Courier October 2015

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OPINION About Coronation 4

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CENTERSPREAD Back to the Future 8-9

905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND

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FEATURE Taylor Reinhardt 10

Volume 24, Issue 1 • October 2015

Opinion

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Wolf tracks

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Photo Submitted

For Homecoming this year the Courier had their third annual Instagram challenge. The staff voted for creative photos that showed school spirit.

The first place winner of the Homecoming Instagram challenge was Libby Colling.

Colling will receive a $30 giftcard to Grand Theatres.

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Instagram Challenge Winners

The Courier

The day of the game I was really nervous.

I think all of the girls were, but as soon gabrielle WOLF - Asst. Editor-in-Chief as we started playing I forgot that I was Powder Puff was something that I didn’t nervous at all. When the game began I think I was ever going to do. When it finally remembered everything I needed to, thanks hit me that this year is my junior year, and to my coaches.

It was a fun experience playing football. high school is almost over for me I decided It’s nothing like that it was time to any other sport try some new things.

I’ve ever been After the other in. There are so juniors and I signed many different up, we all waited for things you can practices to start. do to try to score, Eventually practices and no 2 plays are were decided and ever the same. we began to learn Photo submitted This experience about football.

The junior Powder Puff team poses for a brought me closer Going into it I was picture after their defeat against the seniors. to a lot of girls I nervous because I’m didn’t really talk to before Powder Puff. not the biggest person around, and I was It feels like we are a team even now that afraid to get hurt considering my size.

I ended up playing positions that still Powder Puff is over. My team and I worked required me to block but it wasn’t to the really hard to get ready for the game, and even though we didn’t win, we still did well. point of the girls on the line.

The seniors were really fun and I’m glad Our practices were a lot of fun, I learned many new things about football and I actually that I had the chance to play Powder Puff with them. understand what’s going on now.

Courier Staff and Editorial Policy

Trevor Murphy...................Editor-In-Chief Feature Editor Gabrielle Wolf......Assistant-Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Casey Beck..........................Sports Editor Kaelan Reedy........................News Editor Megan Fredericks...........General Reporter Hannah Sagaser...........................Adviser Photo Submitted

Coming in second place was Katelyn Blotsky with her picture of the seniors owning their hallway.

Blotsky will receive a $15 giftcard to the Mandan Diner and Soda Fountain.

Prizes can be picked up in room 221.

Thank you to everyone for participating in the Instagram challenge this year.

The Courier is a news/feature newspaper 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.

gabrielle WOLF

- Asst. Editor-in-Chief

megan-Fredericks General Reporter

Freshman Ashley Thomas

After eating, do amphibians have to wait one hour before getting out of the water?

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“Yes, because it’s the rules!”

Sophomore Lathan Lowman

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Junior Sidney Schaff

“Only if vegetarians eat animal crackers.”

Senior Austin Hastings-Taylor

“If they don’t, they will go belly up!”

“I Googled this. amphibians have to “Well yeah that’s like stay half on land and us swimming. They’ll half in water in order get cramps.” to survive. When in doubt, Google it!”

“Duh! They are on a team! There is no ‘I’ in team or ‘drown’ in team, either.”

“Whales embrace their curves; they are good with the Go Fish cards they’ve been dealt.”

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?

“Yes, because they have to be synchronized.”

“Absolutely, to score a perfect 10!”

“If one goes, they all go. That’s how it works.”

“Well considering they are synchronized they have to do the same thing as each other.”

If swimming is good for your shape, then why do the whales look the way they do?

“Whales aren’t fat, they are well put together!”

“Could you imagine if whales didn’t swim?”

“Why do a lot of things look the way they do?”

“Because they are like the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the ocean.”

Do you have any nicknames?

“Kenz, Mikki, and Mac”

How big is your freshman pack?

“My freshman pack is big. Man, books really weigh you down.”

What is your most embarrassing moment so far?

“Falling down the stairs and dropping my books.”

As a noob, what’s your biggest fear?

McKenzie Ulrich

“Getting shoved in a locker and suffocating.”

English Teacher Kathleen Moch

Do you have any nicknames?

‘Kam and Charles”

How big is your freshman pack?

“I don’t have one!”

What is your most embarrassing moment so far?

“When I walked into the wrong classroom.”

As a noob, what’s your biggest fear?

“Walking into the lady’s room.”

