Statesman january

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TABLE OF

FEATURES 4 THE GRIMM AND MAHER BREAKDOWN; WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE FOR LHS? 5 UNITE. EMPOWER. SERVE. 6 LHS TEACHERS WHO HAVE SERVED 7 HELP WANTED: OCCUPATIONS OF LHS

IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER

13 18 27 29 30

ENGAGE WORTH IT

BY THE NUMBER’S STANDING PAT MEET THE VARSITY

LHS YEAR IN REVIEW

OPINIONS 14 BIRTH CONTROL FOR WOMEN AND NOW MEN 15 GUN VIOLENCE AND GUN CONTROL; WHEN WILL THERE BE A SOLUTION? 15 STRUGGLE TO COME BACK TO SPORTS: GETTING OFF THE IR

Look for the Statesman online at lhsstatesman.com Print issues can be found on issuu.com Follow the Statesman on Twitter, Instagram and SnapChat @lhsstatesman

Photo Credits: 1. LHS Chamber Choir by Lucy Dekkenga 2. LHS Statesman Staff by Katie Kroeze 3. Sweatshirts found while thrifting by Jenna Becker 4. Diang Gatluak playing against WHS by Emily Whitney

CONTENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

19 URBAN DICTIONARY: TEACHER EDITION

25 FUTURE STARS OF LHS

22 STATESBUDS: MILKSHAKE EDITION

26 SOLES FOR YOUR SOULS

24 ONLY GOT $20 IN MY POCKET: THRIFT SHOPS IN SIOUX FALLS

29 THE KING OR HIS AIRNESS: QUESTION OF THE CENTURY 29 KICKERS ARE PEOPLE TOO

Statesman

The Statesman’s purpose is to inform and entertain with an honest and accurate approach. The opinions of students, staff members and faculty are expressed in a tasteful manner. The Statesman is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and is a winner of the George H. Gallup award for “…distinctive achievements in scholastic journalism.” The Statesman was awarded a Pacemaker in 2007 and was nominated for the 2012-2013 year. The editors and adviser take responsibility for the content of the Statesman.

Editors- in-Chief: Lucy Dekkenga and Gage Gramlick

Photographers: Anna Dekkenga and Riley Rasmussen

News Editors: Ellie Lamberty and Emily Whitney

Feature Editor: Jack Fehrs

OP/ED Editor: Summer Ericson

Entertainment Editor: Abbie Griffin

Sports Editor: Oliver Lockwood-Powell

Meet the Varsity: Ellie Lamberty and Emily Whitney

Staff Writers: Lily Becker, Jenna Becker, Caiden Capaldo, Chloe Crissman, Lillian D., Landon DeBoer, Taylor Ericson, Molly Faris, Kate Fehrs, Hannah Hansen, Somer Luitjens, Hunter Merkley, Katie Osmundson, Brita Quello, Timothy Stolp, Lauren Teller, Cathleen Weng Adviser: Katie Kroeze

4

FEATURE

Cultured Kadi: LHS teacher travels the world

by TayLOr

eriCSOn Traveling the world may seem like a “far off” idea, but it is not as improbable as it may seem. Amanda Kadi, a psychology teacher at LHS, has traveled from Fiji to Egypt and about everywhere in between.

This experience has given her the opportunity to become cultured from the beautiful places and perspectives around the world.

Kadi had never gone out of the country until graduate school when an opportunity was granted to her and a friend to travel abroad for different credits. Her student loans were going to help pay for this trip, so for a broke college student, the decision to travel was a nobrainer.

“We went initially to Greece for three weeks to be able to take classes there that gave us school credit,” said Kadi. “So

at that point, we were like, why not go?”

The trip was not solely educational; Kadi had the privilege to explore different places during the weekends as well.

“We did the classes for three weeks and then on the first weekend we went to one of the Greek Islands, Santorini,” said Kadi. “The next weekend we went to Cairo in Egypt and we spent the next three weeks bumming around Europe.”

Kadi visited a countless number of places while traveling abroad, as well as going on vacations as an adult. For one who has seen so many astonishing places, it is near-impossible to deem only one destination as their favorite.

“I’d say my favorite place I have gone is a tie between Fiji and Venice,” said Kadi.

“Everyone always says how Venice is so dirty and gross, but

I thought that it was just amazing because there are no cars.

Everyone is traveling on the canals or walking everywhere.

It’s beautiful.”

Through traveling and meeting many different people of contrasting cultures and backgrounds, Kadi has learned that people are amazing- despite the stereotypes that fill the world about particular areas.

“You always hear these bad things about people, but I found everyone we encountered to be absolutely lovely,” said Kadi. “If you are just polite to people then they will pretty much do anything to help you.”

Kadi’s most important advice is if you have the opportunity to travel abroad, do it.

“The different foods, cultures and people that you encounter through visiting different places are incredible,” said Kadi.

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Kadi has travled to many different places including Italy, Fiji, Egypt and Ireland.

FEATURE

5

Music programs at LHS looking sharp

PHOTO BY LUCY DEKKENGA

The highest LHS small group ensemble, Chamber Choir, practices during the 4A period for a performance for Edison Middle School.

by Lauren TeLLer

The famous philosopher Plato once said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” As the season of recitals, concerts and contest near closer for the music programs of LHS, it is about time we shine the spotlight on the hard work and preparation that the choirs, orchestras and bands have been putting in so far this school year.

One exceptional LHS music program, the choir, is looking forward to composing an espe-

cially exciting year, as they have many upcoming plans including concerts and competitions.

Along with their plans for the year, the Concert Choir is also awaiting their trip to Savannah, GA over Easter break. So far this year, the program has wowed with their exceptional Holiday and Dessert Concerts. The choirs also have high hopes for their upcoming concerts, competitions and ensemble contests.

In order to be successful, the choirs have put in quite a few hours so far this year, but they are

all about enjoying the ride.

“We always strive for excellence, and we really just try to be the best that we can be,” said senior concert choir member Kjerstin Aspaas. “And to have fun with Linda (Mrs. Conrad).”

Another program´s director, the LHS orchestra´s Dr. Mario Chiarello, has also been known to crack a joke or two during rehearsals. Despite their fiddling around, the classes put in some serious work to make the entire orchestra successful. The orchestra is hard at work with their pieces, with hopes to finish the rest of the year on a high note.

Senior orchestra member Abbey Falconer hopes that the orchestra will collectively reach their goals this year.

“We just had a concert a month ago, but we do have a large and small group contest, both in March. After that, we have two more concerts in

February and May. We hope to become a better ensemble and to just perform together as a group.

I hope that we can communicate across the whole orchestra so we all know where we are all at and how to play together as a group.”

Showcasing their talents as well, the LHS band program has their sights set high when it comes to their performances this year.

With stage time nearing closer, everyone is putting the time in and outside of school to make sure that they are successful.

“We are performing at the State Music Convention in Brookings and the Winter Concert in February, and then the Washington Pavillion Concert in April,” said junior Symphonic Band member Emma Schock. “I hope that we can be excellent as individual performs as well as a whole group. Overall, I hope that we can just represent the school and its music program well.”

