munster high school Vol. 48 / Issue 2 / September 27, 2013 / Munster High School /8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN
crier INSIDE LOOK Tomorrow 83/58 Sunday 67/45
Up and coming Theater performs “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens” tonight at 7 p.m. Varsity Football plays Griffith tonight at 7 p.m. at Griffith
“Don’t ask me, ask the people who did this to me,” she said. “What they said put the marks there.”
MAKING DRASTIC REMARKS more coverage on page 5 photo illustration by Casey Gouwens
Underclassmen picture retakes Oct. 10 during school, senior retakes Oct. 17 after school until 7 p.m.
Marching forward Marching Band competes at Providence High School tomorrow
page 4 iPhone vs Android Crier compares the difference between the Android and the iPhone
page 7 Challenge accepted Boys’ Varsity Soccer plays in Zionsville tournament tomorrow
page 10
Administration starts 2013-2014 grade book check policy Administration require teachers to put one grade in the grade book each week, grade book checks every two weeks William Hatczel Sports Editor Two weeks ago, the administration started the grade book check policy for the 2013-2014 school year. Every two weeks, administrators will access teachers’ online grade books to keep tabs on them, according to Mr. Mike Wells, principal. “It (the policy) is the District goal of common grade practice,” Mr. Wells said. Grade book checks do not surprise teachers since they have experienced the policy before, according to Mrs. Tammy Daugherty, head of the English department. “It is nothing new, but we have a new administration this year,” Mrs. Daugherty said. “We have to see how
flexible the expectations are. If everything stays the same then it is not new.” Ms. Leigh Ann Westland, English teacher, believes she may need to adjust her schedule on when handing out certain assignments. “I just have to use my time more wisely,” Ms. Westland said. “I might have to stager assignments more in my classes with multiple sections.” Mr. Keith Koszut, head of the Science department, plans accordingly when giving his students work to complete in class. “I need to watch out for lengthy projects, reports, and labs,” Mr. Koszut said. “In science lab activities, there are sometimes a lot of parts to it that students need to complete in the lab report. I need to square them (labs) up in
a timely manner.” While some teachers may need to adjust their schedules, Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo, head of the Spanish department, believes it will not affect her. “The policy will not have an effect on my life,” Mrs. Dettlo said. “Teaching, like any other job, has expectations. If you meet expectations then you are doing your job.” The policy not only helps teachers stay on track with grades, but gives a helping hand to students and their parents, according to Mrs. Dettlo. “It is only fair that students and parents have the opportunity to see their current grades and help them figure out what they want at the end of the semester,” Mrs. Dettlo said. “It can help them achieve.” While teachers hold the responsi-
bility of updating grades weekly, students need to check their grades too, according to Mrs. Daugherty. “Kids need to check their grades,” Mrs. Daugherty said. “It should be like a partnership. You turn it in, give us a few weeks to grade it, and then check your grade.” Although the policy serves as a district goal, only the high school currently uses this policy. However, Mr. Robert Snyder, Guidance administrator, believes the same kind of policy could spread to the other schools. “The other schools in the district will examine and look at it,” Mr. Snyder said. “It is different to set a policy in an elementary school because there is one administrator and the grade books are different. Each building is its own microorganism.”
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NEWS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
Quick Notes Environmental Club
Students encourage environmental awareness through new club The environmental club, one of the new unofficial clubs that has sprouted up in recent months, has big plans for the school. While it is not an official club yet, the clubs vice president, Jessica Avina, hopes to remedy that. “We’re not an official club yet,” Jessica said. “But we hope to change that in the spring.” Environmental club believes in essentially exactly what it sounds like. A new club dedicated to helping the planet with the help of students according to Jessica.
Psychology Club
Teacher expresses reason to why school needs psychology club
photo by Ali Bauer
PLAYING THE PART Freshman Alyssa DeJoan (left), who plays Mary Shelley, rehearses with actor freshman Alex Niemiec (right), Dr. Franken-
stien. “It’s been a really great experience working with all these talented actors and actresses, along with all these directors,” Alyssa said.
SHOWCASING NEW TALENT Novice play sets spotlight on inexperienced actors at Munster Theater Company roles on stage before.” Working with inexperienced actors does have its challenges, such as getting off topic at rehearsal while trying For this year’s novice play, the Munster Theater Com- to fix something that had gone wrong, according to copany presents Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens, which director, Daniel Straka, senior. they will perform again tonight. “Some of the actors already have a grasp of what to do This comedy tells the story of a super viland what’s going on, while others have lain named Dr. Evil, whose life gets turned Director’s checklist never been on stage in their entire life,” upside-down when he receives a basket of Building a play from Daniel said. kittens. It resembles the movie Despicable Directors’ point of view The lead role, Dr. Evil, played by Alex Me, except with kittens, according to assis- Step 1: Ramirez, freshman, does not feel nerFind the right show, host tant director, Rohan Chatterjee, junior. vous about performing. auditions “At this point, I’m crossing my fingers “It’s great to be the lead role, but its 2: that the audience will enjoy watching it,” Step a lot of pressure because the cast really Develop characterization, Rohan said. looks up to you,” Alex said. “It was perfect stage directions, make props, set, stage “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens” alpretty exhilarating to get the lead below novice actors to have their own perfor- Step 3: cause they had 30 other people to choose A week of Dress Rehearsal mance on stage. from.” Step 4: Put on the show The company considers freshman and Although the play stands as a come5: sophomore novices, along with juniors and Step Celebrate after the Friday night dy, it has an actual story behind it about seniors with little stage experience, or that learning to love, according to Alex. showing have previously performed in only one or Source: Hayley Kawsniewski, co-director “They (the audience) are going to realtwo shows. ly enjoy it and are in for a good comedy “The whole cast is new so it is interesting to see how when they show up in the evening,” Alex said. “They are they develop as actors,” Hayley Kawsniewski said. “It is going to want to go out and hug everybody after seeing also really interesting because they have never had big it.”
Nikki Mammono Staff Reporter
The psychology club is one of two new clubs joining the multitude of clubs at school. “We still have a lot of paperwork to do before we’re a club,” Mr. Matthew Kalwasinski, AP Psychology teacher, said. In the event psychology club does become an official club, they would like to influence students to join in order to learn about the finer points of psychology. “Our purpose is to get an understanding of psychology outside of the academic setting,” Mr. Kalwasinski said.
