crier
munster high school
vol 49/Homecoming Edition Sept. 19, 2014 mhscrier.com
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321 Saturday
82/61
Sunday
71/50 Monday
69/50
Upcoming
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Football plays against Morton tonight at 7 p.m.
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Homecoming dance starts at 7 p.m. in the Fieldhouse
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Boys’ Soccer plays at Pike tomorrow
Speech and Debate hosts chicken barbecue dinner tonight from 4-7 p.m. n
Look back at the 50 years of school Juniors defeat seniors in Powderpuff spirit Pages 4-5 football game in comeback win Page 7
Find out what students buy at thrift stores at mhscrier.com
photos by Ray Ojel, Peyton Puckett, Alexis Baker
SHOWING SPIRIT Leading to Conga-line with his classmates, Dan Green, senior, celebrates 80s workout day. “I was wearing all women’s clothes,” Dan said. “All the neon stuff was girls’.”GOING GREEN Dressed as Yoda, Hayley Kwasniewski, senior, spends Comic-Con day walking on her knees. “I wanted to do something different and fun, but I also wanted to go all-out,” Hayley said.
Out of this
World
Students share their experiences about days of Spirit Week Seniors Max Baker Opinion Editor
A
midst the sea of Powerpuff Girls, sumo wrestlers, superheroes, and a Sharknado,
Emma Slosser, senior, celebrates her final spirit week by participating fully in Comic-Con Day by dressing as Batgirl. “It’s so fun celebrating spirit days as a senior,” Emma said. “It’s the year you can really get into and dress up because it’s your last one.” With four spirit days behind her, Emma looks back on her previous Homecoming weeks. “I’m going to miss all of it,” Emma said. “It was so cool to plan what you were going to wear each day.” Homecoming has more meaning to seniors than any other grade, according to Cierra Uribe, senior. “Everyone is really energetic and fun, but it’s the
seniors’ last year so they have more of a reason to celebrate,” Cierra said. During Homecoming week, the school experiences an influx of spirit, according to Cierra. “I feel like during the rest of the school year, not everyone cares about spirit,” Cierra said. While Cierra puts an emphasis on grades, she enjoys the week. “I support the school, but I’m not overly enthusiastic about it,” Cierra said. “During spirit week I’m not going to go crazy like some people, but I’ll show my spirit in my own way.”
Juniors Meena Kandallu Copy Editor
W
ith eyebrows outlined in black makeup and a face covered with white dots,
Claire LeMonnier, junior, walks through the hallways confidently. “My favorite part of this costume was that it was different,” Claire said. “I think it’s great because I didn’t see anyone else with the same costume.” After over a week of planning and an hour spent applying makeup and gathering supplies, Claire considers Comic-Con Day the best part of spirit week. “I was just really excited,” Claire said. “As soon as I heard about Comic-Con Day, I started planning immediately.”
Continued on Page 2
POINTS FOR SPIRIT Dressed in a basketball jersey during Decades Day, Yiorgo Karnezis, junior, refuses to allow stares and comments from other students to discourage him from displaying his school spirit. “Sometimes it’s a little awkward, but I don’t really care what other people think,” Yiorgo said. “I love showing my spirit.”
2 News
Crier/Sept 19, 2014
Celebrating school spirit Continued from front Claire demonstrates her love of spirit week by doing more than simply participating in the various themed days. With all of the hours she has spent planning and creating her spirit week costumes, she describes her approach to spirit week as “going all out.” “It (spirit week) gives you a chance to stand out, and it is a lot of fun, so you might as well have the most fun you can,” Claire said. Julia Torres, junior, credits the enthusiasm shared by the entire student body for her own participation. “I think the atmosphere of everyone enjoying themselves and having fun and going crazy with their outfits made me want to join in,” Julia said. “I think with everyone having a lot of fun together, we can all come together and laugh at each other and ourselves.”
Sophomores Max Baker Opinion Editor
photo by Alexis Baker
TWINS FOR THE WIN Dressed in identical floral dresses and jackets in honor of Twin Day, sophomores Hannah Zaremba and Lizzie Fies pose to have their picture taken. “Getting to see the other person in the same outfit as me, it was weird,” Hannah said.
