studies teacher Alex Parr celebrates his victory in the pie-eating contest at WZZM’s first-ever “Sunrise on Your Sideline” event held in the Sailor Center on Sept. 8 -- page 10

2

editorial

Depressing Thoughts

Timothy Schneider: I have major depression, so I can speak from experience when I say depression can severely interfere with daily life. A few weeks ago I tried to buy a rice crispy treat from the vending machine at school. However, the treat got stuck in the machine. I then proceeded to go outside and cry in the woods for 15 minutes. Obviously I wasn’t crying over the rice crispy treat but something as simple as that can trigger a breakdown. Dropping my pencil in class, a look I get in the hallway, the way a word looks on a paper. It’s no one’s fault or responsibility to keep me from breaking down but it does make life hard to manage.

Morgan Cathey: I completely agree. Over the years, depression has affected my life many times as well. My mother, and brother both suffer from depression. All the days that I spent alone as a kid as my mother slept for 24 hours make me painfully aware of depression, and this means that Depression Awareness Month is considerably important to me.

TS: That is one of the many reasons that it’s important to notice if a friend or loved one is suffering from depression. You yourself may be experiencing depression.

MC: There are many symptoms such as; changes in sleep patterns, change in appetite, change in energy level, decreased concentration, daily behavioral change, or self-esteem may all be indicators of you or someone you know having depression.

TS: If you or someone you know is suspecting they are depressed, it is encouraged that you go to your doctor as soon as possible. Then, the doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and possibly therapy or medication.

However, meds or therapy don’t work for everyone, so go into it open minded.

MC: Recently, it has become more common to associate depression and suicide with jokes even though suicide attempts and actual suicide rates have gone up by 100,000 annually in the past 10 years.

Adviser Warren Kent III Editor-in-Chief Mal Meston Editorial Editors Morgan Cathey Timothy Schneider Entertainment Editor Olivia Watson

Profiles Editor Caitlin McCombs Feature Editors Emmalee Dykstra Kali Jend Sports Editors Carlie McNiff Megan Swanker Photo Editor Isaac Varela

Morgan Cathey, editorial editor

he said

she said

Timothy Schneider, editorial editor

TS: I agree, it’s insane. Once, I saw a video of a man “jokingly” pretending to self harm. As harmless as it may seem, it hit deep, and I self harmed the next day because I couldn’t get it off my mind from the video.

MC: With all the jokes going around, it means it is more important than ever to make sure anyone who has depression, or even another mental illness that is negatively affecting them that they can get help.

TS: I would recommend going to your school counselor if you think your depression is interfering with your school work. You can talk to your counselor when you need to about what’s going on, and for me personally, that helps a lot. So just talk to your loved ones, as simple as it is it could change a life.

MC: When talking to someone with depression it is important for them to know that you are there for them.

Letting someone know that you believe in them and love them is immensely important. You never know when someone needs to hear that you support them.

TS: Over the years people talking to me has helped me. It is a sickness and it is incurable. It is incurable it is treatable, so seek treatment if you think it to be necessary. Though it seems improper, talking is a very valid form of treatment.

MC: The moral of the story is to always make sure you are their for your loved ones and to always make sure you are aware of depression.

Staff Meghan Adams Jaylene Davis Taylor Dew Chris Horvath Paige Judson Sammie Ladegast Gabby Lopez Sarah Roman Marisa VanderMolen

The Sailors’ Log is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School.

The Sailors’ Log can be found at the following on-line sites: • www.thesailorslog.com (contains current stories, photos, etc.)

editorial

Twitter needs to be accessible at school

Depression rates rising in America

October is Depression Awareness Month. On average, 20 percent of teenagers experience depression with suicide being the third-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

The Sailors’ Log

In recent years, Twitter has become a place of news, politics, education, and a form of communication.

At Shores, many teachers use Twitter as a way to communicate with students, and some even go as far as using a “follow” as extra credit points.

However, under the school wifi, Twitter is blocked, leaving students unable to use the app and/or website while on school grounds.

Apps, such as Snapchat and Instagram, which serve the same purpose as Twitter, aren’t blocked at the school.

Many students have called for the unblocking of Twitter on the school wifi. Not only would it be beneficial for students being able to keep in touch with their teachers, but it would also give students a look into what is happening in the world, at that moment.

Twitter is much more than an app where students just mess around. It has grown into a place of living and learning. Even our President takes to Twitter for a lot of his statements.

With many teachers and administrators at Shores on Twitter, it only makes sense that it should be unblocked so students can stay upto-date with things happening in the school community as well as being able to keep upto-date with teachers.

Twitter is used as more of a learning experience than anything. In fact, it is one of the easiest places to stay up-to-date with news because of how fast and easy it is to get information.

There is no reason for Twitter to be blocked on our wifi. It is a learning and communication tool that Shores students should have access to on school grounds. We all hope the change can be made soon for both students and faculty.

• Facebook: Go to “MSHS Yearbook - Compass Points” (provides photos after every Shores event) • Twitter: @thesailorslog (provides easiest way to get information to readers) • Instagram: @thesailorslog (provides Picture of the Day and story sneak peeks) • Email: kentw@monashores. net (provides communication with staff)

Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editorial board of The Sailors’ Log. Your Voice, the letters to the editor section, is the opinion of our readers. All letters to the editor must be signed.

This edition of The Sailors’ Log was printed by Orshal Road Productions, LLC 3692 Orshal Road Whitehall, MI 49461

editorial

The Sailors’ Log

Respecting USA is No. 1 priority

Honors students need grade bump

A

B

iting my nails from nerves, I receive my Honors English final exam back, only to see that I received a C, meaning my final grade is now a B. There goes my perfect 4.0 GPA. Meanwhile, a friend, who had taken general English, aces the test, and ends up with a 4.0.

While my friend easily passed and was rewarded, I am left punished for wanting to push myself.

How is this fair to Honors students? This is why I feel all Honors classes should be counted as one-third of a grade bump. For example, if a student were to end Meghan an Honors class with a B+, this Adams, would be bumped to an A-. This staff writer would help many students, like myself, when the end of the tri comes and the GPA is at stake.

As an Honors and AP student, along with many of my friends, I noticed that the workload, tests, and quizzes for Honors classes were equal, many times, in difficulty to AP tests, quizzes, and homework. And students in AP classes have the benefit of a raise of one full grade. For example, a B becomes an A. An AP class requires students to think about the topic and go into depth about it, and Honors classes do the exact thing. For example, in Honors Biology, I had to know which way the blood from the heart flowed, what tubes it went through, and when it went through. If that’s not in depth, I don’t know what is.

3

While many general students are passing the class with flying colors and getting high GPAs, Honors students like me, who may have struggled for a portion of the class, receive B’s and maybe even lower, and end up with a lower GPA. Now, I am not knocking students who take regular classes. That, obviously, is their choice. I just think those of us who want to be challenged more should benefit from the rigor.

When I push myself, I expect to be rewarded in some way; as social studies teacher Steve Morell says, “Fortune favors the bold.”

If this is true, why am I not given something in return for going out of my way to challenge myself? Along with many other Honors and AP students, I feel this should be a change our school should make.

And make it happen quickly; my nails can’t take much more.

