Volume 57, Issue 1
The Network
Marian’s BLUEtique: sarahtownsend
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Out with the old and in with the blue
o more books means no more bookstore. After Marian partnered with eFollet this past year, all textbooks were cleared out of the former Marian bookstore located on the first floor. The only items left in the bookstore were all of the Marian T-shirts, sweatpants, and accessories. It made no sense to keep selling the Marian gear out of the “bookstore” since there were no more books being sold there. And that is how the BLUEtique was born. Liz Neary, mother of junior Nora Neary, will be running the BLUEtique along with other Marian volunteers. “I would love to get some of the FBLA girls in here. I feel like they would learn a ton about merchandising and upselling. If I could have just students helping me out, that would be my first choice because they know what other students like,” Neary said.
T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, socks, bleacher chairs, and yoga pants are now available at the BLUEtique. Many items have already been sold. “We were open for the Faces of Marian orientation, which is just freshmen, and we grossed $2,600 in just three hours,” Neary said. The BLUEtique is more about fashion and retail than the bookstore ever was. The inventory is slowly expanding and new items are available for everyone. The BLUEtique is also open for t-shirt designs and other ideas. Student suggestions are highly encouraged. The BLUEtique will be open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday starting on Sept. 5 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and during all Marian Moms salad lunches. Modeling the Merchandise Freshmen Payton Ranck, Maddie Kirchofer, Amber Jimenez, model new merchandise in front of the BLUEtique on first floor. Ranck is wearing the new and improved Marian football shirt with black Marian shorts appropriate for wearing underneath uniform skirts. Kirchofer is wearing the uniform polo with yoga pants that have a zebra waistband. Jimenez is wearing a blue zip-up sweatshirt with the Marian emblem and a black v-neck underneath. All of these products and other items can be purchased in the BLUEtique. photo by sarahtownsend
FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE INDEPTH pp. 4 & 5 Learn all of Marian’s lingo, places to check out around school, advice from teachers, and much more!
16! 0 2 f o s s cla n a i r a M o Welcome t
Marian High School
7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402-571-2618
www.marianhighschool.net
August 2012
New teacher Twitter bios News p. 2 Marian’s summer trips to the D.R., Galapagos Islands, and Australia Photo Essay Back Cover Omaha Swim Trials and Summer Olympics Entertainment p. 7
Freshman Golfers in their first varsity tournament Sports p. 6
News [ 2 ]
The Network [ August ]
Can We Build It? Marian undergoes construction for new Performing Arts Center
Tweet Out! #newbirds
erinmcquillan
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the workers to dig. The t hasn’t gone unnoticed that parking construction workers at Marian has been a little difficult had to hose down the lately. Since the entrance closest to Military Avenue is closed off, students, staff dirt multiple times before they could members, parents, and visitors have been even try to puncture forced to enter from 72nd Street and drive it. However, the crew up from sophomore lot. Although it makes pulled through the some people’s mornings and afternoons obstacle and kept the a bit more hectic, the product of all the project moving forward. construction will be nothing short of The parking lot for wonderful. the Performing Arts The construction for The Mary Joy and Center is scheduled to Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center be finished by Oct. 1. began this summer, following a ground The new parking lot breaking ceremony at the end of the 2011Work in Progress. Construction crew works in Auwill have 74 spots, 28 2012 school year. MCL Construction is in gust on putting up the frst walls of The Mary Joy and spaces more than the charge of the project, led by superintendent Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center. previous lot. The lot will John McLeay. “I like working jobs like this photo by sarahtownsend have one entrance close when everyone is excited and it’s personal.” to Military Avenue and remainder of this school year. McLeay said. The project demanded 25,000 the exit closer to the school. The road to However, it is decided that the lot and cubic yards of extra soil, which came from Military Ave will have two lanes: one going the new Performing Arts Center will be a La Vista. There are 60 separate wall pieces in and one going out. It is undecided who, great addition to Marian. which range from 30 to 50 feet tall. The if anyone, will park Performing Arts Center will have a dance in the new lot once studio, band room, concessions, dressing seats in auditorium finished, rooms, an art gallery, and an auditorium for the with 400 seats. Though the project is running smoothly new parking spots and on schedule, the construction crew did run into a few problems over the summer. The lack of water from the drought resulted in the entrances to parking lot ground drying and becoming even more dense. This made it difficult for first payment
Marian welcomes three new teachers to the 20122013 school year. Mr. Panning, Mrs. McLeay and Mrs. Witzenburg show their enthusiasm for Marian in 140 characters or less. Craig Panning
@GetDown2Business
I enjoy choir, band, drama & sports (bball & track). I went to Logan View HS, MidlandU, UNO. Married 2 years. Very happy to be at MHS!