Looking out at the various students sporting ukuleles and pineapples, Molly Korman, sophomore, frowns as she can only pick out a few sophomores in the crowd of costumed juniors and seniors. “It seems so different from last year,” Molly said. “It seems like a lot more people participated last year, but I think that’s because I don’t think that many sophomores participated in every day.” With spirit days, most of the sophomores wait to dress up in costume, according to Molly. “I had no idea what to do for either Hawaiian or Twin Day, but I knew exactly what I wanted to do for Comic-Con and Decades Day,” Molly said. “I think it’s like that for most people. The first two days are okay, but the last three are the ones we’re excited about.”
DRIVERS EDUCATION !! It’s too important not to go with the BEST!!
Certified Driving School
After not participating in spirit week until Wednesday, Alex Ramirez, sophomore, came to school dressed as Bruce Lee. “Sometimes I think the spirit days are pure stupidity, and I won’t do it,” Alex said. “Like Hawaiian Day, it’s pointless and I don’t understand how dressing up in a Hawaiian shirt shows school spirit.” Alex believes that the same sophomores who partook in spirit week this year took part last year as well. “Last year, we all pretty much did the same thing we’re doing now,” Alex said.
photo by Lauren Koultourides
Freshman Meena Kandallu Copy Editor One Pinterest post, one headband and a pile of hay. Armed with the necessary materials for her outfit, Zoe O’Dea, freshman, began creating the grass skirt she planned to use for her Hawaiian Day costume. An hour later, she was ready to take on the first day of her first Homecoming spirit week. “I was always really, really into dressing up for school in middle school and this just gives me even more of a way to express my oddness,” Zoe said. “(It is) interesting trying to find different types of costumes that I can wear and make my own.” Ryan Leahy, freshman, considers spirit week especially important for freshmen due to the fact that they have not experienced the tradition in the past. “It brings fun to the high school,” Ryan said. “Since the middle school doesn’t have anything like it, it is something different.” Despite her own positive attitude toward spirit week, Zoe notices that many freshmen do not share her enthusiasm. While she feels frustration at their lack of involvement, she hopes that it will increase as they realize the excitement it brings to the school. “Right now, I feel like people don’t understand how big of a deal it is,” Zoe said, “but they will understand later.”
photo by Kyra Marriott
photo by Natalia Bilek
EMBRACING THE WEEK (top) Mr. Richard Sluder, social studies teacher, waves a wand at his students. (middle) Dressed in brightly colored PJs, Asia Marshall, sophomore, celebrates Twin Day. (bottom) Bringing back the 1950s, Zoe O’Dea, freshman, captures the moment.
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Crier/Sept. 19, 2014
Voice of the People
TAKING A SIDE
Losing its meaning
Students reveal their personal preferences about various Homecoming and spirit week activities and traditions
Max Baker Opinion Editor
What is more exciting, the football game or the dance? Why?
CON Homecoming week has ignited school spirit for
half a century at this school. The halls have seen seniors in blinding neon spandex, coconut bras and even horribly stereotypical looking nerd costumes. Homecoming traditionally welcomed back old alumni to their school with a celebration of floats, costumes, football, spirit and royalty. However, it appears that Homecoming has become less about celebrating our school and going to a dance and more about acting as stupid as humanly possible. The spirit days leading up to the dance are crammed with teenagers awkwardly trying to adhere to a specific theme,which may not inspire spirit at all. Even the Homecoming football game seems to have lost its luster. Many students go to the football game simply because it is Homecoming, and that title brings about images of lukewarm rivalries and fans. Students no longer show up to support the team but to scream, chant and make general fools’ out of themselves and their entire class. Students use Homecoming spirit as an excuse to act obnoxious and unpleasant. Somegraphic by Chelsea Eickleberry where in the school’s history, school spirit and idiocy have become synonymous with each other.
