MHS Courier November 2017 by MHS Courier

The Courier 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 26, Issue 2 - November 2017

THE FACULTY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM YAY OR NAY: IS GOVERNMENT They do not teach, but MARCHING BAND A REACTS without them MHS would SPORT? not be the same. More about Recent mass shootings have Two students give their opinions on whether or not marching band is a sport. Read more on page 16.

these staff members on page 12-13.

raised question on how the government will react. Learn what it has done in the past on page 7.

From The Editors... This issue, our staff wrote of some very serious, personal topics. From tough news pieces to our students opinions, we reported on it. As you are reading this, we hope that you are able to respect the opinions of our student body and staff memebers. Please make sure to read our “Courier Staff and Editorial Policy” below to fully understand our articles. If you disagree with an article, we encourage you to write a “Letter to the Editor.” Keep in mind that a difference of opinion is okay, however, we value your opinions and encourage you to articulate your thoughts in a respectful manner.

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

Table of Contents

Cover photo by Shantel Jangula.

Page 3....................................................................[Solidreview] Page 4.......................Thanksgiving Food The Staff Reccomends Page 5..................................................................Hammer Times Page 6.........................................Before The Countdown Begins Page 7...........................................................Government Reacts Page 8.........................................Bringing National News Home Page 9.......................................................Lunch at First Luthern Page 10.............................................................Courier Calendar Page 11.....................................................................The Flipside Page 12-13...........................The Faculty Beyond the Classroom Page 14...............................................................Advertisements Page 15....................................The Making of a State Champion Page 16...........................Yay or Nay: Is Marching Band a Sport Page 17...........................................Theater: A Marvelous Thing Page 18............................................A Parent’s Worst Nightmare Page 19.................................................................Advertisement Page 20.....................................................Athletes of the Month Page 21................................................................The Real Piehl Page 22...............................................A Team Often Overlooked Page 23..........................Olympic Gold Medalists Visits Mandan Page 24...............................................................Sports Roundup

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.

November 2017

Opinion

[solidreview]

Is Mandan’s newest fitness scene a hit or miss? BRENNA HAMMER Co-Editor-In-Chief

were burning and I genuinely thought about getting up and walking out, but then she would say something like, “Don’t give up Brenna! If you feel like you’re failing, you’re doing it right!” Thanks, Ashley. The main enemy, though, is this wonderful machine called [sweatlana]. [sweatlana] is basically a medieval torture device that is used to make your abs feel like you have been stabbed multiple times. She (yes, [sweatlana] is a she) is equipped with different resistance settings, multiple bungee cords, straps for your hands and feet, free weights, and this long pole that I have no idea what was used for, and I am thankful that I did not have to find out. I admit that I expected my muscles to be sore, but I did not expect that I would get a good cardio workout; I was wrong. I could feel my heart beating quickly and intensely and I found myself often needing a sip of water. I remember seeing more people walk in for the next class and thinking, “Thank God; it’s almost over.”

I have noticed lately that a lot of kids my age are striving to lead healthy lives, myself included. Personal fitness is an amazing hobby to take up, but it can be hard to find a routine that works just right for you. Personally, I struggle with knee problems that tend to restrict me from anything high impact or that involves awkward twisting and bending. This has made it difficult to find a workout that delivers results without injuring myself. Then I discovered [solidcore]. [solidcore] is a workout experience that is designed to be low-impact and high-intensity. One session lasts 50 minutes and the slow pace aims to create lengthened and toned muscles. [solidcore] Mandan is located on the strip next to Classic Rock Coffee and has received 24 reviews on Facebook, all of which gave the experience a five-star rating.

[initial thoughts]

[environment]

After committing to go to a class, I was terrified. I did some research and the workout looked intense. Everybody was sweating profusely and literally wincing in pain. I instantly regretted signing up for a class. Additionally, I noticed that it was really expensive. A single class costs $24 (with the exception of the first class, which is $15) and memberships range from $115 to $169. However, my coach informed me at the end of my session that there were student, teacher, and military discounts available. I also did not know how to feel about signing up for classes. Personally, I do not like being restricted to a certain class and enjoy being able to go to Family Wellness (my current gym) anytime I want. I showed up to [solidcore] in my best workout clothes with water bottle in hand and I remember thinking to myself, “If I don’t come out of this with a six pack, I’m going to be really upset.”

The atmosphere of [solidcore] is just as intense as the workout. In length, the room is double its width and both long walls are completely covered in mirrors. The lights are off with the exception of some light shining in from the lobby and these blue lights near the floor. The music is really loud and the coach talks in a microphone. I think that it was loud so that you can not hear people screaming and crying in pain. There is not an actual locker room, but instead a long hallway with benches and cubbies. There was also only one studio and I think it would be easier to get into a class (which fill up quickly) if there were two. Everybody I met was super nice and welcoming, which I appreciated. They made my otherwise painful experience bearable and gave me hope that if you stick with it, you will not be dying in the future.

[the takeaway]

[the workout]

[solidcore] met its promise. It was low-impact and certainly high intensity. I would definitely recommend a class to anybody who is really looking for a challenge. I would also recommend taking a beginners class the first time; do not pull a Brenna. Unfortunately, I did not leave with an instant six-pack, but I am sure that with dedication and commitment, it would not take long to get there. Basically, if you want to be [sore] and [sweaty], then you should schedule a date with [sweatlana] and [solidcore].

Let’s be clear- [solidcore] is hard. I signed up for an “all levels” course because I was too proud to sign up for a beginners class and frankly, I hated my life the whole time. My coach, Ashley Johlfs, was awesome and kept me motivated when my whole body was shaking and when I thought I was going to throw up. Aside from being really cool, I was pretty sure Ashley was trying to kill me. Muscles that I did not even know existed

Opinion

November 2017

Seven

Cracker Date Cookies

Thanksgiving meals the staff recommends

Recommended by Ryan Phelps.

Pumpkin Pancakes Recommended by Brenna Hammer.

Green Bean Casserole Recommended by Maiya Fleck. • • • • • • •

1/3 stick butter 1/2 cup diced onion 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 3 cups chicken broth 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can French fried onion rings 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

• • • • • • • • • •

1 1/4 cup flour 2 tbsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp salt 1 c milk 6 tbsp pumpkin puree 2 tbsp melted butter 1 egg Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then mix them together. Make pancakes the way you normally would. Enjoy with whatever toppings you like (I prefer icing and whipped cream).

Melt butter in a large skillet. Saute onions and mushrooms in the butter. Boil beans in chicken broth for 10 minutes and drain. Add the green beans, mushroom soup, onion soup, onion rings, to onion mixture. Stir well, pour in to 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, then top the casserole with cheddar and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Tortilla Pinwheels Recommended by Savanna Hagerott.