“Gun control is important, and gun laws should be stricter to prevent more tragedies like what happened in Vegas.” – Kylee Walker, senior

“My stance on gun control is that we need stricter enforcement. I think that people who want to own shotguns should have to take mandatory classes, mental health exams, and have background checks." – Skye Lowe, junior “The laws should be stricter; it is too easy to purchase a firearm. In no way is deeper background checks or stricter laws going to stop these horrible events, but it could lessen the possibility of them happening again.” – Ashley Kuczmera, sophomore “Gun control is super important. More things should be done to insure that those who are purchasing and using guns will use them correctly and in a lawful way.” – Emma Lee Bennett, freshman

With the current violence in America, what is your stance on gun laws/control?

Q the big

In each edition of The Sailors’ Log, eight students will be asked their opinion about a current topic.

lmost every NFL game nowadays includes players demonstrating their free speech.

Some players get on one knee, some lock arms and some teams are even absent during The National Anthem. Lots of the NFL players are protesting police brutality.

Julius Thomas, a tight end for the Miami Dolphins, who knelt on Sunday, Sept. 24, said, “To have the President trying to intimidate people – I Jaylene wanted to send a Davis, message that I don’t condone that. staff writer I’m not O.K. with somebody trying to prevent someone from standing up for what they think is important.”

Personally, I condone him for standing up, or rather kneeling down, for what he believes in.

Sure we need to honor our flag and be supportive of our country but standing up for what’s right is the spirit of America.

More people in this world need to fight for what’s right, especially people who have so much power to influence others, like celebrities and football play-

ers. It’s good that people like Thomas are taking advantage of their capabilities.

But that’s not what Donald Trump thinks. The weekend of Sept. 24, Trump harshly criticized players who did not stand during the anthem. In fact, he said coaches should get the “son of a b****” off the field if the player continued to kneel.

This type of behavior is completely inappropriate for a President to be talking about his own citizens in his own country.

America needs to be supportive of each other and not attacking one another. It’s important for the American people to stand strong together, and it’s upsetting to me that something meant to unify, like football, is tearing us apart.

The leader of our country should respect citizens’ rights to protest and not bash our country for having individuality. I take personal offense to this because I’m an American, and I get upset about people not supporting America.

Yes, everyone should respect the flag and the anthem because I think being supportive of our country is important, but not supporting our NFL players is an even bigger problem.

“I believe that semi-automatic rifles should be restricted, but that’s about it.” – Max Wilson, senior

“I believe that you can have a gun for hunting or self defense. No one should have a modified AK .308; 9mm are okay to have though.” – Noah Zimmer, junior

“I like gun control, but I think automatic guns need to banned, guns like IR15s.” – Caden Hillman, sophomore

“All people should have the rights when it comes to owning a gun. When it comes to having a gun out in public, it should be much more restricted.” – Christian Banks, freshman

news

4

The Sailors’ Log

Changing Lives One Basket at a Time Charity basketball game raises funds for Child Abuse

By Madeline Eckerman Center Section Editor

Athletic Director Ryan Portenga (in red) defends a teammeber of the West Michigan Flight Sqaud at the charity basketball foundraiser held at the MSHS sailor center on Sunday, October 1. (Madeline Eckerman)

What’s better than an exciting basketball game? What about an exciting basketball game that benefits the community.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, some of Shores’ administrators came together to take on the West Michigan Flight Squad in a game that people of all ages could enjoy, and the best part of the game was the cause behind it.

All of the profits from the 4 p.m. contest, which took place in the Sailor Center, will be donated to the Child’s Abuse Council.

“It goes toward a great cause (Child Abuse Council), and what is amazing is that all the profits will be going toward students in our community,” said Churchill Elementary Principal Lowell Whitaker, who helped organize the event.

The Child Abuse Council does numerous things to benefit students in the community like supporting housing, providing places to live, and supplying food and clothing for students.

Brittany Dorsey, the coach and a player for the Flight Hawks, is also a strong supporter for the council and what it does for our community.

She said, “I think the council is amazing. Kids are the most important part of society, so being able to come here and benefit them is so amazing.”

The Flight Hawks, a traveling basketball team based out of Los Angeles, focus on playing at fundraising events.

“We do a lot a traveling to play at fundraising games,” said Dorsey, whose team won the game 66-61. “It’s great to come back every year and give back to the community.”

The game featured administrators from across Shores School District, including middle school principal Doug Ammeraal, middle school assistant principals Scott Panozzo and Kyle Manning, as well as the high school’s athletic director Ryan Portenga.

“There are so many ways to serve in the community, and this is just one fraction of a way to give back,” Portenga said.

Meet the New Staff

Aaron James, facility support and behavior interventionist High School Muskegon High School College Dakota Wesleyan University Previous Positions Behavior specialist for adult education at Muskegon Heights; mechanical engineer Miscellaneous Married and has two daughters; played football and basketball in college; played professional football as a quarterback in Europe.

Patricia Green, paraprofessional

Colleen Tilden, assistant principal clerk

Patrick Lemay, paraprofessional

High School Mona Shores High School College Muskegon Community College Previous Teaching Paraprofessional at Lake Hills Elementary School in Grand Haven & Fruitport Middle School Miscellaneous Was the first angel in the Singing Christmas Tree in 1986 & has two daughters; mom used to work as the athletic director secretary and was the cheerleading coach.

High School Fruitport High School College Grand Valley State University Previous Positions Stay-at-home mom, fitness instructor and marketing work at Hackley Hospital Miscellaneous Has a set of twins in the junior class, Emma and Lily Tilden; also, has an older son Zac and a younger set of twins.

High School Troy High School College Shippensburg (Penn.)

University Previous Teaching Teacher’s assistant at Grand Haven Public Schools.

Miscellaneous Head wrestling coach at Shores, and he loves unicorns.

The Sailors’ Log

news

Cell phone policies differ by teacher

By Chris Horvath Staff Writer

BING! Off goes a phone during class.

smiths But what happens next is different in each classroom like mr u o d o Certain teachers at Shores will take the phone, put in Hey br e policy on a drawer, and say come get it at the end of the day. cell ph t too stric s it Other teachers will nicely ask the student to turn , n a Nah m it off and will not even think twice about it. Some ks teachers have a “phone hotel” for phones to reside in ro i thin b n a e um o y until the hour is over. o d what Senior Rain Riley said, “I think it’s pretty cool t a its gre ep e k that each teacher has a different policy. Different o t le r be ab n keepe h t classes require different levels of attention. I don’t a r tha i would s rather e r e find it confusing at all.” u t im c t le e during it all th y a Social studies teachers Kyle Mireles and Jerew a ing it my Andres both said they like that each teacher t n hers do u c a is provided with his own personal autonomy in e t r n othe t all yo the classroom.

But ma e them out a av They both said the teachers can figure out let us h py! be hap ld what works best for them in their class. u o h s man e u r t Ultimately, it comes down to the students, s t a yeah th Mireles said.

5

“If you want to waste your time playing on your device rather than doing your work and your grade shows it, that’s your problem, not mine,” he said.

However, Andres said he needs to help the student navigate through this policy.

“I believe that separating the students and their phones is very important; it shows them what they really need to focus on,” he said.

Industrial arts teacher Andrew Basse said that at times, each teacher having a different cell phone policy can be both good and bad.

“It can be a nice freedom, but I think it can be confusing for students,” he said. “I’d rather there be one flat policy the whole school uses.”

However, English teacher David Droski said he is a big fan of each teacher being able to select their own policy.

He said he likes that each teacher can pick what works the best for them because each classroom and teacher is different.