LHS Collision: Unite. Empower. Serve.

by LiLLian

D High school can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. LHS has a student-led organization that seeks to connect Christians and non-Christians on the campus.

The all inclusive organization, Collision, started around 10 years ago when students came up with the idea to provide food on campus in the morning to show God’s love to others. Today, Collision hosts a cafe every Friday at LHS, hosts an outreach after school, has over 30 small groups that connect students together and a soccer team of refugee students on Saturdays.

To be able to do so many programs around the school and outside of it, students come together to ultimately put it all together. “[Collision] looks like a lot of things,” said John Glasser, director of Collision. “It looks like an amazing leadership team of 30 students that get together monthly to plan, pray and implement what is on

their hearts to do.”

With the opportunity they have been given, students get a chance to connect more with each other and grow in their faith.

“On Wednesday mornings Savannah Heeren gets together with Caroline Sudbeck and her group of friends outside of school and getting to know each other, digging into faith, family issues and struggles,” said Glasser. “They’ve built an incredible bond as a group of teenagers. That has expressed itself 30 different times.”

While the organization is mostly Christian focused, everyone is always welcome no matter the faith background.

“I think [Collision] spreads positivity and love throughout the school,” said LHS senior Luke Schilmoeller. “One of the main things with Collision is being inclusive of everyone.”

During outside of school meetings, students get to spend time together and bond over shared interests and faith.

“I am in four different groups and I also help out with

PHOTO BY LILLIAN D.

LHS students stand in line on a Friday morning waiting for breakfast, served by the Collision leadship team.

Collision Cafe on Friday,” said Schilmoeller. “Most of the time we hang out and just talk to each other, get food and snacks, play games and have a small Bible study.”.

With such a huge organization being led by the students, they are able to reach others in

ways that no one else can.

“The main goal of Collision is to tell others what Christ did for us throughout the schools and it’s super cool,” said Schilmoeller. “In public schools, adults aren’t allowed to [talk about faith] so we use students and student leaders to do it.”

6

FEATURE

LHS teachers who have served KATE FEHRS Jared Fredenburg, LHS head football coach, enlisted when he was 17-years-old and served for 26 years. His desire to enlist came from his grandfather who was a veteran of World War II. His grandfather, a pilot, was shot down and was rescued in the Pacific ocean and Fredenburg thought it was part of his duty to repay that generation.

“The number one thing is to adapt and overcome no matter what your circumstances are, and you don’t BY

JOEY STRUWE National Guard, Iraq

take no for an answer,” said Fredenburg.

Dominique Hurley enlisted when she was 21-years-old and served for six years in the Air National Guard. Hurley’s serving was a growing experience.

“I have a much stronger patriotic feeling and I respect those who do and I don’t appreciate those who don’t,” said Hurley.

Ryan Klobassa is still serving in the Air Force National Guard and has been serving already for five years and

RYAN KLOBASSA National Guard, five years

two months. Klobassa will be continuing to serve until the end of his contract. He has learned to appreciate our freedom from his time serving.

“The three things the air force teaches are service before self, excellence in all that you do and integrity first,” said Klobassa.

Chris Moneke, an LHS custodian, served for eight years and enlisted when he was 21-years-old while he was still in college. Moneke’s time served made him realize how fortunate he is to live in the

JARED FREDENBURG Served for 26 years

United States.

“I was in Iraq for one year; we have it so much better than 99 percent of the world,” said Moneke.

He also noticed that material things do not matter that much. When Moneke was overseas, he had only two duffle bags and explained how he went along just fine.

“We didn’t need TV’s, phones and all that stuff,” said Moneke. “It brought me back to the basics of what I really needed in life.”

CHRIS MONEKE Army Reserve, Kuwait/Iraq

PHOTOS BY KATE FEHRS

FEATURE

7

Help wanted: occupations of LHS BY

MOLLY FARIS

Being young, dumb and especially broke is no way to go through high school. Although most students dread going to work after a long day of school, the much-needed paycheck is worth it in the long run. For students to fulfill their wants and needs, they should get a part-time job so they do not have to rely on their parents’ money.

There are a variety of places that high schoolers can choose to work at. Depending on the time of year, there seems to be a job for every personality. During the winter, some popular places to work include Skyzone, Scheels Iceplex, Great Bear and coffee shops.

Once the weather begins to

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Junior Morgan Pederson checks out customers at her job at Fairway .

warm up, people tend to gravitate towards jobs that are summer related, such as golf courses, pools, parks and ice cream shops.

Of course, there are those jobs students can do yearround. Some examples of these

“

types of jobs include working at a restaurant as a host or server, being a receptionist, working in retail or working at a grocery store.

One of the most well-known places for high schoolers to work at is Hy-Vee. Drake Gerdes,

“

My favorite part is making the seasonal arrangements, such as cornucopia centerpieces in the fall and tacky sleighs filled with holly and red berries in the winter!

I love being second in charge and bossing people around even though I'm the youngest one there (they hate it when I get to boss them around).

”

-Baysinger Farms LHS employee

“

The work is very easy and I get to be outside the whole time.

”

-Anderson Landscaping LHS employee

a senior at LHS, is one of the many students that works there. “[High schoolers tend to work at Hy-Vee] because they have really flexible hours, they pay well and they hire many LHS students,” said Gerdes.

There are many advantages to having a job in high school.

One can learn how to manage and save money for the future while others can learn life lessons by interacting with people every day. “[I enjoy having a job because] it is nice to have money, it teaches you how to be responsible and it is something to do,” said Gerdes.

So, if students are looking for a job that fits them, there are plenty of options to choose from.

“

I get to spend a couple hours with new people where I can work to my maximum potential without worrying about trying to impress anyone. I can forget everything that happened that day or week and just let my mind focus on work.

Plus, I get to meet all sorts of people.

”

-Will’s Training Table LHS employee

”

-Flowerama LHS employee

“

It’s an easy job with high pay.

”

-Silverstar Car Wash LHS employee

8

FEATURE

The Grimm and Maher breakdown What’s in the future for LHS? Summer erickSon The LHS Statesman asked Dr. Maher and Mr. Grimm about their goals for the future of LHS.

by

Topics like graduation rates, test scores and the overall improvement of the environment of the school were discussed. These important

figures had responses and ideas that were similar, yet uniquely theirs. Overall, both had intentions that included the improvement of

many aspects at LHS. Their intentions aim to allow for the continuous success and improvement of the student body.

How has the school year been going?

Grimm: I believe the year has been going well. I have enjoyed getting to know the students and staff and learning about the history of LHS and Sioux Falls.

Maher: The school year has been fast and furious to this point. As a school district we are working on several initiatives that are keeping us quite busy.

What are some goals that you have for the school?

Grimm: Short term: Get to know as many students as possible and help them get connected so a large school feels smaller. Long term: Improve in areas we are struggling and continue to grow in areas we are currently excelling.

Maher: As mentioned earlier, my goals are always centered on students. A few of the specific goals are: improved achievement in reading and math at the elementary level, improved graduation rates at the high school level and improved attendance at every level.

How will you strive for these goals to take place and be effective?