Spanish Club
Spanish club celebrates their national sport
Spanish club will host their third annual soccer game at the Munster High School practice field from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., according to Sponsor, Mrs. Rosemary Malagon, Spanish teacher. Soccer remains a big part of the Hispanic culture, and the fact that previous members enjoyed playing in the soccer game remains to entertain club members, according to Mrs. Malagon. “Well, some members get to meet each other and it builds commoradery,” Mrs. Malagon, said.
Corrections
In the September 6 issue, it read that Mr. Mike Wells, principal, taught at Merriville High School in 1995, but it should read as Mr. Wells taught at Harrison Middle School. Another error read as Mr. Wells returned to Munter High School in 2006, when in fact he returned in 2007. The Crier regrets its errors.
Tuition students no longer admitted to School Town of Munster The Administration takes Public Law 282 in a new direction by denying all transfers for the for seeable future. Lauren Rouse Social Media Director Junior Jai Dharla’s alarm clock rings at 5:30 a.m. in the morning. He gets ready for school and leaves his house by 6:30 a.m. He takes I-80/I-94 from Merrillville and reaches Munster by seven. “At the time of entering high school, my parent’s had opened an office for my dad’s company just down the street from the school,” Jai said. “It was easier for me to become a tuition student because I would be closer to my parents for a ride home if I needed one and I wouldn’t have to be home alone in Merrillville for an extended period of time.” A total of 65-70 tuition students, including Jai, attend Munster. However, with the passing of Public Law 282 (P.L. 282), that number will never increase in the future. “Basically this law is the Indiana legislature tells us that we can not “cherry pick” our students,” Mr.
Steve Tripenfeldas, Assistant Superintendent said. GPA they must maintain.” In order to be admitted to Munster in past years, “We used to pick our transfer students but now they transfer students must have are selected through a lottery where maintained a B average, have there are no criteria on academics.” Transfer guidelines standardized scores in the top The law requires that “the govern- What it requires to quartile and passed their state asing body of a school corporation shall transfer into a new school sessment at the previous school. annually establish: the number of The school decided to stop lettransfer students the school corpora- ! The school board decides which school the student goes ting tuition students apply due tion and the date by which requests to to based on residence to the changes in requirements transfer into the school corporation.” ! The student must schedule an for transfer students, according For Calvin Sanders, senior, he feels appointment with a hearing to Mr. Tripenfeldas. that this law is detrimental, not only to officer “Without the requirements, the school, but to those students who ! If the student does not pay we didn’t want our ECA testing would have attended Munster. tuition, they will be expelled rates to plummet and waste tax “This law leaves potential transfer/ source: isba-ind.org payers’ dollars putting kids into tuition students in school systems remedial classes because they where they may not be able to succeed,” Calvin said. “Tuition students are a way of are so far behind the curriculum,” Mr. Tripenfeldas showing that a school is a successful school and they said. “It was easier to switch to no transfer students help keep the academic standards higher due to the at all.”
SPEAKOUT Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
BACKTALK
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What is the nicest act of kindness you have seen in school?
“When I was sick, a teacher gave me tissues and brought cough drops.” Jonathon Augustynski, freshman
editorial
HARASSMENT FREE “I really don’t want to go to school tomorrow,” a student sighs. Although most would assume this to resemble a normal student’s response to starting another week of school, that was not the case for this student. It, rather, acted as the beginning of yet another week of emotional abuse, his fellow classmates calling him names and teasing—crossing the line yet another time. OUR TAKE In the past, the student The steps may have dealt with the administration has problem on his own, and taken will help never brought it to the prevent and stop school’s attention. For bullying some reason, the idea of informing the school on a situation they should be aware of seemed silly to students. The question loomed—what if the bully finds out that he reported it? However, the addition of Public Law (PL) 2852013 and House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1423 re-
quired the school to take more action in the prevention and control of bullying. These laws gave the school a framework for establishing new and more advanced policies regarding bullying. Informing students on what bullying encompasses, along with how to prevent and deal with it aids the school in handling bullying. It provides students with more than just tools; it also gives them a more secure school environment. Setting up a much larger bullying box on the desk of students is a call for help, students can help other students so easily. All a student has to do is fill out a piece of paper and drop it in the anonymous bully box to save another from so much suffering and pain. The school has done a marvelous job supporting these new bills and revamping their handling of bullying. The steps they have taken to prevent bullying and inform our community on a problem that has grown out of hand make students feel more secure.
Striving for student success Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor For many students, homework is a nuisance— an unpleasant task affixed to the end of a long list which includes sports practices, club meetings, and spending time with friends. Most students originally intend to do their homework, but amid all the chaos, it often gets forgotten. Students justify their actions by reasoning that not doing homework, which only counts for 10 to 20 percent of a student’s grade in any given class, does not really affect anything. They are lead to believe that since homework does not affect their grades, it doesn’t matter. The problem is, homework does
matter. A Duke University study performed in 2006 showed a positive correlation between doing homework and students’ performance. Students who completed homework received better grades and showed better knowledge of the subject. According to the current system of weighting grades, homework only serves as 10 -20 percent of a student’s final grade in most classes, while tests, quizzes, and projects account for the majority of the final grade. The thinking behind this system is that completing homework does not demonstrate mastery of a subject, and therefore should not have a large effect on grades. While this may be true, homework
Crier 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 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.
is in fact an essential part of subject mastery. It allows students to go home and practice the concepts they learned at school. While a student who completes all of his homework may not know the subject completely, he is more likely to understand the concepts that were taught in class. The weight given to homework should count for 25 percent of a class’s final grade in order to better motivate students and also to give them a larger incentive for completing homework. If students see that their grades are affected greatly by whether or not they do their homework, they will be more likely to turn it in.
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. Subscriptions cost $4 per semester or $6.50 per school year. Mailed subscriptions cost $18 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 13 times a school year. The Staff Editor-in-Chief Cassie Eberle Managing Editor Jordan Cockrum Associate Editor Victoria Avina
“I haven’t seen anything nice in this school.”
Nick Ochoa, sophomore
“I was benching a lot of weight and I dropped the weight and someone helped me.” Andrew Grabelle, junior
“I’ve seen a student get picked on for being different and someone sticking up for them.”
“I have seen a person help someone else pick up there books they have dropped.” Jennifer Diaz, freshman
“When an administrator helped a student find their way to class at the start of school.” Esbeida Guzman, sophomore
“The other day my friend didn’t have money for lunch, so this kid behind her paid for her.” Niki Kamalipour, junior
“I have not seen one nice thing, but I see hundreds of nice things in a day.”
