Volume 80: Issue 4

SPOTLIGHT Movie reviews check out what’s hot and what’s not this winter season in theaters

XBOX 360 Live hits teens holiday wish lists across America page 2

The hockey team celebrates a win over Bowling Green page 8

Student

Prints

page 6

Blood drive collects 140 units Melissa Benton Staff Writer

Northview’s annual blood drive was held on December 8 in the school gymnasium throughout the school day.

National Honor Society sponsored the drive and the American Red Cross supplied medical technicians and equipment.

More than 200 students, staff, and parents donated blood at the event, with a total of140 units of blood collected, saving 420 lives.

Preceding the blood drive, NHS members spent hours planning, advertising, organizing, and meeting every Thursday since the beginning of October. They watched an informational video and spent two and a half hours at the Burnham Building training with Red Cross personnel.

NHS members Sarah Reardon, Laura Dempster, Melissa Becker, Ben Treece, Amanda Flick, and Jackie Pierson were in charge of the blood drive this year. Mrs. Fran Borchers, NHS advisor, said, “I am so proud of all of the members of NHS; they did such an amazing job. I am also very proud of the students at NV. It’s so thrilling because we know that there is such a need (for blood).”

In the gymnasium hopeful blood donors were required to go through an arranged process. Donors were required to be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. They were first tested for adequate iron levels and if they passed, they filled out a questionnaire which verified whether the person could donate blood.

The

Greg Adkins Staff Writer

INSIDE PAGES 1 - 2

International Club hosts their first Greek day while the foreign language clubs go caroling at the zoo.

– page 2

EDITORIALS

PAGES 3 - 4

Black Friday, Jackie Zurich and Calli Smenner face off about the holiday shopping tradition, love it or hate it.

– page 4

FEATURES

PAGES 5

Inhalant use is on the rise and causes long term damage. Find out more and many things you never knew.

– page 5

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 6

Winter movie reviews, the staff reviews some of the most recent movies that have come out. Including Walk the Line, Harry Potter, Aeon Flux, and Rent

– page 6

SPORTS

PAGES 7 - 8

Check out A Day in the Life, Alden goes to swim practice. Read about the Northview and Southview match ups in Girls and Boys Basketball.

– page 7

CONTACT US

Some restrictions included travel to foreign countries, taking certain medications, or having certain conditions or diseases. After donating, they were sent to the “canteen,” a

table set up with lots of healthy food and drinks for donors.

Senior Steve Edinger said, “It’s like getting stabbed in the arm and being told

Band creates symphony

Sylvania Northview High School Volume 80 Issue #4 December 16, 2005

NEWS

Kelly Mikrut NHS MEMBER Jackie Stamp assists a local Red Cross worker by transporting blood from student donor. Over 200 students participated in the blood drive.

Phone: 419-824-8708 The Student Prints Sylvania Northview High School 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, OH 43560 www.sylvanianorthview.org

Every year, part of Northview’s band joins the orchestra to create a symphony. This year, the symphony held a concert on December 13 in the Little Theater.

The top trumpet, trombone, clarinet, oboe, flute, piccolo, and drum players were selected for this elite group. The players practiced together during the regular orchestra time, fifth period, and everyone was expected to practice on their own as well. The music is always a little more challenging than the other concerts because of the special status, according to Mrs. Pamela Thiel, NV Orchestra Director.

This year, the symphony played the suite from Swan Lake, a popular ballet. This is an especially challenging piece for all sections of the symphony. In addition, the symphony will play

Stille Nacht, the traditional Sleigh Ride that is played every year, and a few other tunes, according to Mrs. Thiel.

The regular orchestra has been practicing hard since their last concert at Whitmer and were just recently joined by the band players for the symphony.

“The short time we have with the band kids is important to build the chemistry we need to put on a great concert,” said senior bass player Marshall Slaybod.

Many students look forward to hearing the Christmas tunes and other music as well.

“I am stoked to hear both of the amazing musical departments at Northview converge in one big concert. I hear from both sides that it will sound sweet.” said junior Aman Goyle.

The concert was free to attend and was at 7:30pm on Tuesday night.

Helping in times of need Destiny Bryant Staff Writer Northview Student Government hosted a competition amongst second period classes to see which class could donate the most items to Mom’s House, an organization that houses teenage moms.

Some items that were brought in are: disposable diapers, dry formula, baby bottles, baby food, bibs, baby powder and much more. This year NV brought in items December 5 through 16. This is NV’s third year for bringing in items for Mom’s House.

Junior Kaela Horn said, “I think NV donating to Mom’s House is a great idea. I think it feels good when you know you’re helping someone out.”

After the items are gathered, the second period with the most items will win a free breakfast courtesy of Student Government and five Media Play gift certificates. The items collected for Mom’s House were delivered yesterday after school.

Mom’s House tries to ensure that teens will take care of their child and finish school. The moms also have to do two hours of work a week and attend parenting classes for their child to be in the day-care.

There are more than 25 teens with children living in Mom’s House as well as a waiting list. Mom’s House has been in service for 12 years and has been successful with many parents helping them support their

Colin Ferguson PILES OF DONATIONS await delivery in Mrs. Tussing’s room. Students competed with their 2nd hour class to bring in the most items needed. Everything will go to Mom’s House. child.

The original Mom’s House was founded in 1983 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Mom’s

House is located on Franklin Street and Delaware St. near the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital.

to bleed into a tube.”

Donors received a free T-shirt or pin and were entered in a drawing to win a Super Bowl XL Package.

Physics constructs water wheel Kaila Tschappat News Editor This week in Physics classes, students were constructing water wheels that could be made out of any material the students wanted to use, however the only power source to be supplied to the wheel was eight ounces of water.

The wheel must lift a filled can of pop a certain distance above the ground. This project is designed to show the transfer of energy, according to physics teacher Mr. Jonathan Engel.

The water wheel must be able to stand up by itself on a desk and only water can be used in order to make it spin around.

The strategy in lifting the can off the floor is setting the can on a platform that is connected to the axle of the water wheel by a string. Once the can is attached to the axle, when the wheel spins around, the string will wrap around the axle, ultimately lifting the can off the ground.

The catch, however, is that the eight ounces of water supplied as energy to the wheel must stretch a long way and must also be used efficiently. Water cannot be recycled or squirted out of a bottle in order for it to hit the wheel faster. also the water can not be poured more than a foot above the axle.

According to senior George Hadley, students are required to find alternative ways of supplying the water to the wheel.

“This project is challenging because we have to think of different ways to lift the can using very little resources,” said Hadley The project is taken for a grade out of 80 points, the lifting being only a fraction of the points. Points are awarded for a rough draft drawing of the wheel, a final diagram of the wheel, and a working, selfstanding water wheel. Even if the wheel at the end cannot lift the can, a student can still receive a 75% on the project if all other components are perfect.

It is the first time Mr. Engel has done the project in his physics classes in four years. “Being able to use all of their resources, students must seek out and correctly assimilate various science levels of knowledge. The possible solutions to this problem will vary greatly depending on the students’ knowledge, research, and imagination,” said Mr. Engel.

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NEWS

16 December 2005 - in brief -

NV clubs help needy families Ashley McNair Staff Writer

The Spanish and International clubs have joined to help many unfortunate families this holiday season.

The Adelante Thanksgiving Dinner is a dinner held for the Latino culture every Thanksgiving; this year it was on November 18.

Held at the Sofia Quintero cultural center on South Broadway, nine of Northview’s Spanish Club members and ten International Club members brought soda and desserts as others brought in typical Thanksgiving items. Jobs and Family services also helped provide funds along with Fifth Third Bank.

“I believe this experience helped our NV students grasp a different culture and see it through their own eyes of how different cultures and people celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Cortney Bird, Mrs. Chris Monday’s student teacher.

Besides food, people could see Day of the Dead altars and offerings. These offerings are an area ranging in multiple sizes with items that resemble a loved one that has passed away. The altars or offerings can hold anything from art to food. Day of the Dead is similar to Halloween except they do not go door to door for candy.

“It was fun and interesting to see the culture of Latinos and how they celebrate holidays. It was a great experience,” said junior, Ian Kelsey.

The Adelante organization promotes latino culture outreach programs for unfortunate families and youths.

Foreign languages carol at the zoo Melissa Benton Staff Writer

To prepare for the winter holidays, the Northview foreign language clubs caroled at the Toledo Zoological Gardens on Monday starting at 6:30 p.m.

Members of Spanish, French, and German Clubs caravanned to the zoo and showed their holiday spirit by caroling in Spanish, French, and German.