We’re all in this together Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor
PRO “Who did you ask to Homecoming?” “What does
your dress look like?” “What are you doing after the dance?” The buzz of Homecoming is heard throughout the halls weeks before its actual date. From spirit days to the chicken barbecue dinner, Homecoming week is ripe with traditions. The very first Homecoming occurred decades ago, and Munster students have been adding to the excitement ever since. One thing that will always remain the same is that seniors can be spotted going out with a bang and the underclassmen seen just starting their fun. For some, finding the perfect Instagram filter or spending hours on Xbox consumes their free time, but for others, practice and part-time jobs keep them going until way past nine. However, on the week of Homecoming when 80’s workout tapes come alive in the halls and football is the talk of the town, the students find common ground. It is the only chance we get as students to be ourselves and still be part of the crowd. Homecoming week is the binding string that ties all students together. So wear sparkly heels or come in Vans. Play in the Powderpuff game or cheer from the graphic by Chelsea Eickleberry bleachers. Wear neon spandex or just a favorite t-shirt. Take advantage of it because this is our school, and it’s the time of year that school feels like home.
crier
3 speakout
“The game, for sure, because I get to see my friends kick butt on the football field and then after the game, I get to celebrate with my friends,” Jay Foreit, junior, said. “The football game, because of all the excitement that goes
into it. The crowd is loud and excited to watch us play,” Seth Gutwein, senior, said. “The dance, because the football game is the same
every year. But for the dance, you can expect the unexpected,” Richard Hwang, sophomore, said. “My favorite part is the game because everybody is really excited and dressed up, and it’s a good game,” Jacob Levy, junior, said. “The game, it’s
“The Homecoming dance because you have more fun at the dance. You’re only looking at other people at the game, but at the dance, you’re having fun with other people,” Jessica Almasy, senior, said.
fun for the cheerleaders to cheer,” Hannah Zaremba, sophomore, said.
Do you find over the top proposals cute or annoying? Why?
“Cute, because it’s what you think of when you think of high school,” Nick Bleza, senior, said. “It’s cute. It shows school spirit, and it breaks up the
mundane cycle of the school day,” Ricky Greep, senior, said.
“I think they’re cute. They went out of their way to do something nice,” Alex Campbell, freshman, said. “Annoying. It puts too much pressure on the girl,” Steven Nowaczyk, junior, said. “They are cute. I mean, it makes the girl happy,
“I find them annoying. Like why should a guy go through all that trouble for a girl’s attention. And what if she says no? That’s a waste of time.” Momnah Khan, senior, said. “I think it’s a personal
so props to the guy.” Lizzie Della Rocco, senior, said.
preference because some people might find it flashy and other people might want something less flashy and more personal,” Vince D’Angelo, junior, said.
What is one theme you would like to see? Why?
“I would like to see pajama day because I just want to get out of bed and not
“Dress like your teacher day. I think it’ll be funny to make fun of my teachers because they give me so much homework,” Bridget Caraher, junior, said.
change clothes,” Alainna Carey, freshman, said.
“I would like to see a military theme, because it’s America and it’s more patriotic,” Qionte Sullivan, junior, said. “Mid-17th century India, because I like that time period and British imperialism,” Connor Meyer, freshman, said. “All things related
to Mr. K: facial hair day; tie day; football day; outdoor day, not hunting; dress like a psychologist; no smile day,” Mr. Matthew Kalwasinski, psychology teacher, said. “A theme about pumpkins because they’re cool, stylish and hip,” Matt Torres, sophomore, said.
What one word would you use to describe Homecoming week?
“Awesome. All the different days we have is cool to see how everyone dresses. It’s nice to see most people participate,” Danny Zuccarelli, sophomore, said.
“Annoying because I think people take things too far,” Jake Helmer, senior, said. “Insane, because you just go around and see a bunch of different people dressing up and it’s not like usual things you see throughout
“Telling, it’s very telling to see who is in the school spirit and who’s eh,” Mrs. Amanda Holloway, English teacher, said. “Tradition, because it’s not fun for everyone, the school day and it’s insane,” Lana Urban, freshman, said.
and some people feel left out,” Ms. Leigh Ann Westland, English teacher, said.
Munster High School
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Published by the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes, and extra-curricular involvement. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community.•Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, truthfulness, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.