Zaria Suggs, Mr. Stephen Wroblewski, Math teacher senior
Lifestyles Editor Meena Kandallu Sports Editors William Hatczel News Editors Vrusha Patel, Max Baker Staff Reporter Nikki Mammano Social Media Director Lauren Rouse Head Photographer Gabrielle Dore Photographers Christopher Anguiano, Alex Baker, Ali Bauer, Natalia Bilek, Cesar Camacho, Chelsea Eickleberry, Casey Gouwens, Gage Knor, Lauren Koultourides, Pam Muangmingsuk, Alisa Muñoz Cartoonist Hannah Fischer Adviser Sarah-Anne Lanman
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NEWS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
MAKE SOME
Max Baker News Editor
NOISE
Marching band will travel to their second competition Sept. 28 at Providence High School in New Lenox, Illinois. “We have the main skeleton of our show down,” Drum major, Adam Kulam, junior said. “Now it’s all fine tuning and special effects,” Adam believes that the band must improve on their marching skills in order to get the best score possible at their competition. “Munster has always been better at music. It’s a lot easier to do right the first time,” Adam said. “Plus a lot of people are musically enriched before they come to high school.” Working on visuals tend to get the band the highest score from the judges at competition, according to
Tatiana Gutiérrez, senior. “We are being pushed to work harder on visuals,” Tatiana said. “We need to get in the right mind set to be in sync.” The band director, Mr. Kevin Lewis, is also feeling the pressure to perfect the show. We are always trying to make the marching show better,” Mr. Lewis said. “We are working hard to perfect every tiny detail of the show to make sure that things look and sound their best” Although this is the fifth week of the season, the band has only been to one previous competition. “We started preforming now, so we can give them (the judges) a good show,” Adam said. “At the current moment we can perform music and marching as best we can.” In order to maximize the band’s score, every member must give 110 percent, according to Adam.
photo by Alex Baker
Marching On: The marching band works for hours on end, to near exhaustion to perfect their band performance according to Tatiana Gutiérrez (center). “It’s very difficult, but in the end it’s totally worth it when we go to competition.” Tatiana said, as she
practices on the football field with her fellow mellophone players Jhoanna Sadural (left) and Daniel Cappo (right). “During band practice we need to get in the right mind set and do everything well, or else it won’t be good at competitions,” Tatianna said.
DRIVERS EDUCATION !! It’s too important not to go with the BEST!!
Trials, tribulations Munster’s marching band face as they approach their second band competition for this season
Certified Driving School
“The key is repetition,” Adam said. “We go over things until they’re perfect.” Many band members like Mary Strong, Skillful Sound senior, have experi- What an a band enced this first hand. musician must have: “On most Saturdays Tuba: that we don’t have ! Good Breathing competitions, we have ! Upper body strength practices from noon to 8 p.m. We spend a lot of Mellophone: ! Fine motor skills in fingers our time outside learn! Tight mouth position ing the show and practicing various parts Trumpet: ! Good Breathing of the show we’ve al! Finger dexterity ready learned.” Mary said. “Spending seven Saxophone: ! Good Breathing hours marching on the ! Fine motor skills field is tiresome and Drum: grueling but we always ! Sense of rhythm get a good amount of ! Upper body strength work done on these days which couldn’t be Source: Mary Strong, senior done in two hours.” Some band members, such as Tessa Faubion, junior, describes the bands hard earned performance as “sexual, sensual, and very nerve wracking”. Adam agrees with her. “The performance is theatrical and extremely entertaining,” Adam said. “It’s almost inspiring to see all those people on the field showing their emotions.” However, drumline section leader, Garret Zuck, junior and, believes that the bands greatest weakness is not performance based, as some members believe, but based on the bands past history. “We compete against bands that have been winning and at the top for years, if not decades and we’ve only really become competitors within the last few years,” Garrett said. “Even if we’re good as one of these bands judges are probably more likely to give them a higher score than us.” Garrett feels that he his not the only band member to come to the realization that the past experiences of band influences the judges’ decision on who gets the higher rank. “There’s always a certain degree of politics,” Adam said. “But they’re a good band, they just need to start believing it.”
HALEY ELISE PHOTOGRAPHY
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INFOCUS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
Facing the facts
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Every seven minutes, a child is bullied
85 percent of the time, there is no intervention However, about 64 percent of Munster students say they intervene or report bullying when they see it
sources: Crier survey of 548 students conducted on September 20, Sears Anti-Bullying Campaign statistics
By the numbers
Percentages show student’s view of bullying and prevention
72 65
percent of students that believe students treat one another with respect
percent of students that think the school teaches them specific ways to combat bullying
source: Crier survey of 548 students conducted on September 20
About 81 percent of students at Munster High School feel emotionally safe at school, according to a survey of 548 students conducted by Crier
Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor
Victoria Avina Associate Editor
L
ooking at her arm, a freshman girl lists what event triggered the creation of each scar.
Survey of 548 students expresses which types of harassment students have experienced one to five times within the last month Teased in a mean way
Students, faculty list their definition of the essence of bullying
“ “ “
The mistreatment of people;; people being mistreated for not being like others.”
Called hurtful names
=25 students
Hit, kicked, or punched
source: Crier survey of 548 students conducted on September 20
wORDS THAT
HURT
With the passing of HEA 1423, P.L. 285-2013, the school sets new policies in motion for bullying prevention
These horizontal scars exist because of the bullying endured during middle school, these vertical scars closer are an incident with her boyfriend that happened a few months back, and those scars are a particularly nasty fight with friends. “Once I started believing what they (the bullies) said, I would start bully- good for anything, just go away.’ I just ing myself,” she said. “That’s where went into the guidance office and sat down and took out a pencil,” the freshself-harm came into play.” The idea of inflicting self-harm did man girl said, “and decided to do what not appear overnight; she thought I did.” about it and the onset occurred on a Although the freshman girl had single day in sixth grade when the bullying finally became too much, accord- many factors contributing to her selfing to the freshman girl. harm, bullying played a major role. “I bottled up all my emotions and Hearing mean words after mean words I just couldn’t hold lead her to bethem in anymore,” she lieve what was said said. You don’t stand up for your- about her, plaguing self and you start to believe her thoughts with First using simply what they say. Once I start- false ideas. a mechanical pencil ed believing what they said, to scratch at the skin “You don’t stand I would start bullying myself. until it bled, she tranThat’s where self-harm came up for yourself and sitioned to the use of into play.” you start to believe -the freshman girl a razor blade. She what they say,” she found that the pain said. was almost rewarding, providing Bullying occurs on a daily basis; evher a means to release those painful ery seven minutes, a child gets bullied, thoughts. according to Sears Anti-bullying Cam“It’s (self-harming) a way for pun- paign statistics. ishing myself for things I do wrong, Katie Bobalik, junior, believes that even though majority of it is never my something needs to happen within the fault,” she said. “After I do it, I tend to school to aid in prevention and put a feel better because it’s a way of letting stop to bullying. out my negative emotions.” “We have people always talking She recalls a time when a girl ap- about why you shouldn’t be bullying, proached her in the hallway, causing and people still do it,” Katie said. her to cut herself during school while To combat the problem of bullyin the eighth grade. ing, the state passed House Enrolled “During the passing period some Act (HEA) 1423 and Public Law (P.L) girl came up to me and said ‘you’re not 285-2013 this past summer. These laws
“
Varying interpretations
People to people
put new regulations and requirements for schools in place in order to try and crack down on bullying. “The big thing is attacking bullying from the bystander’s stand point,” Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, said. “We want to encourage those students that see bullying going on to stop it or report it.” In order to better educate students, Mr. Travis Brown, commonly known as Mr. Mojo, will give a presentation with his anti-bullying campaign Tuesday, October 8. The presence of a speaker will not prevent individuals from bullying if they have the desire to bully someone, according to Katie. “I don’t think it (having a speaker) will help,” Katie said. “I don’t think talking one on one with students is going to do anything.”
