Crimson Sun | February 2014

The

C r i mson Sun Vol. 15, No. 3

The Student Newspaper of Morristown-Beard School 70 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Inside This Issue

The Library is Back

By Ashley Young

Inside school security See Page 5

Photo: Bridget Finnegan Yassi Shafie, Danielle DiRaddo, Pooja Aggarwal, and Kristen DePoala utilize their laptops in Spanish class.

Love fades for iPads Crimson Sun survey shows older students prefer laptops and books

By Peter Daly

Peter Pan soars in theatre See Page 6

February 2014

Four years ago, iPads at Morristown-Beard were extremely popular. Reading all of your books on a screen, note taking on an app, and most importantly having 24/7 accesses to games and videos had students at MBS bragging about them to their friends at other schools. However, since then, many students have become less interested in the new device as the faithful notepad or laptop has regained its position as the preferred in-class companion.

In 2009, then Headmaster Dr. Alex Curtis announced a revolutionary iPad pilot program for 60 trial students. In the New York Times, Dr. Curtis boasted, “It has brought individual technology into the classroom without changing the classroom atmosphere.”

The pilot program was extremely successful, influencing the school to make it a school-wide program. The first year with the iPad, in 2011, one would be hard pressed to find an iPad-less student, as teachers and students constantly

used them for presentations on the keynote app, instant research on the Internet, or homework assignments on First class. The iPad seemed to be a perfect fit for the Morristown-beard community.

In the three years since the iPad program’s debut, however, the enthusiasm for the program among students seems to have diminished. Nowadays, many students have reverted back to pen and paper or to a laptop, especially upperclassmen. So why has this change occurred?

When Jake Beeber, a senior, was asked which apparatus he prefers, he responded, “If I had to chose between a laptop, pen and paper, or my iPad I would definitely go with pen and paper,” adding, “The iPad’s keyboard is difficult to use and the device is impractical for certain classes like science and math.”

Maddie Braunstein, a junior, said, “When I look around the classroom I rarely will see an iPad unless the teacher asks us to use it.”

As the results of the survey have shown, there

Boys’ Basketball See Page 7

Photo: Danielle DiRaddo

Sarina Morales, Luxshman Saravanapavan, Jared Gaby- Biegel, and Cazembe Nicholas play a competitive game of chess in the library.

This past fall, the library renovation was met with shock and even contempt from many students. The removal of seemingly half of the books and the shelves they were housed in, the addition of more chairs and tables, and the new “open concept” felt like a change too drastic. This newspaper’s editorial staff criticized the resulting “new” library as “desolate,” “without character,” and an impossible place to get work done.

“Last year was much more private, and I think it was quieter with the big shelves,” sophomore Nick Fazio said.

That response seems to be changing.

“They’ve made the library much more spacious and welcoming,” said Danielle DiRaddo, a senior.

As the year progressed, the library’s increasing popularity suggesta that the initial shock has worn off and left in its place a more favorable feeling.

One of the biggest concerns about the new library was that it would become too much of a social place, that the removal of so many books would take with it the point of a library: a place of academia and literary resources.

But now, anyone who walks through the library could observe Philosophy Club members meeting and chatting and the common sight of head librarian Nicholas Jackson introducing students to the multitude of databases.

Apparently, the library still offers what people love and expect from libraries, and then some.

The increase in number of chairs and tables is a popular addition among students. Others enjoy the décor and feel of the new library. The various student-chosen movie, quote and joke of the day boards have replaced the previous tired, outdated posters, and add to the unique character that some feared the renovations would take away.

Fazio now says, “I love the artwork.”

Despite initial resistance, the student view of the library has come a long way since the beginning of the year. A few are still apprehensive about matters like decreased privacy, but most students see the changes as positive.

Perhaps the new library’s real flaw is no longer a lack of character or books, but its overwhelming popularity.