Amy McLeay
@BumpSetPsych
I will be teaching W. History, Psych and Soc. I am the Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach. I am very excited to be here! Go Crusaders!
400
2 $286,000
60total wall pieces
graphic by sarahreynolds
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Molly Witzenburg
@Got_Sum_Witz
I love music, books, movies, healthy food, exercise & knitting. I bleed Crusader blue. #MATHROCKS
IPAD INVASION: Teachers Explore New Technology
bizzyboulay ree iPads for everyone! Just kidding. This summer, while most Marian girls were vacationing or clocking in at work, the teachers of Marian were receiving a wonderful present- a free iPad. Teachers were given these new devices during the summer in order to become acquainted with them for the school year. There is the possibility of the students going one-to-one with iPads in the future, so teachers are testing them this year. “The teachers could receive their iPads after they completed a training session. The TARS (Technology Aid Resource Students) held four training sessions over the summer,” senior TAR Claire Koory said. At these sessions, teachers were taught the basics of the iPad: how to set up their e-mail, all the different settings, and how
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to download apps. Two new apps that teachers are encouraged to use this year include iBooks Author and iTunes U. “Many educational apps are only available for iPads and not laptops, which is an advantage to the iPad,” Koory said. Ms. Connie Cavel ‘68, English teacher, is still learning how to operate her shiny new iPad. Some of her favorite apps include the iCal, e-mail, and The Weather Channel. Over the summer, Cavel was able to watch the Olympic Games on her iPad before they aired on television here in the United States. Cavel also downloaded an app called “Shakespearean Insults” which provides random insults like “Thy weedy fly-bitten mammet!” For anyone who has taken one of Cavel’s classes, this may not come as much of a surprise. Mr. Bruce Esser, physics teacher and knowledgeable techy, has owned an iPad
for several years. Esser, also a publisher, does not think technology like the iPad is going to completely replace paper book. “The radio didn’t go away when TV came,” Esser said. Some of his favorite apps include Olympic apps that allowed him to watch the unpopular sports being played. “I have a lot of apps for my 3-year-old grandson, Alex,”
The Network
The Network is a monthly publication of the journalism students at Marian High School, Nebraska’s only Class A, Catholic, North Central Accredited college preparatory school for girls. The Network is a member of the N.H.S.P.A, N.S.P.A. and the C.S.P.A. It is our goal to provide an accurate and informative news source for the student community. Opinions expressed on the opinion pages do not necessarily represent those of the entire community. Students, faculty, and friends are invited to voice their opinion in Letters to the Editors. All letters must be typed, signed, and sent to: The Network, Marian High School 7400 Military Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 Or e-mailed to us at: netpaper@omahamarian.org An electronic version of this paper can be found at: http://www.omahamarian.org/netpaper
Tech-Savvy Teachers. Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Bauer checks his e-mail on his new iPad. He has enjoyed the benefits of using this new technology. photo by sarahreynolds
Esser said. These include Fruit Ninja, Angry Birds, and Thomas the Train. Ms. Christy Edris, the accompanist for Select Women’s Choir, has used the iPad to take attendance in class. “I like being able to walk around with the iPad and actually see the girls while taking attendance, instead of having to sit at my computer,” she said. Time will tell if the teachers will enjoy using their iPads this year and are able to incorporate them into their classes. Who knows, the students might be going oneto-one with iPads soon!