Zoo visitors not only were able to enjoy The Lights Before Christmas but also cheery caroling.

Many zoo guests stopped to listen to songs such as “Navidad, Navidad,” presented by Spanish Club, “Stille Nacht,” presented by German Club, and “Joyeux Noel,” presented by French Club.

Students were allowed to have free time and tour the zoo’s display of The Lights Before Christmas, visit indoor exhibits, or get a cup of hot chocolate at the Carnivore Café after caroling.

Carolers were required to attend at least two of the four scheduled practices to be able to participate at the zoo. Practices were held December 6, 7, 8, and 12 after school in the foreign language rooms.

As in years past, Mrs. Chris Monday, Spanish teacher, Mrs. Diane Stein and Mrs. Paula Apostolou, French teachers, and Mrs. Carol Easterwood, German teacher, arranged the caroling with the zoo, planned practices, and taught the songs.

Mrs. Monday said, “I think it’s an awesome opportunity for kids to use their language to have fun, and the people in the community who come to the zoo love it, too.”

Art Club sells holiday cards

Kristin Winters Staff Writer

The Art Club and the art classes sold cards and necklaces during all the lunch hours on December 8 and December 12. Necklaces cost from $3 to $8 and cards were five for $4.

The Art Club held the sale to raise money for the art department since its budget does not cover items that the art classes and Art Club would like to buy, such as a pug mill, which recycles scraps of clay, and they would like to expand the metal department.

Mainly the sale was for the school art exhibit at the end of the year. They would like to buy display cases and frame items, according to art teacher Mr. Ryan Creech.

These few things are not covered by the budget so they have to raise the money themselves, according to art teacher Mr. Lloyd Triggs. The pieces sold were created by the students and donated to the sale. All of the necklaces and cards were inexpensive and appealed to a large audience of people, according to Mr. Triggs.

“We painted the cards with water colors and put different substances in it to change the look of the paint,” said freshman Jenny Crawford, who helped make the cards.

“We tried a new technique by putting enamel on scrap pieces of metal. They ended up looking pretty cool,” said junior Emily Perry.

The sale raised between $60 to $70 dollars after the two days, according to Mr. Creech. There will be another sale around February.

“We were not looking for a ton of money, but every little bit counts,” said Mr. Creech.

International club kicks off Greg Adkins Staff Writer The newly formed International Club has swept through the school with popular support, according to president and founder Melissa Benton. She wanted to allow students to be able to experience a variety of cultures through food, customs, videos, and more.

“I think that International Club is an awesome way for people to get involved in the world and learn to appreciate other cultures. I’m really excited about the rest of this year; we’ve had a great student turn-out,” said Benton.

The idea was later expanded to include fundraising for global aid foundations. In the future, club officials plan to organize major fundraising for one country per semester.

Benton has advertised the club and attracted a large number of students to participate. The initial attendance gives the club a bright outlook for the future.

“I think it’s great getting to learn more about other people’s cultures and helping less fortunate areas of the world,” said junior Cliff Lemke.

Benton held elections to determine who would help her in her efforts. The officers are juniors Olivia Lui as Vice President, Greg Adkins as Presidential Advisor, Sara Myles as Secretary, Aman Goyal as Treasurer, Mary Dickerson as Historian, senior Andy McArdle as webmaster; and junior representatives Justin Kruger, Julianne Judge, and Isaac Cohen.

The International Club had its first meeting on November 30. The theme for the meeting was “Greek Day.” Students ate traditional Greek foods and watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding to learn about the Greek culture and traditions.

The next big project coming up for International Club will be aiding the organization that is helping out the children of Uganda. This was inspired by a soon-tobe-released movie, Invisible Children. It tells the tale of children who must run and hide in safe places at night to avoid being abducted and brainwashed by the rebel armies there.

International Club hosted a showing of Invisible Children in the Little Theater after school on Thursday.

The showing was open to anyone who was interested and was geared toward raising awareness for the situation in Uganda.

The club hopes to start school-wide, possibly even community-wide, efforts to raise the goal set by the organization of $20 million to build a safe community for these children, according to Benton.

Mason Nistel DIPPING OUT GREEK FOOD are International Club president Melissa Benton and Mrs. Monday. International Club had a Greek themed meeting on November 30.

Choir brings in holiday song

Katie Litzer Staff Writer

December seems to be one of the busiest times of the year for choir. The Northview choir’s schedules are particularly jam packed.

The Northview A Capella choir has had three concerts in just the first weeks of December. The Holiday Dinner Concert, The A Capella Choir w/ The Toledo Symphony, and the Winter Concert.

The Holiday Dinner Concert, which was on December eleventh at the Clarion Hotel. This concert featured fifteen soloists including, Heather Pileuski, Bethanne Towns, Jordan Shepler, Dan Horst, Grace Thompson, Ray Roberts and many others.

“It was nice to go to a choir event that wasn’t just one choir,” said junior Nick Gordon, “I enjoyed seeing my peers perform, and they did an awesome job.”

The Harmony Road Show also sang popular upbeat Holiday songs such as, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “What A Merry Christmas Party,” and “Chanukah Oh Chanukah” while guests dined. Closing the dinner was the A Capella choir.

On December 14 A Capella sang with the Toledo Symphony at St. Joes church. Songs sung were “Rejoice With Exceeding Great Joy” and “What Sweeter Music.”

This is the second year that the A Capella choir has performed with the Toledo Symphony.

“Performing with the Toledo Symphony was an awesome experience for the A Capella choir,” said junior Becky Morris.

The Winter Concert was held on December 15, which featured the A Capella Choir, the Harmony Road Show and the girl’s quartet, Notorious.

A Capella Choir sang to the tunes of “What Sweeter Music” By John Rutter, “Rejoice With Exceeding Great Joy,” and the traditional “Silent Night” The girl’s quartet, Notorious, composed of seniors, Kaylin Kirkpatrick and Grace Thompson and juniors Mandy Somogye and Katie Litzer, crooned holiday tunes at the concert.

The Northview Women’s Chorus and Symphonic Choir also had concerts on December 8th. This concert featured a new Northview quartet, the Barberdolls, which includes juniors Becky Morris, and Courtney Magers and sophomores Zoe Young and Carleigh Pase.

Colin Ferguson HITTING THE HIGH NOTES the Northview Harmony Road Show performs at the Clarion Hotel at the holiday dinner concert under the direction of Mr. Gary Lewis.

EDITORIALS

INshort . . .

by Laura Berkowtiz The senior class. The pinnacle of high school education. The supreme masters of the cute scholarly world. The all-knowing overseers of the high school universe.

Okay.

Maybe that’s overstating things a bit.

Just a bit.

Still there are certain perks that come with being a senior. Better parking spots.

Nicer seats at assemblies. And of course, the best perks of them all, Cat’s Meow and Prom.

I am not going to get into Cat’s Meow.

I am sure that everyone has heard enough about it. I will say, though, that I think it is pointless to place blame, I mean that’s really not going to help the situation at all.

Cat’s Meow is a tradition, something that the seniors get to create and share with everyone else. But more than that, it is a representation of who we are as a class and I am just not ready to give up on it yet.

The other big perk is Prom and though it is months away, there is already a lot of talk about it. Prom is the best event of senior year.

Class government is hard at work, trying to come up with a theme, and I can’t wait to see what they end up doing.

I know that some seniors are frustrated with the way this year is going.

It does seem like some things could only happen to our class. Fighting over ketchup, Cat’s Meow, and even a theme song for Prom does feel rather ridiculous.

Lately the senior class has been primarily concerned with completing college applications, applying for scholarships, and taking or retaking standardized tests.

That’s not including homework, sports, and extra-curricular activities. To have to deal with all these petty issues seems kind of silly when next year we’ll be in college.

To make it worse, it’s still the first semester!!! Well, at least winter break is coming up…and then exams…and then yet another semester…does it ever end!!!!!

Okay. Yes, I’m ready for this year to end. Yes, I want to go graduate and go off to college and everything else. However, as much as we may not want to admit it, we’ll be sad when it ends.

There is a lot of history here. Four years of homework, stress, laughter, tears, heartbreak, friendship, love, and we are only a semester away from it being just a memory.

Will we ever come back to Northview, or see classmates or teachers again?

Probably, but its not the same as actually being here as a group.

I guess you could say the senior class is a family of sorts. Some people don’t get along, everyone has their quirks and their friends, but in the end, we contribute to a collective personality that defines the senior class.

