MHS Courier December 2017 by MHS Courier

The Courier 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 26, Issue 3 - December 2017

More on page 18.

From The Editors...

In this issue, we have many different articles about the holidays. You will find anything from Christmas controversy to new songs to add to your playlist. We would like to thank our readers for the continuous support, and for all the feedback we have been receiving on previous issues. We hope that your Christmas Break is full of joy, hot chocolate and cookies. Stay safe and we look forward to bringing new issues of the Courier to your classroom and home in the new year!

Brenna Hammer and Shantel Jangula, Co-Editors-In-Chief

Table of Contents

Page 3............................................................Staff Recommends Page 4............................................From The Beatles to Beyoncé Page 5..................................................................Hammer Times Page 6.....................................Non-traditional Christmas Music Page 7..................................................................Cuffing Season Page 8-9............................................................Courier Calendar Page 10...................................................................Winter Blues Page 11...............................................................Advertisements Page 12-13..................................................Where It All Started Page 14..................................................Winter Wonderland Fun Page 15............................2018: Student New Year’s Resolutions Page 16......................................................................Yay or Nay Page 17....................................................................The Flipside Page 18.....................................................Swept Under the Desk Page 19................................................A Teacher’s Reason Why Page 20.................................................................Advertisement Page 21.....................................................The Off-Season Grind Page 22.................................................................The Real Piehl Cover photo by Brenna Hammer. Cover Page 23......................................................Athletes of the Month photo displays Swept Under the Desk Page 24...............................................................Sports Roundup article on Page 18.

Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Shantel Jangula..........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Brenna Hammer.........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Feature Editor Owen Piehl...........................................................News Editor Sports Edior Maiya Fleck..................................................General Reporter Santanah Gerhart..........................................General Reporter Savanna Hagerott..........................................General Reporter Ryan Phelps..................................................General Reporter Hannah Cahoon...........................................................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. All submissions must be signed by the author if they are to be published and subject to editing if space is restricted. The Courier strives to be objective in its news coverage. Columns and letters reflect only the opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier staff, administration, teachers, or student body. Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus of the staff. The Courier is funded entirely through advertising sales. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.

December 2017

Opinion

4 6 4 6 6 5 4 5 5 6 6 6 5 4 4 6 6 5 6 6 5 5 4 5 6 5 5 5 Seven 6 4 4 4 6 4 4 6 5 4 Last Minute Gift Ideas The Staff Recommends4 6 5 4

Mcdonalds’ Holiday Pies

Recommended by Brenna Hammer.

I am a firm believer that Christmas is about three things: Jesus, family and holiday pies. These custard-filled pockets of happiness and will only cost you about a dollar, so you can easily buy them in bulk to give to a friend or family member. If you want to be a true pal, call up the holy land (McDonald’s) and let them know that you’re going to order a lot of pies and give them a decent amount of time to prepare them. The best part about holiday pies, though, is that they are packaged in a perfect little rectangular box, which makes for incredibly easy wrapping.

Burleigh Beard Co. Beard Oil Recommended by Owen Piehl.

Do you have a loved one who sports a nice, good looking beard?

Chocolate Syrup Recommended by Ryan Phelps.

Even if you don’t like pure chocolate, which is a wrong opinion by the way, you can spread out the taste to other things, like the fruit you bought thinking you were going to eat healthy this year. You can’t go wrong with chocolate syrup.

Opinion

If so, Burleigh Beard Co. Beard Oil is the perfect gift. Sold at Exposure Boutique in downtown Bismarck, the oil comes in many scents, such as Northern Experience, M i s s o u r i Midnight or Whiskey Lumberjack. With all these options, you can be sure to find something your bearded buddy will love.

Grapefruit Surprise Recommended by Santanah Gerhart.

If December 24 rolls around and you realize you forgot to buy somebody a gift, do not panic. Get creative! Cut out a very small circle through the peeling on top of a grapefruit, roll up a $20 bill and slide it inside. Carefully glue the top back on, wrap the grapefruit in some festive paper and stick it under the tree. When your family member opens it and thinks it is weird, break silence by telling them to peel it. Although this may strike them as strange, they will be pleasantly surprised when they peel apart the grapefruit and find the cash inside!

Hot Chocolate

Recommended by Maiya Fleck.

This white hot chocolate sold at Dan’s is the perfect last minute gift idea! I recommend getting the mug at TJ Maxx.

Cabin Socks

Recommended by Savanna Hagerott.

We all may have hated getting socks as children, but you can not go wrong with a pair of comfy, warm socks for a fellow teenager, sibling or parent. It is getting colder, and whether you are wearing them with tennis shoes, converse or Birkenstocks, they will keep your feet warm.

7 Hempz Body Moisturizer

Recommended by Shantel Jangula.

Hempz Body Moisturizer is the perfect last minute gift idea. Found at Ulta, the 17 ounce bottle can be a little pricey—$23. However, don’t let that intimidate you; this lotion is by far the best. If the amazing scent is not enough, the lotion does not leave a greasy finish after application like many other lotions. Any friend, relative or even pet crocodile would love to unwrap a bottle of Hempz Body Moisturizer.

Page design by Shantel Jangula. All photos by respective staff member.

December 2017

From the Beatles to Beyoncé Why different generations are not all that different

SAVANNA HAGEROTT General Reporter

There are many generations that have come to be throughout the years, and along with that comes many stereotypes as well. Often times, when we think of the Baby Boomers, we think of old workaholics who look down on anyone who does not work as hard as them. When we think of Generation X, we think of our overprotective parents, who were just as terrible as us as teens. When we think of Millennials, we see our older siblings or coworkers who do not have their life together yet. Or we think of ourselves, the teenagers who are always right and are just trying to live life. Every single generation has its stereotypes: something that sets them apart from each other. But are generations really that different from each other? Of course our different experiences and the way we have been raised have shaped us into who we are today and how we live our lives differently, but we live in the same world today. We all live in America, meaning no matter what age or generation we belong to, we have grown up with relatively the same values. With personal experience, I have seen distinct differences between my grandparents and my siblings and I, obviously, but on some topics we are the same. Whenever I wear holy jeans, my grandpa asks if I paid full price for them, and my response is always a regretful yes. One thing we can agree on, however, is how important our family is to us. Our age gap and fashion differences are just as large as our similarities about our family.