Page 2

February 2014

C r i mson Sun

OPINION/EDITORIAL

The Crimson Sun 70 Whippany Road

Morristown, New jersey 07960 973-539-3032

Editors-in-Chief Benjamin Leigh Ashley Young News Editors Ben Schreiber William Mallen Feature Editors Bailey Rechler Emily Bruno Op-Ed Editor Peter Daly Sports Editors Brian Andrzejewski Kaitlyn Tatulli

Culture Editor Katie Sidlowski Senior Correspondant Max Weinstein Photo Editor Bridget Finnegan Staff Photographers Chelsea Kramer Business Manager Kaitlyn Tatulli Faculty Adviser: Ida Picker

Thanks to: Bruce Adams, Barbara Napholtz, Chris Finn, Caitlin Trought, Steve Patchett, Darren Burns, Darren Lovelock, Jaimi Talarico, Dr. John Mascaro, Dr. Larch Fidler, Ezra Gottlieb.

We welcome letters to the editor, opinion pieces, stories, cartoons and photographs.To contact the paper regarding submissions, send an e-mail to either ayoung@mbs.net or bleigh@mbs.net.

The Crimson Sun corrects its factual errors and accepts corrections.

The Crimson Sun is a 4-16 page newspaper, available in print and online through the mbs.net website. It is written primarily for the approximately 544 students attending MBS and the approximately 100 faculty and staff members, and is distributed free of charge to all members of the school community.

The Crimson Sun provides information and entertainment in addition to various viewpoints on debatable issues. We will not print anything that is deemed libelous, obscene or in poor taste. We reserve the right to edit or withhold anything submitted and correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when necessary.

What am I, a dinosaur?

Editorial:

Fading love for iPads: Are they becoming obsolete?

In this issue, we decided to dig deeper than simply asking around and pulling together individual perspectives on student iPad use. We put serious effort into crafting an accurate survey of the precise sentiment of the student body for specific academic needs.

Quite simply, our research shows that most upperclassmen find the iPad an obsolete tool, while younger students seem to have a love affair with the device.

No one really knows why the upperclassmen now find the iPad dreary and uninteresting, but there are many signs that point to a reason, one of the biggest being that the touch interface keyboard is not accurate enough. Time after time, mistakes are constantly made because of the lack of physical keys. It is also extremely difficult to manipulate and explore documents. At the end of the day, it is much easier to browse online shopping than to edit a document. The iPad also contains many tempting and distracting options. It’s clear that older students realize they need to work instead of procrastinate.

To some, it is no surprise that many students, Juniors and Seniors in particular, have no interest in utilizing the iPad for academic purposes. Still, it raises the question, how is it possible that some students thrive with the technology, while others could care less?

The answer to this question is truly

in the eye of the beholder.

No two students are alike, so neither should their methods of learning and experiencing be the same.

Many researchers— and many MBS students-- believe the physical component of writing notes with a pen is superior to any other form of knowledge retention. That might be true, but if a student finds an iPad or a laptop works better for them, then that is what they should utilize. Keeping notes on an iPad or computer certainly has its advantages. It allows the student to keep all their materials in one location, and it facilitates easier collaboration with peers. These are just a few of the advantages of note-taking on an electronic devise.

When it comes to iPads, it seems as though each student has their own distinct opinion on this piece of techno l o g y W h a t e v e r i t i s t h a t a s t u dent decides to use in the class room, above all, it should work for them, and give them the best possible opportunity to learn. That is w h y, a t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y, t h e o n l y real requirement for the student is to decide what works best for them.

By Katie Sidlowski

There’s something about that old-book smell, that satisfying binding crack. I’m sorry, but swiping right on my Ipad just can’t compete with turning an actual page. Don’t get me wrong, my Ipad is great for that occasional Google need or Candy Crush break, but when it comes to reading, my Kindle app doesn’t come close to a hardcover Shakespeare play.

Maybe I’m the only one who likes to annotate and doodle in her textbooks. Maybe I’m the only one who prefers to write out her history notes instead of typing them. Maybe I’m a dying breed. Am I old? Am I a dinosaur?

