May issue

Volume 43, Issue 4

the Prowler

prowler@othstoday.com

Writers on the prowl

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Meet your student news team

@OTHSProwler

If you’re going to San Francisco... | Kaley Johnson | kaleyjohnson@othstoday.

Staff and Policies Editors: Kaley Johnson Andrea Vernier

Staff Writers: Morgan McAteer Dan Burke Brittany Wood Sarah Bradley Sam Minich Gerian Summers

Layout Managers:

Connor Holzinger Dianiche Baxtron Megan Ivey Katealia Lilly Tristan Medina Josh Baron Alexa Druin Nikki Monroe Jarrett Lindsay

The O’Fallon Township High School newspaper, The Prowler, is part of the educational curriculum of O’Fallon District 203.

Sojourn to San Fran - April 24, 2013

The month of April ushered in the long-anticipated JEA/NSPA Conference in San Francisco. Students from the Yearbook, Broadcast, and Newspaper staffs here at OTHS worked hard to fundraise, prepare for their contest submissions, and for some, to fight off the pressures of going to prom over attending an academic trip. But, for many, this trip was a revealing experience.

While the rest of O’Town was sitting in class and daydreaming about prom, the Journalism kids at OTHS were boarding a plane, headed off to the Golden State. Awaiting them in California was the 2013 JEA San Francisco Journalism Competition. This enormous competition included submissions from areas of Yearbook, Broadcast, Photography, Graphic Design, and Journalistic writing.

Exploration - April 25, 2013 Most of the day was taken up by sightseeing and tours around the city. The students travelled around San Fran with advisers, Ms. Lindsay Kusmierczak and Mr. Jonathan Townsend, leading the charge. One group of students, led by Mr. Townsend, trekked through the inclines and declines of San Francisco, climbed the iconic (and exhausting) stairways up Coit Tower, took a cable car trolley around the multicultural city, and was shipped off to Alcatraz, where they took a ferry to the island and learned about the history and legends surrounding the former prison.

The other group, led by Ms. Kusmierczak, set off on a hike through the beautiful scenery of Muir Woods, a redwood forest just outside the city. There they saw buddhist gardens, beautiful natural landscapes, and enormous trees. The trees there are literally some of the oldest and largest on the planet. Driving across the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the students were able to cross one of the most iconic bridges in the world.

The rest of the day was spent sightseeing and eating delicious San Francisco specialties, such as fish and chips and clam chowder on Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Exertion - April 26, 2013 Today, the real work began. After a day filled with dozens of sessions covering a variety of journalistic activities, the students all set off to their individual contests. Most of the students attended a critique session, where judges commented on their previously submitted works. Two of the students competed on-site through write-off contests. The experience was astounding and showed the strength and talent of the students here at OTHS. Reward - April 27, 2013 The journalism students attended breakout sessions geared to educate and expose attendees on the latest and greatest projects and learning styles from the nation’s best Journalism teachers, programs, and students. Finally, after a whirlwind of activities, competition, travelling, and absorbing the pace and magnitude of the world of high school journalism, the award ceremony commenced. O’Fallon Township High School had many successes throughout the contest, swiping numerous honors from JEA. The OTHStoday website received the Online Pacemaker award, a national honor congratulating the quality of the site’s design and writing content. Erica Marlinghaus received a Superior in First Photo, Megan Ivey received an Excellent in News Magazine Layout, Connor Holzinger received an Honorable Mention in Photo Portrait, and Matt Meyers received an Honorable Mention for Yearbook Interior pages.

Lifting the fog of doubt - April 28, 2013 Overall, O’Fallon’s Journalism program had a successful competition, bringing home five honors and further experience in multiple Journalism fields. What began as a trip that held many unknowns became a trip ripe with experiences, both personal and educational. The world of scholastic Journalism is competitive and at a conference nestled at the epicenter of the tech world (and the San Andreas faultline), the students from OTHS proved they can write, design, photograph, and create with the nation’s best.