Grimm: We will begin to look at alternative pathways for student success especially in the 9th grade. Student graduation rates are tied extensively to freshman student success.

Maher: The goals mentioned are an integral piece of our District Strategic Plan. The goals are identified and specific initiatives are in place – complete with deadlines – for the accomplishment of those goals.

COMMON GROUND: 1) Goals are mainly focused on students

2) Student achievement is important

3) Improve in areas where students are struggling

4) Want school community to become more diverse

5) Improve graduation rates

FEATURE

9

Settling the century old debate: dogs vs cats

by Jack FehrS

The debate has persisted for years: cats or dogs? Now, the debate has been taken to the halls of LHS in a quest to settle the battle once and for all. Hopefully, light will finally be shed upon questions like, “Why do cat ladies still thrive?” and “Why is it that dogs are considered a man’s best friend?”

First and foremost, why is it that pet owners prefer their species of pet? Isaac Woods; a senior at LHS, and owner of two dogs expressed his reasons.

“Dogs respect you, so they behave a lot better,” said Woods.“Cats are the spawn of Satan, so they do stupid stuff; dogs would destroy in a fight.”

However, Liam Downey, senior and cat enthusiast, had a different take on the matter.

“Cats are way more fun and don’t smell bad,” said Downey.

“You don’t have to pick up cat

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JACK FEHRS

Liam Downey and Ethan Moore pose with their furry friends, claiming species superiority.

poop in the backyard.”

It seems that dog owners love the obedience that is inherent in dogs, so they can have a pet that can play fetch or learn tricks. Cat owners, on the other hand, seem to enjoy the carefree attitude of cats and their lack of maintenance.

Dog owners also argue that

dogs serve man in ways that cats cannot. Senior Ethan Moore, an owner of two dogs, had a very insightful response to what makes dog’s behavior so much better than cats.

“Dogs have better behavior because they are more interactive than any cat,” said Moore. “Dogs

show dependence to humans and it gives us a sense of purpose in our lives. Dogs can help us in a great many ways, such as being trained to help people with physical and mental disabilities and have many roles in the military and law enforcement.”

Downey offered a view on the other end of the spectrum.

“Cats are cuter and more fun to play with,” said Downey. “I aspire to become an old cat lady.”

Although cat and dog people have different views on the behavior of cats and dogs, both observe that they serve a purpose.

However, the closing comments from dog enthusiast, Moore, were more divisive.

“I’d rather be missing a limb than own a cat,” said Moore. “I would never save a cat. I care as much about cats as the spider I just smashed in my shower.”

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OP/ED

13

A poignant story: Diverging from our parents by

G aGe G ramlick , editor - in - chief

Nov., 2000- I am born. My mother holds this sacred baby (me) in her defiantly muscular arms, “This boy’s life will be poignant: Representative of relevant and/or important material.”

Flash forward 10 minutes. My dad says, “Wow. This Schlotzsky’s sandwich is so poignant to the Schlotzsky’s enterprise.”

Day after poignant day, my parents used this word, poignant, as a means to connect the small to the big.

It’s sad.

No, literally, poignant means “evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.”

What the actual heck?!

I use this word all the freaking time. Like every day. Multiple times a day.

Always. It’s my goshdarn favorite word.

And I’ve been using it wrong!

How did this happen?

How did I commit such an agricultural crime?

What other words have I been using wrong?

I mean, am I even writing this in a language that exits? Or is this all gibberish?

Wait! It was my parents. They taught me this. They taught me… wrong.

The people whom I believed to be infallible, near prophet level intelligence, used a word wrong. Repeatedly.

This is bigger than ‘poignant,’ though.

The question begs itself: Are my beliefs, which were instilled by my parents, correct?

The foundation of who I am is shattered.

I’m experiencing what psychologists call a mixed essentials crisis.

The truth is: The ‘poignant’ phenomena is widespread, especially among high schoolers. At this point in my life, I am beginning to see the world from perspectives I didn’t know existed.

The problem arises when the lens instilled by one’s parents doesn’t match the lens one has come to see through.

Derek Black was born to the most prominent white nationalist family in the U.S. He was raised to believe an ideal world is one separated by race. He was raised to believe whites are inherently superior. He was raised to believe his actions in pursuit of racial stratification were right.

Poignant.

How, then, do high schoolers ideologically diverge from their parents while maintaining a positive relationship?

Well, luckily, most of our parents aren’t white nationalist (I hope). If they are, amiability may be more difficult than the garden variety policy disputes; it’s a spectrum.

However, we need to listen, even liberals; nay, especially liberals. It’s hard; I know.

But listening is key. We cannot disagree if we don’t know what we’re disagreeing about.

And, yes, we all disagree with white nationalists (I hope), but we should still listen. Think of Black; listening is what enabled his peers to dissect his argument.

Furthermore, we may find we agree with our parents on the more moderate issues, defeating the need for family fall-out altogether.

Dissent, however, is inevitable. In this case, all we can do is respectfully stand our ground within the confines of what is safe.

I told my parents they were using ‘poignant’ wrong. My dad took it the worst, questioning what his parents taught him, questioning his religion, his name.

My mom hulked out, angrily denying the information, “What do you know?

I dropped you at least three times as a baby; that’s probably where this is all coming from.”

Eventually, though, they came to accept the truth, and me. I guess now we’ll just stick with the words we know.

EnGage

W

Then he went to college, and his whole world crumbled. Black found a community where his beliefs had been systematically disqualified in an educated and deliberate fashion.

Today, he is a social justice advocatean anti-white nationalist. Black no longer sees the world as black against white; rather, Black sees a need for change and aspires to enact it.

His childhood friends don’t call him.

His once-community despises him, views him as a traitor. His parents consider him as a mistake.

elcome to the third installment of EnGage, a column. The goal of EnGage is to entertain, inspire and educate: To engage. Often, the stories will be satirical. However, they will occasionally be serious, as the above is. Pay attention to the disclaimers, and, as always, please do not sue the Statesman. Thank you.

14

OP/ED

News and its desensitizing properties toward grief by

Cathleen Weng, staff Writer

With the rise of the media and our easy access to news, it seems like there is a new tragedy every day in an awful repetition of violence, death and destruction. An ever growing population and human tendency toward the immoral has left us with a world that sometimes seems like it’s in complete despair. Every day, we are subjected to horrific happenings in the news, as well as graphic, violent action scenes in movies. The question is, has this constant exposure to the darker facts of life

desensitized us from the ideas that once shocked us?

Desensitization happens when we are repeatedly exposed to something; and eventually, we become used to that thing. It’s a process commonly used to treat anxieties and help people get over phobias. The topic of desensitization through fictional content, like video games or movies, is widely debated, but there is less discussion about desensitization to real world events, such as mass shootings or terrorist bombings.

I know that when I was much younger even just the discussion of ideas like school shootings, war and murders made me feel sick inside. The idea that someone was capable of doing something like that was almost unthinkable.

However, through the

years, I’ve found myself less shocked by events that once horrified me. They fade into the back of my memory more quickly than I’d care to admit. The fact of the matter is that because these tragedies come one after another after another and we’re usually not affected by them directly/ personally, they frequent our minds for shorter amounts of time.