According to our own Crimson Sun survey, most of my classmates feel the same way I do about doodling. The majority of upperclassmen prefer the old- fashioned pen and paper approach to taking notes. The seniors, while seemingly split on our view of the Ipad inclass, prefer to use laptops. In fact, in all of the tested categories, Ipads ranked behind laptops for the senior class. In two out of four survey questions, they ranked behind pen and paper.

While the results of the junior class more

or less echo those of the seniors, the ninth and tenth graders seem more inclined to adjust to the Ipads than the upperclassmen.

For both grade levels, more students prefer to read on the Ipad than on an actual book.

They also prefer to use the Ipad in class to laptops and pen and paper. The majority of underclassmen enjoy using their Ipads for classwork and if given the choice, they would use the Ipad and only the Ipad for the remainder of the school year.

I’ll admit-- the little devices can boast some advantages. Ipads eliminate the need for paper handouts and in some cases, physical textbooks. I’m as eco-friendly as the next girl, but who doesn’t love back-to-school shopping? New ballpoint pens are my nirvana.

With respect to ipads, I love Quizlet, I love WordReference. Still, I can’t seem to memorize vocabulary words without writing them down.

While no one can dispute their usefulness, there is a clear split on the popularity of Ipads between the upper and under-

classmen. We are all of the same generation but it seems some of us are more comfortable with the old than the new.

What does this technological revolution portend for the rest of us, pencil-wielders?

Will we be overrun by the machines, forced to turn in our marble composition notebooks? I certainly hope not.

Literature is an indisputable art form, of which books, to me, have always been the conduit. They were intended to be held, to be dog-eared and highlighted. Books are tougher, in many ways.

You can grab a paperback, take it to the beach, and if it gets wet or sandy, it survives. You can throw an Ipad into your beach bag, too, but beware sand, sunscreen spills and sea water drips.

Books, note taking, even doodling are remnants of a simpler time; a time where there was no concern about emails popping up or a battery dying. To me, the simplest methods are the ones worth preserving. I’m standing with printed books and pen and paper. Call me a dinosaur.

February 2014

Page 3

C r i mson Sun

OPINION/EDITORAL

I’d rather arrive alive:

The case for lateness in the morning

By Katie Sidlowski Nine tardies will get you a warning. Ten will get you a detention.

Eleven will get you suspended and sixteen will get you...what?

Chronic lateness is a school-wide epidemic.

The majority of the senior class is afflicted, myself included. Gone are the days when we could blame the bus, our siblings, or our carpool for our tardies. The responsibility to arrive on time, or at least before 8:10, is now entirely on us.

Unsurprisingly, I am a bad driver. I’ve been driving on my own for less than a year and lack the experience of someone older. In short, I’m a slave to my GPS, occasionally forget to fill my gas tank and don’t always use my turn signal. Like I said, a bad driver.

Throw in some snow or rain and I’m a horrible driver. Add an 8:05 advisory time crunch and I’m potentially dangerous.

However, I value my life and the lives around me and so, I opt for sixteen

tardies instead of a three car pile-up. Some of these, of course, stem from procrastination and outfit indecision and are legitimate lates. Some, however, are advisory lates.

If I

arrive at 8:11, I miss my brief advisory period and am considered tardy—but, I still have enough time to grab a hot chocolate before my first class. Depending on who you ask, I’m either one minute late or six minutes late, yet I haven’t missed any of my academic day. This three hundred second difference seems trivial.

I understand the importance of Advisory as well as the importance of punctuality. While the distinction between being on time and being tardy might come down to a few stray minutes, I think the circumstances change inherently when a student driver is taking on inclement weather. However, this is something our lateness policy doesn’t account for. Should students be penalized with detentions for making smart driving decisions?

Now, don’t misunderstand me: late is late. But, is it late when none of the academic day is being compromised? Are an extra five minutes too much to ask for, especially in rain, snow or ice? Our lateness policy needs to allow student drivers the chance to arrive alive. When there’s black ice and fog, we should be encouraged to utilize these extra few minutes. I’m not sure about you, but I’d take a suspension over a speeding ticket any day.

Cartoon: Sam Aronwald

New improved library gets same old problem

By William Mallen Anyone who knows me knows that if I no more empty seats, or even an to find another spot in school to study. all the noise and socializing, but, am not in class, I am in the library. At the empty table.

