The Courier 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 28, Issue 2- November 2019
What’s Next?
An insight on the exploration of life after high school. Pages 12-15
The Tower of Hanoi Mandan High School student Jaden Just breaks world record and makes plans for more. Page 10
From The Editors...
Welcome back, everybody, to our second issue of The Courier. Our advisor, the lovely Mrs. Cahoon, had a beautiful baby boy named Felix, so we have been on our own for the last month, and we are very proud of the work our staff has done to maintain the quality of the paper. Because we are a forever growing paper, both in staff and professionalism, it is important to us that we continue to gain more skills and knowledge. One way we can produce a better paper is by going to conventions throughout the year. This spring we will be going to Nashville, Tennessee for a national journalism competition. In Nashville, we hope to not only gain important knowledge to share with our staff, but also bond as staff. Thank you to anyone who has helped with any of our fundraisers and to anyone who will be helping with our future fundraisers. Any Courtney Entzi and Liberty Hurley, Co Editors-in-Chief, help from you guys makes all the difference. The convention may help us with the future of The Courier, but inside, you will be able to read about your future (Pages 12-15). Inside you’ll also find information on bullet proof backpacks, impeachment and much, much more.
Contents
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-15 Page16 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23
Letter from the Editors The Bell Diversity Is Here Athletes Need to Be Positive Role Models Calendar Impeachment Explained Flip Side Club Spotlight The Tower of Hanoi The Market Introduces Bulletproof Back What’s Next? Nutrition and Mental Health Athlete of the Month Sports Spotlight 15 Years on the Side Line Taking the Next Step Sports Roundup
Although many students struggle to find a path after high school, the counseling staff can be a great resource for help and information. Read Pages 12-15 For more information.
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Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Liberty Hurley...........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Courtney Entzi...........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Sports Editor Madi Just..............................................................News Editor Feature Editor Anne Kesler..................................................General Reporter Aspen Jewkes...............................................General Reporter Kelsie Hildebrand.........................................General Reporter Ryan Ulrich...................................................General Reporter Mayson Sheldon...........................................General Reporter
The Courier is a news/feature magazine that is published throughout the school year. As an open forum for student expression, all content online and in print is decided and moderated by student editors. The staff welcomes letters, articles, submissions, of any student, faculty, or community interest. Submissions may be turned into the Courier, room 221, and by message to mhscourier@gmail.com. All submissions must be signed by the author if they are to be published and subject to editing if space is restricted. The Courier strives to be objective in its news coverage. Columns and letters reflect only the opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier staff, administration, teachers, or student body. Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus of the staff. The Courier is funded entirely through advertising sales. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.
Photo by Courtney Entzi
November 2019
Opinion
Bell The
Body shaming; it needs to stop — Liberty Hurley, Co Editor-in-Chief
He’s so fat. She doesn’t even have a butt. Her cellulite is awful. He’s so scrawny and short. What kind of words are okay to say to someone? We never really know how something can affect a person’s life. Body shaming men and women for the way they were born creates an unwelcoming culture that turns into a vicious cycle. No one can move forward if they keep pushing others down. Everyone is entitled to dressing and using their body however they please, and it is not my job nor yours to tell someone how to be. The beauty of being a human is that you can be anyone you want, so take advantage of that and be proud of who you are. You are the only one who gets to decide how the world sees you. Know your worth, and know that others are worth just as much. It is okay to feel nervous about your body or your looks sometimes, but don’t let it take you over. I challenge those reading to take a few minutes and listen in the halls, listen to the derogatory names and soul breaking slurs. I want you to try and feel what those people are feeling. All it takes is a few seconds to understand the pain that you may cause. I have your back when it comes to stopping body shaming, will you have mine? Photo by Liberty Hurley
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November 2019
Feature
The more people come together and encourage diversity, the more cultural differences will be put aside.
Diversity Is Here 0
Photo taken by Aspen Jewkes
North Dakota’s growing ethnic population and the continuing problem of racism — Aspen Jewkes, General Reporter In today’s society many social issues are not talked about. Diversity, racism and prejudice in North Dakota are always overlooked and swept under the rug. Racism is still a very prominent thing happening in North Dakota. There has been a lot of issues with the use of racial slurs, and people are tending to think that it is okay to use them, but it is not okay. North Dakota is starting to become more diverse, and if we do not understand that, then we will not be with the times and it will only cause more conflict. People use racial slurs to be funny or to casually offend someone without it being as obvious, but if people do not use those words it stands out more than one may think. Most of the time we hear these racial slurs in popular songs, and then people feel like it is normal to say because it is just words in a song. There should not be a pass to use racial slurs because then people blame what they say on this so called permission, and they do not think it offends the person they are referring to. The ‘pass’ gives a person permission to call another person a name, but without a so called pass, it is just another name that people say to be mean. We need to start thinking about what we say before it comes out of our mouths because it hurts people even if someone might not think that it does. It is not okay, and it is not right to use this type of language. Instead of using derogatory nicknames when speaking with others, people need to uplift their peers with the words that they choose to use.
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North Dakota is becoming more diverse as the years go on, and people will keep getting offended by words that people choose to use, so we need to be careful with what we say. Although North Dakota is still 87.73% white, more people keep moving to North Dakota from across the world. North Dakota will eventually become a mixed state of many different races and religions. According to the Bismarck Tribune, “African and African-American, American Indian, and Latino populations doubled in the last 10 years.” With many different ethnicities and cultures being brought to North Dakota people are going to be able to experience different ways of living, and will get to learn more about different religions. A lot of kids do not get the chance to experience a different culture, or get to learn about different religions. Getting to experience different cultures, and getting to understand them is a very important part in today’s society. Many times people are very quick to judge, but if one is around different cultures and religions it is easier to accept people for who they are no matter where they come from. In order to fix this problem, people need to be mindful of the words they are using, and they need to be more open to new ideas. Being mindful of words and actions is something that takes time to completely understand, but if people do not adjust to the social changes that are arising it will cause a substantial problem in today’s society.
