905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND
The
MHS
Courier
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Volume 25, Issue 5
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April 2017
PICTURED ON RIGHT: The team, Blizzard Blenders, was able to win the championship powderpuff volleyball game. This was part of the fundraiser to raise money for blood cancer research. FRONT PAGE: Photo by Shantel Jangula See Pages 12-13 for more information about the Front Page picture.
Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Gabrielle Wolf.....................................Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Casey Beck.............................................Sports Editor Kaelan Reedy...........................................News Editor Brenna Hammer....................................Feature Editor Shantel Jangula...............................Business Manager Olivia Borchers................................General Reporter Hannah Ravnaas...............................General Reporter Maiya Fleck.....................................General Reporter Owen Piehl.......................................General Reporter Savanna Hagerott.............................General Reporter Kaycee Fry.......................................General Reporter Hannah Sagaser...............................................Adviser
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 or facebook.com/ mhscourier. 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 and subscriptions. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.
Sports injuries
The student section
Promposal competition
Body positivity
Calendar
Vegan in a small town
Courier staff recommends
A Peek Inside...
Flipside
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N Y or ay A Y
Ed/ Op 3
Should teachers be allowed to carry firearms in school? SHANTEL JANGULA Business Manager
The 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting prompted discussion on whether teachers should be allowed to carry firearms on school grounds. Since 2013, there have been more than 200 school shootings, leaving 124 students injured and 54 students with fatal wounds. We looked to the student body to justify the point and counter-point of the topic: Should teachers be allowed to carry firearms in school?
YAY
Nay Yes 23.9% No 76.1%
Lucas Geiger
Believes that teachers should be allowed to have firearms in school “Random acts of violence are a very real threat in today's society, at that; I do believe, that with the proper training and equipment, select and well vetted staff members should be able to carry firearms on the premises. For those worried that your teachers will look like soldiers greeting you in the hall, fear not. Firearms can be carried, yet hidden away on them in a secure and nonprovocative manner. Regardless of your stance on guns, they are the best defense against other guns. If such a tragedy, as Columbine, did come to Mandan High School, what would you rather have? A pile of dead or wounded friends, with the police on the way, or everyone safe except for the perpetrators? I know how selfless many of our teachers are. I know that they are willing to stand in front of bullets for us. Why not give them as well as ourselves, a fighting chance? I am in favor of that very chance, that may save innocent lives.”
A poll given to 46 teachers reveals that 76.1% of teachers would not feel comfortable carrying a firearm in school with proper training.
No opinion 5.8% No 23.4% Yes 70.8%
A poll given to 324 students, grades 9-12, reveals that students favor allowing teachers to have firearms in case of an emergency.
Lizi Leingang
Believes that teachers should not be allowed to have firearms in school “Are teachers psychologically stable to carry a gun? Many argue that teachers would not be mentally and emotionally steady enough to undertake such an important and intense duty. Teachers would be asked to take on a different role than they are meant to. They [teachers] are supposed to be mentors and educators. Learning how to control firearms and then carrying them in school are completely contrasting tasks. A teacher could lose control just as easy as a student could. In addition to that, to put it bluntly, guns assist killers in killing people. By providing more firearms in school, it would only lead to more danger. I do not like the idea of firearms in school.”
Captain Snodgrass
Freshman Ryan Roseberger
The worst is anything that ends in “Man.”
The worst superhero name would be “Mr. Slightly Smaller Than Usual.”
Danek Vega
If you could change one thing about the school, what would it be? Definitely the fact that everyone is either a cowboy or an athlete. We need more nerds in this school.
What is your favorite part of high school so far? Meeting new people and feeling accepted.
*Each month the Courier will feature one male and one female student to be the noobs of the month. Noobs are randomly chosen by staff.*
If you could change one thing about the school, what would it be? Probably switching out the stairs for an escalator or changing the school to one floor... either or I’d be happy.
Mental ability to will students to do their assignments, because it would be cool. Students would be powerless to my commands.
Being afraid of the dark.
Arm Fall off Boy.
Math Teacher Mr. Gustavson
Rylee Stotz
All graphics done by Olivia Borchers and Hannah Ravnaas
Whatever Hawkeye has. With that accuracy, I might have done better on the ACT’s.
A rock… made only on your home planet… Come on Superman! Pull yourself together!
The worst name would be Procrastination Man. He’ll help you eventually...
Senior KayCee Schulz
General Reporter
HANNAH RAVNAAS
How big is your freshpack? Bigger than Landrey Yantzer’s ego.
I’d have the ability of telekinesis because you’d be able to fly and throw stuff at people.
Noobs of the Month
I would have the superpower of going wherever I want, whenever I want and be able to survive there.
How big is your freshpack? Considering I never go to my locker, pretty large.
The smartest person in the world, so I could create pills with the ability to give me more powers.
What is your favorite part of high school so far? My favorite part of high school is that the weight room is right outside the door, so much easier to make gainz.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
or lactose.
Air. Straight up air.
Junior Isaac Watson
Sophomore Ashlin Schaefbauer
I think the most ridiculous What would be the most Not being able to laugh at their weakness a superhero could ridiculous weakness a have would be weakened by own puns. superhero could have? something common like cats
What would the worst superhero name be?
o r e h er p u S ition ed
The Flipside
Ed/ Op 5
The Pros and Cons of BRENNA HAMMER Feature Editor
AP DC
classes
In the 2017-2018 school year, Mandan High will be offering new advanced placement and dual credit classes. Among the college classes offered are Multi Media, Spreadsheets, Word Processing, Speech, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, AP US History, AP Calculus , College Algebra, Probability and Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Latin 4. As students make their schedules, many are conflicted as to whether or not they should take these classes. The following chart is designed to help these students in their decision making process by listing the pros and cons of taking AP/DC classes.
PROS *You do not have to take the class in college
The most obvious reason for taking college classes in high school is so that you don’t have to take them in college. Being able to take college classes in high school gives students a great opportunity and chance to get ahead in their schooling. However, it is important to make sure that the course you take will transfer credits to the college you wish to attend. For help with this, talk to the school counselors. Even if the class you take doesn’t transfer, it will still likely make the course easier in college, as you will already know a lot of the information.
CONS *Difficulty
Generally speaking, AP and Dual Credit classes are harder than regular high school classes. This is because they are taught as a college class which is more advanced than high school. For this reason, it is not recommended to take AP/DC classes in a subject that you do not excel in. However, if you are good at a subject or find it “too easy” this can be seen as a pro and an opportunity to advance your education.
*More Homework
This one can be a little misleading. In regular high school classes, quarter tests are required for all students and semester tests are required for some students. In AP and Dual Credit classes, however, these are replaced with mid-term and final exams. One can generally not opt out of these tests, but some will argue that it is nice to have to take two big tests a year rather than four to six.
AP and Dual Credit classes do not necessarily give more homework, but usually give less time to work on assignments in class. This means that homework actually has to be brought home, unlike many regular classes where work can be completed or almost completed in class. However, some AP/DC classes , such as AP US History, really don’t give much homework. While this seems wonderful on the surface, it makes it hard to check your progress and understanding before testing, which can make tests more difficult.