Letters to the Editor are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Pub, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Mailed subscriptions cost $20 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 14 times a school year.
The Staff Editor-in-Chief William Hatczel Managing Editor Vrusha Patel Copy Editor Meena Kandallu Opinion Editor Max Baker
Sports Editors Erin Gallagher, Jordan Szymanski News Editors Amanda Jones, Danie Oberman Infocus Editors Mariah Villaroman, Chloe Wineinger Web Editor Elena Piech Web Designer Alex Baker Graphics Editor Chelsea Eickleberry Head Photographer Natalia Bilek Photographers Arianna Adams, Alexis Baker, Rachel Bishop, Lauren Koultourides, Kyra Marriott, Ray Ojel, Peyton Puckett, Savannah Shaver Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
Crier/Sept. 19, 2014
5 infocus
4 infocus
50 years in
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Crier/Sept. 19, 2014
5 infocus
the Making
’60s
Peek into the Paragon archives for the past 50 years of Homecoming Celebrations ’70s
’69 SPIRIT REIGNS Students cheer with enthusiasm at the news of a seven-point lead during the Homecoming game against Valparaiso, which ended in a tie. The night of the 1969 Homecoming game was cold and rainy, but still had many students come to cheer. ’69 LIGHT IT UP Mustang supporters gather around a bonfire to watch a smoldering effigy of Valparaiso’s Viking go up in flames. Students burned bonfires containing the opposing team’s mascot to pump themselves up for the upcoming game. ’68 ALL SMILES Nyla Guess, ’68, accepts her flowers as she is crowned the school’s first Homecoming Queen. The first court also included Peggy Elsner, ’68, Cathy Beyer, ’68, Kathy Papakosmos, ’69 and Laurie Bates, ’70.
’79 CLASS CLOWN Listening to a lecture in composition class, Mary Kerr, ’79, expresses her school spirit through a colorful costume. The different spirit days in 1979 featured Costume Day, Nostalgia Day, Jersey Day and Red and White Day.
’78 PACKING HEAT Caught with a fake gun in hand and his spirit in mind, Bruce Klawinski, ’78, dresses up as a gangster for spirit week.
’80s
The first school year, established in 1965, held the Snowball Dance, which led to Loyalty week the next year and Homecoming week in 1968. Each element that stands as a staple now was just taking its first steps during the 1960s. The first Queen crowning and the brand new football field’s first game filled this initial Homecoming week. As the 1960s transitioned into the 1970s, the high school was introduced to the new traditions of Homecoming that are still in place today. The spirit weeks and themed parades became more serious and played a vital role in the energy of Homecoming. Themed floats took on an ironic twist when the Hindenburg blimp float, a blimp that caught fire in 1939, also went up in flames during the 1973 parade. The 1980s, a decade of iconic moments, began with a fire on the Saturday before Homecoming week in 1980 causing the cancellation of spirit week. The same year also marked the 15 year anniversary of the Battle of the Bridge rivalry between Munster and Highland. With Homecoming spirit growing stronger, teachers and Student Government fought against the School Board’s impending decision to eliminate the half day on Friday of Homecoming week. By gaining support, they succeeded. Throughout the 1990s, spirit proved an essential part of Homecoming week. The class of 1995 rose to the occasion and won first place for both their float and the spirit award honors. In 1994, the football team faced Morton for Homecoming, losing 6-14, but students and faculty stayed positive. Exactly 20 years later, the football team faces Morton again for Homecoming. The 1990s saw typical Homecoming events, but showed the spirit of the whole school. Moving into the new millennium, the 2000s provided many exceptions to the idea of Homecoming. In 2003, the Homecoming parade was canceled, and the pep rally was held indoors due to rain. The flood of 2008 set spirit week back, but this did not overthrow the Mustang’s celebrations. Munster High School’s Homecoming has developed through the years, showing the evolution and tradition of our school spirit.