Managing Editors: laurentussey & meganwoodruff Copy Editors: nicolamccutcheon & poornaramasubramanian Photo Editor: sarahreynolds Front Page/Graphics Editor: sydneyrhoades Online/Convergence Editor: jessicamizaur Newsflash Editors: rachelrensch & sarahtownsend Opinion Editor: eileenbaca & megandennis Features Editors: gabbymaenner, annamandel, erinmcquillan & annapope Sports Editors: emilyjohanek & haleysnyder InDepth Editor: lauraatherton & alipaasch Entertainment Editors: bizzyboulay & theresakennelly Photo Essay Editor: mariacorpuz Columnists: jessiccamizaur & alexisvinton Reporters/Photographers: whitneyhayes & marieroubidoux Adviser: mrs.marshakalkowski
The Network [ August ]
Opinion [ 3 ]
Watch Your Back, English Literature Haters
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am not lazy. Ok, that might be a bit of a lie. Let me rephrase that: I am not lazy when it comes to the classes I’m taking. I’m not taking two study halls. In fact, the one semester of study hall I’m taking this year is the first one I’ve taken since my freshman year. Just because I’m not taking a science during my senior year does not mean that I am not smart and/or motivated. Wow, you’re taking Honors, AP, Advanced, Super Smart, Tear Inducing, Rip My Soul Out, Beat Me to Death with a Calculator, Physics Twelve? Let me just drop everything and join you. For all of you “smart” people who didn’t understand that last sentence, that is something we English literature kids call ‘sarcasm’. Don’t get me wrong - science is great and everything, but it’s just not for me. English is just as much of a class as science is. But calling me lazy or dumb because I don’t like science or math? That is not okay. I can out-write you English haters any day. Any day! I would much rather write a 20 page paper on A Discovery of Witches than sit through one science class. And that is saying something considering the fact that A Discovery of Witches is Twilight with a different cover. Regardless of which job or lifestyle a person has, he or she is eventually going to have to read or write something. If someone is a doctor, he or she will have to write a patient report. If you live in a van down
by the river, you’ll need to be able to write an apology note to your parents Lex Go for wasting alexisvinton money on college. Being literate is clearly important in all facets of society. Not to mention, if I was illiterate, the world would not get to experience the joy of reading my column. All of you English haters may know how to balance a chemical equation or solve for the coefficient of friction, but eventually a paper will have to be written about your lab methodology and that, my English-hating friends, is where I will have the upper hand. I know where commas should be placed and the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. Four years of English is required at Marian while only three years are required for science. Clearly Marian knows which classes we need more. And another thing: I honestly care more about an infomercial for a cordless grill cleaning brush than I do about your science homework. Don’t complain to me about how much science homework you have. I warned you not to take such a brutal class. Finally, to all you literature-loathing loons: I’ll see you in the parking lot at 3:15. Bring a pen and paper and prepare to be out-written.
Keep Calm and Chill
Cold lunch has got you covered
poornaramasubramanian
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s the lunch bell rings, I bolt out of my class and join the pack of carnivorous Marian girls making their way down to the cafeteria. I speedwalk to the seemingly endless lunch line forming and prepare myself for a wait time of approximately 10 minutes before I get my lunch and then proceed to look for a table. Just kidding. Actually, I try to avoid the above situation by all means. And here’s what really happens when the lunch bell goes off. I grab my black-and-white polka dot lunch bag and casually stroll down to the cafeteria. Ignoring the lunch line, I quickly locate my friends, grab a chair, and sit down. Yes, I am part of the group of Marian girls who brings lunch from home almost every day. And why wouldn’t I be? Let’s face it. We’ve all seen the neverending lunch lines, and the growth of Marian’s student body each year just doesn’t help the situation. On a normal day, I’m drained from my morning classes and starving since I haven’t eaten in five, maybe six hours. If you’re anything like me, you have visions of rotis (Indian flatbread) and curry dancing in your head during the last class before lunch. Okay, so maybe not rotis and curry, but you get the idea. When lunch time rolls around, I JUST WANT MY LUNCH! Call me a diva, but waiting even five minutes seems a little irksome when I could just be sitting down munching away contentedly and satisfying my cravings. Besides, bringing a cold lunch ensures that I don’t waste a single, precious moment of socialization with my friends, a chance to complain about that impossible Baker test, or worry about Mrs. Lehnhoff ’s
timed essay. There are some friends with whom I don’t share any classes and this is the only time I get to sit and talk to them. We all need our social time. It is time for us to let off steam and energy, and time to mentally prepare for another round of classes. I don’t know about you, but for me, it makes no sense to waste that time waiting in a line. Now, I’ll be the first to say, I’m a slow eater. Picky, too. I take my time to truly enjoy my food and absolutely hate the idea of just scarfing it down due to time restraints. I also know what I like and take pleasure in the fact that cold lunch means I can bring whatever delicacies I choose. Warm, buttery naan; soft, pearl white rice; spices and flavor-stuffed samosas; tangy chutneys... the possibilities are endless... Okay, so in reality, this is usually whatever my mom was cooking that morning. But hey, I’d rather feel safe in knowing that my special lunch is waiting for me with all its savory goodness rather than worry about... oh, I don’t know, the cafeteria running out of the fettucine alfredo I was looking forward to all morning. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that cold lunch all day, every day, is the way to go, but waiting in a line for my lunch and settling for what’s being served just doesn’t seem right for me!