*Prepares you for college
*Tuition
*5.00 grade scale
*Lecture-based
*No semester or quarter tests
Perhaps the biggest benefit of taking AP and Dual Credit classes is the preparation for college. These classes give you an idea of what it will be like to be a part of the college atmosphere. While there are many differences between taking college classes in high school and actually going to college, AP and Dual Credit classes help set the tone for the rest of your high school and college career.
AP and Dual Credit classes run on a 5.00 grade scale as opposed to regular classes, which run on a 4.00 grade scale. Basically, this means that even if you get a B in and AP/DC class, your GPA can still be maintained at a 4.00. Also, if you play your cards right and get good grades in all your classes, you can graduate with a GPA above a 4.00, which looks great on college, job, and scholarship applications.
Since they are college classes, AP and Dual Credit classes are not free. It will generally cost you around $200 to take one of these classes. This can seem like a hefty price to pay, but it is much cheaper than you would have to pay for it in college. However, if you do not do well in the class or pass the AP test, you will have to pay for the class again in college to get the credit.
If you enjoy taking notes and listening to your teacher lecture, then this can be a pro. However, most students do not prefer sitting, listening, and taking notes. This is what AP and Dual Credit classes generally consist of. Some students struggle to pay attention to a 45 minute lecture everyday and have a hard time retaining information. Lecture-based classes can also make class seem a lot longer than 45 minutes. However, many teachers will open the lecture up for discussion, which helps keep students interested and focused. Also, not all classes are lecture-based.
6 Ed/ Op
Courier staff recommends
Summaries of some top Netflix TV shows ~22 minutes 3/5 stars OLIVIA BORCHERS 4 seasons General Reporter TV-14 Comedy/Sitcom When George Bluth (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to prison for shifty accounting practices, his level-headed son, Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman), is stuck in charge of the Bluth family business. Soon after, his cause-obsessed twin sister Lindsay (Portia de Rossi) along with her “never-nude”, doctor-turned-actor husband Tobias (David Cross) and 14 year-old daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat) move in with him and his 14 year-old son George Michael Jr. (Michael Cera) into their last remaining asset, a model home in Orange County. The Bluth family is led by manipulative matriarch lucille bluth (Jessica Walter) who looks after the youngest Bluth son, Buster (Tony Hale) a glorified mama’s boy (he spent 11 months in the womb). The Bluth family is rounded off by the eldest Bluth son, Gob (Will Arnett), pronounced “Jobe”, a magician, I mean illusionist whose biggest trick will be to make a real job appear. Through all of this spoiled, dysfunctional family’s self-inflicted turmoil, they always seem to find their way back to each other. ~44 minutes 4.25/5 stars 4 seasons GABRIELLE WOLF TV-14 Editor-in-Chief Action After a conspiracy sends Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) to prison on death row, his brother, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), commits a crime in order to enter the same prison as his sibling. In the beginning, Scofield and Burrows attempt to break out of prison with the help of Scofield’s tattoos that were actually blueprints that only he could read. As time goes on, they realize they are working against a conspiracy created by the highest branches of the government. The brothers are joined by other wanted criminals Fernando Sucre (Amaury Nolasco), Dr. Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies), Alexander Mahone (William Fichtner) and more in their attempts to clear their names and protect their loved ones from a conspiracy that reaches the President of the United States.
~60min (44- 72min) 4/5 stars CASEY BECK 6 seasons Sports Editor TV-14 Crime Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) is the veteran and grizzled sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming. Longmire follows his life after the mysterious death of his wife. The sheriff and his deputies (Katie Sackhoff, Adam Bartley, Bailey Chase) go head to head with criminals dealing in everything from drugs, prostitution, kidnapping, murder, and cannibalism. With every episode, a larger piece of a grand scheme is unfolded that shows the small, rural county is not always what it seems. This overarching storyline is a huge pull for the show and every season has its grand pay-off. The show also deals heavily with Native American affairs and how it connects with each episode. Longmire’s long time friend, Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), and long time enemy, Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez), play a pivotal role in the show and are two of the most interesting characters. The show now is a Netflix original after being aired on A&E. ~42 minutes 4.5/5 stars HANNAH RAVNAAS 2 seasons General Reporter TV-14 SciFi/Fantasy Fifteen years after the world mysteriously loses all power, America is split into districts controlled by ruthless militias. Only a small group of researchers know the cause of this blackout, including Ben Matheson (Tim Guinee). Sebastian “Bas” Monroe (David Lyons), leader of the Monroe Republic, a corrupt government, tracks down Ben in hopes of returning electricity to increase his control. Monroe sends his militiamen to capture Ben Matheson and in an unfortunate turn of events, he is murdered leaving his children Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos) and Danny (Graham Rogers) behind. Danny is taken by the militia and Charlie reunites with her estranged uncle Miles Matheson (Billy Burke) in hopes of getting him back. Along the course of their journey they begin to uncover the conspiracy surrounding the disappearance of the power and what will happen if they turn it back on.
~42 minutes 3.8/5 stars SAVANNA HAGEROTT 4 seasons General Reporter TV-14 Drama This show follows the perilous journey of Mary the Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kade). After needing to come to throne because of her mother’s death, she has to keep Scotland from being conquered from more powerful countries. To protect weak Scotland, Mary needs to form alliances with countries who do not share her views, making it very hard to get people to trust her, or for her to trust them. To form a strong alliance, Mary goes to France to become the wife of the prince, Francis (Toby Regbo), who is next in line to the throne. Love and hate makes it very hard for Mary to find who she is suited for, and to find what is best for Scotland. The show follows many real events from the time period, but is fictional and has many other storylines within it that keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Photos used with permission by Wikipedia and Flickr
Ed/ Op 7 KAYCEE FRY
General Reporter
The final stretch
It is the second semester, and everyone is counting down the day until school is out of session. Do you have goals you want to accomplish before school is over? Maybe it is getting a good grade in APUSH or Biology. Maybe it is finding the perfect dress for prom. Whatever it is, those goals come from you. Below is a set of tips to help you get over the hump and become self motivated. Make a deal with yourself/ Set goals Sit down at a comfortable place where you can think clearly, for me, it is usually in a coffee shop or at my dining room table. Start with a blank piece of paper, and time yourself for two minutes. List all the things you want to do before the end of the school year. Then, start prioritizing. What really matters to you? Whatever it is, start organizing your list numerically. Then, draw a goal road map like the one pictured to the side.
Stay organized Once you make a plan for yourself, you need to find a way measure your progress. I review myself every Sunday night, so I know what to change for the upcoming week. Being able to see how far you have come will help you stay motivated. You can measure your progress by using different tools including planners, calendars, iRemind on your phone, or idea boards. Keep good company Surround yourself with positive people, or ones with the same goals or work ethic, that you want to be like. Their positive attitudes rub off on you; soon your whole group of friends are motivated to finish the school year on a positive note.