“High school, to me, is the real transfer of adolescent to adulthood,” Droski said. “If you can’t learn good self control by simply not using your cell phone at an inappropriate time, just wait until you get a job.”

Since Shores has no school-wide policy regarding cell phones in the classroom, teachers have the power to create their own rules.

Social studies teacher Kyle Mireles

Industrial arts teacher Andrew Basse

Social studies teacher Jeremy Andres

English teacher David Droski

His Policy Students may use their devices when he is not teaching or during independent work time. While he is teaching, they are expected to be away, not off, but away.

“I mostly teach juniors, and I believe they should know Personal Responsibility in the classroom. I will not baby them; they know what they need to get done, and it is their choice to play on their phone rather than do their school work.”

From a student “I like his policy because it demonstrates a fair policy.

Phones are restricted during lectures and allowed for work time.

This means students will be paying attention to the important things that they need to know and can use their phones on their own time.”

– Sophie Scheuerle, junior

His Policy He doesn’t have much concern for cell phones in his class.

They need to be away when he is talking, and there shouldn’t be any sounds or pictures being taken.

“I find my policy much easier than fighting it all the time.

I used to have a different, more strict policy, but I found myself writing kids up more than actually teaching.”

From a student “I like his policy a lot.

It lets me soak up the information when I have to, and it gives me no excuse not to listen when he’s talking. Then I can have some fun when he’s done teaching.”

– Nick Davis, senior

His Policy He has the students in his class put their phones in his “phone tree,” which is a phone pouch holder in the front of his classroom.

“I think students need to accept that there will be no social media and no distractions with their cell phones in my class because after all, the only thing a cell phone is, is a distraction.”

From a student “I really like that we can put our phones up in the front of the classroom so that it can be safe. Something I worry about it someone stealing my phone out of my bag.

I also like it so that there’s no distractions.”

– Matt DuRose, freshman

His Policy He has an open-door policy; he doesn’t care what the students do with their phones or at what time.

“I think that making any prohibition on cell phones is a losing battle, and because of that, I decided to let the students have the freedom to do what they want when it comes to cell phones in the classroom.”

From a student “I really enjoy the fact that it is entirely our responsibility to stay on task.

We won’t be in trouble for having our phones out, but we will be in trouble for skipping out on our work.”

– Hunter Thompson, junior

entertainment

6

The Sailors’ Log

Cut e and Clever Cost umes October is here, which means it’s time for HALLOWEEN! It’s time to get spooky, and what better way than to start the search for costumes?

Rick and Morty

Spice Girls

Make America “Grate” Again

Candy Wrapper

Choosing perfect costume makes Halloween the best holiday

W

ho says Halloween is just for kids?

Last I checked, there is no Halloween rulebook that says you can’t love Halloween when you’re a teenager.

So what’s the big deal?

With Halloween being one

By Olivia Watson, of the most Entertainment popular Editor holidays in the nation, it’s no wonder so many fans of the holiday are teenagers and young adults.

What’s not to love? They get to dress up in fun costumes and

get free candy.

Many high school students still participate in the holiday, finding joy in dressing up if not to go trick-or-treating but to go to a Halloween party.

Shores’ students are among some of the biggest fans with many students participating in dressing up for school every year. Students can be found in large group costumes, individual costumes, and even costumes they’ve made themselves.

So what are some cool ideas to try out this year?

Some of the predicted top costumes of this year include Wonder Woman, Pennywise the Clown (wouldn’t recommend this one, it’s a little

cruel), Eleven (of the Netflix original series Stranger Things), Cartoon Network’s Rick and Morty, and the cast of Orange is the New Black, another Netflix show.

It is also popular to go with more simple or complex DIY costumes that are a sure way to wow the crowds.

A lot of people make a night of it, getting the gang together and making awesome costumes, such as a favorite candy bar, memes, assorted fruits, or characters of their favorite cartoon.

It could even be something a little punny – Candy “Wrappers,” green WITH envy for all couples out there with one person dressed in green and the

other person dressed as envy, or even Make America “Grate” Again with a cheese grater and an American Flag.

If it’s still unclear on the costume front or you’re just now deciding to dress up, don’t fret.

There are plenty of options available.

Not everyone is the crafty type, but we do have many different locations around town to help find that just right outfit if whipping something up at home isn’t exactly your forte.

Grab a group of friends and take to the streets in search of an idea. By the streets, I mean our near and dear trusty Halloween stores such as Party City, 5725 Harvey St. near the mall; or Spirit Halloween, 1755

E. Sherman Blvd.

Last-minute costumes can also be picked up from Walmart or Meijer if you procrastinate like so many people do.

Myself included; I am unfortunately behind once again this year in deciding what to go as (after all it IS an extremely important decision to make).

Halloween is about fun and games. It’s a time to enjoy yourself and not to take things so seriously.

So find that costume that’s sure to be a good time for you or you and your friends and have at it.

After all, Halloween isn’t just for kids – as long as you dress up.

The Sailors’ Log

profiles

Sophomore fulfills American dream

German returns to improve English

By Caitlin McCombs Profiles Editor

By Gabby Lopez Staff Writer

the education because she is not stressed.

“The school system is different than in Denmark,” she said. “I can kind of relax Sophomore Heidi Seested, an ex- because the grades I get here don’t count change student from Denmark, has been back home. (Additionally), I wanted to dreaming of the opportunity to be an ex- get my own locker and have the opportuchange student to the United States since nity to experience Prom.” she was a kid.

Seested said her transi“I wanted to become an tion was easy coming to exchange student because Shores, and she has enwhen I was little, I lived joyed it so far. in Thailand and China,” “(However, I miss) beshe said. “In Thailand, my ing away from home and family and I lived in little missing my own workout American communities. machines at home that I do Therefore, I got a feel of not have access to where the American culture, but I am staying in the United I had never experienced it States,” she said. in person, so that is why Lastly, Seested said she I chose to become an exjust wants to experience Heidi Seested change student in the Unitnew things. ed States.”

“I am looking forward to Halloween Now that she has experienced some of and other fun holidays while I stay here,” the U.S. culture, she said one of her fa- she said. “This is because we don’t get to vorite parts is how everyone has treated celebrate these in Denmark and I want to her kindly. Additionally, she is enjoying experience these events.”

welcome to

also plays hand ball, which is the concept of soccer but using one’s hands.

Another difference between his home Travel has never been difficult for country and America is the food, Wolter sophomore Lucca Wolter, an exchange said. student from Germany, as he has been While he prefers his homeland food, to the United States numerous times in- American cuisine is a favorite. cluding trips to California, “I have not had the expeArizona, and Michigan. rience where I do not like “A lot of things are difa food while being here, ferent from back home: but I do miss the foods the structure of the buildback home, such as the ings, the school, the city, bratwursts and schnitzel,” the people, and the food,” Wolter said.

Wolter said. “Everyone is Along with experiencing super nice, so it made the the American culture, he transition easy.” said he would like to beOne of the new things come an English teacher Wolter has experienced for students back in Gerare Friday night football many.

Lucca Wolter games.

“While being here, I “I did attend the Homecoming football have learned new words and my pronungame. I’ve watched (football) back in ciation has improved,” Wolter said. “I Germany, but it is not as big in Germany would like to become an English teachas it is here,” Wolter said. er because I like working with teenagers Back home, Wolter is a lifeguard and and helping them learn the language.”