Although the paper is a class activity, OTHS students may submit materials, such as stories, photography, graphics, or art, for publication consideration. Students should bring any submissions to Room 608. Submissions may be edited for content, length and grammar.

If written, staff editorials will not be signed and will reflect the opinion of the majority of the staff members. Commentaries and columns, on the other hand, will be signed and reflect the individual writer’s views.

Any person with an interest in the OTHS community is encouraged to submit letters to the editor. All letters must be signed. All signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal interview.

Letters may be submitted to Room 608, mailed to OTHS Publications, 600 S. Smiley St., O’Fallon, IL 62269, or emailed to townsendj@othstoday.com. If excessive editing is needed, the letter will be returned to the author for approval. The Prowler reserves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content, or space limitations.

The Prowler is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the Illinois High School Press Association. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. The Prowler is distributed electronically and available for download.

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Far, Far Away (or not) | Sam Minich | samminich@othstoday.com

It’s getting to be that time of the year where everyone is making their final decision on where they are attending college. Some people have decided to travel to another state for college, while others are staying back in Illinois. However, the hardest part of this college decision is whether or not going far or staying back is the right choice to make.

In previous months, way before final decisions had been made for college, most of my friends and other students I had talked to had said they planned on going out of state for college. Most of them stating that they wanted to get as far away from Illinois as they could. As time has gone by and April has hit, it seems that half of the people that wanted to go out of state for college have decided to stay back and go to SWIC or SIUE. There are still a majority of students that are going far for college, but I have noticed a lot of location changes for certain upcoming college students.

Senior Bri Bowles had her heart and mind set on Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, up until about late March. Her whole life she had told herself she wasn’t going to attend college anywhere near the town of O’Fallon, but recently she has decided to enroll in SWIC for about one to two years. “Since I really didn’t know what I wanted to major in, I decided there was no point in me spending more money to go far away. I’m going to SWIC where I’ll be able to get my gen eds and hopefully be less in debt in the future,” said Bri. After months and months of stress, I realized SWIC was the best decision for me as well. I have visited wonderful colleges that would’ve provided me with great opportunities, but when it came down to it, my gut instinct said that SWIC was the way to go.

There are other people as well who have decided to stay close for college. Senior Kevin Wolf said, “I’m going to SIUE because I was able to get in state tuition and it’ll be cheaper money wise for later. Plus, I’ll be close enough to my parents that I can come back whenever I want and have them do my laundry.”

When thinking about how far to go for college, the main concern for everyone is going to be money and how much you’re willing to spend because it’s all going to add up in the future. Going away for college has its perks though.

The uncertainty is inevitable. Unless a student has a large scholarship, specific academic study or endeavor waiting for them at a school far from O’Fallon, the future is even more uncertain. At first, most of us couldn’t wait to leave this place, but then something happened. Something smelling of natural doubts, fears, and heavy with financial and academic decisions that most high school seniors want to tackle.

Lots of students crave the feeling of finally being independent. Having your parents on your back all the time can be stressful, so going away for college allows you to have some space. Senior Shelby Heitkamp has always loved the idea of going away for college. “I finally decided that I was going to attend ISU and I couldn’t be more excited. Although my parents were concerned about the cost, they thought it would be good for me to be able to experience a new environment. I also think getting to meet new people and learn to be on my own for a little will benefit me for the future,” said Shelby.

Here’s the reality: whatever decision you make, it’s going to be OK. Life is about learning from decisions regardless of whether they are difficult or easy, popular or unpopular with your friends and family.

This is only the beginning of the major decisions you will have to make for the future. In any event, do yourself a favor and make whatever decision you decide your own.

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Seniors Leaving O’Fallon | Brittany Wood | brittanywood@othstoday.com

For the class of 2013, high school created mixed emotions that switched by the year. Freshman year: “I have to go to Milburn? Great, it’s like Jr. High all over again.” Sophomore year: “Darn, Smiley has no windows and everyone treats me like a freshman! Can I go back to Milburn?” Junior year: “ACT is going to ruin my life, when will I be a senior?”