Keep your eyes on the prize Think of the end game. For some it’s college, for others it is summer vacation. Whatever it is, keep the end goal in mind. Remember that there is only a limited amount of time left. Fake it till you make it Act like you want to clean your room or listen to your teachers’ lectures. Once you get into the habit of “pretending” your alternative reality becomes reality. Stop thinking, just do! Do it NOW! Do not wait until tomorrow or next week or next month to start. Self motivation is not something that waits for tomorrow, next week, or next month. You can start today and achieve your goals.
All graphics created by Kaycee Fry
OLIVIA BORCHERS General Reporter
Finding the fine arts
We are so gosh darn lucky here at Other places do not get the luxury of Mandan High School. We have so much having these wonderful programs at their opportunity to participate in a wide variety disposal. They have to seek out these of activities and unfortunately we take programs and many times pay a large fee to them for granted, especially the Fine Arts participate. Here, many times there is little programs. to no charge and you’ll In many other places, probably even get some school districts’ budget credit. are being cut and they One might argue that struggle to keep from starting something new deficit spending. In order is too frightening because to not deficit spend, they there are many new people many time cut funding to you have to meet and different programs. so many things to learn. When cutting funds, That’s just another one of superintendents tend to the greatest things about cut from the programs the fine arts- everyone that have the least impact is so supportive and on learning and those accepting. Just three days which create the least Photo by Olivia Borchers into any of these programs controversy. Junior Riley Glandt is hard and anyone will feel apart Those programs cut, of a new, wonderful, and are almost always fine at work on one of her art caring family. projects. arts which we have been Mandan High School proven- time and time again- to have a has such a well funded and well rounded positive impact on other areas of academics. arts department and anyone of us would
be lucky to take part in any of the amazing programs we offer.
MHS’ Fine Arts MHS COURSES CONCERT BAND I CONCERT BAND II CONCERT BAND III CONCERT CHOIR MIXED CHOIR WOMEN’S CHOIR ART I ART II ART III ART IV MHS EXTRA-CURRICULARS SWING CHOIR MUSICAL ONE ACT PLAY FALL PLAY SPEECH DEBATE STUDENT CONGRESS ART CLUB JAZZ BAND II All graphics by Olivia Borchers
8 Ed/ Op
Veganism in a place where cows outnumber the people.
z
h
cl
MAIYA FLECK
animals I refused to eat caused controversy. Right away statistics would fly around classrooms debating whether veganism is good Being judged in today’s society can be expected, for it is nearly for the environment, for your body or just not good at all. impossible to find one human who has not judged another. When Furthermore, there is an extensive list of why people go vegan, I changed my lifestyle this year and went vegan, I witnessed how and why my reason was different than what a lot of people many people found a flaw in this diet change. By definition, a vegan expected. is a person who does not eat A lot of people assumed the or use animal products. There sole point of me being vegan is much misinterpretation on was for the animals. However, veg·an what being a vegan means this was the farthest point ˈvēɡən/ because it is not widely away from why I actually known in North Dakota. noun was a vegan. I became vegan On August 31 in the school noun: vegan; plural noun: vegans for the beneficial lifestyle cafeteria I became vegan, change. Changing one thing surrounded by friends that in my life pushed me to 1. also decided they wanted to pursue positivity in other a person who does not eat or use animal pursue this journey. Prior areas of my life. I started to this date, I had been a products. exercising more and actually vegetarian for 5 months, “I’m a strict vegan” enjoying fun workouts. I therefore, I had some started making my mental adjective background knowledge on health a priority; a healthy adjective: vegan what I could and could not diet sparked me to live a fully 1. eat. I had wanted to pursue healthy life. With the change this lifestyle for a while , and using or containing no animal products: in my diet contributing to so having a group of people to “a vegan diet” many positive aspects in my do it with me made it that life, it is something I can fully much easier. advocate for. It is hard to imagine people The main question I always caring about what their peers get is: “what can you eat?” The answer is almost everything. If you are snacking on. However, this is high school and what you do, look into labels and put in effort, you can see how many things whether it affects your peers or not, is constantly being critiqued. you eat are vegan. One might be surprised by certain products, like So when my plate of pizza was switched out with a plate of spring oreos, that are allowed in a vegan diet. A majority of foods have greens there was controversy. I would consider our group of vegans vegan substitutions that taste very similar. My personal favorite is “vegan extremists,” broadcasting what we did everywhere. I always cauliflower that tastes like chicken wings. It sounds odd, but the prepped my lunches and made sure they were vegan friendly. The crazy combinations taste great. lunchroom was filled with curiosity and a lot of negative attention. Whatever my diet is, I am happy to have had a great experience It was a new concept , and a lot of people were not a fan of this. with veganism. It helped expand my palate, and built my will However, if something is annoying, it is still respectable nature to power. I am currently vegetarian, but want to pursue this diet again let everyone be entitled to their own beliefs. and I will. I recommend anyone who is curious about this lifestyle So the negativity started raining on our vegetables, and people to try it out. If I am living a long life I might as well devote half of started hating. Living in a community where many people raise the a year to a peculiar diet, and see how it changed me.
General Reporter
Banana, apple, carrot, and cherry graphic made by Maiya Fleck.
Campsite Chaos
News 9
Mandan High School’s student directed one act play HANNAH RAVNAAS
other high school performances have.” With only one performance and only about a month to get ready, General Reporter the cast and crew must learn quickly. “The greatest issue we’ve had so far is helping the actors get With less than a month to prepare, students involved in the one into character and memorize their line,” act play have their work cut out for them. Stork said. This year they will be performing The actors don’t have an audience Campsite Chaos: A Romantically Frantic until the night of the performance so Love Story. Unlike most of the school’s practicing is very crucial. plays, the one act will be directed by two “I’m really looking forward to seeing of Mandan High School’s seniors, Alec how the first performance plays out,” Stork and Maddie Vega. Stork said. “… pun intended.” “Campsite Chaos is about a couple who All in all, this comedic show is bound are camping out in the woods,” Vega said. to draw laughter from everyone in the “The girlfriend, Zoe, is trying to have her crowd. boyfriend, Perry, propose but he keeps “I think our performance will be quite getting distracted and Zoe keeps meeting Photo By Hannah Ravnaas entertaining to watch and I hope that the fairytale characters along the way.” Campsite Chaos will be student directed high school will be interested to see it,” The play will be performed once for the public on Thursday, April 6, at 7:00 pm in by seniors Maddie Vega and Alec Stork. Vega said. In addition to this performance, the cast the Mandan High School Auditorium. and crew also learned and performed “I think having only one performance in general is quite nice,” another play for a competition. On April 4th, they traveled to Vega said. “You aren’t as drained as having the usual three that the Devil’s Lake to perform Theophilus North.