Recommended by Shantel Jangula. 1 can corn 1 pint heavy whipping cream Salt, pepper to taste 1 tsp chicken base Corn starch mixture: • 2 tbsp corn starch • 1/4 cup water Mix corn, heavy whipping cream, salt and pepper and chicken base together in a medium-sized pot with medium heat. To thicken, add corn starch mixture to the pot.

Nutella Cookies Recommended by Owen Piehl. • • • • •

1/2 cup 1 tbsp flour 1 egg 1 cup nutella 1 tsp baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line all baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Separate into little balls. Cook for 15 minutes.

Cabbage Crunch

Cream Corn

• • • •

• 1 box townhouse crackers • 1 cup dates, grounded • 1 can sweetened condensed milk • 3/4 c walnuts, finely chopped Brown Butter Frosting: • 2 tbsp butter • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla Boil mixture in heavy sauce pan on medium heat until thick. Put 1/2 tsp of mixture on right side of cracker. Bake for eight minutes at 325 degrees. When cool, frost with brown butter frosting.

• • • • • • • • •

8 oz cream cheese 8 oz sour cream 4 oz can green chili peppers, chopped 4 oz black olives, chopped 1/2 c onions, chopped 1/2 c green peppers, chopped 1 c shredded cheddar cheese Garlic and seasoned salt, to taste Five 10-inch tortillas Mix all ingredients together. Spread evenly over tortillas. Roll tightly and wrap in saran wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces and serve with salsa. November 2017

Recommended by Santanah Gerhart. • • • • • • • •

1/2 head of cabbage 1 package of slivered almonds 1 pack ramen noodles 1 tsp vinegar 1 tbsp of sugar 1/2 tsp pepper, salt 1 c olive oil 5 onions In a bowl, combine pack of ramen noodle chicken seasoning into olive oil along with vinegar, sugar, pepper. Mix until sugar is liquid. Dice onions. Mix sliced onions and cabbage thoroughly; add lightly browned almonds. Pour liquid seasoning all over top of cabbage mixture. Crush dry ramen noodles and add to top of salad.

Opinion

The

Hammer Times

BRENNA HAMMER - Co-Editor-In-Chief

Where is the Love? I have a routine that I follow every night: shower, brush my teeth, check the weather for the next day, pick out my outfit for the next day, and finally, check the news. When I check the news, there also seems to be a routine: something about Trump, something about the weather and something about a celebrity marriage or the royal family. However, lately there seems to be another trend in the news: terror attacks, mass shootings, and death in general. I imagine that someday my kids or my grandkids will come home from school and ask me if I remember where I was when the Orlando shooting or the Las Vegas shooting happened. I will have to tell them that I do, but this is not how I imagined my life would end up in history. Someday, kids like me will open their history books to the section titled “The early 2000’s” and will read all about our lives. They will read about Apple, Windows, and Google; about technology, cars, and the innovations that have been made in our lifetime. But they will also read about all of the awful things happening in our world today. I will have to tell them that somebody shot 71 Batman fans at a movie theater in

Aurora, Colorado and then, before we barely had time to catch our breath, another person killed innocent children at Sandy Hook. I will have to tell them about all of the people that died when all they were doing was trying to live their lives. I will have to explain that there was nowhere we could hide—that there was nowhere we were safe. That you could be a victim of an attack at school, at work, at a concert, at a nightclub, or simply walking through a park. Yes, there is more bad in this world than I care to talk about. There is always somebody willing to kill dozens of people just to make the news. And it works. They definitely make the news. In fact, they seem to be the only ones we hear about— the bad people. It is so unfortunate to me that the good people never seem to get as much recognition. Take Dawn-Marie and Kevin Gray for example. How many of us can honestly say we have heard of them without

looking them up? Who can say they have seen a story on the news? The couple was attending the Jason Aldean concert in Las Vegas when a shooter entered and started killing and wounding hundreds of people. The two took shelter in a VIP area until the shooter had left. They knew that paramedics would not be able to come help people until the area was cleared and, since they had medical backgrounds, started helping the victims in any way they could. They could have left, but they did not. When Dawn-Marie was asked to comment on her heroism, she replied that it had nothing to with being a hero, but rather “just being a human being.” Its people like the Grays that give me hope. They make me hopeful that the world is not crashing down around me as much as it seems to be. The give me hope that even in the face of overwhelming evidence of the contrary, we will be okay. The bright side of the world we live in now is that things can really only get better. I truly believe that we cannot get much more hateful and scared than we are right now. We could surely get a little bit worse, but not much. The only way we can go from here is up. We need to let rock bottom become the foundation on which we rebuild our country, our morals, and our love.

United States graphic used with permission from Wikimedia

Opinion

November 2017

Before the Countdown Begins A senior’s warning to get involved in school activities

Co-Editor-In-Chief

During the first month of my senior year, I experienced a shock. Not from senioritis, not from the bucket loads of homework, and not from the 327 new freshman flooding the halls. No, I experienced the complete opposite of that. I realized that although I was ready to graduate and be an adult, I did not participate in half of the school activities and clubs I expected to in middle school. In the first few weeks of school, every senior is given a talk by Mr. Andresen. We are no longer fed the horror stories of students hazing one another. Instead, he will start by saying that we need to set an example for the rest of the student body; we are no longer the underdogs. Later in the speech, he will dig a little deeper. He will bring up how in nine short months we will be graduated and out into the real world. He will tell us what we are thinking: “Some of you are scared to graduate high school. It’s hard in the real world.” I am not a believer of the saying, “high school will be the best years of your life” because I know many of my classmates will go on to have very successful lives with good paying jobs and multiple vacations to the Bahamas. However, I do believe that high school gives you opportunities in life to get started on your years to come. Joining clubs offers numerous benefits and is the perfect way to set yourself up. Aside from the “it looks good on college applications” spiel, it has its major benefits for a well-rounded life such as meeting lifelong friends and offering career orientated activities. Mandan offers a variety of clubs such as DECA or HOSA. In DECA, students run the school store, run virtual businesses, and attend conferences around the state as well as having the

“During

the first month of my senior year, I experienced a shock. Not from senioritis, not from the bucket loads of homework and not from the 325 new freshman flooding the halls. No, I experienced the complete opposite of that.

“

SHANTEL JANGULA

November 2017

opportunity to attend nationwide. In HOSA, students focus more on health care. During the holidays they will make cards to send to elderly people at nursing homes and even go play bingo with them. There’s a club for every interest. In fact, a couple years ago we had Flapjack club where they got together and ate pancakes. Wait. Can someone bring that back? Clubs like Speech and Debate are awesome for those of you who have strong opinions. Not only do Speech and Debate improve communications skills, the club itself allows you to meet people in everything from education, business and government. Another great thing you can do to set yourself up for the future and make the most of your high school experience is attending sporting events. Even if sports make about enough sense to you as rocket science, make sure to attend a couple games. Personally, I have never attended any of my high school homecomings. Wow. Right? A part of me will always regret not going, even though I openly admit to finding no interest in football. For me, it is all about showing that school spirit. Dressing up in absolutely ridiculous homecoming outfits is what it’s all about. Senior year, especially during homecoming week, is the closest you will ever feel to your class. Nothing fills your heart with pride quite like the class yell does. Joining clubs, attending sporting events, and asserting yourself during spirit week is a great way to get involved. While in the midst of writing this article, I looked at my class for advice. I heard all of the same things: join clubs, go to sporting events and be yourself. Every year, a senior will tell you that high school goes by faster than you think and you never get how right they are until you are a senior. Get involved before the graduation countdown begins.