Reevaluating My Senioritis: Listen up, freshmen
Mizaur Musings
jessicamizaur
H
ey you. Freshman. Reading this. Yes, this message is for you. Three years ago, I was right where you were. And three years ago, there was nothing in the world that could have ever convinced me that I would one day have any hesitance to leave Omaha or that I would ever feel sentimental about graduating. I am the type of person who has had senioritis from before the day I even set foot into the school’s doors. You can ask anyone who knows me well–all I ever used to talk about was how I could not wait to “get out of here,” as I so unaffectionately called it. Oh, how the tables have turned: I’m in senioritis retrograde. This is going to sound unavoidably cliché, but I am so irritated with myself for completely taking these past three years for granted. Somehow I have gone from being the girl who spent all of her time wishing to be anything but a teenager stuck in Omaha, Nebraska to being a girl just wishing for more time. To those of you who are in the mindset I once was... I beg of you: please allow the possibility to enter your head that high school doesn’t have to, well... for lack of better words, be so bad. While you’re at it, reevaluate your thoughts on good ol’ Omaha as well. I’m telling you these things not because I want to get all preachy on you (believe me, it still surprises me when I hear these words coming out of my own mouth), but because I want you to realize this sooner than I did. I won’t try to pretend like school and I have ever really “clicked.” Truth be told, we probably never will. I tend to be unorganized, I’m late more often than not, and social situations are not my specialty. To put it shortly, I am definitely (hopefully) not peaking right now. What I’ve realized is this: these may not be my glory days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good days.
I know that it is early in the year, but I have no doubt that some of you are already feeling a little disheartened. Don’t. I promise you will figure it out. It is a mistake to waste all of your time hating where you are at right now. Because guess what? It won’t change a single thing. So what should you do instead? Get involved. Seriously. I still remember meeting my best friend, Diane, in Mrs. McPherson’s Art I class freshman year. It didn’t take long for us to be gushing over old movies and exchanging mix CDs every class period. So go ahead, start a conversation with someone who looks interesting. It was with Diane’s help that I finally learned to appreciate Omaha when I started spending more of my time downtown and getting into the local music scene (which is unbeatable, just so you all know). Marian’s journalism program and literary magazine have given me a chance to bond with girls who understand my love of art and writing. IDEAS club is always there to renew my faith in the world when I need it most. And thanks to Marian’s TAR program, I finally have friends to geek out with over the latest tech news. I have become close with so many people I would have never talked to otherwise, and that’s a lot more important than you would think. I truly don’t know what I would do without these girls; they are what keep me sane in and out of the school day. No one can get through this tumultuous adventure (more commonly referred to as “high school”) alone. People will surprise you. You will surprise yourself. So just hear me out on a few things, okay? Real life doesn’t start after high school; real life is right now. Be honest with yourself and with others. Do what you love. Take yourself where you are at. Be conscientiously grateful for every single minute, person, and experience that you encounter. Everything else will fall into place. And finally, good luck!
Lunch Line Worth the Extra Heat Hot lunch keeps things fresh
meganwoodruff n the first two weeks of kindergarten, I made a decision that was to change the rest of my life. It was brave, it was bold; but it had to be done. I was never going to pack another cold lunch again. Not even when my school cafeteria decided to get “creative” with its meals did I waver in my conviction. Day after day, I ordered my lunch and stood in line. And let’s not forget that I was an end-of-the-alphabet kid. I did not have it easy. Standing with all the other T’s and W’s in the line, I came to fully appreciate the gravity of my decision. But let me tell you, after 12 years of waiting for cafeteria food, I wouldn’t have it any other way. See, the first problem with cold lunch comes from its very nature. Take lunch meat, bread, some chips and a fruit item and throw them in a bag. Seal that bag and allow it to sit for four to six hours, occasionally flipping it or squishing it with your backpack.
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Although not ideal, changes in temperature are also permitted. Open the bag and enjoy! Call me crazy, but that doesn’t exactly sound appetizing. And in my opinion, the smell of a freshly-opened lunchbox is not too short of repulsive. But if that isn’t enough to drive you away from cold lunch, let’s take a look at some more practical matters: the lunch line. It seems daunting, overwhelming even. But with four years of practice at Marian alone, I have found its benefits. Being the first to sit down at the lunch table is highly overrated, especially when you could be bonding over hunger with other students (and teachers) in the lunch line. And when you’re waiting for a rare plate of chicken teriyaki, you know you’re not wasting your time. If nothing else, it’s a practice in expert patience, and it has made me value my hot lunch even more. So for those of you who hold your cold lunches closely, you might want to try heating things up every once in awhile. In my opinion, freshly cooked food can’t be beat, and the patience and decision-making skills you’ll learn along the way definitely add to the benefits.