Kamdin Sedivec

*Each month the Courier will feature one male and one female freshmen to be the noobs of the month. Noobs are randomly chosen by staff.*

Opinion

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The Courier

The fitbit takeover gabrielle WOLF

- Asst. Editor-in-Chief

Fitbits are becoming more common within the school.

They are handy devices that track things like how many steps we walk, how many stairs we have climbed, and how much rest gotten the night before.

Fibits are a good way to have the amount of exercise done tracked easily and efficiently.

The fitbit is compatible with phones so if you’re on the go you can see the amount of steps reached.

If access to a phone with the fitbit app isn’t a possibility the fitbit app can also be accessed on the computer.

Fitbits are also supposed to be water resistant. A fitbit being splashed with water should be fine, but going for long swims is not highly recommended because the

The more advanced fitbits showing the device could quit working.

Fitbits can be used as an alarm clock. Up clocks can not be interchanged, but they to 8 alarms can be set on the fitbit, and the also come in various colors, such as blue, purple or black. alarm can be set up on a mobile device.

The goal on Fitbits can also the fitbits can track sleep. be altered.

It tracks If 10,000 restlessness, steps are r e a c h e d how long it takes to fall every day, by going to the asleep, and if you wake settings you can change up in the Photo Submitted middle of your goal to Students show off their fitbit flexes. the night. the new goal Fitbits are a good way to take notice of that’s in mind.

The bands on the fitbit flex can be the exercise we do each day.

The fitbit keeps track of exercise for us interchanged. The bands can be black, pink, and we can look at it whenever we need to blue, red and many other colors.

They can be changed at any point during on our phone, computer, or on the actual fitbit. the day.

Coronation: A success trevor -MURPHY Editor-in-Chief

will be better for coronation’s student attendance and a few other things, and they have my full support.

It’s pretty well known that Holding coronation of the night of Coronation is usually on Tuesday volleyball made evening with the the event rathvolleyball game, er rushed and and it definitely had only 40-50 isn’t under the MHS students. table that this “We wanted year student to make the council is event more trying something special and new, by holding less rushed,” coronation a day Student Council earlier with the member Ashdodgeball game. lynn Quintus Photo submitted Now most of said, “and we The king and queen sit surrounded by the rest of the students used to have to the Homecoming Court. have been pay for all the complaining parents to get into the game.” saying “it’s a terrible idea,” and such, but Overall the event went well, the the Student student turnout was much higher for Council believe that this, in the long run,

both coronation and the dodgeball game.

To say the least, moving coronation enhanced the experience, and improved all the areas that Studco was hoping to improve.

Although this change was mostly for the better I still can’t help but to wish that coronation was it’s own event; in my opinion they could do so much more with coronation than just quick crown some folks and move on.

Coronation could be a fun thing whereas the homecoming court has a few last minute challenges or games to do, or some sort of “how well do you know your running partner?”

I know what you’re thinking, “well there isn’t a better time to do that stuff.” In response yes we have time, just move coronation to like 6:30 and the Dodgeball game to 7:30 or 7:15, and then everything could be it’s own separate enjoyable event.

October trevor MURPHY - Editor-in-Chief

News Club Roundup

French Club

Our next event, again following tradition, is our Halloween costume party, taking place some time towards This year’s newly elected Board members the end of October. The party includes for the French club are Haley Geiger, who games, costumes, and large amounts of is the president, Kaylin Tomac, who is the food.

vice president, and Kimbryl Sterna, who will be the secretary for the upcoming year.

French club’s first event was pizza and Pitch perfect two and it was a blast. French club’s next event will be the France 2017 informational meeting on October 26, at 5 pm. Hope to see you there!

Latin Club As per tradition, Latin Club has kicked off the year by electing officers and welcoming new members. Their new leaders include our President James Haaland, Vice President Micayla Bitz, Secretary Kaelan Reedy, and Economic Advisor Garrett Scherr.

Spanish Club

Spanish club is looking forward to an eventful and exciting year which includes an amazing opportunity to participate in the Concordia Language Villages! So if you like churros, empanadas, speaking Spanish or learning about other cultures, join Spanish Club!

Spanish club’s next meeting on Friday, October 30 at 6:15pm room 224 and they will be watching a movie and planing more fun and festive activities for the months to come.