Usually, the latter choice is what I go somehow, it has the same problem beginning of the year, I would be able to When I enter the library now for with. as once before. The tall bookshelves go into the newly renovated library, sit at studying purposes, I first scan the The Anderson library seems to be were removed because the librarians a table, and finish last minute work before private computer desks for an open- getting too popular. What was viewed could not oversee all the students, class or get a head start on my homework ing to study, but nine out of ten times in September as a desolate room per- which led to distractions. The lower without any distracbookshelves tions. If I needed a supposed to computer, one would help create an always be available. atmosphere for I thought the renostudying. vation to keept the In hindlibrary from having sight, the tall a social ambience bookshelves had worked. actually had The renovation created some was also intended private nooks to promote the liwhere studybrary into an ining could take formation center. place.

This was truly Still, I have successful as now to admit, I am students can go changing a there to get the little too. Now so-called “4-1-1” when I set out on what is gofor the library, ing on inside the I go with the MBS community. idea of not necPhoto: Danielle DiRaddo essarily studyHowever, as the year pro- Philosophy Club ponders the meaning of life as head-librarian Nicholas Jackson advises. ing.

I easily gressed and seats succumb and join were introduced into the center they are full and I am out of luck. fect for studying is now a social hot conversations or get pulled into a of the library, students gradually It then comes down to two choices: spot filled with raucous crowds of competitive game of chess. Now that transitioned their hang out spot to to sit at a table with people I do not students.

I think about it, maybe I’m becoming there. Eventually, there came to be know-- if there is an empty seat-- or The library was renovated to stop part of the problem too.

Page 4

February 2014

C r i mson Sun

NEWS

iPad Survey

Are they becoming obsolete?

By Ben Schreiber

In this issue, we decided to dig deeper than simply asking around and pulling together individual perspectives on student iPad use. We put serious effort into crafting an accurate survey of the precise sentiment of the student body for specific academic needs.

Quite simply, our research shows that most upper-classmen find the iPad an obsolete tool, while younger students seem to have a love affair with the device.

No one really knows why the upperclassmen now find the iPad dreary and uninteresting, but there are many signs that point to a reason, one of the biggest

being that the touch interface keyboard is not accurate enough. Time after time, mistakes are constantly made because of the lack of physical keys. It is also extremely difficult to manipulate and explore documents. At the end of the day, it is much easier to browse online shopping than to edit a document. The iPad also contains many tempting and distracting options. It’s clear that older students realize they need to work instead of procrastinate.

To some, it is no surprise that many students, Juniors and Seniors in particular, have no interest in utilizing the iPad for academic purposes. Still, it raises the question, how is it pos-

Prefer to use in class:

Charts By Peter Daly Editors’ Note: Numbers within each pie chart indicate number of students in each category.

7

14 49

10 19

21 44

32

9

10

24

33 37

43

11

Best for note taking:

9

34 25

30

11

Best for reading: 43

17

31

10

38

12

9

23

17

38

23

37

14

34

tainly has its advantages. It allows the student to keep all their materials in one location, and it facilitates easier collaboration with peers. These are just a few of the advantages of notetaking on an electronic devise.

When it comes to iPads, it seems as though each student has their own distinct opinion on this piece of technology Whatever it is that a student decides to use in the class room, above all, it should work for them, and give them the best possible opportunity to learn. That is why, at the end of the day, the only real requirement for the student is to decide what works best for them.

sible that some students thrive with the technology, while others could care less?

The answer to this question is truly in the eye of the beholder. No two students are alike, so neither should their methods of learning and experiencing be the same.