The school also implemented a larger, more noticeable anonymous bullying box, which provides stu-
dents the opportunity to report bullying when they see it. “The biggest challenge with my situation is just being informed,” Mr. William Melby, dean of students, said. “We can’t take care of the problem unless we know about the problem.” Although the bullying box remains a constant implementation, a problem
-Matt Michel, freshman
When you make someone afraid of their daily life.” -Mr. Patrick O’Neill, science teacher
My definition is the same as the school’s definition; bullying is an intentional repeated act that may include verbal, physical, and emotional abuse.” -Mr. William Melby, dean
still lies in convincing students to submit information on bullying they have knowledge of. “I understand that it’s scary to take a risk and step forward to say something,” Mrs. Sharon Vail, guidance counselor, said. “But it’s a risk worth taking.” Some students remain afraid to say something due to the looming threat that someone may find out, according to Katie. “Some might be too scared to do it (report bullying),” Katie said. “I think students might fear that their bully might do something to harm them.” Mr. Patrick O’Neill, science teacher, has also seen harassment take place in school and explains how it can lead to bullying. “Kids laughing at someone just about every time they say something, avoiding them if they have to pick partners, or complaining loudly if they’re in the same group as them—in itself, not bullying, but when you add it together (it is),” Mr. O’Neill said.
Even though bullying caused the freshman girl to turn to self-harm,
she does not hold any hard feelings towards her past bullies. “I don’t hold any grudge with them,” she said. “I more or less feel bad for them because they bullied me for a reason. Your problems don’t justify your actions when you are causing others to be in pain.” Although the freshman girl once turned to self-harm for comfort, she has been clean for over a month and recently enrolled in treatment. “There have been quite a few times where I’m very tempted to do it (self-harm), but I weigh out the things it will do for me and the things that will happen because of it,” she said. “I don’t want people to see it (the scars) anymore.”
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INFOCUS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
GLOBAL EDUCATION With United States ranking 33 internationally for education, foreign exchange students continue to attend US schools Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor
photo by Chelsea Eickleberry
LISTENING IN Dunja Milic, senior pays attention during her Theater Arts class. In Bosnia and Herzegovnia, students have fifteen required courses, instead of seven, according to Dunja. “At my home school, we don’t get to pick our classes,” Dunja said. “It’s better that
American students can pick what classes they want because you can choose what you like and it’s eaiser to manage your classes.” Dunja also enjoys extracurricular activities becuase her home school remains too small to sponsor them, according to Dunja.
Dunja Milic, senior, a foreign exchange student from Bosnia and Herzegovina, always wanted to attend college in America. When the opportunity to participate in a foreign exchange program arose, Dunja took it, hoping it would help her prepare for a time when her English skills would prove necessary. “Everything is very different here than it is back home,” Dunja said. “I have to get used to the language, culture, and the school.” Schools in foreign countries have a higher difficulty level than American schools because of harder tests and extensive time allotted to studying, according to Dunja. “After studying, there is not much time to do anything else,” Dunja said, “I think I have spoken more with my family while I have been staying here (in America) than when I stayed with them at home.” Tests also prove much more difficult outside of America due to their short answer questions, according to Dunja. “When I take tests at home, I just need to know the answer,” Dunja said, “but here there is multiple choice so even if you don’t know the answer, you can maybe still get it correct.” Mr. Jean-Franklin Magrou, French teacher, attended high school in both France and America. French schools
involve more rigorous curriculums than American schools, according to Mr. Magrou. “In France, you construct your identity around the books you’ve read,” Mr. Magrou said, “but in America you can construct it around sports, theater and social events.” Dunja thinks that American students have much more freedom to pursue their interests inside and outside of school, than students in other foreign countries. “In my country, if you want to be a good student, you can’t do anything else,” Dunja said. “It is school, school, school.” While former Serbian student, Mr. Dusan Vidovic, math teacher, agrees that foreign schools generally prove more difficult than American schools, he feels that rather than negatively impacting students, this actually serves as a beneficial quality. “It’s better over there (in Serbia), because here, kids spend too much time on YouTube and Facebook and waste their lives,” said Mr. Vidovic. “But in Serbia, they are learning.” Dunja believes that her time in an American school has proved easier and more fun than her school at home, but she will be glad to return home at the end of the first semester. “I think this is a good experience for me,” Dunja said, “but the culture here is so different than what I am used to and I miss my family.”
In session Education laws differ for countries; days attended during school weeks, high school differences, grading scales United States ! Students attend school five days a week ! Grades 9-12 attend the high school, students are allowed to pick their subjects ! Grades are based on letters and percentages where F is the worst possible grade and A is the best
Bosnia and Herzegovina
France
Serbia
! Students attend school four weekdays and Saturday morning ! Grades 10-12 attend lycée, or high school. They may specialize in a technical field
! Students attend school five days a week
! Students attend school five days a week
! Grades 10-12 attend high school. They study either grammar or art
! Students attend a secondary school where they are unable to pick their subjects
! Grades are awarded on a scale of 1-20 but grades over 16 are seldom awarded
! Grades are based on a point scale and below a six is considered failing
! Grades are based on a five point scale. One is the worst possible grade while five is the best
Sources: About-France.com, IowaParents.org, UNICEF.org
MUNSTER SPORTS PERFORMANCE Ken Croner kencroner@yahoo.com
243 Ridge Rd. Munster, IN 46321 219-746-9741
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INFOCUS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
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CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY With release of Apple’s new operating system, iOS 7, similarities, differences between iOS7, Android 4.3 Jellybean lead students to favor one brand over iOS 7 Apple makes changes allowing iPhones to compete with other smart phones ! AirDrop allows users to share photos over WiFi ! Users may now mutlitask. Press the home button twice and screenshots of apps open will appear. Swipe up on the screenshot to close the app. ! iOS 7 now has a swipe-down notification screen which allows one to see appointments, stocks and weather.