’90s
’94 AIM, FIRE! On a tennis shoe shaped float equipped with water guns, cross country team members Joe Furdek and Jim Whiteley, ’95, aim at the crowd watching the Homecoming parade. That year, seniors started later on float building, allowing for the underclassmen to receive first place in designing the floats. ’99 JUST CHECKING In his calculus class, Bob Yamtich, ’99, fixes the fake cleavage he put on. Student-proclaimed Cross Dressing Day was one of many themes that seniors chose to participate in.
’00s
’01 FLOAT FRENZY Waheed Nassimi, Jennifer Lee, Farah Smeriff and Christina Guzik, ’02, create the Genie float for the Disney themed Homecoming parade. The class of ’01 won the float competition that year. ’95 TO THE TOP Putting their effort into a spirit training session, Brian Wachowiack, Joe Furdek, Greg Maurer, Allen Tarpley, Don Williams and Bo Ryband, ‘95, showed the Cheerleaders and Poms their own pyramid. Spirit training sessions were held to boost student and teacher morale.
’87 GROUCHY SENIORS With a tight budget to make the Oscar the Grouch float, the class of ’87 shows off their hard work at their last Homecoming parade. After three attempts at winning best float, their final efforts got them to second place. 1987 saw many doubts in whether or not all floats from the classes would be finished for the parade. ’85 ALL SHAPES AND FORMS Clad in brown paper bags, Mrs. Linda Lemon’s English class of ’86 prepares for the pep rally. These students chose a different way from others to show their support for the school at the pep rally.
’88 AND THE QUEEN IS... Much to the suspense of the half-time crowd, Lisa Tilka, ’88, accepts the Homecoming Queen crown with tears in her eyes. “I was very surprised, excited and nervous, but considering that this is only my second year at this school, it was even more special,” Lisa said in the 1988 yearbook.
6 spotlight
Crier/Sept. 19, 2014
Crowning glory
Homecoming Queen nominees give opinions on nominations; influences; students, faculty who affected their different platforms Brittany Barajas
Zahra Bhoy
Toni DalleCarbonare
Allison Hemingway
Brittany Barajas, senior, recalled her and her friends’ excited reactions after hearing of her nomination. “My cross country team was really sweet, so they wrote ‘Vote for Brittany’ on the whiteboard in the locker room,” Brittany said. Her family expressed joy at hearing the news, especially her grandmother. “(My grandma) was really excited. I was on the phone with her when I told her—I can’t describe the noise she was making—but she was really excited,” Brittany said.
Zahra Bhoy, senior, showed astonishment upon hearing the news of her nomination. As peers suggested she belonged on Homecoming Court, she alluded to a possible reaction she would have had a couple years ago. “If you asked me during freshman year (if I was going to be nominated), I would have laughed in your face,” Zahra said. Zahra thanked her friends for the support and helping her secure the position on court by creating the popular Twitter hashtag #ZBforHC.
If you had talked to Toni DalleCarbonare, senior, a month ago and asked if she would make the Homecoming Court, she would have said no. “I was genuinely shocked because I had a set group of girls that I thought would make it, and I wasn’t expecting myself to be on that list,” Toni said. Even though the court had some tough competition, Toni claimed to want the same qualities she had going in, coming out. “I hope to become more appreciative of everyone around me,” Toni said.
Allison Hemingway, senior, never considered her nomination for Homecoming Queen to become a reality. “I didn’t expect it myself,” Allison said. “I never thought it would happen until it actually did.” Allison said that she feels grateful to have the privilege of being in the same court with the rest of the nominees. “They’re (the other nominees) just overall nice people,” Allison said. “They’re involved in almost everything. Everyone I know loves them. I love them.”
Julianne Rice
When she got called out of class by Mr. William Melby, Dean of Students, Julianne Rice, senior, did not expect her nomination for Homecoming Queen. Julianne reminisced back to freshman year, comparing what she had wanted then to what she has now. “I remember freshman year, thinking it would be more than a dream to be on the Homecoming Court my senior year,” Julianne said. “The girls were all so pretty and sweet. I looked up to them so much.”
Meredith Simmons
Meredith Simmons, senior, reflected on her past years of high school while running for Homecoming Queen. “I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me I would be nominated my freshman year,” Meredith said. The girls on court stand equally matched against each other, according to Meredith “I think that they (the girls on court) are all extremely smart, kind and deserving people,” Meredith said. ”Literally, all of them are my friends.”