Who is the senior class? Maybe not as spirited or outgoing as last year’s seniors, but we have our moments.

It is hard not to compare the senior class with previous ones, and last year’s seniors’ shoes were especially hard to fill.

It might be difficult for other classes to get a feel for who the seniors are.

It is a broad group, cohesive but made up of unique individuals. There are of course the people who are dedicated and musically inclined. There are the honors students, the overachievers, and people involved in way too much. There are many talented athletes. There are leaders and volunteers who help make the school what it is.

And, of course, the seniors have the nicest girl in the world. Do I even have to name her?

All of these things and more make up the senior class, and it is who we are as a class that affects what we do and how much fun we have.

Sure we have stressful times, high school isn’t supposed to be all fun, but overall we’re part of a group of classmates and friends that we have spent years with, grown up with, and in general gotten used to having around.

And we only have one semester left.

One semester to enjoy the perks of being a high school senior. One semester to be a part of a group of people that we have known for years. One semester of sports, competitions, music and friends.

And when the semester is over, then what, on to college, living away from home, and jobs. Sure the seniors are looking forward to graduating, but it means saying goodbye to an important part of our life.

So next time you feel yourself getting frustrated over classes or rules, stop and think for a moment that maybe you have to take the bad with the good.

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16 December 2005

X box 360 obsession gone too far To all you gamers out there, these last few weeks have been the happiest in our lives. Something has been released that is so amazing and so unlike anything ever seen before. That’s right, the long awaited Xbox 360. But has this craze for this system gone too far?

The Xbox 360 is unlike any system that has come out. The actual console is absolutely beautiful with its pearly white exterior and “chrome” finish, if you buy the “Core System.” It is the pimped out version of any gaming system on the market.

The console is sold as the Xbox 360, or the Xbox 360 Core System. The core system is for the gamer who does not want to spend that much on it and does not care what the console itself looks like. The core system comes with the console, a wired controller, and an AV cable.

On the other hand, the Xbox 360 comes additionally with the “chrome” finish, a hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox Live headset, and Ethernet cable. Unlike any other system out there, the Xbox 360 is able to support Cds, DVD-ROMs, DVD-R/RW, MP#s, JPEGs, and more. Although this system may seem like the perfect dream, it does have its drawbacks.

Released on November 22, it is the hottest item on the market and also the hardest to find. If you are fortunate enough to already own one of these incredible consoles, then guard it with your life.

People have gone crazy just to find one camping out over night in the parking lot of Target, unfortunately for them, only a shipment of six came in.

Who in their right mind would sleep outside on the dirty, gum-covered concrete in freezing cold weather just to have a “chance” at owning one of these systems? Crazy

people.

“I waited outside for a half hour and didn’t even get one. I’m not mad anymore because some of the Xbox’s have been breaking down already,” said senior Stephen Cooper.

These systems are so limited that at just about every store they are sold out and are on back order. That is the first problem of this Xbox craze. Microsoft is shipping the systems in such small orders that it is almost impossible to buy one. Now there have been reports that Xbox systems are overheating and crashing.

Not only are they so hard to find, they are very, very, very expensive! On bestbuy.com, they offer bundles including the console, a game(s), and accessories that are a must to play ranging from $399.97 to $1,859.00. That is ridiculous. Who would ever pay close to $2,000 for a video game console?

Okay, so the expensive one does include a high definition TV, but even without the TV, it still is close to $900. the problem with them costing so much is that in about six months to a year, they will have already dropped a $100 or more. That always happens when these new systems come out.

Everyone rushes to buy one, but if you are smart, you wait awhile until they are a more reasonable price. “ I like Xbox, but I would never pay that much for the new one, it is a waste of money,” said senior Alex Neuman.

By the time people are able to finally find one and buy it, another new system will come out an even better one!

Systems always get better and creators are always making them. The PS3 is already planned to come out in spring and it is also the same day Halo 3 comes out. Playstation fans out there, get ready to be on a hunt for that system when it comes out.

Students look forward to a longer holiday break Winter break is a time that most students, teachers, and faculty look forward to during the school year. It is even more exciting this year because the break is 17 days long, including 11 school days. Having a lot of time makes the break much less stressful and more fun.

Everyone needs a break at some point; winter break will refresh students and staff until spring break. This year there is a whole week off before Christmas, which gives people more time to prepare and help at home. Most kids get to spend time with their families they do not get to see often, but this year kids will be able to do that and still have time to hang out with their friends.

“I’m really excited to be able to take my mind off of school and spend time with my family and friends. The long break will give me a chance to do everything I want, like my annual ski trip,” said junior Stephanie Sallah.

Students usually take a couple days to get back into the swing of things when school starts again. Students cannot afford to slack off this year, because exams are only two weeks after the break. The long break will prove to be a disadvantage to those students who choose not to study.

“It’s going to be hard to get back into the routine and remember everything I have learned for exams,” said freshman Brittany Williams.

The long winter break will give families more time for traveling and spending time with each other during the holidays. Many families do not get the chance to go on vacation and celebrate the holidays, but now with a 17-day break, families will get the chance to do both.

The holiday season puts people into a good mood. Students are excited for winter time activities, from sledding to lounging around the house.

“I’m looking forward to claymation movies on television, sledding, hot cocoa, and getting extra hours for work,” said Danton Crosser.

Everyone should take advantage of the break this year, because you never know when we will have another 17-day break.

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- my cents -

“Always good sales, it is a good time to shop but I didn’t go.” freshmen Jackie Walz

Colin Ferguson CHECKING OUT THE NEW XBOX 360 at Target are senior Steve Scholler and sophomore Dylan Hannah. XBox 360 is the newest gaming system.

True meaning of the holiday season The countdown to holiday break began months ago and finally it is here!

Between the excitement of break and preparing for the holidays, more times than not the true meaning of them is lost. Whether it is in the masses of shoppers at the mall or just the fact of not being in school, people tend to forget why we get the holiday off.

Sure, it’s a relief from the homework, the tests, and the additional stress of just being a teenager in general, but most importantly it’s a time to be with family.

People try so hard to find that perfect gift for that special someone or even for themselves, that they overlook why they are even celebrating the holiday. The holidays are a representation of family, of love, and of togetherness.

People get so wrapped up in what is now becoming another hallmark holiday.

They aren’t about the malls and expensive gifts, they’re about spending time with the people that love you most.

The saying “the thought that counts” could not be more true on this occasion, the people that truly love you will love you regardless for whatever gift you buy them. After all, a gift is just a thing, nothing can replace the love you have for your family, nor the time spent with them.

The holidays are not a time to be selfish either. It is great that people want to buy gifts for their friends and family, but what about the people that cannot afford anything? That’s when you have to think about what trumps that new handbag you so desperately wanted, or that iPod that you just had to have.

So I dare you to make a difference, contemplate how much your contribution would benefit someone else, someone who has nothing. Giving up your “toys” is a small price to pay when you are not making someone else’s day, but someone’s year.

The holidays are not a time to be selfish either.

How do you feel about Black Friday?

“I think its a good thing for the American economy. I went out that day.” junior Brad Domby “ I fell it’s kinda stupid because you wake up early to shop.” sophomore Will Hinton

“Anything Black is sweet.” senior Riana Miller

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EDITORIALS

16 December 2005

Black Friday Great Holiday Spirit It is the season, and that means holiday cookies, songs, decorations, and of course shopping.

Nothing is better then kicking the holiday season off with the after thanksgiving sales early on that Friday morning, also known as Black Friday.

This day was originally termed Black Friday since many retail stores in debt used large sales to lure in customers, giving them so much business that by the end of the day they’ve m a d e enough money to pay their bills plus some, bring them into the black accounting wise.

Also, the competition for these sales is intense, thus the term Black Friday.

On Thursday, my sister, my mom, and I all sit around and read the newspaper ads, getting excited for what sales we will race for the next morning. Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, and Media Play were some of the places we decided to hit first this year.

There are several reasons why I love this tradition and look forward to it every year. One reason is the fact that the sales are simply great. Computers, DVD players, CD players, digital cameras, televisions, and loads of other electronics a r e severely reduced. One specific sale that had people going crazy was the laptop that Best Buy had on sale for only $150. It was actually a very nice computer and I knew that many people would be hoping to purchase it. The problem is, the stores only have about eight of these products and 50 people will show up in line for it. That’s why it’s important to start early, which brings me to the next reason why I love shopping on this day.

