Prom venue remains undecided by Lea Voytovich @leaaa_21
Junior Class Board President Abby Vulich ‘17 entered the Field Museum in downtown Chicago, but she wasn’t there to see the exhibits. Looking around the main hall, she imagined what it would be like to hold senior prom there. “My favorite venue was the Field Museum,” Vulich said. “I really liked the classy look and thought it would be perfect for a sophisticated prom.” For the class of 2017, the location for prom is not yet confirmed. Although the traditional Navy Pier venue is back in the running, Class Board visited the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry on Oct. 27 to see what they have to offer. For the past 11 years, LT’s senior prom has been held at Navy Pier. But last
spring, Navy Pier contacted LT to let them know that LT did not have a secured date for prom in 2016 because a trade show was scheduled to be hosted the same day that LT planned to have prom. After negotiations with Navy Pier, LT was able to keep prom at Navy Pier for the class of 2016 by rescheduling to Friday, May 27 rather than Thursday, May 26. In response to this prom debacle, Class Board brainstormed alternative locations for LT’s future prom venues. Students had specific criteria for the venues such as: being located downtown Chicago, having a scenic view and being a memorable, iconic location. “Something that’s very unique to our students at LT is that they are very adaptable and are able to adjust as necessary,” Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said. Due to LT’s large class size, it is l i m ited to
spaces that could hold over 1,000 people—Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry both fit that requirement. Shortly after that decision, Navy Pier advised LT that they would still be able to host LT’s prom for the class of 2017. “All three venues have great qualities,” Prom Sponsor Mary Gresge said. “Navy Pier is special because we are one of the only schools that holds prom in the Grand Ballroom, the Field Museum is a very classy historic building, and the Science and Industry Museum’s main atrium offers a natural dance floor.” Class Board will be setting up a website with information and a survey that students can complete to vote for the venue of their choice. Class Board wants to make the decision process as democratic as possible, Geddeis said. Each venue had advantages and drawbacks that were taken into consideration. “Navy Pier is familiar and the tradition,” Geddeis
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All members of the Class of 2017 can vote for the 2017 prom venue online at www.lths.net/newprom this December.
Survey enacts change at LT BOE Student, staff climate survey alerts school of insistent problems, causes future adjustments at LT by Céilí Doyle @cadoyle_18
LT sent a mass e-mail to students and staff on Oct. 15 asking them to respond to the 2015-2016 climate survey conducted by the independent firm, School Perceptions LLC. The climate survey has served as a barometer for LT administrators to measure the levels of stress faced by students and staff in years past. This year’s results aren’t expected to be released for the next few months; however, the information they provide is vital in continuing to move LT in a positive direction. “The reason we conduct the survey is to collect feedback,” Principal Dr. Brian Waterman said. “Based on what the survey gathers, we want to know what programs and services we can provide going forward that will help assist or respond.” The climate survey has prompted LT to make several changes to the curriculum, school day schedule and student resources in past years. “We noticed a consistent theme that students and parents were requesting that we examine our practice of ranking students,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Kilrea said. “We contacted multiple high school districts in our area who eliminated the practice, as well as a selected group of colleges/ universities where many of our graduates attend. After compiling the information, and careful consideration, we opted to phase out the practice of ranking students.” The list of improvements LT has made ranges from class rank to moving final exams before winter break, as well as the implementation of a
Continued on page 3 Pray for Paris
OPINIONS, 9
What is the correct response to the Paris terrorist attacks? Check out page 9 for more details. North Campus
approves 2016-17 calendar
Leap year causes shift for the 2016-17 school calendar by MelRose Buckler @amrbucks608
Friday Dec. 18
When LT’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Scott Eggerding, begins the process of making the next year’s calendar, he looks at calendars from years past as a guide. He considers how to balance the number of days in each semester. He also takes note of when holidays fall and keeps in mind the mandatory number of days students and teachers must be in school. “My job is to offer a big picture to the Board of Education [BOE], so that we can make a good decision about the calendar,” Eggerding said. Students are required by the state to be in school 176 days per year, and the teachers have a contract dictating a maximum of 183 workdays. Eggerding must consider these requirements and ensure that each semester has a close-to-equal number of days in the calendar, he said. “Overall we try to be sensitive when selecting start and end dates for the school year,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Kilrea said. The 2016-17 calendar appears messy due to the BOE’s focus on balancing between the fall and spring semesters and 2016’s a leap year. Even though there is a near two-week imbalance between the number of days in each semester next year, second semester will have more interruptions, such as testing and the All-School Assembly. Despite its incongruities, the 2016-2017 calendar will be an improvement from the
Boys basketball
Final exam schedule
This year, first semester finals will be held Friday through Tuesday due to the new lunch period schedule and the requirement for finals to fall before winter break.
SPORTS, 12
Period 2: 7:45 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. Period 3: 9:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Period 4: 11:25 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.
Monday Dec. 21 Period 6: 7:45 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. Period 7: 9:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Period 5: 11:25 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday Dec. 22 Period 1: 7:45 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. Period 8: 9:45 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. Make-up: 11:35 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. 2015-2016 calendar, Eggerding said. “This year is really just the messed up calendar,” he said. “Maybe we could have jumped [this year’s] calendar by starting a week later, but then it would have thrown off the balance between the semesters. This year will be the worst, and then [the calendar] will cycle through again.” In order to receive feedback from members of the community, LT shares the proposed calendar with surrounding schools and posts it on the LT website. In 2010, the BOE made a 10-year prediction for future calendars. They agreed not to start any earlier than Aug. 17. However, with 2016 being a leap year, LT
Star Wars
would have to start Aug.15 if they were to start the same week for the 2016-17 school year as they did for this year. Next year finals have a more conventional layout, spanning from Tuesday, Dec. 20 to Thursday, Dec. 22. This year, finals are Friday, Dec. 18, Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22. Originally the BOE had finals going until Dec. 23 this year, but that didn’t allow much flexibility for people to travel for the holidays, Kilrea said. “We thought that [ending on] Dec. 22 would [allow for] enough time for instructional time in first semester, as well as flexibility,” Kilrea said. In recent years, Eggerding has scheduled two student non-attendance days that are placeholders in case school is closed due to events such as inclement weather or power outages. If there are cancelled school days, these scheduled non-attendance days will become attendance days to avoid students from attending more school days in June. “We’ve had [weather make-up days] scheduled in the past, but those have not been specified on the calendar,” Kilrea said. “We are now identifying [these days] in advance so students and parents are aware.” This coming spring, graduation is on Sunday, May 29. It is the first time that LT will hold graduation over Memorial Day weekend. Spring 2017’s graduation will be on Sunday, June 4. Student Council vice president Haley Gorman ‘17 appreciates the concurrency of the calender. “I think the calendar looks great,” Gorman said. “The [BOE] has done a great job of spacing the amount of days off.”
PULSE, 16-17
V
Is basketball your Are you excited for the isit us online at favorite sport? Go to new Star Wars movie? lionnewspaper.com page 12 to learn about Learn all about the or scan the QR code: the details on the groundbreaking prebasketball season. miere on pages 16-17. 100 S. Brainard Ave. LaGrange, Ill. 60525 South Campus 4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
Replete radio There’s approximately 14,885 radio stations in America which can be searched by zip code, call letters and format.
NEWS
Friday, December 4, 2015
Sneaky shades More than 200 pairs of sunglasses are turned in to the lost and found each day at Disney World.
Page 2
LION takes Orlando WLTL named best station Newspaper places 8th in category, individuals win
by Drew Cushing @drcushing32 On a warm, sunny weekend in Orlando, Fla., the National Scholastic Press Association Convention [NSPA] was held at the Disney Dolphin Resort from Nov. 12-15. The LION newspaper was represented by 10 seniors and two juniors. At the convention, the largest one to date, LION staff members attended seminars and participated in writing competitions along with over 6,000 other journalists from across the country, England and South Korea. As a whole, the newspaper staff won eighth place in the Best of Show Broadsheet Category by submitting its Oct. 23 issue and was very pleased with the achievements of individual writers in separate contests. “I was astounded at the success the LION was able to acquire,” LION Editor-in-Chief Garrett Ariana ‘16 said. “We are a young staff, and we were
LION staff poses at hotel. (Jason Scales)
able to produce such a dominant second issue that presented not only wonderful meat-and-potato-type stories but also eye-catching graphical designs at such an early point in the year.” A total of 2,003 student journalists at the convention competed in the 50 available JEA writing contests. In these events, competitors could win an Honorable Mention, Excellent, or Superior award. The LION had four individuals who placed in these competitions. Gaby Sabatino ‘16 and MelRose Buckler ‘16 received Honorable Mentions in News Writing and News Editing/Headline Writing, respectively. Two LION staffers also received Superiors out of the only 145 awarded. Phil Smith ‘17 was given a Superior award in Editorial Writing and Ceili Doyle ‘16 won a Superior award in Commentary Writing. “I feel really proud that I won a Superior,” Doyle said. “I got really nervous when they went through the other awards. I’m really happy because it makes me feel as though I can definitely pursue journalism as a future career.” Doyle also won the Best of SNO (Student Newspapers Online) Award earlier this year for her coverage of Neyla Soriano’s tragic death. The collective work of this year’s LION staff will be submitted to the NSPA in June in order to be considered for the Pacemaker award for next year’s convention, which will be held Nov. 10-13 in Indianapolis.
Students place first in five categories by Caroline Konstant @carolinkon
WLTL has won “best station in the nation” for the sixth year in a row and was able to claim five first place trophies at the annual John Drury High School Radio Awards on Nov. 7 at North Central College. “[The award] means that we are doing the right things for the students at LT,” WLTL faculty advisor Chris Thomas said. “It validates that we are doing the right things to prepare the students for jobs in media or radio once they leave LT. It validates that we are on the right track.” WLTL enters its best pieces from the previous year to the 10 different categories that the John Drury awards offer and then waits for the nominations to be announced. This year, WLTL received 19 nominations from their 34 radio submissions. As a spontaneous part of the John Drury awards, first place award winners were asked to give an impromptu speech about their radio station and their piece. Connor Hankins
WLTL students pose with John Drury Awards trophies. (Chris Thomas)
‘16, won the John Drury award for “Best Sportscast” that he and Ben Gawthrop ‘15 produced. “Giving the impromptu speech was a nerve-racking but great experience,” Hankins said. “I am so used to talking to listeners through a microphone on the radio, that giving a speech like that really made me step out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, my IPC skills from sophomore year paid off a bit.” Aidan Hunt ‘16 and Mike Rundle ‘15 received a first place award for “Best Radio Drama Original” for their comedy skits “Canadian Horror Story” and “That 40’s Show.” Not every high school is recording original sketch comedies and WLTL has
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Continued from page 1
try also offers the chance to open exsaid. “It provides the most communal hibits. In addition, it has the largest and ‘prom like’ experience for stu- dance floor which would be located dents. Holding prom at Navy Pier also in the impressive main atrium. makes it easy to continue with the Vulich favors the Field Museum Odyssey as post prom.” or Navy Pier as the venue for prom The Odyssey boat ride has been a next year. long time post prom tradition. How“I don’t think the prom expeever, changing venues to one of the rience will change [if the venue museums creates difficulty in con- changes] because The Field Museum tinuing this tradition because a fourth is much like Navy Pier—it’s set up on bus route to bring students to Navy the ground floor,” Vulich said. “Both Pier to board the venues are promising. boat would likely I think students will “I think students will en- enjoy the venues as need to be added. This additional bus joy the venues as much as much as Class Board ride would be posClass Board did because did because they apsible, but would they appeal to the aver- peal to the average add to the cost of age high school student.” high school student.” the evening. If prom is held at -Abby Vulich ‘17 The main coneither museum, the cern for holding ticket price would prom at Navy Pier is the uncertainty increase by about $30, Geddeis said. of dates for the future years, Geddeis The transportation cost for the charsaid. ter buses would also increase if we If prom is hosted at The Field Mu- need to add a fourth bus route to seum, prom would take place in the Navy Pier to load the Odyssey. main hall. Additionally, the option of There is a possibility that the boat opening exhibits for viewing offers a would be able to load near the Shedd change of pace for prom. Aquarium and that would not entail “I was especially drawn to the fact any extra transportation cost. that the Field Museum [banquet ven“Prom is all about the dinner and ue] was all white so the opportunity the dance,” Geddeis said. “Based on for creativity when it comes to light- initial converstations I’ve had with ing and color schemes was endless,” students, I don’t think attendence Vulich said. will change if we let people know it The Museum of Science and Indus- is coming ahead of time.”
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50% off Studio Time for LT Students
benefited from this year after year, Thomas said. “My goal from my freshman year was to win a Drury award,” Hunt said. “I accomplished that goal, and I’m beyond thankful for all the people at WLTL who taught me the skills I needed in order to succeed here.” Thomas credits the ability to receive so many nominations to the support from the community and for the longevity of the station that has been on-air since 1968. “When the students started winning in 2002, the underclassmen wanted to learn from them and now the knowledge has been passed down over the past decade,” Thomas said.
Hunter Pendleton ‘17 @huntpendleton
It’s November first, so according to every radio station ever, Merry Christmas everyone!!
Pearl Truax ‘16 @pearl_truax
“I told you Pearl I’m a trap god” #drunkbrotherthings
Siobhan Callahan ‘17 @sio_callahan
Do you ever wake up in the morning and wonder what Miranda Cosgrove is doing at that exact moment?? Lol yea me neither
Emma Hawkins ‘17 @emmahawk
Working in childcare: “I can’t remember your name so I’m gunna call you oven” Thanks small child I’m not going to remember your name either
Lilly Hahn ‘17 @hillylawn
dentist as he sticks 5 pokey things, 6 suction things, 2 mirrors, a chipotle burrito, & a small child into my mouth: so how’s school going?
Sam Scriba ‘16 @scribs97
“and I’m like ‘MOM! what do you expect me to do with a 4x4x4 cube of Monterrey jack cheese?!?’ #StuffEllieSays
Anna Geraghty @annagers34
Thankful that my sister is home so family can ask her about how college has been instead of asking me about what I want to do w my life
Kevin Donahue ‘16 @YoungChoppaK
Sometimes all I need to get me through the day is some cranberry juice
Shannon Cone ‘17 @shannon_cone
Searching my name and finding this gem on Instagram
NEWS
Cat catering Uber pioneered a service called UberKITTEN allowing people to order kittens to their doorstep on National Cat Day.
Tasty treats Humans are more sensitive to taste than dogs, having around 9,000 taste buds as compared to the dog’s 1,700 taste buds.