November 2019
Opinion
Athletes Need To Be Positive Role Models The influence of sports will urge new behaviors in one’s daily life — Kelsie Hildebrand, General Reporter Professional athletes have a great influence on young kids and teenagers that look up to them. Michael Oher, who was an inspirational offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, cared for himself during his childhood and survived his drug addicted mother, but on the other hand, O.J. Simpson, who was a running back for the San Francisco 49ers, served 33 years in prison after being convicted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend. Many young athletes have the potential to further their athletic career after high school and college by going into professional leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL etc. Professional athletes have a strong pull on many people’s behavior. “There are so many people that aspire to be like professional athletes,” junior athlete Elizabeth Felderman said. “They have so much influence on the way younger athletes play the game they love.” Doing steroids, throwing temper tantrums, self aggrandizement etc. are some examples of negative behavior often seen by professional athletes. If high school athletes follow in those footsteps, they could end up in bad situations all throughout their life. A positive role model works hard on and off the court, lifts others up and learns from mistakes without being unsportsmanlike. High school students need to work on encouraging good behaviors now while their reputaion is still new and fresh. “A professional athlete’s job is to provide a service of entertainment,” Head Baseball Coach Dewitt Mack said. “High school athletes should be competing to see how their skills and preparation compare to other athletes they are competing against.” Athletes in high school influence their peers because students are watching them all throughout the school day. Getting good grades, participating in class and strengthening their athletic skills can create a positive reputation.
Opinion
“I want the people younger than me to see that hard work pays off and to know that having fun on the court is better than just a win,” junior athlete Olivia Leingang said. “The most important aspects of a team sport is that the professional athletes should be promoting how to be a good teammate, give others credit and cheer each other on.” Players are not the only ones with the responsibility of promoting positive behavior. Coaches influence athletes and fans by being respectful and handling losses with sportsmanship. “This last year a parent paid me/my coaching staff one of the highest compliments,” Mack said. “He said that he has attended many high school athletics and he has never seen or heard the coaching staff swear or berate the athletes, which is the type of example I hope our athletes notice and follow.” In today’s society, sports teach life lessons and good morals since they are a part of everyones day to day life. “You will not always win everything in life, just like sports,” Head Girls Basketball Coach Abby Thomas said. “Being able to handle adversity is essential in life.” There are many professional athletes that have set good examples for high school students. Although there are negative influences seen by the stars on television, the positive influences have a much greater impact. “Naomi Osaka wins and loses graciously,” Felderman said. “Shawn White worked so hard to make his way to the top of the snowboarding world and never gives up even coming from a poor family and having a heart defect.” Athletes have a high role in todays society with high standards. Positive influences from said athletes can aid society in growing and shaping peoples values and morals into a more positive outlook.
All graphics by Kelsie Hildebrand
November 2019
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Courier Calendar November 2019
Clubs:
— Aspen Jewkes, General Reporter
Leadership: Nov. 18-22, Kindness Week Dec. 2-6, Children’s Advocacy Center Supply drive FCA: Breakfast every Friday @ 7:30 room 121 Choir: Dec. 9, performing @ 7 pm Band: Dec. 3, Concert @ 7:30 pm Dec. 5, Concert @ 7:30 pm Dec. 4, Sax & Percussion Solo & Ensemble Festival Dec. 10, Pep Band @ 7:30 Mathletes: Dec. 5, Math Meet @ University of Mary National Honor Society: Dec. 11, practice ACT with Sylvan Learning Center Dec. 2-6, practice ACT registration
Photo by Liberty Hurley
Lakyn Darras blocking a hit from a century player at a Mandan home game.
Sports: Football: Nov. 15, State @ Fargo Dome Girls’ Swimming/ Dive: Nov. 15- 16, State @ Bismarck Volleyball: Nov. 14-16, West Region @ Jamestown Nov. 21-23, State @ Fargo
Other : Photo by Ryan Ulrich
Nellie Masseth preparing for her frontward dive.
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Nov. 13, Picture retake in library @ 7:459:15am Nov. 11, Veterans Day (No School) Nov. 28-29, Thanksgiving Break
November 2019
News
Impeachment Explained:
A rundown of the impeachment process — Ryan Ulrich, General Reporter
On September 24th, 2019 Speaker of the United States House of House votes for impeachment, the matter then goes to the Senate. The Senate is then responsible for holding a trial which is Representatives Nancy Pelosi officially launched an impeachment overseen by the Chief Justice of the inquiry against President Trump. This United States. If there is a two-thirds vote resulted after the Trump-Ukraine from the Senate, then the President is scandal in which Trump asked the removed from office. Ukrainian President to investigate into The Constitution states that if an Presidential Candidate Joe Biden’s impeached president is convicted by son Hunter to allegedly hurt Biden’s the Senate of “treason, bribery, or other campaign. high crimes and misdemeanors,” he “The actions of the Trump or she should be removed from office. presidency revealed the dishonorable An important thing to know is that fact of the president’s betrayal of his oath of office, betrayal of our national there is not any hard and fast rules that security, and betrayal of the integrity constitutes a high crime or misdemeanor in the Constitution, and it is instead up to of our elections,” Pelosi said after launching the Impeachment Inquiry. Congress to define the terms. If the President is removed from office What raised the attention of this issue then the Vice President takes his place. was a Whistleblower complaint. A No president has been removed from whistleblower is a person who exposes office resulting from the impeachment secretive information or activity that process and only two presidents have is deemed illegal, unethical, or not been impeached (Andrew Johnson and correct within a private or public Bill Clinton). organization, the report was sent to An important thing to know is the the Senate and House Intelligence timing of when the impeachment inquiry committees by an unidentified CIA Photo sourced from whitehouse.gov officially launched. As Democrats could officer. President Trump during his visit to only have a little bit of over a year to try On September 25th, 2019 the White to impeach the president due it being the House officially released the transcript Mandan in the fall of 2017. last year of his first term as president. of the call which confirmed that he had As of writing this article, the House pushed Ukraine’s leader to investigate Joe Biden and his son. However, the Justice Department released of Representatives have officially passed a resolution laying of the impeachment process a statement on September 26th, 2019 that said that prosecutors the groundwork for the next phase Chart Title reviewed the referral about a possible campaign violation but 232-196. This now lays out the ground rules of the impeachment concluded that there was not a crime that was committed. inquiry. The process of impeachment, however, is not just a quick process. There are many things that have to happen before President Trump can actually become impeached. A common myth of impeachment is that many people think that it means the President’s removal from office. It actually means that the House of Representatives have found evidence of impeachable conduct and is sending the process to the Senate for a trial which could then lead to the president being removed. The first step, which has already happened, is an official inquiry opened in the House of Representatives. While various members can open investigations, only a panel made up of members known In a poll of 243 students, 39% (tan) as the Judiciary Committee is responsible for recommending the noTrump yesshould be think President articles of impeachment. If the Committee backs the impeachment articles, the matter impeached while 61% (green) think goes to the House of Representatives for a vote. If a majority of the he should not
39%
News
November 2019
61%
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ion
dit on E The dFlipside Shel
— Kelsie Hildebrand, General Reporter
All photos by Kelsie Hildebrand
“Morgan, she could beat all of us in every sport.”