We may not be able to talk about how the color of my leather boots should match my leather belt, but we are able to talk about how amazing our family is for hours. Growing up in a common country, state or even city, there are values you cannot escape from. A common value throughout every single generation is, in fact, family. No matter your age, you probably are aware that family is important, whether it be by blood or not. Now, why do generations want to separate themselves so much? Why do we purposefully put ourselves in boxes just to justify our want to be different? We are literally making stereotypes for ourselves just because we want to make sure we are distinct from other generations. There can be times when we try and make ourselves fit into a certain mold just to be a part of something. We live in an age where we do not want to be stereotypical, and we want to set ourselves apart from others, but we are still feeding into the stereotypes made for us. Do you feel an obligation to be ‘tech savvy’ just because you’re a teenager and you should

know more about technology than your parents? Are you entitled or lazy? Do you need praise 24/7? Because that is what other generations often view millennials as. Or are you a workaholic? Are you independent or cynical? These are stereotypes of past generations but many teenagers fit into these categories. Your generation does not define you. The year you were born or where you were born does not define you. Who you are and your values are what define you.

* Photos depicting popular icons and fads that consumed the generations.

* Photos used with permission of Wikimedia and Flickr.

December 2017

Opinion

The

Hammer Times

BRENNA HAMMER - Co-Editor-In-Chief

Anybody that knows me knows that I I always remember 2012, the year that only recognize two seasons: summer and everything seemed different. It was the Christmas. I either want to be getting a tan year that my father was deployed to on the lake or I want to be gaining weight Afghanistan. I have never really had a great because I have eaten too many cookies. relationship with my father, but Christmas There is really no in between. has always been a time where we could put There is our differences aside something about and enjoy being in Christmas time that each other’s company. I love; there is a sort Obviously, that was of warmth that you a really difficult year feel even though for me. I remember it is negative 37 opening presents and degrees outside. hoping that my night There is this feeling would turn into one of of love that can those Youtube videos not be avoided and where my dad would an opportunity to pop out of a box and put the past year surprise me. It did not in perspective, happen. That is the looking at the good only Christmas I can times, the bad times, look back on and not and everybody that feel happy. you have met along However, that the way. year passed quickly My favorite People like Jerry, who I met at a enough and now all is part of Christmas, community center for MS patients, well. I always use my though, is that I have made a lasting impact on my experience, though, always feel blessed, as an opportunity to personality. and not because I empathize with those have presents under the tree and a ham in who are spending the holidays without a the oven. loved one forever—those who had parents, As my favorite holiday approaches, children, or siblings who said goodbye and

never got the chance to say hello again. I also look back on the people that I have met on my missions trips. I go on a trip every year and every year I meet somebody that touches my heart. I think of the homeless and the orphans; I think of the Alzheimer’s patients and the families buying Christmas dinner at a food pantry. It disappoints me that I can not invite every one of these people to my house, but it also gives me a reason to feel truly blessed. It can be easy to forget how fortunate we really are, especially when we see friends posting pictures of their thousand dollar gifts on Instagram and taking holiday trips to the Bahamas while we are stuck at home shoveling. However, it is important to remember that while we look at others and wish we had something they had, they are looking at us and thinking the same thing. This Christmas, instead of counting your presents, count your blessings. Love your family and friends with all your heart and sing carols as loud as you can. Look at Christmas lights and drink way too much hot chocolate. This year, a lot of bad things have happened, but try to focus on the good. Start the new year with an open and positive mind. Everything else will fall into place. And most importantly, have a very merry Christmas.

From mission trips to sporting opportunities, I am incredibly blessed. Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on things that are important to me.

Opinion

All photos submitted by Brenna Hammer.

December 2017

C ristmas Music

Non-traditional

SANTANAH GERHART General Reporter

Don’t get me wrong, those traditional Christmas jams such as “Jingle Bells” and “Feliz Navidad” are great, but after a while they can get old. The solution: Non-traditional Christmas music. Here’s a collection of some more modern holiday songs for when you are trying to get in the Christmas spirit but do not want to listen to the same old “classics” over and over again every. single. year. Make any holiday party lit with these songs on the playlist.

“Every

Day is C album hristmas” -Sia

r Us”

fo ming o C s ta’ “San -Sia

“Merry Christmas Lil Mama” Mixtape -Chance the Rapper and Jeremih

“Rudol ph Red No the se Reinde d er” -DMX

“All The Way” - Chance The Rapper and Jeremih

“Santa Tell Me” -Ariana Grande

“Merry Xmas” -Fetty Wap

for ant W I “All istmas” d Chr f an a o L -DeJ k Black Koda

“A Pentatonix Christmas” album -Pentatonix

*Photos used with permission from www.pixabay.com

TheAnti-Gift Manifesto Picture the scene: it’s a cold, dreary day outside. The snow is falling, the clouds are looming and you feel like it is the perfect day to waste away on the couch, binge-watching your life away. You are on the way to do so, and someone asks you a question. You wish it didn’t have to happen. You are wringing your hands, and wishing you would not have to answer. You were asked—”What do you want for Christmas. “ The giving of gifts to celebrate Christmas or any other holiday is a horrid tradition. No output of joy and gratitude makes up for the input of stress and effort involved in the whole process. For starters, the average American spends $500 on gifts alone for Christmas, according to The Business Insider. This is ridiculous, especially when you consider that $500 is being spent on a totally hit-or-miss endeavor (think Russian roulette). I have gotten so many useless presents over the years, more than I can count (meaning more than 10). In hindsight and foresight, it would have been much better if the people who got me those gifts kept their money. And even on the days to where I’m not feeling the whole empathetic-consideration-of-others thing, I really hope I will not have to spend similar amounts of many when I am some 30 year old with a family. More importantly than the loss of money associated with buying gifts, is the real impact of getting a gift. Christmas should always

RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

be about the same things, for every single purpose on the western side of this great blue planet who celebrates Christmas: snow, hot chocolate, colorful lights, pine trees, Santa Clause and possibly the birth of Jesus Christ. The new Rick and Morty Pickle Rick cutoff you just so happen to want this year, exclusively, should not be part of the equation. Also, I do not want to hear about what random thing people happen to want. But I will, and in return for their list, I have to think of a one for them. It is not fair. And let us say, just in case, you happen to get that premium, once-in-a-lifetime, Rick and Morty Pickle Rick cutoff. Did you really deserve it? Are you actually worth the love of the person who gave it to you? Will you ever be able to give something back as valuable as that gift? Whether it is accurate of not, I personally feel like the answer to all these questions are no when applied to me. How in the world can I actually be worth hundreds of dollars over the years? I did not do anything to deserve this, yet Grandma Phelps gave it to me anyway, and I feel extremely guilty every time she gives me anything. It is disturbing, and something no one should ever have to feel. With all of this in mind, I can say without a single doubt in my heart, that gifts should be a part of Christmas no longer. With this in mind, I suggest asking for nothing this year, and make sure people know you actually mean it. This tradition neeeds to end, unapologetically and immediately. Ba-humbug.