10 News
Courier Calendar
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OLIVIA BORCHERS
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General Reporter
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HOPPY EASTER
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Addition of 4 minutes to all periods to make up the late start earlier this year
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HAPPY MOM’S DAY
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LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Semesters 1
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Semesters
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Art Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday
Event Description
April 10thApril 13thApril 14thApril 15th-
News 11
National Honor Society induction ceremony School
April 18th-
Girls’ Soccer against Legacy hosted at the Mandan Soccer Complex at 7:30 No School for Black Friday Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Scholarship due Softball against Minot hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds at 4:30
Girls’ Tennis against St. Mary’s hosted at the
Baseball against Dickinson hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field at 4:30 Mandan Middle School Courts at 4:15 April 20thJane Ellis PEO Chapter H Scholarship due April 21stSoftball against Jamestown hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds at 4:30 April 22ndBaseball against St. Mary’s hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field at 1:00 Boys’ Golf - Mandan Invite time TBA Student View Scholarship Due April 25thGirls’ Soccer against Jamestown hosted at the Mandan Soccer Complex at 7:30 April 27th-
Girls’ Tennis against Century at the Mandan Middle School at 4:15
April 28th-
Baseball against Williston hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field at 4:30 Girls’ Tennis against West Fargo hosted at the Mandan Middle School Courts at 12:30 Bismark Cancer Center Scholarship due
Association General Contractors of ND Scholarship due
April 29th-
Baseball against Century hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field at 1:00
April 30th-
ND Rural Water Systems Association Scholarship due
May 1st-
CBI concert hosted in the Mandan High School Auditorium at 7:30
May 2nd-
Girls’ Tennis against Jamestown hosted at the Mandan Middle School Courts at 4:15 CBII concert hosted in the Mandan High School Auditorium at 6:00
CBIII hosted in the Mandan High School Auditorium at 7:30 Girl’s Tennis against Sheyenne hosted at the Mandan Middle School Courts at 4:30
May 5thMay 6th-
Boys’ Track Mandan MAR Meet hosted at Lefty Faris Field at 11:00
May 9th-
Girls’ Soccer against Minot hosted at the Mandan Soccer Complex at 7:30
Baseball against Minot hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field at 4:30 Softball against Jamestown hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds at 4:30
May 12th-
Band Night Parade in Bismarck
May 13th-
Softball against Bismarck hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds at 4:30
Girls’ Track- Mandan Kiwanis Meet hosted at Mandan Lefty Faris Field at 11:00
May 16th-
Baseball against Minot hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field at 4:30 Softball against Bismarck hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds at 4:30
Girls’ Soccer against Century hosted at the Mandan Soccer Complex at 7:00
May 18th-
Girls’ Soccer against St. Mary’s hosted at the Mandan Soccer Complex at 7:30
May 19th-
Softball against Turtle Mountain hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds
May 28th-
Graduation commencement at Lefty Faris Field at 2:00
June 1st-3rd-
State Softball hosted at the Fort Lincoln Diamonds time TBA
State Baseball hosted at the Mandan Memorial Baseball Field time TBA
Legend School
Band/Choir event
Club event
Sporting event
No school
Scholarship Deadline All graphics by Olivia Borchers and Shantel Jangula
12 Feature
The body ideals of society do not define who you are GABRIELLE WOLF Editor-in-Chief
SHANTEL JANGULA Business Manager
soon the media began idolizing women who were “thick” and shaming women who were slim. Songs were released to embrace women with curves, but also Going through high school can be difficult when you are made it apparent that “real men don’t like bones.” constantly dealing with factors such as your self worth or never Curvy women were loving their bodies, but the media left feeling comfortable in your own skin. As teenagers, skinny women in the corner wondering: why is we sometimes listen to our peers and social media okay to skinny-shame when it is definitely not okay to influence these factors. to fat shame? Unfortunately, our peers and social media fail “I’ve always felt twiggy and people like to us. They fill us up with ideas that we need to have comment on how thin I am,” sophomore Courtney a skinny waist, but need to have curves in all the Teens that would get Braun said. “It doesn’t bother me as much as it used ‘right’ places. to.” Being defined by how fat or skinny you are has cosmetic surgery to For many girls like Braun, it is hard to gain weight, no relevance to who you are as a person. Your body change their body and genetics can be to blame. Genes can influence does not define your greatness. appetite. No matter how much the said individual eats, their energy can be used faster than fat is stored, hence the term ‘fast (or high) metabolism.’ The action or practice of humiliating someone Many people claim that skinny shaming is not equal to fat judged to be skinny or slender by making shaming; the skinny person walks away with the advantage in mocking or critical comments about their size. the public eye. But does skinny shaming have its disadvantages? Thin women are said to have “thin privileges” or certain In the year 2013, the thigh gap was introduced and women everywhere were obsessing over the space between their inner situations they do not have to worry about because they are thin. thighs. After months, the trend began to die, and women began to Thin women are not allowed to have days where they do not feel comfortable in their own body because they immediately get embrace their curves. However, the ‘thinspiration’ seemed to be only a phase and told, “You are skinny, you always look fine.”
31%
Girl Body Ideals In Recent Decades ‘90s Skinny figures were ideal. To be ‘pear shape’ was not good. The pressure of having a bigger bust was in trend, thus the increase to plastic surgery.
‘00s Pop stars such as Beyonce became the ideal. Body trends switched to having ‘healthy curves.’ Having artificially tan skin became popular.
‘10s The ‘hourglass’ shape and athletic body became more in trend. ‘Thin and chesty’ or ‘curvy and bootylicious’ are the ideals.
Feature 13 The action or practice of humiliating someone judged to be fat or obese by making mocking or critical comments about their size. One of the most common forms of body judgment is fat shaming. Fat shaming is when you make fun of someone that you, or others, judge to be overweight. When we are in high school, and even in middle school, we begin to worry abut our appearances. How we dress, how we look, and how much we weigh comes to the front of our minds. These ideas of what we are ideally supposed to look like are provided by the media and our peers. For a society where over two-thirds of adults are considered obese, we sure are judgmental of other people’s Teens that are afraid weights. of gaining weight. During junior year of high school, now senior, Mitchell Bosch decided make the decision of a lifetime and started a journey with weight loss. “I always wanted to play football for my dad,” Bosch said on his motives to lose weight, “But I was never in the shape [physically] to do so.” Bosch said the idea of girls played a large roll in his decision and that he was tired of people poking fun at his appearance, “I just wanted to make my life better for my future self, and I wanted to make my dad proud.” Many high schoolers like Bosch are facing the same challenges. Some people believe that in order to make overweight people motivate themselves to lose weight, they need to make fun of, or harass them. “Just because a person doesn’t fit in the outline people have drawn doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.”
64%
The practice of looking at the positives about one’s body and to feel good about the body a person has.
Photos submitted by Mitchell Bosch
Mitchell, throughout his weight loss journey, has lost a total of 200 pounds and is still counting.
going to matter. Being who you are meant to be is what is really important. “I don’t think people should be judged based on their appearance,” senior Nicole Geltel said. “Due to the fact that their appearance is not who they are, it can change. It’s like judging a book by its cover.” Instead of judging someone for being too fat or too skinny, focus on the positives. Maybe the girl everyone says is too skinny is a talented singer, or the boy people laugh at because he’s slightly overweight is actually a gifted painter. What we need to accept is that we do not all have the same bodies. No two people will ever look the exact same, so stop trying to tell others to fit the ideal image you imagine people to be. Some guys can put on muscle in a heartbeat, while others are more lanky. Some girls have a thigh gap, and some are naturally big boned. The thing to remember, is that the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you,” is not true. Words may be just words, but they could push someone to their breaking point. Instead of bashing others for not looking like the “ideal image,” embrace the fact that they are all different, because that is what makes us all unique.