Junior Mallory Sheldon
“I don’t want to be cocky but probably me.”
Sophomore Morgan Sheldon
“Chocolate pie.”
“I would have to say Morgan.”
“Morgan because she is qualified for state being so young.”
What is your favorite dessert?
Who has the most on their plate during Thanksgiving?
Freshman Mya Sheldon
Who is the best athlete?
“Scott, my brother, it is not any of the girls that is for sure.”
Teacher Todd Sheldon
“Mallory beause she inspires me to run the 400 at track meets.”
Senior Mayson Sheldon
How much time have you actually spent studying? “Not very often.” What was your first impresssion of high school? “Pretty fun and more open than middle school.”
Rylan Betchel
“Definitely Mayson, she is never full.”
“Mayson, she never gets full.”
“Morgan, she is a BIG eater.”
“Pretzel salad that my grandma makes every year.”
“Ice cream I guess.”
“Pumpkin pie with whipped cream.”
“Pecan pie.”
“Morgan.”
Noobs of the Month
Whats your favorite school lunch?
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How much time have you actually spent studying? “Not enough time.” What was your first impresssion of high school? “I think it’s overrated, people said it would be hard and it’s not that hard.” Whats your favorite school lunch?
“Popcorn chicken.”
Shayla Betchel Feature
“Popcorn chicken.” November 2019
Club Spotlight: Four Directions — Ryan Ulrich, General Reporter
Cultural diversity is something that is celebrated worldwide. the members of the Four Directions Club look for this club to help Here in Mandan, a brand new club is looking to do just that. The Four Directions Club is a student organization here in change some of the cultural stereotypes. “I hope being in this club will help break some of the stereotypes Mandan that celebrates in our school,” the diversity of students junior Reese Baker by sharing cultures, said. “I think this doing cultural activities, club will definitely listening to speakers from bring a lot of good the community, and just to our school.” hanging out. New to our As all clubs school, the intentions of look to leave starting the Four Directions impacts among its Club were clear from the members, the Four start. Directions Club is “There’s a lot of groups looking to do the in Mandan but a lot of same as well. Even them aren’t geared towards though the club is or designed for minority very new, early on students,” secondary its Advisors have advisor Robert Bird Horse already seen the said. “My biggest goal amount of impact with this is to get those Photo by Ryan Ulrich kids a platform to create Four Directions Club does a variety of activities like helping with the club can bring to its members some positivity and get the United Tribes Mascarade Pow Wow, helping with other clubs, through the club’s themselves out in the and many more activites that are decided on by the clubs members. variety of activities. community doing good “I think it’s going things.” to give them a lot This year is the very more confidence and different tools for them to be able to advocate first year of the Four Directions Club. However, when it came to for themselves with teachers and outside in the community,” Bird starting up the club, it took years before the idea turned into reality. Horse said. “I’m just hoping it opens up a lot of more positive “We’ve been looking over the last couple of years for something that would make some more connections with more students from doors for our kids.” Opening up positive door for its members is something that across the board,” Club Advisor Tamara Waters-Wheeler said. “We the Four Directions Club can bring. By opening its members to decided needed to do something and there were some initiatives in positive opportunities in the community and within their own Bismarck and other places that we decided to connect with.” culture, allows the members of the Four Directions Club to develop When it comes to any new club, there are always important goals many positive connections that the club’s advisors believe can go to look to accomplish in order to find growth and improvement in along way even after high school. the club. Even for a brand new club such as the Four Directions “I feel like this club has definitely provided the kids a safety net Club, the goals are looking to be life changing. “My biggest goal is to create a sense of belonging with these by getting them involved in volunteer work and other activities kids,” Bird Horse said. “The graduation rate amongst Native in the community,” Waters-Wheeler said. “You know schools are Americans isn’t the greatest so my long-term goal is to have all only going to be here until they graduate, so after that they need to have connections to the community and things to do within the the kids in our group eventually graduate.” While the advisor’s goals for the club look to leave life-changing community such as having some long term connections for work, impacts, some of the students goals have a different view. Some of leisure, and volunteer service. ”
Feature
November 2019
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The Tower of Hanoi
Breaking The Record
Mandan High school student, Jaden Just, has broken a World Record and plans to break more. It took him a lot of work, but with time and commitment he accomplished what some would call an impressive feat. — Liberty Hurley, Co Editor-in-Chief
What is the record that you broke?
“I broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to complete a six level tower of Hanoi puzzle. It is a puzzle made up of a board with three pegs in it and disks in ascending going from the smallest at the top to the biggest at the bottom. The objective is to get all the disks from one peg to the opposite peg on the other side and there are two stipulations; you can only pick up one disk at a time and a bigger disk can never be on top of a smaller disk.”
Do you get your picture in the Guinness World Record Book?