December 2017

Opinion

Photo by Santanah Gerhart

Picture this. The year is 2017: it is the dead of winter, you are pretty much living in the tundra, and the sun is shining—on the other side of the world. It’s always dark outside, and the teens would rather hibernate in their beds than be social. ‘Tis the season—for cuffing. In the world of relationships, there are arguably two seasons: summer flings and cuffing season. In the summer, it feels as if life’s opportunities are endless. People, especially teens, want to be free, take risks, make friends and do whatever they want without being held down. In the winter, however, the weather gets cold and people get lonely. Many teens then desire a special somebody to look at christmas lights and take cute photos with. According to Urban Dictionary, cuffing season is:

“During the fall and winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world, desiring to be “cuffed” or tied down by a serious relationship. The cold weather and prolonged indoor activity causes singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed.”

In the dead of winter when going outside is not an option because it is so cold that it physically hurts to breathe, there is not much to do other than stay home. However, staying inside alone all the time is enough to make anyone feel lonely and antisocial. Naturally, all a person wants is someone to watch movies and chill with all day. Because cold states are more likely to be affected, cuffing season is definitely a thing in North Dakota. Honestly, North Dakota is probably one of the most severely affected states in the US with how cold, dark (shoutout to Daylight Savings) and long winters can get. Having someone to rely on for that “warm and fuzzy” feeling inside seems to be what many teens and millennials use as a

Opinion

CUFFING SEASON SANTANAH GERHART General Reporter

solution to the lonely and depressing vibes of North Dakota winters. It is our human nature to seek psychological warmth when it is physically cold. Believe it or not, cuffing season is not all hype; there is real science behind it according to www.medicaldaily.com. The human body produces more melatonin in the winter, which is a hormone that makes people feel lazy. That explains why all that many people want to do is stay in bed around this time of year. Testosterone production also increases during these months in males, explaining why they may all of a sudden crave a girlfriend to cuddle with, even if they would not normally be willing to settle down. Cuffing season is also backed up by the fact that August and September have the highest birth rates, 9 months after winter begins. Although finding a cutie to cuff may make the winter season feel more bearable, it definitely has the potential to be emotionally risky. People all around are quite literally setting themselves up for heartbreak. Even if the brain knows it is temporary, it can be hard to prevent the heart from catching feels. When summer rolls around and one or both parties are no longer interested, it is normal to feel a little bit heartbroken; it is normal to feel that way. Overall, cuffing season is just part of our human nature. Not only is it a trend on Twitter, but it is also backed up by science. However, the warmth felt inside by the people involved in a relationship built not to last is likely to freeze as soon as they step outside without a coat.

December 2017

Courier Calendar January & Febuary

MAIYA FLECK General Reporter

Sunday

Monday 1

31 School

Tuesday 2

School

Club event

Thursday

School

Wednesday

Friday

Club event Club event

b b b i

Club event

16 14 Club event Club event Club event Club event Club event

i 20

26 Club event 27

Club

School

Band/Choir event

Saturday

December 2017

Club event Club eventClub

News

Legend School

Basketball Gymnastics

Wrestling

No School

Band/Choir Event event Band/Choir

Swim/Dive

Club Event Club event

Test Days

Hockey

Event Description *All events listed are home events unless they are state or WDA* Girls’ Basketball dates January: 13- 7:30 p.m., 25- 7:30 p.m., 26- 5:45 p.m., 30- 7:30 p.m. February: 2- 7:30 p.m., 6- 7:30 p.m., 10- 2:00 p.m. Boys’ basketball days January: 12- 7:30 p.m., 23- 7:30 p.m. ,26- 7:45 p.m. February: 1- 7:30 p.m., 3- 7:30 p.m., 8- 7:30 p.m., 10- 4 p.m.

School

Gymnastics dates January: 18- 5:30 p.m., 19-5:30 p.m. February: 16- West Region @ Dickinson , 23-24- State

No School December: 31 Christmas Break- January 2 Christ, January 15- Martin Luther King Day, 16- Teacher Professional Development Day

Band and Choir dates Band/Choir event January: 22 Jazz Potluck - MMS 5:30 p.m.

Club Event dates Club event January: School House Rock Live Dates: Girls’ Hockey dates January 11- 9 p.m. School Performance, January: 12- 7:00 p.m., 19- 7 p.m. 12- 7:30 p.m., 13- 7:30 p.m., 14- 2 p.m. February: 6- 7:00 p.m., 22-24 State @ Grand Forks January 29- SADD Pizza Ranch fund Boys’ Hockey Dates January: 6- 6:30 p.m., 9 - 7:30 p.m., 13- 2:00 p.m., 16 - 7:30 raiser February: p.m., 25- 7:30 p.m., 27- 1:00 p.m. February: 10- 2:00 15-17- WDA @ Minot 22-24 State @ February 12-16- Bismarck/Mandan Job Shadow week Grand Forks February 22-25- French and Spanish Test dates students attend Concordia Language January: camp January 6- National Honor Society will be hosting a practice ACT with Sylvan Leaning Center, for any interested sophomore or junior. The test will begin at 8:00. It costs $12 and a portion of the profits goes to the Mandan chapter of National Honor Society. January 9 and 10- 9 week tests January 11 and 12- Semester tests January 18- Students that took the practice ACT will receive a detailed score interpretation of their results during I & E.

News

i b

December 2017

Wrestling Dates January: 4- 6 p.m. 26- 6 p.m. February: 10- 9:30 WDA @ Minot, 15-16- 10:00 State @ Fargo

Boys’ Swim and Dive January: 11- 5 p.m., 13- 11 p.m., February: 2- 5 p.m., 9- 5 p.m., 10- 11 p.m.