Opinion

The Government Reacts A History On Mass Shootings and the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reaction

Graphics by Shantel Jangula.

RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

1989

1934

In response to gangster culture and general chaos of the prohibition era, the National Firearms Act was passed. The act imposed a $200 tax on sawed off shotguns and machine guns.

George H. W. Bush signed an executive order banning assault weapon imports, and California passed the Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act, banning magazines over 10 rounds and fifty semi-automatic weapons classified as assault weapons after the 1999 After the Clevelance Elementary 1991 Columbine high school A woman School Shooting in shooting, the Colorado claimed that she could California. state legislature tried to enact have stopped the massacre of many gun laws. Most were 23 people in Killeen, Texas. This voted down, but the few passed lead to a loosening of the concealed people have included allowing cops to arrest carry laws to where citizens can died in mass those who purchase firearms for apply for a concealed handgun shootings in minors, and reauthorized a license. Texas law now allows 2017. state background check firearms to be carried in homes program. and vehicles without a 2012 license. After the Sandy Hook School 2017 Shooting, Connecticut passed an 58 act legislation that created Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people were killed in a the first dangerous weapon offender Las Vegas shooting. Two Nevada registry and required that all gun sales gun stores say the shooter passed must include a criminal and mental background checks when he purchased his health check. The bill also required 32 firearms. His firearms were modified every school in the state to develop a with bump stocks, firearms accessories that security plan, increased punishment for allow semi-automatic rifles to replicate bullying and expanded mental health the fire rate of fully-automatic rifles. No provisions. New York also passed federal legislation has been introduced, a strict assault weapon ban and state legislation in Illinois to ban restricted ammunition them failed. sales.

356

*Sources: AOVA.org and massshootingtracker.org

News

November 2017

Bringing National News Home: Human Trafficking The problem of human trafficking in North Dakota

trafficking for labor network in the U.S. Another way 85 cases was busted, and it was in North Dakota. they do this is by General Reporter People were transported to North Dakota pretending to be of human Human trafficking is a large problem to work as housekeepers, in restaurants and someone who is trafficking important to the throughout the entire world, including even farms against their will. since 2007 “There are definitely organizations, victim. According North Dakota. There have been many stories around the U.S. that have touched businesses who work together to move to Atkinson, they act on the topic of human trafficking, and while human trafficking victims,” Atkinson said. like a friend, and go *In North Dakota They do not see their victims as humans, after those who feel there aren’t as many in North Dakota, that since 2007 or anything important. They view alienated from doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. the rest of the world. The Founder and Executive Director of their victims as a form of profit, 299 calls and do not care about what Many people also do not the God’s Child Project, Patrick Atkinson happens to them. think they are able to help has been working with organized human made to These “businesses” are all victims of human trafficking, trafficking since 1981 and has been a part the Human around the world, our country, or help it stop, but there are of the God’s Child Project since 1991, at Trafficking our state, and even our city. many ways to do so. it’s start. “ T h i s According to the Institute Hotline He started is why for Trafficked, Exploited & the Institute *In North Dakota we need Missing Persons, there are for Trafficked, since 2007 to educate, four steps to help. Exploited & educate and The first is to educate yourself Missing Persons educate even about human trafficking: knowing exactly after a terrifying more,” said what it is, and realizing that it happens in experience in Atkinson. your community. August of 2001, Human The second is to educate others in your when he was trafficking is still community by raising awareness and held at gunpoint a large problem letting them know about the importance of while human because of the being educated on the subject. traffickers took internet. The third is to care for your community other villagers Photo submitted by Patrick Atkinson. Children are and report suspected human trafficking. If like women and Atkinson and an orphan from the village able to view you are suspicious of anything related to children away. of San Antonio Aguas Calientes look at a p o r n o g r a p h i c human trafficking, it is very important to So what is volcanic eruption miles away. images at their contact the authorities, even if you are not human trafficking finger tips, and sure. exactly? According to Merriam-Webster according to Atkinson, 70 percent those It is important to be safe while doing this, dictionary, it is “organized criminal images often show abuse, violence or however, and if you are at risk at any time, activity in which human beings are humiliation. the victim could also be at risk, making the treated as possessions to be controlled and “Since many parents don’t want to admit situation even worse. exploited.” that their children may be accessing this The fourth and final step is to support Human trafficking can include anything material, they don’t do enough, if they do organizations like ITEMP by donating and from sexual, labor, and body parts. anything, to filter what their children are volunteering. Human trafficking is often associated with ITEMP does their best to prevent human bigger urban states of struggling countries, seeing.” Atkinson said. One of the most dangerous characteristics trafficking and reuniting victims with their but not with North Dakota. of human traffickers is that they can families, but they are not able to do so During North Dakota’s ‘oil boom’ human manipulate and are experts at deception. without the help of other citizens. trafficking may have been talked about One way they lure their victims in is by For more information about this subject, more, and it was at it’s highest, but that making the victims dependent on them, by visit www.ITEMP.org and/or www. does not mean it is not still happening. alcohol or drugs. GodsChild.org. In fact, in 2010 the largest human

SAVANNA HAGEROTT

November 2017

News

Church Feeds Students OWEN PIEHL

News / Sports Editor Thursdays during the school year have markedly lower lunch attendance as many students decide instead to attend lunch at First Lutheran Church. First Lutheran Church has been providing free lunches on Thursdays during the school year since 2006, and say they receive at least 150 kids on a weekly basis. “This is our eleventh year now, Shantel Penn, who was the youth director back then, had started it, and she just wanted to get kids into the church and have a free meal,” said Administrative Assistant Jackie Schulz, who helps set up for the lunch on a weekly basis. “It was basically just to get them into a church without preaching, to feed them, and send them on their way back to school again.” Mandan High students are appreciative of the effort the church puts into providing lunch. In a poll of 273 students, 77 percent had attended the lunch before, and 60.6 percent of those who attended did so every

News

or almost every week. “I think all the students really appreciate how they can go there on Thursdays and get a good lunch for free and be able to just hang out during lunch,” junior Kordell Myers said. First Lutheran Church has deep roots

Have you ever attended lunch at First Lutheran?

23% No 77% Yes Graph by Owen Piehl.