VS
! The camera update allows a user to take slow-motion and add live photo-filters. Photos are automatically sorted into collections, so all the photos from trips will appear in one place.
Android 4.3 Jellybean Android’s latest operating system; available for Galaxy S4, S3 in Oct. ! Beam requires users to tap their phones together and send a photo via connection. ! A multitasking app shows all the apps that are running. They appear with screenshots of what is open. ! Android notifications features live-updating and Google Now, which allows the user to manage their day and stay connected with news and vital information. • Photospheres gives users the feeling of being in the middle of the picture every time they look at it.
#ApplevsAndroid Crier takes to social media to find out students’ opinions on Apple, Android @fernando_dances Fernando Jimenez, senior “Apple! #TeamIPhone. No matter what iPhone you have, upgrades always come out and you get that new phone feeling again. #iOS7.” @flynnstergates Flynn LeMonnier, senior “Android is better. iOS is finally giving users things Android has had for years! Apple doesn’t innovate, they copy and put an apple on it.” @divakhat Deeva Khatiwada, senior “I find Apple products easier to use and I also really like having my music library everywhere I go!” @MeredithMoment3 Meredith Simmons, junior “Apple is what I prefer because it’s easier to use. #iphoneuser.” via Facebook Evan Fus, senior “The technology on Android is top-notch, uses Swype (where the user enters words by sliding a finger or stylus from the first letter of a word to its last letter), and is more affordable than Apple.”
Fresh off the assembly line Apple released two new iPhone versions, 5S and 5C last Friday; new features on both phones iPhone 5S
iPhone 5C
! Comes in gold, black or silver metal
! Comes in green, blue, pink, yellow or white plastic
! Comes with a tan, blue, dark brown, black or red case
! Comes with a green, blue, pink, yellow, black or white case
! Full market price is $650; carriers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile
! Full market price is $550; carriers include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
! Contains an A7 chip which allows for 2 times faster auto-focus, faster photo ! Contains an A6 chip which allows for 10 hours of LTE browsing, 10 hours capture and game experiences are more realistic of video playback and 10 hours of talk time on a full charge ! Touch ID takes away the entering of a passcode. Simply press one’s finger against the home button and their iPhone will unlock. Touch ID lets the user enroll multiple fingertips so others can use the phone
! 8 megapixel camera, which allows for faster and brighter recording and photo capture. The updated camera app allows users to capture in slowmotion and zoom while live-recording
8
LIFESTYLES Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
YARDS APART
The Pickett family weighs advantages, disadvantages of having family members on opposing teams Nikki Mammano Staff Reporter
photos by Casey Gouwens
PANTHER PRIDE (Top) Coaching Griffith’s practice, Mr. Jim Pickett, gives consturctive critisim to his varsity players. Although he enjoys coaching, Mr. Pickett wishes he could see his son play football more, “It’s an interesting relationship because it’s competitive,” Mr. Pickett said, “But we both understand what we’re going through and get along very well.” ROUND TWO (Side) After the first kick off of the Homecoming game against Highland, Zack Pickett, junior, returns the ball. This weekend Zack will again play against his dad, “My dad doesn’t see me play very often, so I I want to make sure I play well.”
Sitting on the sideline holding the football bag, young Zack Pickett, junior, looks out onto the field watching his dad coach Griffith’s freshman football team. Now, years later, Zack still peers across the yard lines to see his dad. However, he sees him in a new light. “It’s kind of weird playing against your dad,” Zack said, “I get butterflies because I’m nervous and excited to play against him.” For 20 years, Zack’s father, Mr. Jim Pickett, has coached Griffith football. Last year, Mr. Pickett started coaching the Varsity team while at the same time Zack made the Munster Varsity football team. “I don’t get to see his games very often,” Mr. Pickett said. “It’s exciting to see him across the field on the sideline and watch him, but it’s also exciting because we can compete against each other.” However, when it comes to choosing who to root for, it becomes difficult for Mrs. Sue Pickett, Zack’s mother. “It’s always a challenge,” Mrs. Pickett said. “I give up seeing my husband coach because I want to see Zack play. It’s very important for me to be there to support Zack and his team. I have not missed a game of Zack’s since Pop Warner and I don’t want to miss any of them.”
When the father and son played against each other for the first time last year, Griffith beat Munster. At the games, Mrs. Pickett tries to stay neutral, while cheering on the inside for both and wishing them good luck. “It (their first game) was interesting,” Mrs. Pickett said. “I sat on the Munster side and whenever either team did something good, I had parents turn towards me, wondering how I was going to react.” Although their relationship may seem competitive during the game, their common love of football brings the family closer together and bonds them, according to Mrs. Pickett. “It is always fun to hear them banter back and forth every day,” Mrs. Pickett said. “They give each other a hard time about whose going to win or lose and don’t give up any trade secrets.” Due to participating on opposing teams, during the season they do not have a lot of time to spend together. However, when the off season starts, Mr. Pickett becomes like a coach to Zack. They work out together twice a week, while also working on wide receiver routes, catching, and doing drills, according to Mr. Pickett. “One time I asked Zack if he wanted me to quit coaching and he said no,” Mr. Pickett said. “He grew up his whole life knowing I was a football coach, so we both have a mutual respect for what we do.” After Zack graduates, he does not plan to stop playing football or stop watching his dad coach. They have discussed starting their own business together, a wide receiver training camp. “He kind of makes me want to be a coach because I have always been around it,” Zack said. “He’s the reason I play football, it would be weird with him not coaching. He likes coaching and I like being around him when he’s coaching.”