“We’ve lost our ability to be compassionate toward struggles that we ourselves are not going through or that we cannot directly see others going through.”

As a consequence of, or maybe consequently to, our desensitized mindsets, we move quickly from the grief felt by these tragedies to the

politics of them. The media leaves little time for us to process these events before it jumpstarts into arguments.

Those attempting to grieve find their loved ones shoved into the political spotlight.

We’ve lost our ability to be compassionate toward struggles that we ourselves are not going through or that we cannot directly see others going through.

Compassion is an important aspect of life and something that we should try to regain. The media dictates much of what we see and think, but we can respect the grieving process of others by stepping back instead of throwing our opinionated hats into the ring. The allowance of grief is a human decency that should be given by all.

Birth Control: originally for women, and now for men? by lily

beCker, staff Writer

For years, both men and women have been trying their hardest to prevent pregnancies if they are not ready for a child. Now, a moment many have been waiting for: There is a birth control, not only for women, but for men as well. What it all comes down to is: which gender should take it?

In the making of birth control for men, scientists

found a way to inject the birth control with a shot that led to different side effects, depending on the victim.

Scientists created a pill that consists of a synthetic form of the female hormone progestogen, as well as a separate dose of the male hormone testosterone.

“So, with the help of men, could they take that responsibility for us or should women continue to be tact with the control?”

In order for the birth control to be effective, the male must take the pill three months in advance because of the average 70 day lifespan of sperm. The progestogen shuts down the production of sperm. Many men believe

that this is a miracle, while others believe that they wasted their breath on creating one for them.

Although birth control is now open to men, women still have an easier and cheaper access to many different ways of birth control, such as the birth control implant, patch, sponge and the vaginal ring. For women, the process of receiving birth control is less time consuming than men. Also, if you are a woman, birth control can help reduce acne, cramps and can also help with your menstrual cycle. With all the other occurrences within a woman’s body, the last thing most girls want to do is be reminded to take their birth control. So should men help by taking that responsibility for us or

should women continue to be tact with the control?

There have been arguments about the barrier on women for making sure that if an unwanted pregnancy occurs, that it is the woman’s fault. Now, because of the pill, women have lifted weights off their shoulders.

It is important to note that the pill is meant for any man who already has a family especially those considering a vasectomy, which is not reversible. Also, it is available for teenagers who are sexually active and are not looking for children. Although many do not believe in the pill for men, it is still available to those who need or want it and could be helpful to the women who do not want to take it.

OP/ED

15

Gun violence and gun control: When will there be a solution? by

sUMMer eriCsOn, staff Writer

I turn on the news, listening for what announcements and events the journalists will give. As I listen, I hear the words that have been spoken too many times in the last few years; mass shooting.

Unfortunately, hearing this news is no surprise. Although America has progressed with time from shootings like Sandy Hook and Orlando, our progression towards a solution is merely nonexistent. These deadly and harrowing shootings keep happening.

As these mass shootings

become more frequent and unsurprising, our reactions to them become less sympathetic.

We mourn for a few moments and soon after bringing up the topic of gun control. This is necessary; discussion of what caused the crime and solutions to prevent it from happening again. But although the U.S. has had an evident discussion of gun control and it’s pro’s and con’s, our country can’t seem to come up with solutions to it.

“Although I am pro-gun control, I understand that not everyone will agree with my opinions. My main concern is for the safety of Americans and the prevention of more mass shootings in the U.S.”

Opposers of gun control say that it’s their 2nd amendment right and gun control laws would “infringe upon the right to bear arms.” This is understandable. Defenders of gun control say that more gun control would reduce gun

related deaths, which create a total of 464,033 deaths between 1999 and 2013, according to guncontrol-procon.org.

This is also understandable.

Many people are so stuck classifying themselves as either pro or con gun control that they don’t take the time to consider the understandable and reasonable facts to both sides. The resistance that people have to accept others’ opinions could potentially prevent us to create a solution to gun control.

Although I am pro-gun control, I understand that not everyone will agree with my opinions. My main concern is for the safety of Americans and the prevention of more mass shootings in the U.S. As Americans, we need to come together to create a solution to the continuous mass shootings in America.

Pro-con gun control believers do not want to take guns away from eligible gun owners in the U.S. I under-

stand that it is your right to own a gun, but if you have records of violence or other crimes, I think that it should harder to own a gun. There should be a substantial review of anyone buying a gun.

According to USA Today, Dylan Roof, the gunman of the Charleston church shooting, went through a background check before buying his gun and killing multiple people.

America should enact strict regulations and policies to owning a gun. Potential gun owners should have to take classes on gun safety and have a valid license before buying a gun, followed by refreshments of the training to prove they are eligible to own a gun. The U.S. needs to create a culture of gun safety.

I do not think it’s politically acceptable to prevent every U.S. citizen from buying a gun. But I do think that buying a gun should be harder to do than it is now.

Struggle to come back to sports- getting off the IR by

abbie griffin, staff Writer

Injuries, by definition, are physical afflictions to the body. Your body, something that has carried you through so much in the past, is now betraying you. After spending years of your life participating in something you love, you are suddenly forced to stop and are unsure when you will be able to return. Every day, athletes are injured and are unable

to return to the sports that make them who they are.

Depending on the seriousness of the injury, some athletes can be out for months, if not years. It can be hard for athletes to return to the sports they love, not only physically, but mentally. Some injuries require surgery, followed by weeks of physical therapy and months of sitting on the sideline.

For an athlete, getting injured can almost be worse psychologically rather than physically. While most athletes work hard on physical therapy and rehabilitation, many neglect their minds when they are sidelined. This

can be a big mistake that can set you up for an even longer and more strenuous recovery period. The decision between distancing yourself and immersing yourself even deeper can be one of the toughest choices when injured.

“After participating in soccer for so long, it became a part of my life, a part of who I was as a person.”

Instead of removing myself completely after my ACL tear, I continued to

show up for games and support my teammates from the sideline. After participating in soccer for so long, it became a part of my life, a part of who I was as a person. So, as an alternative to checking out of something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, I continued to preoccupy myself with practices and games.

Even though I am not fully healed yet, being able to spend my time on the IR (injured reserve) with my teammates made my recovery time much more bearable. As hard as it is to be on the sideline, it is often much harder to not even be there at all.

16

CENTER SPREAD

January 10

New head football coach announced

February 10

Jared Fredenburg, former RHS defensive coordinator and Sioux Falls Storm Assistant, is announced as the Patriot head football coach.

New student council members announced Eight freshmen, four sophomores and three juniors are elected by their classmates to represent their classes. To campaign they spent the week hanging up posters and talking to students.

January 23

First day of second semester

March 3

LHS debaters g Debate in Mitc

February 24

Three LHS athletes go to State Wr

Corey Fichter, 220 lb weight class, Meyerink,132 lb weight class, and Beavers, 106 lb weight class partic in the 2017 State Wrestling tourna

April 27 First showing of “Pippin�

LHS students, including those in choir, colorguard and theater, performed in the musical.

Ap

April 26

DECA travels from South Dakota to South California

The LHS DECA travels to California for the International Career Development Conference.