November 2017

in Mandan, with their origin in this area tracing back to 1886, three years before North Dakota became a state. With over 125 years in this community, First Lutheran takes great pride in its local outreach programs. “You hear a lot of bad about how bad the kids always are and you never hear the good,” Schulz said. “We see nothing but good here with all of the kids. They’re very polite, they’re very appreciative, and I just think that’s very important for people to see. We love doing it.” Every May at the church’s last lunch for that year, First Lutheran has a special moment with the graduating seniors. Pictures are taken, tears are shed, and the importance this program holds in the lives of Mandan High students is highlighted. “[The last lunch] is sad, we serve you guys for four years and then to see the seniors go away, we don’t like to see that,” Schulz said. “This year our first lunch we had we had a senior from last year that was back… We love to see you kids back if you have a chance, we love to have the kids around.”

Courier Calendar

November-December

Sunday

Monday

MAIYA FLECK

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

School

General Reporter

SANTANAH GERHART

Thanksgiving Break!

General Reporter

Nov. 27-

Girls’ hockey vs Minot @ 7:00 Senior meeting with Jostens last 30 minutes of english class

Nov. 28-

Girls’ hockey vs Dickinson @ 7:00 Boys’ hockey vs Dickinson @ 7:30 Mathletes meet at U. Mary

Nov. 30-

Dec. 7-

i i

q 15

Dec. 12-

Boys’ hockey vs Centuy @ 7:30

Dec. 14-

ND State Art and Scholastic Writing Scholarship due HOSA Bingo at Edgewood Vista in Mandan

Dec. 15-

Girls’ hockey vs Williston @ 7:00

Dec. 16-

Boys’ basketball vs Dickinson @ 4:00 Girls’ basketball vs Dickinson @ 2:00 Boys’ swim/dive meet vs Minot @ 5:00 Boys’ basketball vs Jamestown @ 7:45 Girls’ basketball vs Jamestown @ 5:45

Mandan Lion’s Wrestling Tournament Wrestling vs Dickinson @ 7:00

Dec. 8-

Boys’ hockey vs Williston @ 8:00

Dec. 9-

Girls’ hockey vs Grand Forks @ 1:00

Dec. 19-

Deliver handcrafted Christmas cards to Edgewood residents

Dec. 21-

Club event

School

Grad event

Legend

Scholarship Deadline

i i

Event Description

Nov. 21-

Dec. 1-2-

No school

November 2017

Snoball

Sporting event

News

“I think stuffing is the most underrated food. It’s my favorite food during Thanksgiving.”

What’s the most underrated Thanksgiving food?

Noobs of the Month

If you had to choose a movie title for your life, what would that be? “Limitless.”

How big is your Freshpack? “Small. Very small.”

*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.*

What would you like the students of MHS to know about you? “I like to party and breath stuff.”

How big is your Freshpack? “As big as Trump’s Hands.”

“Can I replace Thanksgiving with another Halloween? It’s all about the candy TBH.”

“Brussel sprouts”

“Shaken, not stirred”

Senior Josh Froelich

Kylie Beaver

“Valentine’s Day. More turkey, Duh!”

“The succulent, juicy, turkey neck vertebrae”

“By UV rays.”

Teacher Dewitt Mack

Which seniors do you look up to in the school and why? “All of them. I am short.”

“Canadian Independence Day ‘cause what does that even have to do with anything ¯\_(‘u’)_/¯”

“Creamed corn, it’s just so creamy but some people just don’t acknowledge the creaminess”

“I’d prefer to be just slightly baked”

Junior Sophie Lind

“St. Patricks Day”

“Pumpkin Pie”

“Deep fried”

What seniors do you look up to in the school and why? “Gavin and Griffin; They are crazy.”

“I would replace St. Patrick’s Day with Thanksgiving because no one really celebrates St. Patrick’s Day.”

“I’d want to be cooked perfectly in the oven at 420 degrees.”

If you were a turkey, how would you want to be cooked?

William Fergel

What’s one holiday you would replace for a second Thanksgiving and why?

T T T T

Freshman Mallory Sheldon Sophomore Brennan Davis

T T

General Reporter

side

T T T T

RYAN PHELPS

x Flip

The T

SAVANNA HAGEROTT

The Faculty Beyon

Our staff that deserve

General Reporter

Carrie Schaner

Teachers are considered the backbone of society. Without them we wouldn’t know how to read, write, multiply or divide. There is no doubt that teachers are extremely important to the world. However, what many forget is that there is another part of the staff of the you do not come in contact with every day. The people who keep the school clean, keep the lights running, cook school lunches, and tell you what you need to know

Carrie Schaner, Administrative Assistant, gets to the school early and works until 3:45 p.m. In the office, mornings are very busy, as that is when almost everyone is getting their things together. “At 7 o’clock [the phone alert system] shuts off, so then the phones come to us, and it starts back up at 4 o’clock. And teachers a lot of times in the morning, they need stuff and that’s their time to come and gather things from us. We will get some deliveries in the morning and we have to find custodians to help with those, so it’s really hectic in the morning and then it kind of tapers off as we go through our day depending on what kind of day we’re having,” Schaner said. On top of dealing with parents, teachers and custodians, she also deals with students more than one would think, and it is a big reason as to why they like their job. “My big thing is working with the kids. Seeing you guys come back after summer and it’s like ‘Oh it was so quiet during the summer’ but it’s so nice to see everybody,” Schaner said. Like some of the staff, Schaner doesn’t feel completely underappreciated, but she does believe more recognition would be nice. The office ladies do a lot throughout the year, and they know almost everything that runs around the school. “Sometimes we all feel that way, I do a lot during the day, and sometimes someone will say thank you, and you’ll be like ‘Oh, you’re welcome’ because you don’t always get that,” Schaner said. “It’s just assumed that it’s your job, and ‘here, do this for me’.”

Past the kitchen and across from the staff parking lot door is where Jeremy Verworn, Head Custodian, spends most of his time, although he is very busy throughout the day. “[We do] anything from an auditorium set up, we could be shoveling snow, raking leaves, fixing a sink, a lot of stuff, a lot of variance,” Verworn said. Being busy is tiring however, and Verworn says it is a big con of his job. A pro of his job is interacting with the people he sees daily. “[I come in contact with] everybody. I talk to teachers, the principal, the office ladies, coaches, there’s a lot of people.” Verworn has also learned a lot during his 13 years here at Mandan High. Anything from electricity to plumbing he gained knowledge from while working here. The worst thing Verworn had to deal with while working here was when the pipeline broke and flooded the school about five years ago. Jeremy does not feel like he is under appreciated, at least by the staff. “A good majority of the staff, they’re good to us,” Verworn said.” We get a good appreciation here.”

All photos by Savanna Hagerott

November 2017

Jeremy Verworn

Feature

ond the Classroom

rves more recognition

about the school, are also important in so many ways. Without them, our school would not run at all. Some of these people you may have heard of or seen around the school, but may have not known their name. The purpose of this article is to bring these staff members to light, because they deserve just as much recognition as the rest of the teaching staff. These are the stories of under appreciated staff.