It’s great to get up early (I woke up at 4:30 a.m. this year) and drag yourself to the store in hopes of getting to the sales first. Best Buy, Target, and Circuit City all opened at five, and Media Play opened at six. When I arrived at Best Buy, there was already and long line outside and it was very cold. But it’s all worth when you get in there and feel the rush of actually getting what you set out to buy for a great price.

Some people say that the crowds are too fierce for them, but honestly everyone is fairly nice, and the stores are prepared enough to handle the crowds, opening many registers, and making sure that there are enough employees to help. Plus the feeling of everyone out busily getting their holiday shopping done just puts me in the holiday spirit.

After the initial race for certain gifts early in the morning, the fun hasn’t disappeared. For the rest of the day my family and I shop at the mall and it’s just a great way for me to spend time with them instead of sitting around and watching football.

One reason this is so much fun for me is simply because I love to shop, and find great deals, and what’s more is I especially love to shop for presents. If you don’t like these things, it’s likely you won’t enjoy shopping on Black Friday. You have to like to shop to enjoy this tradition.

When the day is done, everyone is usually tired and ready for some Thanksgiving leftovers and most of the time we spend the evening raving about our great finds and all the perfect gifts we found for people. It’s a great way to start off the holiday season and get into the holiday spirit. I love the holiday decorations at the stores and of course the holiday music it wouldn’t be the same without Black Friday shopping. When it comes to the holidays, traditions are everything and this is one I would never miss.

letter to the editor

Response to Issue #3 editorial “SV more lenient than NV” Dear Editor, The author of the article concerning the lenient atmosphere at Southview was way off base. The equal rules at our two high schools (mainly concerning academics and discipline) was established by the school board. Because the administration and faculty at Northview choose to respect and adhere to board policy is no reason to criticize us. I can’t speak to what happens at Southview. But my advice to you is to follow procedure like the rest of the adult world must do and change the rules through the school board. it is a much easier path to just expect us to look the other way while procedures are ignored. If you want things to change, work for it, don’t just write articles complaining about life at Northview. Lastly, don’t ever accuse this faculty of not stepping up to help students. In my 18 years of teaching this is the most generous, giving group of people i have ever worked with in education.

Maybe the reason the seniors can’t find an advisor for the Cat’s Meow is no faculty member wants to run the risk of having students blatantly disregard what is proper and expecting the advisor to look the other way. Remember, open enrollment starts December 1st.

Mr. Michael Czerniakowski Social Studies Department

Break for relaxing not stress, studying It is finally December; the snow is falling, the weather is bitter cold, and people are preparing for the holidays.

What is the only good thing that happens in December during the school year? Winter Beak.

Winter break is the best time of the school year because students get to enjoy two weeks of no school, no crowded hallways, no homework, and no waking up at the crack of dawn every single day.

However, there is just one tiny thing that lurks over the heads of every Northview student while on break, exams.

Each year, exams are held approximately two weeks after students come back from break creating a lot of stress for many students. Winter break should be enjoyed, instead of exams lurking overhead. Exams before break would allow more relaxation.

Students have been blessed this year with two full weeks for winter break, allowing students even more time to forget what was learned in the first two quarters. Two weeks of sleeping until noon, playing video games all night, and just doing anything that does not involve school, makes students lose their momentum and their work ethic.

The last thing students want to do over break is pick up a textbook and study for exams, teachers know this. It would be much more beneficial to students and teachers to just get the exams out of the way before break and start fresh after break.

Students would be more concentrated on exams as well because they could have a peaceful break.

Having said that winter break is the best part about the school year, it should be enjoyed with out having to worry about exams. Break is a prime opportunity to go on a family vacation or just relax with friends, but many teachers assign projects due the day school resumes only adding to the stress of studying for exams.

If exams were held before winter break, it would make students much happier, and the break ten times better. Many students would agree that having exams pre-break would be more beneficial. “Exams would be a lot less stressful if they were before winter break,” said sophomore Rob Morgan. It would be fine if school would start a week earlier in August just so exams could be before break. Even though exams may never be changed to before break, teachers could at least be courteous enough to not assign any homework over break so students can have a chance to relax for once.

Undermines Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for giving thanks for all that we have and our family, however holiday shopping has taken over Thanksgiving. People should spend time relaxing, enjoying time with family, and good food of course. Many families seem to overlook Thanksgiving and are more focused on shopping. A tradition known as Black Friday seems to be the focus of students and parents days off school and work. It is ridiculous that hundreds of people drag themselves out of bed to go shopping.

First off, people wake up before dawn in the early hours of morning to go shopping, people line up outside stores in the freezing cold. 5 am is way too early to be waiting in the cold outside a store. Students often complain that they are so tired and hate getting up early, yet they will wake up at 4 in the morning in order to go shopping!

If anyone happened to turn on the 11 o’clock news on Thanksgiving the local news stations were reporting on how people were already waiting outside stores to be the first in the stores. Isn’t this taking holiday shopping to an extreme? Honestly, camping outside of a store on Thanksgiving is just crazy!

People wait outside in the cold for sales instead of spending time with family and friends. No matter how much money they save, it cannot replace the time spent enjoying time with loved ones.

Shoppers are completely over looking Thanksgiving because they are more concerned about the best sales and saving money on Black Friday.

My idea of a Thanksgiving break is not stressing over holiday presents, waiting in long lines and fighting over parking spots.

Anywhere in the area of the mall was out of control with traffic. People were driving insanely, all for a horrible tradition that has displaced what the holiday season is all about.

The holiday shopping season lasts long enough, must we extend it to the point where it over takes Thanksgiving? Most stores do not even recognize Thanksgiving, for them halidays start in November and goes until December, which is way too long. Many stores are completely decorated before Thanksgiving.

Shops are promoting the wrong idea about the holdays, it is not all about the gifts and the great sales. Black Friday has supported the idea of finding the perfect gift for everyone, but shouldn’t holidays be about spending time with family?

Shopping is fun but this just takes it to an extreme. Choosing to get up early is just insane. People should enjoy their break from the stress of school and work, yet they spend their Thanksgiving time off stressing about the “perfect” gift.

Many people choose to wake up early and go shopping because of the sales stores offer. I understand that good sales are offered but it seems like it has been taken to an extreme. By going out and shopping on Black Friday people are supporting the idea that the holiday season is all about gifts and money.

Instead of spending hours fighting traffic and crowds on Black Friday people should enjoy the holiday season by spending time with their family and loved ones. Spend time with family, rent an old movie and watch it with family. Memories with family are more important than any gift that could be bought. This is what is truly important about the holiday season, not money, shopping and sales.

Environmental Science program eliminated The Environmental Science program is closed to all future students after the district was given new guidelines from the Ohio Department of Education.

In Sylvania Schools Environmental Science is a career-tech program and the teachers instructing the program hold a Career Tech-Ag-Science License. The students taking the class have been receiving a science credit. However, new guidelines require Environmental Science to be taught by a teacher who holds a Life - Science license, in order for the district to attach a science credit to the class. Because this program is taught by teachers who do not hold the right kind of license the school’s excellence rating could be brought down in the future.

“I planned on taking Environmental Science 2 next year,” said junior Jeff Neuber. “Now, with the closing of the program, I’ll just have to add another commons to my schedule.”

With the closure of the program, The Future Farmers of America, made up of Environmental 1, 2 and AgFoundations classes, will no longer be an organization at Northview.

In the student handbook the Mission statement of the school reads: “Sylvania Northview High School is dedicated to providing a respectful, caring, secure environment that empowers students with the analytical and creative skills and strategies necessary to be productive, life-long learners.” Without having the necessary programs to help the students become well-rounded people, the school is not living up to its standards. The Environmental Science classes provide expanded education in the environment, which the chemistry and anatomy classes do not get in depth. Without these important classes the students are lacking life-long skills that will help them grow up to become productive adults.

There are countless hours that have been put in by FFA members to organize different activities and to make the organization successful. Without FFA the students at NV will be missing key ingredients that make up high school life. Many students, parents and community members have said that they are willing to do whatever they can to show their support for the Environmental Science Program. At this time, the teachers are waiting for more information from the Ohio Department of Education.