“Just because a person doesn’t fit in the outline people have drawn doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.”
In order to improve as a society, we need to embrace our bodies. As the saying goes: “Beauty fades but your personality is forever.” Learn to look past the appearance. In the long run, looks are not
Guy Body Ideals In Recent Decades ‘90s Brad Pitt in “Fightclub” seemed to be the break through body ideal. Slender, but muscular.
‘00s Body ideals for men didn’t see a big transition throughout the early 2000s. Male body norms were to be lean.
‘10s In the 2010s, the desired shape for a man would be more of an ‘inverted triangle.’ Men should have broad, muscular shoulders with a slimmer torso.
14 News
Answering the a la carte question
MAIYA FLECK General Reporter
Students, quit smuggling food into certain classes. Many students in the school have wondered where they are allowed to eat food bought from al a carte or the breakfast kiosk. As students who violate certain class rules may have their food thrown away, it is necessary that students understand these rules. “The consumption of all food and drink should ideally occur in cafeteria;” Principal Mark Andresen said. “however, through the discretion of teachers this can change.” The breakfast kiosk food is allowed to be eaten in halls, the cafeteria, and classrooms where the teacher allows it. The breakfast kiosk is located on the second floor and is open in between first and second period. In the lunch room, breakfast foods are served from 7:00 A.M. to the first bell of second period.
This food is ideally suppose to be eaten in the cafeteria or in the halls. However, sometimes it depends on how the teacher wants to run their classroom and is up to them. Some teachers will permit the consumption; some will not. If the teacher does not allow this, you can eat the food before class begins. If a teacher does not allow the food in their class, throw it in a backpack when near them. It is important to respect and obey the teachers’ rules on food. The reasoning behind these rules excluding food from classrooms and outside the cafeteria regards the damage of school property. In previous years, students were not responsible and abused the privilege of eating in class. At the end of the day, it is important to obey any rules a teacher has put out, as food can be snacked on in many places other than in the classroom.
THE WHITE HOUSE
---- ORDERS AND DETAILING THOSE
EXECUTIVE ORDER 351130 DEFINING AND EXPLAINING EXECUTIVE KAELAN REEDY News Editor
OF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
The Federal Government of the United States is made up of three branches: The Legislative, which creates laws, represented by Congress; the Judicial, which interprets laws, represented by the Supreme Court; and the Executive, which enforces laws, represented by the President. Normally, Congress makes laws, and the President enforces them. But, sometimes, the President wants to enforce a law of his own design, such as build a wall spanning across the Mexican border, without the approval of Congress. In order to bypass that Congressional approval, the President can issue something called an executive order. These orders are enforced like laws, as is the President’s job, without being actual laws. These orders can hold significant power. The Emancipation Proclamation which freed American slaves was an executive order. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program, an effort to combat the effects of the Great Depression, involved several executive orders. The imprisonment of Japanese-Americans in internment camps during World War II were also a result of an executive order. The downside to these orders is that they can be repealed as quickly as they are enacted as soon as the next president comes into office. Only two months into his Presidency, Donald Trump has already taken a multitude of executive actions with varied reactions from the American people.
EXECUTIVE ORDERS OF DONALD TRUMP
- Immigrants from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are not allowed into the country. Exceptions are made for current lawful residents of the U.S. and refugees already admitted to the U.S., among other exceptions. - In an effort to increase border security, an order was written to build a physical wall along the Mexico-U.S. Border. Congress has not yet appropriated funding for the wall, and while President Trump has insisted that Mexico will pay for it, the Mexican
government has declined. - An order was made to prepare the repealment of the Affordable Care Act by weakening regulations associated with its enforcement. A replacement to the ACA will eventually be implemented. - For every new executive regulation, two old regulations will be repealed.
We’re Not Making This Up!
News 15
SAVANNA HAGEROTT
Nearly 100-year-old woman his neck. The resort rangers are trying nurse the small rabbit back to health. ‘arrested’ to fulfill bucket list to Source: HuffingtonPost.com Woman had hiccups for 8 item Action movie banned in years - here’s how she finally In the Netherlands, a woman named Annie Uzbekistan because it doesn’t wanted to achieve one of her bucket list stopped them star Morgan Freeman goals by being put into a real jail cell. Danielle Kirkland has had hiccups for 8 General Reporter
years; it started in 2008 and she was only able to stop them last year. She believes this happened because she was prescribed painkillers for her arthritis. She became addicted to them, and went through a lot to get them. When she finally stopped taking the pills, her hiccups started, and wouldn’t stop. It negatively affected many important parts of her life. I Eventually she was llustra t able to take a medication ion by Ca sey called tizanidine that reduced Bec her hiccups every day, but has not k. able to completely get rid of them yet. Source: metro,co.uk
The woman was approaching her 100th birthday when she told police to arrest her, because she wanted to see the inside of a jail cell. The pictures of the incident show the woman smiling with handcuffs on her wrists. Source: ABC7NY.com
Tortoise takes in Baby Bunny on cold night, begins beautiful friendship
At a resort in Marana, AZ, an unlikely friendship arose between an African tortoise and a cottontail bunny. The bunny was found in Wamba’s exhibit after a cold night, and rangers found the two cuddling with each other the next morning. The bunny was found in grave condition, with layers of weeds and grass wrapped around
A new movie has released in Uzbekistan with the name of Daydi (Rogue) with Morgan Freeman as the center of attention in many of its posters. The only problem with that is that the movie does not actually star Morgan Freeman. The picture of Morgan Freeman was taken from posters of his film from 2015, Last Knights. The movie release has been delayed because the ruling is underway of two authorities. Source: telegraph.co.uk Photo used with permission from wikimedia.
Promposal Competition
GABRIELLE WOLF Editor-in-Chief
The MHS Courier has the results for the 2017 Prom Instagram photo contest. The winning pictures had been chosen by the staff based on their creativity and originality. Honorable mention went to Micayla Bitz for her creative “The Office” based promposal. The second place winner is McKenna Quintus with a state swimming promposal, and she received a $15 gift card to Classic Rock Coffee. The first place winner is Alexis Horn, and she received a $30 gift card to the Grand Theatres. She was chosen as the first place winner based on the creative cheer that went along with the promposal, and the originality behind the promposal. Congratulations to the winners of the promposal contest, and thank you to everyone who participated this year. **Winners were the participant that poster the picture.
1.) Zach Kopp and Alexis Horn are pictured in the winning cheerleading based promposal.
2.) TJ Reinhardt and McKenna Quintus are pictured in the second place state swim meet promposal.