A ERICA

Each year, Shores has exchange students from across the globe. This year, these four students are making their way through the halls.

Sophomore tries pizza for first time

Student enjoys school spirit

By Caitlin McCombs Profiles Editor

By Gabby Lopez Staff Writer

United States and in her homeland.

“The thing that makes school different from where I am from is moving classSouth Korea to United States can be a rooms every hour,” she said. “In South big change, but sophomore Soo-min Lee Korea, we just have one classroom.” said she couldn’t wait to experience new Additionally, Lee has found her favorthings. ite subject.

“In Korea, we do not have activities/ “My favorite class so far is math beclubs, and I heard that in cause I like solving probAmerica there are a lot of lems,” said Lee, who is fun activities/clubs, and I taking Algebra 2 with wanted to experience this,” Kristia Whitaker. she said.

Another difference she One of the activities/ says is the food. clubs she has joined is Lee said she has tried band, where she plays the many new foods, but out of flute. all of them she has a favorLee said, “I have enjoyed ite, which is pizza, preferaband so far because of the bly from Little Caesars. new things I’ve learned and The move from South the football games.”

Korea to the United States Soo-min Lee Not only was Lee excitcan be a huge difficulty, ed to get involved in new things, but she but Lee was able to overcome that hassle. said she was also looking forward to ex“It was not hard transferring from periencing a new culture South Korea to the United States because She said she especially wanted to see everyone is so nice and accepting,” Lee the difference between education in the said.

7

student, she said the main reason was to learn more about the U.S. culture and improve her English-speaking abilities.

Watching movies about American culDyekjaer said she wanted to be far ture is one thing, but living it is different. away from home but not in Europe. At “The movies (I watched) were about the same time, she wanted to be in a Enthe high school,” said sophomore Ursu- glish-speaking country so she could betla Dyekjaer, an exchange student from ter herself in the English language.

Denmark. “It was like Dyekjaer said she is you had all the popular comfortable at Shores beboys and girls and then the cause the transition from not-so-popular students.”

Denmark was not as diffiOnce at Shores, Dyekcult since her host family, jaer has realized that Holthe Delongs, were wellywood’s dramatization of coming and made her feel teens is much different than at home. reality.

“I really like my host And attending football family because there are games, including Homegirls my age in the family. coming, has opened her They are really nice, and I eyes. get along with them really Lucca Wolter “I liked it because of the well,” Dyekjaer said. school spirit that you have and that evStarting the year on a great note, Dyekeryone is coming together even if they jaer is excited for the future. don’t like football that much,” Dyekjaer “I love all of the activities (at Shores), said. and I can’t wait to attend more of the When wanting to become an exchange football games,” Dyekjaer said.

center

8

Lucky Thoughts “I have a lucky bracelet that I’ve been wearing on my ankle for the past six months. The color of this bracelet was supposed to bring me luck. The day I began wearing it, I found five dollars on the ground. It’s teal, the color of the ovarian cancer ribbon, which my aunt passed away from. I like to think the bracelet is a symbol of her looking out for me, too.” – Maddie Sewick, senior “I’m the goalkeeper for the soccer team, so before each half of a game, I touch the posts and crossbar on the net. It makes me feel like they are on my side and will help my team win the game.” – Keegan DeKuiper, freshman “After a win, I won’t wash my uniform. All of middle school competitive cheer, I did this, and we went undefeated. However, one year we got second in a competition, so I washed my entire uniform. We didn’t fall short of first after that.” – Madii Dibble, junior

The Sailors’ Log

The Sailors’ Log

center

Junior finds luck on unlucky day

Junior Ivy Dudgeon faces Friday the 13th without fear.

By Sammie Ladegast Staff Writer

“My superstition is if I dream vividly about someone, I believe there is truth in what happened in that dream.

One time, I had a dream that one of the old principals was showing someone a picture of him on his grandfather’s lap. When I told him about this, he got goosebumps because I had described a picture that he, in fact, actually had. I believe this runs in my family as my mother has had similar experiences.”

– Danielle Benson-Fennell, art teacher

“Paraskavedekatriaphobia,” or rather, the fear of Friday the 13th, is a phobia that junior Ivy Dudgeon lacks.

“I actually believe that Friday the 13th brings me good luck,” Dudgeon said.

“I’ve had great luck on this day rather than negative experiences like everyone else claims.”

Positive occurrences are what led Dudgeon to this conclusion. Despite claiming that she isn’t necessarily an “A” student, good grades were achieved by her on a Friday the 13th.

“I am a terrible test taker; however, I remember that in fifth grade, on this day, I got an A on a test. Not only that, but I received extra credit, too,” Dudgeon said.

A passing grade wasn’t the only lucky thing that occurred to her on this seem-

“Every game day, I have the same four ‘lucky charms’ that I keep in my pocket. I had each one of my children give me one lucky charm, and I’ve had the same four in my pocket for every game since 2013.

(Principal Jennifer) Bustard also makes sure she gives us all a little anchor before each and every game.” – Matt Koziak, varsity football coach

SUPERSTITIOUS Yucky Thoughts

“I have a superstition that the administration is watching us through the cameras of our Chromebooks. The webcams remind me of a creepy scene out of a movie; that’s how my superstition started.” – Connor Fritz, sophomore “An old man once told me that if you break your mirror, you will receive seven years of bad luck. I do believe in this superstition because I think the mirror represents my life if it breaks it means you are breaking.” – Dakota Steinhauer, sophomore “I believe that if a person is on your mind, then you open up a telekinetic connection with them, and if they’re aware enough of the psychic field, they can actually tune in on your experiences. If the other person is psychically tuned-in enough to the plane that all living things are existing on, they can tap into my thoughts.” – Abigail Smith, freshman

“I won’t braid my hair when I play sports because I believe it causes my team to lose. On a travel basketball tournament in fifth grade, my mom braided my hair, and our team didn’t do well. In seventh grade, my volleyball team played in a tournament, and we braided our hair. Unfortunately, we lost pretty badly. Since then, I haven’t braided my hair in a game.” – Bailey Dew, sophomore “I must follow a planned-out routine before running in a race because if I don’t, in my mind, I won’t do well. I must eat two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a banana, and drink a cup of black coffee the morning of a race, and all my gear must be laid out the night before. I must wear my watch on the left (wrist) and running tag on the right, wear my Hope (College) jersey, my bib must have four pins, and I have to start in the second or third line. Without these steps, my mentality for the race is ruined.” – Kyle Mireles, social studies teacher

ingly unlucky day, though. Dudgeon also remembers, while attending Churchill Elementary, receiving her first Super Sailor Award on Friday the 13th. Since then, she’s associated this day with positive experiences.

Although Dudgeon’s good luck seems to be drawn forth on this particular day, it’s traditionally viewed as unlucky and feared by many in America.

Perceiving Friday as an unlucky day originated from the tradition of holding executions on Fridays in the late-19th century. Unlucky number 13 was created after the 13th guest to arrive to the Last Supper was the one to betray Jesus. Thus, Friday the 13th was determined in the minds of many to be the unluckiest day.

However, Friday the 13th isn’t universally accepted as being a superstitious day. Different cultures have different days they deem ill-fated. Spanish speaking countries believe Tuesday the 13th is

By Kali Jend Feature Editor While some may say that having bad luck on Friday the 13th is just a common superstition, junior Kennedy Graham has experienced bad luck first handedly.