InDepth [ 4 ]
Welcome Home... Hey, freshmen! Welcome to Marian, a place that will become everything you want it to be and more. As of right now, it may seem like a “scary” high school, but in reality, it has passionate, caring teachers that will literally knock (may or may not be with a textbook) some sense into you. It’s a place where there is a never-ending cycle of delectable bake sales full of scotcheroos and puppy chow. Soon, you may even be catching yourself calling it a home away from home. Anyone who has experienced the warmth and community within these four walls can guarantee is this -- over the next four years, you will not only enjoy your stay, but you’ll also create unforgettable memories and lifelong friends. Now, this all might sound overwhelming, but don’t worry, you will survive! We’ve compiled a helpful guide of what we think you’ll need to know to enjoy your first year with courage and ease. We wish you the best of luck as you embark on this new journey! Lots of Love, The Network Staff
Hairdo How-To: The Messy Bun
Force hair ties onto bun until it is secure. The more loose hair, the better. Hint: For a really good bun, include a rat tail.
photos by alipaasch
All Cows Drink Beverages, Faith Hill Gets Everything
Marian Lingo
An acronym that depicts the Friday schedule (ACDB, FHGE). Use this to avoid the embarassment of showing up to the wrong class.
DA
Color Block
Gnimocemoh
The day that decides the fate of your class’s Field Day colors and theme. Also the day that unleashes your inner class spirit.
Confident, Independent, Thinking Leaders Cliche phrase used in every Marian speech.
C.O.’s
Abbreviation used for Class Officers. Pronounced “Coh.”
Enjoy your bun and all its repulsivity. No shower should be needed for at least the next week.
step four
step three
Leave hair unwashed for 2-5 days or until sufficiently greasy.
step two
step one
Hair Model: junior Mary Rigatuso
Gather hair into a messy clump, should closely resemble a dead cat.
Pronounced either “Dah” or “D.A.” Nickname for the history teacher Mr. David Anderson. “Homecoming” spelled backwards. Marian’s version of a Homecoming dance, but rather than dressing up, you go according to the theme.
“Hydration Station”
The newest and coolest way to refill your water bottle at Marian. Doubles as a drinking fountain and an automatic water dispenser in the Quad.
Late Start Any Marian girl’s favorite day of the week. Every Wednesday, classes start at 8:35, leaving time to catch up on some zzz’s.
InDepth [ 5 ]
survival guide What advice would you give to freshmen?
vs.
Marian girls don’t shower.
Contrary to popular belief, Marian girls do shower! We may not shave our legs as often as others, but we do find time to shower.
There are tunnels that run under Marian.
This in fact is true! There are tunnels that run under Marian, but if you would like to explore them, you'll have to join TARS (Technology Aid Resource Students).
Mrs. Remmick is really scary and mean.
Well, truth is, history teacher Mrs. Kim Remmick isn’t all that scary! Just try to get on her good side right off the bat and you’ll be alright!
“Mr. Baker isn’t as mean as he appears, but he will hit you if you don’t stay out of his way.” - Mr. Tom Baker, Social Studies Teacher
“Get involved in something. Plan your day, get your homework done, and make new friends.” - Ms. Connie Cavel, English Teacher
“Be patient. It takes time to meet new people, feel comfortable, and learn about the school. Just believe in yourself.” - Ms. Kathy Janata, Guidance Counselor
Marian Moms
The holy grail of all meals; the one day of the month every Marian girl turns into a sprinter. Incidentally, on this day the odds of a freshman being trampled is very likely.
Stubo
Essentially means Student Board. This word is found at the bottom of every Small Stalk Talk.
WAT
Acronym for one of the most important events of the year, Walk-a-Thon. Classes raise money for Marian which builds class unity. Each student will then walk 6 kilometers. WAT determines which class will receive first pick during color block.
Wallsurfing
A favorite past time of Marian girls. Ask a friendly upperclassmen to demonstrate the proper way to wallsurf, as it is impossible to put into words.
MINI SIGHT-SEEING CHECKLIST Cut this out and place it in your locker! Prayer garden outside the Motherhouse Weight training room The window stall in the 3rd floor bathroom (across from room 304) The couches in the speech room (room 104) One of the study rooms in the library
graphics by alipaasch lauraatherton erinmcquillan gabbymaenner annamandel laurentussey annapope alexisvinton marieroubidoux & meganwoodruff
Speak Out!