As a whole, the senior class agrees that these were some of the many thoughts running through their heads throughout the past four years they have been a student of O’Fallon Township High School. Come senior year, however, everyone’s thoughts and opinions are scattered in a thousand different directions and no two people feel exactly the same. Some claim they cannot wait for new experiences, new people, and a new school. Others don’t care about anything other than moving out and leaving the constant pressures of their parents. And then there are those who are clinging on to high school so much that they may never leave the city of O’Fallon.

So what is it that causes us seniors to have such drastic opinions of high school once we reach our senior year?

“I can’t wait leave for college and get out of O’Fallon,” said Senior Martha Terhaar. “I made my decision to attend KU because the distance from here. It’ll be great to find something new.”

A large percent of O’Fallon High School seniors face a turn of events come graduation time however. Many have plans of going off to out of state colleges but end up sticking around to attend SWIC, SIUE, or even McKendree.

“I felt like going off to college and spending money on a college when I didn’t know what I really wanted to study would just be a waste,” said Senior Sam Minich.

Like Sam, tons of seniors make the last minute decision to stay close to home for multiple reasons. Whether it be due to distance, money, or even a relationship, students choose to attend schools here near O’Fallon every year. The problem arises when these teens still choose to complain about the town that we live in even after they’ve chosen to stay.

Whether we realize it or not, seniors only have twenty-six days of school left.

Twenty-six days until summer and ultimately, the start of the next chapter in this naive stage of life that we’re in. So I challenge the seniors to this one task: enjoy it. Let’s be honest, us seniors need to appreciate everything that we have right now, in these last few moments. Sure we all have stresses, some more than others. Life throws us curve balls that we never saw coming. We have research papers to write and college scholarships to work for. But if seniors stop complaining about the awful town that they live in and enjoy this time while they can, I think so many people will see just how much they’re missing out on.

The final countdown | Gerian Summers | geriansummers@othstoday.com

As the amount of days for this school year start to dwindle down, it becomes a true crunch time for seniors. During this time, Seniors will be overcoming huge bumps in the road to ensure their success in the future.

College or future plans being the biggest of these bumps, can include, but are not limited to, choosing a college to attend, enrolling into military branches, and/or preparing to going into the workforce.

“The most stressful part of senior year is making a decision as to which school to attend this fall or how I will pay for college or even if college is the right choice for me. With high school coming to an end I feel the stress even more, I wish I would've started planning earlier,” says senior Dianiche Baxtron when asked about life after high school.

College is now closer than ever and planning for the future is crucial.

Winston Churchill said it best with the quote, "he who fails to plan is planning to fail." This quote holds much truth, and though it was created to make soldiers more proactive it could be just as useful and prevalent to motivate seniors and demonstrate the importance of planning.

A majority of the Seniors who are graduating will be furthering their education at a university, college, or trade school. By now you should have a few top school choices to base your decision from, and should have visited these schools and inquired about scholarships and financial aid availability. Soon enough you'll be all packed up and moving onto campus, if you choose. Most of the school acceptance agreement and housing agreement deadlines are creeping up, so now is decision time.

The finish line to high school is so close, but what we all must remember is that life still goes on after we walk across the stage. No matter what you intend to do after high school, you have to have a plan. After high school is the perfect time to stop chasing your dreams and start catching them.

Last Month of High School | Nikki Monroe | nicolemonroe@othstoday.com

As the school year winds down, many people lose focus of anything besides summer. For those of us graduating, however, it’s important to fight the urge to slack off and instead power through the last few weeks. I urge you to make this last month of high school count.

Sure, sometimes school does suck. We all know that by now. But rather than focusing on all the negative aspects of school, we should all take this time to appreciate our friends, teachers, and most importantly, our time. Although a lot of people have groups of close friends that they will keep in touch with in college, many people don’t realize that they will miss those acquaintances or other friends they have in high school. Even if someone isn’t your best friend, they’re still your friend and seeing them everyday will most likely not be an option anymore. The same goes for acquaintances.