May 1

First day of AP testing, nationwide.

May 23 NHS Ceremony May 20

LHS boys tennis team wins State Tennis Championship title.

90 juniors and eight seniors were inducted into NHS and Sharon Zere, Eliza Peters and Anna Robinson were announced as the new president, vice president and secretary, respectively.

May 26 State track champions

May 29

South D

The patriot track team wins both boys and girls State Track Championship titles.

Nine gir of girls a spend th of South travel to

October 21

Cross country places first overall

December 2

LHS Formal dance

After weeks of preparation, the LHS Student Council hosted the annual Winter Formal dance in the gym.

The LHS boys and girls cross country teams each placed second with an overall first place win.

October 28

All-State choir performance

December 14

LHS Choir winter concert

December 1

DECA traveled to Omaha for the Central Region Leadership Conference.

20 LHS students participated in the tw day All-State choir with a final perform at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

LHS year

CENTER SPREAD

goes to State chell, SD.

March 14

New leadership at LHS revealed

Robert Grimm is announced as the new head principal at LHS. His first day in the new position was July 1.

Wrestling

, Jayden d Beau cipated ament.

pril 25

in

Review March 21

March 18

LHS boys basketball place third in the State tournament, finishing their season.

Mr. LHS

Five junior and senior boys are nominated for the male pageant show; Daniel Gertner is crowned king.

17

Leprechaun slam-a-thon

Trace Dobson, AJ Stavig, Isaac Woods, Nick Leach, Connor Corsini and Sam Mendel place first.

April 22

LHS senior prom is held at the El Riad Shrine.

March 25

The “Spinsters” dance, hosted by EMBE, is held at the District.

July 30 First day of South Dakota Senior Honor Choir

9

Dakota Girls and Boys State

rls and 11 boys go to a week and boys state. The girls heir week at the University h Dakota while the boys o Northern State University.

June 4

Graduation

22 LHS choir members participate in the week-long auditioned honor choir at Northern State University.

September 5

October 7

LHS wins two State Championship titles Boys soccer ends with a first place championship win against Aberdeen and Girls Tennis places first overall in the State Tournament.

wo mance

First day of school

September 9 President’s bowl against RHS

September 25-29 Homecoming

The week includes dress up days, a dance and coronation with Tim White and Anna Robinson crowned as the 2017 royalty.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LHS STATESMAN SPREAD BY LUCY DEKKENGA

18

ENTERTAINMENT

Patriot playlists by

Molly Faris

An individual is as unique as their music genre. I mean, there are 1,264 different genres one may choose to listen to. Each person has their own taste in music, which usually changes as they get older. Below is a list of songs that are popular in each grade level.

ENTERTAINMENT

19

: by

teacher edition

CHloE CrissMaN

Language changes almost every year, maybe even faster than that. I interviewed several different teachers to see what they thought of these colloquial teenage terms.

Peep it

“ Go peep the Insta.”

“Does that mean, like, to cover yourself in marshmallows?”

- Sara Klawonn Actual definition: “Go look at (some social media site).”

Extra

“You’re so extra.”

“You’re so special.”

- Ken Doyle Actual definition: “Doing the absolute most.”

Send it

Eskettit

Finna get turnt

Baddie

Cuff

Dope

Thicc

Bet

“Just send it dude.”

“Give me your Snapchat.”

- Steve Ortmeier Actual definition: “Just do it.”

“ESKETTIT.” “You’re scattering the spaghetti.”

- Jim Jarvoski Actual definition: “Let’s get it.”

”She a baddie.” “ We finna get turnt this weekend.”

“Definitely something you could get suspended for.” “You’re naughty.”

- Shawn Bogart - Travis Aukerman Actual definition: “A girl who is slayin’ the game.”

Actual definition: “Gonna have fun.”

“I’m tryna cuff her.”

“Oh, like when you link arms with someone?”

- Amy Eckart Actual definiton: “Trying to date someone.”

“She thicc.”

“Degree of how voluptuous a woman is.”

- Steve Blankenship Actual definition: “Someone whose body resembles one of an hourglass. Even more booty than a regular human.”

Shook

“I’m shook.”

“Like, I am rattled?”

- Joshua Smith Actual definition: “That surprises me.”

“That’s dope.”

“Drugs.”

- Madame Thompsen Actual definition: “Cool.”

“I bet.”

“BET.”

- Jared Jansen Actual definition: “A term of disbelief meaning ‘I do not believe that.’”

Lit

“It’s lit.”

“Your dad.”

- Katie Kroeze Actual definition: “It’s fun.”

“The Incredibles 2” The long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” which was released in 2004, “The Incredibles 2” will feature most of the same characters and cast from the first movie. Already, the teaser trailer has garnered over 58 million views as fans eagerly look forward to this blast from childhood. “The Incredibles 2” is scheduled to be released on June 15, 2018.

“Avengers: Infinity War” The next installment of the Avengers film series, “Avengers: Infinity War’s” action-packed trailer has already received over 86 million views. It promises to be one of Marvel’s biggest movies yet, as heroes from many previous movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are joining together to defeat a universal threat. “Avengers: Infinity War” is scheduled to be released on May 4, 2018.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” A standalone installment in the Star Wars franchise centered around character Han Solo, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” will tell the story of young Han Solo prior to the original 1977 film. The film is a space Western starring Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo. It is scheduled to be released on May 25, 2018.

“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” The sequel to the second highest grossing live-action musical of all time, “Mamma Mia!,” “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” will feature many members of the original cast, including eight time Golden Globe winner Meryl Streep. “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” like the original, will also be a romantic musical comedy. It is set to be released on July 20, 2018.

“A Wrinkle In Time” Another blast from childhood comes in the form of “A Wrinkle In Time,” the movie adaptation of the highly popular novel by Madeleine L’Engle. The book has already been adapted by Disney in the form of a TV show, but the company has remade it into a film starring names such as Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling. “A Wrinkle In Time” is set to be released on March 9, 2018.

G

EN

E

LE

BY

H AT

C

W N

“Black Panther” Another movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Black Panther” is a superhero movie based on the comics by the same name, starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, Black Panther. The casting has already proved it will be one of the most diverse movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is scheduled to be released on Feb. 16, 2018.

& S E IV O M P O T

2 F O S M U B L A

8 10 P

OL

HY OT

BY

ST

TIM

Jason Derulo, “777” Pop-star Jason Derulo has had a year of hit singles like “Swalla” featuring Nicki Minaj, but there has not been a new album from him for quite some time. In 2018, he will release his fifth album, with a more developed sound.

Fall Out Boy, “MANIA” Early this year, fans should get excited that the rock band is releasing its sixth studio album. According to lead singer, Pete Wentz, the album should be a “hard reset...a big palette cleanse” for the band.

Charlie Puth, “Voice Notes” Skyrocketing on the charts in 2017, Puth is hoping to further his career on his sophomore album.

The album has been recorded amidst touring with Shawn Mendes and other big names in music right now.

The 1975, “Music For Cars” The 1975 is easily one of the quickest rising and most provocative group on the alternative-indie scene. Their third production should intrigue their fanbase as it will show more of where they are now than where they have been.

