There’s no place like Moline Theatre: a lovely conclusion

By: Anandi Hoogheem LO’T Feature Editor

This year, Moline High School’s Spring musical was “The Wizard of Oz”—a classic! And the casting couldn’t have been more perfect with Katie Rhea as Dorothy, Josef Bodenbender as Scarecrow, Chase Portner as Tin Man, and Antoine Richmond as Lion. They took the audience on an unforgettable theatrical adventure to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Maddox McCubbin.

This year marked a turning point in Moline High School’s Theatre Department. As Mr. Holmes has become the new choir director this school year, he is also the music director for our musicals. Directing alongside Mr. Ryser, the director, and working with Mr. Morton, the pit orchestra conductor, the show pulled together without a hitch.

The pit music was the Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC) version, which is the most accurate to the original MGM film (the studio with the lion roaring). According to Mr. Morton, “It was the most challenging music the pit has ever played. It went really well and was very exciting. I think it was one of the best productions we’ve done.”

It is such a unique experience to perform with a live pit orchestra. Another unique experience is different age groups performing together. Middle schoolers auditioned to act as Munchkins, Ozians, and Winkies. High schoolers acted as role models and mentors for these aspiring actors.

As senior, Liv Haney, explained, “This was a wonderful way to end my time with high school theatre. Working with all age groups to put on a magical show is an unforgettable experience. I’ve definitely been changed for good by this place.”

As this is our last major show this year, many seniors are preparing to part ways with our theatre department. As Zele, another senior, puts it, “It’s bittersweet to know it was our last big show at MHS.”

However, many seniors are preparing to direct their own One-Act play, holding auditions earlier this week. Although the cast list has been released, it’s never too late join crew or show support in the audience on May 26th!

Local fan-favorite coffee chain is perfect for a quick coffee to go

By: Abby Comp LO’T Feature Editor

For this issue, I tried a coffee shop that is different from the others I have reviewed. This week I visited Redband Coffee Company, which many people have recommended. I was very excited to try it after all of the great reviews, and I was definitely pleased with my experience.

Redband Coffee Company is a local coffee shop with two locations in Davenport. I visited the East 4th Street location, which is open from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm every day of the week. They offer a drivethrough, walk-up window, or you can order inside at the counter.

However, what makes the coffee shop different is it does not have indoor seating options. Nevertheless, they have two picnic tables outside, as well as a circular patio enclosed in rocks where you can sit and enjoy your coffee.

There is another location on Brady Street. This Redband Coffee Company also has a drive-through and an inside counter to order at, but it does not have a walk-up window.

Numerous people raved about Redband’s New Orleans Style Ice Coffee, so of course, I had to try it, and I was not disappointed.

The flavor was different than I expected, but I enjoyed it. The New Orleans

Spring Break Roses & Thorns

Style Ice Coffee is made with brown sugar, which gives it an overall sweet taste.

I’m usually nervous to try new coffee because I don’t like a very bitter flavor, but I didn’t find the drink bitter at all. I liked it, and I will definitely be revisiting Redband Coffee Company to get it again!

Their fried egg sandwiches were also recommended to me, which are only sold until 1:00 pm. I tried a fried egg and cheese sandwich, but you can also add sausage or chorizo.

It was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had, and I’m currently obsessed. The egg had a strong pepper flavor, which I loved, and the gouda cheese was a nice addition.

If you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, however, they also offer scones and cookies.

I was curious about the Redbadnd name, so I looked on their website for answers.

I discovered that coffee is grown 25 degrees north of the equator to 25 degrees south of the equator, around the globe. The company interpreted this growing region as Redband because coffee comes from a beautiful red fruit with two coffee beans inside.

I found this very interesting, and I will now have a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for the company’s name.

Overall, I had a great experience at Redband Coffee Company and I undoubtedly will become a continued customer. I rate my order a 5/5 and I definitely recommend it!

Spring Break is almost here: A guide!

By: Haley Wymore LO’T Reporter

There is no denying that school can be extremely stressful for students. Between homework, exams, sports, and extracurriculars, students’ schedules fill up quickly. With spring break just around the corner, it is the perfect time to take a break from the hard work and unwind.

Prom

Spring break is the perfect time to finally relax and take some time for yourself. Pick up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Read that book that has been sitting on your shelf for months.

Binge watch the show you’ve been wanting to watch, but had no free time to do so. Learn how to med- itate or do yoga. Find something that makes you happy and expresses yourself.

With the weather getting warmer, there is more opportunity to get outdoors. Try something new like going on a hike, exploring the rivers that run through town, or even walking over the new bridge!

There are many different sports to try as well, such as frisbee golf or sand volleyball. It could even be as simple as taking your pet outside on a walk.