Many researchers—and many MBS students-- believe the physical component of writing notes with a pen is superior to any other form of knowledge retention. That might be true, but if a student finds an iPad or a laptop works better for them, then that is what they should utilize. Keeping notes on an iPad or computer cer-

47

12

31

28

26

46

2

12

9

10

Rest of year use:

7

16

16

11

37

14

51

9

32

44

10

11

12

17

14

15

45

12

February 2014

Page 5

C r i mson Sun

NEWS/FEATURES

Love fades for iPad

is a trend to the decline in use. When freshmen first arrive, the iPad is exciting and almost addictive, but as students move into higher grades, the iPad has lost fans. When students were asked which device they would use for the rest of the year (iPad, laptop, or paper and pen) 51 said the iPad in grade 9, in contrast to only 15 in grade 12. Clearly there has been a downward trend as students age.

Still, regardless of some negativity, there are still many at MBS loyal to the device.

“The iPad is very versatile and is perfect for reading and quick note taking,” said freshman Isaac Davison.

Despite its drawbacks, the iPad continues to be used as a helpful tool. In the

(cont.)

Humanities program for grades 9 through 11, the iPad’s features have found a consistent role with apps like iBooks, Kindle, and iAnnotate. English teachers like Mike Kelly and Darren Lovelock have even gone as far as to record their comments on a student’s paper on the iPad in an app called “subtext.”

However, one common theme seems apparent from the survey: the iPad is slowly being viewed as impractical for a school setting. As students become older, more iPads are stored away. Whether it is the inconvenient keyboard or the lack of flexibility for every class, the iPad is, for a significant number of students, becoming obsolete.

Keeping up with the campus security guards

By Meghan Neligan & Molly Glick The beginning and ending of each day at Morristown-Beard has one recurring sequence: the reassuring presence of the Campus Security guards.

Starting at 7 a.m. each morning, in freezing cold, rain or heat, Tom Markt stands by the steps to the Arboretum, stopping traffic to guide teachers to the front entrance. Halon Freeden, Director of Security, positions himself at the paved edge of Senior Circle, overseeing students arriving on campus. A Morris Township police officer can be found on Whippany Road, stopping cars until they can make a safe entry to the school driveway.

“We try to ensure that every access point on campus is as secure as possible,” said Mike Zaygi, Assistant Director of Security.

When new visitors arrive, he and the other security guards direct them to the reception area where they can sign in.

After the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December, 2012, the attitudes and routines of the security guards changed.

“When bad things happen you learn to evolve,” Mr. Zaygi said. During those times, the whole community becomes more aware and unified, he added. “Communication and awareness are key,” he said.

As a result, faculty members and students who suspect someone does not belong are asked to report that to the guards or to another member of the community.

The embodiment of vigilance, during the day the security guards are constantly patrolling on foot inside and outside the school. They touch base with faculty members and make themselves available. Randomly, they pop into classrooms

to check that everything is okay.

They are present at Morning Meetings and during after-school activities.

“We basically make sure everyone assembles in a safe and orderly manner,” Mr. Zaygi said.

In addition, the guards are in close contact with the Morris Township Police Department, by phone or computer, said Mr. Markt, Security Personnel, has been working at

school for a year and a half.

Among them, they have about 88 years of experience in law enforcement or county work. Mr. Freeden, an MBS security guard for six years, retired after 25 years as a police officer in Summit.

“Watching all of the students having a good time on campus, enjoying their lives,” even through occasionally difficult times, is Mr. Freeden’s favorite part of the job, he said. When not working, he likes head-

ing to Atlantic City to play three card poker and the slot machines.

Before taking on this job, Mr. Markt worked in Morris County Government as an Assistant County Administrator for 33 years, until he retired. His day may begin at 7 a.m., but ends at 10 p.m two or three times a week, to cover renters at night and many sports teams.

After serving for 25

years at the Summit Police Department and working with Mr. Freeden at Kent Place before retiring, Mr. Zaygi has been at MBS for five years. He used to watch cop shows like Adam-12 and Dragnet.

This job is different than his last job on the Summit Police force.

“We don’t have to chase anybody down for traffic tickets here,” Mr. Zaygi said. “We get to be the good guys.”

Photos: Bridget Finnegan

(Top) Security Guard Tom Markt directs traffic at the beginning of school as cars leave Senior Circle.

(Bellow) Police Officer Steve Rogers oversees traffic movement on a snowy morning.