3.) Micayla Bitz received honorable mention for her promposal based off of “The Office.” *All photos submitted
16 Feature
Mandela Effect
important decision, Conspiracies have been around for awhile, SAVANNA HAGEROTT somewhere there and learning about new conspiracies are General Reporter is another universe always entertaining. The Mandela for a different Effect is a relatively new term, and everyone relates to the phenomenon. for not many people know exactly The more extreme explanation of this is that consequence what it is. Even though some people live in alternate realities. They their decision. the term is fairly new, the believe that they live in a universe where There are several actual phenomenon has the name of something is slightly different different examples been around for a very from the name of the same thing in an of this, and there is long time. According to alternate universe, such as the spelling of a vast majority that snopes.com, the scientific a popular book series, or what actor plays believe that something Ph o name for this occurrence in a certain movie. Alternative realities is completely different per to used miss w is “confabulation and are becoming more realistic, and they are from what is actually pexel ion fr ith om s.co m occurs when someone fills actually a branch off of a theory of the term true. A very common in gaps in memory with multiverse. The fact that our universe is so one is the actual spelling of the false information.” The immense makes one think what is actually children’s book series ‘Berenstain Bears.’ name came from a common out there and what hasn’t been discovered. Very many people remember that the series misunderstanding regarding the According to space.com, there is a theory was actually spelt ‘Berenstein Bears.’ death of Nelson Mandela in 2013. about daughter universes and that explains Another example is from the traditional Many people think he died in prison that every time one is faced with an Disney movie, Snow White when many with many others in people remember the the 1980’s, and many Test your Mandela Knowledge Wicked Queen remember seeing his 1. Oscar Mayer or Oscar Meyer? 4. Febreeze or Febreze? saying, “Mirror 2. Sex in the City or Sex and the City? 5. Black on Pikachu’s tail or not? funeral on TV. There mirror on the wall.” 3. Looney Tunes or Looney Toons? 6. Fruit Loops or Froot Loops? are several different She actually said, examples of this “Magic mirror on the happening, but not wall.” 1. Oscar Mayer 2. Sex and the City 3. Looney Tunes 4. Febreze 5. No black 6. Fruit Loops
KAYCEE FRY
General Reporter
Teacher Lives:
Feature 17
Behind the Scenes
Imagine this: you are in one of your classes, and your teacher is standing in the front of the room giving another lecture. Have you ever wondered how long it took for your teacher to make that powerpoint? Normally, students do not consider how many hours teachers put into creating powerpoints or tests. It is time, however, to learn just how long does it really take to prepare a class. Believe it or not, classes are not just merely created out of thin air and written onto course registrations just for the fun of it. Teachers and administrators have to go through a series of steps in order to create a new class. The task is not a piece of cake. “It’s always a challenge when you create a new class,” Business teacher Randy Wilson said.
What do future employers want students to learn about management? What material should be covered in the class? To answer some of these questions, the CTE department looked towards their advisory committee. “I think our management ideas originated from the advisory committee,” Wilson said. The research does not stop there. John Gieser, Mandan High’s Fine Art teacher, continues researching new ways to teach his curriculum by spending three to five hours, per week, researching new art techniques. “I spend more time planning, [and] more time researching than most,” Gieser said.
After researching and planning, grading comes in as another time cruncher. Generally speaking, students spend a few hours writing one paper while teachers have to read and grade about 75 papers. Benita Saur, one of Mandan High’s English teachers, can recall a few times where she had to take her paperwork with to her daughter’s swim meets, so she could finish grading her papers. Academic teachers are not the only ones who face mountains of homework to grade. “I spend about half the week grading. It just never stops,” Gieser said. Throughout the papers, research, and extra hours, our teachers never shy away. “No matter how stressful or hectic the day was before, I have never woken up in the morning and dreaded going to work,” Gieser said.
Flashback
KAYCEE FRY
General Reporter
- Prom Edition -
Throughout the years, prom trends have evolved. From the satin and ruffles of the 80’s to the two-peice and florals of today, prom never fails to make high school girls and boys feel like royalty. There was a time when MHS teachers were, like any teenager today, the average prom-goers. Below are four pictures from some of these teachers’ high school proms. See if you can match the photo to the correct eacher. 2.
3.
4.
Try to guess! A. Ms. Amber Allers B. Mrs. Hannah Cahoon C. Mr. Jon Gieser D. Ms. Alexis Rasset
*Pictures provided by their respective owners
1. A 2. C 3. B 4. D
1.
18 Feature
Pages from the past
A look at the Mandan Courier and the articles from years past CASEY BECK Sports Editor
Since the beginning of the MHS Courier, then known as the Spatterninx, students have been giving other students and faculty the news from around Mandan and the state. World breaking news and coverage of massive topics was never a priority for the Courier in the years before the internet, or even wide use of the television. However, important historical events did filter their way into past issues of the Courier. Events leading up to the Second World War were reported on by the 1920’s and 1930’s staffs of the Courier. Many of these events would have a direct link to the rise of the Japanese Empire or the Nazi Regime in Germany. It has to be taken into account that hindsight is 20/20 and these students had no way of knowing the tragic results these events would turn into by the early 1940’s. This month’s selection of articles come from 1938 and 1939.
In 1939, students of MHS drafted a resolution for people of not only North Dakota. This anti-war proposition was written in the aftermath of the First World War and hoped to show a collaboration of young people standing against armed conflict. Unfortunately, several short months after the printing of this in a spring edition of the Spatterninx, war would once again flare up in Europe and Asia. In September of 1939, Germany would invade Poland, sparking World War Two. It is not too much of a stretch to think that many of the students reading this article in 1939, would be the ones fighting America’s battles from 1941-1945.
The idea of pen pals is something that children and adults have had for decades, but the Mandan German classes of 1938 had a very different sort of pen pal. Mandan High German classes wrote letters back and forth between students living in the German cities of Dresden,
Cologne, Lennep, Eisenach. The article highlights some of the information written by those German students. Reading through the responses can paint an odd picture of Nazi Germany right before the beginning of the Second World War. One thing of note from the students of MHS was that German students did not use the stadard opening of “Dear friend”, but instead used “Heil Hitler” as a greeting. The Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend) was also mentioned in several letters and articles. One letter from Bernard Usselmann, a 16 year old, showcased the love for the group and their training in military drill and formation. Usselman was in charge of a Hitler Youth camp of 350 boys and planned to join the German army in the next year. Another note by Mandan German students was how enthusiastic these German letters and their young writers were about the state of Germany and their expansion in the late 1930’s. “You have surely read that Austria has become a part of Germany,” said one German. “We were filled with great enthusiasm during that time. I cannot describe the rejoicing to you. You should have been there”. The residents of Germany were also very happy and excited about their new leader at the time, Adolf Hitler. Many letters spoke of his grand vision for the future of Germany. Some letters even mentioned the April 10 election; where many students were sure their “Fuhrer” would win 100 percent. Of course in 2017, one can look back at this and see the irony and tragedy in these letters, but these students in both Mandan and Germany had no idea what the world would like in a few short years. It’s not far-fetched to speculate that many of the German letters came from students who would eventually die in the war. Many of the students eventually served in the German army or lived in cities utterly destroyed by allied bombings.
Spray tans! $5 airbush makeup! OFF! colors! For every purchase of 2 or more services up do’s!
Student Showcase
Feature 19
OLIVIA BORCHERS General Reporter
Art submitted by Alec Stork
Stork’s appropriation piece based off the Last Supper but in a 1920’s style done in acrylic paint.