“It's a possibility but its a very small chance. Only one thousand records get into the book, so when you get a Guinness world record book that isn't all the records. All the records are on the website, but some of the records are in the book.”
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What did you do to prepare for the record?
“Originally I built one [a tower of Hanoi] and that took me a few days, and once I had made it I practiced and practiced for an hour every single day for two weeks. On the third day I finally beat the record for the first time and then by the fifth day I was consistently beating it and by the end of the two weeks I was consistently beating it by five seconds or more. When I did the record, I practiced one time before it and I got my personal best and then when I did the record that was my new personal best.”
Where do you hope this achievement brings you?
“The ultimate goal would be getting into the book. Again, in order to do that you have to stand out and I think one of the easiest ways to stand out is to break a ton of them at such a young age too.”
Getting a World Record has been a goal of Just’s for his whole life. In just 42.56 seconds he achieved that goal. Do you want to break any other records?
“I think I will. Some of them that I’m looking at are the fastest time to complete five kendama catches. The record is 45 seconds to complete five and the other one is the furthest distance to role a coin and I think that is around 75 feet. I have attempted it, but not officially and I have broken it a few times so I just need to make it official. I think at this point I have applied for 25 records.”
Who did you take the record from?
“I don’t quite know her name, but it was a six year old in Pakistan and she actually broke it twice. The first time was in a minute and twentysix seconds and the 55.45 seconds.”
What should students know about breaking a record?
“If you are interested in it, it is honestly not that hard. I would say go on the Guinness World Record site and look for something that interests you. A lot of those records, even the really intense ones, if you have the time and will power, you can break it. Just set aside a little bit of time and have the ability to say ‘I can do this.’”
What is your favorite part about getting this record?
“The one thing I love is that it is physical proof that you are the best in the world at something. Technically speaking, I am the best Tower of Hanoi solver in the world. It’s more of a personal thing. I have the proof to say that I am part of 0.002 percent of the world’s population.”
All photos and graphics by Liberty Hurley
November 2019
Feature
The Market Introduces Bulletproof Backpacks
A new school supply gets mixed reviews from students and faculty — Mayson Sheldon, General Reporter Imagine walking down the hall the first day of school and but there’s been a chunk that’s rifles. They won’t stop rifles. seeing someone with a backpack that looks a little too big and In order to get the rifle plates in there you’re looking at adding bulky. It is the first day of school, it cannot be homework or 20-30 pounds.” Although the thought of sending students to school with textbooks. Why does it look so much heavier than everyone shields that could protect them from deadly weapons seems else’s? Hearing about shootings in schools is becoming alarmingly unrealistic, it may become more prevalent very soon. “Sending your kid to school with a familiar to students in the American bulletproof backpack is telling them that school system. you think something bad could happen According to Roger Warburton, Ph.D. to them, but the way society is now, we “From 1840 up to this year, there were need to prepare kids even as young as 517 school shootings in which a total of five years old on what to do if there is 594 people were killed and 970 injured.” danger,” Bouche said. “School shootings have come to a point The psychological elements of carrying where they’re really bad,” sophomore around a bulletproof backpack may be Abby Lembcke said. “They shouldn’t more anxiety-ridden than sticking with a be happening in our society, but they are regular pack. getting worse.” “Just having that in the back of your They have gotten so frequent and mind,” Social Studies teacher Jason Salz realistic that companies have started said. “The fear aspect. Having bulletproof producing “school-shooter-proof” backpacks, to me, is just praying on school supplies, specifically, bulletproof public fear.” backpacks. Being sure of one’s own safety is a very “As society has more and more realistic want, but being overconfident violence, there’s going to be things like in protection also could possibly give that coming out,” Social Studies teacher students the wrong idea. Stephanie Bouche said. “Parents are “I’m afraid that bulletproof backpacks going to want to protect their kids.” might lull people into a false sense of However, the new-to-the-market school security,” Bouche said. supply may not be as realistic to students Bulletproof backpacks being introduced as companies think. the market have made many question “I think ALICE training has more their trust in society and to some, the benefits to us than a bulletproof backpack backpacks do not even have a valid would,” senior Jenna Thompson said. reason to be on the market. Along with the doubt students have “If we do a better job with mental health in them, the backpacks may not be as screenings, if we take social media threats revolutionary protective as the companies a little more seriously, if students take an producing them may think. active role that if there is a troubled friend “The majority of the backpacks out or person or person that just doesn’t seem there are only rated for handgun use, right and some of the things that are not rifle use, and what we’ve seen in a Bulletproof backpacks may coming out of their mouth is not socially lot of shootings is not just handguns,” appear similar to regular okay, then I think if we do our part as a School Resource Officer Michael Breid backpacks but they hide a secret society we won’t need this because we’d said. “There has been a handful that have protective layer. be able to stop it before it happens,” Salz been with handguns in mass shootings said. Photo by Mayson Sheldon
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November 2019
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What’s N Contents
• Job Shadowing • Military • College
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November 2019
Feature
Next?
Options for students after high school Teenagers wake up and stumble through their morning routine. They start their cars and head out for school without even eating breakfast sometimes. Sitting in class for up to eight hours, but many students work a part time job right after school gets out. Being a high schooler is very underrated because it takes commitment and hard work. Transitioning from high school to adult life can be even more difficult. There are many paths a student can take after high school. The workforce is one path that students can jump into right after graduation without any additional training. College is a common path many students take. Earning a degree opens up a wide variety of jobs that require specific training and taking the step towards college can be started in high school. For students wanting to find a way to help pay for their education or are just looking for another career option the military is avaliable. It is a great opportunity to help pay for college or just join for the pride of serving your country. Deciding what to do after college can be a difficult task for many students but their are many options avalible and the high school staff and resources are a good source to help you find these options.
If you are seeking more information on the topics discusssed... Call local businesses and companies or pay a visit to the school counselors for help making contacts and advice for job shadowing and entering the workforce.
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Call or text SSG Kyle S. Emmel at 701-471-1440 or email at kyle.s.emmel.mil@mail.mil with the national guard or talk to the school counselors.