“My birthday is on the 13th of June and has happened to be on a Friday a few times in the past,” Graham said. “However, this does not mean that I get good luck on this day.”

Graham has had some unlucky events happen to her on Friday the 13th.

Her 13th birthday was a prime example of a time she experienced bad luck.

“My 13th birthday party was on June 13, 2014,” she said. “I had some friends over, and we were running around my neighborhood playing hide and seek.

When I was running back to my house, I ran through my neighbor’s yard, and I stepped on something.”

Common Superstitions When walking under a ladder, it is believed one is breaking the Trinity as the ladder forms a triangle when leaning against a wall.

Black cats walking in front of one’s path is believed to be an omen of misfortune and death.

Each of the four leaves on a four-leaf clover represents faith, hope, love, and luck.

Info from timelessmyths.com This was just the beginning of her bad luck on this day.

“After stepping on my neighbors’

sharp sprinkler head, I fell down in pain,” Graham said. “When I looked at my foot, it was cut open and bleeding profusely.”

This is not the only time Kennedy has had bad luck on this day.

Contrary to being a mostly “A” student, Graham has had some bad test-taking luck on Friday the 13th’s.

“In seventh grade, I took a social studies test on Friday the 13th and ended up with a ‘C’ on it,” she said. “I usually am a good test taker and get ‘A’s.”

Graham said she doesn’t know why she has bad luck on this day, but she knows other people seem to too, simply because of the superstition associated with it.

“People have bad luck on this day because they believe it’s a ‘bad luck day’ so they think they will have bad luck,” Graham said.

This year on Friday, Oct. 13, Graham says she is prepared to steer clear of anything that might put her in harm’s way.

the unluckiest while Italians fear Friday the 17th.

Dudgeon said America’s acceptance of this particular day as having negative connotations is mainly in people’s heads and not actually justified by mishaps that occur.

“I don’t believe Friday the 13th actually produces bad luck,” she said. “I think it’s mainly people’s cognitive thinking that brings them to this conclusion; they believe everything bad is going to happen on this day, so when something bad happens, even if it’s something small, they blame it on the 13th.”

Despite her rationale, some still refuse to give up their position of viewing this day with negativity and superstitious thoughts.

“Everyone calls me crazy because I have good luck on this day,” Dudgeon said. “But I just view it as another day.

It’s just Friday the 13th in my eyes.”

Superstitions are found everywhere and anywhere, even in the hallways of Shores. Especially today, Friday the 13th, superstitious thoughts thrive in the minds of students and staff.

Friday the13th lives up to expectations

Because today is Friday the 13th, junior Kennedy Graham will be taking extra precautions to avoid bad luck.

9

10

feature

The Sailors’ Log

Morning show starts at Shores

By Marisa VanderMolen Staff Writer

WZZM reporters Kamady Rudd and Laura Hartman go live from the Sailor Center during the first-ever “Sunrise on Your Sidelines” event.

(Emmalee Dykstra)

For junior Erick Hannahs, Friday, Sept. 8, was a morning to look forward to.

No, he wasn’t excited about his Link Crew class, he was excited about WZZM’s first-ever “Sunrise on Your Sidelines” event.

“It was a real adrenaline rush, and it really got me going early in the morning,” Hannahs said. “When I got there, I was super sleepy, but I grabbed a donut and grabbed the big megaphone and my day got going.”

The event was coordinated with Shores’ “Sailor Salute,” which is a recognition football game for all servicemen and women.

It was a positive start to administrators, teachers, and students last day of the first week of school; the 6 a.m. event also got students excited for the first home football game that evening.

The early-morning pep assembly included cheerleaders, representatives from many sports and clubs, a pumped-up student body, and a

captivating pie-eating contest.

The event was put together by Principal Jennifer Bustard, former Sailor Brent Ashcroft (WZZM 13’s “storyteller”) and journalist Kamady Rudd, but the event was pulled together with the help of the students and the JV and varsity cheer teams.

“We are known for our PRIDE, athletics, arts, and academics,” Bustard said. “(‘Sunrise on Your Sidelines’) was the perfect start to a perfect day.”

The morning started with a rowdy student section and a peppy cheer team. Hannahs, along with many others, helped get the students going.

Sophomore Maddie Mills said, “It was way more exciting than most football games.”

The morning ended with a pie-eating contest between assistant principal Joe Schaffer, social studies teacher Kyle Mireles, and middle school social studies teacher Alex Parr, who came up on top.

“It was just a really great experience, and I was really happy to be there,” Hannahs said.

Good Times

Two events on Friday, Sept. 8, showcased positive events happening at Shores and in the community.

Sailor Salute honors many

By Emmalee Dykstra Feature Editor

Shores held its second annual Sailor Salute football game on Sept. 8.

From 3 p.m. until 11 p.m., Sailor Stadium was a sea of red, white, and blue and was filled with servicemen and women from all branches of work, such as cops, firefighters, and military personnel.

Along with many activities at the game, such as bounce houses, games for kids, a flyover from military airplanes, a helicopter takeoff right from the field, a swearing-in ceremony for a select few future soldiers, and a heart-wrenching “22 Pushup Challenge” that is dedicated to promoting awareness for veteran suicide, there was a thrilling 30-24 overtime win for the Sailor football team over Rockford.

The Sailor Salute began in the 2016 football season after coach Matt Koziak brought up the idea to Ryan Portenga, the athletic director at Shores.

“A couple of years ago, like five or six years ago, Matt mentioned that he wanted to do a Veteran’s Game, something to honor the military,” Portenga said. “Over time, I’ve kind of taken that to honoring other servicemen and women, and he agreed.”

This game hits close to home for many in the community, and especially close to Shores.

Steve Morell, who served 27 years in the Marines, is a social studies teacher at Shores. His love for his country carries over into his teaching, and he said that same spirit come alive during the Sailor Salute.

“To me, the Sailor Salute is a celebration of American spirit in a patriotic way,” Morell said. “Shores works hard to put it all together and honor servicemen, and they succeed.”

Morell added that the event portrays the unity the country needs.

“I believe it is important for all Americans to celebrate the greatest country on earth, despite our differences, and that is exactly what the Sailor Salute does,” he said.

Varsity football coach Matt Koziak thanks a Muskegon County Sheriff deputy on his way out to the field before the Sailor Salute game against Rockford, which the Sailors won 30-24 in overtime. (Lauren Langlois)

The Sailors’ Log

Spirit Week

Monday – Red, White & Blue Max Harz, junior

feature

11

Tuesday – Twin Wednesday – Country Western vs. Country Club Thursday – Beach seniorsSavannah Kend- seniors Noah Patterson & Michael Cramer sophomore Brooke ra & Sophie Brown Southland, senior Haley Diffell, sophomore Emily Mann

Homecoming ‘17

seniors Tristan Robbins (King) & Sasha Poland (Queen)

Alisha Livers, freshman

Ke’Sean Sandifer, junior

Pep Assembly

junior Tieanna Burns & senior Lynn Rule

seniors Sarah Mikesell & Carter O’Neil

juniors Erick Hannahs, Emma Lynn Shelby Versalle & Mieke Hart

senior Erin Paprocki, junior Sammie Ladegast, sophomore Maddie Mills

feature

12

The Sailors’ Log

Seeing Double

Tilden family has two sets of identical twins

By Sarah Roman Staff Writer

Double Trouble

The chances of having two sets of identical twins in a family, 1 in 70,000.