Something as simple as waving to someone you know in the hallway won’t be a daily routine after high school. I know these aren’t things people typically think about, but that doesn’t make them any less true. You will miss the normalcy and routine of high school at times. A lot of the time, we take teachers for granted as well. There are some amazing faculty members at OTHS and, although they give us homework and make us do things in school, they are easily accessible and helpful, something that many college professors are not.

The biggest thing to appreciate right now, however, is the time we have left at OTHS. I know it’s hard to care about anything besides the future right now, but this is the one and only senior year we will have, and it is a big turning point in our lives. So why not have fun with it? Why not make it count? I know focusing on grades is hard, but go out with a bang! Put that extra effort into your paper, impress your teacher with those last minute projects, and math... well, math is stupid, no way around it. Start attending those last OTHS events. Go to club meetings, sports games, or anything school-sponsored.

Whether your experience in high school has been good or bad, it will soon be coming to an end.

Nothing is going to change this, so instead of spending these last weeks of school being miserable or wishing to be out of high school, make each and every day count. Be a better student, hang out with your friends, hug some strangers or something. Whatever you do, make these last moments of your life count and make some memories in the process.

To the younger students: There aren’t many schools like OTHS. Really, there aren’t. You may not realize (or even appreciate) it yet, but OTHS is really an awesome school to attend. I know, you’re probably thinking that school is a prison and you loathe getting up every morning to sit in classrooms all day and don’t even get me started on all the homework assignments that shackle you to the kitchen at home. But guess what? Your high school years will pass you by in the blink of an eye!

So, please don’t think that this message is only for seniors. The younger students in this high school also need to realize how small, yet significant high school is in the grand scheme of life. The upcoming years until graduation will fly by, so please don’t take them for granted. Get out and get involved with school activities, do things outside of school with your friends, and have some fun. Sure, you need to pay attention and try your best in school, but there’s nothing wrong with having fun while you do it. Remember, high school will be over before you know it and you won’t be able to repeat it so make the most of it. For more things to do during high school, check out our April issue of The

Prowler. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to greet someone in the hallway, make new friends, or try something new. Whatever you do, make it count.

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April Book Selections

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime by Mark Haddon

If you liked The Hunger Games, Matched, or The Mortal Instruments series.

If you liked Born on a Blue Day, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, or It’s Kind of a Funny Story.

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle--disguised and alone--to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow. But once Christopher begins to investigate the death of a neighborhood dog, he’s suddenly thrown into an amazing quest, and Christopher may find that things are not always what they seem.

Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs If you liked When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Possible Side Effects, or Look Me in the Eye. The true story of Augusten Burroughs, whose eccentric mother gave him away to be raised by her unorthodox psychiatrist. Now, Augusten must learn to live with his new guardian’s bizarre family, who leave their Christmas tree up year round and like to perform electroshock therapy sessions to provide entertainment.

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Seraphina by Rachel Hartman The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold If you liked Speak, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, or Girl, Interrupted.

Susie Salmon was fourteen years old when she was murdered on December 6th, 1973. She is now in her own personally created heaven, where she can watch the friends she left behind, her grieving family, and her killer. Susie must learn to overcome the pain of leaving those she loved on earth behind, and come to understand what moving on may mean.

If you liked The Diviners, The Inheritance Cycle, or Graceling.

Seraphina, a gifted musician with a troubling secret, must team up with the captain of the Queen’s guard, Prince Lucian Kiggs, to uncover a plot that threatens peace throughout the entire kingdom of Goredd. Ten days before the leader of the dragons is suppose to arrive to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the peace treaty between humans and dragons, one of the members of the royal family is brutally murdered in a suspiciously draconian fashion. Riots start to break out throughout the city, and Seraphina and Lucian must act fast to stop chaos from unfolding.

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin If you liked Lord of the Rings, The Inheritance Cycle, or Fire.

In the Kingdom of Westeros, where Summer can last last ten years and Winter even longer, different houses are vying for power. Murder, deceit, romance, and loyalty test the bonds of these families, and sends each into their own ascents and downfalls.