Friday, December 4, 2015 Page 3
Students sell treats Uber causes controversy
L.I.F.E. program students learn work skills
Uber battles in Chicago, expands in suburbs
by Sheridan Spiess @sheridanspiess
by Tim Mikulski @t_mikulski
The students in the Learning Independence for Everyday [L.I.F.E.] began participating in a new business, created by special education teacher Colleen Gibbons, to learn independent daily living skills along with business skills. Students in the L.I.F.E. and work skills program have different jobs around the community. Along with these jobs, Gibbons started a business called Bone Appetit in which her students bake and sell pet treats to teach them work and life skills. The small bags cost $2 and the large bags cost $5. Gibbons and her co-workers, including Daniella Gutierrez, in the special education department have been discussing starting the Bone Appetit business for about a year. “We talked about starting a business when Transition Perks started,” Gibbons said. “We wanted to give our students those preliminary skills [that they would use in their jobs] before they get to Transition Perks to be a part of a business.” After careful consideration of what the students would make and sell, Gibbons and her co-workers decided that dog treats would be a good choice. “I really wanted to sell something the general public would continue to buy as well as something our students could take full responsibility for every step in the process,” Gibbons said. Students are set up in different stations in order to bake the treats. Some of the students are placed at the phones to call businesses and the rest of the students help deliver the treats to business-
While up and coming ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft are providing quick rides in downtown Chicago, the services have also gained footing in the suburbs with high school students. The most popular of the services is Uber, especially its non-professional option UberX. UberX is the most affordable yet most controversial due to the competitive danger it poses to taxi companies. Dirk Molek ‘16 uses the service for rides in Chicago and the LT area, along with many other students. “The best part is the convenience,” Molek said. “I could get home without having to bother my parents or anyone else I knew.” In Chicago, a recent legal battle erupted between taxi drivers and supporters of the ride-sharing services. While drivers for Uber or Lyft must meet driving experience requirements and pass a background check, taxi companies are concerned that the mainly unregulated service will unfairly undercut their market. According to a Chicago Tribune article, “Cab drivers protest the proposals, saying they make it more difficult to compete with the ride-hailing companies that are already stealing business.” Recent meetings by the Chicago City Coun-
L.I.F.E. students sell treats. (Coleen Gibbons)
es around the community. Some of these businesses include Transition Perks Coffee Shop, Frisky Dog, Barkin’ Boutique, Pet Necessities, Arbor Animal Hospital and the Barker Shop. “This is just another avenue for the students to learn the skills they need to one day be meaningfully employed,” Gutierrez said. The first time the dog treats were sold was at parent-teacher conferences. Over 160 bags were sold that night, and the remaining were sold to businesses around the community. Right now, the profits are going towards the initial investment. When they break even, the profits will go towards product development. As the business grows, Gibbons will use the profits towards educational field trips for students, work uniforms and other items that would benefit the students in the L.I.F.E. program. Along with the Bone Appetit business starting in the special education department, there have been other changes too. Transition Perks added an additional location in United Kitchens, 26 Calendar Ct., La Grange, to give more students opportunities to practice work skills, Transition Program Vocational Coordinator David Paske said.
cil discussed possible new regulations for the apps to prevent harm to the taxi industry, including requiring Uber drivers to purchase costly chauffeur’s licenses. In the weeks prior to the City Council meeting, Uber reached out for support via emails to customers and television commercials. “The [legislation] that emerged was largely a win for the ascendant ride-share companies,” the Chicago Tribune reported. The new regulations also permitted drivers from Uber and similar services to pick up from Chicago’s airports, Navy Pier and McCormick place—all high-profit areas formerly serviced exclusively by taxis. New regulations similar to Chicago’s are developing in cities across the country, creating new expansion opportunities for the ride-sharing apps and fueling expansion into suburbs of currently served cities as well as into smaller cities. The legal conflict has not spread into the suburbs, in part due to the lower amount of cabs serving the areas. However, some students have come to rely on the service as a designated driver. Though Uber has been criticized for enabling underage drinking in these areas, little action can be taken against the company in response. “I feel like they’re doing everyone a service in making drinking safer,” an anonymous student said. “It puts my mind at ease knowing that more people are choosing safe options to get home at the end of the night.”
Uber Model Options There are different car options for everyone depending on price and style, whether you want to spend $2 or arrive in style.
Uber Black: Your UberX: Everyday cars for everyday use. Better, faster own private driver, on and cheaper than a taxi. demand. Expect pickup in a high-end sedan within minutes.
Uber SUV: For those times when you need a bit more space. Seats up to six people in style.
Uber Taxi: No whistling, no waving, no cash needed.
Source: Uber.com
Pillars forced to downsize Poms competes for first time this season
LT varsity, JV Poms team places in recent UDA dance competition in Chicago
“Both teams performed with such passion and power,” Krosnjar said. “We were really proud of them. The execution for both squads was right where it needed to be.” by Juliana Halpin Although the competition was the @jhalps315 first of the season, both poms teams Girls on JV and varsity Poms teams have been practicing and performing all took the stage at their first high school year long at various events. competition of the 2015-2016 season “There were amazing teams in our on Nov. 15, in the North Shore Chicadivision, and it was great to get inspired go Universal Dance Association (UDA) by watching them,” JV member Emma Competition. Teckiel ‘18 said. “Our focus was to The North Shore be the best version of “Both teams performed Chicago UDA Comourselves and to place petition was a rewith such passion and higher than we did gional event that does power. We were really the last time we comnot lead to another proud of them.” peted at this compecompetition, Krosntition,” varsity Coach jar said. Both teams, -Varsity Coach Marija Krosnjar Marija Krosnjar said. however, will comBoth JV and varpete again in January sity teams, consisting of 13 girls each, with the same competition group. traveled to Glenbrook South High “The feedback we get from the comSchool for the competition.Competpetition is really helpful in preparing ing against seven other teams, varsity for our future competitions,” varsity placed sixth in the Varsity Pom Categomember Nicole Cattin ‘16 said. “This ry and JV placed last out of four teams competition put us in a great position to in the JV Jazz category. start the season.”
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Varsity poms team performs at competition. (Cindy Cattin)
impacted,” Schreiner said. And while Pillars is stable, balanced and focused for now, they will have to continue to explore further reductions in their services if a by Abby King budget has not been finalized by the end of the @abigailann_01 fiscal year, Schreiner said. Pillars, a Suburban Chicago mental health “It puts extra pressure on the safety of the and social service agency, addresses traumat- community,” Schreiner said. “It also puts more ic events by linking clients with the resourc- of a strain on the hospitals dealing with the es that they need to help get themselves back overflow of people that need physciatric help.” on their feet. These people can be a neighbor, However, due to continual increased emfriend, co-worker or peer. phasis on fundraising over the past several However, due to the lack of the new state years, Pillars has been able to continue providbudget, Pillars is not receiving the funding it ing the rest of its services. This includes treatneeds to continue offering psying addiction, assisting domestic chiatric resources to people in the violence, sexual assualt victims, as surrounding communities, Pillars well as several other outreach and CEO Ann Schreiner said. educational programs. Forty-five percent of Pillars’ “We have recently completed funding comes from the Illinois a huge technology infrastructure government, and the other 55 upgrade which makes us more efpercent is a combination of other ficient and allows us to take adfunding sources including monvantage of our electronic health ey from the public, private, fedrecord system,” Vice President of eral and local government. The Pillars logo (pillarscommunity.com) Operational Strategy Lisa Patel funding that supports psychiatric services has said. “Ongoing technology support is fundnot been included in Governor Bruce Raun- ed through our own internal efficiencies and er’s budget for FY‘16. However, Pillars has not grant-funding, which is not dependent on state stopped treating psychiatric patients admitted funding.” prior to Aug. 13, 2015. Instead, they have cut Schreiner said she is hopeful that the budget back the amount of hours of psychiatry services will be passed soon. available. “We are doing all we can to help the western “Only the psychiatry for patients funded by suburbs. We have made our problems known to Medicaid or managed Medicaid plans has been the politicians at Springfield,” she said.
Lack of government budget causes cuts in psychiatric treatment
Continued from page 1 structured 25-minute study period and Canvas this school year. All of these changes were spurred by student and faculty responses from previous climate surveys. The survey gives the administration pause to say whether or not LT should be looking into making adjustments, Kilrea said. Students have generally been very receptive to the actions taken by administrators in light of results from prior climate surveys. “I think the changes made from the survey have been mostly beneficial,” Ellie Finnerty ‘16 said. “Honestly, I haven’t used Canvas much this year but having the 25-minute study hall really helps. The climate survey is nice because it’s anonymous, so you aren’t afraid to say how you really feel.”
The survey also addresses LT’s faculty members with separate questions. “The teachers’ questions have a different focus,” LTEA President Marie Gillespie said. “For example, questions in the faculty survey related to stress refer to curriculum planning, as well as perceptions of how we think students are dealing with stress.” Overall, the administration looks to the climate survey to identify key issues to target improvements towards. “We look at things in generalities, in terms of student, staff and parent feedback to identify themes that emerge,” Kilrea said. “There might be individual concerns, but if there is a consistent theme throughout, that’s really what we’re trying to look for.”
Counting comics The world’s largest comic book collection belongs to the Library of Congress. It holds over 120,000 issues with over 6,000 titles.
NEWS
Friday, december 4, 2015 Page 4
Marvel madness The most expensive comic on the market is Marvel’s Spider-Man comic “Amazing Fantasy”, No. 15. Value: $280,000.
Comic store awaits ‘Magnificent’ reveal Community raises money to kickstart comic book, creates more opportunities for Chimera, Brown by Adam Janicki @Ad_Man34
Six years ago, Carmelo Chimera pitched his graphic novel idea “Magnificent” to another comic book fan, Steven Brown. Co-owners and co-creaters, Brown and Chimera have spent the last six years working on the 66-page graphic novel. With the help of the community, Chimera was able to kickstart the novel. The comic is set to be finished Jan. 31, 2016, and will be released on its free comic book day, May 7, 2016. “The community has blown us away with the amount of money they have raised for ‘Magnificent’,” Brown said. Chimera’s Comics was able to raise close to $8,000, exceeding its goal by eight percent. The project strengthened the relationship between Brown and Chimera. “This comic in many ways is the very foundation of the bonds between me and [Brown],” Chimera said. “We were good friends in high school, but it wasn’t until I wrote this book that we united with a common purpose.” Chimera created “Magnificent” while attending Carthage College with Brown. “I originally thought of ‘Magnificent’ in college which served as a metaphor about growing up and facing the pains of the ‘real world,’” Chimera said. “It started as a belief- that experience is the only teacher and that it can be painful- but that no matter what happens to you, it’s possible to stay true to the values you hold most dear.” Despite many ups and downs, Chimera and Brown were able to exceed their goals and expand their business. Source: Chimera’s Kickstarter page “Over six years of hard work and stops, there were doubts on finishing the comTop right: The protagonist of the novel, Adam, poses for what will be the picture appearing on the cover. ic,” Brown said. “Progress slowed as we expanded our business in La Grange [19 South La Grange Road] and Oak Lawn, then when we opened in Woodridge things Top left: These illustrations are a sneak peek at some of the comic strips that will be in the graphic novel. Bottom: This graphic, found on their Kickstarter page, includes the names of the co-writers of the novel. settled down and we got back to working on [the comic].” Fan Ben Nowak ‘16 preached Chimera’s Comics success as a store. “I think it’s awesome seeing a store and community help each other out,” Nowak said. “As a big comic book fan I am excited for the release of ‘Magnificent’ along with others.” Chimera’s Comics fans will continue to see new projects blossom following the release of “Magnificent”. “Chimera has been working on several other projects, some are sequels to ‘Magnificent’ and there is at least one prequel,” Brown said. “I am currently working on a time travel comic, which will probably be our next project.” For many fans, Chimera’s Comics is becoming an iconic comic book store in the Chicago area. “I have been reading comics for a while now and Chimera’s has continued to provide the comics I am looking for,” Nowak said. “I can’t wait to see what new projects and comics they will bring in the future.”
Celebrated classes The LT classes from 1976, ‘73, ‘71, ‘65 and ‘52 each have five members in the Hall of Fame, the highest number out of any year.
Ted Gifford At 97 years old, Dr. Ted Gifford ‘36 is the oldest inductee initiated into the LT Hall of Fame this year. Gifford practiced dentistry for 50 years in La Grange. He generously provided free dental examinations for local students and adults throughout his career. He helped organize and lead the Rotary International Organization his entire life, a foundation fiercely dedicated to curing polio. “Rotary’s main goal is the eradication of polio from the entire world,” Gifford said. Gifford has traveled the world working with organizations such as the United Nations, and assisting polio victims, including Vietnam refugees in the 1980s. Gifford is recognized for his humanitarian and charitable service, and for being a contributor in the elimination of polio.
IMPACT Friday, December 4, 2015 Page 5
Hall of Fame adds four new alumni compiled by Thomas Atseff
The LT Hall of Fame represents alumni and friends of the school who have followed their careers at LT with great success and virtue. The 2015 class of inductees includes philanthropist Dr. Edgar (Ted) Gifford, photographer James Davis, engineer and businessman James Littlejohn, P.E., and television producer Brenda Brkusic. Information was gathered at the Hall of Fame recognition banquet and induction ceremony on Nov. 6.
Huge hall The LT Hall of Fame currently holds 108 members, with alumni from classes dating back to 1907.
James Littlejohn After studying engineering at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, James Littlejohn ‘72 received a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Tennessee. He then founded his own engineering firm, Littlejohn Engineering Associates, Inc. He serves as its President and CEO. His company’s headquarters is located in Nashville but has offices in four different states and over 100 engineers employed. In 2012, Littlejohn was named Engineer of the Year by the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers. He is very active in several professional and civic organizations. Littlejohn still credits much of his success to his education at LT. “The principles that this community was founded with are used in [my company’s] work today,” Littlejohn said.
James Davis
Brenda Brkusic
James Davis ‘66 is a tremendously experienced and successful photographer. He is the founder of Chappell Studio, a photography studio that photographs students at their high school graduations. He also founded Marathon Photo, a photography studio that takes pictures of participants in marathons. Marathon Studio currently photographs runners in about 80 percent of the world’s biggest races. Davis frequently travels around the world photographing people, visiting countries such as India, Canada, Germany and England. Davis has personally photographed over 4 million individuals, and tens of millions have been photographed by either of his two companies. “Everything I have done comes back to my experiences [at LT],” Davis said.
Brenda Brkusic ‘99 is the youngest of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. During her time at LT, Brkusic studied television with LTTV, and learned much of what she uses now in high school. She is currently the Executive Producer of Program Development and National Productions for PBS SoCal, and is a primary creative mind for several renowned and well-known programs and series on television. “I have the opportunity to educate, enlighten and entertain viewers,” Brkusic said. At Chapman University, Brkusic told a very important story through her documentary on Croatian refugees and their struggles. This is a subject she is very passionate about, as her parents are both Croatian. “My goal is to give voice to the voiceless,” Brkusic said.
Ted Gifford
James Littlejohn
James Davis Source: mysuburbanlife.com
Brenda Brkusic
Alumnus performs big
by Lucy Schaefer @lucy_schaefer3 From the age of 8, LT alumnus Jeff Gaylord ‘81 had a passion for the trombone. This energy has led to his incredible career as a trombonist in the U.S. Navy band, Air Force band and later the Washington Symphonic Brass, where he experienced playing for prominent political and cultural figures. “The trombone has been the love of his life ever since he was a young boy,” Jeff’s mother, Judy Gaylord, said. “He has really worked hard.” Jeff began to focus on his musical talents at LT, where he worked with jazz band director Bob Murray and orchestra director Paul Barber. By junior year, Jeff made the decision to become a musician. After high school, Jeff went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign [U of I]. Here he studied with principle trombonist of Chicago’s Lyric Opera orchestra Ardash Marderosian, and the trombone professor at U of I, Dr. Robert Gray. After graduating from U of I in 1985, a spot suddenly opened up for the U.S. Navy band. After four years of playing for this band, Jeff discovered an open spot with the Air Force band and quickly transitioned. With the Air Force, Jeff played at six Inaugural Parades, including ones for George Bush, Bill Clinton (twice), George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as Margaret Thatcher’s visit to the White House. Jeff retired at the age of 48, but has continued to play with the Washington Symphonic Brass. With this group, he played for Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, and most recently for Pope Francis on April 15, 2015, upon his arrival in the U.S. Over the course of 26 years Jeff has enjoyed a wonderful career and the opportunity to pursue his passion, Judy said. “It’s work, but it’s something I love doing,” Jeff said. “It doesn’t seem like anything less than a joy to do it, and I’m really lucky to be able to make my living doing something that’s as satisfying as being a musician.”