Page 6

C r i mson Sun

February 2014

FEATURES

Photos: Alexa Rojek

(Above)Tyler Smith and Molly Glick transport themselves into Neverneverland under Susan Speidel’s direction.

(Below) Peter Pan cast rehearses their lines.

Theatre Department soars to new heights

By Carlye Cording Wanted: Big football players for Peter Pan. This year’s musical has some unusual demands-- like a flying crew. Performing Arts Director Susan Speidel has been talking with football coach, Tim Fell, to find players to rig part of the cast—so they can fly over the stage.

“It needs to capture the magic of childhood,” said Ms. Speidel, choking up as she talked about the aerial ballet.

The five lucky characters that get to fly include Peter Pan, played by Alexa Rojek ‘15, Bailey Rechler ‘16 as Wendy, Middle Schooler Richie Carchia ‘18 as John, Harrison Kerns ‘17 as Michael, and Carlye Cording ‘16, as Jane.

How will this magic happen? Flying by Foy, one of the oldest, most well respected, and safest flying companies, according to Ms. Speidel, will fly the cast. Founded by Peter Foy after his work moving Mary Martin through the air in Broadway’s 1954 Peter Pan production, the company has created a unique, patented flying system that is reputed to be the safest in the business. They are so proprietary about

their method that they do not allow photos or videos to be taken while someone is in harness.

After the school administration granted Speidel permission to fly, her first call was to the Foys.

The company, based in Los Angeles, has flown stars from Lucille Ball to Miley Cyrus. They also fly hundreds of school productions each year.

Their rigging system was actually for the 1954 Broadway Peter Pan. Flying by Foy knows the show so well they were able to give Speidel certain measures within a song to leave for the m t o c h o r e o g r a p h .

The company will come in the Friday before the show to set up the rigging system and choreograph the flying. The flyi n g t e c h n i c i a n w i l l o n l y f l y P e t e r.

A s h o w l i k e P e t e r P a n a l l o w s t h e P e rforming Arts Program to explore techn o l o g y n o w p o s s i b l e i n t h e n e w t h e a t e r, M s . Speidel said. She wants to push the theater ’s boundaries.

“We are so lucky that we have the theater we have so we can do this,” she said.

Surprisingly, the hardest part about the show is not the flying, but the set. The set designer needs to create many different spaces that also work with the rigging system. After trial and error, Ms. Speidel and the set designer created an incredible set cha nge b efore the big flying scene.

Ms. Speidel has experience with this show.

She has done it twice before, once, while in college, as an assistant director in a summer stock production in Maine, and again in an outdoor theater called Plays-In-The-Park in Edison, where she played Tiger Lily.

With this experience, Speidel knew that the show would fit this cast, which she described as one of the most talented she has worked with at MBS. Collectively, the cast is full of “triple threats, ” M s . S p e idel said.

As rehearsals for Peter Pan began, the anticipation of flying began to build. As technical as the rigging system may be, there is something amazing about flying actors over the stage.

February 2014

Boys’ Hockey:

C r i mson Sun

Page 7

SPORTS

Striving for victory and respect

By Nick Rella It’s the most wonderful time of the year around the great acres of MorristownBeard-- it’s Crimson Hockey Season. The snow is falling, the air is freezing, and the Crazies are more excited than ever to cheer on their boys in Crimson at Mennen Arena.

Ranked #7 in the state by The Star Ledger, the Crimson are currently 14-3-1 with big wins over conference rivals Morristown and Morris Knolls, and two victories over out of state powerhouses La Salle Prep (PA) and Portledge (NY).

Morristown-Beard has a good shot at winning the Mennen Cup and Prep Finals. “. . .We hope to make an appearance in the State Championship,” said captain Luke Moser, a senior.

Moser himself nailed his 100th ice hockey point over his four years of play in January and was named Star Ledger Athlete of the Week on January 23.

The team’s offensive surge is led by their senior captains, Moser and Mike Meisenbacher, each scoring over 20 points in the season. Another senior captain, Max Cuomo, is in control of the Crimson defense with the help from junior James Callahan and the sophomore twins: Christian and AJ DiCesare.