The Student Prints

Sylvania Northview High School 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, Ohio 43560 2005-2006

Co-Editors-In-Chief: Sophia Papadimos & Calli Smenner Advisor: Sarah Flynn News Editor: Kaila Tschappat Features Editor: Lauren Kotlarczyck Photo Editor: Colin Ferguson Sports Editor: Alden Hirschfeld Editorial Editor: Olivia Reynolds Business Editor: Wang Pan Staff Writers: Greg Adkins, Kamel Ansara, Neno Aouthmany, Melissa Benton, Laura Berkowitz, Lizzy Breier, Destiny Bryant, Jaime Hamilton, Taylor Helberg, Katie Litzer, Meredith Lodge, Ashley McNair, Faye Minshall, Pat Sayre, Ryan Stansley, Matt Wade, Katie Wambold, Kristin Winters, Kim Yark, Jackie Zureich The Student Prints is the official student-produced newspaper of Sylvania Northview High School. It is distributed monthly at no charge to serve the purpose of informing students, faculty, staff, administration and the Sylvania community of current issues.

The main goal of TSP is to present coverage of events in an unbiased and accurate manner. The paper also respects the opinions and ideas of the entire NV community. Signed letters to the editors are encouraged and should be no longer than 300 words. All letters can be turned in to the publications room, E-6. TSP reserves the right to edit letters that contain grammatical errors, accuracy and profane or libelous comments.

The newspaper staff is entirely responsible for the content of the paper and supports the First Amendment to the Constitution. Unsigned editorials published in TSP are written by staff members and agreed upon by a majority vote of the editorial board. TSP is carefully examined by its staff and advisor prior to publication to prevent incorrect or libelous information.

The newspaper staff and school do not endorse advertisements published in TSP. Advertising specifications may be obtained by calling (419) 824-8708.

The newspaper follows the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guidelines for punctuation and grammar.

TSP is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.

FEATURES

5

16 December 2005

- by the numbers -

I nhalant use le ads to da mage

Imme d iate and long te r m da mage occurs from ab using inhalants Calli Smenner & Katie Wambold Co-Editor-In-Chief & Staff Writer Inhalant use is on the rise among teenagers is on the rise or huffing as it is called for slang. Teen use a wide range of over 1,000 substances to get high.

Most of the substances used are easily found around many households. These may, substances w h e n huf fed cause, instant s h o r t t er m and long damage.

In a national survey it was found that 22.9 million Americans have abused inhalants sometime in their lives, according to the national institute of drug abuse.

“Anything that you inhale creates almost immediately addicting,” Northview Drug counselor Mrs. Mary Spilis said.

A University of Michigan study found that 15-20% of kids from 8th-12th grade have experimented with inhalants.

A misconception about inhalants is their effect on the body. Inhalants, along with Alcohol and other drugs ,all produce the same end result, according to Spilis. After huffing a substance the chemicals hit the brain in less than nine seconds causing damage

immediately, and the most immediate addiction.

Most of the substances that are inhaled are made up of several different and damaging chemicals.

Since many different dangerous chemicals enter the body at the same time there is a multiplied effect of damage and a wider range of organs are damaged.

Inhalant use has damaging health effects on parts of the body. Huffing highly s eve r a l concentrated chemicals can cause sudden death, referred to as Sudden Sniffing Death (SSD).

The National Inhalants Prevention Coalition reports there about 125 inhalant deaths each year.

Many other parts of the body are also damaged by inhalants including the brain, blood, lungs, liver, kidneys, and muscles. significantly damaged by The brain is inhalants, because huffing will cause brain cell death. This can lead to changes, personality memory impairment, learning and disabilities. Severe inhalants use affects movement, motor loss of coordination, and slurred speech. Inhalants can also potentially cause permanent vision and hearing impairment, according to Synergies National Inhalant Pervention Coalition.

8thm o r f f kids o ented % m i 0 r e 2 p 15 ave ex . h e d a s gr 12th with inhalent

ffing u h from in less s l a c i Chem the brain ds. reach 9 secon than

During the teen years, the brain is growing and under going many changes causing the effect of inhalants to cause long term damage, according to Mrs. Spilis.

Chemicals in inhalants can block the bloods ability to carry oxygen. Chronic inhalation can lead to nervous system damage, which includes numbness, tingling sensation, or total paralysis.

This can be immediate and may be permanent, also certain chemicals will freeze the lungs causing the person to die, according to Mrs. Spilis Many long term effects are associated with Inhalant use such as; short term memory loss, hearing loss, limb spasms, and bone ma r row damage, according i n ha lation to the national prevention coalition.

The younger a person is the more immediate the damage is and the more damage is caused, but it also depends on the chemicals inhaled, according to Mrs. Spilis.

Some symptoms for inhalant uses are a drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance and lacking explanations.

Also, red runny eyes or nose are associated with inhalant use.

There is a very high suicide rate associated with inhalant use. There are very few older people who are inhalant users because they tend to die at a very young age, according to Mrs. Spilis.

Huffi ng chem highly c o icals can c ncentrat a e deat use sudd d en h.

What parts of the body do inhalants affect?

L

ungs

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eart’s

ystem S s u o l Nerv mbness, a r t n e C age, nu sis ly dam Nerve or total para g, tinglin

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15-45

minutes

The amount of time inhalant effects can last

52.6 %

9-12 graders that have tried inhalants

38.1% 9-12 graders that have tried Methamphetamines

36.4%

9-12 graders that have tried Cocaine

29.7%

9-12 graders that have tried Ecstasy

rhythm

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neybility toof d i K a t

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9.9% 9-12 graders that have tried Heroin

All numbers are according to Synergies national Inhalant Prevention Coalition

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FEATURES

16 December 2005

Winter M ovie Reviews Rent

This holiday season, a new musical has struck gold with audiences all across the nation. It has hit home to its viewers with its intense plot and significant messages that go straight to the heart. The name of this phenomenon is Rent.

The film’s plot is a simple, yet powerful one. Its main focus centers around the phrase “no day but today,” with sort of a live in the moment tilt to it. The cast doesn’t include many familiar faces, but it does contain Taye Diggs, Jesse L. Martin, and Rosario Dawson. Something a lot of people don’t know about these people is that six out of the eight main cast members were also in the original 1996 Broadway production.

The film centers around two dirt poor, Bohemian best friends, Mark and Rodger. They live as squatters in a run down New York City loft in the slums of the city. The plot goes very in depth with the men’s six friends and the struggles that they face every day of their life.

In the thick of things, love stories begin to form with lesbian, gay, and heterosexual couples. They all face problems such as having harsh addictions to drugs, AIDS, and trying to survive on no financial means everyday.

The director of Rent Christopher Columbus, did an amazing job with incorporating a good number of the songs from the musical into the film.

Everything seems to flow as if the plot was written for the big screen and not a theater.

The movie does include moments where sex, drug abuse, and death are involved. These parts seem to have the greatest effect on its viewers, often having them reach for a tissue at these heart-wrenching trials that these people in the film go through.

It’s easy to get lost in the tense moments of this musical and feel very connected to each and every one of the characters.

For a powerful film that will have you shedding a tear on your date’s shoulder, I highly recommend Rent, as it is a very relatable movie for many teenagers and adults.

~ Liz z y B reier

Pride & Prej u dice

~ Neno Aout hmany & Fa y e Minshall

G oblet Harry Pot ter& tofhe Fire

The fourth Harry Potter movie, The Goblet of Fire, was released into theaters on November 18. The movie was a magical success based on the J.K. Rowling book. The fourth installment to the Harry Potter series has everyone wondering what will surprise the viewer during the movie.

There was an abundance of humor, with returning characters Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermonie (Emma Watson) always fighting about something. It also involves new crushes and new teachers.

The movie takes place entirely on the Hogwarts school grounds and focuses on the Triwizard Tournament. There are three wizarding schools involved and the tournament involves three increasingly challenging events.

The Triwizard Tournament is a series of three tasks to test wizards on their skill, intelligence, and courage. One person from each of the three wizard schools around the world, Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, were chosen by the Goblet of Fire to compete in the tournament. Harry soon learns that he will be facing another year of unexpected obstacles.

Daniel Radcliffe continues to embody Harry’s passion for wizarding and fits the character perfectly.

Harry’s arch rival and the most feared wizard of all, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) returns to power with help from his most trusted servant, Wormtail, played by Timothy Spall. Voldemort is also helped by his other faithful servants, the Death Eaters.

The suspense in the movie is never ending and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are many secrets revealed and you find out that some people are not who they seem to be.

If you are obsessed with the books, you may find yourself very angry at the movie. There are characters cut out and the movie does not follow the book entirely. At some parts this bothered us because the way events flowed in the book were not entirely how they were in the movie.

There were plenty of special effects throughout the movie. There were new spells being cast and the three events include plenty of detail.

There are fire breathing dragons, mysterious underwater creatures, and killer hedges of grass.