Right around the corner from Carrie Schaner sits Kelly Kline, the Attendance Secretary. She is responsible for dealing with all of the students who get called in, show up late to class, or do not show up to class at all. Along with the rest of the staff, she does her job because she loves it. Although she deals with the attendance of students, she mainly deals with the staff around the school, and enjoys working with them. She likes the atmosphere around the school as well. “I love my job. I love the staff; we’re a close knit family here,” Kline said. “I like my hours, the day goes by fast. There’s never a dull moment. It is fun, I enjoy my job, I really do.” Kline has learned to be very empathetic while working at MHS. Many students have rough home lives, and she wants to help as much as she can. “[I have learned] a lot of patience and compassion, because there’s a lot of kids that have bad home lives, and that’s sad,” Kline said. “That hurts my heart. I wish I could help.” Kline does not feel under appreciated exactly, but she believes that some teachers could put in a bit more work to make her job easier, like doing attendance on time, letting her know when they are taking the classes out of the classroom, or being respectful when they have to call a student out of class.

Kelly Kline

Marianne Wille

Right down the hall from the secretaries, Head Cook Marianne Wille prepares school lunches for more than 1,000 students. Wille’s work day is a bit different from the rest of the staff, as she gets to the school around 6:30am and leaves at 2 pm. Marianne Wille has been working for the school for 28 years, and she started out of necessity. “When I started it worked because my kids were little, I had the same days off they did, so I didn’t have to work and I didn’t work weekends.” She stayed, however, because she loves the job. “I enjoy working with all the girls and stuff, and working with the students and the teachers.” Contrary to some other staff members, Wille does not think she is under appreciated. “I don’t feel I’m under appreciated.” Wille said, “I enjoy working. If I wasn’t I don’t think I would have lasted 28 years.” Much of this staff does not exactly feel under appreciated, at least by other members of the staff. What they did not mention, however, were the students. While many of them work with other members of the staff, each and every one of them help students daily, but it can be easy to forget how much they really do. Many times students go through the lunch line without a ‘thank you’ in their mind. Many times students leave a huge mess around the halls, not keeping in mind that there are people who have to clean the entire school nightly. Many times students go into the office asking a question only the secretaries know, but do not show any form of gratitude. Next time you are walking through the halls and see a member of the staff that is not a teacher, say ‘thank you’; it could change their outlook of their job.

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November 2017

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The Making of a Cross Country Champion MAIYA FLECK General Reporter

What a dedicated athlete eats in a day Besides the conventional sports constantly being broadcast in Mandan, there are many sports and athletes that are sometimes overlooked. Kelby Rinas, a sophomore at MHS, is a dedicated runner 365 days a year and this year took home a state title for Mandan. Rinas began her running career in elementary school, then road races with her mom. From then on, Rinas’ passion and talent improved. Rinas started cross country in sixth grade and track in seventh grade. Rinas began running because her mom had previously been a runner in high school and college. She used to participate in basketball and volleyball, but she ended her participation in these sports so she could be devoted to running. “I was better at running, and I enjoyed running more,”Rinas said. It was tough to quit, but I knew running was the better option for me.” However, Rinas does not think running is particularly for everybody. “I think being a runner means you are mentally tough, and only certain people can do it,” Rinas said. This especially applies to running long hard miles. In cross country participants run 5Ks, and in track, events range in distances. Being a devoted athlete stems from a basic motive to keep participating in the activity.

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Photo by Maiya Fleck.

Kelby with her mom at the prestigious Roy Griak meet.

“Running well for my team and my coaches keeps me motivated,” Rinas said. Rinas practices 365 days a year. The days she does take off she goes biking, swimming or another form of a workout. Not all of these workouts are high intensity. When Rinas needs a break, she resorts to “junk miles.” These are low intensity, long miles. This gives her body time to recuperate, but maintain a workout schedule. With all this training, Rinas goes through about three pairs of running shoes a year. “It was an exciting and fun experience to win state, especially with my friends and November 2017

family there to watch,” Rinas said. “I am honored to be the first girl in Mandan’s history to win a state title. There have been so many good cross country runners that have ran for Mandan. It’s cool to be in their company.” After coming to the realization she wanted to pursue running,she changed her diet to support her lifestyle. This included incorporating healthy items into her diet, and making healthy,wholesome choices. “I haven’t had pop or candy in three years,besides sometimes chocolate,”Rinas said. “I started eating healthy my seventh grade year when I realized it was important.” Rinas begins her morning with a healthy protein smoothie. This includes: spinach, frozen strawberries, and orange juice. The smoothie ensures she gets nutrients to stay powered throughout the day. Adding spinach to the smoothie adds in calcium, iron, and protein. Moving on to lunch, Rinas packs a lunch every single day. An option she usually opts for is a salad with chicken or salmon in it. She does this if she has enough time to prepare it the night before. Other days she has turkey sandwiches on wheat bread. For dinner, she likes to carb load, things like spaghetti and pasta are her favorite. Before race day Rinas likes to eat salmon. Another one of her favorites are zucchini noodles known as “zoodles.”

Y A Y

NAY

ing band a spo h c r a rt? Is m BRENNA HAMMER Co-Editor-In-Chief

JUNIOR KATELYN CERMAK Says marching band should be considered a sport

While marching band may not look as physically taxing as football, it does require endurance in order to play and march at the same time. When you’ve been marching for 5-10 minutes with very little breaks, it can be difficult to produce a good sound if you don’t have the endurance. Not to mention some of our members are carrying up to 45 pounds of extra instrument weight. It’s even difficult for the drum major. Believe me, moving my arms in a quick 4/4 pattern for long periods of time is no easy feat. While not all marching bands are able to compete, many high school marching bands do. We have rival bands just like how a football team has a rival school. We even have bands competing on the professional level. Our competitions may not be as widely advertised as other sports, but they’re still important to the players that compete in them. What really makes marching band a sport is the amount of teamwork and dedication we put into our show. We have camps, sectionals, and hours of rehearsal just to perfect 10 minutes for our halftime show. We had players this year that were so dedicated they were marching with knee braces, knowing that if they had to sit out, no one could take their place. No one is more important than anyone on a team, and I think that’s a point that both football players and band members can agree on.

There is no doubt that Mandan High School marching band students are incredibly successful. These students can achieve letterman status for their efforts, but not everybody agrees with this. A poll sent out to 542 students found very different opinions on whether or not marching band should letter and if they should be considered a sport. Poll results were intense and diverse and students were not afraid to voice their opinions. Joey Clark, a defensive back for the football team, and Katelyn Cermak, drum major for the marching band, shared their very different opinions. Polls based off the responses of 542 polled students.

Yes 28.2% No 57.7% No opinion 15.1%

Should marching band members be eligible for letterman status?* *Note: marching band members are currently eligible for letterman status.

Yes 22.5% No 77.5%

Should marching band be recognized as a sport?

Photo submitted by Katelyn Cermak.