November 2019
Contct collge admissions counselors, local banks like BNC, the school website and the school counselors for questions on college and college planning.
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Photo by Courtney Entzi
The counseling office can be a great resourse for information on options after high school, like this North Dakota University Guide.
Job Shadowing — Kelsie Hildebrand, General Reporter Preparing for life after high school is a long and painful process. Many students will skip the whole “college thing” and get a job. “I think that students are limited to what they can do after high school with no training,” Mandan High School Counselor Alyssa Caya said. “It would be easy for them to have a job but for that to be their career I think it would be harder.” There is a variety of issues why people skip college like money, preconceived notions and uncertainty. “I think they get nervous of the word ‘college’ and for a lot of students it’s doesn’t
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have to be the four years of college,” Caya said. “It might just be where I’m going to get a certificate and training, working on my skills and figuring out what I want to do for my job and that’s it.” It is no secret that college is expensive so applying for scholarships, FAFSA and loans are great ways to help one pay for college. “If that is a fear, they need to ask more questions and find out what is available,” Caya said. Graduating seniors may not be ready for college, so taking a year off is a suitable option. “If you are the type of student that gets good grades, good attendance and their work in on time, you probably will get back there,” Caya said. “It's not always the best choice because maybe they start working and earning money.” According to the Institute of Education Sciences, 30 percent of undergraduates who declare a major in an associate's or bachelor’s degree, change their major at least once within 3 years of initial enrollment. It is difficult to establish a career when one is only 16, 17 or 18 years old. “It is hard to say this is what i'm going to do for the next 40 years of my life because it doesn't always happen that way,” Caya said. Uncertainty can be overcome by opportunities such as job shadowing. One may need to step out of their comfort zone and reach out to local businesses. “The best way is just by calling or if you know anybody like a family member or anybody that your parents might know,” senior Bailey Schock said. “Most of the people are very good with it and they want you to come in and experience it before you go to school.” If you are too shy to call out, Mandan High School does get involved with a job shadowing week through the Bismarck Mandan Development Association for juniors, seniors and college age students. “Students go in and pick what they want to do, what time they want to go and where they want to go,” Caya said. “Hopefully that will be coming up again in February.” November 2019
Job shadowing is one of the best ways to ask questions like where did you go to get your education, what classes did you take in high school and college and how long did it take you to get your degree. “It opened up my eyes,” Schock said. “I thought it would be very boring and repetitive but they are doing a lot more than what you look at on the outside.” “You can see what they do on a typical day,” Caya said. “I think getting into the ‘trenches’ is one of the best ways to really see if that's for you.” The counseling office is a great tool to use in order for help reaching out and learning more about the process. “If students are unsure and need more assistance that help them look at different careers or if they want help setting up a job shadow, although it would be on their time, don't be afraid to come in and ask us” Caya said. “I think just being open and asking questions is a good start.”
Military — Courtney Entzi, Co Editor-in-Chief Students pursue careers in the military for many reasons. Whether it is a family legacy, a personal passion, or finding a way to combat student debt, taking the military path is an accessible option for high school students. One area of the military is the National Guard. “The first step to become involved with the National Guard is to, of course reach out to myself or any recruiters that they may know,” Recruiter Kyle Emmel said. “I want to know where you want to go and what your plans are as of right now. I am going to help build a plan based on what you want and help you get there.” Joining the military can be highly beneficial for students looking for something after high school. There are both monetary and non-monetary forms of benefits. “First and foremost is that you can serve in the United States military you could put on the uniform and you say that you are serving the country, and you can have job training,” Emmel said. “It is not just job training in the aspect of like technical job training you know like you can learn to do a trade and this or that but in a short
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amount of time you get a tremendous amount of work experience.” The experience you can gain from the military helps develop strong skills that can be transferred over to other employment opportunities. You are going to go from a high school student to a very experienced, potentially a leader, in a short amount of time, which you can then take into the civilian job market and you can present yourself and say I have a plethora of abilities, I know how to work with people, I know how to solve conflict, I know how to accomplish the mission and potentially, I know how to lead people in doing so,” Emmel said. Joining the military can also provide schooling opportunities. “With monetary, I want to let people know when there's a free opportunity to gain a four-year education where tuition is paid 100%. It's a full ride scholarship if you're a member of the national guard and of course education that's my passion,” Emmel said. “On top of that you receive about $1,000 a month just to live on as a full time student. Additionally you'll get paid every month for one weekend you get paid $50 to upwards of $300 as a starting a soldier for drill for one weekend so pretty decent income for one weekend.” Some students worry about the commitment and challenge joining the military can create but Emmel wants students not to worry. “Hundred and Thousands potentially millions of people have came before you. It's absolutely accomplishable. It's awful, it's designed to be awful, and it's there for a purpose, but generations of people have done it before you and generations are going to do it after you, it's not that hard,” Emmel said. “I have a favorite quote and I don't know who said it but, I always say nothing worthwhile comes easy if it truly is worthwhile, if it it truly has lifechanging benefits to offer, it probably shouldn’t be easy.
College — Madi Just, Feature and News Editor For many students at Mandan High School, college is their next big step. It is their next stepping stone into adult life and their future. A large majority of students choose the college path at Mandan. When you look at the choice ready wall outside of the counseling office at the end of the year, the pictures lean heavily to the college side of things. “I want to be able to have a good job,” future college student and senior Kenzie Prochnow said. “In today’s society a lot of jobs require you to have a college degree.” College can be a hard thing to think about. There are so many options on where to go, what major to choose, whether or not to choose a minor, the cost and much more. Students can easily get overwhelmed when trying to decide their next step. “You don’t know what your getting into,” History and AVID teacher Megan Schaff said. “I feel like a lot of students feel like they need to know where they want to go and what they want to go into and what I want to do for the rest of my life so I don’t waste my money. There is nothing wrong with taking some time to figure it out.” Some teachers have been working on reducing the stress associated with college by doing things like group work or focus notes. “It’s important for students to realize that part of their learning needs to come from them in college,” Schaff said. “They need to learn how to take initiative in their own learning.”