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2013 Bucket List

13 things to do while @ oths

1. See a show

8. Paticipate in Sled-a-thon on a snow day

2. Experience Saturday

3. Take a picture with the crossing guard at Smiley and State ! g n e P 4. Go through all Seven Gates of s Mr 5. Buy a famous Mrs. Peng cookie from the Panther Den

P

6. Go to a drive-in movie 7. Start a slowclap in the lunchroom Class of 2013 Class of 2013 Class of 2013

9. Go on a Lifesavers retreat

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10. Count if there are really seven hills when driving down Seven Hills Road

11. Have a dance party on the 12. Have a picnic in the middle of one of the many roundabouts 13. Complete the pizza challenge at Schiappa’s

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Class of 2013 Class of 2013 Class of 2013 8|

COUNTRY MUSIC MEGA TICKET

To the tune of summer

To the tune of summer

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Punk? Maybe some Screamo?

The Warped Tour lineup surely Lovers of music: has some something to interest you. A few of the bands performMark your calendars! ing are Chiodos, 3OH!3, Sleeping With Sirens, and We Came Kendrick Lamar is an up and As Romans. The 20 plus bands coming rapper native to Chicago, will play at the Verizon Wireless Illinois. Influenced by artists like Amphitheater on July 24.

Tupac and Dr. Dre, Lamar has already successfully spawned With the hype from their new a few Top 40 hits such “Poetic music after a rather long hiaJustice” and “Swimming Pools”. tus, Fall Out Boy is sure to be Accompanied with techno artist a packed show. The boys are Steve Aoki, he will be perform- happy to be back and ready to ing at the Chaifetz Arena on play all their old hits like “Sugar, April 17.

We’re Goin’ Down” and “Dance, Dance”. They’ll be performing at All Time Low and Pierce the the Pageant on June 28th.

Veil? Together at last? I know you’re thinking it’s too good to Another popular duo, Matchbox be true, but these popular pop Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls punk bands will be performing will melt your heart and soothe May 2nd at the Pageant. If you your soul with their thoughtful plan on going, make sure to grab lyrics and powerful melodies. your tickets ASAP! These chill bands will be sending good vibes your way at their July Pointfest is that special time of 7 show at the Verizon Wireless year where 105.7 The Point puts Amphitheater. together an assortment of bands for an all-day rock concert. With It seems this band isn’t able to such bands as Three Days Grace, stay off the charts and the lead Sick Puppies, Hollywood Unsinger isn’t able to stay out of dead, and Alice in Chains, this our hearts. That’s right, Maroon show is sure to get you up and 5 will be making an appearance moving. This year it will be held August 1 at the Verizon Wireon May 12 (yes, that is Mother’s less Amphitheater. If you plan Day) at the Verizon Wireless on seeing them, make sure to Amphitheater. get your tickets ahead of time because this show will sell out Like Alternative? Like Pop quickly!

you feel like a diva with an attiWould you catch a grenade for tude, nothing will. You’ll be able someone? Have you been locked to see them live May 17 at the out of Heaven? Bruno Mars is Pageant. sure to interest you. He takes an interestingly soulful approach to Say Anything is a pop punk band his hit pop songs and makes sure that will make you laugh, cry, to include his romantic personand everything inbetween. This ality in his music. He will be at band has the amazing ability to the Scottrade Center on August make you laugh with their witty 8th to serenade his St. Louis area lyrics but also make you think fans. about their more meaningful lyrics all within the same song. But CHECK EM’ OUT don’t be fooled by their clean-cut looks and humor, these guys are Feeling angsty? We have a band rockstars. Say Anything will be for that. The Airborne Toxic at Pops on June 29.

Event’s lyrics will fuel your teenage angst, but the relaxing Enjoy moshing? Headbanging? melodies will calm you down Vegetables? Well, Korn is for and make you forget why you you! They’ve been a big player were even upset in the first place. in the metal game since the early This alternative band will be 90’s and aren’t planning on stopperforming on April the 25 at the ping anytime soon. Their interPageant. esting blend of electric guitar and techno beats will confuse An outcast in the hip-hop/rap your eardrums in the best way industry, Tech N9ne is definitely possible. They’ll be performing an artist you won’t wanna bring at the Peabody Opera House on the parents to. Although his lyr- May 25. ics might make you blush, his beats will definitely have you up and dancing. Tech N9ne is performing at Pops on May 7.