November 2017

SENIOR JOEY CLARK

Says marching band should not be considered a sport Marching band should not be considered a varsity sport. Our Mandan Marching Braves are very talented but they do not compete against other bands which is a key aspect of a sport. Another important characteristic of a sport is physical activity. While playing an instrument may require some physical endurance I do not believe it is comparable to that of a sport such as football, swimming, basketball, etc. I was in band from sixth to ninth grade (which included marching in multiple band night parades). In my four years of band I never felt as if I was physically strained after performing or practicing. As fellow senior Ian Longtin said, “there’s a reason they play at halftime of an actual sport.” I understand that being part of an exceptional marching band (such as our own) requires a lot of practice, but the physical intensity of those practices cannot compare to that of a sport such as football or swimming. In conclusion, I do not believe that marching band in Mandan should be considered a varsity sport. Photo by Brenna Hammer.

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.

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Theater: A Marvelous Thing

An inside look at Mandan High School theater RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

Thrice a year, in snow or sunshine, a group gathers in the heart of this school. You can never be sure of their appearance, for they take great pains to change it. Their voices, likewise, are never the same, shifting and changing with their will. They wander the halls, appearing to be the same as you or me, but in fact, they are different. They are the individuals who take part in plays, directed by English teacher Lisa Quintus. The first play of the year is a three act, performed solely for the enjoyment of the audience. The next performance consists of two one act plays, one of which is judged in competition as well as performed for the public. The one act play is a performance with no breaks from start to finish, thus the term one act. Mandan has never gotten less than third place against all other competing Class A schools. Each of the plays are performed three times in the MHS auditorium. “Opening night is always busiest, and we averaged about 60 people a night.” said junior Ambrosia Boehm, Mandan’s most experienced actress, when asked how many people came to the last play, “James and the Giant Peach”. Many people feel uncomfortable speaking in front of a large

crowd. While being in a play might appear to be doing just that, actors argue that it is a very different experience. “It’s different from speaking in front of a crowd. You’re speaking as someone else.” Quintus said. “You are a character in a story, it’s not you. That’s what makes it so much fun. It takes a while to go from reciting lines with expression, to being character.” To be in theater, one must audition in front of Mrs. Quintus. They then have a few weeks of practice before their first performance. Actors must memorize lines, learn how to deliver them, and how to keep composure throughout the play. “My favorite part of doing plays is probably right before the opening night,” said Boehm. “We can run through the play and really become the characters.” Not everyone who contributes to the play is seen on the stage. There are costumes to design and props and sets to design. Each year brings a new cast and script. Over the past 21 years, no play has been chosen twice. “It depends on the kids I know will be in the play. I decide after the auditions.” Quintus said. Students who participate in theater are undoubtedly dedicated to their art; they spend countless hours perfecting their roles to put on the best show they possibly can. And while many people ogle over actors and actresses we see on the big screen, it can be easy to forget where they started—in the high school auditorium.

Pictured top left: “James and the Giant Peach” fall 2017 play. Photo by Shantel Jangula. Pictured bottom left: 2017 one act, “Campfire Chaos.” Photo by Brenna Hammer. Pictured bottom right: 2017 competition one act, “Theophilus North.” Photo by Brenna Hammer.

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November 2017

Cullen Oodthoudt (left) and Zakk Arenz (right). Both pictures were submitted by the Oodthoudt and Arenz family.

A Parent’s Worst Two Mandan families’ stories on childhood cancer Nightmare KENNA HEIDT General Reporter

When you have a child, you sign up to do anything in your power to take care of them. Most people think of buying clothes, food, or even toys, not chemotherapy. These two children in Mandan were hit by the debilitating disease of cancer. Cullen Oodthoudt, or Cully, is one of them. He was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a brain tumor, when he was just three years old. “There was a large mass and we were to go to Fargo immediately. We didn’t even pack.” Cully’s mother, Randi Oodthoudt said. Cully fought through more than five surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, lumbar punctures, injections, feeding tubes, MRI’s and CT scans in the span of two years. He traveled throughout the United States for treatment. “For treatment, we started at Mayo in Rochester then switched to Children’s National [Hospital] in Washington, D.C. when Cully’s cancer came back. When we ran out of options there, we were accepted into a trial at the University of Minnesota,” Oodthoudt said. Many fundraisers were held to help Cully’s family such as a Go-FundMe account, a golf tournament, and book

parties. When the cancer returned in September of 2016, they struggled to find options. Cully stayed strong, and so did the rest of his family. He passed away on August 6, 2017. “In that dash between the dates, he touched so many people. So funny and loving. Sometimes he’d just say, “Mom! Get here!” Then I’d go over to him and he’d grab my face and kiss me,” Oodthoudt said. Zakk Arenz is another child that has gone through the same situation. At age 10, Zakk and his family got the news that he had a brain tumor. His parents decided to take him into the doctors office when he was not getting better of a so-thought sinus infection. The doctors performed a CT scan and soon realized that there was “no greater horror for a parent,” said Jon Arenz, Zakk’s father. Zakk and his family have traveled all over the United States. “He had to undergo two months of radiation in Jacksonville, FL and seven months of chemo in Minneapolis to ensure the cancer would not come back,” Arenz said. People all over the Bismarck-Mandan area have made sure that they don’t have to struggle for money. November 2017

A GoFundMe account was set up for Zakk with a $20,000 goal. Within 310 people, $21,000 was raised for the family. “The family is doing well. It was a very hard and stressful year that we had had in 2016.” Arenz said, “Now that we are almost one year out, it seems like things are starting to get back to normal.” Zakk and his family are truly fighters. The Arenz family went through many obstacles in the past year. “At one point, after starting chemo, he went about a month without eating or keeping any food down and lost about 40 pounds (almost half his body weight). He was extremely weak and couldn’t do much other than lay around and sleep. We looked at him and it looked like he was wilting away right before our eyes,” Jon Arenz says. His father also thinks he is getting back to normal. “Zakk is back to participating in activities again. He is still working at getting back to normal as his body was really broken down from all of the treatments he went through,” Jon Arenz says. Some stories of this deadly disease end up horrifying and some with happy endings. Through all of the chemo, radiation, and surgeries, these boys remained strong and will always be an inspiration to many.

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September

Athletes of the Month SANTANAH GERHART General Reporter

Girls ' Golf-

What is your greatest strength? “My greatest strength is my putting.” If you could arm wrestle one person on your team, who would it be and why? “Victoria because I’m stronger than her”

Cortni

What has been your biggest accomplishment? “Taking fourth indvidually out of every golfer in the state at the East-West Classic”

e Mon geon

What is the best part about competing? “Being outside and meeting new people” Which pro athlete do you most resemble while golfing? “Jordan Spieth”

Photo submitted by Cortnie Mongenon.

fOOtballWhat has been your greatest accomplishment? “Being named a team captain” If you could arm wrestle anyone on your team, who would it be and why? “Danek Vega, because that kids a beast and I want to go against the best.” What is the best part about competing? “When you are on the field, it is just you and your team. Nothing else matters.” Which pro athlete do you most resemble while playing your sport? “I’ve tried to make my game resemble Ray Lewis. His knowledge of the game, his fire, and how he made everyone around him better.”

ls a H Quinn

d r a g ten

Quote that describes how this season has gone? “‘We are a family’ -Mark Johnson” Photo submitted by Quinn Halstengard.