some students say that the only way to decide whether or not the school is right for you is by visiting the campus. “A college tour really helped me make my decision,” Prochnow said. “If you don’t go to the actual campus and get to know the actual atmosphere and you just chose a college based off of what you’ve done research on then how do you know that your going to like it.” After students decide where to go and throw their graduation caps into the air, the tough part starts. Students move away and have to start life on their own. “I’m definitely nervous about being on my own,” Prochnow said. “It’s just going to be me and any friends I meet out there. It makes me very nervous.” The college world is very different from high school, but Mandan does offer some classes to try and help ease that burden. “I really think that the personal finance class we took will help me [in college],” Prochnow said. Luckily, not all changes made in college are bad or difficult. “College is stressful, however, I enjoy the independence,” Mandan High School graduate Lexi Radke said. “It really is a ton of fun.” Radke does caution that college can get busy though. “College gets very busy very fast, so make sure to take care of yourself,” Radke said. “Your professors aren’t going to care whether or not you show up to class or get your assignments done, so be ready for that.” Being prepared is very important when choosing the college path, but it can be a gateway to a prosperous career and a successful life.
The school has tried to offer other additional resources like a college planning guide and events such as lunch with a college admissions counselor. These events are supposed to make it easier to choose the college, but
The first step to college life for many students is filling out applications at the colleges of their choice.
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Photo by Madi Just
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Nutrition and Mental Health Eating to sustain a healthy body and mind through good nutrition
— Aspen Jewkes, General Reporter Some students feel run down throughout their day, and it may be because of what they eat. Although some people may think that eating junk food, and foods that do not fuel ones brain is okay all of the time, it is not. Studies have proven what someone eats throughout the day determines one’s mood, and the way that one’s brain functions. According to Medical News Today, “the brain is an energy-intensive organ, using around 20 percent of the body’s calories, so it needs plenty of good fuel to maintain concentration throughout the day.” People need to make sure that they are getting enough calories in a day, so that their bodies can function properly without getting to the point of getting a sugar crash. According to Mental Help, “teenage girls should be getting roughly 2,400 calories in a day, and teenage boys should get 2,600 calories in a day.” There are many specific foods to benefit someone throughout their day. According to Healthline, “adding protein to your meals can help slow the absorption of carbohydrates in your blood and increase the release of dopamine and nor-epinephrine, which may improve your mood and energy for several hours after eating.” When one fuels their brain with healthy food, the brain is then stimulated, which makes it work better with more efficiency. Not only does fueling the brain and body makes a big impact on the way that one feels throughout the day, but it also impacts physical activity. “Eating gives me energy for school and running, and I feel that if you eat nutritious and fueling foods you will feel better,” senior Kelby Rinas said. Eating right while in physical activities is very important because eating a well balanced diet and eating before and right after working out helps to replenish the muscles that are being built. “I eat carbs before a workout or competition, and right after I’m done I eat protein, such as almonds, to make sure I have a good recovery,” Rinas said. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress — the “waste” (free radicals) produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells.” Diet plays a huge factor on one’s mental health in the long run and from ones day to day life. According to WebMD, “the risk of depression increases about 80% when you compare teens with the lowest-quality diet, or what we call the Western diet, to those who eat a higher-quality, whole-foods diet.” Although one might not want to follow a strict diet, it is important to regulate the foods that you eat in order to live a happy and healthy life.
Photo by Kelby Rinas
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Radishes help with the transfer of oxygen through your blood
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Cherries help with exercise recovery • Apples can help fight asthma November 2019
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Eating cucumbers can help one to stay hydrated
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Athletes of the Month September — Courtney Entzi, Co Editor-in-Chief
Mayson Sheldon
Girls’ Swim and Dive What is something your coach loves to yell at you? “Kick your feet!” Whose mom cheers the loudest? “Mine, hands down.” What is your pre game ritual? “Having a good warm up and super loud team cheers.” Photo submitted by Mayson Sheldon
Senior Mayson Sheldon dives into the water during her senior night dual against Fargo South.
Jaxon Duttenhefer Boys’ Football Who is your team mom? “Danek Vega, because he sends the schedule for the week to everybody.” Whose mom cheers the loudest? “Cole Graner’s mom with the cowbell.” What is your pre game ritual? Photo by Mayson Sheldon
“Subway, followed by 70’s music.”
Junior Jaxon Duttenhefer tackles a Dickinson player during the homecoming game.