Camila Cabello, “The Hurting. The Healing.

The Loving.”

Breaking away from Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello is coming out with her debut as a soloist in 2018. The single, “Havana,” which topped charts worlwide, has already solidified the chances of success.

Calum Scott, “Only Human” Calum Scott’s rendition of Robyn’s hit, “Dancing On My Own” on Britain’s Got Talent gained worldwide praise. With Robyn as a producer, Scott is set to release his debut album for his eager fanbase.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GOOGLE PUBLIC USE

BY BRITA QUELLO AND SOMER LUITJENS

Culver’s

Culver’s didn’t meet our set expectations for what a great milkshake should taste like. It tasted more like ice cream than an actual milkshake. Although the ice cream itself was good, it didn’t have the sweet taste that a milkshake should have. The shake was very “thicc” which gave it a better flavor. It was the cheapest shake out of all three, which is always nice. Culver’s was a tasty ice cream treat, but we would not recommend it if you were craving a real good milkshake. In conclusion, Culver’s milkshakes may not bring all the LHS attendees to the yard, but they’re like it’s better than yours and they can teach you, but there is a charge.

The Diner

The Diner milkshake was definitely one to remember. The milkshake had a perfect blend of oreo and vanilla ice cream that was to die for. They also topped it off with whipped cream, a vanilla cookie and a cherry on top. To make sure you get your money’s worth, the remains of your shake get put into a metal container so you can get every last bit of heaven in milkshake form. Although this milkshake was very impressive, it was a lot more expensive than expected and most LHS students are not “trynna” pay that “kinda straight cash.”

Short: $2.59 Medium: $3.69 Tall: $4.49

Regular: $6.25

Potbelly Sandwich Shop Potbelly Sandwich Shop exceeded our expectations. It is just some plain-old sandwich shop, right? Wrong. Potbelly’s sells some bomb shakes. There was enough oreo distributed throughout the shake, so it tastes like a legitimate oreo shake; the proportions were good, it did not taste just like vanilla or just like chocolate, it was a great combination. To add to that, they served the shake with two small vanilla cookies and two mini-oreos, alongside the shake. Although the presentation was good, it did not meet The Diner’s presentation, but it was worth the price and the taste. Overall, we would recommend Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

Regular: $3.30

After considering all three milkshakes we tried, we have come to the conclusion that...

Potbelly Sandwich Shop was the most worth it.

Not only was the milkshake hard to put down, it also had a reasonable price. In addition to their own little flair to the shake, with the oreo cookies and the vanilla cookies, but still had the traditional milkshake taste that most love.

J n’ O Go:

on a blind double date

OLIVER LOCKWOOD POWELL Frightened, nervous, anxious and afraid. These were all the emotions going through my partner in crime, Jack’s, head as we walked up to the door on that fine evening. Nothing but confidence and bliss glistened in my mind, and I was more than ready for my blind date.

As we first stepped foot into the milkshake infested restaurant downtown, we asked the waiter for a table for four. It was approximately 6:50 p.m.

As time went by, we started enjoying the free smells. Minute by minute, time ran off the clock as we sat waiting for the two mystery women, whom we had not met yet. Jack’s anxious mind got him very concerned, pushing him to call our editor-in-chief,

BY

by Jack Fehrs Coming into tonight I didn’t know what to expect. I put all my faith in our almighty editor, Lucy Dekkenga, to match me with a great date. Sitting in the booth at the downtown Diner, I was a little nervous. When our dates, Pad Baireddy and Maryam Rauf, walked in and we began talking, it turned into a great time.

We ordered milkshakes (rated a four stars out of five by our Statesbuds team) and started the conversation pondering about blind people, a fantastic start. We bounced from topic to topic, from Cards Against

Humanity, to that new meme board game that just came out, to where we were planning on and waiting to go to college.

After some terrific conversation, we took some cheesy photos, with and without soft smiles, to cement the date in the Statesman Blind date hall of fame.

Overall, I had a fantastic time with all of our deep conversations and the great tasting shakes. I would do it again, and recommend that anyone who gets the chance to go on a blind date does. The excitement of getting to so meet someone new, along with the mystery of who that is, makes for a perfect time.

Lucy Dekkenga. It turned out the girls were waiting in their cars for us since the time we had gotten there.

Finally at around 7:10 p.m., it all started. Right out of the gate, Maryam and Pad shot out the first question, “What is your favorite color?” As time flew by, the conversation shifted left to right, up and down and I was cheesing the entire time seeing the blushes on Jack’s face when him and Pad would flirt.

As the date was wrapping up, we had a nice photoshoot with the ladies as we said our farewells. Overall, I had a great time and came to a realization that I would not want to go on a double date with anyone other than Jack “Chuck” David Fehrs.

PHOTOS BY ANNA DEKKENGA

High school dating and blind date statistics

•60% of high school students plan to break-up with their current boyfriends or girlfriends when they leave for college •61% of teens have been “in love” •25% of blind dates lead to marriage •2% of people marry their high school sweetheart

Only got $20 in my pocket Thrift Shops in Sioux Falls

by Lauren TeLLer and Jenna

becker The high prices and limited selection has pushed many to thrift stores. Why waste money on an expensive piece that five other people will be wearing tomorrow? Thrifting allows you to find unique pieces to perfectly showcase your individual style. Besides that, going thrifting is a great way to spend time with friends and save some money. These three shops are some of the best in Sioux

Falls, so follow Macklemore’s lead and give thrifting a try. $50 for a t-shirt? Why spend the steep price when you can get the same piece of clothing at a much lower price? With thrift shops on the rise, many high schoolers have turned to thrifting as an alternative to shopping at retail stores.

Upcycling, also known as thrifting, is a fun way to shake up your wardrobe and save

a few bucks in the process. Besides, malls can be expensive, and frankly, many people shop at brand stores, so it is likely that someone else could have the same item.

Not only do local thrift stores offer nearly new and resale clothing at more affordable prices than high-end retail stores, but shopping in thrift stores is also an experience in and of itself. Here are three popular local thrift stores to visit:

GOODWILL

SAVERS

PLATO’S CLOSET

Ahh, classic Goodwill, home of the $2 t-shirt rack and the occasional pair of used underwear. While digging through the enormous clothing racks can be daunting, we found it to be worth it in the end.

Goodwill has a great collection of vintage finds, especially jeans, sweatshirts and tees. Not only do they have some of the cheapest prices, they also have the most LHS gear perfect to show off your school spirit.

To visit Goodwill, make sure to check it out between their hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Located on the west side of Sioux Falls, Savers is the biggest store we shopped. It had a great selection of clothing, specifically in the t-shirts and sweatshirts, with plenty of cheap and comfortable options. When we visited the store, the racks seemed to be rather picked over, and the prices were more expensive than Goodwill. It was organized by sizes and styles, but they seemed to all be mixed together. It may be a little confusing, but it is still a good place to shop.

You can visit Savers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Plato’s offered the largest selection of nearly new clothing out of the three options. With a younger focus, you are bound to find something you will love here, though it will come at a higher price.