Art submitted by McKenna Quintus
Quintus’ untitled work is drawn with Digital Editing.
Art submitted by Alec Stork
Stork’s Vietnam scene inspired by the movie Full Metal Jacket and done in charcoal.
Submitted by Tyler Tweten
Tweten’s giraffe and tree are drawn on printer paper.
Art submitted by Alec Stork
Stork’s World War I inspired scene done in charcoal
If you would like to submit any creative work please send in a digital copy to MHScourier@gmail.com or Oliviaborchers01@ gmail.com. If you would like to submit a hard copy of your work please bring it to Mrs. Cahoon in room 221.
20 Feature
How to cheer like a Brave
A guide to the Mandan High student section CASEY BECK Sports Editor
Sporting events can be a major part of high school life. Whether a person is on the field or not, Mandan High activities are entertainment for hundreds of students and parents. A major feature of almost every Mandan home game is the student section. This is where every student gets the chance to cheer on the Mandan Braves to victory and show support for their school. The long list of school songs, chants, cheers, and yells can be confusing for everyone from the freshman to the senior. So in order to educate someone on the nuances of the MHS student section, this guide will hopefully relieve some of the confusion regarding the school song and chants the next time you walk into an MHS home game.
School Song Here’s to Mandan, Here’s to Mandan – Let us boost our dear old High! Raise the song both loud and long – And let it reach up to the sky. Loyal classmates, loyal classmates, We depend on each of you: Prove to our old High that we are one and all true blue! Let’s give a rah! rah! rah! rah! Mandan High is on the floor today. Let’s give a rah! rah! rah! rah! Team! And cheer them on in every way. Let’s give a rah! rah! rah! rah! Black and White, don’t let our colors fall! For we are with you every freshman, sophomore, Junior and senior - - - - One and All! (The school song in the MHS gym has a typo with only three rahs per line, instead of four)
Photo by Casey Beck
Mandan Student Sections are a staple at most sporting events in the Bismarck-Mandan area. From volleyball to basketball, students show up in droves to support the Braves.
Class Yell
Class yell! Class yell! Cl- Cl- Cl- Cl- Cl- Class yell! 2-0, 2-0, 2-2-2-2-2-0, 1-9, 1-9,1- 1- 1- 1- 1-9, 1-8, 1-8, 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-8, 1-7, 1-7, 1- 1- 1- 1- 1-7 Mandan High, Mandan High, Mandan- MandanMandan High
Beat on the Street
The Braves got the beat! The beat on the street! It goes… (Slap, slap, clap, clap, snap, snap, clap, slap, clap, snap, clap, slap, snap, clap) (Repeat)
Football back in Bismarck OWEN PIEHL
Sports 21
“Every stereotype you can think of a coach’s kid - I fit it,” Davis said in another interview with KFYR. “I didn’t know the outside This March, the Bismarck Events Center hosted the first game of a locker room until I was 14-years-old, pretty fortunate in that for the new Champions Indoor Football League (CIF) team, the regard. I’ve coached NFL Europe, I’ve coached in the Canadian Bismarck Bucks. The Bucks are lead by Head Coach Richard Football League, I’ve been 10 years as a head coach in arena ball, Davis, and are looking to make an impact in their first year in the hence my entry into this level. I’ve also coached some Division I Football all the way down to small college and would be just as league. While their first game was on March 4, the Bucks had been happy, frankly, coaching at Mandan High School as I would this.” With six home games in the Bismarck Event preparing for their inaugural season for a long Center, many Mandan High students will likely time prior. be attending games this season in support of the “The team is doing well,” said Jarelle Miller, Bucks. a 6’2” linebacker for the Bucks. “We’re getting “[I’m] pretty excited, it’s about time that better each and every day from all three phases, Bismarck gets a professional sports team, such as offense, defense and special teams. We and even better that it’s football,” sophomore have some great coaches on board that have football player Brad Treiber said. coached Arena/Indoor football 10 years or more This elite group of players and coaches and played in the NFL for several years. This are ready to compete, and want to bring a game is nothing new to them. They’re coaching championship back to Bismarck/Mandan. us on the fundamentals of indoor football and Image used with permission “We are thrilled to be in a place where we the proper technique to play this game. We have The Bucks are the third indoor know the fans are going to support us,” said natural born athletes on both sides of the [field]. football team to play in Bismarck. Miller. “You all are the fuel that keeps the Coach Davis and Coach Fuller did good on engine going. You could expect us to always bringing this group of young men to Bismarck.” work hard and give more than 100% effort on that field.” As important as having game-ready players is, having coaches who are experienced, confident, and know the tricks of the trade The Bucks were 1-2 as of March 23. can be considered just as important. Richard Davis is confident he For more info visit http://www.bismarckprofootball.com/ is that kind of coach.
General Reporter
22 Sports
Sports Round-up
CASEY BECK Sports Editor
Girls’ Hockey
then take bitter loses against Century and Legacy. The Braves finished the tournament in the fourth place spot for 2016-2017. Top players for the Braves included senior Mackensi Higlin, junior Courtney Olson, and sophomores Megan Zander, and Kennedy Harris.
seniors Jaden Andresen, Casey Beck, Dale Spilman, and Devon Roerich. The next meet for the boys will be April 8 in Dickinson.
The girls’ hockey team made history for both boys’ and girls’ programs this past season. The Braves under new The girls’ track and field is looking to Head Coach Matt expand their 2016 season, even with the Strinden were able to graduation of a decent handful of seniors. secure a third place The Braves took 13th place with a total finish, the highest for of 16 points at the previous State tourany Mandan hockey nament. Returning from the state placers team. include distance runner freshman Kelby The Braves played Rinas, and sprinters juniors Courtney three exciting games Olson and Katelyn Schmidt. during the State The first meet for the girls was also on tournament. The first The spring sports March 20 at the University of Mary. game saw an overtime Several key runners for the Braves inseason was kicked score 2-1 over of with the first cluded Rinas, Schmidt, sophomore Alexis Fargo North-South boys’ track meet at Radke, and seniors Kaycee Fry, Sharrie with sophomore the University of Heinert, and Hailey Van Beek. Photo by Brenna Hammer goalie Lucy Morgan Mary on March 20. stopping 50 of 51 The 2017 girls’ hockey team The Braves, under shots on goal. finished the highest any team has Head Coaches Todd The Mandan Braves finished the year The next two games Sheldon and Dan strong with their performance at the 2017 ever done in the program’s history. for the girls were Weising, will field State tournament. just as riveting, with Senior Sam Bussman was one of the one of the largest Head Coach Luke Mellmer and his girls to help lead that charge. a bitter 1-0 double teams in recent wrestlers were able to take fourth place as overtime loss to memory with a a team with a point total of 167.5 points. Grand Forks. The wealth of The Braves also brought Braves were able to pull themselves up by underclassmen. 12 wrestlers to compete the skates and finish the season with a 5-4 The team will in their individual weight finish against Fargo Davies. have to fight to classes, including two state Major players during the tournament keep the gains champions. included seniors Sam Bussman, McKenna made in the Senior Dale Spilman and Quintus, Sophie Munns, and Maiah past season by Junior Isaac Berger took McCowan, juniors Taley Davis and Hannah runners like home the gold for Mandan Peterson, and sophomores Morgan and former athletes in the 170 lbs and 145 lbs, Emily Horner. Gabe Meschke respectively. Other placers and Sawyer for the Braves included: Schmidt. seniors Karsen Mosbrucker The Braves Head Coach Abby Thomas and the (4th), Eric Spilman (7th) and Mandan Braves finished the 2016-2017 still have a Logan Pudwill (7th), juniors season with a bang. The girls were able to strong pool of Dylan Fleck (8th), and Jacob that bring back a WDA championship in a 59- athletes Photo by Casey Beck Boehm (3rd), sophomores showed off Junior Isaac Berger helped to lead Ethan Fleck (5th), Adam 57 overtime game against Century. their skills at The Braves then came into the State the Braves to a fourth place finish Boehm (5th), and Kolten the University tournament as the number one seed from Reisenauer (5th), as well as the West. The girls were able to put a of Mary meet at this year’s wrestling tournament. freshman Will Kleinknecht stop Devils Lake in their first game of i n c l u d i n g Berger took first place in the 145 (2nd) and eighth grader the weekend. However, the Braves would s o p h o m o r e division Devon Johnson (7th). Chris Koester,
Girls’ Track and Field
Boys’ Track and Field
Wrestling
Girls’ Basketball
All statistics and information comes from wdasports.org and the respective coaches.