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Leos Club Leos club is off to a wonderful start welcoming almost 30 new possible members! The Leos’ welcome meeting was on September 24 and they talked about all possible upcoming events like trick or treating for eyeglasses and GABR; for anyone who couldn’t make it you can join at anytime, just make it to any one of the meetings throughout the year. Leos club’s next student lead meeting will be on October 22.

Debate Debate started on October 1. They had a general informational meeting in Mrs. bender’s room; however, the rest of the meetings will be held in the computer lab. The schedule is not definite and will be decided on a weekly basis, but not all practices are mandatory for members. For more information contact Mrs. Bender.

MHS’s newest position on staff filled trevor MURPHY - Editor-in-Chief

help my family and I have received from family, friends, and the community has been A new position has been added to MHS’s much appreciated,” Koenig said. ”In relation repertoire; Dean of Students. Aaron Koenig, to Mandan High School, I am extremely began his employment here and is glad he optimistic. The majority of stakeholders I’ve come in contact with have been wonderful.” can be here to help.

As the Dean of Students, Koenig deals Koenig is from smalltown, Underwood, North mostly with attendance Dakota, but in 2000 he and minor behavioral moved with his family to “In education you’re issues, but wants to Fargo. There he taught here to help students, clarify that he’s here to mathematics.

Later help. he acquired a masters so yeah, I deal with “Some of what I do degree in secondary minor disciplinary [currently] is simply walk administration from the around and communicate University of Mary. issues, but I don’t want with teachers, students This year is his second year in his position. He that to define my job.” and parents and try to get a feel for the community,” was the Dean of Students Koenig said. “In education in West Fargo for a year before moving here. This is however his first you’re here to help students, so yeah, I deal year in Mandan, though he intends to make with minor disciplinary issues, but I don’t want that to define my job.” this far from his last year.

Even though the job seems like it would “I can honestly say the hospitality and

be well developed, it is a new official title for Mandan, so Koenig’s job is ever changing and increasing. This is a good thing to Koenig.

“The job is evolving as the year goes on,” Koenig said, “and I am unsure if more duties will be added; being the job is in its first year it’s on a ‘remains to be seen’ basis.”

As Koenig fulfills his duties and discovers new ways for him to help that are yet to be uncovered, he stays optimistic through it all.

Photo by Trevor Murphy Koenig enjoys mornings, ones with a cup of coffee in his hand.

News

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The Courier

Mandan Students to Receive kaelan REEDY

- News Editor

All Mandan students are to receive iPads, starting next year.

The iPads will be used for class work, and teachers will decide how they will be used in their classes’ curriculum.

“District-wide, every student will have a device - one to one.”, Principal Mark Andresen said.

Careful consideration went into deciding the brand and type of devices Mandan High would be receiving, and in the end, Apple was chosen.

“Based on our research, we decided to go on the Mac side of things. Mac is an educational computer, and has a lot more things to offer us than an HP or other technologies,” Andresen said.

Currently, Mandan teachers have access to several Apple products, including an iPad Mini, an Apple TV, and a Macbook Air. Just as the student-issued iPads

iPads will be for their education, teachers are able to use these tools to enhance their curriculum.

Administration emphasizes that this technology is only a tool for teachers to use, however.

“A device will never replace a good teacher. A device is a tool that can help aid the educational process, but it will not replace a good teacher,” Andresen said.

As a whole, the students’ reaction to the change has been generally positive,

though some students did show concern.

“I think it’s great that they are getting new technology for the school to use, but I’m a bit skeptical about how well they will work,” said Junior Brandon Martin.

Some students also had conflicting opinions over the upcoming changes.

“I think that getting iPads as a student shouldn’t be the school’s priority at this time,” said Sophomore Ammar Karic, “but iPads are sweet!”

The overall effect that this technology will have is hard to predict, but it is hoped the change will be a positive update.

“I hope that we enhance education, and we engage kids further. There are better learning opportunities that they will have access to,” Andresen said.

Image from commons.wikimedia.org

McDonald’s to have All Day Breakfast kaelan REEDY

Both menus, as shown to the left, have the same selection of Foods in McDonald’s restaurants sides, platters, and a sausage Common nationwide have started serving u en M burrito. Hash Browns may or Biscuit McMuffin Menu items on their breakfast menu (Platters): may not be served. Mandan’s - Hotcakes with - Bacon, Egg all day, no longer stopping at - Egg McMuffin McDonald’s will be using the Sausage eese Biscuit 10:30 a.m.

Ch McMuffin menu.