The movie is very well animated and acted out, yet; important events are taken out which may leave the viewer a little confused.

A virus almost wipes out the world, leaving only one human city barricaded from the rest of the planet. At first look, it does seem a bit cliché. However, as you soon realize, in Aeon Flux nothing is what it seems.

The movie, starring Charlize Theron and Marton Csokas (Lord of the Rings: FOTR, The Bourne Identity/Supremacy), begins with a narration from Aeon Flux (Theron). Flux explains that it’s been 400 years since the deadly virus and everyone alive lives in a small walled-in community called Bregna.

Bregna is run by the Goodchild Regime, descendents of the man who found a cure for the disease. Most people accept the way things are and ignore the increasing number of people killed or missing. Flux, however, belongs to an underground Monican rebellion seeking to overthrow Goodchild. She discovers that unrest already exists in the regime between brothers Trevor (Csokas) and Oren (Jonny Lee Miller) Goodchild. The Goodchilds disagree on how the city should be run, among other things. Further investigation reveals plenty of twists and secrets.

Aeon Flux is a good movie with an interesting plot, but it’s still a sci-fi action movie. Anyone planning to go to this movie for intellectual stimulation is unlikely to be impressed.

The movie, based on the MTV cartoon, has its rough spots and is not the best movie ever written.

However, the scenery and effects were impressive and the music was action paced Matrix-like rock.

This movie has some great action scenes and plenty of cool gadgets. What more could you ask for? Sure, it’s not Oscar material, but it’s definitely a good way to relax and watch a fast-paced action movie full of surprises.

Aeon Flux

The newest spin on Jane Austen’s romantic classic Pride and Prejudice leaves the audience in awe. Director Joe Wright has given Austen’s novel a witty edge without compromising its 18th century setting.

The movie focuses on the marital pursuits of the five Bennet daughters. The second eldest daughter, Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly), has to choose between the dashing Mr. Wickham (Rupert Friend), the pious Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), and the mysterious Mr. Darcy (Mr. MacFayden).

Knightly had an outstanding performance that made you believe the character and Macfayden was a surprisingly good actor considering this is one of his first major movies.

Although the movie was directed well, the younger daughter Lydia Bennet (Jena Malone) was portrayed in a more malicious manner than in the book. The outstanding acting created a memorable and enjoyable movie. Although, the ending scene was slightly disappointing. The director managed to incorporate Austen’s witty humor in the movie to an exceptional degree. Overall, the movie was very entertaining and a definite must-see for the season.

La ura B erkoqitz

~ Kamel Ansara & Krist in Winters

Chronicles of N arnia

It isn’t everyday that you discover a magical land with talking animals in a forgotten closet. However in The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, that’s exactly what happens.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a good book and can now be seen as an even better movie.

The movie consists of four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who are sent to live with a friend of the family, the Professor, and his housekeeper Mrs. McCready.

During World War II, London in which the children have been living, is being bombed and is no longer safe. The children are evacuated from the city and to the countryside with the Professor. One day while at the Professor’s mansion, the children decide to play hide-and-seek. Lucy, the youngest child, finds the wardrobe leading to the magical land of Narnia.

She crosses over into Narnia and meets Thomnas the Faun, who is a half-man, half-goat creature. She befriends Thomnas and he helps her escape back to the other side of the wardrobe. Once returned, Lucy tells her sister and brothers about her experience in Narnia and her new friend but they don’t believe her and are convinced she made it all up.

The next day the children begin to play a game of cricket and accidentally break a window in the mansion. As they run and hide from Mrs. McCready, all the children end up in the wardrobe which leads them to Narnia. Here they discover that Thomnas has been arrested by the White Witch, the evil witch who has taken over Narnia and turned it into a frosty, frozen land. The children run into many other characters and uncover a prophecy about themselves and the kingdom of Narnia. This prophecy is that the sons of Adam (Peter and Edmund) and the daughters of Eve (Susan and Lucy) will defeat the White Witch and bring peace to Narnia. Using the help of Aslan, a powerful lion, and many other creatures with unbelievable abilities, the children are able to recover Edmund from the grasps of the White Witch, and eventually battle the White Witch and her armies for power over the kingdom. The battle scene truly rivals that of movies like Braveheart or even The Lord of the Rings, complete with aerial attacks and breathtaking displays of fights and extraordinary swordsmanship.

The ending is truly superior to many other movies and allows the film to stick closely to plot of the book. It is definitely a must-see for all and will leave viewers searching for hidden closets of their own.

~ J aime Hamilton

W alk t he Line

“Hello. I’m Johnny Cash.” That line alone reminds everyone that a movie has hit the theater that is finally worth talking about. Walk the Line is one of the best musical biographies that has come out in the last few years and rivals Ray for the top spot. The fact that it followed Jamie Fox’s stellar performance is unfortunate since it will undoubtedly be compared. However, Walk the Line shines in it’s own way and deserves the attention of audiences nationwide.

Joaquin Phoenix was hand picked by Johnny Cash himself, just as Fox was hand picked by Ray Charles.

Reese Witherspoon won the role of June Carter, Cash’s second wife. This surprising pair reveals there’s more to their abilities than the legally blonde law student and the nameless supporting actor.

Both actors trained and worked endlessly to perfect their musical abilities to match Cash and Carter’s talents on screen. Phoenix learned to play the guitar and to sing like Cash and Witherspoon also took voice lessons and learned to play the autoharp. They studied mannerisms down to the smallest details and the result was uncanny. At times you forget that it isn’t the real Johnny Cash or June Carter on the screen.

The movie opens with Cash backstage before the Folsom Prison show where he recorded his infamous and top selling live album. It then flashes back to his childhood and begins telling the story through flashback.

The movie moves smoothly through his life, highlighting the death of his brother, and his father’s rejecting of him.

Phoenix’s acting abilities were questioned throughout the film since he too witnessed the death of his older brother, River Phoenix from a drug overdose. Phoenix assures audiences that the situation was completely different and he doesn’t relate the two events at all. It’s clear that throughout the movie that he truly leaves himself behind, and becomes Johnny Cash.

As the movie continues, we see that Cash struggles to prove himself to his father and to the world. He marries his high school sweetheart, Vivian (Gennifer Goodwin), and they have a family.

The movie really takes off when Cash auditions for the legendary Sam Philips (Dallas Roberts) and tries to talk him into giving him a contract. At first he crashes and burns, but eventually Johnny tries one of his own songs and the rest is history.

Carter and Cash’s relationship later in the movie and Cash’s highly emotional drug problem really bring out Oscar wining performances in both actors. This movie portrays the man in black like nothing ever has, and no Johnny Cash fan will be disappointed.

~J ackie Ziegler

SPORTS

7

16 December 2005

Swimmers work hard for Districts Neno Aouthmany Staff Writer The outlook on this year for swimming is great with high expectations of both boys and girls looking to place high at districts.

The first meet this year was the relay meet, in which the girls placed third behind Perkins and Napoleon and beat Notre Dame with the boys coming in fourth.

On December 7 there was a meet against Freemont Ross in which the girls won 110 to 76, and the boys lost in a close finish 97 to 79.

“With all the work that we put into the season, which includes before and after school, so far the outlook on this season looks great,” said captain Meghan Benson, junior.

Every day from Monday to Saturday the swimmers practice hard for over two hours and always start out with 1500 meters (500 swim, 400 swim, 300 kicks, 200 swim, and 100 cool down).

Mondays consist of distance swimming up to 2000 meters at a time, which is 80 laps. Tuesdays all sprint work and perfecting different strokes with very little rest. Wednesday is kick and pull day where they work on kicking fast and pulling hard. Thursday is similar to Tuesday with the exception of working more on IM (individual medley) and they receive more rest between intervals and sets. Fridays are mixed days and often there are meets on Fridays. Saturdays are used to work on strokes and improve technique. Some swimmers weight lift twice a week before school and over winter break they are going to put in three hours a day.

“The season is turning out to be really good, even though we lost over twelve seniors, we are working hard to fill in the spots that we lost,” said sophomore Carrie Foster.

Upcoming meets are today at Perrysburg and Saturday at Lima Shawnee.

Indoor lacrosse season starts up sessions Ryan Stansley Staff Writer When the spring season of lacrosse ends it disappoints many athletes that play the game of lacrosse, but it also gives them something to look forward to, the indoor lacrosse season.

The indoor lacrosse season started at the end of October and each team consists of beginners and experienced players. These players come from all different high schools in the region such as Northview, Southview, St. Johns, and St. Francis.