Sports 23
January Athletes of the Month All athletes were given questions picked by Courier staff
Junior Camren Steckler Boys’ Basketball
Player answers:
What advice can you give to other athletes at the school? Have fun because it goes by fast. Is there a meet that sticks in your mind? Why does it? When we beat Century.
Senior Mackensi Higlin Girls’ Basketball
Player answers:
What advice can you give to other athletes at the school? Never give up, and always keep pushing. Is there a meet that sticks in your mind? Why does it? Jamestown because I reached 1000 points. What teammate should we be following on Instagram? Why?
What teammate should we be following on Instagram? Why? Landen Kleingartner. He is eye candy. If you could arm wrestle any teammate, who would you? Why? Trae Steckler because he is weak. What song best describes your sport? Basketball - Kurtis Blow
Sophomore Lucy Morgan Girls’ Hockey
Player answers:
Senior Dale Spilman Wrestling
What advice can you give to other athletes at the school? You need to work in the offseason/after practice etc. If you want to get better extra work needs to be put in. Is there a meet that sticks in your mind? Why does it? Valley City National Holiday Tournament. Mandan walked away with 8 champions and had 9 kids in the finals. It was a turning point in our season, and it helped us finish on a high point.
General Reporter
Sharlee Who is your sports role model? Kobe If you could arm wrestle any teammate, who would you? Why? Olivia Moe, she’s smaller than me What song best describes your sport? Whatever is on
What advice can you give to other athletes at the school? Never get satisfied. I work at my game all year round. I will shoot or do something to work on my game every day. Is there a meet that sticks in your mind? Why does it? Grand Forks (semifinal) because my team lost in double OT. Not a day goes by that I don’t regret it.
Player answers:
OWEN PIEHL
What teammate should we be following on Instagram? Why? @_jacobboehm_, best looking kid I know and he’s only a sophomore. Who is your sports role model? Alex Spilman. He taught me that no matter your size or gifted ability, hard work will pay off. If you could arm wrestle any teammate, who would you? Why? ...Teammate no, but coach Mellmer yes, strongest guy out there. What song best describes your sport? Highway to Hell
What teammate should we be following on Instagram? Why? Brenna Hammer because she has good captions and famous people commenting on her photos. If you could arm wrestle any teammate, who would you? Why? Maiah McCowan because I would win. What song best describes your sport? Dangle, Snipe, and Celly
24 Sports
No_pain,_no_gain
Why it is important to avoid and treat sports-related injuries BRENNA HAMMER
warming up before participating in sports, it is often not stressed enough. Proper stretching and warming up can be the difference between getting a serious injury or not. A warm-up gently prepares I have been playing hockey since I was four years old and I have the body for physical activity by gradually speeding up heart rate found that there is one thing that every coach will tell you- play and increasing blood flow; this loosens joints and encourages every game like it is your last. blood flow to muscles. Little did I know that the first game of my sophomore year could Stretching is just as important as warming up because it prepares have possibly muscles for exercise and prevents injuries by lengthening been the last and relaxing the muscles you will use while you exercise. game I would Aside from keeping an athlete safe and healthy, stretching can ever play. I actually improve performance as it gives you better flexibility, dislocated range of motion, posture, and coordination. my kneecap Perhaps the thing that most people forget is the importance which led to of getting proper rest. Overworking the body makes one more many more susceptible to injury as technique and proper precautions are dislocations often compromised. When muscles, bones, and tendons are and the overphysically exhausted, they can simply “give up” and result in stretching serious strains, tears, or fractures. For this reason, it is important of several for athletes to know their limits and not push themselves too tendons. hard. I underwent Unfortunately, some injuries cannot be prevented even if physical one has taken all the precautions possible. If this is the case, therapy for the most important thing they can do is follow their doctor’s a year with instructions to make sure that they heal properly. no success. Finally, when it comes to staying safe and healthy, the most After a total Photo submitted by Brenna Hammer important thing is to be honest. If something hurts or doesn’t of about 100 In a patellar realignment, surgeons cut feel normal, it is crucial to let your parents or coaches know. dislocations, the tibial tuberosity, move it to correct the After all, it is far better to make a big deal out of something surgery was positioning of the kneecap, and hold it in minor than to end up getting more injured because nobody the only knew. If you can catch an injury in its early stages, you are much option. On place with two screws. This is an x-ray of my more likely to heal well and dodge any surgeries or other major knee one week after surgery. January 6, rehab processes. 2017, I had As an athlete, Of 127 MHS student athletes polled: surgery that consisted of a bony patellar reallignment and a medial being unable to tendon release. The surgery was extremely risky and only has a participate in your 60% success rate because the medial tendon is cut and from there, sport can be heartyou just hope that it grows back together properly. This resulted breaking. It is in excruciating pain, temporary loss of control of the muscles in extremely crucial admitted to hiding an injury so they could my leg, and still no guarantee that I would ever play sports again. to make sure one is continue playing their sport Along with the pain from the surgery came the pain from physical taking care of their therapy and the pain (and annoyance) of being on crutches for a body to make sure little over a month. they are safe and I am not sharing my story to get sympathy, but rather to raise healthy now and as awareness about sports-related injuries and to stress the importance time goes on. have suffered from a sports-related injury of taking the proper precautions to avoid these injuries if at all So play every that made them unable to participate possible. game like it is According to stopsportsinjuries.org, high school students your last, but do account for an estimated 2 million injuries and 30,000 injuryOf these injuries, everything you can related hospitalizations each year. While some of these injuries can to make sure it is 25% were knee-related not be prevented, many more can and should. This is why it is so not. 25% were concussions and important to stretch, warm up, condition, and get rest. While coaches and parents should encourage stretching and 27% were bone fractures
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