“Do you like going to country concerts during the summer

with your friends? Would you enjoy going to all the country concerts? You can enjoy all the country artists and bands with a Mega Ticket. A Mega Ticket isn’t only one ticket. It is a package deal where you can buy tickets for all the concerts for around $200. When you buy one of” these tickets, you get to enjoy all sorts of different country artists all throughout the summer and you won’t have to worry about missing out on buying a certain concert ticket. There isn’t a lot of information out about who you may see, but if you tune into 92.3 WIL or 93.7 The Bull, they reveal little bits of information leading up to the selling of the tickets.”

Although she hasn’t reached ‘Pop Diva’ status yet, she is well on her way. Marina, of Marina and the Diamonds, is not only a brilliant lyricist, but also sassy to boot. If this band doesn’t make 10 |

Spring Sports Do you even lax, bro? by: Tristan Medina Entering their sixth season as a school sponsored varsity sport, the boys’ lacrosse team has set some high standards for themselves.

They have started off their season with a rip-roaring 9-1 record. Led by Coach Jim McIntyre, the panthers hope to finish the season as strongly as they have started it.

Statistically the Panthers are also the best team in the MSLA (Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association) Division 1 conference.

Aside from having a team of extremely talented lacrosse players, the boys’ lacrosse team is on fire because they all have one common goal in mind: becoming state champions. After assessing the team and their personal goals, it was certain that everyone is determined to achieve this task. The boys will go to any length necessary to ensure their victory in the end.

The team possesses something quite more beautiful than wins and talent; they are truly a family. Through pre-game meals and long tedious hours of practice, this group has become an inseparable band of brothers.

A state championship may seem like the main goal for the team, but the boys are looking to gain something a little more intangible than a trophy or plaque. Being an Illinois team playing in a Missouri league, the OTHS lacrosse team lacks presence. By the end of this season, the goal is for O’Fallon to make a name for themselves and gain respect.

However, gaining respect is already proving to be a difficult task. The panthers defeated St. Louis University High School, last year’s state champions, 12-8 and the loss was viewed as SLUH just playing a bad game. The fact that other teams continue to underestimate the OTHS lacrosse team is their main source of motivation to become the best team in the area.

Don’t Let the Skirts Fool You by: Sarah Bradley The OTHS Girls’ Lacrosse team this year is a young team in some respects, there are two freshman on the starting line-up, a first on O’Fallon Lacrosse history. The team this year also has the potential to be the strongest team that O’Fallon has ever seen. The girls have had three games so far, two home games and two away. They lost the first game 10-8, but have been on a winning streak so far since then. The head coach, Doug Riddle, is very pleased with the team so far, regarding their work ethic and talent along with their cooperation and camaraderie.

The O’Fallon JV team is also having a successful season so far, under head coach Mr. Schmidt. The JV team has acquired the largest amount of girls this season than ever before, and they are working on expanding the O’Fallon Lacrosse program.

Senior Meghan Wilson feels very strongly about lacrosse and feels that playing was the best decision she’s ever made.

“I’ve met my best friends on this team and I had some of the best memories on lacrosse. Spring lacrosse season is what I look forward to every year and I wouldn’t be the same without my team and my friends.”

With the team’s success so far and the hard work of the coaches, all are excited for state. The coaches predict the potential for the best season OTHS Lacrosse so far. One team goal set by assistant varsity Coach Garrison would be for the girls to have the first ever shutout in OTHS Girls’ Lacrosse history. With the overall success of the 2012-2013 season so far, coaches, players, and fans are looking forward to the State Championship.

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On base with the 2013 OTHS baseball team by: Morgan McAteer

Spiking to victory by: Josh baron The Boy’s volleyball Panthers start their season off with a 5-1 record, losing to Oakville Sr. high and then winning against Granite City, Edwardsville, and Althoff. The Panthers are headed to Belleville West for their 5th game of the season.