One student shares her experiences with Seasonal Affective Disorder MAIYA FLECK General Reporter

What is sad? North Dakota is far from the equator, creating long cold winters. Besides making people cold, the decreasing temperatures also have a significant effect on mental illness. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a psychological condition identified in the 1980s. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects four to six percent of people in the United States, affecting women four times as much as men. SAD affects people that live in higher latitudes, making it more common in people that live in North Dakota versus Florida. SAD is linked to the changing patterns of sunlight that fluctuate season to season. Most commonly, it starts in the fall and continue through the winter. However, a small portion of people experience cases in the summer months. The large majority of people deal with SAD in the winter, as the winters interference with sunlight consumption triggers the disease. Considering people receive a lot less sunlight exposure in the winter, this impacts sleep schedule, hormones and people’s overall mood. The symptoms associated with SAD are similar to depression. Some winter-time examples are unhappiness, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, lack of entries in social activities, weight gain and feelings of hopelessness.

Grace’s Experience Junior Grace Mork was diagnosed with SAD at age 11, and continues to battle it. It all began when her mom realized she was quiet and became less interactive in social situations. This led them to get help and understand what Mork was dealing with. She started counseling, began learning what she could do to benefit herself, and received antidepressants.

“The gloominess, darker colors and darkness definitely affect it.” Mork said. The colors of the seasons have a large effect on her mood. When the Earth’s plants began to die and colors fade, Mork’s depression is triggered. The Spring has an opposite effect when new life begins to grow and fresh color appears, making Mork happier. Every year the symptoms begin, and end around the same time in the cold to warm seasons. “Living with severe depression, not only SAD, is like living in a world of grey, when everyone else is living in a world of color,” Mork said, “So you will have to find your own color.” North Dakota is a specifically hard place to cope with seasonal depression because the winter months severely outweigh the hot ones. “I definitely think it would be better in the south where they have nicer weather and colors all year.” Mork said. Another problem she faces is driving in the winter. This causes her anxiety to flare up due to the unpredictable weather conditions. Mork does find happiness through herself and creates light. “I definitely do things that make me happy.” Mork said. Mork likes to bullet journal, do yoga, and listen to music. “I like to doodle; it at least adds color.” Mork said. She also makes a mood tracker to document her bad days and good days. The chart represents different emotions by different colors. This specifically helps her because she can identify patterns, and see what set her off or made her happy in a day. “It definitely is something that takes time. It’s a process, but it betters you when you learn about yourself through the process. I think a lot of people just think of it as suicidal thoughts, but it’s more factors than just that.” Mork said. Information from www.mayoclinic.org

Set Goals 1

11 12 13 14 16 17 18

20 21

Helpful solutions to SAD: exposure to sunlight, eating healthy, getting enough rest, getting creative, setting goals and exercising.

December 2017

News

Family Vision Clinic Thank You, Family Vision Clinic, for proudly sponsoring the Courier.

Where It All Started

Remembering our roots during one of the most difficult times of the school year BRENNA HAMMER

Co-Editor-In-Chief

Second semester is upon us: the time of the year when most of us wish that we still had recess and nap time. We long for the days where math homework consisted of building blocks and crayons and when tests did not exist. Building snow forts and flying down the icy slides is a thing of the past that has been replaced with hours of studying and confusing homework; many of us just want to give up. To help students out of their middle-of-the-school-year-crisis, I talked to kids from three of the public elementary schools in Mandan in hopes of channeling the inner-children of students at MHS. From appearance to hobbies, here are a few of the many things that elementary schoolers had to say about high schoolers.

“ “

What do high schoolers look like?

Xavier

Um they have a nose. They’re tall and old.

” ”

How old do you think they are? In fifth grade. Probably eight.

6 years old wants to be an ambulance Roosevelt

What do you want to be like when you get to high school?

Skylar

“

7 years old likes to draw Red Trail

Some high schoolers are sad because they have to take a lot of tests. Do you have any advice for them?

“ 12

Just try your best. I like mermaids, so if they thought about unicorns and mermaids they might feel good.

”

At basketball games I see high schoolers. I want to be on the high school basketball team some day.

”

Sierra 8 years old likes unicorns Red Trail

December 2017

Feature

Kiptyn (Kippy)

You have to go to school for nine more years. How does that make you feel?

“

Mad. I wish I could stay home and hang out with my dog.

”

8 years old wants to be a ninja Mary Stark

What do high schoolers look like?

Ryan B. 6 years old likes fruit snacks

“

Roosevelt

How does it make you feel that you have to go to school for 12 more years?

“

I think they look like me because I have big muscles. I have super big muscles. High schoolers have big, giant muscles. That’s all.

”

Bentley 5 years old

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’ve already been to school for 16 years.

”

likes raccoons Roosevelt

Dominic (left) Jacob (right) 8 years old (almost 9)

“

Mary Stark

Feature

If I brought in a group of people, how would you know which ones were high schoolers?

December 2017

Jacob: They’re tall, Dominic: lazy Jacob: and they’ve got a mustache probably.

” 13

Winter Wonderland Fun Activities for when you forget that there is a world outside

Papa’s Polar Patch

Admission to Papa’s Polar Patch is a relatively cheap $5 and is full of exciting activities in the winter. In past years, it has been open from 12-5 p.m. daily, and was full of fun things to do, including being pulled on a car hood around the snow, horse drawn sleigh rides, zip lines and more. For those days when there is nothing to do, this is the place to go.

Christmas Caroling This free activity is perfect for the bored home body during the winter that does not want to spend money. Christmas carols are an all time favorite. Imagine seeing that little old lady that lives down your street’s face when you and a couple of friends knock on her door and sing some Christmas classics to her. If you are a fan of the lime light, you can of course go alone as well.

Dakota Zoo

SAVANNA HAGEROTT General Reporter

Living in North Dakota does not come with a lot of fun things to do, especially during the winter. With the below zero temperatures, it is hard to get out of your house for even a simple necessity, like hot chocolate for those cold winter nights. We often forget that the outside world exists during the winter for anything other than blizzards and looking at Christmas lights, but it is important to get outside even when it is cold. I know, when you are cuddled up in a fuzzy blanket in your warm bedroom, going outside sounds like a dangerous feat. However, if you have bundled up correctly, you can almost survive outside for a little over an hour. On that note, here are a few fun things to do outside during the winter months, despite North Dakota’s record breaking low temperatures.