Alumna designs geofilters by Heidi Hauch @HeidiHauch11 Whether you’re hanging out in Downtown La Grange or driving through Hinsdale, you may have noticed the new Snapchat geofilters. These geofilters are the work of LT alumna Molly Malec ‘10, who has designed and created snapchat geofilters for neighborhoods surrounding LT. Malec graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2014 with a degree in advertising. Now she works as an Art Director for SPM Marketing and Communications. Equipped with artistic ability and knowledge on how to operate design programs like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, Malec has already made 12 different geofilters. These include Downtown La Grange, Brookfield, Hinsdale, Riverside, Wrigleyville and Little Italy, as well as four others for areas surrounding U of I: downtown Champaign, Green Street, the quad, Urbana, and one for Eastern Illinois University and another for a beach near Miami that she visited. “All of the areas I made geofilters for are special to me,” Malec said. “It really helped knowing what’s different about that area before making the geofilter. For example, I worked at the La Grange Theatre all through high school and on breaks in college, and I knew that the theater is like the heart of downtown La Grange, so I had to include that in the cartoon.” Snapchat does not pay Malec for her designs, but she still enjoys making them as much as LT students enjoy using them. “I love geofilters,” Molly Stark ‘16 said. “I always use them, but I never knew an LT alumna made them.” As for the future, LT students may be in luck, as Malec hopes to create geofilters for LT, she said. “I’d really I’d like to make one for NC and one for SC, but we’ll have to see what gets approved by Snapchat,” Malec said. “After all, I made four geofilters for U of I, I should at least make one or two for LT.”
NEWS
Random Chatter
“I had an actual nightmare that Donald Trump became president.” -Olivia Dallavo ‘16
Random Chatter
Friday, December 4, 2015 Page 6
“We’ll talk polygamy after you’re done with the review guides.” -David Kruiswyk, teacher
Ranging from heartbreaking stories to strange wordly events, The Breakdown brings you the latest information you don’t want to miss. compiled by Lea Voytovich Nov. 3- This year for the holiday season, Starbucks ditched their Christmas cups for plain red, holiday cups to accommodate for all religious views. The removal of reindeer and ornaments on the cups infuriated some customers. One angry customer tweeted to use “Merry Christmas” as the order name in order to “trick” workers into writing the phrase on the cup. Looks like Ebenezer Scrooge got ahold of the Starbucks cups this year.
Oct. 30- President Barack Obama announced on that, for the first time, there will be boots on the ground in Syria to fight ISIS. Although officials say that there will be less than 50 special forces, Obama promised in both 2013 and 2014 that he would not put American troops on foreign soil to fight. The American troops will be helping Arab and Kurdish forces fight ISIS.
Nov. 1- In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a dentist offered to buy back candy in order to fight Halloween-related cavities. The dentist, Byron Wall, said that his office will pay $1 per pound for up to five pounds of candy to children 14 years old or younger. It’s refreshing to hear about a dentist that doesn’t want to just drill into your teeth and take your money.
Nov. 19- A mayor from Hialeah, Fla., is facing a lot of flak and a lawsuit from the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust for paying a fine for $4,000 in 360,000 pennies and nickels. Talk about some loose change. The commission opted to double the mayor’s fine instead of accepting the coin payment.
Nov. 13- ISIS launched a terrorist attack in Paris, leaving at least 128 dead. Terrorists with AK-47s and some with bombs strapped onto them raided six locations in and around the capital. France has declared a state of emergency and closed their borders. President Barack Obama offered assistance and stated that the attack was not only an attack on France, but on all of humanity. Sources: CNN , Yahoo News
Live from LION Archives
We took a step back this issue to review old LION news articles. These snippets range all the way from 1947 to 2000. We hope you take the time to catch up on LT throughout the decades and enjoy these blasts from the past as much as we did.
compiled by Adam Janicki
2000
1971
1947
LT Sociology and American Government teachers visited the Statesville prison. Over 80 students and several teachers experienced what it is like to be imprisoned at the strict and tightly secured prison system.
During this economic recession, businesses struggled to make a profit. LION reporters learned of the phenomenal sales of Zig-Zag rolling papers after meeting with the United States Tobacco Company.
1968
NC students were forced into the freezing cold after the second false fire alarm of the year. Three students were caught in the act, later receiving suspensions. Looks like the tradition of pulling the fire alarm has been passed down through generations of LT students.
The flu bug swept through LT, devastating parents who had to stay home and delighting teachers who had few students. Within a twomonth period, the nurse sent home 160 students home.
1996
Bad breath plagued students and teachers at both campuses. Teachers and students gave out free tic-tacs, breath savers and breath spray to combat the horrific odors coming from classmates. The LION suggested three methods to test your breath. These included flossing, licking your wrist or a towel.
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Random Chatter “There is a smashed Ho-Ho in my bag; that is so me.” -Kiera Prinz ‘16
OPINIONS Friday, December 4, 2015 Page 7
Want your opinion heard? Get it published in the paper! Submit any opinionated piece as a freelancer and you may see your work in our next issue.
PageSevenGrid
GuestColumn
Welcome back to the Page Seven Grid, the chef d’oeuvre of LION Newspaper. Which is the chef d’oeuvre of LT. Which is the chef d’oeuvre of Illinois. And here we go! If you can read this, you’re too close. No, seriously, you are hurting your eyes. Please stop.
What teacher would you get a tattoo of, and where would it be?
Spencer Coffee ‘16
What was the worst Christmas gift you have ever gotten?
Mr. Benjamin LaFontaine, David Stormont and Michael Morrsion on my back to give them the hair they never had.
Last year, my grandma gave me “Brand New Butt” on VHS (Coincidentally, it’s also my most used present).
Mr. Joseph Barker on my wrist so instead of a watch I see him 24/7.
A $12 Nokia cell phone and a lamp with no light bulb.
A life-sized tattoo of Mr. John Cronfel’s face on my face.
A dead tortoise.
[ed. Thanks, mom. Really appreciate it.]
I would get a tattoo of Coach Michael Danner across my chest.
On Black Friday, I saw You are prank-calling Dr. two Hinsdale soccer moms Brian Waterman. What ________ for the last do you say? __________.
Fighting for the last bottle of Pinot Grigio wine for their bimonthly feast & gala.
Hello, Brian? It’s me... Mr. David Franson. I’ve changed my mind, but I think we can still make this work.
Catcalling for the last sugar daddy.
Hello, this is Gertude. I just wanted to confirm your order of the new silk set from Victoria’s Secret.
I didn’t see them there. They paid me to go Christmas shopping for them.
My lawyer says that’s not a good question to answer right now.
A shower caddy, I’m not leaving for college just yet, mom.
Going at it for the last pair of Hunter boots.
Ello?! Ello?! Dis is da Balloon Factory calling to confirm your order of 5,000 ballons.
Coach Taylor on my knuckles.
I got deodorant.
Arguing over the last nose job.
It’s Joe Maino ‘17 and then I would hang up.
Just one is impossible. It’d have to be Mr. Andrew Newcomb and Mr. Mark Doyle tattooed over my heart. APUSH Love!
One year, I got a VHS tape of “Good Burger,” but I don’t own a VCR.
Sydney Kapp ‘16
Colin Kubacki ‘17
George Vecchio ‘18
Emmy Rokicki ‘19
Benjamin Lafontaine, Social Studies Teacher
Acting sus to get the last BB-8 at Target.
[ed. Psyched for Star Wars much?]
LettersToEditor This letter to the editor is Student Services Division Chair Donna Bredrup’s response to Gillian Dunlop ‘15’s issue 2 letter to the editor “Let us feel in times of grief.” The letter argued that the grieving process at LT needs to be reformed to be more thoughtful for students. Due to its length, this is an edited version. Please see the full letter online. A letter to the editor last issue called for a change in the counseling policy at LT after a student passes away. It’s important to note that LT does not have a hard and fast policy as it relates to a death. Instead, we have a compassionate, productive process we follow based on best practice research and expert advice for grieving students. The death of a high school student is always a tragedy surrounded by strong emotions. We model our response to any death dependent on the causes and based on a program that encompasses prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Combining research and theory with skill-building and practical resources, LT’s process is a proven, evidence-based model designed to meet the needs of a school and students in crisis. The process is led by caring, sympathetic and kind counselors and social workers adept at guiding students in the grieving process. Classmates and friends mourning a loss often want to honor and remember their friend through a memorial or celebration during school. In the event of a crisis involving numerous students that impacts the majority of the student body, this can
be healing. As well-intentioned as that is, those sorts of activities can have very harmful effects on our most emotionally vulnerable students who have experienced their own trauma or loss. The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children acknowledges any situation that results in a desire to create a memorial is likely to be traumatizing for some students. We should memorialize the deceased without public displays in school. This meets the needs of grieving students and allows our most vulnerable students to walk the halls of our schools avoiding unwanted memories and fears memorials can trigger. Unless you have experienced loss or trauma and a resulting trigger, it is hard to imagine the impact it has on you. School is a closed environment and it is impossible for students or staff to avoid exposure to a memorial, so we look to the larger community to host them. This offers students and staff choices to visit or avoid memorials based on their needs and relationship to the deceased. Grief and triggers can lead to a decrease in a student’s ability to focus and learn. One of the most effective ways to help heal in a school environment is to provide routine as soon as possible and to bring comfort, safety, and a sense of security to students’ lives. Assisting students dealing with the loss of a classmate is always difficult. For some, this is their first exposure to death. For others, it brings back painful memories of other losses. Ideally, the LT Crisis Team attempts to respond in a very individual way, however, when we have a large number of students
Is your refrigerator on because if it is then you should…Wait. Yeah. I’m not good at these. compiled by Philip Smith
impacted, we may not have the power to meet with each student individually. At that time, group settings are helpful. It allows students opportunities to share memories of the deceased with each other, express emotions and identify ways to cope. In a school environment, the role of counselors and social workers following a death is to monitor our at-risk students, provide education around grief responses and promote mental wellness of all students. In a school, social workers and counselors do not serve as therapists. When students are overcome by grief and unable to be in a learning environment, they are given the option of going home for comfort. They support student grief in a way that is respectful of all students and is meant to allow the student time based on their need for expressing their emotions. It is not our intent to stifle emotion or to dictate when or where students express it. Emotions are natural parts of life. Helping students learn to identify them, be comfortable with them and self-regulate them is our goal. Our counselors and social workers facilitate several grief groups throughout the year for students who need the support of other students impacted by loss. In closing, I encourage every student to regularly let their friends and families know they love them. This you can control; death you cannot. The Student Services Division welcomes the opportunity to help educate students and parents on grieving and coping and our counselors and social workers are eager to assist. Please feel free to contact any of the seasoned professionals in the division.
Christmas fun...
It’s Sunday, Dec. 20 and your younger siblings are outside playing in the snow, laughing with friends and drinking hot chocolate; your older siblings are home from college, sleeping until noon and watching NetMelRose Buckler flix all day—and you’re cooped up in your room trying to memorize 500 vocab words. Your holiday spirit is absent and you’re envious of your siblings enjoying the season. This year, finals go until Tuesday, Dec. 22, three days before Christmas. Not only will the holiday spirit be diminished, but also the distractions caused by seasonal activities will make it even harder to study. But LT, we must overcome this hurdle. Finals are stressful; heck, the whole month before finals is stressful. Teachers cram projects and essays in before the semester ends, and you’re trying to bring your 88.9 percent up to an 89.5 percent so you can exempt. You’re up every night studying, finishing projects, writing essays and memorizing equations—you’re not watching Christmas movie marathons or enjoying Peppermint Mochas. I know this Grinch-like feeling all too well, and it’s terrible. This is something that we all must face this year and for the rest of our educational lives. LT can’t just change the day that Christmas falls on, and finals need to happen at some point, so we are left stressing over finals instead of getting ready for the holidays. However, instead of moaning and groaning about this inconvenience, take little opportunities to enjoy the holiday sprit, while still being productive. I’ve made a list of ways you can feel more like Buddy the Elf and less like the Grinch this holiday season. While you study, listen to “Christmas Hits” station on Pandora—Mariah Carey’s festive tunes are the perfect backdrop to any calculus cramming. 1) Study at Starbucks and indulge in your favorite holiday beverage. Peppermint Mocha and Spanish vocab terms are the perfect combo. (Bonus: on the drive to Starbucks, listen to Christmas music in the car). 2) Download the audio version of your English book on your phone, plug it into your car and drive around looking at Christmas lights while simultaneously listening to Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story. 3) Allow yourself a 30-minute homework break every night to watch your favorite Christmas movies. In three days you can finish “Elf”—definitely worth it. 4) Sport your favorite ugly sweater and fuzzy socks to school and you will automatically feel the Christmas spirit. 5) While your favorite Christmas cookies are in the oven baking, use the time to study the Periodic Table, and once they come out, eat them while watching a YouTube video on stoichiometry. 6) Instead of spending your “study breaks” checking your phone, spend two hours outside ice skating, sledding or ambushing friends with snowballs. I could go on and on with suggestions of how you can still enjoy the holiday season and ace your final exams. So make sure you take the time to study this finals season while still appreciating all that Christmas and winter have to offer, because when you look back on Christmas 2k15 in 10 years, you will definitely remember jamming out to Wham’s “Last Christmas,” and not the equation of a tangent line.
Write in and make your voice heard. 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange, Ill. 60525 LION reserves the right to edit all letters.
Random Chatter “Sometimes I like blurry vision. It makes you guess a little.” -Tom Stamatakos ‘16
OPINIONS Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 8
Is Hollywood out of original ideas for movies?
PawsUp
n to #DrewTakesDisney. n to ranch dressing- the only way to make vegetables even somewhat edible. n to Thanksgiving dinnerthe only time eating 5 different types of potato is completely acceptable. n to curved tests- turning my 64 percent to a 93 percent without me doing anything. n to Kairos- the only retreat where human sacrifices are legal. n to Nutella- a healthy sort of chocolate! ...Maybe? n to Adele’s new albumjust when you thought emotional stability was within reach. n to Christmas cookies and baking- nothing says the birth of Christ like gaining a couple pounds. n to farmersonly.comwhen the city folk just don’t get it. n to the beginning of peppermint mocha season- hellooooo Starbucks, goodbyeee bank account. n to Star Wars- Need we say more? n to pants- you thought we forgot. We didn’t. You’re welcome.
PawsDown
n to the Justin Bieber return- it is too late to say sorry now. n to teachers who won’t round up- come on, please bump my 83.5 to an A? Please? n to post Thanksgivingthe accursed “food baby”. n to huggies denim diapers-nothing says America like a 6-month-old crawling around in daper jeans. n to Thanksgiving lawn decorations- the depressed middle child between fun Halloween decorations and cheerful Christmas lawn decorations. n to kid leashes- an exhibit no one wants to see at the zoo. n to smelly poop berriesA.K.A. Ginkgo trees. n to fake Christmas treesImposters!!! n to real Christmas treesvaccuuming for hours to get rid of all the needles. nthe new final schedule“Wait... my English final is today?!?” n to people who have birthdays around Christmas- you have my sympathies. n to elf on the shelf- the creepy little stalker is back. n to the end of pumpkin spice latte season- see you next year, Starbucks.