- Hotcakes - Sausage McMuf it fin “All Day Breakfast is the cu Bis New machinery will be given - Sausage with Egg Sausage Burrito with Egg number one request we hear to restaurants to handle the usage from customers. We’re excited Sa - Sausage McMuf (Sides): new orders. fin Biscuit - Fruit N Yogurt to make this dream a reality this “We’re getting a new - Parfait year,” said a recent McDonald’s grill specifically for cooking - Fruit & Maple Oatmeal press release.

- Hash Browns* breakfast,” said fry cook However, not all of the items Malachai Rickman. on the breakfast menu will be Many feel this change is a step that focuses on either McMuffin or Biscuit served. items,” the press release continued. in the right direction for McDonald’s; a “Depending on the local market, All “This decision is made at the local level step where hash browns are available to Day Breakfast will have a limited menu all, no matter what the time of day is. based on customer preference.”

- News Editor

October

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for McFly in the film.

These expensive prototypes are not for sale however, and probably won’t be The Back to the Future movies are some available anytime soon. of the most loved and watched movies of Although, we are closer to these all time, especially Back to the Future Part hoverboards than we are to some of the II. other inventions in the film.

Everything about the movie is memorable One of the more far-fetched ideas of the from Doc Brown to the Delorean time film is that 2015’s skies and streets would machine to a look into the future and the be filled with flying cars. past.

The closest we come to these impressive What’s most important about this second machines is the fact that they are very installment in this time travelling series is similar in appearance to modern sports that it sends hero cars like Bugattis, Marty McFly to Lamborghinis and the distant future small, compact, of October 2015.

Smart cars.

The movie Appearances imagined what are all 2015 could life in the present come close to day would be though as no like for teenagers flying cars are and people currently in the everywhere. parking lot of While the film Mandan High. is not always On the topic of accurate it was cars, Doc Brown’s important to see 1983 Delorean. A how the people space age looking of the 1980’s Someone shows off Nike Mags, the prototype to the car for a space thought how age use, is a main self lacing shoes. society and life feature of the film. might have played out.

Once the car hit 88 mph, the car would One of the most recognizable parts zoom into past or future of your choosing, of Back to the Future Part II are the whether it was 1885 or the present year of hoverboards.

2015.

In the movie, kids and teens of all ages In the sequal, Doc Brown updates his car are found zipping and floating around town for the future, turning the once-landborne on these skateboards with jet engines. vehicle into a 2015 flying car. These flying “I would definitely buy if I could. I would cars were a staple and needed accessorry ride mine everywhere, but I would still of life in 2015. need my car,” junior Regan Gullickson said.

Another accessory no teen in the film Sadly, of course, this is not the case for year of 2015 would be seen without would modern teens who still either have to drive be Nike’s self-lacing shoes. a car, peddle a bike, or push a skateboard; These stylish shoes were for any size feet however, the car company Lexus has or taste. All the wearer had to do was slide created a hoverboard that works as it did their feet in and the shoe would resize and - Sports Editor

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lace itself. we have not yet achieved, but modern Although it may not be as big as society could very well see these come true hoverboards or flying cars, Nike has in the next year or so. officially stated that these shoes will be The movie predicted The United States released some time in 2015. would have a progressive female president They have confirmed the self-lacing for a new futuristic era of America in 2015. aspect of While this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the shoes, the case now, but it is Hillary Clinton doubtful is running for that the the Democratic shoes will nomination, which be oneif she wins would size-fitstake us a step all. closer to a woman If the in the White House shoes do by 2016. come out The movie also The ride of the future, the 1983 DeLorean time machine made some very this year, as seen in the Back to the Future trilogy.

Nike only silly assumptions or has a few wild guesses about months to release these 1985 classics. what life would be like in 2015.

Besides shoes, the fashion of Back to Some of these include double the Future Part II is another thing that collared shirts to wear two ties at once, residents of the modern age can look back holograms ruling over tv and billboards for at and smile. entertainment and advertising, and instead In the fictional year of 2015, what people of Iphones or email, the movie guessed wear is an odd mix of science-fiction and that fax machines would be the futureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. preferred way of communication.

People of all ages are seen sporting On a more serious note, the movie bright neon tutus, suits with shorts, fulldid get one thing right on the dot: the body spandex, and clothes that are ripped obsession and overload of technology. to the extent of not really being clothes.