Surprise! The zoo is open during the winter on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. throughout the winter! Whether they are open depends on the weather and cost of admission is $7.75 for children over 13. You will be able to see the beautiful snow leopards during their favorite time of year and the camels in their outof-place setting.

Outdoor Skating While open skate inside of a rink is convenient and warm, you lose the outdoor aspect of skating. The rinks at Southside, Mandan are perfect for those chilly winter nights you want to hear the scrape of ice against your skates. Also, skates are not cheap, but getting them from thrift stores and friends are a great alternative.

Difference Places, Same Season

Students look back on their Pre North Dakota winters Freshman Matia Anderson

Where did you live before you came to North Dakota? “I lived in Texas.” How old were you? “From three years old to eight.” What was the temperature like? “It only got into the 40’s. We never got snow.” What do people do during winter that's different from here? “I can’t remember anything, but I was used to winter, because I lived in Montana before Texas.”

Senior Christina Padilla

RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

Junior Sara Ziegler All photos by Ryan Phelps

Where did you live before you came to North Dakota? “Albuquerque, New Mexico.” How old were you? “I lived there until I was 14.” What was the temperature like? “Like, 70’s. I stayed inside the first time it snowed here. It was too cold.” What do people do during winter that's different from here? “People went to a different city to snowboard. We never experienced snow.” December 2017

Where did you live before you came to North Dakota? “I lived in St. Cloud, Florida.” How old were you? “I lived there for 15 years. I moved when I was 15.” What was the temperature like? “The lowest it would ever get is 35.” What do people do during winter that's different from here? “Some people go to the beach. Some people do indoor ice skating.”

Feature

Student New Year’s Resolutions

MAIYA FLECK General Reporter

“My New Year’s resolution is to just help out others around me, even through just saying hello to a stranger sometime and having a friendly conversation. I want to give people a boost in their attitude.” -Sophomore Wyatt Kelim “My New Year’s Resolution is to be more social with my classmates because this may be the last year we’re all together.”-Senior Carlee Gifford

“I want to be a better person, be more helpful and get my grades up. I want to be a good person and help people. That’s what I want to do this upcoming year.” -Freshman Liberty Simonson

“Quit littering, make money, get more excited about learning, be more passionate all around and do more good in other people’s lives.”Sophomore Kambree Perkins

“My New Year’s Resolution is to start realizing that it is okay not to be okay, and to start helping people with depression/anxiety go through their problems, so they know that they are not alone in this fight. Nobody is alone.” - Junior McKayla Swallow

“This sounds so cheesy, but in 2018 I’m going to start living my life for nobody but myself. Happy for me and only me.” - Senior Jamaika Lee

Feature

“My New Year’s Resolution is to try something each day that scares me or puts me out of my comfort zone.” -Freshman Bailey Dammous

“My New Year’s Resolution would probably have to be to just become a better person for myself, and for the people around me. I’d really like to be more involved in the community, and also try to go to the gym probably around four to six times a week.” -Senior Diego Reyes “My New Year’s Resolution is to dye my hair every color in the rainbow.” - Senior Sabrina Matthews

“My News Year’s Resolution is to change myself in a way that makes me happy with myself not so much everyone else.” - Senior Riley Glandt

“My resolution is to focus more on my mental/emotional health and self love. Meaning drinking at least eight bottles of water a day, eating healthier, getting enough rest and keeping a busy schedule. This is kind of basic, but pick myself up off the ground, along with learning to save money to work towards a huge private goal.” -Junior Abby Anderson

“Each month, I want to do something that pushes me out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s making a fool of myself on the dance floor or approaching an intimidating stranger with a compliment.”- Senior Morgan Anderson

“Try my best to look good as much as possible.” -Senior Charlie Mize December 2017

Disco Ball photo used with permission by pixbay.

“My New Year’s Resolution is to stop saying ‘no’ so much, and to be more interested in new events around town.”- Sophomore Liberty Hurley

Y A Y

NAY

s be centered around r a m t s i r h C eligio d l OWEN PIEHL u o h n? S News / Sports Editor

Photo by Owen Piehl

SENIOR KYRA SCHULZ

Thinks Christmas should be more religion-oriented.

Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide, and in recent years has become more inclusive for those who are not Christian. Many students at Mandan High School celebrate Christmas, whether or not they are people of faith or not. In this edition of Yay or Nay, two students debate whether or not Christmas should be focused on the religious aspect of the holiday or if it should be more open to people who are not devout Christians. Please keep in mind that while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, it needs to be expressed respectfully. Please refer to our editorial policy on page two for more information.

Photo by Owen Piehl

FRESHMAN JADEN JUST

Thinks Christmas should be focused on the non-religious aspects.

As I grew up I always heard the phrase I personally believe Christmas shouldn’t “Remember the reason for the season.” be entirely about religion. It may have As Christmas is right around the corner started as a Christian holiday, but that I think we should keep in mind the true doesn’t mean that ONLY Christians reason we are celebrating; the Virgin should be the ones who celebrate it. Mary is giving birth to a baby who It’s a wonderful time of year and to shall be our Lord, and saving grace. I take that away from people based on No strongly believe Christmas should be faith would be just cruel and unusual, 41.4% focused on the Lord and a religious particularly unusual. I know a man Yes aspect. If you are a strong Christian who is atheist. Even though I myself 58.6% like myself you believe that the Lord am Christian, I don’t believe that he died on the cross to take away our sins, doesn’t have the right to celebrate which is something to reflect on during Christmas because he believes different the Christmas season and then celebrate things than I do. Besides, if Christmasthat we are free of sin.Christmas is not or any Christian holiday, really- were about the fancy presents we receive, really about religion, we’d go to church but celebrating that a righteous king and do nothing else. No Valentines was born. Being with family, opening Graph by Owen Piehl. on Valentine’s Day, no chocolate on presents, and eating Christmas cookies When polled on whether or not Christmas Easter, and no sweet, succulent egg nog all day and night are fun things to do but should be focused on the religious aspect on Christmas. If people really wanted we would not be doing any of it if Jesus to say that Christmas should have of the holiday, 58.6 percent of polled was not born. Therefore, He should be emphasis on the Christ aspect, then they students said yes, and 41.4 percent said would treat every holiday as if it were the main focus on your Christmas Day. no. Merry CHRISTmas, and a Happy New Ash Wednesday. You would just go to a Year. special mass, and then be done with it. *Poll based on the responses of 261 polled Not exactly as fun as opening your presents, students. eating your ham, and clogging your arteries with the amazing yet life-destroying taste of eggnog. The content in this article does not reflect the attitudes or opinions of Courier staff members. Please keep in mind that though we may not agree, every student is entitled to their opinions.