Moving to his own beat After hours of practice, Justin Bobos uses his DJing skills to entertain audiences around Northwest Ind. Victoria Avina Associate Editor Sweat dripped down his face and his body shook uncontrollably as Justin Bobos, senior, stood in front of his DJ system at The Basement in Hammond. The shaking and sweating increased as Justin began playing his first few beats in front of his audience. But after a few minutes, Justin felt the music take over him, putting him “in the zone” as his electronic mix filled the room. “It was extremely nerve wrecking at first but then after the first five minutes I saw everyone else dance,” Justin said. “After seeing everyone else starting to dance, my nerves calmed down and excitement came out.” Justin guest mixes for Broadband Solutions and Testing (BSAT) at 12:30 a.m. for WJOB on the weekends. Justin decided to DJ about a year in a half ago when he started listening to electronic dance music (EDM).
“I had just started getting into electronic music and just wanted to put my own vibe into it,” Justin said. He then talked to his parents about working as a DJ and music producer for a career. Motivated and determined to follow his dream, Justin spent a whole summer working two jobs to pay for the DJ equipment. “If I can just fit myself somewhere in the music industry as my own artist,” Justin said, “that would be ideal for me.” Instead of going to classes to learn how to DJ, Justin taught himself, learning by the trial and error method. “The hardest part was definitely learning the software and learning your machinery,” Justin said. “So, like your turntables.” Justin also listens to DJ artists that inspire him like Zeds Dead. He believes listening to them helps him progress in his music. “They definitely inspire me to be
different in my music,” Justin said. “I try to listen to the little things because I can overall make the music sound so much cleaner.” Other than DJing for the radio station, Justin plays at parties. He enjoys seeing the crowd dance. “Getting the crowd to dance, having them feel the music the way I feel the music – there’s nothing better than that,” Justin said. Lexy Carrizales, senior, loves the vibe that comes out of Justin’s music and most of the time it makes her want to dance. She feels that his music puts her in a good mood. “I’s really hard to find good music that would actually change your mood and his music does that,” Lexy said. “It shows that he has a lot of talent.” Justin enjoys DJing during his spare time where he feels at his best. “I’m on top of the world,” Justin said, “like nothing else matters but what’s out of my speakers.”
photo by Gabrielle Dore
D-STRESSING While DJing in his backyard, Justin Bobos, senior, feels pure bliss as he moves the crowd with his music, “Every day I’m on the mixer,” Justin said. “When I’m stressed, I go work on my music and it makes everything a lot better.”
LIFESTYLES
APPLES TO APPLES
Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
9
With fall’s onset last weekend, Crier staff reviews apple orchards based on cost, crowd, overall experience
After taking a right onto County Line Road in Hobart, Ind., a large red barn greets the eyes of visitors. Children race through the rows of apple trees, reaching up and grasping at the red, green and yellow shiny apples. General admission costs one dollar and gives one entrance to U-Pick fields. Apples cost $1.80 a pound. The orchards at County Line produce 35 different varieties of apples and cover over 40 acres of land. A train ride will take one through and around the orchard, while a tractor gives visitors rides out to the corn
Garwood Orchard
Since the opening in 1831, Garwood Orchard in LaPorte, Ind. has had successful years in the apple picking business. The family-run farm attracts people from all over Lake County with its rustic charm. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the U-Pick is subject to weather and visitors should phone before leaving their homes. One does not need to pay for admission to the orchard. Garwood Orchard features live music on the weekends as patrons relax inside of the bake shop. The most famous dessert is Garwood Orchard’s deep fried doughnuts, which melt in one’s mouth and leaves them craving more. Garwood Orchard may be in the sixth generation of owners, but they always manage to attract new customers with their low prices and delicious gelato and apple products. While the drive may be a little far, this orchard is worth it.
Healthy Habits
Regular apples, taffy apples nutritional values differ
Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 medium apple Amount Per Serving Calories 100 Calories from Fat 0 % Daily Value 0% Total Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 0mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 25g 8% Dietary Fiber 4g 18% Sugars 19g Protein 0g Vitamin A Calcium
2% • Vitamin C 2% • Iron
source: www.pickyourown.org
County Line Apple Orchard
maze. The mazes are open Monday through Friday 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Long lines are common and everything at this orchard is ridiculously expensive. A whole day trip can amount to over 100 dollars for a family of four. County Line Orchard is a great place for families to visit. However, one should allot their whole day and paycheck to attend.
14% 2%
Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 plain taffy apple Amount Per Serving Calories from Fat 10 Calories 140 % Daily Value Total Fat 2g 4% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 10mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 32g 5% Dietary Fiber 2g 10% Sugars 19g Protein 1g Vitamin A Calcium
0% • Vitamin C 4% • Iron
photo illustration by Casey Gouwens
BE ONE OF THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE TO LIKE EYEPAD OPTICAL ON FACEBOOK AND BE ENTERED IN A RAFFLE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
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source: www.affytapple.com
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10
SPORTS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
JUGGLING RHYTHM
Boys’ Varsity soccer travels to Zionsville over the weekend to play in tournament; looks to improve before sectionals Max Baker News Editor
photo by Pam Muangmingsuk
KICKING FORWARD With the ball on his right foot, Ricky Delgado, senior, dribbles at practice last Friday. “Dribbling is important because it helps get the ball up the field, however, you need to pass and work together with your teammates,” Delgado said. “In practice we mainly work on passing and trying to keep possession of the ball. Dribbling is just a basic skill that is expected from you.”
Goalie Duties
The Boys’ Varsity Soccer team remain cautiously optimistic about the impending Zionsville tournament, along with the approaching sectionals, according to Coach Jim Prasopoulos, history teacher. “It’s not about winning,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “It’s about learning from the other team and increasing their soccer game I.Q.” Learning from other teams continues to be one of the main goals the Varsity team hopes to achieve at the Zionsville Tournament tomorrow according to Coach Prasopoulos. “We meet some really stiff competition, but in unique situations you learn from that,” Coach Prasopoulos said. Demetrios Georgalas, senior, maintains the notion that there are other aspects and motivations to travelling to a tournament like Zionsville. “We want to get noticed by Indy,” Georgalas said. “Prove our region can hang with them.” With tournaments like Zionsville, it qualifies as a good challenge for the players according to Jack Arnold, senior. “It’s really difficult, but if we play as hard as we can, we can hold our ground,” Arnold said. However, the Zionsville tournament remains a stepping stone for a much bigger
prize that the team would like to claim. “These tournaments are like a measuring stick to see where you’re at,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “We want to go to Sectionals, we haven’t lost since 2001.” Several Varsity players like Georgalas maintain similar goals they hope to accomplish by the end of the season. “I want to win Conference and win Regionals,” Georgalas said. “We got something to show.” According to Coach Prasopoulos, he hopes to win the tournament, as well as develop important fundamentals, that may supersede winning. “We would like to win and be consistent with good performance,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “It’s about seeing good consistency and improvement. If the other team beats us that’s fine, but we shouldn’t beat ourselves.” However, Coach Prasopoulos has a larger, more symbolic goal in mind for his team. “I’ve always wanted the senior class to walk away with something positive. I want every senior to remember their best moments.” Coach Prasopoulos said. Coach Prasopoulos said he has nothing but respect for his team. “They’re not selfish and understand what it’s like on to be on a team,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “We have a mix of younger and older players becoming cohesive.”