November 2017

Sports

The Real Piehl

Why the President should not be backseat coaching for the NFL OWEN PIEHL

News / Sports Editor I am aware that the opinions I express in this article are not universal. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just ask that you express it respectfully. I am a proponent of debate, not hate. If you feel strongly about this issue, please feel free to get in touch with either me or The Courier. You can email me at Owen.Piehl@msd1.org, or drop off a letter to us in Mrs. Cahoon’s room 221. I fell in love with football in third grade. Since then, I have always kept up with happenings in the NFL. I watch football every Sunday, and it is one of the most enjoyable parts of my life. In recent months, some of the fun in football has been overshadowed by more serious matters, namely the NFL players’ national anthem protests, and the responses of our national leaders to said protests. These protests, protected by the first amendment, are intended by the players to cause meaningful conversation on the topics of police brutality, racism, and divisiveness in our country. They are using their platform to bring to light a topic that many Americans are unwilling to admit exists. My personal views on the protests are that anyone who tries to stop people from exercising their free speech is inherently un-American. I also believe that a sitting President should be occupied enough to avoid petty fights with people who play a game for a living. I stand for the anthem, I always will. My grandpa served in the Navy, and since I was little I have thought of the United States as the greatest country on Earth. I have not, however, known anything outside of the point of view of a white guy in America. A President’s job is to lead our country. In times like these, times full of hate and

Sports

division, a President’s job is also to bring our country together. Our President, however, has only fed into the division in our country. On September 22, President Donald Trump was set to give a speech in Alabama. In his speech, the President addressed NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, saying, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b---- off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!’” When the President of the United States begins attacking professional athletes, there is a problem. He is not defending our nation, and he is not doing his job. He is only adding to the mountains of hate that have plagued our country for years, and he is only making the cause of the players’ protests more pronounced. The main argument against the protests being put on by NFL players is that these protests are disrespectful to military veterans and members of our armed forces. I think people who hold this belief are entirely justified, and if your argument is that these protests should be carried out in a more respectful manner, you have a right to be upset. I will repeat, however, my opinion that silencing peaceful protests because of the manner they are carried out is against some of the most basic rights given to American citizens. While I am on the topic of disrespect for our military, it would be remiss of me to not include a quote from our President himself. While Trump was on the campaign trail, he became engaged in a war of words with Arizona Senator and former prisoner of war John McCain, and, as he is often wont to do, made some controversial remarks. “He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured,” said our

President. “I like people who weren’t captured.” John McCain was a naval aviator in the Vietnam war, and was shot down over Hanoi and brought to a prisoner of war camp. He remained in this camp for five years, and declined early release despite being repeatedly beaten, because there were others in the camp who had been there longer than him. McCain said in a recent interview that he has still not received an apology from President Trump over those remarks. That seems a tad disrespectful from a man so fed up with the disrespect shown by professional athletes. A popular avenue for our President in getting his opinion out to the American people is Twitter. According to Business Insider, of the President’s nearly 300 tweets between September 23 and October 23, 37 were about the NFL and national anthem protests. If you need reminding, this was the time period in which the Las Vegas shooting (which received 12 posts) happened, leaving 58 people dead and hundreds more injured. The President seemingly finds NFL players’ protests of enough importance to warrant a response in a time when the US is dealing with natural disasters, hostile foreign powers, and domestic terrorism on a larger scale than ever before. If he feels so strongly about this issue, perhaps the next office he should hold is that of NFL Commissioner. As commissioner, upon seeing any player exercising his first amendment rights in a way that he personally disagreed with, he would have the power to “Get that son of a b---- off the field.”

“When the President of the United States begins attacking professional athletes, there is a problem.”

November 2017

Banana graphic by Shantel Jangula.

A Team Often Overlooked A coach’s and athlete’s point of view of junior varsity sports jun·iornoun var·si·ty

NORTH AMERICAN - a team representing a high school or college at the level below varsity in a sport or other competition.

SAVANNA HAGEROTT

to watch the sporting event, and as soon Each athlete experiences every sport as the game is over, everyone is alerted on differently, no matter what level they play Athletes who have never been on a junior the final outcome of it. Whether they hear at. Senior Dawson Webb has been on JV varsity team, or students who have never it from a friend, the school Twitter page, played sports, often forget the significance or a Snapchat story, they will find out in Boys soccer for his entire high school of JV sports, or do not even know what a timely matter, because it is an important career, but started to play for varsity as well part of the school. his junior year. they even are. Many times JV He believes that JV sports do need more Many students also teams help the varsity recognition. think that JV sports teams prepare for “I think JV sports need a lot more focus. are of lesser value, and games, whether they It’s a lot about fun and games, but when are not as important as are simulating another you’re a developmental team, you’re not varsity. While varsity team’s offense, or just growing, you’re just having fun,” Webb does include the more an opponent to play said. experienced players, against. While he is not pleased with his position it does not always “One thing that’s really on the teams, he is proud of what he has mean they have the important with the JV is been able to do for other JV athletes. best players. Photo by Savanna Hagerott. that a lot of times when Being a senior on JV, Webb has been able Often times, the varsity team has the Freshman Olivia Leingang gets we prep to play, say to give younger athletes something “to look set up to bump the ball. Century, my JV kids up to and aspire to be better.” players they need, and will run the Century Webb has spent years practicing to when a new player comes up, even though they are very offense against the varsity girls, and do become better at his sport, but does not think it has payed off. talented, the varsity team does not need things like that.” JV Girls Basketball “For me, I’ve done them to fill a role. “I think one thing we the out of season, I’ve JV sports also allow younger athletes Coach Jamie Entzi always talk about with our done the club, winter to grow in the sport without as much said. “They’re very indoor, I’ve done expectation as that of the varsity team. important in that they JV is that a lot of times we summer outdoor. I’ve It also allows for them to get used to the get us ready to play play the first game of the put in about 300 to feelings of winning and losing as a part of a and win varsity games, night, and so we talk about 400 dollars in doing as well.” high school team. just setting the tone for the those clubs, and I’m Entzi has coached More is expected out of athletes in high still unable to do that. school, especially in varsity sports. There Mandan girls JV night and how big a deal it So for me it allowed is a certain mentality needed to go through Basketball for four is if we come out and play me to learn that no the motions of winning or losing a high years and has coached really well, then our other matter how hard you other teams for another school varsity sport. When a sports team lost in middle school, three years. teams probably will too.” work, sometimes you JV sports also set the just can’t ever make it,” the rest of the school did not really know Webb said. about it, and people did not travel to other tone for the rest of the While this can be very disappointing, towns to watch the basketball team play, night. Often times, they play before the and many never showed up to home games varsity teams, so for any fans watching, if Webb has been able to play for varsity as the JV team wins, it gets everyone excited well as junior varsity, and is able to fill in at all. where needed. In middle school, however, sports were for what the varsity team has to offer. While JV gives a good platform to He also believes that JV is essential to not as significant in school as they are in high school. In high school, football is on learn on, being on a junior varsity sport his sport, because it allows athletes to grow almost every students mind on Fridays is completely different for each athlete. better. Some athletes may love being on JV, while “Honestly, when I think about junior during the fall. In high school, students and parents and other’s may think they are the worst years varsity as a team, I think of it as a developmental team.” Webb said. even staff members travel miles upon miles of their lives.