December 2017

Feature

“Tripping up the stairs.”

Month

of the

Noobs

“When my freshpack broke”

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

break my backpack”

“It’s pretty big. Big enough to

How big is your Freshpack?

“The football players”

December 2017

“Celebrating Jesus and spending time with family. ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’”

“Nice of course! Santa might see this. LOL”

“Sparky”

Teacher Constance Keller

Feature

Hunter Anderson

*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.

April Barnhardt

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

“Larger than the lockers. Like it probably wouldn’t even fit in one.”

How big is your Freshpack?

“I don’t know any seniors.”

What seniors do you look up to?

“What’s not to like?!”

“Nice. Because ‘North Dakota Nice’.”

“Hannah the Red Hair Reindeer”

Senior Hannah Peterson

What seniors do you look up to?

“Christmas break, because it could also be known as ‘pre-calc homework break’”

“Seeing all my family Christmas morning when we open presents.”

“Snow”

“Naughty, because nice is no fun”

“Pretty nice!”

“A little naughty this year. It’s just who I am”

“McJingles”

Junior Evan Arenz

“Smartie the Reindeer”

Sophomore Bobbie Gieser

Side

“Triumphant”

Freshman Elliott Landeis

Photos taken by Santanah Gerhart. Swirl graphics used with permission from www.pixabay.com.

What’s your favorite thing about Christmas?

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

If you could be one of Santa’s reindeer, what would your name be?

General Reporter

SANTANAH GERHART

T he

Swept Under the Desk

A look into bullying that is often not acknowledged 59.5 percent of polled students admit to bullying other students in the classroom.

SAVANNA HAGEROTT General Reporter

Entering a classroom you do not feel secure in is a nightmare for the average high school student. While some students do not feel the same, and are able to feel comfortable in any situation they are put in, there are countless students throughout the school who feel uncomfortable in certain classes. Rolling eyes or groaning when a certain student raises their hand has become almost a ‘norm’ in high school. According to a poll taken by 211 students, 59.5 percent have expressed annoyance toward a certain student when they have expressed an opinion during class. On the other hand, only 42.7 percent of poll takers said they were affected by bullying in the classroom. Contrary to the poll, the counseling office does not get a lot of cases of bullying in the classroom for it to be looked at as a large problem. “I don’t know that it’s a large problem, it could be. There could be a lot of students out there that could be being bullied but never come to us, or never ask. As far as students coming in here, no, it’s not a large problem,” Counselor Alyssa Caya said. However, according to Caya, classroom bullying is happening throughout our school. She is finding that a lot of bullying that is happening in the classroom is “trickling over into different social media.” From these quotes from students, they do feel affected by various negative actions toward them in the classroom, but do not go out of their way to do anything about it. This could be for several reasons, being they do not feel like it is a big enough deal to say anything or they feel like it is almost normal that it is happening.

December 2017

Feature

“Labels are very powerful. So that helps me as an authority to be very careful with my words. If I’m not going to say something positive in front of everybody, then I don’t say it.” Even though it is her first year at Mandan, Spanish and EL teacher Lucia Shelley is already making an impact on her students. “I wanted to be the teacher I didn’t have,” Shelley said. Shelley wanted to be a teacher from age five, and her passion for teaching has since grown. “All my life I’ve been a teacher, and I love it,” she said. Shelley does not think she is doing anything different from her coworkers, but believes one thing: equality and opportunity in the classroom. “Labels are very powerful. So that helps me as an authority to be careful with my words,” Shelley said. “If I’m not going to say something positive in front of everybody, then I don’t say it.” Shelley’s I&E class is specifically dedicated to the students who do not speak English as a first language. “I think it helps that I know both languages,” Shelley said. “But also that I’ve been in their shoes.” Shelley came to the United States in a professional teaching environment. Shelley was fortunate enough to know the language, but did not know American culture. “I would receive ‘thank you’ notes, and my thoughts were, ‘Why are they wasting paper?” Shelley said. “But I didn’t understand it was a cultural thing.” Shelley’s cultural discoveries allow her to help her students who do not speak fluent English and struggle with verbally expressing themselves in the classroom.

Feature

A Teacher’s Reason Why

Two Teachers explain their purpose for teaching SHANTEL JANGULA Co-Editor-In-Chief

Kurt Miller has been a teacher at Mandan for 19 years. Teaching Problems of Democracy, Miller says teaching was not always in the cards for him. “I went to Minnesota State to study Criminal Justice and Political Science,” said Miller. However, Miller had a change of heart, and decided to leave the idea of becoming a lawyer. “I started working out at the Youth Correctional Center,” Miller said. “I liked working with kids.” Fortunately enough, Miller got a job coaching at Mandan and decided to go back to school and pursue a teaching degree. “I’ve changed a lot; I’ve grown a lot, too,” Miller said. “I was a lot more rigid.” But as the years passed, Miller saw the need to get to know his students better. “I think that there are more split families and kids who are outsiders inside of school,” Miller said. “I always try to touch “I say, ‘It’s okay,’ You can come and talk to me, and you can tell me how frustrated you are,” Shelley said. “I can talk to the teachers.” Her attitude in the classroom is not only expressed verbally, but also in her appearance. “I always try to dress professional because that sets the standard,” Shelley said. However, the professional attire and mindset does not make Shelley at her best; she is still a student as well. “I’ve always had this dream of finishing December 2017