Rumor Reality
Sports [ 6 ]
The Network [ August ]
So Hot It Hurts Marian students dropping like flies out of heat exhaustion
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lthough the cool days of fall are just around the corner, the scorching days of summer still lie in wait to attack those innocent girls who are unprepared to handle the heat. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes are common when temperatures are high and strenuous activity is taking place. Marian offers three fall sports that take place outside: softball, cross country, and golf. The hardworking, dedicated girls in these sports face the heat everyday after school with the hope of getting to air conditioning as soon as possible. Last year, the cross country team headed to Seward, Nebraska for their first meet, where they ran into numerous heat-related issues. The temperature was extremely high and the heat seemed to take the runners’ breath away. According to junior Rosie Gensichen, it just seemed like another hot day for a run. In reality, this day would go down in Marian cross country history not only as a memorable meet, but also a learning experience. “I think with about 100 meters left it hit me very badly, and the moment I passed the finish line I asked for water, received none, and collapsed. I remember being
soaking wet sitting on some bleachers very pale and had no idea what had just happened,” Gensichen said. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke should not be taken lightly. Athletes should take extra precautions and learn the basic signs to help prevent heat-related illnesses from occurring not only to themselves, but also to their teammates. Sophomore Gabbie Jonas had her first experience with heat exhaustion when she was playing softball in seventh grade. “I started to see black spots and I couldn’t hear my coaches. After that I closed my eyes and by then my coaches knew something was wrong,” Jonas said. Heat exhaustion is a serious illness and affects athletes of all ages and ability. Marian’s athletic trainer, Melissa Brusnahan, considers the symptoms of heat exhaustion to include dizziness, blurred vision, lack of focus, weakness, and fatigue. “Heat illness is more common among athletes but also not as serious as heat exhaustion. Heat illness occurs when someone is conscious, overheated, and dazed for a bit. The recovery is usually simple with liquid and cooling,” Mrs. Brusnahan said. Also, staying hydrated is key. As Mr Wright informed all the cross country
runners and their parents at a meeting on Aug. 20, “Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate, and when you’re done, hydrate some more.” Hydration is key. Sophomore Lizzy Schumacher found out the hard way during a cross country workout on a blazing hot day on Aug. 21. “At first I thought I was just tired and wanted to keep pushing myself. The next thing I knew, I blacked out. It surprised me how sick I got in a short period of time. I don’t remember a lot of what happened after blacking out until I woke up in Immanuel’s Emergency Department connected to IV’s,” Schumacher said. Although not all cases of heat exhaustion may be as serious, the effects can lead to long-term damage. “My heat exhaustion caused the beginning of a condition called Rhabdomyolysis [the breakdown of muscle fibers], which can be very serious. The ED physician said had I kept exercising and not gotten treatment when I did I would have most likely been critically ill,” Schumacher said. Marian athletes must take care of themselves if they wish to beat the heat. “My advice to others is to really listen to
graphic by emilyjohanek
emilyjohanek
your body and to hydrate. Even if you think, ‘its just another hard workout day,’ you still need to listen to what your body’s telling you,” Schumacher said.
Tee Party
It’s More Than the Miles
mariacorpuz
annamandel un three and a half miles every day for the 85 days of summer, and you’ll run a grand total of 300 miles. To put this into perspective, that would be running from Omaha to Lincoln (approximately 55 miles according to MapQuest) about five and a half times. Marian’s 300 Mile Club tests a runner’s strength, commitment, and dedication to the Cross Country team over the summer. According to the coaches, 9 runners completed the 300 Mile Club this past summer. Some of these individuals have basked in the glory of the club multiple times during their Marian Cross Country career. Seniors Megan Han and Allison McLeay have completed their third summer of 300 mile, for a total of 900 miles each. For others, it was their first time to experience 300 Mile Club. Freshmen Julia Griffin was up for the challenge. “I knew it would be good training. I did track in grade school, and I had never ran long distances, but I knew I would like it, so this was a good goal,” Griffin said.
photo by mariacorpuz & illustration by haleysnyder
wo freshman girls had a slightly different experience compared to their classmates on Freshman Orientation. Ally Hermanek and Makenzie Fuss had another big plan awaiting them on Aug. 16: their first varsity high school golf tournament. Transitioning into high school is a significant step and can be nerve wracking. Freshman Orientation Day just makes it easier. “I was really excited for Freshmen Orientation, but I was equally excited for my first tournament,” Fuss said. Hermanek and Fuss had to leave Marian at 11 a.m. in order to make it to Eagle Hills for tee time. Not only did these two girls have to be brave for their first day at Marian, but also for their first golf tournament. While their classmates were starting
Block F, they were meeting at the attendance office to carpool to the course. Even though neither freshman ended up with a medal, senior Sarah Pravecek did come home with the gold. Marian placed second overall at this tournament. “You really have to learn how to be social when you are playing because you are playing girls from other schools. You don’t have your teammates at the hole with you. I’ve met a lot more people than I expected to meet, which is really cool because we all share a common interest,” Hermanek said. Meeting new people is a skill that freshmen will learn and put into use for the rest of their lives. Both girls started playing golf when they were young. Hermanek started playing when she was in fourth grade and Fuss when she was 4 years old. Both have competed in youth tournaments around the Omaha area. Now they are experiencing something a little different: being part of a team. Before Marian, Fuss and Hermanek competed only by themselves. Since neither of the girls has their drivers’ licenses, they have been hitching rides with the upperclassmen on the team. “During one of the rides, they [the upperclassmen] started to play 90’s songs and I had no idea what song it was or what they were talking about, but it was still so much fun to be part of the team,” Fuss said. Being part of the Marian Golf Team is something that Hermanek and Fuss will always cherish. “I am so glad that I joined. I have had so much fun playing with my teammates and being able to meet new people at every tournament,” Hermanek said.