All of the current seniors go way back as teammates. Max Cuomo, Michael Meisenbacher, Luke Moser, Josh Schappel, and Spencer Shepperly, have been playing Varsity since back in 2010 when they were freshman playing with Crimson puck legends such as Matt San tucci ’11, Thomas Depoalo ’12, and Greg Kirk ’11.

These five seniors are the heart and soul of the team. The younger players on the team such as Alex Boroweic, Brian Andrzejewski, and Chris “the Big Swiss” Brunner-Grande look up to and respect them.

This year’s team “is more skilled” than previous years, but “lacks a sense of maturity and leadership,” Moser added.

After graduating Pete Alaverez last year and losing Nick Sanford to boarding school, the goalie position was a huge question mark going into this year’s season.

Then, suddenly, sophomore Danny Porth shocked the state in net with five wins in his first six games and posting a .90 save percentage.

Without a doubt, their biggest game of the year, still to come, is against the ten year reigning State Champion, Delbarton, on February 8. MBS has already clinched the #1 seed in the State Prep Playoffs, and are currently fighting for a first round bye in the Mennen Cup Playoffs. The Crimson have been working intensely throughout the fall and winter with an eye to landing the top seed in the state rankings.

Photo: Bridget Finnegan Maggie O’Connell, goalie, makes a save for MBS in their January 15 game against the Lawrenceville School. Lawrenceville won 7-2.

Girls’ Hockey:

Skating hard with younger team and new players

By Bailey Rechler With Additional By Carolyn Chambers Emerging from the shadow of the traditionally impressive boys’ hockey team, the female counterpart has proven that they too can be impressive and successful this year—as they have in the past. At press time, girls’ hockey had a 8-3-1 record this season, compared with 17-1-2 last year. They are fighting hard on the ice despite the loss to graduation of five seasoned senior skaters: Allie Aiello, Katherine Chester, Brette Brier, Laura Loeser, and Max Menne.

“This season will be more challenging than those in years past, but with the talent we have, and our coaches, I think we will still be able to

do very well and end with a winning record,” said captain Carolyn Chambers, a senior.

Under coaches Bruce Driver, Audrey Onsdorff, and Meghan Durkin and with seniors Delaney Flinn, Ashley Magner, Kristen Depaolo, Kelly Dolan, Mikhaela Shultz and Chambers, there is strong leadership prompting a close team mentality among the girls.

“They have developed a great team camaraderie, which translates into their success year in and year out,” Athletic Director Joanne Dzama said in Morning Meeting, as she presented

the girls the January team of the month award.

Some of the team’s biggest wins included defeating Reston U19, 3-2 and Rye Country Day 5-2. In these two games combined, junior Kendall Cornine scored four goals. Meanwhile, goalie, Maggie O’Connell, a sophomore, made an astonishing 35 saves, showing that speed and sharp reflexes count more than size.

Based on their record so far, it is a safe bet that the girls’ hockey team will continue to sparkle on the ice and, maybe, keep outshining the competition this season.

Photo: Chelsea Kramer

Brian Andrzejewski fights for the puck during a 1-0 win over Seton Hall Prep on January 10.

Page 8

February 2014

C r i mson Sun

SPORTS Boys’ Basketball:

Battling for respect on the court

By Brian Andrzejewski

Photo: Danielle DiRaddo

Junior Morgan Bartner shoots during a 31-19 win against Whippany Park on January 9. Bryair Alston and Meg Damstrom watch, ready for a rebound.

Girls’ Basketball:

Slam dunk season?

By Kaitlyn Tatulli and Emily Bruno The girls’ varsity basketball team’s youth is finally paying off. Despite losing their three point shooter, Kennedi Monteith to graduation, the team has experience and the skills to surpass last’s year’s record of 9-15. At press time, the team stood at 6-3, first in the conference with an undefeated conference record—an astonishing turnaround.