Ultimate frisbee, for some, is a friendly but competitive game where it is treated as an actual sport, but not as serious. Teams range from freshmen to seniors and can be arranged with mixtures of under and upperclassmen.

Based on last season, and what students are left this year, what is your opinion on how the season will go this season?she responded by saying that they lost six seniors from last year and have only one returning varsity player, so they have a young varsity team. But the players they have are very competitive and work hard. They are determined to succeed.

Many teams consist of both boys and girls that share a common goal. Whether just for fun, or to flaunt your talents, the ultimate frisbee teams at OTHS remain just intramural.

Despite the fresh dynamic for the team, the players work together to secure each victory. when asked what is the chemistry of the team as of now, and how is it affecting gameplay? she said, “The entire team has great chemistry and play very well together. They are fun to watch and grow as a team.”

The starting line up consists of Brenndon Tindall, Jake Jarvis, Camden Bauer, Isaiah Sarpy. Tanner Hudson, Collin Holton, Jake Warren, Jeff Hahs, Blake Daetherage, Tyler Herbert, and Ethan Wild.

What particular teams are you preparing the most for, and why? As the season goes on, O’Fallon remains competitive and ambitious for more wins. She answered, Coach Haggarty says “Belleville East is the team we want to beat this year. East has been an extremely good team in the past few years, and the Panthers are training hard to come up on top.”

Senior, Jake Jarvis, plays first base and leads the team in RBIS(runs batted in) and is the vocal leader on the field. He is a key leader on the team and someone to look up to. The younger players can look to him for help and he is great at helping out.

Freshman Camden Bauer and Senior Isaiah Sarpy share the position of second base and Coach Portz said,” Bauer is the first starting freshman I have had in my career.” They have great competition and switch playing second base game by game.

Ultimate frisbee is currently an intramural club sport at OTHS where many teams come out for entertainment, competition, and thrill. Many teams consist of ten or more players that strategically place themselves around the field, constantly moving in order to try and score goals.

Coach Hagarty expressed her concerns with losing six seniors from last season, but is still looking hopeful for another winning season. During an interview, Hagarty responded positively:

O’Fallon Panther Baseball is off to a good start to their season. With the amazing senior leadership on the field, these boys have learned to play off of each other and use each other’s support to help them come into this year swinging! Both coaches and students alike speak very highly of all their players, and true to Panthers form they plan on a strong finish to the season.

Senior, Brenndon Tindall, is O’Fallon’s catcher and has been one of the best offensive players this year. He has been a great asset to the team with his spectacular catching ability. Tindall is a big part of the success of the baseball team.

Ultimate Frisbee Season 2013 by: Dan Burke

Ultimate Frisbee, anticipated every year, is an active sport and enjoyed by many. Senior Alexa Drouin said, “I like the people who do it because the people are really chill. I also like Mr. Henry because he hangs out with everybody.”

But what if ultimate frisbee became more than just an intramural club?

Having an official ultimate frisbee team at OTHS would mean recruiting dedicated, talented frisbee extremists to compete with other schools. Schools in St. Louis have competitive frisbee teams who compete with each other as an actual sport.

When asked, If you could predict how well the team will do this season, what would that prediction be? She explained, “I think we will have a very successful season as along as we continue to work hard as team.”

Having a coed ultimate frisbee team at OTHS would mean a frisbee fanbase, talented, dedicated athletes, and of course, practice. Competing with a coed team at school would open a door of opportunity to the students willing to try out and compete for a spot on the team. Having Varsity and JV squads would depend on the number of student athletes trying out.

With the exit of so many seniors from the varsity team, Coach Hagarty and the Panthers utilized some incoming sophomores to bring in some fresh talent. When asked what incoming sophomores are the most exciting prospect for next year and why? Coach Hagarty’s response was simple and she stated that she is focusing on this season right now and enjoying coaching those boys everyday.