In the film, families watch nine different Another aspect of the film that could be tv shows on one screen, while wearing considered fashion is robotics. virtual reality headsets to relax and unwind.

Many characters in the film have robotic While, People today may not be that and electrical enhancements to make them extreme, cell phones rule the modern age. stronger, faster, and scarier when compared The screens and the internet they are to the hero, McFly. connected to are an inescapable part of life.

While amputees and people with other While the movie was both right and injuries often receive prosthetics to make wrong, and both close and far-fetched with their life easier, people in the real 2015 the picture it painted of 2015, the world we do not receive these enhancements for live in is still far more advanced than the personal reasons, as advanced as they people of 1985 could have ever guessed. might seem.

Back to the Future Part II is a movie filled All photos courtesy of Wikipedia with expectations for 2015. Most of these All graphics by Gabrielle Wolf

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Student Life

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The Courier

One girl that does it all

trevor MURPHY - Editor-in-Chief

of the orphans to helping she is the Senior Taylor Reinhardt build necessary structures captain of her is a young woman that has like homes. dance team, the been and is striving to give back to “It was really good to Kachinas, which means those who have given her so much, and is on see how they have no food she is the girls main a well coursed track to become a hero. As the and a rather dirty support for everything captain of the Mandan Kachinas, place to live, like a from stretching to moral The president of the Leos club, dirt floor, but they support to leadership. and a volunteer member to stay so positive,” “I don’t let my scoliosis her community and to Antigua, Reinhardt said, stop me from doing Guatemala, Taylor will not stop Taylor putting the finishing “and to come back anything that it would,” and will not let anything else touches on a building that her and realize how Reinhardt said. “... but stop her from doing what she group recently constructed. much we take for I’m not going lie it makes can to better herself and others. granted: our education, a place to it harder to do certain moves in dance and “I try not to let my back, my live and drinking water, because stuff, but I just have to work at certain things “Scoliosis” stop me from doing you can’t drink the water down a little harder than the average person.” the things that are important” there.”

And she means it. Just about all of the things Reinhardt said.

A little closer to home, she does she has wanted to do that can be completed An image of one As of now Taylor has gone to work with the Leos club leading as of now have been, but her future looks of Taylor’s few Guatemala twice, this summer shortcomings on her and helping with everything from just as bright. She intends on being inthe and the summer before and did a quest to betterment. gathering eyeglasses for the less peace corps and clearly has already started variety of different tasks while she fortunate to planting trees in Fargo. walking the path to that future, and I’m sure was there like play with and care for some On top of all these communities services she won’t stop there. All Above photos submitted

“Tom Jones” Hits the stage this month

megan- Fredericks General Reporter

“Tom Jones” is the title of this year’s fall play. A classic comedy, it’s expected to be a fun and entertaining experience for both the audience and the cast.

There will be three performances available to attend: October 16th and 17th, both at 7:30 p.m., and October 18th at 2:30 p.m.

A fee of $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors is required to see the show.

The doors open thirty minutes before show time so that audience members can arrive early and take their seats.

The play is based off of Henry Fielding’s novel, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. The three-act performance takes the audience back in time to England in the 1700’s. Although the setting might sound dull to some, the script is jam-packed with drama and witty one-liners to keep the audience well entertained throughout the

show. evening of [the performance], you will “I think the student body would really dig be positively transported to 18th century this show because England!” of its dry, sitcom-like “Tom Jones” is humor,” senior actress intended to be wellAshlyn Quintus said. suited to the group “If you like the Monty of students who will Python or Naked Gun be acting in it this movies, it’s a must year. Director Lisa see!”

Quintus puts a lot The actors and of thought into the actresses have titles she chooses for been hard at work MHS’s annual theater Photo by Megan Fredericks to perfect their productions.

Actors and actresses rehearse a characters, practicing “I chose this play scene from the play. lines at home and because it had getting instruction from the director during multiple female roles” Quintus said. She rehearsals. The audience can look forward to wanted to cater to the large number of outstanding energy and impressive accents female students who auditioned. “And out and lingo from 18th century London. of the many plays I read and considered, I “We have such a talented group of actors thought it was well-written, funny, and that here” senior actor James Haaland said, “the it would best showcase our overall talent.”

October

Student Life

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Sports

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The Courier

Mandan Braves tackle 2015 season

Head Coach Todd Sheldon and his boys strive for new beginning casey BECK

knows this and uses these instances to in their positions as defensive ends with highlight certain issues. seniors Nathan Glass and Gabe Meschke “In our losses to this point we have just as important putting valuable time in This year’s Braves football team is the best struggled to maintain drives or finish drives.“ as corners.