“You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing or else it will rub off on the students. I enjoy coming to class every day and I enjoy the students.” base with those kids a little more.” As a teacher who discusses government, Miller encourages students to pay attention to what is going on in the government. “I always want students to bring their own ideas, and we can all learn from them.” Arriving at the school at 7 a.m., Miller always has a smile on his face. “You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing or else it will rub off on the students,” Miller said. “I enjoy coming to class and I enjoy the students.” Group discussion is a big part of Miller’s class. Miller takes advantage of CANVAS, and allows students to occasionally respond to an article while replying to other students. Miller also likes students to participate in small group discussion because he believes it is more meaningful. “Some people are hesitant to participate when there are 25 other students listening,” Miller said. “But if there’s four, they’re more able to give their voice and opinion.” Miller’s gained knowledge throughout the years has helped him excel as a teacher and better understand his students needs. Photos by Shantel Jangula.

my doctoral degree,” she said. That dream is soon a reality for Shelley. “Next year I’m not going to be Mrs. Shelley; I’m going to be Doctor Shelley,” she said. Not only has Shelley made an impact on her students and has helped them enrich themselves with a different culture, but her students have made an impact on her as well. “I think I have been very privileged because I have come to love and know their personalities.”

The Off-Season Grind

Coaches and students weigh in on the importance of off-season training RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

Football lasts from August to October. Hockey lasts from November to February. Track lasts from March to May. So what happens after those sports end? Off-season training is the answer. Off-season is arguably the most important season, as it is important for the athletes at Mandan to keep their strength. “I think the off-season is more important than most people think it is. You only have a limited amount of in-season time, that’s why you put in the work off-season.” said senior varsity football player, Carter Himmelspach. The importance of activity in the off-season is because improvements in muscle mass and power output are not permanent. A study sponsored by the Sports Research Institute of New Zealand, written by Travis McMaster, showed that in elite rugby and American football athletes only retained muscle size and power for a period of only three weeks without decay. This means if one were to only perform physical activity during their sports season, they would return basically at the same level of strength they started at every year. Such a phenomenon was noted by Mandan High School head football coach and co-head track coach, Todd Sheldon. “Absolutely it’s physically noticeable, especially during the start of football and track season.” Sheldon said. The only way to stop, slow or reverse this process is to give your body enough physical stress for it to recognize the need to maintain its muscle mass.

Photo by Ryan Phelps.

Sophomore football player Cole Graner training in the weight room.

Sports

In other words, you have to do some kind of weight training. For MHS students, the school weight room is open to all. There are even sheets telling people what to do, if they do not already know. “By doing the sheets that Coach Morast writes out, [athletes] get rewards, like Dairy Queen or car washes.” Sheldon said. “Those who participate the most frequently get to go to pizza at the end of the program.” When doing any kind of heavy training, it is important to know what you are training for. The small details of training have a huge impact on reaching one’s goals. “The sheets are designed to build muscle in a way that an athlete would use them, not like some big bodybuilder on stage.” Himmelspach said. Despite all of the ways to keep one’s strength when not competing in their sports, retaining the skill component is different. You will not always remember how to perform your sport perfectly after a break. “There’s camps all over, mainly in Bismarck, and we also have a Fall league,” said junior girls’ hockey player, Emily Horner. “A fall league is in September through October. It’s not as physical or fast as the main season.” Many such off-season practices are not overseen by coaches, as directed by the North Dakota High School Athletics Association. Whether they are in season, or six months out, an athlete is still an athlete. Keeping in shape all year round is much more achievable than trying to gain eight months worth of strength in four.

Photo by Ryan Phelps.

Junior Emily Horner showing the efforts of her training against Minot.

December 2017

The Real Piehl

Marching Band is not a sport, but that is not the issue OWEN PIEHL

The marching band at our school is also something that people can appreciate and I am aware that the opinions I express cheer on. They always sound incredible, in this article are not universal. This article and there are not many people in this school expresses my own opinions, not those with the ability to do the things that the of the Courier staff. Everyone is entitled marching band does. No matter how much to their own opinion, I just ask that you I may want to, there is express it respectfully. I am a proponent of no way for me to go debate, not hate. through this piece and If you feel strongly about this issue, not address the issue please feel free to get in touch with either that sparked my writing, so here it goes. me or The Courier. You can email me at While I do believe that marching band is a owen.piehl@msd1.org, or drop off a letter difficult activity, and something that takes a to us in Mrs. Cahoon’s room 221. lot of hard work and practice to perfect, the lack of a competitive nature in our school’s In our last issue of the Courier, we had a band makes it impossible for me to say that poll and student responses on the question I think it is a sport. of whether or not marching band is a sport. Despite this, I believe that being in This caused a lot of debate among students an activity such as marching band is and got me to thinking, why is this such something that members should be proud a hot issue? Is it just because people feel of. It is difficult and it does take effort, and strongly about their own activities, or is the label of being a sport is not required for there more to the debate than that? an activity to be worthwhile. Sports are something that have become I have never been in marching band, and a staple in our everyday lives. It is nearly thus I will never be able to speak fully as to impossible to go through a whole day the difficulty and level of skill it requires. without hearing about something about the But I do NBA game know that in last night or the period of the football time I spent g a m e s in band, I over the developed an weekend. appreciation Aside from for those professional who give sports, 100 percent people of Photos by Brenna Hammer to mastering all ages can On the field or in the stands, we are all a part of t h e i r appreciate instrument. one team. the sheer Just as a excitement of watching their hometown basketball player must master their shot or high school team compete. At our school a golfer must perfect their stroke, marching especially, where things such as the band members must have total control of homecoming football game or WDA both their instrument and their body, and tournament for many sports are events that this takes great effort, determination and bring out a large part of the MHS student skill. body in support of our teams, it can be seen As stated in the disclaimer preceding this that sports give fans something they are article, I am a proponent of debate, not hate. able to rally around and support. As such, I was disappointed in the attitudes

News / Sports Editor

many in our school took to the debate about our marching band. It is important to remember when debates like these come around that no matter what sports or activities you are a part of, what social group you are in, or what your opinion is on a certain issue, we are all on the same team. We are all Mandan High students, and it is our job to support each other. This brings me to my main point, something that I am asking of the student body which is also something that I as a person am at fault for as much as anyone else. We need to start supporting more activities. Sure, Mandan has the biggest student section at WDA Basketball. But have you ever seen a student section, or even a few students, at a swim and dive meet? What about theater? Our student body turnout for the play this year was not good at all. Mandan High students often take pride in how supportive we are of other sports and other students, but in order for that to be something we can really be proud of, we need to support ALL students and ALL activities. Go turn up at a baseball game this summer. Go to a band concert and be the loudest one cheering after their performance. Go watch a tennis match and cheer on your friends and classmates. If you do not like something? You do not have to go see it again. But give everything a chance. People only ever regret the things they never do. High school is a time when you have the opportunity to do things you like and see things you love, so make the most of it while you can. So yeah, debate as much as you want about whether or not marching band is a sport. All that matters is whether or not you cheer for them after their performance.