While the store has a large selection, it is easy to sort through if you are looking for something specific, as it is categorized by color and clothing type. Overall, it is easier to find styles that match your personality rather than the mix at Goodwill or Savers.

To visit Plato’s Closet on 41st Street, make sure to go between their hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sports JANUARY 2018

LHS STATESMAN

FUTURE

By the Numbers 1st

46

3

5

Ranking Ranking in the state for boys varsity basketball

Days until track season starts

Seniors on the mens LHS bowling team

STARS Chloe Harbaugh runs for the LHS cross country and track teams. She has been running since 7th grade, helping lead the track team to a state championship last year. Her best race from this year was a 4th place finish at metro.

“I still remember our trip to Minnesota,” said Harbaugh. “I made countless memories with my teammates.”

With three more years to further their skills, the future of LHS athletics is in good hands.

OF LHS by

HunTer MerkLey

In every class at LHS there are athletes that stand out above all the rest. This year’s freshman class is no exception.

The following students are individuals who the Statesman thinks are worth keeping an eye on.

Another freshman to look out for is Ava Leonard. The tennis standout not only went undefeated in singles but also placed second in flight one doubles. Tennis has always come naturally to Leonard; she has been playing since she was three. Leonard prides herself on her sportsmanship and loved to have fun during the season.

“One highlight from the season is when I poured hot sauce into my double partner’s, Meredith Benson’s, water,” said Leonard.

Rings in a row the boys tennis team will go for this spring

UPCOMING EVENTS The boys basketball team takes on OGHS @ LHS at 7:15 on Jan. 22, girls @ OGHS

LHS girls varsity gymnastics has their tournement on jan. 27 @ WHS at 11 in the morning

Brookings tournement for boys JV/Varsity Wrestling at 9 am on Jan. 27th

The LHS freshman football team ended with an almost perfect record of 5-1, led by quarterback Tommy Thompson, aka “Touchdown Tommy.” Thompson ended the season with an impressive 24 touchdowns.

His ability to move in the pocket is what separates him from the rest of his class.

One highlight from his season was beating HHS by more than 40 points.

Thompson has high ambitions for next season.

“I want to start at QB as sophomore and lead the team to a playoff run,” said Thompson.

Emily Ekstrum was the starting libero for this year’s volleyball team. Ekstrum has been playing volleyball for five years and racked up almost 250 digs this year.

This incredible stat line was not enough for Ekstrum as her new goal for her sophomore season is 300 digs.

Though the volleyball team did not have as much success as they would have wanted to this season, Ekstrum’s spirits are still high.

“My favorite part of the season was the friendships and memories that were made,” said Ekstrum.

“Everyone is super supportive and there is no negativity.”

Golf may be a sport that flies under the radar, but LHS freshman Nash Stenberg wants to change that. Stenberg had a good freshman season, finishing with a total of two top five finishes. Stenberg enjoys golfing not only for sport, but also for fun. His favorite course is Minnehaha Country Club, where he shot his personal best: 69. Stenberg hopes to improve his game and contribute to a state championship next year.

“I have been golfing since I came out of the womb; it just comes naturally to me,” said Stenberg.

26

SPORTS

Soles for your souls by

HannaH Hansen

Shoes are an essential aspect in any athlete’s life. Whether you are a varsity athlete or consider athletics a regular hobby, finding the right shoe is imperative for ultimate success on any court, field or track.

RUNNING: ADIDAS ULTRABOOST around $180 Competitive and leisurely runners both know the importance of finding a shoe that will provide the perfect amount of support - for both long and short distances. Due to its responsive cushioning, the Adidas Ultraboost is one of the top shoes on the market, and its construction and material make for an equally as responsive ride.

VOLLEYBALL: ASICS GEL-ROCKET 8 around $70

All volleyball shoes are specifically designed to withstand the impact of tough landings on the court - so, when it comes to finding the perfect fit, one can often grow lost in the variety of shoes that are offered. With Asics being the leading brand in the most comfortable and durable footwear, it is no surprise the Asics Gel-Rocket 8 is topping the list. Its long lasting comfort and durability have added to its positive reputation among various levels of volleyball players, giving this shoe the popularity it deserves.

SPORTS

27

SOCCER: NIKE MERCURIAL SUPERFLY V FG around $90

The Nike Mercurial Superfly V FG has a perfect combination of cushion and technology - ensured to produce the best results on the field. Its capability to perform both in wet and dry conditions makes this soccer cleat shine above any

other - helping you give your full potential in the process.

BASKETBALL: NIKE HYPERDUNK around $140

With basketball being one of the most popular sports among athletes, finding the shoe with the utmost quality is essential for ultimate performance. The Nike Hyperdunk is among the most effective and breathable shoes on the market to date, and its dependability and durability has earned its spot as one of the top rated basketball shoes.

TENNIS: NIKECOURT ZOOM VAPOR around $140

The Nikecourt Zoom Vapor contributes to some of the latest additions of footwear Nike has to offer. Buyers have raved about the shoe’s comfort and stability performance both on and off the tennis court. The ability to move quickly while maintaining a complete level of comfort is key to any tennis player’s game, earning this footwear a top spot in the tennis shoe market.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GOOGLE PUBLIC USE SPREAD BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

28

SPORTS

LHS athletes compared to pros, spotlight on students by

caiden caPaLdo

Missy Mae Treanor

Nicole Schmitz

HOW HAVE YOUR SKILLS IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS? I used to be horrible at serving, but after practicing a lot I have a pretty consistent serve.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE IN VOLLEYBALL? I am working on my different shots and trying to be more aware on the court.

WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOU EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AT YOUR BASKETBALL? I’m trustworthy to all my teammates to do the right thing.

Brittney Griner

Jayda Hallman

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? My AU coaches like Sean. Daly has been my coach for a couple of years, and he has definitely told me things that have helped me.

LeBron James

Diang Gatluak

WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOU EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD AT BASKETBALL? Hard work and dedication, [I] practice every day WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? Allen Iverson. Just the way he plays. He brought a whole new style to his sport.

SPORTS

29

Kickers are people too

by Landon

deboer The most undervalued position in football, by far, is the kicker.

Kickers can be the difference between the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Every season, NFL kickers account for around one third of the scoring of their given team. But, why do people ignore the fact that kickers are so important to NFL teams?

NFL teams feel that kickers can easily be replaced, but the right one can be game-changing. A team cannot just teach a kicker to go out and hit a Super Bowl winning field goal, even if they are one of the best kickers in the league.

Take former Minnesota Vikings kicker Gary Anderson for example.

In the 1998 NFL regular season, Anderson had a perfect season, with 35 field goals made out of 35 field goals attempted. But, when it came to crunch time in the NFC Cham-

pionship game, Anderson could not deliver for his team, as a missed kick ended the Vikings’ season.

On the other hand, former New England Patriots and current Indianapolis Colts kicker, Adam Vinatieri has four Super Bowl rings and two of them are on game winning kicks. Vinatieri single handedly gave the Patriots two Super Bowl rings.

Vinatieri may not always be perfect with his kicks, but when it comes to moments in which he needs to be clutch, he delivers.