Allowing these boys to do their in recent memory, with a 2-3 overall record.

This appears to be the year of Head Coach Sheldon said, ” We need to be able to put work and freeing up the rest of the defensive Todd Sheldon and his boys. The season has points on the board in order to win games.” line are seniors Jacob Condon, Cole Garman, The head coach also highlighted that, with and Riley Gerding. had its highs and lows so far, but the Braves the exception of the loss to DHS, the defense On the offensive side of things, Sheldon have never given up.

“The most important factor in the success has scored in every single game. The team credits Seniors Nick Miller, Richard Bendish, has and Tyler Gangl of the season is how well we play together.“ currently three safeties, with providing Sheldon said, “Can we trust each other to do fumble n u m e r o u s our jobs effectively and rely on each other a recovery, and an rushing yards. during the highs and lows of practice/game interception that On the receiving and season,” end seniors The season started out for the Braves on was returned for a touchdown.

Meschke Jared a low note with the devastating 16-20 loss These feats Zittelman, junior against Fargo South. Despite some people’s are Jaden Andresen, hopes fleeting, the boys never lost faith and combined and sophomore brought back their first win from Grand Forks impressive for any team.

Camren Steckler Red River with an impressive score of 43-20.

The have been The boys were then able to ride this victory very important into week three and win the long awaited h o m e c o m i n g loss against to the team Century game. This was no small task for Minot was a scoring needed the boys as at the time Century hadn’t lost hard pill to touchdowns and game yet.

Photo by Casey Beck swallow for runs.

The Mandan Braves hadn’t bested the Mandan Braves look over the field as Coach Andresen Patriots since 2006, ending a nine year losing many Mandan Sheldon watches a play.

Braves players was particularly streak against the rivals from Bismarck.

According to Sheldon the wins the Braves and fans, but Sheldon is still proud of his able to pull through during the game with Century, while Zittleman has helped with have earned are attributed to both a strong Braves and how they played.

The team lost 20-35, but were able to keep more recent contests. defense and offense. the scoreboard all tied However, the Braves wouldn’t be a team “The biggest “When that group is up until half-time, and if not for quarterback senior Jake Carlson. factors that have against the first-ranked The 6’ 2” senior has been instrumental in focused and prepared contributed to our wins this year have for games we are a very school in the WDA, at not only the victories for the Braves, but also been the productivity good football team with that time, that was no leading the team and keeping it afloat during losses. easy task. of our offense in those the potential of being “Jake Carlson showed glimpses of how “I commend our kids games, “Sheldon said. for how they mentally good he was going to be last season and has something special” “The defense has prepared for the game certainly showed that early in this season”, played very solid in all and then executed our Sheldon said. of our games but in the wins we were able Regardless of who makes the plays and game plan.” Sheldon said. “A break here or to be more effective offensively.” who doesn’t on the field, the Braves are there could have put us in a position to win The two-win streak for the team couldn’t having a great year so far and should be able that game.” go on forever. Since the victory over the The head coach’s players are the biggest to keep it up for the rest of the 2015 season.

Patriots, the Braves have lost to both part of his game plan and he know how to The next game for the boys is against the Dickinson and Minot, who are currently first seventh ranked Legacy, October 9 at Faris use them effectively when the time arises. and second in the WDA respectively.

Field.

Defensively, seniors Nick Miller and Richard These losses, however, can be seen as a learning tool for the Braves and Sheldon Bendish have been instrumental to the team - Sports Editor

Sports

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casey BECK

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Seniors take over Powderpuff

The Class Leading the way, Senior Paige Lillis of 2016 was able to take control of the ball and went into The Thursday night lights went off with score two of the three touchdowns for the game the seniors with the senior with three an additional class exiting practices, t w o - p o i n t the field while the conversion under victorious with seniors had her belt.

24-0 on the four under Seniors Jasmyn scoreboard. their belt.

Williams, Chelsey The Class of This may Norton, and 2016 were not seem Alexis Tapia were able to come like a huge also able to slide back from the issue, but past the junior shortcomings the results defense and of their 20-16 showed on traverse some loss of the last the field major yardage in year.

Photo by Casey Beck the the process.

Unlike Senior Paige Lillis runs the ball in for and scoreboard.