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7 sports
Crier/Sept 19, 2014
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Subhead Subhead Subhead Subhead Subhead Matching hair bows, eyeliner-turned-eye black and selfies…not traditional preparations for a football game, but in the Powder Puff football game on Monday, all the norms were broken. For the first time in Powder Puff History, which started in _______, the juniors won against the seniors with a score of 20-18. “I was extremely excited to be a part of it,” said Anna Bilse, junior. “It’s almost surreal how we started off 18-0 and we managed in the second half to gain 20 points and I feel like we kicked butt!” When the teams congregated on the field an hour before game time, the weather definitely didn’t agree with them. A steady, bitter drizzle soaked the bleachers and made the field a sort of Slip ‘N’ Slide, but it didn’t deter the players. The other factor working against the juniors turned out to be their numerical disadvantage. Seniors had nearly double the players the juniors did. The day before the game one of the junior’s quarterbacks had to drop out because of a sprained thumb. Although both teams had an equivalent number of players on the field at any given time, the juniors had less options to substitute. Junior Coach Mark
Dye, history teacher, had been apprehensive about the smaller team and feared it would turn to running around like “chickens with their heads cut off,” but still remained optimistic. ““I’d say the most surprising part (of the practices) has been the level of seriousness. I’d say you’ve got some girls who are obviously in it to win it,” Mr. Dye said before the game. “It’s not just goofing around. There’s a lot of pride involved.” The first touchdown for the juniors was scored by quarterback Kelsie Kasper, which really boosted morale for the team, according to Bilse. “When Kelsie managed to score the first touchdown for our team, she kind of was the turning point for us winning,” Bilse said. The other game saving play was the impressive interception made by Sammi Buvala at the end of the game, which prevented the seniors from scoring in the last few seconds. “I definitely feel like when Sammi made the interception at the end of the game, that’s basically what helped us win the game,” Bilse said. At halftime, the score was 6-12, with seniors ahead. Instead of the cheerleading team entertaining the crowd during halftime, male members of the student council-Milan Obravidich, sophomore, - climbed
on each other’s’ shoulders while “Eye of the Tiger” played in the background. Game Announcer Rohan Chatterjee commented that cheering was not their strong suit. The juniors had been awarded with many instances of false hope throughout the game, where the team was awarded touchdown points but were revoked after discussion. With just two minutes left in the game, the juniors were behind by four points. “We had been practicing a double reverse in practice and we had only a few seconds left,” said Coach Dye. “We saved that play for a situation late in the game.” The girls had invented the play themselves, and it was the only true play they’d practiced, but it ended up winning the game for them. Even though the final score ruled in favor of the juniors, both teams walked away with some new friendships, good memories, and a team experience. “(The best part of practices is) that we all meshed together as a team,” Rachel Jamrose, senior, said. “The senior girls all have a really good work ethic.” Jamrose learned that playing with a team has great advantages and everyone gets to know each other a lot better. She appreciated the team learning to play together and just have fun.
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8 sports
photo by Natalia Bilek
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Varsity Football players sprint onto the football
field while waving the American Flag in their pre-game ritual. Seth Gutwein (8), senior, led the team out on August 29. “When I run onto the
field I think about what to do to help the team get the win,” Gutwein said. “There is no better feeling than coming out to a crowd under the lights.” The Mustangs walked away with a 31-14 win over the Chesterton Trojans.