Random Chatter “I thought the tiny fish were planning a coup, but then I realized I was their mother fish.” -Michelle Wrona, Teacher
Philosophy
A Positive Message, in Bold Neon
You matter. You are one in a million. LION polled 236 students for their opinions on remakes, sequels and You are loved. You are not invisible. reboots in the movie industry. Many of us found these messages, hand-written on Always No Philip Smith Post-it notes, on the 1% Never Would you 7% front of our North 10% Is the watch a sequel ever Campus lockers on Nov. 9. They were sequel to eye-catching, bold and yes, neon. as good as an original It was done anonymously. No one the original movie you stepped forward to take credit. Maybe movie? enjoyed? they don’t want credit. That’s fine, but Yes Sometimes 93% maybe we should stop and consider 89% what they’ve done. Annoying? Maybe—if you’re looking for a reason to be annoyed. Some might consider it wasteful. Not mindful of the environment. Creating To add clutter in our already cluttered spaces. additional Do you think But maybe there is another way to perspective 4% Hollywood look at this; as a random act of kindWhat do you ness—one that was needed and maybe is becomthink the should be imitated. ing more purpose of a On college campuses across the and more sequel is? No country, there is a movement known dependent on 19% as More Love Letters. The goal is sequels? To continue To make simple: to identify people who might the storyline money feel ignored, downtrodden and maybe Yes 46% 50% a bit invisible, and to send each a 81% positive, affirming, handwritten letter. The group seeks to revive the lost art of letter writing and to reach out to those who need a boost. Letters go out to the elderly, to those facing a terminal illness and to those who live alone. The letters go out anonymously, often to unknown recipients. But the feedback is positive. The letters are bringing affirmation to those who These days, it seems like all the While certainly all of these productions are in it for the need it and hope to the hopeless. movies are either sequels or reboots of money (because everything’s about money these days), These letters are hitting their targets. old movie franchises. But there is also the movies that have never been seen before place more Some of us are fortunate enough still a host of great original movies that emphasis on the other aspects of the film as well. These to have an affirming experience Hollywood produces. The sequels are movies are the indies: independent films are generally every now and then. The weekend dependent on their names so audiences made with a lower budget than the major movie produc- before these notes appeared, many LT tion studios but are also much more personalized with Drew Cushing can know what’s expected, such as with students attended a Snowball week“Jurassic World” released earlier this the filmmaker’s own artistic vision. The indie films can end, a Plymouth Fellowship retreat year, where *SPOILER ALERT* the dinosaur escapes, usually be supported by a major actor or two, but the dif- or a Kairos retreat, myself included. wrecks havoc, but ultimately gets recaptured (but it ference between indies and major movie “blockbusters” Others might hear a positive message was pretty obvious to begin with). The movie industry are how indies are more focused on the message and the from a friend, a parent or a teacher. thrives on the original productions that make the audistyle in which it’s delivered rather than sheer star power We are fortunate when we hear these ence intrigued, and attract viewers based on that intrigu- that draws audiences in based solely on the fact that messages. That others care about us. ing concept alone, and not because they’re fanboys. their favorite actor is in the movie instead of being fasci- That we are accepted and loved. That To clarify, by original movies I mean anything that nated by the plot line or artistic message being delivered. we can live and need to live outside hasn’t been seen on the big screen before, so even if a Another problem with sequels is the fact that some of ourselves a bit. But even those who movie is an adaptation of a book or historical event, I movies are produced these days with the intention of have had these experiences need restill consider it to be “original,” but that’s my own permaking a sequel to it, so instead of focusing on develminders. That’s why these anonymous sonal opinion. oping plot and characters in these movies, the movie neon Post-its notes were so important. These original productions are often the ones that spends half the time setting up the next sequel, which But there are also those at LT who leave audiences pondering over a specific message at the detracts from the entire film as a whole. This disastrous feel invisible. The lost, neglected, end, and aren’t simply created with a lot of action and plan of action was seen in the new “Fantastic Four” unpopular, marginalized, unhappy. a repetitive plot line that hardly makes any advances in movie, which tremendously bombed and for which no To these people, these notes can be character development whatsoever while continuously sequel is ever going to be possible. Movies need to focus invaluable. The simple Post-it notes emphasizing the same point in every movie, such as on one thing: the movie. brought a smile to more faces than I “family” (sorry, “Fast and Furious”). The combination of the indie movies and “original” could count. Imagine the effect that These original productions are made for the creativity movies makes it clearly evident that the amount of origthese would have on someone who is and an aspiration to deliver a message in a unique and inal productions outnumber those of sequels that are going through a rough time. It could powerful way that really connects it to the audience. dependent on names or brand recognition. make all the difference in the world. Student tragedies and continuing emotional struggles have been all too common at our beloved LT. Seeing a simple proactive step around LT is beautiful. Instead of suppressing You’re four years old when “Toy quite ready to let go when our time is up. That is the out feelings, putting on masks and Story” hits the big screen in 1995. You’re beauty of sequels. They give us a promise for more. And blocking what we really feel, we need perplexed by the talking toys and picwhile they may not be exactly the same, or as good as to open up, branch out, support each turesque Pixar animation that somehow the classic, sequels do so much more. other and let others know they are managed to transport you to a different They do not compete for the main spot of the origneeded and loved. world. For an hour and 21 minutes you inal; in fact, sequels are meant for quite the opposite. So, to whoever wrote these letters, escaped into a life filled with excitement They are made for fans who aren’t ready to stop hearing Abby King whatever your exact motivations are, and suspense. the story. They are made to show the different perspec“Toy Story 2” comes out in 1999 and you’re 10 at this tives and insights on the original story. They are made to thank you. If you would like to step forward, you can. Or, it’s fine if you point, eager and excited for the next fold in the unravoffer different folds and twists to the classic and to exerwant to stay anonymous. But, no eling story, anxious to find out what could happen next cise our brains for a different way of looking at somematter who you are, you brought light to the characters you have grown to love and establish a thing. Sequels are made not only to help give the public to all of us. You brought smiles to connection with. Woody, Buzz and all of the other toys a better full-range view, but also to make money. faces and to hearts. Instead of putting became a part of your childhood. Then, in 2010, you’re Hollywood, despite all of the glitz and the glamour, people down, you lifted everybody up. 19 and in your freshman year of college, feeling all of is a business. It wants to make money. And sequels are That alone is special enough. But, you the same emotions the main character, Andy, is feeling another way for movies not only to boost revenues in also lifted up the broken, helped the as he leaves a part of himself behind. It was no coincithe sequel, but also the original movie that the sequel is desolate, consoled the inconsolable. dence that older teens went to see “Toy Story 3.” They based. It is essentially a win-win situation, and a fairly You brought life to the lifeless. That is came to finish their childhood with the toys that had safe bet if the first movie is extremely successful. been through every Christmas, Halloween and play date. “The Hangover,” “Star Wars,” “Toy Story,” “The Lord not just special, it is priceless. Maybe we should listen to whoThey came to say goodbye. of the Rings,” “James Bond,” “The Godfather:” the list ever wrote these notes. Maybe we Movies have the power to take us out of the real is virtually endless of movie sequel possibilities. While should set aside our cynicism and beworld and into a mystical alternate universe where we some are for mindless humor and others are for valuable lieve what we are being told. Maybe can escape for a brief moment and become the characplot extrapolation, one thing is certain: sequels are not we need a boost. Maybe we need to ters we can somehow always relate back to ourselves. as butchered by Hollywood as their connotations make give one. We become transfixed in their stories, and are never them out to be.
Point
Movies can still produce
CounterPoint
Sacred sequels
Random Chatter “PSA: Don’t shop at Mariano’s, they don’t sell Pillsbury cookies.” -Julianne Fortuna ‘17
OPINIONS Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 9
Random Chatter “Does anyone else want to pet me?” -Michael McInerney ‘17
AnotherView
StaffEditorials
Nous sommes Paris
Lying in a pool of blood, surrounded by it is miraculous that one can scroll through hundreds of bodies, approximately 80 of which one’s feed and see roughly every other friend of had ceased to have a heart beat, hundreds of theirs mirroring the global reinforcement that innocent concert-goers hid or played dead we as a humanity demand cooperation for. in sheer terror for 10-minutes as unmasked While seven of eight attackers were identigunmen mercilessly slaughtered those inside fied as dead, the hunt is developing for the leadthe Bataclan concert center at one of six terrorers. Now, on a broader scope, not only allies, ist attack sites in Paris on Nov. 13. The blood but almost all world leaders and countries have from those Americans, Mexicans, Spaniards, rallied in the reinforcement for this massaChileans, English and many more now runs cre-stricken nation by condemning the attacks. together as one united in a blue, white and In a time when the effects of extremist red stream in support of France and everyone groups such as ISIS are so traumatic, these involved in the Paris shootings and bombings. acts of support show more than the backing of The dozens of stories that have been shared France, but also the forward defiance and confrom these victims reveal the surreality and frontation towards these terrorist organizations. hypnagogic experiences of Similar to the 9/11 attacks on Our Position: The world’s those involved and have the United States, President united the world in what is support in every facet of com- Barack Obama promises the largest attack on France munication to the devastated he will attbring perpetrators city of Paris and its inhabisince World War II. The “to justice” in light of these tants is vital and speaks to the “sickening” acts. Leaders such damaged, disturbed and dimly lit city that is victim ability of powerful nations, as Iranian President Hassan of an “act of war,” according even in time of turmoil, to Rouhani, British Prime Ministo President Francois Hol- unite around a common crisis. ter David Cameron and Ruslande, has only been enersian President Vladimir Putin gized, surcharged and illuminated by billions. have all revived their relations to combat these On a small scale, be it the simple act of tragic events despite current strained relations changing a profile picture on Facebook or using between their respective nations. #prayforparis, the world has done more than While adolescents around the United States modestly stand aside its fellow nation, but that cannot vote, cannot get their voice out to a rather held them up and given them a voice in global audience and cannot have a direct impact this time of silence and mourning. Landmarks on this issue, they are doing as much as they such as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio can do: raising consciousness and displaying de Janiero, the Empire State Building in New their genuine sympathy towards the families York, the London Eye ferris wheel, the sails of and friends of casualties. This, alongside the the Sydney Opera House and many more were national efforts of leaders, is such an encomirradiated through the Friday night and Saturpassing way of involving the greater public into day morning of the attacks, donning the blissful the picture. Every single stride towards withcolors that France represents on its banner. standing and battling past this onslaught gives Every little piece of recognition makes a them closure that not only important figures difference. Regardless of how some may allege support, but also billions of workaday commonthe narcissistic qualities of those changing their ers who figuratively stand alongside the 128 Facebook profile pictures to embed the blue, concert-goers, the street-walkers and the bar white and red stripes in sustentation of victims, patrons whose lives were appallingly thieved.
Staff Vote: 26-0
The price of free speech There is a disturbing trend spreading across stating that the appropriate response to offenuniversities throughout America. Within the sive speech was to engage in a conversation, past three months, several collegiate intellecnot to silence the opposition. tuals—including a 30-year-old two-tour Iraq The other outrage came when Erika War veteran now studying and a Yale assoChristakis, a residential administrator at Yale, ciate master—voiced opinions that provoked wrote a simple e-mail addressed to students strong reactions. concerning appropriate Halloween attire. The former, Bryan Stascavage, a writer at Dean Burgwell Howard had recently written Wesleyan University, wrote for The Wesleyan email asking students to avoid costumes an Argus a piece skeptical of the Black Lives based on race or other controversial topics. Matter movement. Stascavage’s column on Christakis, in a subsequent email to students, Black Lives Matter acknowledged that “there voiced her disagreement, writing that students is clearly something wrong” with the curshould self-regulate costumes, using common rent police system and “[he believes] Black sense instead of Yale “[exercising]… implied Lives Matter is doing good.” Yet the correct control over college students.” response, he stated, was not Seems rather basic: InOur Position: The attempts to celebrate police deaths, stead of forcing these ideas by students to censor speech on people, adults should use chanting for “more pigs and ideas that they do not to fry like bacon,” as has common sense and discuss agree with on college camhappened before. Instead, their differences. Then came Stascavage proposed a more puses across the country are the reaction again. dangerous to personal freeproductive and peaceful An open letter of outrage, dom and need to be stopped signed by over 700 students response. immediately. The Argus came under and staff, was delivered to fire from almost all sides. Christakis. The letter stated Students stole copies of the paper, allegedly that she was assisting the “degradation of … burning or shredding the offending ideas. cultures and people,” that she had invited Members of The Ankh, the African-Ameriridicule and violence on minorities and had can student publication, reportedly accosted decreased safe space for marginalized students. the Argus offices and called for a front-page In other words, by peacefully stating her editorial apology for publishing what many opinion and calling for more conversation and believed was a moderate piece of writing. The understanding, she had called for violence. If Argus agreed, and published it. Subsequently, it seems ridiculous, it is. the student government cut about half of the Yet Christakis welcomed both the criticism funding for The Argus. and the praise for her opinions. She called for The Argus also volunteered to print what it conversation on the topic, as there should be. called a “Black Out” issue, written entirely by She even invited students into her home for African-American students. Some criticized a brunch. Universities used to be recognized the creepy “separate but equal” vibe from this, as one of the places where free speech reigned and rightly so. Race should not be the sole supreme, yet now they are the home of cendeciding factor for decisions. This is unfair. sorship, now with some right not to be offendSurprisingly, the only organizations that ed. Free speech is one of the foundations of genuinely supported free speech were the American life. We need to stop the disturbing Weslyan administration and faculty. Presitrend of attempting to silence one’s opposition dent Michael Roth, along with other admininstead of attempting to engage it. We should istrators, wrote an open message in support, never feel threatened by mere ideas.
Illustration by Owen Swanson
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Special supporters Over 750,000 people of all ages around the world volunteer with the Special Olympics on an annual basis.
SPORTS
Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 10
Rebound ready Despite having the flu, Michael Jordan scored 37 points in a game during the 1997 NBA Finals. The Bulls won the series.