While the most football one the Seniors’ touchdowns.

The seniors were games played Photo by Casey Beck on Faris Field Junior McKenna Quintus runs the ball after a hand able to keep a strong Juniors did have some strengths, though. defense and stronger Their defense was able to hold their own the ball was off from junior Abby Patrick. offense, the Class of and stop many of the seniors run, but just rarely in the air as running the ball was the strategy for 2016 had problems that plagued the team not enough of them.

The Class of 2017 still has next year as up until the final few minutes. both junior and senior classes.

The junior team to start of is always less seniors to make their mark on the Mandan Unfortunately for the Class of 2017, the Seniors were able to run the ball deeper and experienced and in this case also had a Powderpuff game, as this year’s seniors smaller team that could be played on field. have. harder than their younger opponents.

- Sports Editor

casey BECK

- Sports Editor

Black Hammers Crush Dodgeball

Team Black Hammers have taken up the mantle of dodgeball champions as they took down the competition at this year’s tournament.

“It was amazing, because we didn’t win it when I was in Freshman year and I didn’t play last year. It was just a good feeling,” said Junior and Black Hammer team member Brad Wiloughby.

This year, all seven student teams, including Team What Are Those went up against each other and brought their numbers down until only two teams remained. The Black Hammers and Team Clutch went up against each other for the final match.

When the dust settled, The Black Hammers were victorious and cemented their place

in homecoming history. The past three years have been dominated by Team Get Some. We will have to see if the Black Hammers can live up to their predecessors.

Photo submitted Mandy Joyce

The Black Hammers after a victory during the tournament.

Sports

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The Courier

April and August Athletes of the Month April Athletes Alumna Madysen Zander Girls’ Soccer Coach Kessler had this to say about Mady: Madysen is a Senior Captain defender for the girls Varsity soccer team. She works extremely hard with our young team and has been our anchor in the central defense position. She is good at directing our young back line, knocking down dangerous opportunities for opponents scoring, and she has offered guidance verbally and by example during very difficult games.

She is a 3 year letter winner and 2-time All-Region selection. Her work ethic has proven her to be one of our top defenders since her first season on Varsity.

She received her first All-Region honors as a sophomore and lead the defensive line to the first ever State Tournament berth for the girls soccer program.

Her efforts in the back line have kept us competitive this season allowing our younger players time to grow. She leads her team both on and off the field and has been an exceptional role model for the very young Varsity squad.

Alumnus Parker Harm Boys’ Baseball Coach Mack had this to say about Parker: Parker had a stellar April for the baseball team. He is our team leader in hitting, pitching and fielding.

August Athletes His hitting stats for April are 20 hits in 44 Senior at bats for an incredible average of 455. He Alicia Weiand has 9 doubles, a triple and a home run in Girls’ Volleyball his 20 hits for 34 total bases. His fielding stats include 20 put-outs and 7 assists and 0 Volleyball Head errors while playing center field and pitching.

Coach, Anna Folk, His pitching stats are by far the most nominated Alicia impressive. In 20 innings pitched, Parker has and had this to recorded 29 strikeouts and only 9 walks. He say about her has only allowed 2 earned runs for an earned accomplishments: run average of 0.70. His record pitching in “Alicia had a great April is 2-1 and he missed a complete game month of August to start our volleyball no-hitter by a single batter. season off. With 35 kills and 11 blocks, she led us to a superb 5-2 record at the Bismarck Tournament.

Alicia is one of our hardest Senior workers and not only leads by example Gabe but is always encouraging and helping Meschke her teammates on and off the court. Her Boys’Track & best volleyball asset is the fact that she is so versatile, regularly playing as a middle Field blocker. She really could be thrown into any position on the court without hesitation and Coach Leon Kary be successful, making her so valuable to our had this to say team.” about Gabe: Gabe Meschke had a very busy month of April for the Senior Mandan Boy’s Track and Field team as Richard he helped the Braves to State Qualifying Bendish events in the 400 Meter Relay, 800 Meter Boys’ Football Relay and the 1600 Meter Relay. Gabe also qualified individually in the 400 Meter Dash Coach Todd Sheldon and 800 Meter Dash. nominated Richard Gabe has come a long way since last for these great year as he has shown more speed and accomplishments: strength in all his events. Gabe is a perfect “Richard was example of an athlete who has made everywhere in our himself into an elite athlete through hard season opener.