Goalie Xavier Hofferth, junior, does more than just stand in goal the entire game Defending the goal
Man marking
Extra support
Communication
• Make sure defenders guard front and back posts
• Tell defenders which players to guard
• Warn teammate with ball that an opponent nears
• ”Cross the ball!”
• Put Center Backs in front of goal
• Point out players hiding in the corners
• Call out mistakes and warn them
• ”Man on!
• Ask teammate to keep opponents away from him
• ”Watch backside! Source: Xavier Hofferth
Looking for talent the next man to step up Boys’ Varsity Football to play at Griffith tonight while dealing with injuries on both sides of ball Vicky Avina Associate Editor He heard a pop. Then just a few seconds later, Safety and Wide Receiver Adam Ostoich, junior, felt his knee lock. The crowd watched as Ostoich hopped off the field on one leg, refusing help from his teammates. “I felt like I could do it myself,” Ostoich said. “I didn’t think I was that badly injured.” Ostoich tore his meniscus, a cartilage in the knee joint, during the Chesterton game, the second game of the season, right after tackling a player. “Someone during a play just rolled up on the back of my knee and tore my meniscus.” Ostoich said. Although Ostoich cannot continue the season, he will still watch the Griffith game tonight on the sidelines.“I’m still a part of the team,” Ostoich said. Coach Leroy Marsh, Health teacher, urges the team to keep moving forward after the loss of players. “We have some injuries on our team,” Coach Marsh said. “We just have to play through them.” Though having a few players out of the season pose challenges, Ostoich believes it gives other play-
ers a chance to show their skills. “Other kids have to step up and fill their roles,” Ostoich said. “It also gives an opportunity for other kids to prove themselves.” Despite having a few player injured, the team moves forward and work on tackling drills to perfect their defense before facing Griffith, according to Coach Marsh. “We need to consistently work on our basic defensive skills and tackling,” Coach Marsh said. Kyle Wilkinson, senior, adds that the offensive needs to practice blocking and passing, as well as keeping the defense off the field. “If everyone works together we can play really well,” Wilkinson said. Speed serves as the team’s overall strength and gives the team an advantage over Griffith, according to Marsh. However, the team does need to look out for Griffith’s new running back, Justin Green, senior, according to Coach Marsh. “(They have an) outstanding running back that no one has been able to stop,” Coach Marsh said. “He’s a transfer student from Las Vegas. He’s averaging
over 200 yards per game which is a lot for a running back.” Left Guard and Nose Guard Niko Ingoglia, senior, relies on his defense to focus on stopping Green. “I think as long as we play tough defense,” Ingoglia said, “we should be able to stop him.” Ingoglia perceives his fellow injured players as a tough loss, but looks forward to watching other players fill in roles at the Griffith game. “We have guys stepping up to play the positions that were lost,” Ingoglia said. “I think it’s going to be okay.” Ostoich mentions that the team commonly sees players miss one game because of injuries, but feels frustrated that he has to miss the rest of the season. “I was just really mad I was done for the season,” Ostoich said. “I could have finished off with my senior friends.” Ingoglia feels confident that they will come out victorious tonight because the team’s offense line plays well and they have a lot of size. “We’re definitely better than we were last year,” Ingoglia said. “We got a lot of talent and just need to figure out how to use it.”
SPORTS
Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
11
Scoreboard
Boys’ JV Soccer
7-1 Highlights: “It is a great group of kids who
are improving every game. ”Coach TJ DeGiulio Upcoming action: Wednesday against Andrean
Girls’ JV Soccer 8-0
Highlights: “We are 6-0 so that is the
highlight of the season so far.” - Coach Knesek Upcoming action: Saturday JV Invite
Girls’ V Soccer
8-2-3
Highlights: “Our Sectional got changed which is very frustrating.” - Coach Pflum Upcoming action: Tuesday against Andrean UNDERHANDED Lowering his racket, Andrew Dorn,junior, hits the ball back to his opponent. “I need to get under and behind the ball,” Dorn said. “I need to use topspin so that it will fall back into the court faster.” photo by Alisa Muñoz
LOOKING FOR VENGENCE Boys’ Varsity Tennis looks to defeat Canterbury for first time in three years William Hatczel Sports Editor Stepping onto the court and preparing to begin the game by serving, Colin Richter, senior, tries to remember everything he worked on in practice. “I try to work on it (fundamentals) right away,” Richter said. “I then try to identify my opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them.” Currently, the boys’ tennis team holds a record of 11-2. The team defeated both Griffith and Merriville 5-0 earlier in the week. The team celebrated senior night during their match against Merriville, according to Richter. “Tonight was senior night so all of the seniors moved up the ladder,” Richter said. “We honored all seven seniors. We made cool posters and the courts were decorated.” The boys faced off against Chesterton and won 5-0 again. Richter believes they outplayed Chesterton. “Our game was stronger,” Richter said. “We had more pace and spin. We hit harder shots.” Coach Steve Lopez, history teacher likes facing big schools from other conferenes and looks to defeat them despite their size. “We take great pride in facing a big school from the Duneland conference,” Coach Lopez said. “We have the
mindset of beating a larger school. It always serves as motivation to beat a school that is twice our size because they have a larger pool of people to pick from.” The team had the chance to play while trying new things yesterday, according to Arlo Detmer, sophomore. “Tonight was a good match for the doubles players to be aggressive and for singles players to work on their strokes.” Detmer said. “The team really came together.” After facing Chesterton, the team will prepare for one of their biggest matches of the season against Canterbury, this weekend according to Richter. “They are kind of like one of our rivals,” Richter said. “We lost to them 4-1 in both of the last two seasons however, they were highly competitive games.” Despite three victories this week, Coach Lopez knows the level of competitoon will rise this weekend. “We will be playing at a difficult level than what we have been playing,” Coach Lopez said. “The only positive is that the boys still have an expectation of winning.” Despite facing a challenging opponent, Coach Lopez knows his team needs to not fell intimidated by them when they walk onto the court. “The biggest challenge is not to be intimidated,” Coach Lopez said. “We feel we can play and compete against them. We just need to build confidence.”