Freshman Varsity Golfers. Ally Hermanek and Makenzie Fuss
Cross Country runners take an extra stride
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Griffin went above and beyond the 300 miles. Completing 300 miles on Aug. 1, she kept going. Griffin finished the summer running 327.1 miles. “I didn’t know about the 300 Mile Club until three weeks into the summer. My nanny, a fellow Cross Country runner, told me about it. I emailed Coach Wright, and got signed up,” Griffin said. If three and a half miles per day wasn’t enough, the heat was another huge factor that played a part in the difficult summer. “I tried to run in the morning or evening because of the heat,” Griffin said. Although many people think the girls are absolutely nuts for running that much, it truly helps them during the season. “It helped me both physically and mentally, and now when I have to run only 2.5 miles during a race, it will seem easier,” Griffin said. To celebrate their success, they are given a 300 Mile Club shirt from coaches Mr. Roger Wright, Mr. Greg Golka, and Mr. Shawn Gray. But, to the runners, it’s for more than the shirt, it’s for the experience and the dedication to Marian Cross Country and their lifetime fitness.
statistics courtesy of Coach Wright
Only girls have made the club all 4 years. graphic by annamandel & nicolamccutcheon
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Freshman golfers tee off to a new year
This season, girls have joined the club.
9
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Since 1988, Marian XC runners have qualified for the 300 mile club.
The Network [ August ]
Entertainment [ 7 ]
, ‘16 Anya Lindholm
Baskets of Glory
Freshman’s job at Swim Trials has her hanging with Olympians laurentussey
A
k, ‘13
Marian girls taking part in the London action
Ally Pietro
Summer Olympics
Pietrok Vacation Takes the Gold Senior travels to London for Olympic Games
nicolamccutcheon & marieroubidoux
nya Lindholm has touched Ryan Lochte’s shoes. “They were pretty snazzy and had wings on the back,” the freshman said. She has had the honor of carrying Lochte’s belongings in a plastic basket. She was on NBC Primetime TV at the Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha’s Century Link Center. She has walked where every 2012 Olympic swimmer has walked. How did she get so lucky? “I got the job at the Swim Trials through my coach at my swim club. Every kid who got picked to volunteer was a local swimmer, and we were the only volunteers under 21,” Lindholm said. The official name for Lindholm’s job was basket carrier and block wiper. All the volunteers, including Lindholm, were required to attend special training sessions at Beveridge Middle School where they were shown videos and demonstrations of what their job would be like. They practiced their duties during a “swimvitational” two weeks before the real trials, which started June 25 and ended July 2. After training was over, they were given an exclusive tour of the pool and backstage at the Century Link Center. “We were some of the first people to get in there and see the pool,” Lindholm said. But what did it mean to carry baskets and wipe off blocks at the trials? The basic outline of Lindholm’s job goes a little something like this: She waited backstage with nine other basket carriers. Once the swimmers dove in, the carriers grabbed the baskets that held the swimmers’ shoes, towel, and other items. If she was not a basket carrier, she and four other volunteers each followed
two basket carriers with towels to wipe off the blocks. They all had to walk in a straight, uniform line and wait for the leader to signal them when it was time to grab the baskets and wipe the blocks. All the baskets with the swimmers’ belongings were placed backstage so that the baskets would be waiting for them once they completed their race. (This was when she got to touch Ryan Lochte’s shoes!) “It was over 20 hours of work, but I thought it was pretty easy,” Lindholm said. “One of the hardest parts was running the baskets and wiping the blocks during the 50 Freestyle. We had to do it all before the men were done swimming, which only gave us 22 seconds!” According to Lindholm, there is even a YouTube video called “Basket Kids” which shows her and the other volunteers sprinting from one side of the pool to the other during those 22 seconds. Even with all the running and wiping, there were perks that came with being a “basket kid”. Lindholm was seen on national TV while she waited on the sidelines to grab a basket. She also got her pass signed by all the swimmers. “During the races, we weren’t allowed to talk to the swimmers unless they talked to us first,” Lindholm said. “Once, when we were hanging out backstage, Nathan Adrian had a funny towel with a hood on it, so we told him ‘Hey, cool towel!’ After that, he called back and said, ‘Thanks!’” Touching Ryan Lochte’s shoes wasn’t on the list of appropriate behaviors for all basket kids at the trials, but Anya Lindholm didn’t care. She was sharing the stairs with Olympians, and she loved every minute of it.