“We’re looking to put our name on the map,” said Kristy Cotter, a junior. The team beat Hanover Park 48-40 on January 15, for the first time in school history. Sophomore Dani Kabat plunked in a game-changing three-pointer at the start of the fourth quarter to bring the Lady Crimson within two points of Hanover Park. Piling on this momentum, Senior Bryair Alston nailed another threepointer, giving the team their first lead in the game and the confidence they needed to take the game.

Team members say they are happy to work with returning coach Michael Sturgeon, who returns for his thirteenth season coaching the Lady Crimson.

In the past two seasons, Morgan Bartner, a junior and co-captain, has been the star player, using her height of 6’2 to score a good percentage of the team’s points. Unfortunately, in a blow to herself and the team, Bartner sustained a stress fracture in her back and was out at the start of the season.

“We don’t have extra tricks up our sleeves with starting freshmen, unlike last year,” said co-captain Kathryn Bregna, a senior, referring to thenfreshmen Dani Kabat and Meg Damstrom.

“They took the court by storm and surprised a lot of other teams,” Bregna said.

Still, hope rides high. Bartner has made a full recovery. She is now fit and able to play.

Other players have also jumped into the fray.

This year, two transfer sisters from Hanover Park, Katie and Lizzie Hunt, both juniors, are showing their stuff.

“The Hunt sisters are good at handling the ball, driving and shooting, “ said senior Devon Flynn.

Unfortunately, due to a New Jersey state rule, the Hunt sisters had to sit out for 30 days. Once that

time has passed, “When they finally get the chance to play, I know that their presence will highly impact the success of the team,” Bregna said.

Along with the Hunt sisters, the girls basketball program has also gained new freshman players: Elizabeth Sengle, Theresa Green, Samantha Salazar, Jaime Sheppard, and Khole Diamantis.

With these new faces, the girls’ basketball program is able to field a ten-player junior varsity program. Having a JV program lets the younger players work on basic skills such as shooting and passing, before jumping into more high-pressure games.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball team has posted a record of 8-4 so far this year. Their biggest wins have come against Delbarton, Madison High School, and Dover High School. But they have faced adversity in their losses to Morristown High School and Hanover Park High School. The scoring drive has been dominated by senior Stephen Sangree, junior Chris Pooler, and senior Mark Aboyoun.

Two years ago, the Morristown-Beard Boys’ Basketball team made its mark in Morris County and in New Jersey as a whole. However, due to graduating seniors and losing some players to transfers, the Crimson were left without their star players, Chris Jenkins and Harrison Rosemond.

“We’re used to these types of misfortunes and we’ve never been ones to complain,” said captain Ben O’Connell, a senior.

The team faced a major rebuilding year in 2012-2013.

Last year’s starting five was comprised of Ben O’Connell, Mark Abouyon, Stephen “TheCannon” Sangree, Chris Pooler, and Matt McFadden.

They were inexperienced at the varsity level, but had a promising future, since not one of the starters was a senior. This season, all five starters returned for another season.

Despite retaining these experienced players, “We are still clearly viewed as an underdog in the county, and we are accepting the challenge,” O’Connell added.

The team also looks for help from senior Brandon “Taz” Babb, junior Matt Stark, and sophomores Pat Davis and Alex Motley. Babb will look to log big minutes and contribute solid performances as the team’s sixth man.

Two freshmen, Brian Monaghan and Mason Toye, also impressed Head Coach Ed Franz during tryouts, becoming first year varsity players. Monaghan and Toye may see some action, but also look to develop their skills for the years to come.

The Crimson headed into the season with a positive attitude, looking forward to their bigger games against teams like Delbarton and Chatham High School. O’Connell also mentioned the fact that the team is “big-game hunting” this year.

In practice, the players do not dwell on beating weaker teams like Dover High School and Whippany Park High School, but they work hard aiming to compete with teams like Delbarton, Chatham, Morristown High School, and Mt. Olive High School.

Photo: Benjamin Leigh

Senior Ben O’Connell (2) shoots a 3-pointer while Mark Aboyoun (25), Matt McFadden (10), and Chris Pooler (4) rush for the rebound during the January 15 game against Hanover Park. Hanover Park won 51-43.