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November 2019
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Sports Spotlight Mandan Volleyball
— Anne Kesler, General Reporter regardless of grade level. With the ball from basketball and the net from tennis, William The girls on the team support each other on and off the court G. Morgan invented a sport that is now the fifth most popular regardless of how the game happened to go the night before. As team sport in the world. The use of hands and the ability to play athletes most know some games can become very tense which can off the wall and overhangs was borrowed from handball and result in unintentional conflicts. from baseball he took the concept of innings. “Outside of volleyball we all hang out and talk so it just makes Volleyball is a sport made of many sports for many people. chemistry on the court that much better,” said senior varsity Mandan High first introduced volleyball in the 1980’s and the volleyball player Taylor Fix. sport has continued to grow all the way up into this years 2019 Teamwork comes from all areas of the team not just one. Working season. together is a life skill the players will need the The volleyball team has rest of their lives and practicing it had a great season with now will make it that much easier in a 12-4 win-loss record the future. and playing their way “I think teamwork comes from into WDA as the 4th everyone whether you play all the place seed. The girls are way around or sit on the bench,” planning to give it their said senior varsity player Taylor all and make it into the Fix. “Talking and encouraging state tournament. teammates contributes to good team “I’m pleased with the work” way we’ve been playing, Scavenger hunts, TikToks, but I think our best is nonvolleyball team challenges, yet to come,” said Head helping with middle school and Varsity Volleyball Coach freshmen practices, and hosting Anna Folk. “I think lots of team meals are some of the we’ll be peaking in the ways the girls keep in touch with next couple weeks at each other throughout the season. tournament time.” At these team meals the girls get an Folk began coaching insight into some of their teammates Club Volleyball in 2006 personalities. while still in college and “They’re goofy and fun to be with has been the head coach and play with,” said senior varsity for the Braves for a total player Lakyn Darras. of 8 years. Through the Photo by Anne Kesler The overall goal for the group of years Folk and the other girls is to make it to state and at the volleyball coaches have preached to their players to be competitive Rylee Hoesel tips the ball at the Mandan senior end of the day to just have fun. Afterall, night volleyball game against Jamestown. for most high school athletes, that last with every drill, play or game and senior game with teammates that have build up teammates when they need been there since the beginning will be the extra motivation. the last for the rest of a lifetime. “Work to get better everyday, give 100% of yourself to “No matter what we are there for each other,” said senior varsity everything you do,” said Folk. volleyball player Rylee Hoesel. The team has a really nice mix of experienced varsity players and young talent. Every player tries to make each other better
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15 Years on the Sidelines
The coaches that have stuck with Mandan for over 15 years
A coach is one of the most important aspects of a team. They drive and push their athletes to be the best that they can be and put up with blood, sweat and tears throughout it all. Mandan has had a few coaches make that commitment for a large chunk of their careers. They have helped shape the history of Mandan athletics and have impacted the lives of hundreds of student athletes. — Madi Just, Feature and News Editor
All photos by Madi Just
Ralph Manley 34 years at Mandan Swim and Dive
What is a lesson you have learned while coaching?
What is your favorite thing about coaching? “The relationships with the athletes and to watch them become a better person overall.”
“The kids.”
“Be ready for the unexpected.”
What made you want to become a coach? I was involved in athletics and my parents were coaches. I really enjoyed being around that. I had some great mentors as coaches in other sports and it gave me that interest to get my feet wet.”
“Stay patient and be flexible.”
Claudia Shoellkopf 17 years at Mandan Swim and Dive
Dewitt Mack 20 years at Mandan Baseball and Hockey
“I like being around kids, and I like sharing my knowledge or “Look and dwell on the positives and work on, the game with athletes. I love the competition, I get the same but just don’t focus on the negatives.” adrenaline rush as a coach as I did when I played. “
“Character building.” Dean RalphJohs Manley 15 40years yearsatatMandan Mandan Golf Swim and Dive
James Gustafson 25 years at Mandan Football and Baseball
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“Patience.”
“I didn’t [want to be a coach]. I went to a swim meet and got roped into it by a Fargo Shanley coach.” “When I was 14, we didn’t have anyone to coach the young kids in baseball, so I volunteered for a summer and I loved having fun with the kids.”
“The love for the sport that I was coaching.”
“Everybody’s different and “When I was in high you haveto coach them school, I had good coaches “Getting kids to do things different. But at the same and i also worked at a pool that they didn’t think that time, if you hold kids to a where I taught swimming they could do and getting to certain standard they’ll meet lessons so I kinda engoyed know them at a deeper level.” that and if if you allow things teaching kids how to do to slide things will slide.” physical things. “ November 2019
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Taking the Next Step
Following along the recruiting journey of four student-athletes from Mandan High — Mayson Sheldon, General Reporter Many athletes dream of one day competing at the next level. Four student-athletes from Mandan High are turning their dreams into reality by taking the next step in their careers and participating in college athletics. The recruiting process can be confusing to some, but these athletes were able to learn a lot through theirs. “I first started getting recruited my junior year,” senior football player Dane Carlson said. “I was first contacted through email, Twitter DMs and texts. As recruitment progressed, I received letters and phone calls from coaches.” Starting to think about college early can be scary, let alone doing college and athletics at the same time, but these student athletes used their new found opportunity to their advantage. “Knowing that you’re getting recruited changes your seriousness and work time that you put into a sport,” senior football player Elijah Klein said. “It also changes your choices about staying away from bad influences.” Being looked at by colleges for sports and academics can give student-athletes some anxiety, but Carlson rarely felt a change. “Finding out that I was being recruited was cool but it didn’t change anything from my point of view,” Carlson said. “Football is football whether you have ten division one offers or you aren’t being talked to by a single coach. However, it definitely made me work harder knowing people were looking at me.” Looking at colleges is more than just numbers on a screen or mass-sent letters in the mail. Coaches are also not just emails and phone calls. The campus is a big element to many future college students life along with the coaching staff and possible future teammates. Trying to picture oneself in a completely new environment for the next four years is difficult, so these athletes took official and unofficial visits to get a feel for campus and possibly their future peers. According to NCAA.org, “Any visit to a college campus by a college-bound student-athlete or his or her parents paid for by the
Photo by Mayson Sheldon
college is an official visit. Visits paid for by college-bound student athletes or their parents are unofficial visits.” “It’s nice to go see the campus and get a feel for everything, especially if you go during the school day and get to see students there,” senior basketball player Jaxton Wiest said. Some college athletes go into these visits open-minded and curious, but others go in knowing exactly what they want. “Some elements I look for in a college are the size, division, location, scholarship opportunities and education offered,” Carlson said. Meeting the coaching staff and team in person for the first time can be nerve-racking. The athletes, most of the time, have just communicated over phone or email, so it is a new point of view being able to see and talk to a coach in person. “I wanted a coach that felt like family and was interested in me as a person and not just an athlete,” senior basketball player Lakyn Darras said. The coaching staff will be a major part of athlete’s lives for the next four years but the athletes could not forget the people who helped them get there. Having a solid support system can help a future college student, athlete or not, tremendously. “My parents, Coach Sheldon and my teammates who are also being recruited worked through the process with me,” Carlson said. With all of the help along the way combined with their own personal experiences, Dane Carlson and Elijah Klein have some final advice for current college athlete recruits. “My advice to anyone who wants to compete at the college level is to attend as many visits, camps, and games as you can from a variety of schools,” Carlson said. “If you know for sure you do not want to go to a school then let them know so they don’t have to waste their time and yours trying to recruit you.” “Live it out,” Klein said. “It’s a fun time in your life and soak in all the knowledge that the different college coaches give you because it is very necessary and helpful.”