“People only ever regret the things they never do.”

Banana graphic by Shantel Jangula. December 2017

Sports

October Athletes of the Month BEN GARTNER General Reporter

Football What keeps you going? “To do my best and be a good example for everbody.” Who hosts the best team dinners? “Myles Schlosser” What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve done in a game? “I have kind of tackled my own teammate before.”

Dylan

What is your favorite memory from the season? “How we had so many close games and how we came together in tough times”

Fleck

Are you most likely to miss/be late or be early for the bus? “Early”

Girls' cross Country What keeps you going? “My team, everyday at practice they push me and make me want to work hard.” Are you most likely to be miss/late or be early for the bus? “I’m usually right on time.” What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done in a meet? “I wore my shorts backwards.”

as n i R y Kelb

What is your favorite memory from the season? “Runnning at the Roy Griak, and winning state.” Who on your team do you look up to? “The seniors”

Sports

December 2017

Sports Round-up OWEN PIEHL

News / Sports Editor Correction: It has come to the staff’s attention that some of the facts in last issue’s Sports Round-up coverage of MHS wrestling were incorrect. The Courier prides itself on factual news reporting, and thus we take very seriously the concerns expressed by readers. Coach Mellmer is not in his last year coaching, and Mandan High School Wrestling placed fourth in individuals and third in duals at state last year.

Gymnastics

Mandan Gymnastics started their season with a fourth place finish at the Dickinson meet, with eighth grader McKayla Lindbo finishing top of the Mandan team in All-Around, Vault, and Uneven Bars, with sophomore Nellie Masseth leading Mandan on Balance Beam and freshman Rylee Bowers leading on Floor Exercise. The girls finished third at the Valley City meet, and then went on to finish sixth at the Bismarck Meet, with McKayla Lindbo leading Mandan in every event at the meet. Mandan Gymnastics will host the Starstruck Dual in Midco Gymnasium at Starion Sports Complex on January 18.

Wrestling

Mandan Braves Wrestling sets its goal every year to place higher than it did the year before, and that would mean placing in the top three in the state this year. The Braves started the season 3-1 in duals, with their lone loss coming at the hands of BHS. At the Mandan Lions tournament, the boys placed fifth behind three South Dakota teams and BHS. Staying healthy and motivated is tough in wrestling, but the Braves’ wrestlers show no signs of letting up. “Our effort in every workout needs to be 100 percent, and I would say that is going to be the biggest challenge this season,” said head wrestling coach, Luke Mellmer. “The wrestling season is long and grueling, but we have the leaders and coaching staff to help make this happen!”

Boys’ Basketball

Mandan Boys’ Basketball has their sights set on the state tournament, and for good reason. The boys started their season with a strong win against Century, one of the perennial contenders in the West Region, and followed that up with a convincing win against Legacy, 74-49. This team puts a strong emphasis on taking the season day by day. Going forward into the season, the boys will look to improve every day. The WDA is always a tough conference, but this team views itself as the team to beat, and with hard work every day from the team, this very well may be true.

Girls’ Hockey

Mandan girls’ hockey got their first win of the season against Dickinson in an exciting 3-2 overtime game which featured a game winner by Emily Froelich 14 seconds into overtime, but have struggled to gain ground as of late. The Braves won zero of their next five games, giving the team a 1-6 start to the season. Freshman Emily Froelich has been a major factor on offense, with two goals in the team’s first four games. Autumn Sheetz, the eighth grade goalie for the Braves, had an 84.1 percent save rate through the same span. The team is working hard to help them compete and stay in contention for the state tournament in February.

Girls’ Basketball The Mandan Girls’ Basketball team started off their season with a tough away loss to Century, the team they lost to in the third place game at the state tournament last season. The Braves bounced back from that loss with a 66-57 win against Legacy, giving them a 1-1 start to the year. A trip to Gillette, WY over the holiday break to compete in the Energy Classic Tournament should give the girls an opportunity to evaluate themselves as a team and make adjustments accordingly. This squad, a team that only lost one senior from last season, is in a position to do some major damage in the West Region.

Boys’ Hockey

Leif Mattson, Mandan’s new boys’ hockey coach, made his debut this season as Mandan won their first game against Hazen-Beulah 9-3. It was the start of a hopefully successful tenure as Mandan’s head boys’ hockey coach for Mattson, who has already been coaching in the Mandan Hockey Club since 2009. Mandan then suffered three straight tough losses at the hands of Minot, Dickinson and Bismarck High before defeating Williston 4-1 in their first win at their new home, Starion Sports Complex. With a new coach and new rink, this hockey team has the opportunity to make a new name for themselves this season.

Kachinas

The Mandan Kachinas Dance Team started practices in June and have been hard at work ever since trying to choreograph and perfect their routines. At their first competition, the Mandan Invite, the girls placed fourth in the Jazz category, a nice opening to a season the team has high hopes for. Dance is a very hard sport to train for and compete in, and the Kachinas have been putting in that required effort. “Three hours a day, 3-4 days a week, 2-3 hours in the studio for three months, gymnastics classes, a dance camp in Minnesota and countless hours at home practicing,” said head Varsity Dance Coach Kayla Vazquez. “These girls on both JV and Varsity are crazy busy!”

Boys’ Swim/Dive Mandan Boys’ Swim & Dive placed fourth at the state tournament last season, a placing they will try to top this year. Seniors Joey Clark and David Hoffman, along with last year’s state champion diver John Mindt, will have the task of providing an experienced voice to a group that includes quite a few young swimmers and divers. This team has high hopes for the season and has been putting in the work needed to succeed in a tough West Region. Boys’ Swim and Dive had not yet competed at the time of printing.

All statistics and information comes from wdasports.org and the respective coaches. Sports up to date as of December 15.

December 2017

Sports