If ultimate frisbee became a legitimate sport at OTHS, fundraising for the team’s travel fares, uniforms, and equipment may be challenging, but, for athletes and their teammates, it would be worth it.

Overall, the boys volleyball team has an outstanding record this season, and with a little student support, they could go all the way.

Third base is played by senior, Tanner Hudson. Tanner is known for his will to improve and earn everyday. He shows up to the field ready to play and practice and get better. Portz said,” Tanner is as high character and class of a player that I have ever had in a program.”

The intensity of the competition would be raised drastically also. Schools in St. Louis are competitive at most all their school sports, including ultimate frisbee. The desire to win and to perform well would have to be in the minds and hearts of Frisbee athletes at OTHS. Ultimate frisbee will probably stay an intramural club sport, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Teams continue to come together and play for the fun of it and enjoy the atmosphere of people that share the common interest of frisbee.

Shortstop is Junior, Collin Holton. Collin is the defensive leader and is willing to do anything for the success of the team. Collin has played on varsity before and he has shown great improvement over time.

Up and Running! by: Kaley Johnson

Senior, Jake Warren, holds the position of left field. Coach Portz said,” Jake is a player who is always in the right spot at the right time. When he is supposed to hit a relay may or get a bunt down he executes his job. He is the epitome of a team player!”

It’s that time of year again. The turf has become the stage for sprinters, distance runners, pole vaulters, jumpers, and throwers alike. Everyday after school, the boys’ and girls’ track teams are spilling their sweat and dedication onto the lanes of the track. With each workout, the coaches push their teams further towards their goals for the coming season, and are especially keeping a close watch on their varsity runners that will surely make OTHS proud this year at competitions.

Junior, Jeff Hahs, plays the position of Centerfield. Coach Portz said,”Jeff takes the field everyday with the ability of a champion and every team on the conference focuses on how they can stop Jeff Hahs. Jeff hits in the 3 hole for us and leads our team in hits and home runs and overall offensive production. Jeff is a legitimate division one and professional prospect..

Coach Neil James, the head coach for the girls’ track team, looks forward to a successful season. The team has been putting in long hours of workouts in order to be prepared for meets.

Junior, Blake Deatherage, takes the position as right field. Portz said,”Blake is the most improved player on our team from day one, by the end of the year I would expect Blake to be a major contributor on the mound as one of our top 2 pitcher and one of our top 3-4 hitters in our lineup.”

Junior, Tyler Herbert, and Senior, Ethan WIld, are designated hitters and they pitch as well. Coach Portz said,” Tyler and Ethan have been doing great at practice and due to that they will both be splitting time hitting and pitching in our lineup. Both have had a good start to the season and look to improve.”

The O’Fallon Baseball team has a great season ahead of them. With the amazing coaching staff and the outstanding talent on the team, they have every reason to be successful this season. The boys have become a family and always back one another up on the field and in the classroom -something successful teams do naturally.

“The team has been practicing since the middle of January and are really working hard.” Coach James says. “Right now it is about getting everyone in shape and working on technique.”

Despite a the past few months of practicing in freezing temperatures, James reaffirms that the team remains as dedicated as ever.

“The girls have come in with a good attitude and are very excited about the season.”

With one of the largest track teams that OTHS has ever seen, Coach James isn’t lacking in his search for passionate, dedicated athletes.

“This is probably the deepest team that we have had in the sprints and distance.” He says. “We can mix and match different lineups to keep everyone fresh for the season.”

As well as many talented newcomers, O’Fallon’s track team is also filled with numerous returning athletes that hope to expound upon their already impressive track resume.

These include Brea Masching, a former state qualifier in 4 x 200, Tasha McClenton, former state qualifier in the 200, 4 x 100, and 4 x 200, Chyah McIntosh, who is returning after missing a season, Amber Rainge in the long jump, Janelle Nikola in the 800, and Jordan Thompson in the 1600 and 3200.

With such a promising group, it’s no wonder that Coach James has high expectations for the season. His goals include winning the Conference meet and sweeping the Sectional title.

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