FemaleFanatics The nine months behind the scenes that athletes are not in season are often just as critical as the three in the spotlight. Two athletes below showcase such dedication. by Charlie Stelnicki @c_stelnicki
Seamus Scotty ‘17
David Rak ‘17
As the singular returning upperclassman on the diving team, captain A natural leader in and out of the pool, David Rak Seamus Scotty ‘17 is fully committed to his sport by attending practices ‘17 spends an incredible amount of his free time swimat the Windy City Diving club nearly every day of the year and has since ming back and forth, shaving time and motivating his he was 10 years old. teammates to do the same. “We’re the premier diving club in Illinois, and Seamus has the per“Ever since fifth grade, I’ve been swimming competifect energy for us,” Windy City Diving coach Susan Bromberg said. tively,” Rak said. “During the summer, every day we have “He wants to have fun but also works hard, and I’ve seen him grow two practices, and when I’m not in a high school sport, we a lot over the years.” have one or two a day.” The high school season and year-round diving practices have Lyons Aquatic swim coach Casey Hnatiuk some stark differences, Scotty said. The high school season only works with Rak to achieve his potential. competes in the 1-meter dive, whereas club also works on “I believe that David will go as far as he wants in 3-meter and platform dives. this sport. His passion, desire to constantly improve, “The 3-meter is my favorite, but the 1-meter is a close and his ability all come together into a very unique packsecond,” Scotty said. age that others look up to,” Hnatiuk said. Windy City Diving is full of elite athletes and had The club and school season are not interchangeable. the top eight state finishers practice with “During club season, we use a different training method them last season, Bromberg said. called Ultra Short Race Pace Training (USRPT), which entails Scotty achieved a sixth place finish explosively fast swimming at short distances,” Rak said. “We as a sophomore, a sizeable also lift during club season, which is something we don’t do feat. during high school.” “The possibility Despite these logistical differences, the two teams share some of placing higher at things in common, Rak said. state and obtain“Both teams have a tightly knit and amazing group of kids, and both ing scholarships are very successful,” Rak said. “We’re all a family and every day is its motivate me,” own hilarious adventure.” Scotty said. Both swim teams, club and high school, have members including Rak “I put so much and his peers, Matt Linden ‘17 and Ben Johnston ‘17 with high hopes of time in all year long going to Junior Nationals, a nationwide swim meet for high school athletes because I love the sport, and I and someday swimming at Olympic trials. aspire to do NCAA diving.” David Rak and Seamus Scotty work in the offseason (Left: Scotty, Right: Stelnicki/LION)
Badminton coach earns state recognition by Katie Palermo @thekatester223
The National Federation of High Schools has named LT physical education teacher Susan McClenahan Illinois Badminton Coach of the Year for 2015. McClenahan began coaching the junior varsity badminton team in 2008. It wasn’t until 2011 that “Coach Mac” started coaching the varsity team. From her time coaching the team, McClenahan has seen amazing talent, especially from Stephanie Lin ’15, a three-time badminton state champion. Lin did a great job of taking on a leadership role and would have great discipline during practices and matches, McClenahan said. “Coach Mac is definitely a no-nonsense type of instructor,” Lin said. “She guides her players with a firm hand and has an aura of authority that everyone looks up to.”
McClenahan learned many useful techniques from Lin, who also increased the popularity of the sport. “[McClenahan] was extremely supportive throughout my entire [badminton] career,” Lin said. “She helped me mature as both an individual and team player.” LT has won the singles state championship for the past three seasons. Remaining competitive at the state level is one of the goals of the varsity team. “I don’t think it’s my accomplishments necessarily,” McClenahan said. “I just come with a practice plan and encourage the girls.” The team will be able to use the lessons and techniques from McClenahan and the badminton program to keep them competing. “[McClenahan] helped me understand the spirit of contributing to the team and encouraged us to cheer each other on and coach our teammates,” Lin said. “I cherished those moments and don’t think there is any other team as close as ours was.”
Special Olympics hits ground running Basketball teams play weekly games, draw crowds by Mary Sullivan
A flurry of gold, blue and white took the upstairs SC gym by a storm in the opening game for the Special Education Basketball season. Cheers erupted from the large fan section as the Special Olympic Basketball players dribbled up and down the court, scored baskets and played with great intensity against Oak Park River Forest on Tuesday, Nov. 3. “The highlight of my game tonight was shooting and scoring,” blue team player Cole Stomberg ’16 said. Although having been defeated in their games, enthusiasm and happiness to be back on the court, and playing among friends overcame any lingering disappointment in the results of the games. “My favorite thing about being on this team is being with all my friends,” white team player Delaney Borzym ‘15 said. Cheers, whistles, and feet stomping could be heard echoing in the hot, tightly-packed upper south campus gym throughout the evening from the huge fan base the three games generated.
“The best part is watching the players improve their basketball skills as the year goes on,” white team coach Darwin DePina said. “The other special part is watching their parents in the bleachers and the smiles they have on their faces while they watch their sons or daughters playing on the court. Also, the big cheers whenever one of them make a basket.” The Special Olympics Basketball department is divided into three teams, each with about 12 players: gold, blue and white. Participants of the gold team are generally underclassmen, blue team members are mostly comprised of juniors and seniors, and white team is primarily transition program students with one or two players who get moved up from white team. Last year, in a season of triumph, white team placed second in state after a close game against Hinsdale South. “I would love to say that going to State is our goal every year,” DePina said. “But I think it’s most important that we play to the best of our abilities and state will take care of itself.” On Tuesday, Dec. 1, the three teams played Hinsdale South. Results from the game were posted on the online story. “It’s important to support the Special
Olympic teams for the same reason that it’s important to support any LT team,” Best Buddies program advisor Jaclyn Boskovich said. “We are LT and LT students support one another.”
Tony Burkes ‘15 smiles wide during a game against OPRF (Mary Sullivan/LION).
First off, I am an avid fan of the Hooligans, Weirdos and Lions Den, and oftentimes find myself standing among them at sporting events. Belligerent heckling of the opponent and hazing the other team’s barren Izy Scott student section, LT students know how to lightheartedly pummel the opponents confidence, no doubt. I have a bone to pick, however, and in no way is it about how LT’s student sections are cheering, but rather who they are cheering for. Experiencing almost four years at LT, the ratio of girl-to-guy sports that I have attended heavily leans towards guys sports, and I have no one to blame but myself. However, that means if your ratio stands similar to mine, then it’s on you, too. It’s on all of us, as a group of gregarious game-winning students to support not only the guys, but the girls who are putting just as much time and energy into their sport. We are not living up to our potential as an inclusive student body until we attend and support as many girl sporting events as guys events. Of course, it’s impossible to cheer for girls wrestling or girls football because they do not exist, but girls cross country and swimming had profound seasons this year and their fan sections never surpassed half of a football student section. That needs to change. The inequality of support for female sports is not something to be swept under the bleachers. We have worked too hard to create an open, enthusiastic and athletic community of Lions, and to not cheer for those wearing a ponytail just because they aren’t stereotypically as athletic as the man, completely negates these efforts. Female athletes work just as hard as male athletes. With the lack of support they receive, it’s arguable that females have to work mentally harder than males considering they aren’t playing for the glory of fan attention. Attending every single female sporting event is not realistic nor what I think is the solution to this inequality, but if everyone put in the effort to attend more female sports at LT, then the playing field of school spirit would even out dramatically. Take LT girls and boys basketball, for example. On Nov. 23, the Weirdos filled the stands, but three days earlier on Nov. 20, the girls played with minimal support. Only giving full support to 50% of our sporting teams does not align with LT’s mission of pledging to “foster the full… physical growth of all students,” and based on LT’s Mission Statement, we should enjoy both genders of sports with equal enthusiasm. There are a number of students who do attend girls sports regularly, and we should all not only applaud them, but also join them. Join in on the fun and excitement that girls sports have to offer. Plan themes, promote fundraisers, cheer as loud as you would for the boys teams. When the game ends, every girl on the team should feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for achieving greatness in front of her peers. The truth is that we’re all Weirdos, Hooligans and in the Lion’s Den, because we’re all LT students. From the freshman in the back row to the seniors leading them, we need to become more inclined to the equality of male and female sports, because I can guarantee at least half of the voices cheering on the boys are female athletes who show school spirit even when it is not returned. Girls basketball is in season, but I don’t see anyone getting weird for them. Girls soccer starts this spring, and I’m ready to compare how many hooligans show for their games compared to the number that showed for the boys. The same goes for lacrosse, badminton, tennis, or whatever the sport may be, and just because we’re girls, doesn’t mean we don’t deserve the same excitement from our LT community who we proudly represent on our jerseys. President Barack Obama said recently that “Playing like a girl means you’re a badass,” and when the match begins, we’ll sure as heck be putting on an entertaining show as fearless as the guys. Don’t believe me? Then come watch for yourself and prove to me that girls don’t work, sweat or bleed for their sport as much as guys do, because I will fight like a girl for the gender equality of sports, and after attending one game, I think you will, too. So, when the ponytails are tied and the whistle blows, will you be there to watch?
Baffling breaststroke The U.S. 100-yard breaststroke record was set by Kevin Cordes at 50.04 seconds. Weston Credit ‘16 has a time of 56.78.
SPORTS
Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 11
Bowling boys The American Bowling Congress was a gentleman’s club for men only until 1917, and now, women outnumber men.
Bowling team strikes again Team experiences early success, grows in numbers, spirit, skill as new season begins by Thomas Atseff @thomas_atseff
As the new bowling season begins, the team begins to grow for this competitive season, as well as attempting to expand for the future. “We’re still in a growing process, because LT doesn’t have a large bowling community,” varsity Coach Gary Morrill said. “We don’t normally get kids who have bowled before. We get kids who have only bowled recreationally, and we have to turn them into bowlers.” According to Morrill, anyone is capable of succeeding in the sport of bowling, and it can be a great alternative to the other, more traditional sports at LT. This year, the bowling team, which is co-ed, has two female members, and more are welcome, Morrill said. “Physical stature means absolutely nothing,” Morrill said. “It’s consistently an even sport when it comes to gender.” Morrill is planning to create a bowling camp for junior high kids this summer and is hoping to expand the bowling team at LT. “I’m trying to build this into a program at LT,” Morrill said, “Instead of just having a good team, I’m trying to turn it into a sport where freshmen will come in already knowing how to bowl.” Jack McGuinn ‘16 also believes in the huge capability to improve in the sport. He had never bowled before LT, and after being on the team since freshman year, he is now co-captain alongside Garrett Ariana ‘16, and the varsity anchor for the team. “I had never played bowling before,” McGuinn said. “My parents and grandparents played in a league, and I had seen it on TV, so I thought I might as well try it, and I loved it.” Morrill, who considers leadership to be instrumental for the team’s success, thinks that McGuinn’s leadership as one of the team’s captains will be crucial in helping the team perform this year. “Jack has come a long way both as a bowler and a leader,” Morrill said. “I think his Never before done in LT history, leadership may determine how far the team goes.” a perfect game was bowled by McGuinn has also recognized his personal growth and development over his LT bowling Jack McGuinn ‘16 on Nov. 28 career. “I’ve definitely grown as a leader, by learning from my peers and the older teammates I’ve against Hinsdale Central. The had through the years,” McGuinn said. odds of doing this, even if you roll One of Morrill’s biggest challenges is coordinating a team spirit and comradery between a strike half of the time, is 0.02%. the bowlers. Even though you bowl individually, bowling is certainly still a team sport, Morrill said. “The 24th bowler is just as important to the team as the best bowler on the team,” Morrill said. “When the team believes that, they’re capable of helping each other out more, because they aren’t just focused on themselves.” Morrill and McGuinn agree that the team is skilled enough to be very successful this season. “I believe that by the end of the season, we’ll have the makeup of a team that can make it back to state and compete at that level,” Morrill said. The boys have come roaring into the season with an undefeated record as of Dec. 1, at 4-0, beating notable contenders in Lake Park and St. Charles East. Their next tournament is Dec. 5 at Parkside Lanes in Montgomery, hosted by Oswego East High School. Check out the video of the final strike that broke history and records on lionnewspaper.com.
by Garrett Ariana @garrettariana3
For Weston Credit ‘16, swimming is a lot about keeping your head down, whether it’s in the pool or out. One of the philosophies as a captain of the team this year comes from coach Scott Walker, and it isn’t very difficult to remember: stay humble. “[Being humble] keeps [Credit] more focused at the task at hand,” Walker said. “It also becomes more rewarding. You come across as being a legitimate athlete when you don’t take success for granted.” This style has seen plenty of use with a standout swimmer like Credit in the pool on an up-and-coming team that broke four school records last year at sectionals and has a fair shot in state this year. One such record, the 100-yard breaststroke earned Credit sixth place at state last year with a swift time of 57.70, and he has even cut that down to a 56.78 this past fall during club. “The guys I swim with motivate me more than myself,” Credit said. “I really couldn’t do it alone. They’re always pushing me to improve.” Credit joined and excelled on the team as a freshman where he was the only swimmer his age to go to sectionals. He started breaking records his sophomore year when he swam a 59.08 to top LT’s list of fastest 100-yard breaststroke times and then re-broke his own time the following year with a 57.61. “I’m mentally a lot stronger than I was my freshman year,” Credit said. “I wasn’t that good, but after that I really got into it more and was always looking up to the upperclassman swimmers. Now being in their position, it’s pretty cool.” As far as looking at the upcoming season, the goal is to be able to finish on top in the 100-yard breaststroke at the state
tournament, Credit said. Teammate and fellow captain Chris Phillips ‘16 has been swimming breaststroke alongside Credit for four years now and attributes a lot of his own success to Credit’s work ethic which only pushes Phillips and others on the team harder. “We’re so close in speed now because I strive to get closer to [Credit’s] times,” Phillips said. “We both drop time together, we compete together, we swim against each other and that’s a huge aspect of motivation.” Besides just the 100-yard breaststroke, Credit also takes part in the 200-meter individual medley (IM), the breaststroke portion of the Medley relay and the 400-meter relay. While the last two relays are a team event, Credit has swum the 200 meter IM at a blazing 1:55.25. Even when it’s not the high school swim months of November through February, Credit practices everyday with Westmont Swim Club and has since he was 10 years old. Credit’s swimming career will extend for at least four more years as he committed to the University of Iowa on Oct. 15 to join some resilient Big Ten competition. Credit chose Iowa over his parents’ alma mater, Denison University, where they both swam competitively to fill in for the Hawkeyes who are losing their three key contributors in the breaststroke to graduation. “Swimming Big Ten has always been a dream of mine,” Credit said. “I just felt at home there.”
CollegeConundrum On Oct. 30, 20-yearold Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. As a result, head coach Urban Meyer decided to susBailey Blum pend him for one game, a decision that has garnered plenty of criticism and debate over the last month. Personally, I think this decision is absolutely ridiculous. What sort of signals are you sending to your players if a DUI only results in a one-game suspension? Driving under the influence should cause a more severe act of discipline, legally and otherwise, as Barrett could have easily seriously killed or injured someone. In addition, he is under the legal drinking age of 21. Barrett should have at least been suspended for two or three games. I’m a huge Ohio State fan, but Meyer isn’t sending a very strong message about his program by issuing such a wimpy punishment for his starting quarterback. What this also says about his program is how desperate they are to win. As a top-10 team in all of college football and the 2014 national champion, certainly the pressure and stakes are at unfathomable heights. However, that shouldn’t mean you lose sight of morals because of it. National recognition doesn’t suddenly make you magically immune to the dangerous possibilities of drunk driving. Simply put, Meyer suspended Barrett for how long he could afford to: one game. The Buckeyes played Minnesota during his absence, a game they dominated even without their starting quarterback. They didn’t need Barrett. However, in the three games following suit, the Buckeyes played their arch-rival Michigan, a long-time conference foe in Illinois, and a top-10 force in Michigan State. All very important, tough games near the end of the season that Ohio State needed all hands on deck for. Not having Barrett for those games could have been detrimental for the Buckeyes. Meyer knew that. How is this, in any way, right or moral? Meyer, or any other college football coach across the nation for that matter, shouldn’t be creating a culture that allows for your punishment to be tailored to how good your team is, or how hard your upcoming schedule is. It shouldn’t matter. What matters is that these players see that their actions are absolutely not appropriate. They need to learn the right and proper way to act in the world, and that there are consequences for their actions. We can’t have a culture in which athletes are suspended just one game for getting caught drinking underage and driving. Perhaps even an overhaul of the college football culture is needed. We have to remember that these players are only in their late teens and early twenties. They’re still learning how to behave, which actions are right and which ones aren’t and need to be fixed. A measly one -game suspension for a DUI is unacceptable, and doesn’t actually do much to teach Barrett or other athletes like him any better way to behave. What’s to stop them from doing it again? Besides, college football isn’t supposed to be about winning every game or making money. It’s supposed to be about building better character, getting an education and preparing you for life after college, whether that be in the workforce or the NFL. Speaking of the NFL, the pro league is now notorious for player suspensions for drug abuse, misbehavior and arrests. Although you could make the argument that the “money has gone to their heads,” it’s so much more than that. If these guys are never taught how to behave in college, then how can they be expected to behave any better once they go pro? We have to remember that it’s all connected. If we want to build a better NFL, we have to start at the bottom: with college football.