“W
here did you go this summer?!” Ahh, school resumes and the nonstop questions about summer adventures begin. Some girls respond about how often they laid out or went to the pool, but senior Ally Pietrok has a very different answer. “I went to the Olympics,” she says nonchalantly. Upon hearing this, the most common reaction is bug eyes, a dropped jaw, and the occasional “No way! Are you serious!?” Yes, as a matter of fact she is. Pietrok and her family traveled to London in late July to have the vacation of a lifetime at the 2012 Olympic Games. Sitting in the USA section at the Opening Ceremonies dressed in their red, white, and blue, the Pietroks cheered on their home team as they arrived. “It’s different than watching it at your house because when you see it on TV, you’re only cheering for the USA, but at the Opening Ceremonies there’s so many people all cheering for their own country. Everyone’s just so excited to be there,” Pietrok said. She also noted how long the ceremonies were in person. “You don’t realize how much they cut out [on TV]. It took a lot longer for everyone to walk in.” The Opening Ceremonies were the first of many Olympic events attended
The Golden Pose. Pietrok poses with five-time Olympic medalist, John Naber. The swimmer won four gold medals in the 1976 Olympics.
by the Pietroks. “The first actual event we went to was swimming. We went to the race where Ryan Lochte beat Michael Phelps. It was kind of awkward and no one knew if Michael was actually going to place at all during the Olympics,” Pietrok said. The events the Pietroks attended include swimming, tennis, and men’s indoor volleyball. Everyone who received tickets from the US Olympic Committee was given a lanyard with a plastic tag that looked similar to the athletes’ tags. While Ally and her brother, Will, were in London, tourists and other people at the thought Ally and Will were actually athletes themselves. “We were sitting on the train and people were trying to sneak pictures of us because they thought we were someone famous. It was so funny,” Pietrok said. Going to the Olympics sounds like the trip of a lifetime, but obtaining tickets to the Olympics is no easy task. “After the Beijing Olympics, my dad decided that he wanted to go to the Summer Olympics in 2012. He worked on getting the tickets for four years,” Pietrok said. “He’s already starting to look into getting tickets for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia! I really hope we can go. It’s so cool to see them firsthand!”
Sportin’ the Red, White & Blue. The Pietrok family waves the United States flag proudly at the Opening Ceremonies in London on July 27, 2012. Photos courtesy of Ally Pietrok.
SPEAK OUT! If you could add one event to the Olympics, what would it be? “Shadow puppets”Sarah Morse,
freshman
“Quidditch”
Emily Welchans, sophomore
“Sitting”
Sarah Brashear, junior
“Ultimate Frisbee” Tori Grovas,
senior
m m e r u S O t d n y e s s d e u ys tS Koala Lovin’ Marian girls went on a tour and a hike through the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia. Senior Michaela Smith enjoys petting a koala bear while in the Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney, Australia. “They were a lot less soft than you would think and their fur is a lot more dense! They are also a lot bigger,” Smith said. Marian Mateys Marian sent 10 students to Perth, Australia to visit the Servite school there. Spanish teacher Mrs. Beth Shanahan and religion teacher Mr. Greg Golka accompanied a group made up of four juniors and six seniors as they traveled more than 8,000 miles over the Pacific Ocean to visit with Marian’s sister school.
Top: Just Keep Swimming! Marian partners with Creighton University’s Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC) every summer. Ten students traveled to the Dominican Republic with math teacher Ms. Maria Hahn and Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Bauer to help those in need and join in solidarity with a different culture. “It was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Swimming there with all my best friends is a memory I will never forget,” junior Courtney Warren said. Bottom: Mitad del Mundo The Ecuador travellers gather in front of The Ciudad Mitad Del Mundo which translates to “Middle of the World.” This place was thought to be the center of the equator until the GPS was invented.
Totally Turtle Three Marian students flew straight south this summer to the islands in Ecuador with alums, parents, science teacher Mrs. Sharon Genoways, French teacher Mrs. Janet Tuttle and social studies teacher Mr. Tom Baker. They went to the Galapagos Islands and Quito. While there they visited a turtle reserve. Above shows a baby turtle compared to an egg. While the Marian group was there, they went to the Darwin Center. There they saw Lonesome George, the only living tortoise of the Pinta Island species. Lonesome George was more than 200 years old. The Marian group was one of the last groups to see him before he died. Photos contributed by Shannon Smith, Annie Coder and Alec Morand