Overthrowing the Governors Football leaves loss against Andrean behind to look forward to Homecoming game against Morton Governors; seniors hope to excel in their last Homecoming game as Mustangs William Hatczel Editor-in-chief After losing a heartbreaker to Andrean last Friday, Varsity Football wasted no time moving on to the next game, their Homecoming game versus the high scoring, undefeated Morton Governors. “Our coaches are outstanding,” Captain, Dillon Pierie, senior, said. “After the game we talked about Andrean for five minutes. After that we went right into talking about Morton.” The team held a 20-10 lead over Andrean in the fourth quarter. Andrean scored the final two touchdowns of the game to win 24-20. The loss came due to the fact that the team could not hold the lead for the rest of the game, according to Patrick Burke, senior. “We just need to close out games,” Burke said. “We were up by 10 points with 10 minutes left in the game. We need to get a drive on offense that is long and able to take time off the clock and to give our defense a break.” The team watched previous game’s film to learn from their mistakes; however, they refused to let the loss bother them anymore. “We watched the film on Saturday,” Ostoich said. “We then decided to flush it. There are many more games this season. We are not going to mourn over this loss. We hope to get better the rest of the season.” Although they lost, the team now believes they can beat anyone, even undefeated Morton. “We realized that we are capable of playing and beating better teams,” Pierie said. “They (Andrean) outplayed us in the fourth quarter.” With all the excitement that passed throughout Homecoming week, the team remains focused on the task at hand: defeating Morton. “We try not to treat it (Homecoming game) any differently,” Pierie said. “Morton is a good team and is capable of beating anyone.” The Homecoming game puts more pressure on the team due to the fact that more students attend the game, according to Burke.
“You get more excited because it is a big game and one must play hard and listen to the coaches. more students show up,” Burke said. “I wanna win “They have a really good team,” Ostoich said. “Evbecause it makes the next night even better at the eryone has to do their job. We have to do what the dance.” coaches say.” Despite participating and enjoying the spirit days, One of the most important aspects of the game pep rally and parade, Burke and the rest of the team comes from communication between players and focus on the game. coaches during the game, according to Ostoich. “It is hard to block out everything,” Burke said, “They (the coaches) know better than we do,” “but the game is the most important thing through- Ostoich said. “They make adjustments during the out the week.” game. We just have to listen to them and make those Coach Leroy Marsh, health teacher, believes the adjustments.” team generates their excitement for the game. How the team plays tonight depends on the play“All this ‘hoopla’ is about the game,” Coach Marsh ers, according to Coach Marsh. said. “We need to concentrate on the game and hope“Hopefully we will come back and play well fully enjoy and have a great time at the dance on Sat- against the undefeated Morton team,” Coach Marsh urday.” said. “It all depends on our playOstoich knows that once ers’ attitudes.” school ends today, he needs to Ostoich believes that the get his mind into the football Northwest Crossroad Conference Homecoming game serves as the mentality. shows Mustangs hold a tie record best home game of the season. “Once it is 5 p.m., we have “Football is a big sport here,” the same routine,” Ostoich with both Lowell and Hobart Ostoich said. “We do not get as said. “Game day is no differ- 1. Andrean 59ers 1-0 many people as we should (coment; it is just the pep rally and 2. Kankakee Valley 2-0 ing to the games). Parents who do stuff that is different.” not have a kid on the team usual3. Lowell Red Devils 1-1 Pierie believes that in order ly do not show up. It is definitely to defeat Morton’s dangerous 4. Munster Mustangs 1-1 cool to have a big student section offense, the defense needs to 5. Hobart Brickies 1-1 because we can hear them.” stick with the basics. Seniors like Burke look for6. Highland Trojans 0-1 “The reason why we lost last ward to this game since they are 7. Griffith Panthers 0-2 week was because we did not play in their final Homecoming Source: maxpreps.com have a good fourth quarter,” game as Mustangs. For some, it Pierie said. “We need to play the entire fourth quar- could be the end of their football careers. ter. We need to focus on our assignments and finish “It is one of the most exciting weeks of the season,” tackles even when we are tired.” Burke said. “As a senior, it is my last Homecoming In order to defeat Morton, the defense needs to game, so it will be fun and exciting.” keep Morton off of the scoreboard, according to Fellow senior, Ostoich, plans to play his heart out Coach Marsh. tonight for his final Homecoming game as well. “We have to contain a very talented Morton run“This is the last year we (seniors) ever get to play ning and passing attack,” Coach Marsh said. “They in the Homecoming game,” Ostoich said. “We are have scored a lot of points so far this season.” going to leave it all on the field to get the ‘W’. We are On the offensive side, Ostoich believes that every- never going to have this again.”
Where we stand