He caused a fumble that was work, perseverance and determination.

Gabe’s hard working attitude has inspired recovered for a TD (Nick Miller) and had a sack that resulted in a safety. Richard also our younger athletes to work harder and had four carries for 44 yards as a tailback. strive to do their best. His leadership is Richard is a tenacious competitor “Who greatly appreciated by the coaching staff Raises the Bar” for all of his teammates and as he’s always willing to do whatever it pushes them to reach a higher standard of take to make the Braves a better team. play on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”

All information and photos were taken from www.mandan.k12.nd.us/activities/marclub.

Sports

October casey BECK

- Sports Editor

Sports Roundup

Girls’ Swimming & Diving

Ralph Manley has once again crafted a strong team of girls’ swimmers and divers with the 2015 season. The team currently has a record of 2-1 in duals with a tenth place finish at the Bismarck invite.

The girls’ next meet is in Jamestown on October 6 with the WDA meet at Williston.

Girls’ Volleyball

Football

The Mandan football team has come into an era of new beginnings for Head Coach Todd Sheldon and his boys. The boys are currently fifth in AA rankings of the WDA. This gives them an overall record of 2-3 and 1-2 in the WDA putting them ahead of teams such as Century and Legacy.

One of the key factors that Sheldon believes greatly contributed to this season thus far is his experienced senior leadership.

The next game for the boys is 9 October at Faris Field against Legacy.

The Mandan Braves volleyball team has had a very productive season and battled into the fourth place in the WDA. The girls have a winning WDA record of 5-4 with a state record of 148. The girls sadly lost their homecoming game against Legacy, who also have a 14-8 state record.

The Braves still very near the top of the l i s t i n g s despite their losses and Photo by Casey Beck Senior Miranda Lowman are looking forward to a serves the ball against rematch with Legacy at Legacy.

Legacy on 6 October.

Girls’ Golf

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The girls of Mandan’s golf started the year under the new head leadership of Don Fry, but this hasn’t affected the team one bit with the team taking fourth at the WDA tournament in Bismarck.

The small team of six girls - Juniors Megan Broeckel and Kaycee Schultz, Peyton Roerich, Cortnie Mongeon , Senior Paige Clausen, and Freshman Victoria Wu - have on average taken third place within the WDA. These girls have also put one of their golfers in the top ten of each of their meets.

The next meet for the girls is the State A tournament in Fargo on October 6.

Boys’ Soccer The Mandan boys have had a rough 2015 season, but while the boys are down they’re are not out. The boys have a record of zero wins and seven losses with three ties.

The Next meet for the boys is the WDA play-in 8 October in Mandan.

Boy’s Tennis

Girls’ Cross Country Coach Michelle Thomas’s second year with Mandan’s Cross Country program has turned into a great season. The team has consistently had at least two runners in the top 20.

Leading Thomas’s runners are eighth grader Kelby Rinas, who is a serious contender for the State title, and Senior Jacey Wilson.

Thomas had this to say about her girls, “The girls have a strong, solid set of scoring runners who strive to be the best and in doing so push their teammates to improve as well.”

In the past few meets including, a contest in Rapid City, all eight runners on the girls’ team have been running up on varsity.

Boys’ Cross Country The Boys’ Cross Country team started the 2015 season in a strong way and have been keeping it up into October. Juniors Landon Kleingartner and Luke Peterson have been leading both the varsity and JV runners this past year with the best times on the team. “ We have gotten a lot farther and faster than I thought we would be. When we started out, I didn’t think we would be as strong, because we are so young, but we got a lot of young guys coming out,” Coach Nick Towner said.

“Then you add that with our junior class and their leadership and our seniors and we are doing really well.”

The boys of Mandan tennis had a rough year but were able to come out, not on top, but very close. The boys ended the year with an overall tie record of 8-8.

This record puts them in a strong fifth place within the WDA. Senior Erik Porter was able to come out victorious in his singles match and hold on to his title of WDA singles Photo by Megan Fredericks champion.

Junior Tyler Tweten prepares to return Senior Tate Russell the ball with doubles partner Connor also made it to the State Wieland watching.

Tournament for singles along with the doubles team of Juniors Connor Wieland and Tyler Tweten.

(All information for Sports Roundup is updated as of October 1 , 2015. Any meets/games from October 2 thru October 6 are not included.)

The next meet for the team is the WDA Championship in Dickinson on October 10.