For the Tilden family, this is reality.

Juniors Emma and Lily and their twin brothers, Nathan and Brady, who are in fifth grade at Lincoln Park Elementary, make the Tilden family unique.

For Colleen Tilden, the mother of these two sets of twins and the new assistant principal clerk at the high school, having twins once was surprising but having twins a second time was unknown territory for their family.

“My first reaction was shock when I found out I was having (Emma and Lily),” she said. “I was nervous because I already had Zach (her oldest son), but then, I was excited. When I found out that we were having a second set of identical twins, I cried. I was wondering how we were going to support five kids, but later on, I was excited again about having twins.”

The bond between twins is a special thing. Emma said her bond with Lily is like a built-in best friend “I don’t know where I’d be without Lily,” Emma said.

“I’m so blessed to always have someone to spill my thoughts and secrets to knowing I can trust her. I mean, I’d take a bullet for her and I know she’d to the same for me. I love that we’re so alike.”

Lily feels similarly about Emma.

“We are close because we are not only sisters; we’re best friends too,” Lily said. ¨I know she’s always going to be my ride or die. We are the only people in the world who are truly able to understand how another feels.”

Their mother has a different perspective of the bond between Emma and Lily and also between Nathan and Brady.

“When (Emma and Lily) were younger, they did everything together,” Colleen said. “It’s a built-in friend.

As Emma and Lily have grown up, they have developed their own paths and personalities. They are dif-

At Shores, there are at least 25 sets of twins.

Identical twins, juniors Emma and Lily, and their identical twin brothers, Nathan and Brady, who are in fifth grade at Lincoln Park Elementary make the Tilden family unique. (Courtesy photo) ferent girls. With the boys, they do everything together.

They have a great relationship; they’re each other’s best friends, and they also have the same friends and same interests.”

Emma and Lily said they can see the bond between their twin brothers and how it changes when they grow up.

Freshmen (7) Annie & Aidan Anderson Robert & Tyler Beckley Hannah & Jenna Brushman Cole & Chandler Ruid Lauren & Michaela Sander Jake & Riley Trygstad Jessi & Danni Witham Sophomores (7) Morgan & Avery Anderson Owen & Trevor Barnard Brenna & Blake Bustard Andrew & McKenna Cory Breanna & Makayla Denniston Emma & Grace Piasecki Justin & Connor Winegar Juniors (5) Kevyn & Cassandra Aguilera Peighton & Damion Flowers Tomas & Gaby Sanchez Del Pozo Clarke Lily & Emma Tilden Marisa & Miller VanderMolen Seniors (6) Markus & Michael Daniels Zach & Nick Davis Roman & Ruben Sustaita Keegan & Connor Tripp Liam & Maura Wilcox Grace & Lauren Hellman “It’s really cool having younger brothers and to compare how they act together right now and how Lily and I acted when we were their age,” Emma said.

Lily agreed, “It’s cool not only having a twin sister but having twins brothers and seeing the similarities of how my sister and I acted with each other.”

Double Speak

Zach & Nick Davis, seniors “We’ve always been close. We have a good relationship. We play tennis together, and that’s brought us even closer.” – Nick “We have our ups and downs, but we get along for the most part.

It has helped me because even though we do fight, I can always rely on him.” – Zack

Tomas & Gaby Sanchez “Our bond has helped me at times, like sometimes she helps me with homework.” – Tomas “(Our bond) has always come very natural, not forced. Even if we get mad at each other, which happens like every day, we don’t even apologize; we just forget about it and act like nothing happened.” – Gaby

Emma & Grace Piasecki “She’s somebody I can always count on no matter what.

She makes me laugh a lot.

Even when we fight, I love her to death.” – Emma “She’s a built-in best friend.

She has her moments, and she’s pretty ‘special,’ but I love her anyway.” – Grace

Riley & Jake Trygstad “We’re good. When we were younger, I didn’t really like him, but now, we’re better.” – Riley “We don’t see each other as much as we used to since going into high school, but we enjoy watching reality TV together.” – Jake

feature

The Sailors’ Log

13

Penny for your Thoughts

Scheuerle’s adopt ‘hurricane’ dog

By Taylor Dew Staff Writer The Scheuerle family was ecstatic when they heard that there were animals being flown to Muskegon from Hurricane Harvey.

“We saw on a Facebook ad that The Noah Project had received rescue dogs from the disaster down south, and my mom knew that was the path that we wanted to go down,” junior Sophie Scheuerle said. “We wanted to help animals that came from a bad place.”

Immediately, the family knew they needed another dog, and since there were some rescued from the hurricane, this was the perfect opportunity for them to add on to their family.

“We had a cat that we fostered for my uncle, and we eventually passed it back to him,” freshman Bobby Scheuerle said. “We then thought that having another pet wasn’t much of a hassle, so we knew we wanted to get another dog.”

The family knew that they were only looking to adopt and did not want to buy a dog from a breeder or a store. Hearing that the flight was coming in was only a pushing point for them to adopt.

“We were pretty dead set on adopting because we have gotten all of our pets from shelters, and it makes all of us feel better to know that we are helping them out,” Bobby said.

The Scheureles already had two cats (Sasha and Starbuck) and a dog named Trooper. Both Sophie and Bobby were said they were excited for Trooper to have another friend around the house.

Once they visited The Noah Project, 5205 Airline Road, two dogs caught their eyes; however, one (a beagle mix) stood out because Sophie said she had a better interaction with that one, and because of the copper color of her spots, they ultimately decided to call the new dog Penny.

“I was most excited for Trooper because for so long, he has only been able to play with the cats, and now that Penny is finally here, he has someone to play with that is on his level,” Bobby said.

Overall, the Scheuerle family has found a perfect match from The Noah Project, and they are all glad they went about adding another dog to the family in this way.

Altogether, The Noah Project received two flights of cats and dogs from Louisiana on Sept. 3 with 32 animals total. With 15 already at the shelter, The Noah Project was holding more than 40 animals in their small shelter.

Luckily, with all of the publicity and posts going around about The Noah Project receiving animals, the facility was overwhelmed with applications. More than 100 applications were filed from families wanting to rescue the animals.

“There was a lengthy application process that my family went

through to help ensure that the dog would be very well cared for once adopted,” Sophie said.

Jessica Lohman, manager of The Noah Project, said each family has to go through a process before adoption.

To start the process, the family comes in and walks through the shelter. While they are with the animals, they write down what animals caught their eyes.

After the workers have looked over the applications, someone from The Noah Project will call the family to come and meet with the animal to make sure that the chemistry between the two is good.

If the animal is ready to go and the workers are confident with the applicant, the new owners can take their animal home right then and there.

This is exactly how the Scheuerles ended up with Penny.

And now, Sophie and Bobby said everyone (except for the cats) in their family is thoroughly enjoying Penny. “(Penny) was so new to the shelter that they never got to test her with her cat compatibility so that is the biggest problem that we have been facing with her,” Sophie said.

Although the The Scheuerle family, which includes Socats have not had phie (a junior) and Bobby (a freshman) the chance to adopted a dog, which they named Penwarm up to Penny, from Hurricane Harvey through The ny, the rest of the Noah Project. family loves her and how she interacts with everyone, including Trooper.

“Trooper was a bit scared of her at first just because she was trying to play with him right away, but over a short time, they became best friends and are practically inseparable,” Bobby said.