Historic hoops The first basketball hoops had backboards made completely of wire. The hoops were simply peach baskets, making for a fruity frolick of fun.
SPORTS SPORTS Friday, December 4, 2015 Page 12
Scores
Highlights Profiles
Global game Basketball reached international recognition and participation for the first time in 1936, when it became an official Olympic event in the Berlin games.
by Bailey Blum @ultimatebailey
A
“Scouting report kind of shooter...” -Tom Sloan on Nick Zeisloft
s Harrison Niego ‘15 laced up his shoes for his first basketball game of the 2015 season, he took one final look into the roaring crowd. For the first time in four years, it wasn’t a sea of blue and gold he was staring into, but one of cream and crimson. This wasn’t “Chaos on Cossitt.” This was Assembly Hall, home of the Indiana Hoosiers, and it was a whole new ballgame. “I had spent so much time working up to that moment, and I just couldn’t wait for it to get here,” Niego said. “It was a huge step of my life, but one I was really excited for.” Niego entered his first college basketball season as a preferred walk-on and backup point guard at a Big Ten school of 31,000 students, nearly eight times the size of LT. He didn’t have to take this step alone, however. Standing at 6-foot 4-inches alongside him was LT alumnus and redshirt senior Nick Zeisloft ‘11, who is entering his second season with the Hoosiers after transferring at the end of his sophomore year from Illinois State University. The two will be pairing up under Head Coach Tom Crean, and are the only two players on Indiana from the same high school. “[Zeisloft] and [Niego] are outstanding young men from great families who were well-coached and prepared for the college level,” Crean said. “[Zeisloft] will provide senior leadership and is one of the best three-point shooters in the Big Ten. We look for [Niego] to continue to improve every day and grow like any freshman would.” As the season progresses, Niego hopes to bring his basketball IQ, ability to knock down shots and relentless tenacity on defense to the program, Niego said. Despite his strengths, Niego recognizes that he still has much to learn throughout his four years as a Hoosier, as the college basketball game is very different from high school. “I hope to learn a professional’s mentality,” Niego said. “Everybody here prepares like crazy for games, because they have dreams of going to the NBA. I hope to learn what that’s like.” Despite new teammates, new jerseys and a different stadium, there are aspects of the college scene that compare closely to LT, Niego said. “Practices here are very intense, and demand that you go 100 percent all the time,” Niego said. “It’s very similar to LT, though. Lots of the drills I did with [LT varsity Head Coach Tom Sloan] I still do here, and he did an excellent job of preparing me for Hoosier basketball.” This season, the duo of Niego and Zeisloft hope to use their remarkably similar strengths to the team’s advantage. Both are extremely effective shooters, as Zeisloft held the LT career three-point record for four years until Niego broke it his senior year, finishing with 149 shots from beyond the arc. Last season, Zeisloft shot 45.3 percent from the three-point line, a mark that put him second in the Big Ten in three-point shooting percentage. “Zeisloft is a scouting report kind of shooter,” Sloan said. “He’s the kind of guy other teams talk “Brings that edge defensively...” about before games, and make it a priority to shut down.” As of Dec. 1, Indiana is 7-2 on the season. Zeisloft is averaging 19.4 minutes and 8.6 points per -Nick Zeisloft on Harrison Niego game, whereas Niego is averaging 3 minutes per game and 0.8 points per game. “I think [Niego] and [Zeisloft] teaming up at Indiana is really cool,” Sloan said. “The fact that they are both with such an amazing program at the same time is unreal. I can’t even explain what a fantastic year this is going to be for them.”
LT boys look to younger talent
LT girls rely on new members
tanding at 6-foot 8-inches, a height that puts most NBA shooting guards to shame, Connor Niego ‘17 surveyed the court in front of him. The four teammates that glared back at him had eyes filled with hunger, grit and determination, each one eager to prove his worth in what would be each of their first varsity games as a starter. In that field, Niego stands alone; he is the only returning starter for the boys varsity basketball team this year. Despite the lack of experience and loss of immense talent from last year’s class, Niego can’t wait for the rest of the season. “We’re obviously a much younger team, but that actually allows us a lot more room to grow,” Niego said. “It’s going to be a completely different team dynamic than last year.” Niego returns to the varsity level as one of only seven returning members, alongside his cousin Noah Niego ‘17, as well as junior Montel Blackwell and seniors Nolan Delaney, Kyle Hornacek, Cawone Hester and Jack Drogosz. These four seniors look to provide much needed leadership to a squad that is uncharacteristically young this season. “We only have a couple guys that have significant varsity experience, so there will be a pretty steep learning curve as far as games go,” varsity Head Coach Tom Sloan said. “Lots of guys will have to get accustomed to playing in a varsity game.” Even though this will be many of the players’ first games at such a high level, most of the guys have been playing together for a few years now at lower levels, Delaney said. Where the team lacks in experience, they gain back in chemistry. “Our biggest strength this year will be how well we get along both on and off the court,” Delaney said. “We’re definitely closer with one another off the bat than in years past.” Offensively, the team focuses on sharing the ball through a free-flowing offense, which creates problems for opposing defenses as it is very difficult to guard, Niego said. Defensively, it’s going to come down to simply outworking the other team. “We have a lot of guys who can make shots, so moving the ball will be key,” Sloan said. “Defensively, we have a lot of perimeter defenders, so hopefully we can force the other team to take some tough, contested shots.” The boys are 1-3, and play their next game tonight, Dec. 4 at York, followed by three home games on Dec. 5, 11 and 18 against Sandburg, Downers North and Oak Park, respectively.
fter an unprecedented 10-2 finish in conference for the 2014-2015 season, the varsity girls basketball team finished as champions for the first time since 2005. Now, after six members have graduated, three of them starters, the team is working hard to continue its dominance. “This year our team is rather new, and we’re still trying to figure out how to play with each other,” co-captain Nina Scaramella ‘16 said. “Last year, we had all played together so we didn’t need this kind of adjustment.” It is the third year on varsity for Scaramella and one of her two other co-captains, Emily Pender ‘16. “We do have more new members on the team this year, but it’s exciting because we already have a solid base of returning players and the addition of all this new talent will only add to our successes this season,” Pender said. It is also Head Coach Paul Krick’s third season with varsity. “From everything I’ve seen, this team is dedicated and they believe in one another,” Krick said. Despite the players’ enthusiasm, a major setback was news that reached the team in July. Co-captain and star player Pender had torn her ACL and meniscus. She would not be able to play until late into the season at best, Krick said. “The support of my teammates has been invaluable,” Pender said. “Their encouragement has motivated me so much in my fight to get back on the court later this season and I think the whole experience has allowed us to grow closer as a team.” As the season progresses, this closeness only increases, Scaramella said. “We all get along really well, which has helped create great team chemistry on and off the floor,” Scaramella said. “We’re passionate about winning, but also about having a good time.” The desire to keep pushing themselves is what keeps the team strong, Pender said. “Everything begins and ends with our ability to play together,” Krick said. “We have to continue improving fundamentals and toughness in practices and games all season long.” The team’s next game is tomorrow, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. against St. Joseph’s at the North Campus field house. “We always want to keep pushing ourselves to improve each year,” Pender said. “We won conference last season and would love to do it again this year.”
S
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by Bailey Blum and Charlie Stelnicki @ultimatebailey @c_stelnicki Seniors Nolan Delaney and Nina Scaramella shoot hoops at “Chaos on Cossitt”, their home floor. (Bailey Blum/LION)
Turn to pages 16-17 for coverage
gifts
Retail rush
The Friday and Saturday before Christmas are the busiest shopping days of the year, ahead of Black Friday.
Copious candy
Lined up end-to-end, the 1.76 billion candy canes made each year could reach around the earth more than four times.
Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 14
It’s that time of year again:
Shopping for Christmas presents. Whether you’re a gift giving pro or don’t know how to tie a bow, here are fun and different alternatives to theose drab presents that always get returned. From buying a present for your dog to what to get your significant other in a budding relationship, there is always a perfect (and affordable) gift.
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Sports T-shirt ($24.99): Who doesn’t love any item, especially clothing item with their favorite team plastered across it? Everyone has at least one team they enjoy rooting for which makes choice easy. Chipotle Gift Card ($20.00): There’s no question that Chipotle is a fan favorite, and now you can fund your friend’s fiesta, including the guac.
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Selfie Stick ($29.95): Whenever the time is right to take a selfie, this trustee companion of the selfie photo will capture everyone in the photo and your Mom’s priceless face. Heated Blanket ($29.99): Who doesn’t love staying toasty in the chilly December weather?
Cards Against Humanity ($25.99): This raunchy and interesting spin on Apples To Apples is a classic for any older brother to have a funny time with the hundreds of hilarious responses and questions. Bacon Lover of the Month Club Membership ($36.99): For any brother in the family, this is a go-to as they will be head over heels for this pack that gives a new variety of bacon every month as well as an optional Bacon Jerky Sampler.
Secret Santa
Dad
Panasonic Ergo Fit Earphones ($9.99): These stylish, comfortable and affordable earphones offer the biggest bang for your secret santa buck. Mockingjay Part 2 tickets ($10.95/ticket): This popular movie will be a gift ideal for all ages, and if you buy two, you can be the perfect tag-a-long.
Golf Slippers ($15.95): Both stylish and practical, now Dad can pretend he’s on the course, even at the house. Himalayan Salt BBQ Plank ($39.95): Perfect for the Dad who loves to grill as he can wow his wife, kids and guests with a new added flavor of food thanks to this block.
compiled by Garrett Ariana, Juliana Halpin and Sydney Hansen
Foreigner flood
In one September weekend alone, the German city of Munich admitted almost 20,000 refugees.
S S C O T T’S R A M B L E
Welcome to Scott’s Scramble, the only place in LION where you can find purposeful typos. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to unscramble these words, and then use the highlighted letters to solve the riddle. Stumped or want to review your answers? Go check out lionnewspaper.com online to see this issue’s solution to the scramble. Puzzle created by Izy Scott @3Izy3
1) DONUSS __ __ __ __ __ __ 2) EFUEGER __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 3) FLIESPOR __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4) RESPAWPEN __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5) ZARBDILZ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ After a long week of school, the LT students were happy to be “__ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __.”
PROFILES Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 15
Crowded concerts
Chicago’s largest dedicated concert hall is the Aragon Ballroom, with a capacity of 4,500 people.
Student explores Germany Sophomore studies abroad in Germany for a year, helps refugees weekly by Lauren Hucko @laurenhucko Every Thursday, Angelina Kapp ‘18 enters Cafe International where she is greeted by the familiar smile of the owner who soon provides her with her typical order: a mug of black tea. Cafe International is situated in Erkelenz, Germany, and acts as an oasis for refugees to learn, converse and search for career or educational opportunities by collaborating with Germans, including Angelina and her host mother. “It is so important to be aware of global events and to be compassionate,” Kapp said. “We live in one world, our nationality is humankind, and we have to pay attention to history and the events around us.” Kapp arrived in Germany on July 31 along with 50 other exchange students. As an eighth grader, Angelina realized her yearning to study abroad and figured there was no reason she should have to wait until college to experience another culture. After ample research, Kapp discovered and applied for a scholarship which is currently funding her year abroad, she said. “When she first said it was something she wanted to do, I was excited and I encouraged her,” Kapp’s mother, Gia Kapp, said. “She was so excited and she did such a wonderful job [with the application process], we knew we
couldn’t say no.” Despite having only taken one year of German at LT, Angelina was comfortable traveling across the globe to
Angelina Kapp ‘18, pictured on the right, poses with her host sister. (Valentine Reussenk) learn more about the German language and culture. “[Angelina] is one-of-a-kind,” German teacher Karen Hoobyar said. “Her relentless joy and zeal for life, let alone school, is absolutely refreshing. She is one of the most reliable, organized and hard-working students I’ve ever had.” In between attending a German school and exploring new things with
her friends and host sisters, Angelina has devoted a portion her time in Germany to aiding African and Middle Eastern refugees who have fled from the devastation of their home countries. According to Angelina, working with the refugees has expanded her political opinions and brought to fruition the fluidity of gender roles between countries and towns. “I have absolutely no reason not to want to jump out of bed in the morning with a smile on my face,” Angelina said. “Meeting all of these people has shown me how much I take for granted. I am so utterly blessed for my school here in Germany and for LT, and for anyone to take our education as something that is naturally given is foolish, because it is not everywhere in the world—yet.” In addition to her weekly visits to Cafe International, Angelina is involved in an organization at her school, “Eine Welt” (One World), which is currently organizing a program that would involve working closely with refugee children and teenagers. “[Angelina] is being the hands and feet of the world to people in need,” Gia said. “I am amazed by her, I’m proud of her and I’m living vicariously through her.”
LT student gets VIP access WLTL music librarian attends several concerts, conducts exclusive interviews with touring bands
by Grace Palmer @gpalmz32 Meghan Magats ‘16 has always known about her love for music, but what she didn’t know was that this would lead her to be sitting at a dinner table with the band “The Lovely Bad Things,” who she had recently cheered for in concert, while they took Tabasco shots. Magats is able to be a part of things like this because she is the music librarian for WLTL. Magats archives music by putting it in an Excel spreadsheet and then stores the CDs into binders. Magats also deals with music representatives and music selection, which allows her to see at least two concerts every week and interview a new band every month. “Interviewing and seeing shows is a ton of fun,” Magats said. “It’s one of my favorite parts, and [I] ask questions [I] actually want to know. It’s really cool to see a side of the band that most people don’t really see.” Once Magats comes back from a concert or interview, she takes her notes back to WLTL. She will often use them for a blog post, a podcast or sometimes just use it for general knowledge so that when the staff is looking at new music, she will know more about the band than just its sound. “[Magats] is very much into the artists and into not just listening to them but also finding out what their history is,” the general manager of WLTL, Chris Thomas, said. “Having this excitement and natural inquisitiveness about music just makes it that much easier for [Magats].” This is Magats’ first year in the music department after being a part of assistant promotions the previous year, promotions director of WLTL Talya Nelson ‘16 said.
Meghan Magats ‘16 poses with an award. (Tim Mikulski/LION)
“[Magats’] love for music definitely inspires her work as music librarian,” Nelson said. “She is both passionate and knowledgeable about variety rock bands, which is the format of WLTL.” Besides all the interviewing and concert-going, Magats is also creating connections in the music business through all of the bands and music companies she contacts. “Connections are key in this industry,” Thomas said. “If this is something she wants to go into in the future, making these connections now can lead to internships and jobs down the road.” Although Magats is unsure about what her future holds, she is certain that it will involve music in one way or another, she said. “I love music, and doing radio here is such a good experience,” Magats said. “I am truly lucky to have such a great radio station with great opportunities.”
Don’t forget to visit our website for additional stories at
www.lionnewspaper.com
Monkey madness
Collectable currency
The character Yoda, played by Frank Oz and Tom Cane, was originally planned to be played by a monkey.