“Being able to play with people from other schools is a great way for us to become better players and increase our lacrosse skills,” said senior Branden Stansley. “ Indoor lacrosse helps make our competition in the spring that much better and it makes the game of lacrosse even more exciting to watch.”

Every Sunday there are four games that are held at Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter and all eight teams play. The first of which starts at 7 p.m. and the last game ends at 11 p.m. When the session ends all eight teams will have played every team at least once.

“Indoor lacrosse is a fun, fast paced game that is played on a smaller field than the outdoor season and on turf,” said senior Will Dailey, “ It gives the players a chance to warm up their game and see their competition before the spring season.”

After the first session ends, players sign up again in order to play in the second session. The players are split up into eight different teams again, where they meet new and experienced players. The players will be split up like this in all three sessions during the winter to give players the opportunity to experience and play with other people.

The indoor lacrosse season helps the beginners learn how to actually play the historic game of lacrosse and learn all the key fundamentals of the game.

“I think it’s a great way for us to meet new people and learn how to work with others to become successful and win,” said junior Sean Welsh, “ It creates good sportsmanship and it makes the game a lot more enjoyable.”

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WATCHING HER LANE during practice is senior Sam Sundberg as she waits to go.

Each lane has about six swimmers in it allowing for five second send off times between them.

Gymnastics works to prepare for fi rst meet Kamel Ansara Staff Writer

The Gymnastics season is twirling into action. The season started off practicing and conditioning in early November. The first meet of the season is in January and the season lasts until February.

This year’s team consists of senior captain Maddy Hubbard and juniors Kara Messinger, Amy Fleming, Bethanne Towns, and Stephanie Kreiger. Gymnastics consists of four events, vault, bars, floor, and beam.

“This year our team is smaller, but we have all improved on skills from last year. We are working hard and expecting a good outcome for the season,” said Messinger.

At each practice the girls stretch together and talk about what their goals are for that day’s practice. Then the girls split up and each go to a specific event. There they work on their specific skills and their entire routines, according to Towns. After working on one event, they then keep switching events until they have rotated to each event. Then after practicing each event, they spend 20 minutes conditioning. This includes holding splits, push-ups, and crunches, according to Messinger.

Each gymnast can compete in up to four events. It is up to the gymnast to decide how many events they want to do. Every gymnast can compete in each competition as long as they can fulfill all the requirements and have a routine.

At each competition all the teams and judges are introduced. Then each team goes to their individual event, which was decided before the meet. Then the teams rotate to each event and compete individually.

“As a team we are working on doing better than the last season. We are trying to have all of the gymnasts have a routine for each event. We hope that we get better at our skills and routines throughout the season,” said Messinger.

Dance team prepares for 2nd year of competitions Faye Minshall Staff Writer The dance team started off with a bang this year at the pep rally and has been dancing at the Varsity Basketball games.

“I think for our first performance, the pep-rally went really well. Everyone had worked so hard and performed great,” said sophomore Sara Zunk.

The dance team practices every Wednesday and Thursday with their coach Allison Benya. At most practices the dance team warms up for 30 minutes and then practices or learns a new dance.

Last year the dance team was made an official sport and went to their first competition. They placed second and third out of 65 other teams. They will be going back to competitions this year as well.

Like other sports, the dance team has its own fan club that support them at the basketball games.

“It’s awesome to know we have people that support us that much,” said sophomore Amy MacMillan.

This year the team consists of three seniors, four juniors, five sophomores, and four freshmen, which is much more spread out compared to last year’s team of nine seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen, according to Zunk.

“Dance team is a lot of hard work, but it really pays off when we give a great p e r fo r m a n c e,” said MacMillan.

- sports column -

Hirschfeld a day Alden& Swimming in the life This issue I decided to get wet and join the swim team for a practice. Was that a huge mistake! I now have a lot of respect for the swim team because swimming was my hardest challenge thus far. Their practices are very long and hard.

When I got home from school I grabbed my suit, towel, and goggles and headed back to the school right away so I wouldn’t be late for a sharp start at 2:45. Before this I had not swam since the summer and all of my strokes were rusty. I got to the school and went to the locker room to get ready, but before I could even walk into the locker room two things happened that made me a little nervous about swimming with the team. First, a girl on the team came out of the girl’s locker room, not knowing I was standing in the hallway, screaming some song I have never heard of. Next, a boy came out of the boy’s locker room and I asked if he would introduce me to the coach and he replied, “I can’t, I got to take a dump before practice starts.” I began to second-guess my ability to workout this hard if people needed to evacuate their systems of both song and all bodily functions prior to practice, but I got my suit on anyway.

Senior Joe Hood helped me out and introduced me to the coach. I discovered that the lanes are divided up by the level of swimmer, lane one is the fastest lane and lane six is the beginner lane. I made the mistake of going in lane four. I should have for sure gone straight to lane six, but Joe wanted me to get the full affect of a swim practice and made me go in his lane.

The only positive part about the experience was that the water was pleasantly warm and actually felt kind of good. For warm-ups we did what is called a five, four, three, two, one which I thought was more like a full work out. It consisted of a 1500 meter swim total, just for warm-ups, but after the first 100 meters of the 500-meter swim I thought I was going to drown. After a short break I continued to swim, but my steady swimming was more like swim to one end, take a breather, swim to the other end add in another breather and so on until I had sufficiently swam and rested about the same amount.

During the 400-meter swim that was freestyle and backstroke I did horrible. You see, swimming is like driving - you swim down the right side of the lane in order to avoid running into people because there are people on both sides of the lane. Unfortunately for the swimmers in my lane, I can’t swim in a straight line when I am doing backstroke. Me swimming backstroke looks like a squiggly line with me running into the lane lines painfully with my arms. I had to keep grabbing the lane line to make sure I wouldn’t swim into someone else.

The next thing was the 300-meter kick. This is where you use a kickboard and only your feet, 300 meters of this is worse than a week’s worth of practice with the dance team. This part of warms up was awful. I kept getting passed by the other swimmers and didn’t understand why, because I was kicking my feet just as fast as them. I later found out that my technique was horrible and I was using a lot more energy than I actually needed to.

After the 300-meter kick my legs were dead and my feet began to cramp up, you know when your toes start to pull in and your arch has a mind of its own.

This was the halfway point of WARM-UPS and my whole body felt like jell-o, I was tired and my back hurt from trying not to sink when I was swimming.

Think about it, there’s no rest, a sport where if you stop you drown!

The next part of warm ups was a 200-meter swim.

This wasn’t that long of a swim, but after the previous 1200 meters of warm up it was more like torture. I couldn’t even do the whole thing, I had to stop after 100 meters to catch my breath and “fix my goggles” many swimmers’ excuse for a breather. The swimming was tough, but my goggles could have been the worst goggles ever. Every time I put my face in the water my goggles would fill up and my eyes would burn like crazy, and that’s all you do - put your face in the water! This happened like a hundred times and I would have to swim with my eyes closed until I got to the end of the pool because I didn’t want to hold up the lane. That may have explained my crooked swimming.

After warm ups we did a 1000 meter pull. This is were you can only use your arms and you have a thing called a pull buoy between your legs that keeps them floating. The pull buoy and pulling is some form of torture and made my back extremely sore. This was the last thing I did during the practice because I had to go to my own hockey practice, which I was dead for.

I thanked the coach before I left and he said that they still have an hour left and after that they have dryland training. He said I was lucky and caught them on a recovery day, which means it was an easy practice. I’d hate to see a hard one.

8

SPORTS

16 December 2005

- sports in brief -

Wildcats hit the mats

Wang Pan Business Editor

The Northview Boy’s Wrestling team started the winter season as a force to be reckoned with.

At the first tournament of the year, December 2 and 3 at Northwood High School, the wrestlers did very well. Out of the 17 teams at the tournament, Northview placed fifth overall. And eight of the 13 wrestlers placed individually.

Northview wrestled both Springfield, the defending league champions, and Maumee at Maumee on December 8. The varsity beat Maumee but unfortunately lost to Springfield.

Then on December 9-10 the varsity members headed over to the Southview tournament while the JV wrestlers wrestled at Whitmer. “The varsity did very well and had seven wrestlers place. Junior Matt Urban was champion of his division by placing first, and senior Alex Walch was runner up in his weight class,” said junior Alex Box. The team has four captains to guide them through the season for their individual weight classes. They are seniors Alex Walch, Ryan Milner, Ross Benner, and Brad Ehle.