Animals up for adoption

Phone: (231) 865-1264 Website Noahprojectmuskegon.org Address: 5205 Airline Rd.

The Noah Project always needs volunteers who are willing to help take care of the animals on their spare time.

There are cats for cat lovers, and dogs for dog lovers.

“We are open to any help that we can get; we’ve got plenty of animals to go around.”

– manager Jessica Lohman

14

sports

The Sailors’ Log

RUNNING

i

Senior Adele Cory (left) and junior Nick Dennison (right) have consistently led their respective cross country teams throughout the season.

(Emma Taylor)

Senior captain leads team

By Carlie McNiff Sports Editor

Senior Adele Cory began running cross country in seventh grade because she wanted to try it out, and now, she is the top girls’ runner for Shores’ varsity cross country team.

“I love how it makes me feel when I’m going for a good run,” said Cory, who will lead the Sailors into today’s City meet at University Park. “Running gets my endorphins going, and that helps me feel better. When I am depressed, I can go for a run, and I am usually refreshed and happier at the end.”

Cory, the No. 1 runner for the girls’ team, has been running well this fall. At nine of the 10 meets (as of Oct. 6), Cory has led the Sailors, including cruising to a 53-second win at the season-opening Hesperia Invitational and a victory at the Fruitport Invitational.

She has placed in the top 10 overall at all of this season’s meets except two.

“My goal is to first break 20 and then try to get down to 19:30 or low 19’s,” Cory said. “I also want to get All-Conference this year because I have just missed out and gotten honorable mention the past two years. My goal that I want for the team is to win the conference meet like we did my first year in XC.” Cory also credits her teammates for her success.

“My team is like my family,” Cory said. “We are all weird in our own ways.

We accept each other, and since cross country as a sport accepts everyone in general because there are no tryouts or chances for favoritism on who makes the team, you get to meet a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds.”

Senior teammate Peyton Erndteman admires Cory’s leadership skills as a captain.

“Adele is super hard working and nice,” Erndteman said. “She is close to the runners on the boys’ team, so that helps bring our two teams together. She is a great captain because she always asks people to work hard.”

Cory’s coaches, including head coach Katie Jazwinski, play a key role in helping her improve and be the best runner she can be.

“Over the last year, she has done a lot of little things to help her to improve, one being winter running,” Jazwinski said. “(Boys’ coach Bob Jazwinski) and I continue to encourage her to focus on the positives and let the negative thoughts and factors drift away. When she turns off her brain and runs with her heart, she always shows improvement.”

Cory’s admirable qualities as a captain and person will aid to both her and the team for the rest of their season.

“Adele is a leader at heart,” Jazwinski said. “She has determination to improve no matter what the conditions. She is hard on herself which makes her even better for the next practice or meet and sets high goals.”

Junior races to success

By Carlie McNiff Sports Editor The hard work and determination that junior Nick Dennison uses in his cross country career has led him to be the top boys’ runner for the Shores’ varsity team.

“I love the competition in cross,” said Dennison, who will lead the Sailors at today’s City meet at University Park.

“There is always someone better than you unless you finish first. The positives of participating are being surrounded by smart teammates who are really great people. I love the team because we all get along perfectly and push each other to our limits.”

Senior teammate Cade Poland said Dennison contributes to the team greatly.

“He always gets the job done,” Poland said. “He’s a humble and nice guy who is pleasant to be around.”

Head coach Bob Jazwinski said he admires how Dennison acts as a role model.

“Nick has been the No. 1 runner all year long,” Jazwinski said. “He has outstanding leadership and is a great role model. He is not a man of many words, so his actions speak much louder than his voice.”

Dennison and his team have accomplishments for this season that he is proud of.

“So far, I’m proud of getting a personal record and winning a couple races in order to put my team in a better position,” said Dennison, who has been Shores’ top

(Emma Taylor)

runner at all 10 meets through Oct. 6, including an overall first-place finish in 16:47 at Mason County Central.

Dennison also has two third-place finishes at the Jenison Jamboree and the Big Red Invitational. He has placed in the top 20 overall for all meets except one.

Advice from both his head and assistant coaches has helped Dennison personally improve.

“The best advice that has been given to me is from (girls’ coach Katie) Jazwinski,” Dennison said. “She yells, ‘Quit feeling sorry for yourself’ because in running, the only thing that curbs you besides your physical limits are your mental limits, and you slow down if you only have pain on your mind.”

Dennison has set goals for himself and his team for the rest of the season.

“This year, I hope to run below 16:30, make it to states, and place high at states.

As a team, I hope that we can take first or second in our conference,” Dennison said.

With all of his leadership qualities, these goals are very possible for Dennison to accomplish.

“Nick is one of the hardest workers we have ever had on any team, outstanding work ethic,” Jazwinski said. “He is one of the captains on the team this year. Nick is a top student, top musician, top runner, and I’m sure he is the top employee at his job with lawncare. He has a never-ending supply of energy. He has the GRIT that we look for in cross country.”

sports

The Sailors’ Log

K n ow in g Yo ur R o le

15

Success of teams dependent upon knowing position

By Megan Swanker Sports Editor

Although a team is made up of many players, there are many who play specific roles. Important roles.

For softball coach Jason Crago, role players can be the difference between wining and losing.

“Our typical role player is a base runner that comes in for a pitcher or catcher or for someone who may not be as fast,” Crago said. “In a close game when there is a scoring opportunity, that role player can be the difference in the game.”

For Crago, role players can be a way to make a team stronger and more successful.

“Players who don’t get a chance to start every game can be the deciding factor in how successful your team will be down the stretch,” Crago said. “Those players can accept their role and make the team stronger, or they can be disruptive and break up team chemistry.”

To coaches, seeing role players succeed in games make special memories.

“My favorite memories as a coach are Boys’ Tennis During his first year of playing tennis, senior Tyler Warren won a City title at No. 2 doubles while helping lead the Sailors to the team title Sept. 30 at Reeths-Puffer High School.

“It was a big accomplishment to win a tournament after playing for just one season,” said Warren who teamed with senior Connor Belanger. “For the team, it is something we worked very hard for.”

The Sailors (43 points) finished two points ahead of second-place Whitehall.

seeing a role player succeed in a big moment,” Crago said. “Watching the players fly out of the dugout to congratulate them is what team sports is all about.”

Head football coach Matt Koziak said all players on his team are role players even if they are not the star quarterback.

“Each teammate must do their part and play their role,” Koziak said. “Whether you’re a QB, lineman, special teamer, it’s all equally important.”

To girls’ basketball coach Brad Kurth, role players aren’t always the player who plays less than others.

“The term ‘role player’ is a misnomer because all players play roles,” Kurth said. “The assumption and implication is that role players are players who play less. All players on a team have a role, (and) today, fewer kids and parents can handle that type of role on a team even though ‘role players’ with good attitudes are vital for a team to become great.”

Kurth said he likes to think of his team as a car.

“For the team to run properly, every player must be who they are to the team to make it run,” Kurth said. “Some

In singles, junior Andrew Swirczek (No. 1), senior Nick Davis (No. 2) and sophomore Austin Grimm (No. 3) all won.

In addition to Warren/Belanger at the doubles spots, senior Zach Davis and junior Thad Krause (No. 1) and freshman Brady Whalen and sophomore Grant Hylland (No. 4) captured City titles.