In the South Pacific island of Niue, limited edition Star Wars collectible coins can be used as acceptable forms of currency.
star wars Friday, December 4, 2015 Pages 16 and 17
Nostalgic noise
Differing dactyls
The lightsaber’s noise was created by combining the buzz of a film projector’s motor and the hum of an old television’s picture tube.
“I’ve been a fan since my brother showed me the movies when I was in fourth or fifth grade.” -Ty Williams ‘19
“I’ve been a fan since I built my first Lego Star Wars set in ‘06.” -Noah Smith ‘16
“I have been a superfan since the moment I saw my first Star Wars movie, which was probably sixth grade.” -TJ Williams ‘16
“I think these new movies have so much potential. JJ Abrahms is directing [the movies] and he did a great job revamping Star Trek (which isn’t as good as Star Wars).” -TJ Williams ‘16
As we near the anticipated Dec. 18 release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, LT students, staff and community members are among the millions of people buzzing with excitement for the return of their favorite motion picture series. Read on to learn more about the story behind Star Wars, the impact of the newest addition to the Star Wars enterprise and LT students’ opinons on all things Star Wars.
“I’m pretty sure people will go to see the movie regardless of how good it ends up being simply because it is another addition to one of the greatest and most iconic movie series ever made.” -Trace Mortimer ‘16
A guide to Star Wars by Tim Mikulski @t_mikulski
“[I’m looking forward to] Kylo Ren and his cross shaped light saber that will crucify all of his enemies.” -Noah Smith ‘16
“A New Hope”, 1977
Originally titled just “Star Wars”, the first film takes place “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away” where the oppressive Galactic Empire controls almost every planet in the galaxy with its white-armored “stormtroopers.” The main character, orphan Luke Skywalker, wants to leave his home planet to join the Rebel Alliance to fight the Empire. Luke follows two droids (robots) that he bought as they try to deliver a help message from Princess Leia (a friend of the rebels) to an old man, an ex-Jedi Knight who used The Force to fight evil in the galaxy. The group hires a smuggler named Han Solo and his large, furry Wookiee friend, Chewbacca, to take them to Leia’s home planet. Meanwhile, the Empire is nearly done building their giant space station, the Death Star, which has a laser powerful enough to destroy a planet. Princess Leia is held captive on the Death Star as it destroys her home planet under the orders of the Darth Vader, a Sith (historical enemies of the Jedi). Luke, the old man, the pilots and the droids arrive in the planet’s wreckage to be captured by the Death Star, where Han and Luke rescue Leia and the old man finds a way to for the group to escape before being killed in a fight with Darth Vader. The group flees to the Rebel Alliance’s base to prepare for a desperate attack on the Death Star. In the climactic battle, Luke exploits a weakness in the Death Star to destroy it as he begins to discover his own Jedi powers. However, Darth Vader escapes, and continues to lead the Empire.
Will the force awaken?
“The Empire Strikes Back”, 1980
by Izy Scott @3izy3
The next film begins with an Empire attack led by Darth Vader on the Rebel base on winter planet Hoth. The Empire captures the base, but most of the Rebel forces escape. Luke leaves Hoth to train with an old Jedi Master on the swamp planet Dagobah, while Han travels with Chewbacca and Leia to hide with an old friend in the Cloud City. The friend betrays Han and Darth Vader captures the three rebels, encasing Han in a block of carbonite and giving him as a gift to a friend of the Empire. Luke leaves his training early to save his friends and confront Darth Vader. At the end of the fight, Vader reveals that he is Luke’s father, and Luke falls from the platform they were fighting on but is rescued by the rebel group.
“Return of the Jedi”, 1983
The third and final film of the original trilogy opens as Chewbacca, Luke and Leia rescue Han. The reunited group then travels to Endor where the Empire is building a second Death Star. On Endor, the rebels fight the Empire while Luke confronts Vader and the Emperor (a Sith) on the Death Star, learning that Leia is his sister. There, Luke resists becoming a Sith, and Vader helps him defeat the emperor by sacrificing himself. Luke flees the Death Star as his father dies. The friend who betrayed the rebels in Cloud City leads the mission to destroy the new Death Star, and both he and Luke make a narrow escape. As the film ends, the Rebel Alliance celebrates on Endor, knowing that the Empire is critically weakened with its leader and strongest weapon gone.
The Prequels
Three more movies form a prequel trilogy: “The Phantom Menace” (1999), “Attack of the Clones” (2002), and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005). The series follows Anakin Skywalker, Luke’s father, as he leaves his home planet of Tatooine to train with Obi-Wan Kenobi, who later becomes the old man in “A New Hope”. They help defend the Galactic Republic from the Confederation, before the Emperor betrays the Republic and Anakin becomes Darth Vader. The prequels were generally met with bad reviews and criticized for their winding plots and irrelevance to the original trilogy. Little is known about the plot and setting of the upcoming movie, but it has been revealed that it will take place 30 years after the Battle of Endor from “Return of the Jedi”.
Depending on which Star Wars movie you’re watching, the number of toes Yoda has varies from three to four.
Pictured above are students who have an affinity for Star Wars. They dressed as their favorite characters to celebrate the release of the new movie.
This is not just a movie, and this is not just George Lucas trying to make a buck (He already has billions of those). This is a continuation of a legacy that began in 1977 when Lucas allowed North American pop culture to travel to a galaxy far, far away. This is “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and despite your taste in film genre or opinion on the $600 billion Hollywood industry, this movie will awaken millions as they flood the gates of film history on Dec. 18. Making film history takes more than a modern Princess Leia lookalike and over $6.5 million dollars in pre-ticket sales, however. This film is no doubt going to make history, for better or for worse. No matter how glamorously authentic the film is portrayed, there will be uproar from millions to decide whether or not tampering with a classic was worth the risk of legacy destruction. Set in the future in regards to the previous two trilogies, the first of the new Star Wars trilogy occurs about 30 years after the events that took place in Return of the Jedi (see Tim Mikulski’s article). Original characters Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo will be featured in the new film, along with new characters such as protagonists Finn and antagonist Kylo Ren. The film’s production follows this parallel of combining retro with modern, as tickets are being sold to view the film as an IMAX 3D experience as well as standard. Most differentially, however, is that the Force Awakens was not directed or written by Lucas, but rather served as a creative consultant through the early stages of production. This is the least-involved Lucas has been in a Star Wars production, and as premier day approaches, much debate has occurred on whether or not this production will serve the empire of films dutifully or shamefully. Despite debate, the Force Awakens’ YouTube trailer has over 13 million views already, and unlike the last Star Wars film that was made in 2005, has achieved a record-shattering pre-sale profit that surpasses any other film in history. Now, when the force awakens on Dec. 18, the Star Wars empire will strike back at a 38-year legacy, while empowering a new hope (or defeat) surrounding the modern-day movie industry.
Expanding English In the summer of 2013, “Emoji” was added to the Oxford Dictionary as a real word.
emojis
Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 18
Permanent pictures
Basketball player Mike Scott and performer Miley Cyrus both have multiple emoji tattoos.
Emoji Encyclopedia compiled by MelRose Buckler @ambucks608
All about emojis by Izy Scott @3izy3
Official meaning: two hands held together, symbolizing thank you or please in the Japanese culture Unofficial meaning: when you need to pray that you’ll pass a test you have next period that you didn’t have time to study for.
Official meaning: grinning face with smiling eyes Unofficial meaning: when you want to ask a favor, but don’t want to come across as annoying. (“Hey can you send me the homework tonight?”)
Official meaning: relieved face, pleasantly content Unofficial meaning: when you say a fire joke in a group chat and everyone laughs at it. (“Yeah I know, I’m the best.”)
Official meaning: smiling face with sunglasses Unofficial meaning: when you throw shade and want to insinuate that you are the best
When Apple came out with yet another storage-scrounging, time-consuming update, there was a silver lining to make our thumbs happily tap away without a second glance: new Emojis. When new Emojis make their way to our keyboards, an instant social-media outcry of excitement and expression occurs in our hands. Not only was there joy on Oct. 21 when the iOS 9.1 update brought new Emojis, but mass-media users shared a combination of confusion and outrage at some of the new Emojis, as well. Sure, many members of the LT community were thrilled to notice the much-delayed lion emoji, but the 20 additional weather patterns left many feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Lucky for you, help is on the way, the LION staff has defined not only some of the new and old emojis’ literal definitions, but their underlying meanings as well.
Official meaning: smiling face with open mouth and cold sweat Unofficial meaning: when you still have all your homework to finish and it’s 12 a.m. but you keep smiling.
Official meaning: a sly smile Unofficial meaning: when you want to Netflix and chill...
Official meaning: expressionless face Real meaning: when someone says something rude to you and you need to express just how annoyed you actually are. (“Are you kidding me, you are so annoying.”)
Official meaning: a hot beverage in a cup Unofficial meaning: when major shade was just thrown, and you’re just going to sit here drinking your coffee because that’s none of your business.
Official meaning: a person running Unofficial meaning: when you want to express that you want run away from your problems. (“About to walk into my calculus test.”)
Official meaning: an upside down smiley face Unofficial meaning: when you’re smiling on the outside but panicking on the inside. Source: http://emojipedia.org/
Surgeon study
Studies have shown that surgeons who regularly play video games make 37-percent fewer errors.
gaming
Professional permission In July 2013, the United States began recognizing top tier e-sports players as professional athletes.
Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 19
With both its fanbase and competitor pool growing, video game competitions are giving more money to more people. Whether you call it a sport or not, pro gaming is taking off.
University grants first e-sports scholarships
Student contends in Super Smash Bros.
by Lauren Hucko @laurenhucko
by Hallie Coleman
Recently, the world of video gaming has been expanding exponentially @hallie_coleman in both popularity and recognition. Kurt Melcher, associate athletic Although most teenage boys have an avid love for director and e-sports coordinator for Robert Morris University (RMU) in video games, Filip Radunovic’s ‘16 is unlike any other. Chicago, has taken strides to integrate the developing world of e-sports Beyond casual play, he has spent hours of his time training into the competitive world of collegiate athletics. After careful research on his Wii U and competing at high level Super Smash Bros. and the approval of university administration, Melcher launched the firsttournaments. ever athletic scholarship program for students who excel at video games. “I’m not as much of an ‘intense’ gamer anymore, but “E-sports are just going to get bigger,” Melcher said. “[They are] not I sure do love video games from the bottom of my heart,” going to replace any kind of traditional sports, but [they] will be a part Radunovic said. of the sports landscape.” When Radunovic started competitively playing Super According to Melcher, e-sports are competitive, online video games. Smash Bros., he played up to seven hours a night. This Though they lack the cardiovascular exertion of traditional athletics, long duration of gaming is referred to as labbing, and it e-sports require the same level of mental focus and teamwork. The e-sports allows the gamer to practice a variety of mechanics, stratprogram at RMU consists of varsity and junior varsity teams, part-time coaches egies and techniques, he said. and an impressive e-sports arena. Twenty-five varsity and 24 junior varsity “As far as Smash Bros. is concerned, I’ve taken someplayers are awarded scholarships amounting to 70 percent and 35 percent of what of a hiatus,” Radunovic said. “I haven’t been playing their tuition respectively. it much outside of testing any new techniques or strategies “[Granting athletic scholarships to video gamers] is a very forwardI find on YouTube or Reddit that I can incorporate into my thinking move on their part,” avid gamer Tom Oeltgen ‘16 said. “I am interested play style when I return.” to see how quickly other schools, especially bigger schools, follow suit.” Radunovic started competing in The Chicago Smash 4 In May of 2015, six members of RMU’s varsity e-sports team competed scene tournaments last May. He originally just wanted to in the North American Collegiate Championship for League of Legends held in compete with friends Joseph Orr ‘16 and Stephan Gooden ‘16, Los Angeles. After a decisive victory over the University of Connecticut, but then it became a part of his daily routine. the team was defeated by the University of British Columbia, still earning “[Radunovic], [Gooden] and I thought it would be fun to just second of 1,600 collegiate League of Legends teams and taking home $15,000 try competitive gaming out,” Orr said. per player in scholarship money. Tournaments can last for days, depending on the amount of In addition to League of Legends, RMU offers scholarships for Dota competitors, although single matches last three to 10 hours. 2, Counter Strike and Hearthstone, all of which have lucrative national Many tournaments require an entry fee of $5 but also allow you and international tournaments. to earn money if successful in the tournament, Orr said. “I am in the top one percent of 30 million players in Hearthstone, “I think the issue with intense gaming is that people can so I am very interested in entering this tournament,” Oeltgen said. forget it all really is about having fun,” Orr said. RMU is becoming the cornerstone of progression in the realm Although some people make a lot of money in the tournaments, of collegiate video gaming. Since the advent of its video gaming it is nearly impossible to make a living off professional gaming, scholarships, many universities have reached out to inquire, and Orr said. potentially adopt, their model, Melcher said. “I have made money playing Smash but it was never about the “E-sports are on an upward incline,” Melcher said. “In the money for me,” Gooden said. “It was about meeting different kinds next 10 years, we will probably see some form of e-sports in the of people and seeing different personalities being reflected in the Olympics.” way they played as a character.” Although the world of video gaming is beginning to espouse a Radunovic has no interest in pursuing a career in video reputation of pure competition, for many, playing video games delves games, but hopes to keep it as entertainment, he said. much deeper. “I leave it as a hobby and intend to keep it that way,” “For me, video games are a great distraction from any stress Radunovic said. “Just being able to play your favorite character that is going on in my life,” Oeltgen said. “Once I start playing, I and having fun with your friends is what I think it the best thing forget about anything that has been bothering me and I just focus on about it, even on a competitive level.” the game.”
Video games have moved from a hobby to a serious source of income for many. These are the top five e-sports by total prizes awarded, and the most successful player by total earnings in each game.
Saahil Arora “UNiVeRsE” $2,043,581.04
compiled by Tim Mikulski and Phil Smith
Lee Sang Hyeok “Faker” $479,762.21
Jang Min Chul “MC” $501,356.22
Robin Ronnquist “Flusha” $197,134.66
Jang Jae Ho “Moon” $436,337.69
Source: esportsearnings.com
A Midsummer Night’s Dream LT Theatre board presents the play, “A Midsumer Night’s Dream.” Performances are on Dec. 11, 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold before the show and will be $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Weekend Weather
Friday, December 4, 2015 Page 20
GET OUT Weekend Entertainment Events Calendar
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunny High: 48 Low: 30
Sunny High: 51 Low: 33
Cloudy High: 50 Low: 33
Citrus Diner delights, redefines standards by Tim Mikulski @t_mikulski
Westmont’s Citrus Diner (844 Ogden Ave.) is the perfect example of the modern diner: bright colors, natural light and a shift from the classic “diner food” idea of greasy comfort dishes to healthy, organic choices. Despite the modern food and decor, it stays true to its title with a friendly, intimate and family-owned atmosphere. Parking and seating are amply available, with the only real crowding happening during late morning on weekends. The orders are served with a similarly short wait, and our wait during a morning rush wasn’t significant. An immediate draw was the diner’s namesake orange juice ($2.55), which did not disappoint. Freshly squeezed juices are a staple for many breakfast locations, but Citrus’s is their bread and butter and the one menu item you shouldn’t miss. The other highlight was the Calypso omelet ($9.55), featuring bacon, avocado, cheese, sour cream and a side of salsa. The bold combination of flavors made for a nice departure from the more mellow dishes that organic-themed restaurants tend to favor. The rest of the menu lacked the same charm of these two items. The French toast ($7.65) and Bacon Pan skillet ($8.95) were attractive to look at and by no means bad, but lacked organic appeal in flavor. Other dishes like the Route 66, an egg, biscuits and gravy platter ($8.66), are almost indistinguishable from typical diner fare, defeating one of the restaurant’s biggest draws in the first place. One of the diner’s clear strengths was its side dishes. Delicious breakfast potatoes and a wide variety of toast are included with nearly every meal, as well as the option to replace either of those sides with an organic mix of fresh fruit ($.95) that was well worth the price. Particularly disappointing was the “Oy, Vey!” breakfast sandwich ($8.55): a grilled bagel with tomato, eggs, cheese and ham or bacon. Falling apart after just a few bites, the uninspiring sandwich’s flavors clashed in both taste and texture, resulting in an item neither tasty nor easy to eat. A lunch menu is also available, but breakfast is still served well into the afternoon and
Dec. 5- 31- Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo, 5 p.m. includes laser light show, magic show, animal visitng and various other activites. Dec. 12- Ugly Sweater Run/Walk at Soilder Field, 11 a.m. Dec. 19- Holiday Farm Frenzy, at Fair Oaks Farm, Indiana, 10 a.m. Dec. 25- Winter Flower and Train Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory, 9 a.m. Dec. 31- New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier, 9 p.m. Jan. 8- Elvis Birthday Party at 26 West Division Street in Chicago, 7 p.m. Jan. 15- Jan. 17- Cubs Convention, at the Sheraton in Chicago. Jan. 21- Restaurant tasting at Union Station, 5:30 p.m. Jan 24- Chili Fest, included cook-off, in Forest Park, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Jan 30- Polar Bear Plunge, Oak Street Beach, Chicago, 12 p.m.