Boys’ JV Cross Country
Highlights: “They are working hard and their times are improving.”- Coach Brown Upcoming action: Tomorrow at Culver
Girls’ JV Cross Country
Highlights: “Kowing that there is a pack of girls lettering based on their time is something I have not seen in a long time.” - Coach Duffy Upcoming action: Tomorrow at Culver
Boys’ JV Tennis
7-0 Highlights: “They have only dropped a total of four matches all year.” - Coach Lopez
Upcoming action: Saturday at Merriville
Girls’ Varsity Golf 10 - 3 Highlights: “Being undefeated in conference, this is our fifth consecutive year, which is nice.”- Coach Bill Smitka Upcoming action: Regionals tomorrow
Girls’ JV Volleyball 15 - 2 Highlights: “The season has been going
really good so far and I am excited for the games to come.”- Arielle Crowe, sophomore Upcoming action: Monday at Wheeler
Boys’ JV Football
1-3 Upcoming action: At Griffith tomorrow
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SPORTS Crier / Sept. 27, 2013
SERVING
UP VICTORY Girls’ Varsity Volleyball looks to continue winning season by defeating wheeler Monday Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor
photo by Natalia Bilek
SETTING UP Looking across the court, Toni Dallecarbonare, junior, waits for her opponent to hit the ball back on her side of the net. “I prepare myself by getting low and keeping my arms ready wherever the ball might be hit,” Dallecarbonare said. “I make sure I am back far enough so I can dig it with my hands, but close enough where I can run down a tip. The main thing going through my head is that I have to get the ball up no matter what.” When going to hit the ball, teammates also help her. Dallecarbonare also listens to yells coming from her teammates telling her when and where to hit the ball. “I listen for Shannon Farrell to tell me, when I am in mid-air, where to hit the ball. Other than that, I try to keep my mind clear and not to over think it.”
Girls’ Varisty Volleyball prepares to play Wheeler on Monday according to Lexi Pitsas, freshman. Pitsas hopes that the team can maintain this winning streak throughout the remainder of the season. “Munster is doing pretty awesome,” Pitsas said. “Everybody has been working really hard and the whole team wants to keep winning.” Morgan Switalla, senior, feels encouraged after the team began the season with an undefeated 3-0 record. “Last year we started out the season 0-3,” Switalla said. “To turn that around felt great.” Switalla believes that with their victorious performance at the Lowell game yesterday, the team can look forward to a strong showing during the season’s remaining games. “It (yesterday’s game) was special,” Switalla said. “Its going to be the end of the season and with seniors graduating this year, we don’t want to lose because we don’t want it to be the last time we play together.” With the feeling of winning still fresh in their minds, the team prepares to face-off against Wheeler on Monday, according to Pitsas. “Wheeler has a good team, but I think we are bet-
ter,” Pitsas said, “I am not saying it is a guaranteed win for Munster, but we have a really good chance.” Although the team mainly focuses on their upcoming game against Wheeler, Coach Wories already looks ahead to future games. “I think we are going to go pretty far in Conference,” Coach Wories said. “Our team is very strong this year.” In addition to her hopes for a Conference win, Coach Wories has also set her sights on a Sectional victory. “Of course it would be really great for the girls to win at Sectionals,” Coach Wories said, “but Lake Central is a great team and a huge roadblock that I don’t know if they can overcome.” Switalla believes that after a crushing loss to Lake Central in the last game of five at Sectionals last year, the team needs to practice better focus. “We need to learn to come together in the last game,” Switalla said. “I really think we have a chance at winning Sectionals if we can do that.” Coach Wories believes that the current team has what it takes to succeed and that their current winning streak can continue for the rest of the season. “The girls are really having fun and pulling the team together,” Coach Wories said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.”
Running the final miles before conference Both Cross Country teams brace for Culver race while preparing for NCC Championship next month Vrusha Patel News Editor
Girls’ Cross Country Currently 4-1 at Conference, the Girls’ Cross Country team prepares for the Culver Invitational held tomorrow morning “I think every day we are preparing ourselves by pushing each other during the workouts we have at practice,” Barajas said, “Our teammates are our biggest competition on a daily basis.” Tuesday, the girls raced against Hobart, whom they lost to, again for the second year in a row. “Well I know that losing to Hobart was a big loss because we had been anticipating this meet for a while,” Barajas said. Going into the meet the girls knew that in order to win they would have to place right after Hobart’s
top runner. Even though the team lost, many individuals raced well and some broke their personal records, according to Barajas. “I think that Hobert’s meet is going to be a big motivation for the team as whole to do better in the next meets and to beat Hobart in Conference” Coach Michelle Duffy, English teacher, believes that every race acts as a vehicle for larger invites leading up to Conference and Semi-State. “We hope to win Conference and we also hope to advance to Semi-State and place well there,” Coach Duffy, said.
Boys Cross Country Boys’ Cross Country team prepares to compete at Culver invite tomorrow. They currently stand undefeated at Conference. “That’s (Culver Invitational) one of our biggest
meets,” Thomas Bolanowski, senior, said. “but New Port is probably more important because it has our Semi-State opponents, but Culver is fast course so we can go out strong and get some good times in.” Bolanowski accredits unity in time, as well as, camaraderie for the strength of the team. Brian Banach, junior, believes that they can focus on individual players more than the sizes of the team. “Last year we failed to get to State by one point and the seniors and the rest of us really want to get to State, that is one of our biggest determinations,” Banach said. Even though, the team did not perform to their normal standards, they won against Hobart by 23-34 on Tuesday, according to Banach. “I believe we are going to learn from this meet that we just have to train harder to do well especially at Invitationals, Sectionals, and Semi-State level.”
Runner’s diet Breakdown of different food that Athletic runner need to consume in order to fill the needs for four different categories
Proteins
Maximizes athletic performance
• Chicken breasts • Fish • Ground beef • Egg whites
Complex Carbohydrates
Dairy
Beverages
Builds up muscle tissue
Keeps body hydrated
• Oatmeal • Rice • Pasta
• • • •
• Water • Gatorade • PowerAde
Extra energy used by body during physical activity
• Potatoes
• • • •
Pretzels Nuts Bananas Celery
Low-fat Cottage Cheese Non-fat cheeses Non-fat Yogurt Egg substitutes
• Propel
Source: Kathleen Gonzales and northcobbcrosscountry.com