General Reporter

November 2017

Sports

C All photos by Brenna Hammer.

Olympic Gold Medalist Visits Starion Sports Complex SHANTEL JANGULA Co-Editor-In-Chief

Olympic Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin visited the Starion Sports Complex where she held a clinic, book signing and a private interview with Dakota Star Gymnastics. Liukin competed in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics where she won an all-around gold medal. The gymnasts who raised more than $125 participated in a clinic with Liukin coaching them on various skills such as the beam and floor routines. Kendal Blair and Mckayla Lindbo were the only girls who represented the MHS Braves High school team at the event, both of which attend Mandan Middle School. The event on Sunday, October 22 gave young Dakota Star gymnasts the chance to have a

private meet and greet with Liukin where they were able to asked her about her training. “I trained for seven hours Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday for four hours” Liukin said. “That’s kind of a lot.” Liukin was born in Moscow, Russia and moved to the United States with her parents when she was two years old. “My parents didn’t speak english, didn’t have a lot of money, but they had this dream,” Liukin said. “Their dream was to open up a gymnastics school.” She no longer competes for gymnastics, however her future goal is to inspire young athletes. “To be able to give back to the young athletes is the least I can do.” Liukin said.

A. All around gold medalist, Liukin demonstrates a kick while giving a clinic. B. Liukin gives a high five to a young gymnast. C. Mandan Brave gymnast Kendal Blair practices on the high beam. D. Liukin assists a young gymnast in a bridge. E. Dakota Star gynasts pose for a team picture with Liukin.

Sports

November 2017

Sports Round-up OWEN PIEHL

News / Sports Editor

Boys’ Basketball

Mandan Boys’ Basketball has not made the state tournament since 2014, a drought the players and coaches recognize as a problem. This season, however, the boys will look to make a new name for themselves. Senior Trae Steckler will be a vital part of the team, as he was a key contributor last year, leading the team in both scoring and rebounds. One key for Mandan last year was their dominance on the boards, with the Braves totaling 160 more rebounds than their opponents throughout the season. With four returning players who had significant playing time last year, the Braves will look to maximize their output this season. Efficient scoring and teamwork will be high priorities this year, and if they can succeed in those, they have the opportunity to prove themselves throughout the state. The boys’ first home game is December 16 against Dickinson High School.

Girls’ Basketball The Mandan Girls’ Basketball team has a chip on their shoulders. After finishing first in the WDA tournament last year, the girls were primed for a run at the state title. They beat Devils Lake handily to take on Legacy in the semifinals, a team they had previously beaten in the WDA tournament. They lost 67-65 in overtime, sending them to the third place game against Century, who they had defeated in overtime to take first in the WDA. They lost again, handing them a fourth place finish in the state. While fourth may be considered a success to many, this team is hungry for more opportunities to win. With only one senior, Mackensi Higlin, being lost to graduation, last year’s end is no doubt still fresh in the minds of this team, and should be excellent motivation for a young but experienced squad. Girls’ Basketball will play their first home game on December 16 against Dickinson High School.

Preview Edition Boys’ Hockey

Mandan Boys’ Hockey has never won a state championship, something the team is well aware of. It is a motivating factor for all the players who come through Mandan hockey. This will be the team’s first season in their new rink at the Starion Sports Complex, and making a new legacy for their team is at the forefront of their minds. The team went 9-15 last season and did not place at the WDA tournament. With three of their top five scorers from last year being lost to graduation, the team will have to look for new people to put up points. Senior Quinn Halstengard and junior Jackson Zittleman were big contributors last season, and will be leaned on this season as the team tries to make a new name in their new home. The boys’ hockey team will host their first home game on November 30 against Dickinson High School.

Boys’ Swim/Dive Mandan Boys’ Swim and Dive placed fourth at state last year, which they will look to improve on this year. The team lost two of its top seniors from last year in Reed Bergman and Luke Peterson, but has a solid core of athletes ready to help boost the Braves. The team boasts three returning all-state swimmers in seniors David Hoffman and Joey Clark, along with junior T.J. Reinhardt. They also have a state champion diver in Johnny Mindt, who took first in diving at last year’s state meet as a sophomore. These athletes together will take on the task of leading the Braves to another successful season, and hopefully more success on the state level. The boys’ swim and dive season will begin in Bismarck on December 15.

Wrestling

Mandan Wrestling had a successful season last year, but left plenty of room for improvement. They finished fourth in the WDA and eighth at the state tournament, with two first place finishers. Dale Spilman, who graduated last year,

placed first in the 170 pound weight class. Isaac Berger, who is a senior this year, placed first in the 145 pound weight class. Mandan’s scoring was also helped out by other high finishers, such as current sophomore Will Kleinknecht (113 lb), who placed second, and current junior Jacob Boehm (182 lb), who placed third. Despite losing four seniors to graduation, the Braves are looking to make their mark on this season. This is also Mandan wrestling coach Luke Mellmer’s last year coaching for Mandan. Mellmer took over for Ben Beckler as head coach in 2015 after Beckler resigned as coach. Mellmer won Class A Coach of the Year in 2016, and led Mandan to a third place state dual finish last season. The wrestling season will start November 18 at the Minot Early-Bird Tournament.

Girls’ Hockey

The Mandan Girls’ Hockey team made history last season as the first Mandan hockey team to make it past the first round in the state tournament. They defeated Fargo North-South in the quarterfinal, giving the Braves a semifinal birth for the first time in program history. The team eventually fell to Grand Forks in two overtimes, sending them to the third place game against Fargo Davies, who they beat 5-4. Their third place finish was unprecedented for Mandan hockey, but this year will be the time for them to try and build off of that successful season. After losing Maiah McCowan and goalie Lucy Morgan, who were the team’s leaders in all major categories, the team will have a major vacuum to fill. However, they have the talent on their team to perform and hopefully build off what they started last year. Girls’ hockey will start their season on November 21 at home against Minot.

Sports up to date as of November 6.

All statistics and information comes from wdasports.org and the respective coaches. November 2017

Sports