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The Calypso omelet and sides from Citrus Diner. (Tim Mikulski/LION)
remains the restaurant’s most popular fare. Arriving well after the breakfast rush leaves an uncomfortably small window before the diner’s daily 2:30 p.m. closing time. The menu’s inconsistencies were still no match for the excellent omelets, pleasantly calm atmosphere and food good enough to make it a standout from the flood of cafes and diners in the area. Bottom Line: Citrus Diner’s organic charm and attractive layout make it a great choice for a sit-down breakfast, as long as you’re careful about what you order.
Christkindlmarket enchants Chicago Despite crowds, good food, beverages, gifts at German festival
by Heidi Hauch @HeidiHauch11 Perhaps your holiday spirit is lagging with finals being so close to Christmas, or maybe you just really love German food. Regardless, the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago is a great way to spend a December afternoon, if you don’t mind crowds, that is. The Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival, located at the Daley Plaza and open until Dec. 24, celebrates its 20th anniversary in Chicago this season. The festival is inspired by the Christkindlmarket in Nuremburg, Germany, and hosts a variety of German-inspired gift and specialty vendors, as well as food and beverage vendors. The sweet scent of German baked apples and roasted nuts that entices you into the market pales in comparison to the actual taste of the food. Although somewhat pricy, the food and beverage selections are both delicious and varied, even for those who do not usually cherish German food. Some popular food options at the market include German Bratwursts and sauerkraut, soft pretzels, German strudel, potato pancakes, hot chocolate and hot cider and German Schnitzel. I tried the German Bratwurst ($10), seemingly the most popular food item at the festival, and for good reason as it was a great tasting entree for all meat lovers. I also tried the potato pancakes ($7), a staple in the German food culture that I found to be a delectable and different way to eat potatoes. The German sweets, such as the strudel and donuts ($4), are great for anyone with a sweet tooth, as they were incredibly sweet, and the hot chocolate ($3) was not only delicious, but necessary in the 30 degree Chicago winter weather. My advice for anyone looking to sample everything the Christkindlmarket has to offer: bring a big appetite and a big wallet. Along with food and beverage, the market offers a variety of Ger-
A scene from this year’s Christkindlmarket. (Heidi Hauch/LION) man-themed gifts and specialty items to purchase. From German ornaments and nutcrackers, to German mugs and woven hats, the market has many Christmas and non-Christmas themed items to purchase that have great gift potential for any of your German relatives. Although many of the specialty items are, again, expensive, they make for interesting and authentic gifts that are not available for purchase at your local Target. As for the atmosphere of the festival, it was just as holiday spirited as ever, regardless of the decision to move the Christmas tree to Millennium Park. Also unaffected by that decision, however, was the crowdedness of the festival. Despite moving the big Christmas tree, the festival was packed, a characteristic that seemed to frustrate many of the festival goers. Bottom Line: If you are willing to risk your own comfort for an authentic, food and beverage filled German holiday celebration, the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago is worth checking out.
Schnitzelhaus:
Frank’s Ornaments House:
Schnitzel, chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork sandwiches, german burgers, potato pancakes, goulash soup, french fries and hot and cold drinks.(Booth #29)
Walk-in cabin with a vast array of glass ornaments ranging from classic to unique shapes and sizes; ready to purchase for your holiday decorating needs. (Booth #9)
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Church League Learn more about this year’s church league basketball contenders in our team profiles.
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Perfect Game Read about the LT bowler who threw strike upon strike at a game against Hinsdale Central on Tuesday Nov. 24
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Holiday Write Night Discover how LT’s Holiday Write Night combines spreading the holiday spirit and giving back to the community.
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Surreal Socializing Check out the current crisis of social media and the taxing effects it has surfaced for our generation.
4900 Willow Springs Rd. Western Springs, Ill. 60558
statistics compiled by Caroline Konstant
75
LT students make up % of the top 10 junior-senior church league teams
25
There are teams in the soccer intramural league
16
91% of varsity soccer
Congo has a total of players on its roster, making it the largest of the topranked teams
players participate in intramural soccer
270
There are a total of LT students playing intramural soccer
The average church league team has
11 players
A
mong the various sports teams that LT offers to the population of athletic students, we see a sense of unity arise within everyone as they proudly represent a place we love to call home. Many student-athletes can attest to the satisfying feeling of being a part of an environment that stimulates the need for advanced competition. However, over the years, we have seen that competitive nature redirect itself into other forms of organized sports teams: church league basketball and intramural soccer. These types of teams allow for any student to have the opportunity to experience their love for the game and love for a little friendly competition in an alternative way. That is why LION has chosen to provide a special section exclusively dedicated to uncovering the culture of these two non-traditional teams. Inside, you will read a breakdown of the top 10 ranked church league basketball teams this season, as well as which soccer intramural teams you should watch out for. We hope you enjoy. Sincerely,
Gaby Sabatino LION Managing Editor
African ancestry
Flying felonies
Retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo was named the “Son of Congo” by former President George W. Bush.
Starting in 1967 and ending in 1976, slam dunks were considered illegal according to the official rules of the NBA.
church
Friday, December 4, 2015 Pages 22 and 23
Tongue twister
Skyscraping sportsmen
When Carmelo Anthony was in grade school, he introduced himself as “Tyrone” because they couldn’t pronounce “Carmelo.”
The two tallest NBA players, Manute Bol and Gheorge Muresan, towered at 7-feet 7-inches. Yao Ming follows closely at 7-feet 6-inches.
a b l e l e h r t s , s a t n e d k c t u h b e e b h u t z o t z e e b r y r beate o Gl rs As the 2015-2016 church league season hits the ground running, the LION staff provides you with the top 10 best junior-senior teams in the league. To see the full stories on each of the 10 teams featured, visit lionnewspaper.com. compiled by Garrett Ariana, Céilí Doyle, Adam Janicki, Charlie Stelnicki and Drew Cushing
#9: Hope
#10: SFX Buhle Player to watch: Ryan O’Malley Team Weakness: Organization on the court Team Strength: Able to score on fast breaks
#8: SFX Panosh
Player to watch: Nick Rosenberger
Team Weakness: Too many turnovers
#6: Cletus Gray #4: Congo
Player to watch: Player to watch: Jack Dahill Maddox Hill
#2: SJC Yellow Player to watch: Charlie Wennerstrum
Team Weakness: Team Weakness: No standout Their heads are in point scorers the clouds during regular season Team Weakness: Not much experience playing Team Strength: together Team Strength:
Team Strength: Strong senior leadership
Lots of new talent
Dominant outside shooting
Team Strength: A lot of athletes on the team
#3: God Squad
#1: GLC Player to watch: John Mazur
Team Weakness: Several big-time players who want to shoot a lot Team Strength: Tons of bodies. No player under 5-feet 10-inches
#5: Cletus Purple Player to watch: Mike Rogers
#7: SJC Pink
Player to watch: David Skiba Team Weakness: Three-point game
Player to watch: Jake Pigatto
Team Strength: Maternal cheering section
Team Weakness: Player to watch: Lacking in Team Weakness: Jack Melone height Too much focus on winning Team Weakness: Team Strength: Not a lot of depth Competitive beyond the five best nature of each Team Strength: players player Great team Team Strength: dynamic
Biggest acquisition of the offseason
SOCCER Friday, December 4, 2015 n Page 24
Intramural Soccer The top teams
Intramural Soccer at LT has propelled its way to the top of many LT athletes’ priority list, and with 25 teams of at least six players each, the growing competition is leaving its mark at LT each and every 30 minute game. See to the right for exclusive coverage on six standout teams, and below for more intramural info and game times.
The league’s history by Katie Palermo @thekatester223 For the past 10 years, math teacher and varsity boys soccer Head Coach Paul Labbato has refereed LT intramural soccer. “[Intramural soccer] is the only [intramural sport] that allows non-soccer players to really play a sport that they used to play when they were little,” Labbato said. Students can make teams of up to 12 players, but they must all be current students at the school. The only exception is that there can be no more than three varsity soccer players on each team, to assure that there is equal competition. Teams compete from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Nov. 3 in the SC field house. Each night there are five games, each lasting for about 30 minutes. Soccer intramurals are similar to a league. Players continue to compete with their teams throughout the season until teams have been narrowed down in the bracket, eventually leading to a playoff. Twelve teams will battle out in the playoff to win the intramural soccer trophy. In previous years, Labbato has seen hundreds of spectators watch the games. For the 2015 season, there are 25 teams of 12 players. “We had to turn some away,” Labbato said. “We just don’t have the time to have all of the teams compete.” If Labbato were to compare the intramurals to anything, it would be a college intramural. Players can be goofy or can get extremely competitive, for example; some teams go to watch other teams to see how their team matches up. Many times, teams are both goofy and competitive, making the sport enjoyable for all. “I have a love for my brothers on my teams that will last a lifetime,” former soccer intramurals player, Liam Sharkey ‘15 said. FC Brewselona (from left): Trevor Zagara ‘16, Ivana Vukanic ‘16, Sara Wilson ‘16, John Mazur ‘16 and Cristian Sanchez ‘16 pose before their match (Kristen Roemer/LION).
by Mary Sullivan and Kristen Roemer
Hooligan FC The Hooligan FC intramural soccer team consists of various hooligans and former varsity soccer players including Dylan Jones ‘17, Camilio Drobny ‘16 and Nick Economou ‘16. This team draws a crowd similar to the crowd the varsity soccer team attracted. Although the team did not exist in previous years, players have high expectations, captain Economou said. “We have been training and plan on having a solid defense, making the playoffs, and winning the championship,” Economou said. Erin Smothers ‘17 is new to the team this year. She is very talented and the team expects a lot out of her as she is predicted to score a lot of goals on offense, Economou said. “Intramural soccer means the world to our team,” Economou said.
Face Motion FC This team has the whole-hearted will to win. Players Nicky Abbs ‘16, Caleb Baron ‘16, JD Fallon ‘16 and Nathan Lezon ‘17 all have experience playing for the LT soccer program. That, along with the goal keeping abilities of Sean Thomas ‘16 and a driving, motivating desire to dominate, make these Mario-enthusiasts soccer players a threat to on the watch for in the tournament. “Intramural soccer to me means competition, passion and the love of the game,” Abbs said. “It brings our team together as a family and lets us prove our worth.” The team name originates from the Super Mario Strikers videogame, but the team skill originates from passion and team unification.
FC Brewselona Justin Goethals ‘16 is the team’s “masterbrewer” and goal keeper, and has an unwavering confidence as he predicts a shutout for the regular season. FC Brewselona has several talented, experienced soccer players, such as Christian Sanchez ‘16, John Mazur ‘16 and Ivana Vukanic ‘16, as well as Trevor Zagara ‘16 who is the designated ball-inflator, Grace Salvino ‘16 said. This team is audacious in their ability to take over. “We are a new team looking to make waves going into the season,” Salvino said. “After my playing experience last year, I was happy to make the trade to this positive environment focused on a passion for mochas and a ferocity for being better than everyone else.” Unified by a common love of cafes, mochas, teas and various coffees, Brewselona is gearing up to compete vigorously.
LTXC VS. EVERYBODY GroupGroup A Group B Group C Group D A Group B 1. Abbs 7. DiMonte 1. Abbs 7. DiMonte
13. Knezevic 19. Figge 2. Cushing 8. Donahoe 14. Murillo 20. Fraser 2. Cushing 8. Donahoe 3. Domanchuk 9. Funkhouser 21. Goethals 3. Domanchuk 9. Funkhouser 15. Pusateri 4. Fitzgerald 10. Kriha 16. Rivera 22. McDermott 4. Fitzgerald 10. Kriha 5. Huneryager 11. Rodgers 17. Taylor 23. Ptak 5. Huneryager 11. Rodgers 6. Valadez 12. Williams 18. Velisaris 24. Raphael 6. Valadez 12. Williams 25. Economou
Boys cross country runners will be using their speed and endurance from the cross country season in full effect to tire out the opposition. This should compensate for a general lack of soccer skills and coordination on the field Connor Madell ‘16 said. While participants of this team have made it clear that intramural soccer means fun competition, and friendly games against classmates, the name of the team clearly indicates that they mean business. “The win is still the most important thing,” Madell said. In years past the cross country intramural team has gone by the name “the Flint Tropics,” but this year team captain Jack Cushing ‘16 is changing up the name and setting the standards higher than before, and exclusively for the XC squad.
Referees: Paul Labbato and Peter White
You gotta kik The intramural soccer team “you got kik” is a team that mainly consists of juniors. The name originated from a joke among players that the team decided to go along with, captain Olivia Raphael ‘17 said. “Intramurals is where I can just play soccer to have fun, and even though it’s intense, it’s a great time with all my friends,” Raphael said. The team has been around for three years, under different names. They have gained and lost players each season, Raphael said. Two big players to watch out for this season are Braeden Feitchinger ‘17 and Daniel Beck ‘17. These two players work hard and give 100 percent of their effort into the team, team member Joe Rohaly ‘17 said. “We are ready to prove that we’ve got mad game,” Rohaly said.
AP Physics FC The AP Physics FC team is captained by TJ Williams ‘16, coached by Bailey Blum ‘16 and consists of students in AP Physics C. “Our biggest strength is the powerful coaching mind that Bailey brings to the table,” team member Nick Rosenberger ‘16 said. “Also, the fact that we are all in Physics C helps our unity and team chemistry.” Rosenberger expects the team to have a solid starting lineup this season with Matt Bonistalli ‘16 roaming the midfield, Williams and Matthew Dickett ‘16 playing defense, Keira Frese ‘16, Nick Piento ‘16 and Garrett Ariana ‘16 leading the front line and Rosenberger in the goal. “I am blessed to have a talented and intelligent team, and excited to have a fun and free-body diagram filled season,” team member Clare Hauch ‘16 said.
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