“[It is important to] be willing to put in hard work and compete every day and work hard to be a leader on and off the court,” Darras said.
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Sports Roundup — Anne Kesler, General Reporter
Cheerleading The cheerleading team is hoping to place in multiple divisions at competition and to also continue to grow their program for the upcoming season. “We bring in new mini camps each year to help provide the team with new experiences that we can use during the season,” said Head Cheerleading Coach Courtney Pierce. This year the Fall competition is November 16 in Fargo and Winter Competition is March 21 in Bismarck. The team will be competing in both Fall and Winter competitions and hope to obtain titles in multiple divisions. “I think we have the team and skills to place in multiple divisions. We have an experienced team that know what they need to do to accomplish these goals,” said Pierce. The team has had to adjust to the loss of teammates and seniors that have previously graduated within the last year. However, there are new girls to fill those spots along with four remaining seniors. “I think our four seniors have really stepped up to be good leaders and help the newer people on the team learn,” said Senior Cheerleading Captain Kaya Gayette.
Players celebrating a goal at a Mandan vs. Jamestown girls’ hockey game.
Photo by Dante Daniel
Photo by Courtney Entzi.
Cheerleaders spreading school spirit at a Mandan basketball game vs. Century
Boys’ Basketball The boys’ basketball team will be heading into the beginning of their season focusing on their short term goals that will lead them to accomplishing their long term goals. “We feel if we can get better everyday, we will be where we need to be at the end of the season,” said Mandan High Varsity Basketball coach Brandon Schafer. The team plans to improve and work hard everyday in order to hopefully make it in the top four in the WDA, compete for a WDA Championship, and ultimately get back to the state tournament and compete for a state title. “It is so important that every member of the team buys into the team and supports each other through everything we will go through,” said Schafer. “We need to be positive and be willing to do whatever it takes in order to help the team get better and win.”
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November 2019
Boys’ Hockey
Last year, the boys’ hockey team qualified for state making it the sixth time in Mandan High history. This year the team’s goal is to keep building their success and carry that momentum into the first practice of the season. The team has been working hard in the pre season by practicing, weight training and skating, twice a week since June. “Had a great group of seniors graduate last year,” said Mandan boys’ hockey coach Leif Mattson. “The nice thing the team did over the summer to fill the void was continue to train in the weight room and on the ice.” Seniors on the team this year are Carter Berger, Nate Lillis, Josh Moe, Parker Zander, Colby Kramer, Ryan Blowers, Sam Peterson, Justus Sayler, and Jordan Arenz.
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Wrestling
Girls’ Hockey In the upcoming girls’ hockey season, the team is hoping to qualify for state and win more games throughout the season. Not only is the game itself a big part of what the girls want to work on but also their team bonding. “Some goals for this upcoming hockey season are working together as a team both on and off the ice, building up our team confidence, winning games and making it to state,” said Senior Girls’ Hockey Player Justyne melhoff. The team has been working hard in the preseason by lifting weights three days a week, holding a captains practice, and participating in yoga. Team bonding to build the teams chemistry has also been one of the most important things being practiced in the off season.
Boys’ Swim
The wrestling team will welcome their new coach, Tyler Steinwand, in the upcoming season. Many goals are to be accomplished by the boys this year in order to place at the state tournament as a team and individually. “As a team we are looking to get better in all areas’” said Senior Wrestler William Kleinknecht. The team is hoping the freshman will be able to step up and help fill the spots that have been left by the graduated wrestlers. As for the seniors, state place winners Konnor Nelson, Seth Berg and William Kleinknecht will help guide their team into victory for the 2019-20 season.
Jaxton Weist going in for the basket at a Mandan vs. Bismarck boys’ basketball game.
Last Season, the Boys’ Swim and Dive team finished 3rd at WDA and 6th at the State Championships With Johnny Mindt winning his 3rd State Title. “This Season we hope to improve on WDA and state placing and increase the number of athletes on the team,” said Mandan Boys’ swim and dive coach Ralph Manley. There are several state placers returning to the team this season: Ryan Bergman, Eric Lafleur and Diver Wyatt Hermanson. The team is also welcoming an exchange student Javier Aguero Montero who will add to the teams athleticism. “[Our goal is to] stay healthy, get everyone qualified for state and place top 3 at WDA and state.” said Manley. Photo by Anne Kesler
Photo by Anne Kesler
Konnor Nelson taking on Preston Fettig at a Mandan vs. Bismarck wrestling dual.
Girls’ Basketball Girls’ basketball will be heading into their season with a lot of open spots to fill. “We’re looking for that “next man up” to continue to push this team even farther,” said Mandan varsity Girls’ Basketball coach Abby Thomas. Although the team lost some of their star athletes from graduation, there are more players coming up that will bring on the same energy. “We have a lot of great returning players from last year,” said Thomas. “Lakyn Darras is a returning all-conference player.” For right now the teams goal is to make it back to state, win the first round game and get the chance to push their way into the championship game. The team has been attending open gyms in the morning before and traveled to different camps together throughout the summer.
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Gymnastics The Gymnastics teams’ top goal for the upcoming season is to qualify into the state tournament as a team for the first time since gymnastics was reinstated at MHS in 2012. “[Making it to state] could be a tall order with some of the setbacks we are experiencing,” said Varsity Gymnastics Coach Amanda Lantz. “But the girls still seem determined.” The team is also hoping to increase their team scoring average by at least three points compared to last season. By keeping their new practice routine from the previous year and achieving multiple minigoals the girls set for themselves, this goal can be accomplished. “We are beginning our second year of a new practice format that seems to be providing our gymnasts with the strength and confidence to try more difficult skills, which is very encouraging,” said Lantz. The girls hovered around 9th place for over half of last year and are shooting to finish in at least 8th place this season. They will be expecting some great leadership from Kendal and Jericah to guide our team to state. November 2019
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