CBS commentator and former New York Giants quarterback, Phil Simms, commentated on the tough task that is making a game winning field goal, right before Vinatieri made the game winner in Super Bowl 38.

“One of the toughest jobs in football is the placekicker, because the team, the fans and everybody expects you to make them all,” said Simms. “When it comes to big mo-

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOGLE PUBLIC USE

The Detroit Lions starting kicker, Matt Prater, prepares to score during their game against the Chicago Bears.

ments like this, there cannot be any more pressure on a football player.”

Pressure is what players like Vinatieri thrive on and it is also the one weakness that others have trouble with. Having the ability to be clutch in tight situations is the difference between a good and a great kicker. An NFL team with a

kicker that can make a clutch field goal will always have a chance to win.

Kickers are more important to NFL teams than one may think.

Having the ability to make important kicks at the right time can be the difference between a team winning or losing.

The King or His Airness: Question of the century oLiver Lockwood-PoweLL One of the biggest questions surrounding the sports world for more than a decade has been: “Who is the greatest of all-time in the NBA?” With many well-rounded superstars, only two seem to fall into the place of all-around greatest NBA athlete of all-time: Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Between the two, there have been nine championships won, nine MVP seasons and over 60,000 points scored. Through emphatic dunks and flashy plays, both of these players have given basketball fans a reason to drool since 1984, Jordan’s rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. From then until 2003, Jordan put on a show, bullying defenders left and right. The year Jordan retired, James got drafted and played the next season with the Cleveby

land Cavaliers. From 15 years ago until now, James has shown why he deserves to be labeled the G.O.A.T in the NBA. Many argue the fact that Jordan is simply better due to his championship rings, and they have a valid point. With Jordan’s six rings compared to James’ three, along with one more MVP than James, it is a fact that he is more accomplished than James. However, this is completely different than being the best basketball player of all-time.

If one is solely going to base the greatest ever on how accomplished he is, why would you not take Bill Russell with 11 championship rings? What about Wilt Chamberlain averaging 50.4 PPG while grabbing 25.7 RPG in a season? Also we can’t forget that both Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double

for an entire season. Only going through that category of the two would just be silly due to the amount of players that have accomplished the un-accomplishable.

If the argument is over who the best basketball player is, go ahead and give James the crown. James, having played the same amount of games as Jordan, is already leading him in rebounds, assists, threepoint percentage, shooting percentage, has a better box score plus-minus and overall value of player. The reasoning behind me thinking James is more valuable because of one simple fact: when they were taken away from their teams, James’ team seemed to have fallen off.

When James left the Miami Heat, they failed to make the playoffs. When Jordan left the Bulls, they went from a 57 win

season to a 55 win season. The only major stat category Jordan has James beat in is scoring, doing it less-efficiently than James. Shooting the basketball more than James has given Jordan the upper hand on scoring, however, James still has time which is also one of the reasons James is the best ever.

His durability and longevity in the league is second to none.

For 15 seasons and counting, James has never been injured and by far has the longest prime in NBA history. Well on his way to be the highest scorer in NBA history, James has proven left and right why he is and forever will be the king of the NBA. His strength, quickness, unmatchable IQ and passion for the game has separated him from everyone and given him the edge up on Jordan for the title of G.O.A.T in the NBA.

30

BOYS BASKETBALL

MEET THE

Jymell Nave, 12

Alex Glanzer, 12

Dillon Barrow, 12

Diang Gatluak, 12

Victor Gamies, 12

Christophe Bwanya, 12

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Ski and XXX to collab What does “New year new me” mean to you?

IDK but tell Kendall Jenner I say wassup Trends that should stay in 2017: J$, wassup ma

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Winning state What does “New year new me” mean to you? I don’t really know Trends that should stay in 2017: Dabbing

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

A week in Nam What does “New year new me” mean to you?

Tristan needs to change for sure Trends that should stay in 2017: The bippys

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

June 34th!!!

What does “New year new me” mean to you?

Nothing, real ones don’t change Trends that should stay in 2017: 80’s glam, we’re in 2017

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Graduation What does “New year new me” mean to you? A chance to do something you haven’t before Trends that should stay in 2017: IDK

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

More of bball season, graduation and college What does “New year new me” mean to you?

It means trying to be the best version of yourself Trends that should stay in 2017: “Is water wet?”

GIRLS BASKETBALL Courtney Klatt, 12 What are you looking forward to in 2018?

State basketball championship game What does “New year new me” mean to you?

An excuse to post on Instagram Trends that should stay in 2017: Vaping

Keenan Metzger, 11

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Daly’s wedding What does “New year new me” mean to you?

New year, same bench Trends that should stay in 2017: Everything but Jayda’s peacoat

Sydnaya Dunn, 11 What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Chasing that state title *knocks on wood* What does “New year new me” mean to you?

It.. means.. nothing Trends that should stay in 2017: Chokers... just no

Kate Fehrs, 11

What are you looking forward to in 2018? What Keenan said What does “New year new me” mean to you?

No more scraping my knees Trends that should stay in 2017: Guys that think they’re famous on SoundCloud

Jayda Hallman, 11 What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Zach Hanson’s birthday (510-00) What does “New year new me” mean to you?

Unrealistic goals being broken Trends that should stay in 2017: Stupid choker necklaces

Charlotte Goodhope, 11

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Watching boys basketball make it to state again What does “New year new me” mean to you? New year, new freshmen boys Trends that should stay in 2017: Everything but Jayda’s peacoat

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E VARSITY

GYMNASTICS

Michaela Mohr, 12

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Verm What does “New year new me” mean to you? List of things I want to change, but won’t Trends that should stay in 2017: Liberty telling me what to do

Liberty Justus, 12

What are you looking forward to in 2018? Bippy takeover in Nam What does “New year new me” mean to you?

New year same me *because I’m already awesome* Trends that should stay in 2017: The Dippys and Michaela’s side pony

Amber Tebbe, 12

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Bittersweet moment of graduating What does “New year new me” mean to you?

A great opportunity to kick start some new goals Trends that should stay in 2017: The new bell schedule

SIDELINE CHEER Bailey Siegfried, 12

What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Graduation What does “New year new me” mean to you?

To actually do something with my life, but not actually do it.

Trends that should stay in 2017: Man buns

Jennifer Fitz, 10

What are you looking forward to in 2018? A new year with a fresh start What does “New year new me” mean to you?

Becoming a better version of yourself Trends that should stay in 2017: Slime

Murphy, 1965

What are you looking forward to in 2018? A great basketball season What does “New year new me” mean to you?

A chance to compliment Somer Luitjens for her great smile :) Trends that should stay in 2017: Tearing others down

WRESTLING Braedon Treadway, 11 What are you most looking forward to in 2018? The end of 2017 What does “New year new me” mean to you?

Forgetting about the previous trials of life and moving on Trends that should stay in 2017: Lil Pump and Fidget spinners

Beau Beavers, 9 What are you most looking forward to in 2018?

To be the leader of my team and watch them succeed What does “New year new me” mean to you?

It means that I am a better wrestler, and I will win more than the rest Trends that should stay in 2017: Winning and working hard