Coach Rich Schuppenies and Coach Josh Tyburski have kept practice intense from 3:30 to 5:30pm every day. Not only have the coaches looked to improve the wrestlers’ athletic ability, but they also offer school help to the wrestlers from 2:30 to 3:30pm to improve the wrestlers’ academic performance.

“The team is performing well, but there is still a long season ahead of us and a lot of work that needs to be done,” said Coach Schuppenies.

Hockey team glides to victories Alden Hirschfeld Sports Editor The Northview Wildcat hockey team is 2 - 0 in the Northwest Hockey Conference and 8 - 0 overall. The team had two games this past weekend one non-league game on December 9 against a longtime Pennsylvania powerhouse the Meadville Bulldogs and a huge league game on December 11 against rival St. John’s Jesuit Titans.

The team won both games beating the bulldogs 4- 3 and the Titans 5 - 0. “It is always a big win when you beat St. John’s. They are one of our biggest rivals and it is great to beat them,” said sophomore Tyler Puhl.

The team had one of their biggest games this season on December 3 at home. The team took on the Bowling Green Bobcats who have a reputation of winning. The Cats got off to a slow start and were down 2 - 1 after the first period, but thanks to the loud crowd the team was able to get some excitement in the second and third periods.

After the first period the team shutout the Bobcats and went on to win the game 4 - 2. Scoring for the Cats were seniors Tim Hurst and Alden Hirschfeld, and sophomore Brandon Snead tallied two. The team has now beat BG two consecutive times, which hasn’t happened in a long time, if ever, and have also beat BG at home for the first time in 15 years.

“It was a great feeling to beat Bowling Green. We have now beat them the past two times we have played them,” said Puhl.

The following day the Cats traveled to Cleveland to play the Hudson Explorers. The team got off to an early start and continued to work hard the whole game. The Cats knocked off the Explorers 8 - 1. Sophomore Christian Simon scored his first goal as a Wildcat during the game.

During the Thanksgiving break the Wildcats hosted the Cold Turkey Tournament at Sylvania Tam-o-Shanter.

NV was the defending champs going into the tournament.

On November 25, in the season opener, the Cats took on the Centerville Elks. Senior goaltender Bobby McElheney pitched a shutout as the Cats thumped the Elks 8-0.

This was Coach Jim Cooper’s 500th career win. “That just means two things, I’ve been around a long time and I’ve had an awful lot of good hockey players play for me,”

Alex Hunter CELEBRATING A POWER PLAY goal for the Wildcats are seniors Adam Thanasiu, Erik LaVoy, Alden Hirschfeld and sophomore Brandon Snead. The Cats when on to beat Bowling Green 4-2. said Cooper, in his 30th season.

Seniors Adam Thanasiu and Hirschfeld paced the team with a hat trick each. Also scoring their first goals, as Wildcats were sophomores Snead and Cody Bourland.

The next morning the team took on the Mentor Mustangs. The Cats had a slow start but picked it up in the end to win 9 - 2. Scoring for the Cats was Hirschfeld with four, Hurst and Snead with two each, and junior Matt Cook with one. “We started off the game a little slow, but after the first intermission we picked it up,” said Bourland.

LadyKat basketball off to strong start

Cheer looks for rowdy season

Meredith Lodge Staff Writer

Kim Yark Staff Writer The Girls Cheerleading Squad is off to a great start this season. They not only got new black and gold uniforms, but they stole the spotlight at half time of the boys first basketball game against Maumee with their new routine.

The girls performed outstanding at the boys basketball game on Friday December 9th. The team got the crowd pumped up and spirited to cheer their team onto a victory against cross town rival Southview. “ We really feel like we got the crowd into the intense game with our cheers,” said Junior Graze Zhange.

This years’ squad has 13 members with captains Senior Caity Willard, Junior Katelyn Straube, Junior Chelsea Miller, and Junior Aubrey Hunter. The JV and Freshman cheerleading squads this year were able to each have two more members.

The Varsity squad practices on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours. This gives them time to practice cheers and routines for competition. The squad has been practicing since May of last year, along with the football cheerleaders to help their chances of performing their best at this years five competitions.

This year’s most important competition is held at The Ohio State University early next year where the girls must perform a 1:30 routine that must include cheering and stunting.

The squad wants to place first like they did last year at their competition at Owens Community College. “ We really have a good chance at placing well at all of our competitions as long as we work hard,” said Willard This years’ squad will be performing new and old stunts. One of this years’ new stunts is called the helicopter where one of the flyers lies on her back and the bases throw her to a new group of bases were she is caught. “ I feel like superwoman,” said junior flyer Grace Zhang.

Before games the girls run through all of the stunts they will be performing at the game. They also run through the first five cheers they will be performing for the starting five boys basketball players. “ This year our squad is going to be extremely good and we are expected to do fantastic at competition, now we can only hope the boys basketball team is good too,” said Straube.

Saturday night the team played the Trinity Trojans in the final round robin game. Similar to the rest of the games the Cats rolled over the Trojans 7 - 1. Scoring for the team was Hirschfeld with three, Cook with two and senior Erik LaVoy and Snead added one each.

The team went on to play in the finals the next morning against the same Trinity team. The Cats dominated the game winning 4-0 and taking home the Cold Turkey Trophy. Scoring for the Cats was senior Thomas Monteith, Hurst, Thanasiu, and Snead. “It is nice to win the tournament, but we haven’t done anything yet,” said Snead.

Colin Ferguson

GOING UP FOR TWO points is senior starter Riana Miller. Miller is a captain on the team this year along with senior Lisa Johnson.

The Northview Ladykat Varsity Basketball team has started their season off strong with a 4 - 1 record.

The only loss this season for the Ladykats was against cross-town rival Southview December 8, 47 - 36. “Losing to Southview is never easy especially when it’s one of our first games of the season,” said sophomore Karly Kasper.

Senior Rianna Miller had 21 points and six rebounds for the Ladykats. This was a game the girls had been preparing for at practice since Southview has been picked to win the league. The Ladykats will rematch the Southview Cougars again January 27 at SV. The big loss against Southview did not make the Ladykat’s lose their confidence of being a great team. “We knew we had to come out strong and put our loss behind us and play a full four quarters to win,” said junior Ashley Morris. The Ladykats had a huge win over Central Catholic on Saturday, 61 - 54. The team outscored the Irish in three out of the four quarters.

Leading the Ladykats to victory was Miller with 27 points. Miller also was injured during the game but recovered and came out strong for the end of the game. The other high scoring player’s were seniors Lisa Johnson with 12 points and Sarah Stevens with 11 points.

The season started out strong with easy wins over Whitmer to kick off their season and Maumee to start their Northern Lakes League wins.

“The team is looking for another NLL title and is working hard,” said Morris Captains this season are Miller and Johnson. “They are natural basketball leaders for the team, the rest of the girls follow their lead on court,” said Assistant Coach Amy Scappucci.

The Ladykats will be in action over winter break playing the Rossford Bulldogs December 17 away at 7:30pm and Mount Notre Dame December 29 away at 7:30pm.

The team will return home January 6 at 6:30 matching up against the Springfield Blue Devils.

Basketball beats SV for 1st win Matt Wade Staff Writer

The highly anticipated boys basketball season started on December 3rd. After having their first game against Central Catholic postponed because of football state playoffs, the wildcats went up against league opponent the Maumee Panthers. Despite playing hard and only being down three at halftime, the Wildcats could not come out with the victory. They shot themselves in the foot by committing 28 turnovers.

“When you have as many turnovers as we had it is hard to win,” said senior captain Sam Myers.

Myers and Junior Matt Wade led the Wildcats scoring 14 and 20 points in a losing effort.

The Wildcats had big games this past weekend going up against their Sylvania rivals the Southview Cougars and City League opponent St. Francis Knights.

Northview started off the weekend with a win against Southview. Playing in

his first game of the season after having a broken nose junior Derek Andrzejczak paced the Wildcats with 18 points, Myers and Wade also scored in double figures with 13 and 14 points.

“It is good to be back in the lineup so that I can contribute to the team,” said Andrzejczak.

“Getting a win was good for our confidence, especially a win against a rival like Southview,” said Myers The next night the Wildcats went up against a tough competitor in St. Francis.

A tough start and being down 21-8 at the end of the first quarter got the best of the Wildcats as they lost 70-61. Again Andrzejczak, Myers, and Wade scored in double figures, junior Brian Koehl cracked the double figures mark for the first time this season scoring 12 points for the Wildcats.

Their next game is tonight at 7:30 in Bowling Green and they play numerous times over the winter break.