Take this time for yourself and spend quality time with your friends and loved ones, as well as yourself.

And, if you’re a junior, don’t forget to study for the SAT.

Happy Spring break!

By: Akhil Kumar LO’T Sports Editor

Boys Track

The Moline boys track team launched their season, showcasing their talents at the Western Big 6 Indoor meet hosted on their home track Saturday, March 4th. Among the standout performers was sophomore Adrian Cooper, who flew past the competition to claim the top spot in the 60m hurdles with an impressive time of 9.05s.

In addition, junior Marvin Plant clocked a noteworthy time of 55.47s in the 400m event, earning him a well-deserved spot in the top three.

Fellow teammate Karinton Djikpe narrowly missed out on a podium finish, securing fourth place in the same event.

Hunter Toye, one of Moline’s star run- ners, displayed his dominance by being runnerup in the 800m dash.

Colin Frederiksen, a promising sophomore, also had an exceptional performance in the 200 meter dash, securing second place with a swift time of 23.51s. .

At the Sterling Invite on Saturday March 25, the Moline Boys’ team showcased their exceptional talent on the track. Sophomore sprinter, Colin Frederksen, proved to be a fierce competitor when he took first place in the 60-meter dash with an impressive time of 7.34s.

Senior Collin Ducey also took second place in the 200 meter dash, clocking in at 24.68s, and Junior Zander Ealy finished right behind with a third place spot. Marvin Plant took second place in the 400 meter dash with a time

March 31, 2023 of 55.45s, and Hunter Toye, earning first place in the 800 meter event.

Girls Track

The girls team competed in the same Western Big 6 meet as the boys and also had some phenomenal results.

Freshman Kiersten Rittenhouse was a standout performer, proudly representing Moline by securing second place in the women’s 60 meter dash with a time of 8.42s.

Senior Corynn Holmes had an outstanding performance, finishing first in both the 60m Hurdles and High Jump. Holmesfinished hurdles with a time of 9.36s, jumped 1.70m in the High Jump event, and advanced to indoor state ,placing second in high jump and fifth in 60m hurdles.

On Tuesday, March 14, the girls team competed in the Triangular #1 meet against Geneseo, Sterling, and Alleman. In the 1600 meters event and dominated, securing the top three spots.

Junior Alexis Havercamp earned first place with an impressive time of 6:02.33s, followed by freshman Karen Martinez Hernandez with a time of 6:08.40s, and sophomore Lyllian Jorgenson in third place with a time of 6:28.55a.

On the field side, senior Nai’lah Anders took the first spot in Shot Put-

4kg, throwing 12.51m. Overall, Moline’s runners and field athletes have shown exceptional talent in the indoor season. We are very pround of them and we wish them good luck as they enter the outdoor season.

Moline’s baseball and softball teams swing into their upcoming seasons

By: Morrison Fry LO’T Reporter

As Spring is finally here, softball and baseball players are gearing up for eventful and hopefully successful seasons.

When Craig Schimmel, who has been coaching Moline baseball for the past ten years, was asked what strengths and weaknesses his team is going face this season, he replied, “Weaknesses? No weaknesses… absolutely none this year.”

And as for strengths, he said, “We have a lot of returning players, versatile players, and our pitching depth… all of this will give us an advantage this season.”

Schimmel ends by saying, “I’m just looking forward to the season and hoping the weather will cooperate, so we can get some games in. And while we are at it…win!”

Schimmel added proudly that the varsity baseball team’s motto this season is, “Just win, baby!”

This season softball aims for a fresh start as Moline has new head coaches and will be setting a new tone for the program. This is exactly why the softball team’s motto is, “Set the Tone.”

The new head varsity coach, Jordan Wages, said “Our motto can be interpreted for the team or individual, but the meaning behind it is that we are responsible for setting the tone every day at practice and games.

She adds, “However you choose to lead is how people will follow.” When Wages was asked what some strengths/weaknesses were going into the season, she responded with, “Weaknesses will be figuring out what field combinations we will have.”

“We have lost some of our starting players. Still, I have no doubt we will have the girls to step up and fill them.”

She continues by saying, “Our strengths are definitely having a lot of returning players with varsity experience and a great hitting lineup, which will allow us to score a lot of runs.”

When asked what new coaching styles she plans to bring to Moline, Wages responds, “I like to think of my coaching style as a newer outlook.”

“We have not had a female head coach for softball in 22 years. Girls’ athletics has changed so much, and I think I bring a new set of standards and expectations for the girls. I want the girls to be excited to play for Moline High School!”

As Moline’s baseball and softball seasons swing into action, we wish both teams the best of luck for their respective upcoming seasons!