Boys’ Cross Country Shores, which runs in the City meet today, have been led by junior Nick Dennison (see story, page 14), who won the Mason CC Invitational.

players are the engine, some the steering wheel, some are less visible like the gas tank but provide the fuel for the team to succeed.”

Role players are also important with team preparation, Kurth said.

“Role players make the star players better in practice,” Kurth said. “If role players on the bench have good attitudes they can engage in spurring the team on during tough stretches of the game.”

Senior basketball player Kailee Kurth, the coach’s daughter, defines a role player as anyone who can support the team through a specific role.

“A role player can be someone who supports their team by consistently making three-pointers or someone who motivates their team from the bench,” said Kailee, who spent most of the past basketball season injured with a concussion.

“Over time, my symptoms improved to where I was able to be at games and practices. This is when I found my role.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to play again that year so I made sure I was one of the loudest on the bench. I tried to encourage and uplift my teammates. It made me feel

Sports Briefs

Girls’ Cross Country Senior Adele Cory (see story, page 14) has led the Sailors, who compete in today’s City meet. She won the season-opening Hesperia Invitational.

Football The Sailors, who have qualified for the state playoffs, take a 7-0 record into tonight’s home game against undefeated Muskegon. Shores is averaging 44 points per game while

like I was helping my team even though I was unable to play.”

Coach Kurth added that role players need to know their strengths -- and their weaknesses.

“The typical role player has a certain skill that is a strength for them. When they get opportunities, they need to be ready to make their strength able to be used by the team,” Kurth said. “If they do their job, the team can extend a lead or make a comeback while some starters are resting.”

A positive attitude is also a requirement of a role player, Kurth said, because an unselfish teammate is beneficial to the team’s success.

“If players on the bench have good attitudes, they can engage in spurring the team on during tough stretches of the game. They can communicate on defense and stay engaged and ready to play at any time,” Kurth said. “The biggest contribution they can make is to avoid being an energy vampire. They can be a great teammate and do whatever the team needs to be successful. This takes an extremely unselfish and mature teammate.”

the Big Reds are averaging 56 points per game.

Girls’ Golf Shores placed third at City, finished in second place in the OK Black, and competed in the regional tournament yesterday.

Shores has been led by numerous players, including sophomores Logan Potts and Chloe Knowlton as well as freshman Riley Trygstad.

Boys’ Soccer The Sailors headed into this week with an 8-7 overall record, 7-3 in the OK Black.

Freshman Hayden Yaros leads the team with 11 goals and four assists. Junior Miller VanderMolen has the most assists with six.

Girls’ Swimming The Sailors, who have a 7-2 overall record, 4-1 in the conference, have improved throughout the season.

Volleyball The Sailors, who play in the City meet tomorrow at home, have struggled for consistency, posting a 13-19-4 overall record, 3-3 in the OK Black.

sports

16

S

moot h

S

a ilin g

Students enjoy being on the water With both her parents being sailors, it was inevitable that freshman Ellie Keessen, who has been around sailing since she was just 8 months old, would become a sailor too.

At age 7, Keessen found herself on a boat for the first time by herself sailing at camps and in regattas.

Eventually, her sailing has come full circle as she is now helping beginning sailors.

“Over the summer, I got the opportunity to work at the same summer camps that I went to when I was younger, and the best part was just getting to see young kids fall in love with sailing because it really is just a great sport,” Keessen said. “My favorite part about sailing is just when you are out on the water by yourself because it is just relaxing.”

Keessen, however, is just one of many students at Shores who have fallen in love with sailing.

Junior Anthony Gaiser is another.

“My grandpa got me into sailing because he was a sailor,

Shores needs a sailing team

C

Many students, including freshman Ellie Keessen (above) at Shores enjoy sailing for fun (story below). However, staff writer Paige Judson would like to see Shores add a sailing club to the extracurriculr agenda (story to the right).

By Paige Judson Staff Writer

The Sailors’ Log

and so I thought that since he was one, I should at least try it,” he said. “I love just being out on the water and being able to race people.”

While Gaiser’s grandpa got him started, it was Keessen’s grandma who got her interested when she signed Keessen and her siblings up for a camp at the Muskegon Yacht Club.

Just like Keessen and Gaiser, English teacher Kimberly Bradshaw also got her start through family.

“I have been sailing for 40 years, and I got into sailing when my dad just brought home a boat one day when I was young and so I learned on Mona Lake,” she said. “As I got better, he would keep buying bigger boats until I started sailing competitively.”

Similar to Gaiser, sophomore Hunter Duzan also loves sailing for the competition.

“I just love being able to sail and race against my friends,” Duzan said.

No matter how a person got started, they can all agree on one thing.

“The absolute best part of sailing is just being out on the water and in the beauty of nature,” Keessen said.

Compet it ively Spe a k i n g

An FJ, which stands A 420 is a two-person sailboat A laser is a single-sail boat for Flying Junior, is a twowith two sails. Each sail is sailed by one person. It is person sailboat with two sails. maintained by one sailor. A typically 12½ feet long. It is Each sail is maintained 420 is typically 14-foot-long. similar to the 420, but the big by one sailor. These 14-foot It is a step up in quality from difference is that it is a singleboats are typically sailed an FJ, so it is typically sailed person sailboat. Just like the by high school students by sailors at a high school or 420, it is sailed by high school who are beginning to sail. collegiate level. and collegiate level sailors.

onsidering we are the Sailors of Mona Shores, it’s ironic that we don’t have an actual sailing team. Other schools around the area, such as Spring Lake and Grand Haven, have sailing teams.

So why don’t we?

I would love to see our school get a sailing team because sailing is something that I have always been interested in, but I have never had the opportunity to do so. If Shores had a sailing team, this would give me and others a chance to try something new.

Adding a sailing team would giving students another option to increase the number of students participating in sports or clubs.

And I am not the only one at Shores who feels this way.

Freshman Ellie Keessen, who has Column by Paige been sailing since she was 7, wishes Judson, Shores would add sailing. staff writer “It would be so great if Mona Shores got a sailing team because I would love to be able to sail for my school but also because we are the Mona Shores Sailors and we don’t even have a sailing team,” she said.

Since sailing can be a team sport, it can be great for team building. Being out on the water for hours at a time can help students bond with their sailing mates.

When two people work as a team, it has great benefits, including learning how to communicate with other people. This could be helpful one day when students grow up and get jobs.

Other times, sailing can be an individual sport that would be a great option for the more quiet students who just want to be alone out in nature.

Though competitive sailing is not as relaxing as sailing for leisure, it is one to get some exercise.

Since this sport takes a lot of upper body and core strength, it is also a great way to keep athletes fit in the off season.

Since sailing is a sport that is all about speed in the water, that makes it physically exhausting.

Sailors have to be strong enough to fight the wind trying to blow them off course. They also have to have endurance to be able to fight the wind for a couple hours until the race has finished racing.

Another reason Shores should have a sailing team is because sailing is an up-and-coming school sport. There are a total of 520 teams and 4,560 sailors on sailing teams around the country, according to the Interscholastic Sailing Association. This is 120 more teams than there were last year and 200 more than two years ago.

If Shores started a sailing club, students would get to compete against schools in other conferences. Students would get new experiences with new schools around the state. Students could meet new people and make new friends.

Thinking about all of the benefits of sailing, it would be a great edition to the options at Shores.